4-H Grows Here
Empowering Youth
with skills to lead for a lifetime
In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are America's largest youth development organization - empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. and 140,000 across Nebraska with the skills to lead for a lifetime. We do this through clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool, special interest, and clover kid programs.
Camps
4-H camps provide recreational, educational, and career exploration opportunities for all youth ages 5-18.
Clubs
4-H clubs are organized groups that meet regularly to focus on a series of educational experiences. Membership is open to all youth ages 8-18.
School Enrichment
4-H school enrichment programs offer informal, hands-on educational experiences in classrooms in support of school curriculum.
Afterschool
4-H afterschool programs offer safe, fun, and educational experiences for youth between 3-6 pm.
Special Interest
4-H special interest programs offer unique experiences focused on a single, specific topic of interest, such as workshops, clinics, and courses.
Clover Kids
4-H clover kid programs offer non-competitive experiences and opportunities for youth ages 5-7.
More Ways to Get Involved
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Maysa Jones (11), Custer County
Home Environment Project"I love creating clothes that I can customize. I also love modeling my creations. I learned how to pull images from the internet and convert them to files for the cutting machine to cut out the vinyl. I learned how to weed the vinyl image and press it on with a press that is 320 degrees HOT! Sewing the ruffle sleeves and the darts on my white top was a new skill as well as perfectly matching the eyelets at the side seams and the scalloped edging along the hem of the shirt. "
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Harrison Koehn (14), Cass County
Home Environment Project"I added tile to this recycled table so it has a waterproof surface for growing plants. The table surface has slightly rounded edges, so it was difficult to cut the tile to fit perfectly. I learned that using new materials can greatly improve a project. I found this waterproof, oilproof stick-on tile product and it worked perfect for this application."
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Emma Kroll (11), Phelps County
Cat Project"I was nervous to do this for the first time and worried about being able to share the knowledge I learned with someone I didn’t know. But I just went for it! "
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Anna Macklin (8), Webster County
Aerospace Project"I loved doing this project with my Dad! This was his favorite project when he was in 4-H and this was my first year in 4-H and I was excited to do this project with his help."
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John Sump (15), Lancaster County
Photography Project"I learned how to follow the rule of thirds in the photography. I was at the lake fishing that evening, and did not intend to take any pictures. I learned the importance of catching the right photo at the right moment. I really liked the stillness of the water and the lone branch sticking out of it. The reflection with the cloud formations adds to the beauty of the lake. It reminds of the Rorschach test, commonly known as an ink blot test."
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Ashley Bauer (13), Buffalo County
Clothing Project"This year, I wanted to create a tank top to support my friend, Lily. Lily was born with a rare heart condition, spent her first 22 days in the NICU, and at 5 months old had her first open heart surgery. When I wear this shirt, I hope people will stop and ask what my shirt means so I can tell them about Lily, the strongest little girl I know."
"I used the VE LXI Master Plus program to make my design. I then cut the design on the vinyl machine. I used the clam press to press the vinyl on my tank top. I was able to model it in the Buffalo County 4-H Fashion Show and enter it in the Buffalo County Fair."
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Parker Robinson (13), Butler County
Community Service ProjectParker, a FIRST LEGO League team member, printed ear savers for healthcare professionals using computer programming and 3-D printing skills he learned in 4-H. He mailed over 100 ear savers across Nebraska and delivered a larger order to the Lincoln VA.
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Jarrett Althouse (10), Polk County
Citizenship Project"I chose the United States of America flag as it represents freedom, justice, veterans who died, and armed forces past and present serving our country."
"I learned to be patient and to have a steady hand in building a project I love."
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MaKenzie Borwege (8), Howard County
Horse Project"I learned there are a lot of tricks and details that go along with showing. I learned how to ready my horse for a show and saddle him by myself. I also learned a lot more about how to correctly cue my horse while riding and leading him. I can't wait to learn more and show again next year!"
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Ella Hendricksen (16) Lancaster County
Food & Nutrition Project"I love baking and trying new recipes, so this pie was definitely in my wheelhouse. I wanted to create a unique pie crust design that would stand out and truly show my abilities. I made the pie crust by scratch and then I cut it into circles and linked them together like a chain. Finally I laid them out on top of the filling to truly create this elegant design. My pie also earned the top cake or pie award at the Lancaster county fair. I was very honored to have my talents recognized in this way and I am very proud of the accomplishment. I was able to truly grow my skills as a baker from this project, and I enjoyed making it as well."
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Cody (13) and Wyatt (15) Brockman, Nuckolls County
Community Service ProjectCody and Wyatt made cookies and handmade cards with messages like "Have a Great Day" and "Hope Your Day is Bright!" for local nursing home residents. Cody and Wyatt shared: "It was a great experience, and the staff expressed their gratitude. It fet good to help brighten a day."
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Megan Macklin (10), Webster County
Home Environment Project"I made this using the laser cutter that was on loan at my local library from Innovation Studio. I enjoyed using technology to create this piece!"
"I love the musical Hamilton! This was one of my favorite projects, making a plaque with the Hamilton logo and words to the song titles from the musical."
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Adriana Hernandez (14), Washington County
Rabbit Project"I learned to never give up and to trust my gut. I have put in the hard work and done the research so I really do know what I am doing even though I am just fourteen. But I also realize it is important to keep learning and surround yourself with good mentors who can answer my questions and help me learn more. I also learned a lot about biosecurity and the measures you should take to keep your animals safe. So those required Quality Assurance modules really do come in handy!"
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Joslyn (12) and Maggie (7) Stamp, Cass County
Community Service ProjectMaggie and Joslyn made and delivered yard signs to the homes of kindergartners to help them celebrate their graduation. In total, they made 48 signs and spent over 4.5 hours delivering them throughout the community.
Learning by Doing
Youth need opportunities to learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas, and use their influence to drive positive outcomes. That's why hands-on projects are an intregal part of the 4-H experience.
Statewide events & opportunities
Youth are encouraged to participate in programs, events, and contests related to their 4-H project. Along with learning about specific subjects, youth practice life skills, such as responsibility, goal setting, and communication. The focus of these opportunities remains the total development of the young person. 4-H projects, contests, and shows are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development.
Communications & Expressive Arts Programs Companion Animal Programs FIRST LEGO League Horse Programs Livestock Programs Nebraska State Fair Shooting Sports Programs Summer Camps Virtual & At-Home Learning
More Opportunities
Statewide News & Events
News
Lancaster County 4-H members earn Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for addressing local food insecurity
Nebraska 4-H recently recognized Kamryn Wanser, Kennedy Powell, and Brooklynn Nelsen with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award. After seeing their peers struggle with food insecurity, the three Lancaster County 4-H members began working on plans to establish a new Little Free Pantry in their community.
Four teens appointed to 4-H Leadership Ambassador program
Nebraska 4-H has appointed four members as 2023 Youth Leadership Conference Ambassadors, including Joshua Eisenmann, Autumn Lindsley, Hannah Beel, and Isabella Benne.
Nebraska 4-H Had a Successful Year at the National Horticulture Convention
Four Nebraska 4-H members attended the National Junior Horticulture Association’s (NJHA) Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Youth participated in the Horticulture Identification Contest and the Floral Design Contest.
Fed Steer Challenge cultivates next generation of cattle industry leaders
Nebraska 4-H, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Animal Science, offered the fifth year of the Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge in 2022. The Fed Steer Challenge cultivates the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry by providing youth with real-world opportunities in the beef sector.
State 4-H Camp & Bovee Fire
On Sunday, October 2, 2022, the Bovee wildfire swept through the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey causing major damage to the Nebraska State 4-H Camp facilities. We invite the firefighters and first responders from throughout the Sandhills community and all who have been friends of the Nebraska 4-H Camp, to join us on Sunday, November 6, 2022, to recognize the contributions of so many and honor the community that has been an incredible partner to the Nebraska 4-H Camp for more than 60 years.
