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
recreational, educational, and career exploration opportunities for youth ages 5-18.
Clubs
organized groups of youth ages 8-18 who meet regularly to focus on a series of educational experiences
School Enrichment
informal, hands-on educational experiences in classrooms supporting school curriculum
Special Interest
unique workshops, clinics, and courses focused on a single, specific topic of interest
More Ways to Get Involved
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Tyler Collins (13), Hall County
Sheep Project"It was very rewarding as we were worried we'd lose the lamb as it was very weak along with its mother after a C- section surgery. We dried it off, fed it first milk, and had to even girgle baa to his mother so she'd claim it when she came back under anesthesia."
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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
Nebraska 4-H delegates share their voice with federal officials
Three Nebraska 4-H members shared their voices with federal officials at the 96th annual National 4-H Conference, held April 14-19 in Arlington, Virginia. Nebraska's delegation included Lexi Johnson from Dawson County, Autumn Lindsley from Butler County, and Sarah Treffer from Dawson County.
Vrbka family builds a legacy through volunteering
The Ray and Betty Vrbka family is receiving the Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. The family, including four generations who volunteer with the Polk County 4-H program, was nominated by Colleen Pallas, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Polk County. "Volunteering to serve in the Polk County 4-H program is a deep-rooted part of the Vrbka legacy," wrote Pallas.
Judy Rath builds community in rural cattle country
Judy Rath is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 2. Judy volunteers with the Thomas County 4-H program and was nominated by Tayler Rath. Judy has served as the Thomas County 4-H Achievers Club leader for over ten years. She also established a local FIRST LEGO League robotics team, the Central Sandhills MechTechs, that has won two regional tournaments and advanced to the state championships several times.
Chase Prentice exemplifies positive youth development
Chase Prentice is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 3. Chase volunteers with the Lincoln County 4-H program and was nominated by Caitlyn Jacobson, Nebraska Extension Educator in Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson Counties. "He has also built strong relationships with his club members in the short year he has been involved in Lincoln. Co. 4-H," wrote Jacobson. "His growth mindset mentality will continue to set him up to be a fantastic leader for many years."
Sally B Bryner helps youth grow through horse program
Sally B Bryner is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 1. Sally volunteers with the Box Butte County 4-H program and was nominated by Melissa Mracek, Nebraska Extension Educator in Box Butte County. "Sally is an awesome horse instructor," said Melissa. "She understands the youth and works with them to help them achieve their goals and not only become excellent riders but also knowledgeable horse owners."
