Kristina Woods helps young people dream big

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Kristina Woods is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 10. Kristina volunteers with the Fillmore County 4-H program and was nominated by Alexis Schmidt, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Fillmore County.

Kristina has spent countless hours guiding youth through the FIRST LEGO League experience. She even graciously opens her schedule to allow youth to work outside of meeting times. Kristina strives to provide excellent opportunities for members and is now implementing rocketing and other STEM activities into meetings. 

Tell us about yourself.

My significant other and I have a Lawn Service in Geneva. Our daughter, who is ten, showed interest in the FIRST LEGO League robotics program after completing her yearly 4-H static projects. So that embarked us on a great adventure. We went to the Rebel Robotics camp at the Extension Office in Omaha. Their generosity, as well as the Busy Bee team being gracious and allowing her to join in with their team during camp, is what sparked our journey. From there, we grew the teams, and with the help of so many people, parents, local people donating, and the generosity of the Fillmore County Foundation and Earl and Jessie Wilkins Fund, we are embarking into new phases, including rocketry and FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics. Without our parents, we wouldn't have achieved what we have done. I was very ill for a couple of years, and during that time, so many people reached out and helped my family in so many ways. So my hope is the Fillmore County Steam Punks Club will be my contribution back to the community. Hoping that every kid that participates in our club or joins us in an activity has fun and feels that they belong while learning a science-based concept. That they will be able to build friendships and concepts that will further their lives in a positive way. I get so much back personally from the youth that I sometimes wonder who is getting more. Seeing the variety of disabilities such as autism, ADHD, depression, and children without all working together and realizing the value of the relationships has been so heartwarming to see and has motivated me to try and provide as many opportunities as I can to them. 

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

Seeing the kids be truly excited to be there.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

I have to say that during a competition, one of our teams chose to let each team member participate in the competition and risk not getting their maximum points. To see them choose to be kind was amazing, and when they did that, they actually did better than in the previous round. Parents/mentors gave them their options then they sat in a circle and decided it was wonderful to see.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

For our club, I really try to take the science-based projects that they provide and pair that with as many experts and future mentors as I can. I'm more of a conduit to see what's out in the world. So that, as they grow, they dream big. And I've heard from other volunteers that they provide pizza, so all of us parents provide food on club meeting nights. That seems to spark something too!