4-H provides youth with the opportunity to learn by doing; but that opportunity is not only limited to youth enrolled in a 4-H program. In Nebraska, youth, ages 5-18, participate in 4-H through the following deliver methods below:
•Camps - 4-H overnight and day camps offer recreational, educational, and even career exploration opportunities. Enrollment is not required for participation. 10,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H camp programs each year.
•Clubs - 4-H clubs are an organized group that meets regularly to focus on a series of educational experiences. Official enrollment is required. 25,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H club programs each year.
•School Enrichment - School enrichment programs offer non-formal, hands-on educational experiences in classrooms in support of school curriculum. Enrollment is not required. 80,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H school enrichment programs each year.
•After school - After school programs meet between 3-6 p.m. to offer youth a safe, fun, and educational experience through hands-on activities and 4-H curriculum. Enrollment is not required unless the after school program is also an official 4-H club. 50,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H after school programs each year.
•Special Interest Programs - Special interest programs include short-term experiences, such as workshops or clinics, as well as experiences focused on a single topic or interest. Special interest programs are not part of a school enrichment curriculum and are not restricted to 4-H members. 80,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H special interest programs each year.
Let us explore more information about 4-H School Enrichment programs. They are delivered by 4-H staff, 4-H volunteers, or classroom teachers, and utilize research-based curricula that meet Nebraska Department of Education Content Standards. Many counties across the state offer programs focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM); leadership and citizenship; healthy living; ag literacy; and college and career readiness just to name a few.
During the pandemic, Nebraska 4-H offered several virtual options for teachers and families to use. The resources are still available on the website at https://4h.unl.edu/virtual-home-learning. Be sure to check them out. The Dakota and Dixon County School Enrichment programs have been busy in the 2021-2022 school year with face-to-face lessons. Some of the favorite lessons have been robotics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and STEM challenges.
Dakota and Dixon County classrooms will get to experience live butterflies this spring. Students will have the opportunity to observe the changes of the Painted Lady butterfly life cycle and learn more about the four stages with hands-on activities each week.
Another resource that everyone needs to check out is from the National 4-H website. There are several activity guides for families, teachers, and even 4-H leaders to explore. They include the following: Healthy Living (30 fun, skill-building activities); STEM Lab (hands-on STEM activities); National Youth Science Day (hands-on experiments); and Inspire Kids to Do (60 educational activities with hands-on learning). The activity guides are a great way to keep youth engaged in life-long learning to explore different topics.
For more information about at 4-H School Enrichment programs and/or virtual learning opportunities from Nebraska 4-H and Youth Development, please contact the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Office in your local county or visit the website at http://4h.unl.edu/. 4-H learning experiences are open to all youth.
Make Nebraska 4-H your first college experience with UNL. 4-H Grows Here.
