Hi! I’m new here! I’m Julie Schultz and I began my role as the new 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator in Wayne County on Sept. 1, 2022.
I serve both Wayne and Pierce Counties, but I am based in Wayne. I started with Nebraska Extension in 2015 as the 4-H Educator in Colfax County and I’m excited to be here in Wayne and closer to home. My husband, son, and I live in Pierce with our two dogs! We love to be outdoors together fishing (open water and ice) and hunting!
My skills and programs are focused in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), leadership development, career and college readiness, and entrepreneurship. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to know Wayne County better!
We are getting ready to celebrate Nebraska 4-H Month in February! What is 4-H? 4-H is the world’s leading youth development organization, serving over six million youth annually. 4-H gives young people the opportunity to find a sense of belonging through 4-H clubs, camps, after school groups, or special events.
While there are many ways to participate in 4-H that do not require enrollment, Nebraska 4-H Month is the perfect time to join or complete the annual re-enrollment process. We ask that our families enroll on before Feb. 1 to make sure you don’t miss any important updates and deadlines! 4-H enrollment is open to all youth ages 8-18. With over 150 projects in a variety of topic areas, every young person can find a 4-H project that fits their interests. By enrolling, youth have the opportunity to exhibit their 4-H projects at the Wayne County Fair and the Nebraska State Fair, as well as participate in other contests and events.
There are two ways your child/ren can participate in 4-H. If your child is 5-7, there is the Clover Kids level of 4-H membership. Clover Kids can do special projects designed for their age level, as well as taking part in “club projects” of all sorts. Clover Kids may also exhibit at the county fair and will receive comments and encouragement on their exhibits and will receive a special Clover Kid ribbon for each exhibit.
The traditional 4-H program is designed for youth ages 8-18 as of Dec. 31 of the previous year. 4-H members at this level can choose from hundreds of projects and investigate careers and interests to see if it is really something they want to do. Traditional 4-H clubs are the life-blood of the program with 4-H members learning with their friends as parents and other caring adults guide them as 4-H Leaders in the projects and activities.
4-H is not only for youth! It takes a whole team of adults and volunteers to help make our programs successful! If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren in 4-H, or volunteering, please contact our office at 402-375-3310!
February 2023 Calendar
Feb. 1: 4-H Enrollments due.
Feb. 1: Year-end Club Treasurer’s Report Due.
Feb. 1: Special Garden Project Registration due.
Feb. 1: Farrowed & Owned Swine Cohort Applications due.
Feb. 1-3: Pick Up Clothespin Wreath Projects.
Feb. 4: Clover Kids Meeting.
Feb. 4: Teen Supremes Meeting
Feb. 16: 4-H Council.
Feb. 20: Office Closed – President’s Day.
Feb. 27: Clover Kid Meeting Registration due.
