4-H is a national organization delivered by Extension – a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing.
Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4-H in every county and parish in the country.
In Nebraska, youth, ages 5-18, participate in 4-H through:
Camps - 4-H overnight and day camps offer recreational, educational, and even career exploration opportunities.
Clubs - 4-H clubs are an organized group that meets regularly to focus on a series of educational experiences. Official enrollment is required.
School Enrichment - School enrichment programs offer non-formal, hands-on educational experiences in classrooms in support of school curriculum. Enrollment is not required.
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.
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.
Additionally, youth may enroll in 4-H as:
Clover Kids - Clover Kids are youth between the ages of 5 and 7. Clover Kids may participate in 4-H through a variety of delivery modes, such as clubs and camps. As an enrolled member, Clover Kids may also exhibit at county fairs at non-competitive experiences.
Independent Members - Youth who choose not to be involved in a formal 4-H club may still join 4-H as independent members. These youth have the opportunity to participate in their county fair, the Nebraska State Fair, and additional statewide events and events.
Nebraska 4-H is delivered primarily on a local level by county-based Extension faculty and staff. County 4-H programs are supported, in part, by county commissioners and their communities in delivering educational youth programs. Statewide, Nebraska 4-H sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, a division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, commonly referred to as IANR. Nationally, 4-H is part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the United State Department of Agriculture, or USDA. Additionally, the Nebraska 4-H Foundation works closely with Nebraska 4-H through fund generation efforts.
Nebraska 4-H is “Beyond Ready” to prepare young people for successful futures and help them thrive in today’s changing world. Educational programs place a strong emphasis on life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, social skills, communication, responsibility, citizenship, and leadership.
These skills are fostered through educational programming based on an experiential learning model. This gives youth the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences built around the concept of positive youth development, which is centered on structured out-of-school time learning, leadership experiences, and adult mentoring.
There are over 150 projects in which youth can enroll in 4-H. The deadline to enroll in Nebraska 4-H is approaching soon, June 15.
For more information about becoming involved in 4-H this summer, interested persons are encouraged to contact their local Nebraska Extension Office or visit the website at www.extension.unl.edu.
