Antelope County 4-H: 'Now Is The Time To Start'

​Get Ready for the New 4-H Year!
Now is the time to start making plans for the new 4-H year. If you are new to 4-H, Nebraska Extension would LOVE to help your family become involved as part of the “4-H Family!”
           
Clover Kids
If your child is 5-7 years old as of January 1 there is a Clover Kids level of 4-H membership. The program is designed to provide a variety of educational and recreational experiences in a non-competitive environment. Clover Kids provide an excellent opportunity for youth to achieve his/her highest potential because early life experiences affect future development. Clover Kids may also exhibit projects at the county fair and will receive a special Clover Kid ribbon and a premium for each exhibit.
                       
4-H Members
The traditional 4-H program is designed for children 8-18 years old as of January 1 of the current 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. If they try a project and decide they don’t like doing something, you might have just saved thousands of dollars in college tuition!
           
4-H uses a “Learning by Doing” approach so both children and adults learn through the program. There are a number of ways to be involved in 4-H. Traditional 4-H clubs are the heart of the program with 4-H members learning with their friends as caring adults guide them as 4-H Leaders in the projects and activities. There are also camps, after-school activities, school enrichment, and programs/events to help youth across the county and state become involved with the 4-H Program.

Over 150 projects are available to 4-H youth. Projects in the area of robotics, computers, healthy eating, fitness, meal preparation, rocketry, clothing care and construction, first aid, woodworking, animals, plants, gardening, public speaking, theatre, and many others, develop skills needed for a positive and successful future.
 
Lifetime Benefit
4-H prepares young people for higher education and potential careers. 4-H does this by emphasizing life skills, such as critical thinking; problem solving; respecting self, others, and the environment; communication; serving others; choosing healthy lifestyles; and managing change and challenges. 4-H also provides youth the opportunity to meet people across one’s community, county, the state, nation, and even the world! Lifelong friendships are often formed with youth involved with 4-H. Because the program includes a large range of ages, youth have an opportunity to serve and become a role model for others.
 
Family Affair
4-H youth and their family members are encouraged to attend meetings together. Work on projects can take place at home – in the yard or around the kitchen table – with guidance from Mom or Dad, an older brother or sister, a neighbor, friend, or other adult. 4-H members need support and encouragement of their families. Growing together through 4-H enhances family strengths.
 
Strong Roots, Promising Future
For over 100 years, youth and adults have been working together – learning, doing, growing, and serving. Today, 4-H in Nebraska reaches approximately one-third of our state’s youth. Educational opportunities have expanded over the years. 4-H has something to offer for everyone! For more information or to join, contact Nebraska Extension-Antelope County at 402-887-5414 or email Tessa Hain, 4-H Youth Development Coordinator at [email protected]. Don’t forget to “like” Antelope County 4-H on Facebook! Make joining 4-H part of your new year’s resolution as a member, parent and/or leader!