About the Lancaster County 4-H

Open to all youth ages 5-18, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension 4-H youth development program emphasizes learning-by-doing.

4-H develops:

*PRACTICAL SKILLS such as public speaking, babysitting, photography, taking care of animals and money management.

* LIFE SKILLS such as goal setting, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and communication.

Lancaster County 4-H Opportunities:

Projects: Youth can choose from more than 150 projects. Project manuals are written by university experts. Most project manuals have leader or helper guides.

4-H Clubs: Lancaster County has more than 100 4-H clubs which range from 5 to 60 members. Each club is led (or co-led) by adult leaders. In most clubs, members complete several projects a year. Some 4-H clubs focus on one particular project area, such as rabbits.

Independent Members: With increasingly busy schedules, more and more youth are becoming independent 4-H members. Youth work on 4-H projects on their own.

Clover Kids: 4-H members ages 5-7 (as of January 1 of the current year) are considered "Clover Kids."

School Enrichment: Many Lancaster County schools have implemented 4-H School Enrichment programs in their classrooms: Garbology, Embryology, Ag Awareness Festival, earth wellness festival and Nutrition Education Program.

After-School Programs: Lincoln's Community Learning Centers and School's Out afterschool programs are in the process of incorporating 4-H into their program.

Educational Events: 4-H staff organize several educational events each year, such as Clover College, speech workshops and leader trainings.

Leadership Opportunities: 4-H Teen Council, 4-H Council, Citizen Washington Focus group and more.

4-H at the County Fair: Many 4-H youth choose to showcase their finished projects at the county fair and receive ribbons and a monetary "premium." Ribbons are awarded according to merit.

4-H Embryology Web Site: EGG Cam and other resources at http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/Embryology.

Volunteers: Volunteers are the heart of 4-H. Adult leaders partner with youth members to complete projects. Volunteers are also invaluable in presenting educational events and other 4-H opportunities.

Return to the Lancaster County 4-H Home Page