4-H Weekly Update 1/31/25

• Feb 1: The Start of Nebraska 4-H Month!
• Feb 1-2: Wayne County 4-H & NRA Sectional Air Rifle Invitational
• Feb 4: Clover Kids Klub Meeting, 5:30-6:30pm Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• Feb 8: Horses Judges School, UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln, NE
• Feb 17: President's Day, Office Closed

• Feb 26: Omaha Fashion Week 4-H Collection
• Mar 11: Clover Kids Klub Meeting, 5:30-6:30pm Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• Mar 15-16: Nebraska State 4-H BB gun & Air Rifle Championships
• Mar 21-22: Nebraska 4-H Robotics Expansion Event
• Mar 29-30: 4-H Horse Stampede, UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln, NE
• Apr 8: Clover Kids Klub Meeting, 5:30-6:30pm Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• Apr 26: Small Animal Pet Show, 9am Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• May 13: Clover Kids Klub Meeting, 5:30-6:30pm Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• May 15: 4-H Council Meeting, 6:30pm Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• May 26: Memorial Day, Office Closed

Join us in celebrating Nebraska 4-H Month this February! It’s the perfect time to recognize the incredible impact of 4-H, invite new members and volunteers to get involved, and enjoy the fun and opportunities 4-H provides. This year, we’re highlighting how 4-H helps young people become Beyond Ready for their futures. Don’t miss out on this month-long celebration—learn more at 4-H Nebraska.

Do you love sewing and want to share your skills with the next generation? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead and assist with 4-H beginner sewing classes! These classes teach youth basic sewing skills, from using a sewing machine to completing simple projects. No professional experience is needed—just a willingness to guide and encourage young learners.

Details:

• Who we’re looking for:
  • Sewing enthusiasts with basic sewing knowledge
  • Patient and friendly individuals who enjoy working with kids
• What you’ll do:
  • Help kids learn to use sewing machines
  • Assist with hands-on projects
  • Share tips and inspire creativity

Interested?
Sign up to volunteer or ask questions by contacting Stephanie Thorson: stephanie.thorson@unl.edu

Thank you for supporting 4-H and helping us inspire the next generation of makers!

When: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 9:00 AM (Check-in begins at 8:30 AM)
Where: Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

Bring Your Unique Pets to Shine! This fun-filled event is open to all kinds of small pets, including: Gerbils, Hamsters, Reptiles, Fish, Caged Birds, Invertebrates, and Cats!

Note: Dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs have their own special shows at the Sarpy County Fair.

Celebrate the love for your small and extraordinary companions at this one-of-a-kind event! Everyone is welcome to come and cheer for these amazing pets. Don’t miss it! If you have any questions, please contact Brett Kreifels: brett.kreifels@unl.edu

Date: February 10, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Topics covered will be the treasurer responsibilities, 4-H financial policies, and best practices for treasurers. 4-H Council Treasurers, county staff working with treasurers, and 4-H club volunteers are encouraged to attend. No cost, free registration (required for all attendees) and a zoom link sent after registration.

Register here: https://go.unl.edu/treasurertraining

Applications are now open to join the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council (YPC)! The YPC brings teens from across the country together to share ideas with FEMA, create community preparedness projects, and build leadership and emergency management skills. Students in grades 8–11 with leadership experience, extracurricular involvement, and an interest in emergency preparedness are eligible to apply. To apply, fill out the application form and submit two letters of recommendation. Applications are being accepted from January 7 - March 3, 2025.

Learn more and apply at ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council. Let’s make a difference together!

The deadline to register is Feb. 3rd.

Register at: https://cvent.me/Y5Vr0Y

When: February 8, 2025:

Where: Horse Judges School held at the UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln, NE

• Youth: Great opportunity for youth planning to compete in the horse judging or hippology contest at Stampede to learn more about judging and get in some practice judging
• Adults: Learn what goes into becoming a 4-H Horse Show Judge as well as the opportunity to recertify as a 4-H judge

Nebraska students in grades 1-6 are invited to participate in the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s annual poster contest, celebrating this year’s theme, “Agriculture is Amazing.” The contest highlights Nebraska’s leading industry and encourages students to showcase their creativity. Posters, which must be original and relate to the theme, are due by March 1, 2025. Entries will be judged in three age groups based on originality, effort, and accuracy, with winners announced during National Agriculture Week, March 16-22, 2025. Winning posters will be featured online and in promotional materials. Contest rules and entry forms are available at nda.nebraska.gov/kids or contact Christin Kamm at 402-471-6856 or christin.kamm@nebraska.gov for more information.

Attention 4-H youth! Don’t miss the Robotics Expansion Event on March 21-22, 2025—a thrilling two-day adventure into the world of robotics and technology. Dive into hands-on learning, watch exciting competitions, and explore groundbreaking innovations alongside other STEM enthusiasts. This event, held in conjunction with the 2025 FIRST LEGO League Challenge Championship, is your chance to showcase creativity, collaborate with peers, and be inspired by the future of robotics. Get ready to experience the excitement and possibilities of STEM! For more information, click here.

Are you a small or backyard poultry producer or a youth eager to learn more about raising chickens? Don't miss UNL Chick Days, an educational event designed just for you!

Date: March 22, 2025
Location: Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska
Student Commons Room B101, 3940 Fair St., Lincoln, NE, 68583

Gain insights from expert speakers, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and enhance your poultry-raising skills. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your knowledge, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn and grow. Deadline to Register: March 15.

Exciting News! Unlock the world of data science at "Data Driven: A Statistics & Data Science Field Day!" Registration is OPEN for teams of 4 high school students! Don't have a full team? No worries! Reach out, and we'll help you find teammates! Join us for interactive learning, friendly competitions, and networking opportunities. Embrace the power of data literacy together! Sign up NOW!

Where: Dinsdale Family Learning Commons, UNL East Campus

When: 10 AM - 4 PM, March 22, 2025

Don’t miss out—Register here: 4h.unl.edu/data-driven

For more details contact Kimberly Stanke at kstanke2@unl.edu.

Are you a Leader, Creator, Storyteller, or Changemaker? 4-H is looking for passionate youth like YOU to become one of four Youth in Action winners! This incredible opportunity comes with a $5,000 scholarship, one-on-one mentoring, and the chance to serve as a national 4-H spokesperson, opening doors to exciting new experiences. Don’t miss out—applications close April 1st! Start yours today: https://bit.ly/4aBuCke

We’re excited to announce the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge, open to 4-H members (ages 8+ as of January 1). This contest helps participants learn about corn production and explore related agricultural careers.

• Teamwork: Teams of 2 or more work together.
• Innovation: Teams try a new production practice to see how it affects corn yield.
• Data Collection: Teams record yields, cropping history, and production details in a management summary.
• Awards: Cash prizes and plaques for top teams:
  • 1st Place: $1,000
  • 2nd Place: $500
  • 3rd Place: $250
  • Additional awards of $200 each for "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy."

This challenge inspires creativity and recognizes excellence in corn production. Don’t miss your chance to participate—register by April 1! For more Information: Click here or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is now accepting applications for high school juniors and seniors to attend the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), one of the state’s largest agriculture youth programs. This five-day event, held July 7–11, 2025, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, gives students the chance to connect with ag leaders, explore career opportunities, and learn more about the industry. This year’s theme is “Agriculture: It’s in our Genes.” Applications are due by April 15, 2025, and students are selected based on their leadership, involvement, and passion for agriculture. Apply online here.

This project is open to all youth of 4-H ages 5-18 and it will give them the opportunity to learn about growing, harvesting, and exhibiting this unique fruit. It allows experienced 4-H gardeners to grow something fun, new, and different while letting those new to gardening get their feet wet in this project area. The focus of the 2025 project is the Goldie Husk Cherry. This old-fashioned fruit from the tomato family has sweet berries inside golden husks. The fruits have many uses and can be eaten raw, dried, frozen, canned, or made into tasty treats like pies, desserts, or preserves. For more information on participating in this project, click below.

The 4-H Entomology exhibit is the perfect way to showcase your knowledge and insect collections! With multiple project levels, you can build on your skills year after year. Whether you're just starting or have been collecting for a while, this is a great opportunity to display your hard work. Need help getting started? Click here for guidance on how to prepare your insect displays for the fair!

The Nebraska Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) is pleased to offer the Cynthia Thomsen Scholarship. Nebraska WIFE is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving profitability in production agriculture. The one-year $2000 scholarship is available to any woman who lives in Nebraska who will begin her FIRST year in a University/Technical/Trade/Community College in a field related to agriculture. The scholarship may be used at the school of the recipient's choice in Nebraska. Applications must be postmarked by March 25, 2025.

Please refer any questions to Donna: donnab6519@windstream.net or Pam: 308-737-7840

The 2025 What’s the Buzz? season of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp will share the importance of pollinators in Nebraska- why they’re important, how they impact agriculture, and what youth can do in their own communities to support the various native pollinators we have in Nebraska. From bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and bats- it’s going to be a week full of learning and fun! The scholarship application is also live and families can apply at go.unl.edu/campscholarship. Scholarships must be awarded prior to registration.

Registration is now OPEN! More information on sessions, dates, and the link to register can be found at 4h.unl.edu/camp.

We'd love to spotlight more local 4-H clubs/4-Hers! Please e-mail Andrea: aboschult2@unl.edu with information about your club and activities to be shared in future weekly updates!

4-H Enrollment is now open for 2024-2025, click here! (Instrucciones disponibles en español)

4-H Community service ideas and resources click here!

4-H Club Leader information and resources click here!

Submit your community service project here!

4-H Volunteer Connection resources click here!

Steps to start a 4-H Club click here!

Share your 4-H pictures or ideas with us by e-mailing: aboschult2@unl.edu

2024-2025 New and Returning Volunteer Enrollment is open, please click on form below for instructions:

Location: 8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE, USA

Phone: 402-444-7804

Email: douglas-sarpy4h@unl.edu
Website: www.douglas-sarpy.unl.edu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/douglassarpy4h

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu

Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.