4-H Weekly Update 2/21/25

• Feb 24: Sewing for Fun Class, Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• Feb 26: 4-H Horse Meeting, 6:30pm Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

• Feb 26: Omaha Fashion Week 4-H Collection
• Mar 3: Sewing for Fun Class, Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• 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 19: 4-H Livestock Meeting, 6:30pm Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• Mar 21-22: Nebraska 4-H Robotics Expansion Event
• Mar 26: 4-H Poultry & Rabbits Meeting, 6:30pm Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
• Mar 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 2: Communications Contest, 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.

Join us for a 4-H Sewing for Fun class, where kids 8 and older with basic sewing experience can create a stylish zipper bag or pillow! Choose from afternoon or after-school classes for just $25 and develop your sewing skills in a fun, hands-on environment. Registration links below.

Dates: February 24th and March 3rd, 2025

Times:

Homeschool sessions, 1-3 pm

Afterschool sessions 4:30-6:30 pm

Location: Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 8015 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE

Questions, please email Stephanie: stephanie.thorson@unl.edu

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of the 4-H Horse Program? Whether you're new to 4-H or just curious about getting involved, this meeting is the perfect opportunity to learn more! Join us on Wednesday, February 26th, at 6:30 PM at the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office (8015 W Center Rd) to discover what the program offers, what’s required, and how you can participate. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to connect and learn!

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!

Click here to sign up for the Small Pet Show!

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

SAVE THE DATE!

When: Friday, May 2nd
Where: Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office 8015 W Center Road

Calling all 4-H youth! If you're between the ages of 5-18 and enrolled in 4-H, this is your chance to showcase your public speaking and communication skills. Entry forms due by midnight, April 25th! The video communication contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4-H. Click here to check out examples of 2024 Top Video Communication entries.

For more information on how to prepare, click here.

Are you passionate about working with youth and making a positive impact in your community? We’re looking for an enthusiastic 4-H Intern to help facilitate our Babysitting Clinics running from June to July. These clinics teach 4-H youth essential skills in child development, nutrition, safety, and the business of babysitting. This is a paid internship offering valuable experience in education and youth development. Intern will assist with:

• Organizing and delivering interactive Babysitting Clinics
• Teaching and engaging youth in topics like child care, healthy meal prep, and first aid
• Supporting hands-on activities for a fun and educational experience for all participants.

This is a paid internship preferably for college students majoring in Education, Child Develepmont, or pursuing an FCS teaching certification.

If interested, please contact Stephanie Thorson: stephanie.thorson@unl.edu

Big Red Camps are overnight career exploration camps for students entering grades 9-12. Campers get to experience life on the University of Nebraska campus, meet new friends from across the country, and dive into exciting topics like animation, fashion entrepreneurship, and engineering. With hands-on learning led by university faculty, participants explore potential careers while having a blast!

At the end of camp, families are invited to a special capstone event where students showcase their work. All housing and meals are included. Spots are limited and fill quickly, so sign up soon!

For camp details, session options, costs, and scholarship info, visit Big Red Camps Sessions.

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.

Join a training series for 4-H project judges!

Thursday, April 10 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM CST
Intro to Judging 4-H Projects: For adults interested in judging at county and state fairs. Topics include interview judging, Positive Youth Development, and more.

Monday, April 14 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM CST
4-H Visual Arts & Foods Judges Training: For new and experienced judges in Visual Arts & Foods. Topics include class changes, food judging updates, and sourdough trends.

Participation is optional but encouraged. Live attendance is preferred, but recordings will be available at: 4h.unl.edu/resources/judges

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is hiring staff and program assistants for the 2025 season! Travel to Chadron and Burwell, bringing the fun of 4-H Camp to communities across the state.

Enjoy a week of training to develop leadership skills, teach environmental education, lead games, and create a positive camp experience. Plus, have fun tubing the river, playing group games, and gathering around the campfire! Learn more and apply here.

Show Stock Manager is now open for livestock nominations for the 2025 Nebraska State Fair! All 4-H and FFA breeding livestock, market livestock, and feeder calves contending to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair must be nominated online with a $7.00 fee per animal and submit a DNA envelope with a hair sample.

🔹 Deadline: June 15, 2025
🔹 Nomination Link: Show Stock Manager
🔹 More Info: Check the 4-H State Fair Livestock Identification and Nomination Requirements

Special Note for 4-H/FFA Families: If nominating the same animals for both the Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben Stock Show, obtain DNA envelopes from your local Extension Office or FFA Advisor, submit them there, and complete payment and nomination in Show Stock Manager. Aksarben will have a separate nomination system, with details provided later.

For step-by-step nomination guidance, refer to the 2025 Nomination Instructions below.

Get Ready to Shine in the 4-H Fashion Show!

Do you love fashion? Want to show off your style and confidence on the runway? The 4-H Fashion Show is your chance to strut your stuff and showcase your creativity!

Designed It? Rock It! – If you’ve made your own garment, you’ll be judged on fit, construction, poise, and how amazing your outfit looks on you.

Styled It? Own It! – If you’re a Shopping In Style participant, you’ll be judged on how well your outfit fits, your confidence on stage, and your savvy shopping skills, including your written report.

This is your moment to shine, build confidence, and have a blast showing off your hard work. Don’t miss out—sign up today and be part of the excitement!

Save These Dates:

July 3rd: Fashion Show Entries DUE by Midnight

July 10th: Fashion Show judging day, 2-7pm at the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

July 30th: Public Fashion Show, 6pm at the Sarpy County Fair

We are excited to announce the fifth year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program, which recognizes youth excelling in livestock projects such as beef, sheep, goats, swine, dairy, rabbits, and poultry. The program encourages education, leadership, and exhibition through three achievement levels: Juniors (ages 8-10) submit learning activities, Intermediates (ages 11-13) earn 100 points, and Seniors (ages 14-18) earn 150 points by completing project-related accomplishments. Participants select goals from a provided list or create their own with educator approval. Applications are due June 15, with final reports submitted by August 1. Recognized Members of Excellence will be honored during the Parade of Champions at the Nebraska State Fair. For more information or to apply, click here.

The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council is offering scholarships for current 4-H members, graduating seniors, and alumni.

Camp Scholarships

Available for current 4-H members:

• 3 scholarships of $300
• 5 scholarships of $200
• 11 scholarships of $100

Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in 4-H before the application deadline.
• Can be used for any 4-H, Big Red, or University of Nebraska-Lincoln program, or a 4-H Project Camp.

Apply for a Camp Scholarship – Deadline: March 21, 2025

Graduating Senior College Scholarships

For high school seniors graduating in 2025:

• 1 scholarship of $1,000 for UNL, UNO, or UNK
• 2 scholarships of $1,000 for any college, university, or trade school
• 1 scholarship of $900 for any college, university, or trade school

Requirements:

• Must be a high school senior graduating in 2025.
• Must have been active in Douglas-Sarpy 4-H for at least 3 years.
• Must be currently enrolled in Douglas-Sarpy 4-H before the deadline.

Apply for a Senior Scholarship – Deadline: March 21, 2025

Alumni College Scholarships

For 4-H alumni in college:

• 4 scholarships of $500

Requirements:

• Must be a Douglas-Sarpy 4-H alumni.
• Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Must be at least a college freshman (not a current high school senior).

Apply for an Alumni Scholarship – Deadline: March 21, 2025

For questions, contact Alyssia Martinez Wilkinson at alyssia.martinezwilkinson@gmail.com.

Nominations for the 2025 4-H Volunteer Awards are now being accepted through March 20, 2025! Help us recognize the incredible dedication and impact of 4-H volunteers across the state by submitting a nomination. The nomination process is quick and easy. Let’s celebrate the outstanding volunteers who make 4-H possible! For more information, along with the nomination form click here.

4-H school enrichment programs bring exciting, hands-on learning into classrooms, complementing school lessons while sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. These programs strengthen partnerships between 4-H and schools, encouraging long-term involvement in 4-H activities.

How It Works: Programs take place during school hours and are led by 4-H staff, trained volunteers, or teachers. Each program includes at least six hours of interactive learning designed to support classroom subjects in a fun and engaging way. For more information, click here. Bring 4-H to your classroom and inspire a love of learning today!

“I LOVE all the aspects of science, math, and STEM that we can incorporate while hatching the eggs. It is also so important to also teach responsibility. It is a core memory for them and I feel so lucky that this program is available and that it is something that the kids will always remember.”

-Hitchcock Elementary Teacher (Omaha, NE)

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.