4-H Celebrating Nebraska 4-H Week, February 15-21

The Nebraska 4-H program is celebrating Nebraska 4-H Week right now, from Sunday, February 15, 2004, to Saturday, February 21, 2004. 4-H has been serving the young people of Nebraska with educational and leadership opportunities since 1902; and 4-H is one of the largest youth organizations in Nebraska, with over 34,000 youth members in organized 4-H Clubs and with over 10,000 adult volunteers. The 4-H program uses many methods to reach 21st century youth. Through traditional 4-H clubs, school enrichment activities, overnight camps and day camps, and special interest groups, the 4-H program across Nebraska has touched the lives of numerous young people. Youth are powerful, energetic, committed members of society, whose strength as leaders is the core of the 4-H youth development movement. Youth have the power to contribute significantly to communities, to be equal and caring partners, to create positive change, and to imagine new possibilities and directions. As young people learn, building their skills and knowledge, their power increases.

Facts about University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension 4-H 4h.unl.edu

4-H is the official youth program of Cooperative Extension at the University of Nebraska.
In 2003, Nebraska 4-H reached approximately 120,000 Nebraska youth, ages 5 to 19, through a variety of delivery methods. These include traditional clubs, camps, outdoor education programs, school enrichment programs, special education festivals and more.
Nebraska 4-H is for all youth, ages 5 to 19. We are known for hands-on, experiential learning.
Nebraska 4-H offers more than 150 project areas ranging from rockets and bicycles to small and large animals, to leadership and wildlife conservation. Most 4-H’ers are involved in more than one project area.
Nebraska 4-H reached more that 15,000 minority youth in 2003.
The Clover Kids program works with youth ages 6-8 who are not quite old enough for regular 4-H membership. They participate in projects such as food and nutrition, safety, health and exploration. In 2003, nearly 30,000 youth participated in the Clover Kids projects!
Nebraska 4-H exists in every county in the state. University of Nebraska Extension Educators and 4-H assistants run the local programs. Extension educators are faculty members of the University of Nebraska. Projects are research-based.
Volunteers are also a significant part of Nebraska 4-H. Our volunteers lead clubs, serve as contest judges, participate in educational events with the youth, and much more.
Nebraska 4-H youth receive recognition for their hard work. This may come in the form of a verbal compliment, a ribbon or a medal or in being selected for a national trip to Washington, D.C., Atlanta, or elsewhere.
Nebraska 4-H has three outdoor camping programs located near Halsey, Gretna and Alma, respectively. Last year, 3,000 young people participated in these outdoor educational programs.
Nebraska 4-H is known for introducing Character Counts! in many schools across the state. The Character Counts! program teaches the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring and citizenship.
Since 2001, Nebraska 4-H has hosted a Unicameral Youth Conference at the State Capitol. The summer event allows the junior high and high school-age participants to experience the bill-making process, debate and committee leadership.
Nebraska 4-H’s current marketing theme is: Discover 4-H. Discover YOU!

For more information about 4-H, visit 4h.unl.edu or contact us at the University of Nebraska Extension Office in Dixon County or the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension office in your county.