Nebraska 4-H Month – Views from VanDeWalle

February is Nebraska 4-H Month! 4-H is Nebraska’s largest youth development organization – empowering nearly 140,000 across the state with the skills to lead for a lifetime. With the support of 12,000 volunteers, Nebraska 4-H helps youth develop and practice life skills through clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool, and special interest programs. In both Clay & Fillmore Counties, more than 1 out of 2, age-eligible youth are reached through a variety of 4-H program delivery modes. This is achieved through clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool programs, and special interest programs.

Youth are encouraged to celebrate 4-H Month by wearing 4-H shirts, express appreciation to volunteers, supporters and giving back to their communities. In addition to celebrating, youth are invited to join 4-H and complete the annual enrollment process during February. By becoming enrolled members, youth can join a club, exhibit projects at the county and State Fair, participate in contests, and apply for special awards and recognition.

To learn more about how to get involved, visit https://4h.unl.edu.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization, cultivates confident young people who tackle issues that matter most in their communities right now. In the United States, 4-H programs empower six million young people through the 110 land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension in more than 3,000 local offices serving every county and parish in the country. Outside the United States, independent, country-led 4-H organizations empower one million young people in more than 50 countries. In Nebraska, 4-H is present in all 93 counties through clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool programs, and special interest programs. Learn more about 4-H at 4h.unl.edu, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/nebraska4h, on Twitter at twitter.com/nebraska4h, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/nebraska4h.

February is Nebraska 4-H Month, and Fillmore County is celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community, and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world. On February 22^nd from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fillmore Co. Fairgrounds, 4-H youth will connect with the community by participating in the 4-H Kick Off Celebration.

This free event will showcase a few projects members can participate in addition to recognizing seniors who received a 4-H scholarship. This event is open to any youth and their families. If you’ve seen the 4-H Clover and wondered what it represents, this is a chance to stop by and find out more! All attendees are invited to participate in multiple mini projects including fishing, animal science, face painting and more. There will also be inflatables, a special visit by Lil’ Green and prizes galore. Concessions will also be available by Jill’s Sweet Shop.

Recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H’ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities. In Fillmore County, 219 4-H members and approximately 100 volunteers are involved in 4‑H.

4-H youth are a living breathing, culture-changing revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing our country forward by making a measurable difference right where they live. Learn how you can Join the Revolution of Responsibility, or contact the Nebraska Extension Office in Fillmore County at (402) 402-759-3712 or by visiting the website at fillmore.unl.edu. Check out our FaceBook .