Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
I have believed in the power and potential of youth my whole life. This past fall, I was given the chance to offer learning opportunities for youth and volunteers in Cheyenne County as an extension educator with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a focus on youth. This is a new position that includes 4-H. My responsibilities also include Kimball and Banner Counties. Through this column I hope to share some of the exciting things that happen with 4-H youth!
Nationally, 4-H is the largest youth development organization that is cooperatively supported by land-grant universities, the extension system and local county. This means that all youth are eligible to participate!
I want to dispel a myth that 4-H is only for farm kids! Nebraska has one of the most inclusive 4-H programs in the nation with one in three youth in the state participating. Those aren’t all farm kids. It’s easy to focus on the animal projects. Those are living, breathing projects that demand daily attention. But there are over 150 different projects offered in Nebraska. In Cheyenne County, we have a few new local offerings with new clubs formed to explore these projects.
The Sidney Sharpshooters is our newest club with over 40 members who are learning to hit their targets! Right now, the group is practicing with shotguns. We are looking for volunteers to assist with archery, air rifle and BB gun. This club is led by Randy Moeller and Jeff Ellwanger.
Homesteaders is a new club led by Teresa Smith. One of the projects that interests this club is robotics. They are forming a competitive team that will compete regionally next fall.
Leafdale was the third new club formed this year! Leafdale is a community-based club in Potter and is led by Pam Nelson. Leafdale members have a variety of interests, including horses, poultry, sewing, knitting, and community service projects.
Shamrocks is a Sidney-based club that explores a variety of projects that aren’t animals. They bake and sew, they build rockets and do art projects in addition to planting flowers at the park. Donna Mahr leads this club.
Bunker Hillbillies, led by Mike and Melinda Beyer, explores a a variety of projects, many are livestock. This group also enjoys participating in public speaking and demonstration contests.
Dryland Toughies is led by new leaders Lisa Christensen and Amy Henke. The Toughies club is a beef club, but members participate in many different project.
Lucky Livestock is led by Dr. Ken Cook and Beth Kokjer. This dedicated group lives in Sidney, but travels to Dr. Cook’s farm several times each week to work with animal projects.
Sidney Wranglers is led by Chel and Robb McMillen. The Wranglers is primarily a horse club. They meet every Thursday beginning May 23 to practice horsemanship.
Junior Leaders is comprised of high school students who are dedicated to supporting the 4-H program and developing leadership skills and is led by Whitney Hurt.
Goodview is a Lodgepole community club that is actively recruiting new members.
For those school-aged children who aren’t old enough for 4-H, we offer a Clover Kids program led by Chanda DeMasters. This group meets after school on the second Tuesday of each month at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds.
There is still time to get a child involved. Any child from the ages of 8 to 18 as of January 1 can belong to 4-H. Membership is easy. Fill out a membership form available from the Extension office or on-line at http://www.cbk.unl.edu . Deadline to register for participation in this year’s county fair is May 1.
To lead these powerful youth, we need leaders and volunteers. This doesn’t have to mean starting a new club. Volunteer ing with 4-H has a variety of involvement opportunities that can fit your interests and availability. You can help with with a one-time event, assist with a club by taking on a regular duty or by offering a one-time program or project. You can share a particular skill or help with a summer program.
To learn more about how to share your talents, we are hosting a Volunteer Appreication and Training on Thursday, April 18 at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. All adults who are currently connected to the 4-H program as well as those who are interested in learning more about how to volunteer are invited. It begins at 6:30. There will be pizza served to those who RSVP to the Extension Office at 308-254-4455 by April 15! A youth program focusing on careers will be offered at the same time.
For more information about 4-H in Cheyenne County, please contact Cynthia Gill at [email protected] or call 308-254-4455 in Cheyenne County or 308-235-3122 in Kimball and Banner Counties. Stay in the know about our activities by liking our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/UNLCheyenneCounty.
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