4-H Weekly Update 10/23/26

• Oct 27: Intro to Weaving Workshop at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 5 pm
• Oct 28: Intro to Weaving Workshop at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 1 pm or 5 pm
• Oct 30: Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
• Nov 3/10: 4-H Sewing for Fun at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 1:30/5 PM
• Nov 10: Clover Kids Club meeting at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 5:30 pm
• Nov 11: Office Closed in Observance of Veteran's Day
• Nov 12: Intro to Weaving Workshop at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 1 pm or 5 pm
• Nov 13: Intro to Weaving Workshop at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 1 pm or 5 pm
• Dec 1: Clover Kids Club "Holiday Bash" at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 5:30 pm
• Dec 14: Intro to Weaving Workshop at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 5 pm
• Dec 15: Intro to Weaving Workshop at Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 1 pm or 5 pm

Get to know your Douglas-Sarpy Extension Team!

For this Friday's "Faces of 4-H": Meet Cindy!

As a 4-H Assistant with Nebraska 4-H, Cindy supports a variety of programs and projects, with a primary focus on STEM school enrichment, educational programming, and textile projects. What she enjoys most about her role is helping spark curiosity and engagement in youth and families. Whether participants are building on existing skills or exploring a project area for the very first time, she loves watching young people discover new interests and grow their confidence.

If Cindy could encourage every young person to try one 4-H experience, it would be attending the county fair. She believes it's a wonderful opportunity to see the wide variety of projects created by 4-H members throughout the year and to find inspiration for future interests. She also encourages youth to participate in clubs and programs outside their comfort zones, because you never know what new skills, talents, or passions you might discover until you give something a try.

Ready for another year of learning, leading, and having fun?

Nebraska 4-H enrollment is now open! Join thousands of youth across the state as they explore hands-on projects, make new friends, and develop skills for the future.

Enroll at: https://v2.4honline.com
Instructions: https://go.unl.edu/nj3f

Questions? Call 402-444-7804.

Premium checks that were not picked up at Achievement Night are now available for pick up:

Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

8015 West Center Road

Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm

Clover Kids is the officially recognized program in Nebraska for children under the age of 8. The program is designed to provide 5 to 7 year-olds a variety of educational and recreational experiences in a non-competitive environment. Clover Kids provide an excellent opportunity for youth to achieve his/her highest potential because early life experiences affect future development. We hold monthly club meetings from 5:30 - 6:30pm here at the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office!

Clover Kids Club 2026 Meeting Dates:

November 10

December 1: Holiday Bash!

For more information, visit: https://4h.unl.edu/delivery-modes/clubs/clover-kids/

The Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Council is looking for youth and adult members who want to help make a difference in our local 4-H program.

As a council member, you'll help:

• Support youth leadership and life skill development
• Encourage community service and 4-H projects
• Plan events and educational opportunities
• Recognize member achievements and review scholarships
• Promote 4-H and help our program grow

Meeting Schedule:
Six meetings per year at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month.
(1/21, 3/18, 5/20, 8/2, 8/19, and 10/21)

Application Deadline: December 31

Interested in serving? Apply here.

Whether you're a youth member looking to develop your leadership skills or an adult who wants to support the next generation, we'd love to have you join the team.

Does your 4-Her have a passion for sewing and a desire to learn quilting as well? Now's a great time to join the 4-H Quilt Club! We will be making a block of the month quilt this year, meeting at least monthly (more if needed) on the 3rd Thursday of the month. During each, monthly meeting, youth will be shown how to cut out the block and sew it together. 4-H’ers will then finish their block/blocks at home during the month. After all blocks are completed, the club leader will help design the quilt and add borders to make it the size you would like. The club leader will also help with quilting as needed. Quilts will be finished by July for entry into the Sarpy County Fair.

4-Her’s ages 10 and up will need to have basic sewing skills and their own sewing machine with a 1/4" foot and supplies to bring to meetings each month. Parents/helpers are encouraged to stay but not required as they will be assisting youth at home.

4-Hers will need to purchase at least 1 ½ yards of fabric as a main color and then 4 coordinating fabrics of at least ¼ yard with additional amounts for borders and backing.

Contact Kim Creamer, the 4-H quilt Club leader at 402-660-8540 with additional questions.

Register today for one of our Fall Weaving workshops! Learn the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom to make “mug rugs.”

Tuesday, October 27, 5-7 PM

To Register for the October 27 Workshop, follow this link:

https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/9634/

Wednesday, October 28, 1-3 PM or 5-7 PM

To Register for the October 28 Workshops, follow these links:

1-3 pm: https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/9728/

5-7 pm: https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/9729

Thursday, November 12, 1-3 PM or 5-7 PM

To Register for the November 12 Workshop, follow this link:

https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10254/

Friday, November 13, 1-3 PM or 5-7 PM

To Register for the November 13 Workshops, follow these links:

1-3 pm: https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10257/

5-7 pm: https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10258/

Monday, December 14, 5-7 PM

To Register for the December 14 Workshop, follow this link:

https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10259/

Tuesday, December 15, 1-3 PM or 5-7 PM

To Register for the December 15 Workshops, follow these links:

1-3 pm: https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10261/

5-7 pm: https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10260/

Who can participate?

The weaving workshops are $20 and are open to Youth ages 8 and up (open to all youth regardless of 4-H enrollment status) and are held at the extension office:

8015 W Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124

Questions: please e-mail stephanie.thorson@unl.edu to receive more information.

Attention 4-Hers eager to sew: Fall and Winter dates have been selected for our 4- Sewing Workshops! These classes are open to all youth, regardless of 4-H enrollment status. All the following classes will be held at the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office at 8015 W Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124. Email Stephanie: stephanie.thorson@unl.edu to be put on the waitlist to receive the registration information as soon as it is released.

4-H Sewing for Fun class (beginner level)—Zipper bag project

• Tuesdays, Nov 3rd and 10th
• 1:30-3:30 PM OR 5-7 PM
• Cost: $25/youth

In this 2-week series (2 classes of 2 hours each), youth ages 8+ will build on their beginning sewing skills and make a bag with a zipper.

REGISTRATION LINKS:

4-H Sewing for Fun class (beginner level)—Zipper bag project, Nov 3rd and 10th @ 1:30-3:30 PM

https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10191/

4-H Sewing for Fun class (beginner level)—Zipper bag project, Nov 3rd and 10th @ 5-7 PM

https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10189/

4-H Sewing for Fun class (beginner level)—Pillowcase project

• Wednesday, February 10th
• 1:30-3:30 PM OR 5-7 PM
• Cost: $20/youth

In this 2-hour class, beginning sewers create a pillowcase and learn skills like French seams and the “burrito fold” technique.

• Wednesdays, Feb 24, March 3, 10 & 17
• 1:30-3:30 PM OR 5-7 PM
• Cost: $45/youth

In this 4-week series, youth ages 8+ will learn how to thread the machine, sew a straight line, and experience using a variety of sewing tools. Youth will make a needle book and a tote bag using their new skills. (This is a great class for youth who have never used a sewing machine before!)

This month's Spark Start activity, Lend a Helping Farm Hand on CLOVER by 4-H, gives youth in grades 3-8 the chance to step into the shoes of a farm helper. Through fun, interactive challenges, participants will learn about caring for animals, completing farm chores, and the important work farmers do every day. Along the way, youth will build problem-solving and decision-making skills while exploring the exciting world of agriculture. Whether your child is curious about farm life or looking for a new activity to try, this is a great opportunity to learn something new from home!

Explore the October Spark Start activity: http://go.unl.edu/monthly-clover-activities

We hope you'll give it a try and discover all the ways agriculture helps feed, clothe, and support our communities.

From September 30–October 31, Casey’s is partnering with 4-H to support youth and local 4-H programs. You can help by making a small donation when you visit Casey’s!

From September 30–October 11, you can round up your in-store purchase to donate to 4-H. From September 30–October 31, you can also add a donation to any order made online or through the Casey’s app.

Every donation helps support 4-H and opportunities for youth. Thank you for supporting 4-H youth in Douglas-Sarpy County!

Save the Date!

2027 Nebraska State 4-H Horse Show will be July 10-14, 2027, at Fonner Park in Grand Island, NE.

Horse project members, start planning now for an exciting week of learning, competition, and showcasing your hard work. We hope to see many of our local 4-H horse exhibitors at this premier Nebraska 4-H event!

Make the most of the fall season with our Fall 4-H Bucket List Challenge! From trying a new 4-H project and exploring the outdoors to enjoying classic fall activities and giving back to your community, there are plenty of ways to engage and grow with 4-H this fall. Challenge yourself and your family to see how many activities you can check off!

Congratulations to our three nominees that won for 4-H Volunteer, Member, and Club of the Year!

Rebecca Bittner was a dedicated 4-H member whose projects centered on horses, while also including cattle, goats, chickens, rabbits, and even her cat. Some of her favorite 4-H memories include earning Champion Goat Showman honors in her final year, showing at the state fair, and competing at Western Nationals in Hippology, Horse Judging, and Horse Bowl.

Rebecca credits 4-H with teaching her valuable life skills such as hard work, leadership, responsibility, perseverance, and self-confidence. The friendships, mentors, and experiences she gained through 4-H helped shape her passion for agriculture and youth development and ultimately influenced her career path.

Today, she sees a direct connection between her 4-H experiences and her work with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Rebecca believes one of the greatest gifts 4-H gave her was the opportunity to become the kind of adult who encourages young people to try new things, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential. Her story is a powerful reminder that 4-H projects often grow into lifelong opportunities and passions.

Interested in being featured or nominating someone for a future spotlight? We'd love to hear from you! Complete our Feature Friday survey at: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7VD4bwIfhoYJhdA

We can't wait to share your 4-H story!

The Nebraska Association of Fair Managers will award a $500 scholarship to one qualifying 4-H male and a $500 scholarship to one qualifying 4-H female who are graduating seniors in the State of Nebraska and who plan to continue with post high school education. The scholarship will be awarded at the annual NAFM convention in January.

The 2026 Martha and Don Romeo Scholarship application can be found at https://go.unl.edu/nafm-romeo-scholarship. The application, as well as two letters of recommendation, are due to the local Nebraska Extension Office by November 30, 2026.

More details at: https://go.unl.edu/nafm-romeo-scholarship

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!

The annual 4-H membership year runs from October 1–September 30.

• To enroll in the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program visit https://v2.4honline.com.

• One question regarding life threatening allergies is required to proceed. All other questions are still optional.

• Enrollment instructions here: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll

• If you have questions about accessing or updating the 4HOnline enrollment, please email Marci Carroll or call 402-444-7804.

• While 4-H membership is available throughout the year, to be eligible to participate in the Sarpy County Fair or the Nebraska State Fair enrollment is due by June 15.

• Interested in becoming a 4-H leader? Please email Brett Kreifels or Stephanie Thorson with all your questions.

4-H Community service ideas: https://4h.unl.edu/community-service

4-H Club Leader information: https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders

Submit your community service project: https://4h.unl.edu/community-service-showcase-submission

4-H Volunteer Connection: https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-connection?fbclid=IwAR0S4jNFxf54dbHE75Co44-w04QwV2224gpfIbYWs5NqhFJRgRq9POh-nVM

Steps to start a 4-H Club click: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ghYDNOnuk4CJrMka1Bx3F4LemA1YjWkD/view?usp=sharing

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

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

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. https://nebraska.edu/nondiscrimination

Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to Douglas-Sarpy Extension at least two weeks prior to the program at douglas-sarpy@unl.edu or 402-444-7804. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.