2026 Summer Workshops

Please print the files below, fill out, and return to the office with payment! Please be sure to read carefully as some workshops will need to have checks written to University of Nebraska-Lincoln or to the Butler County 4-H Council!

There is a required minimum of 5 youth to host a workshop. Should a workshop not achieve 5 registered youth, it will be canceled and money will be refunded.

Please remember that workshops require a 4-H enrollment, except for the 4-H Fun Day!

Get ready to stitch up something cozy and creative! In this beginner-friendly workshop, youth will design and make their very own striped pillow—perfect for their room or as a handmade gift.

• 🗓 Monday, June 1
• ⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• 📍 Butler County Event Center – David City, NE
• 👥 Limit: 10 youth
• 💲 Cost: $5

• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

🧵 What You’ll Learn:
• Basic sewing skills (measuring, cutting, pinning, stitching)
• How to safely use a sewing machine
• How to mix and match fabrics for a striped design
• How to assemble and finish a pillow

🌟 No experience needed—just come ready to learn and have fun! Youth will leave with a completed pillow they made themselves.

🎒 What to Bring:
• 2/3 yard of one 100% cotton fabric
• 1/4 yard of another 100% cotton fabric
• Pillow stuffing or a 16” pillow form
• Sewing machine (in working order)
• Basic sewing supplies (if you have them)
• An adult helper to assist during the workshop

Get ready to build, create, and play! In this hands-on workshop, youth will design and construct their very own Operation-style game while learning the basics of circuits and electricity.

• 🗓 Tuesday, June 2
• ⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
• 📍Highway 92 Building
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Younger youth can bring an adult helper to assist during the workshop

• 👥 Limit: 15 youth
• 💲 Cost: $10

• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

⚡ What You’ll Do:
• Design and decorate your own game board
• Build a simple electrical circuit using a battery, buzzer, and LED
• Learn how circuits work through hands-on play
• Test your skills by playing your custom Operation game

🧠 What You’ll Learn:
• Basic engineering and problem-solving skills
• How electricity flows in a circuit
• Creativity and design thinking

🌟 This fun, interactive workshop is a great way for youth to explore STEM concepts in a creative and exciting way—plus, they’ll take home a game they built themselves!

Get inspired by the pros and explore a unique art style! Join us for a hands-on Batik workshop where youth will create their own designs inspired by a featured artist currently on display at the Bone Creek Art Museum.

• 🗓 Tuesday, June 2
• ⏰ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• 📍 Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art – David City, NE
• 👥 Limit: 20 youth
• 💲 Cost: $10

• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

🖌 What You’ll Do:
• Learn the traditional Batik “wax-resist” technique
• Use melted wax to create patterns and designs
• Apply vibrant, layered dyes to bring your artwork to life
• Create a one-of-a-kind textile piece to take home

👩‍🎨 Led by Gabi and Sarah from the Bone Creek Museum staff, this workshop is a great opportunity to learn directly from local art professionals and try something new!

Explore the colors that make YOU shine! This workshop is all about self-discovery, creativity, and building the confidence to express who you are. Discover your personal palette and learn how the science of color can make you feel ready to take on the day!

• 🗓 Wednesday, June 3
• ⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• 📍 Butler County Event Center (62 L St, David City, NE)
• 🧺 Lunch: Please bring a sack lunch.

• 👥 Limit: 20 youth
• 💲 Cost: $10
• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

🌟 What You’ll Do:

• Color Draping Discovery: Discover the specific shades that complement you best and make you feel most confident.

• Master the Color Wheel: Get hands-on with color theory! Create a custom color wheel poster to learn how different hues work together to create harmony.

• Tie-Dye Your Style: Put your new color knowledge to work! Design and tie-dye a unique shirt to wear and display your personal style.

🎒 What to Bring:

• White Cotton T-Shirt: Bring a pre-washed, 100% cotton shirt for the tie-dye activity (cotton absorbs the dye best!).

• Old Clothes: Wear something you don't mind getting a little messy in!

🌟 Come ready to find your glow, get creative with color, and leave with a masterpiece that is uniquely you!

Get ready to turn something old into something bold! This hands-on workshop is all about creativity, upcycling, and showing off your patriotic spirit. Transform an old piece of furniture or decor into a one-of-a-kind red, white, and blue creation!

• 🗓 Monday, June 8
• ⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• 📍 Butler County Event Center Patio
• 🥪 Please bring a sack lunch
• 👥 Limit: 15 youth
• 💲 Cost: $20
• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

🖌️ What You’ll Do:

• Upcycle & Reclaim: Give new life to an old item.

• Master Painting Techniques: Learn how to paint, distress, and detail your project.

• Express Your Spirit: Create a custom patriotic design.

• Fair Ready: Complete a unique project for the County Fair!

🎒 What to Bring:

• Your Treasure: An item to transform (furniture, wall hanging, shelf, bench, etc.)

• Supplies: 3 disposable plastic containers with lids and rags for painting/distressing.

• Attire: Wear old clothes—things might get messy!

🌟 Come ready to create, get a little messy, and leave with a patriotic treasure you’ll be proud to display!

📣👶 Building Better Babysitters Workshop 👶📣

Thinking about babysitting or wanting to build your skills? This hands-on workshop is the perfect place to start! Join Nebraska Extension for a full day of learning, fun, and practical experience to help youth become confident, capable babysitters.

• 🗓 Tuesday, June 9
• ⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• 📍 Butler County Event Center – David City, NE
• 👥 Ages: 11 and up
• 🥪 Please bring a sack lunch
• 💲 Cost: $25
• 👥 Limit: 12 youth
• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

📚 What You’ll Learn:
• The business side of babysitting
• Child development basics
• Basics of First Aid, CPR, and safety (no certification)
• Food & nutrition
• Fun activities and entertainment ideas
• And more!

🌟 This class is a great opportunity for youth to gain confidence, responsibility, and real-life skills they can use right away.

📧 Questions? Contact Janessa at jbergman3@unl.edu

📢 Spots are limited—be sure to register early!

Be prepared to make a difference in an emergency! Join us for a hands-on CPR and First Aid training designed to give youth the confidence and skills to respond when it matters most.

• 🗓 Friday, June 5
• ⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• 📍 Butler County Health – David City, NE
• 🥪 Please bring a sack lunch
• 👥 Ages: 11 and up
• 💲 Cost: $14
• 🧾 Checks payable to: Butler County 4-H Council

🚑 What You’ll Learn:
• Basic CPR techniques
• How to respond in emergency situations
• First Aid fundamentals
• Safety and injury prevention
• How to stay calm and take action when needed

🌟 This is a valuable, real-life skill that can help save lives and build confidence in emergency situations.

• Get ready to unleash your inner artist! Join us for an exciting, hands-on creative session led by the talented Connie Berkhaus of Let’s Paint Run-a-Ways. Whether you’ve never picked up a brush or you’re a seasoned pro, Connie will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a vibrant acrylic masterpiece.
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• 🗓 Thursday, June 11
• ⏰ 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 4-H Age (8-18) plus adults

• 👥 Limit: 25 participants
• 💲 Cost: $35
• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

🖼️ What You’ll Create: Each participant will go home with a beautiful 11" x 14" acrylic painting on canvas—ready to hang on your wall or enter into the County Fair! To show at fair, you will need to provide a frame with no glass. Frames will be available onsite to buy from Connie!

🌈 What You’ll Do:

• Learn step-by-step painting techniques from a professional artist.

• Master the basics of working with acrylic paints and brushes.

• Express your creativity in a fun, supportive environment.

• Complete a project perfect for a fair entry or a personalized gift!

🌟 Don’t miss out—let’s fill the room with color! This workshop is a wonderful way to build confidence in your artistic skills and spend a fun afternoon with the 4-H community.

The Butler County 4-H Council is hosting a unique, hands-on photography experience you won’t want to miss in partnership with the Bone Creek Art Museum, and both Butler and Colfax County Community Sponsors! This workshop is open to both Butler and Colfax County 4-H'ers.

• 🗓 Friday, June 12th
• ⏰ 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• 📍 Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art – David City, NE
• 👩‍🎨 Ages: 9 and up (4-H age)
• 👥 Limited to 7 Butler County youth, but we will put you on a waitlist if you are interested!
• 💲 Cost: $25
• 🧾 Checks payable to: Butler County 4-H Council

🌟 Come learn from a National Geographic photographer!
Join R. J. Kern as he teaches the art of Polaroid photography, portraiture, and dark room photography skills in this immersive workshop experience. R.J. will be providing polaroid cameras for youth to use!

📷 What You’ll Learn:

• How light travels and creates images

🧠 Hands-On Experience Includes:
• Using Polaroid cameras
• Creating and keeping your own prints
• Exploring composition and creativity

• Safe, supervised dark room printing in a temporary darkroom created on-site

🎒 What to Bring:
• A small printed photo of yourself or a family member
• One small object (toy, figurine, keepsake, etc.)

Cost Subsidized with the help of:

Big Iron

CVA Coop – Rising City
Faltin Meat Market
Great Plains 4-H Club
Nebraska Farm Bureau – Schuyler

Open to Butler & Colfax County 4-H members: Spots are extremely limited—don’t wait to sign up!

Get ready for a buzzing good time! Clover Kids are invited to jump into a day full of hands-on creativity as they try new things and help us get ready for the fair.

• 🗓 Thursday, June 4
• ⏰ Choose a Session: Morning: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m OR Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• 📍 Butler County Event Center

• 👥 Limited to 15 participants per session
• 💲 Cost: $15
• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

✨ What You’ll Do:

• Create Adorable Projects: Make your own bumble bees, colorful fish, and painted planters.

• Decorate the Fair: Help us craft a large flower to brighten up the fairgrounds for everyone to enjoy!

• Sweet Science: Make (and eat!) your very own ice cream in a bag.

• Leave Your Mark: Showcase your creativity and get excited for the upcoming fair!

🌟 This workshop is all about having fun, making friends, and exploring new skills in a creative way. Learning is always sweeter with a little dessert!

Celebrate the red, white, and blue! This workshop is perfect for our youngest members to get creative, learn something new, and show off their patriotic spirit while having a great time with friends.

• 🗓 Wednesday, June 10
• ⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• 📍 Butler County Event Center
• 🧺 Lunch: Please bring a sack lunch!
• 👥 Limit: 15 Youth

• 💲 Cost: $15
• 🧾 Checks payable to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

🎨 What You’ll Do:

• Tie-Dye Fun: Create your very own patriotic tie-dye star.

• Get Crafty & Give Back: Create a service card for a veteran.

• Game On: Design a star-themed tic-tac-toe game to take home and play with family.

• Story & Snack: Enjoy a festive red, white, and blue snack and gather for a patriotic story!

🌟 Join us for a fun-filled day of creativity and hands-on activities that celebrate our spirit and our community. We can't wait to see what you create!

Get ready to dig deep into the world beneath your feet! At "Nebraska Dirt Works," we’re celebrating the soil that grows our food and the creatures that keep it healthy. Join us for a day of slime, snacks, and science as we explore why Nebraska dirt is the best dirt!

• 🗓 Tuesday, June 23
• ⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• 📍 Butler County Event Center
• 💰 $15 per person
• 👥 75 youth, no 4-H enrollment required!
• 🧺 Lunch: Lunch will be provided!

Youth will dig into the "Nebraska Dirt" theme by exploring the vital importance of soil and its hidden layers. Through hands-on crafts, creative snacks, and high-energy games, they will discover the incredible journey from dirt to dinner as they learn about the crops that thrive in our land and how we can act as heroes to protect our precious soil!

🎒 What to Bring:

• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while we work the land!

• Old Clothes: This is a "Get Messy" day—wear things you don't mind getting a little dirt or slime on.

These kits are prepared for you in the office and you can do them at any time at home! You'll be given some supplies and instructions to complete the project! Please click the button below to customize your kit!

Looking to spruce up your entryway? Grab a DIY Doormat Kit and create a custom welcome for your home! We provide the essentials in a convenient grab-and-go kit, and you provide the creativity from the comfort of your own porch or kitchen table.

• 🗓 Pick Up: Available at the Office, we will contact you!
• 📍 Location: Butler County Extension Office
• 💰 $25 per Kit

🌟 What’s Inside Your Kit:

• Coir Doormat: A high-quality, blank natural fiber mat.

• 2 Paint Colors: [Insert Specific Colors, e.g., Graphite Black & Bright Red] Apple Barrel Matte acrylic paint.

• 2 Paint Brushes: High-quality brushes for stenciling and detailing.

• Optional "Welcome" Stencil: A classic design to get you started!

🎨 Make It Your Own: You are the designer! While we provide the basics, feel free to use your own stencils or additional paint colors from your craft stash at home to make your doormat truly one-of-a-kind. Please note: extra colors or custom stencils are not provided by the office.

🎒 What You’ll Need at Home:

• Painter's Tape: To secure your stencil or create geometric patterns.

• Work Surface: A drop cloth or old newspapers to protect your floor.

• Clear Sealant: (Optional) A quick spray of clear outdoor sealer will help your design last through the seasons!

🌟 Show off your 4-H spirit at your front door! These make great fair projects or personalized gifts for friends and family.

Add a pop of color to your home or bedroom with a beautiful, handmade bandana flower! This "Take-and-Make" kit includes almost everything you need to fold, starch, and assemble a stunning floral wreath. It’s a perfect project for a rainy afternoon or to get fair-ready!

🗓 Pick Up: Available at the Office, we will contact you!

📍 Location: Butler County Extension Office

💰 $25 per Kit

🌟 What’s Inside Your Kit:

• Choice of Colored Bandanas: Select your favorite hues for the flower petals.

• 12-inch Wire Wreath Form: The sturdy base for your floral creation.

• Zip Ties: For easy, secure assembly of your petals.

• Starch: To help your bandana petals hold their perfect shape.

• Jute Rope & Paper Plate: Coiling the jute onto the plate creates the perfect textured center for your flower!

• Optional Green Bandana: Perfect for adding realistic-looking leaves to your bloom.

🎨 Make It Your Own: Every flower is unique! Add your own flair with buttons, gems, or fabric markers from home.

🎒 What You’ll Need at Home:

• Hot Glue & Glue Gun: Essential for attaching your jute-covered center and final details. (Not included in kit!)

• Scissors: For trimming zip ties and rope.

• An Iron: To press your starched petals for a crisp, professional look.

🌟 These vibrant flowers make excellent County Fair entries or a wonderful gift for someone special. Show off your creative spirit!