4-H Weekly Update 10/9/26

• Oct 4-10: National 4-H Week
• Oct 12: Office Closed in Observance of Columbus Day
• Oct 15: 4-H Achievement Night at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds, 6 pm
• 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

What does 4-H mean to you?

For Douglas-Sarpy 4-H member Mallory Beethe, it meant finding the confidence to try new things, discovering leadership opportunities, building friendships, and learning skills that will last a lifetime.

As we celebrate National 4-H Week, we're proud to share Mallory's story and the impact 4-H has had on her journey.

Watch her inspiring message here: https://go.unl.edu/x5m9

Learn more about the 4-H Program at https://4h.unl.edu/

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.

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/

• Nominate for Club of the Year here.
• Nominate 4-Her of the Year here.
• Nominate 4-H Volunteer of the Year here.

Reponses are due by Friday, October 9th.
Nominations will be reviewed by Extension Staff and the winners will be announced at the 4-H Achievement Night on Oct. 15th.

All 4-H families are invited to join us for the 2026 End-of-Year Celebration on Thursday, October 15th at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds 4-H Building. We look forward to celebrating the achievements and dedication of our youth, clubs, and volunteers. A light meal will be provided.

Event Schedule:

• Premium Check Pickup: 6:00–7:00 PM

• Light Dinner: 6:30–7:00 PM

• Awards Program: 7:00–8:00 PM

• Premium Check Pickup: 8:00–8:30 PM

This special evening will highlight accomplishments from throughout the year, including recognition of Diamond Clover recipients, Club of Excellence, Volunteer of Excellence, and 4-H’er of the Year.

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.

• Wednesdays, Sept 30th and Oct 7th
• 1:30-3:30 PM OR 5-7 PM
• Cost: $25/youth

In this 2-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 pillow using their new sewing skills.

REGISTRATION LINKS:

4-H Beginning Sewing Class (Envelope Pillow Project), Sept 30 & Oct 7 @ 1:30-3:30 PM

https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10125/

4-H Beginning Sewing Class (Envelope Pillow Project), Sept 30 & Oct 7 @ 5-7 PM

https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10126/

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!)

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!

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!

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.