As the school year begins, now is the time to launch a student’s 4-H experience
MANHATTAN, Kan. — With each new school year comes opportunities for growth in and out of the classroom. For those ages 7-18, now is the time to consider adding 4-H to their hands-on learning experiences, said Beth Hinshaw, Kansas State University Southeast Area Extension specialist.
“Through 4-H, young people have the opportunity to find a project area that they are really interested in, their spark,” Hinshaw said. “We have more than 30 different project areas for students to have hands-on experiences and showcase what they’ve learned in a variety of ways.”
One of those 4-Hers who is closing out on the end of her 4-H career is Annika Wiebers, a member from Riley County and a member of the Kansas 4-H Leadership Council.
“I began sewing with my grandmother when I was 5 years old by making a t-shirt dress and last year, I made my prom dress. My passion for sewing is something I would not have discovered without 4-H and now I absolutely love doing it,” Wiebers said.
She also said that 4-H pushed her into trying new projects, one of which is raising sheep.
“I didn’t show any livestock until I was 15 because my friends told me I’d be good at showing sheep, so I tried it,” Wiebers said.
Beyond projects, Wiebers also grew her leadership skills by serving on the Kansas 4-H Leadership Council. In that role she helps connect others to state events such as Citizenship in Action and Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, both of which are hands-on conferences focused on citizenship, leadership and project-based learning.
“My work on projects has given me wonderful networking opportunities and helped lead me to my agricultural communications major at K-State,” Wiebers said.
For those who may be interested in learning more about 4-H, Hinshaw advised visiting the Kansas 4-H website where people can link to the local extension sites where they can find out more about their area clubs. Enrollment for the 2021-2022 year begins Oct. 1.
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FOR PRINT PUBLICATIONS: Links used in this story
Kansas 4-H Youth Development, https://www.kansas4-h.org
K State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Story by:
Lisa Moser
785-532-2010
[email protected]
More information:
Beth Hinshaw
620-669-3888
[email protected]
