Kids College
2022
Kids College is a summer learning experience offered to youth by Extension staff, volunteers, and community members. Our program is designed to provide engaging hands-on education for youth of all ages. Kids College is a great way for youth to make new friends, learn new skills or spark a new interest! Kids College is open to all youth, ages 5-18. Please take note of suggested age requirements when selecting classes.
Did you know that projects made during classes can be entered into the Hall County Fair?! Entry forms will be available in the class or they may be picked up at the Extension office. To enroll your child in Kids College, complete the registration form (scroll down, below class offerings). An invoice will be emailed to you once registration is complete. Please call the Extension office at 308-385-5088 if you have questions.
*All classes will be held at the Hall County Extension Office meeting room (3180 W. Highway 34 in the College Park Building), unless otherwise noted.
Market Broiler Project
Order chicks by May 6
Hall County Fair, July 20-24Ages: 5-18 (age as of Dec. 31, 2021); Cost: $11.00 for 10 chicks
Today’s modern broiler chicken is the fastest, most efficient, meat producing bird. The broiler project is great for youth living in town, on an acreage, or the farm. Each participant will receive 10 broiler chicks for $11.00, educational materials for the care and showing of broilers, and the opportunity to exhibit at the Hall County Fair. Hall County 4-H enrollment is required. To order chicks, call the Extension office at 308-385-5088. Deadline to order chicks is May 6th.
Animal Science Discovery Days
Date & Time: Thursday, May 26, 9 am-3:30 pm
Ages: 8-18; Cost: $15 including lunch
Location: NCTA Campus, Curtis, NE
This fun, hands-on day is designed for youth to learn about Animal Science and the livestock industry. There will be focus on meat and milk production, horses, chickens, companion animals and animal science careers. Youth will interact with industry experts, animal scientists and other youth excited about animal science. For more information contact Elena at elena.stout@unl.edu or Kimberly at kimberly.cook@unl.edu. Register by May 23rd: go.unl.edu/animalsciencediscover.
South Central Livestock Judging Clinic & Contest
Date & Time: Thursday, June 2, 9:00 am
Ages: 8-18; Cost: $5.00
Location: Webster County Fairgrounds in Bladen, NE
Are you interested in judging livestock? This clinic will include evaluation of beef, sheep, goats, and swine followed by a livestock judging contest. Learn evaluation factors, terminology, and discussion of classes. This contest is part of the Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit. Click here for Livestock Judging Clinic & Contest Flyer & registration link. Questions? Contact the Webster County Extension office at (402) 746-3417.
Summer Project Kit: Watercolor Memo Board
Ages: 5 & up; Cost: $5.00
Do you enjoy creating and making new things? We do, too! With this kit, you’ll have everything you need to create a watercolor art memo board. The memo board can be entered into the Hall County Fair. Use the registration link to reserve your kit. A limited supply is available.
Summer Project Kit: Pizza Pan Door Hanger Kit
Pick up June 1st or soon after at the Extension Office.
You’re going to love making this easy door hanger - so cute! We will provide the general supplies you need to put it together, and you’ll add the decorations to make it your own. This project may be entered into the Hall County Fair. Use the registration link to reserve your kit. A limited supply is available.
Canvas Painting
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 1, 10:30-11:30 am
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $12.00
Location: Arts & Drafts, 411 W. 3rd St. A, Grand Island
Paint a puppy on canvas! Jill from Arts and Drafts will walk you through step-by-step how to complete a painting. This project may be entered into the Hall County Fair. Instructor: Jill from Arts and Drafts
Sew Simple Pillowcase
Date & Time: Monday, June 6 OR Friday, June 10, 9 am-12 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $15.00
Students will sew a pillowcase that is perfect for beginner sewers and sewers with some experience. One pillowcase requires 1/4 yard of cotton fabric for the edge and 3/4 yard cotton fabric for the body of the pillowcase. If you want to make a set, you would need to bring 1/2 yard and 1 1/2 yards. Please bring matching thread. If you can serve as a volunteer for this class, please let the Extension Office know. Instructor: Barb Hovie
Sew Fun Four-Patch Pillow
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 7 OR Thursday, June 9, 9 am-12 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $15.00
Students will sew a cute four-patch pillow with an envelope closing. Students need to bring 1/2 yard of cotton fabric and 1/4 yard of coordinating cotton fabric. Bring thread to match and 14” pillow form. If you can serve as a volunteer for this class, please let the Extension Office know. Instructor: Barb Hovie
Sew Comfy Shorts
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 8 OR Monday, June 13, 9 am-12 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $15.00
Students will sew a pair of simple shorts with elastic waist. Students will need to bring 1 1/2 yards of cotton fabric. No stripe or directional print fabric. Bring thread to match. Please wash and iron fabric before class. Elastic will be provided. If you can serve as a volunteer for this class, please let the Extension Office know. Instructor: Barb Hovie
Modeling 101
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 14, 1-2 pm
Ages: 5 & up; Cost: FREE
In this workshop, you will learn how to walk the runway for the 4-H Fashion Show! We’ll go over modeling basics and hear tips from a seasoned 4-H member. You’ll practice your modeling skills in the Extension meeting room, and then head to the College Park Theater to walk the actual runway! Instructors: Emily & Mary Reimers
Summer STEM Project Kit
Pick up June 1st or soon after at the Extension Office.
Think like a physicist with this engaging hands-on paper football activity kit. Learn about stored energy, how weight can affect trajectory and get some football playing time in. Use the registration link to reserve your kit. A limited supply is available.
CSI 4-H “DNA Detectives”
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 1, 1-3 pm
Ages: 9 & up; Cost: $10.00
Have you ever wondered what DNA is and what it can tell us? Join us in exploring DNA and unlocking the clues that it may hold. Instructor: Megan Knuth, Extension Associate
The Make Tank
Date & Time: Friday, June 3, 10 am -12 pm
Ages: 9 & up; Cost: $10.00
Do you want to try something new, explore fun technology, or just get creative? Then join us for the Make Tank! This maker fair-type event will give you the opportunity to try out 3D pens, code mini robots, drill, design, and more! We’ll keep you engaged and inspired in this fast-paced workshop! The Make Tank may even spark a new interest that will help you decide on a future career. Instructors: 4-H Staff, D’Ette Scholtz, Megan Knuth, LaDonna Obermiller
Mobile Science Lab at College Park
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 15, 1-3 pm
Ages: 10-14; Cost: $10.00
Location: College Park, 3180 W. Highway 34
The Mobile Science lab is making its first appearance at College Park this summer! Explore the microscopic world and learn how to dissect in this hands-on learning space! Instructor: Nathan Haman, Extension Assistant
Photography 101
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 21, 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: 8-12; Cost: $12.00
Grab your digital camera and learn some basics. Students will practice taking pictures for level 1 4-H photography projects. Instructor: Miranda Bright
Birthday Bags
Date & Time: Monday, April 18, 1-2 pm
Ages: 5 & up; Cost: FREE - Bring 1-2 blank birthday cards to go in the bags!
Not all families in our community have the funds/supplies to celebrate their kids’ birthdays. Hall County 4-H is partnering with the Salvation Army and Hope Harbor to provide 4-H birthday bags that include supplies to bake a birthday cake and celebrate in style with candles, 4-H swag, and more! Join us to put together the bags for this community service project while learning more about food insecurity and homelessness in our community. Instructors: 4-H Staff, D’Ette Scholtz, Megan Knuth, LaDonna Obermiller
Project Kindness
Pick up June 1st or soon after at the Extension Office.
Kindness spreads faster when we work together – join Hall, Adams and Buffalo county youth this summer as we work to spread kindness, instill good habits and build a better world. All it takes is one kind step in the right direction. Use the registration link to reserve your kit. A limited supply is available.
Door Hangers with Lebensraum Assisted Living Center
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 8, 2-3 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: Free, up to 12 kids
Location: Lebensraum Assisted Living Center, 118 Ingalls St, Grand Island
Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life? Join us at Lebensraum Assisted Living Center and make a cute door hanger with a resident while making a new friend! You’ll make one for yourself and help a resident make one for their apartment door. All supplies will be provided. This activity is sponsored by the Hall County 4-H Council. Instructors: 4-H Staff, D’Ette Scholtz, Megan Knuth, LaDonna Obermiller
Community Garden
All ages
Interested in gardening for a greater purpose? Join the Hall County Growing Together Nebraska team in growing, harvesting, and donating fresh produce to our neighbors in need. For more information, contact Ashlynn Maier at ashlynn.maier@unl.edu or 308-385-5088.
Find Your Spark to Start
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 7, 1-3 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $12.00
Let us help you find your spark to start your very own business this summer (and earn some money)! You will be making some easy products to sell and learn more about becoming a kid entrepreneur. Instructor: D’Ette Scholtz, Extension Educator
We're on a Wild Goosechase!
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 14, 10 am-12 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $10.00
Join us on this wild goosechase and learn more about starting a business! You’ll be engaged in a fun, competitive scavenger hunt, earning points as you complete “missions” at College Park. Utilizing an interactive app, this scavenger hunt will be unlike any you’ve experienced before. You will create a cool framed picture that showcases your entrepreneurship skills that can be entered into the Hall County Fair. Instructors: 4-H staff, D’Ette Scholtz, Megan Knuth, LaDonna Obermiller
INVENTURE Adventure
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 15, 10 am-12 pm
Ages: 9-13; Cost: $10.00
Catch the entrepreneurial spark! If you have dreams of making $$, starting your own business, & love the Shark Tank show, come to this INVENTURE Adventure! We’ll have fun inventing & creating products, developing a business from mystery widgets, and learn more about being an entrepreneur in your community. Instructor: D’Ette Scholtz, Extension Educator
Nebraska 4-H Project of the Year- TEC Box
Cost: $25.00
Check out this educational kit that introduces youth to the exciting world of entrepreneurship! The kit includes the materials youth need to complete four hands-on activities that can lead to a county and state-fair eligible exhibit. Youth will invent their own product to make bicycles safer and develop a new game that can be enjoyed with family and friends. Order your kit here: TEC Box Educational Kit | Entrepreneurship | Curriculum | 4-H Youth Development | UNL Marketplace
Feed the Bees to Feed the People
Date & Time: Friday, June 3, 1-3 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $5.00
Discover the plants and the insects that help farmers produce food. Students will observe and learn about flowering plants that native bees and honeybees need for their survival. The students will have an opportunity to collect insects and learn about those that are actively foraging on the flowers. This experience will lead to an understanding of what the students can do to increase pollinating insects in their community. Instructor: Ron Seymour, Extension Educator
Fishing Clinic
Date & Time: Friday, June 17, 10 am-12 pm OR 1-3 pm
Ages: 5 & up; Cost: $5.00
Get ready to fish! Learn to tie knots, bait hooks, and cast. Bring your own pole if you want, or one will be provided. Snacks will be provided. Instructor: Doug Anderson, Extension Educator
Entomology Workshop
Date & Time: Friday, June 24, 9 am-12 pm
Ages: 7 & up; Cost: FREE
Join us for an introductory class on insect biology and ecology. Come learn about the different orders of insects, where they live, and common species in Nebraska. Students will observe habitats and collect insects in their native habitats using various field collection techniques. Students will also be taught how to pin and display insects for entry into 4-H county and state entomology competitions. Instructor: David Nielsen.
4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle Gallery Trailer
Hall County Fair, July 22-23, 4-7 pm each day
Cost: FREE Are you interested in learning more about 4-H shooting sports? Come out to the Hall County Fair and check out the air rifle gallery trailer. You will practice safe handling of a firearm and you’ll have your choice of targets including spinning, knock-down, or revolving targets. Shooting Sports is our fastest growing project in Hall County 4-H. See you at the fair!
Cooking 101
Date & Time: Thursday, June 2, 9 am-12 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $10.00
Measure, mix, learn about food & build on basic cooking skills. Enjoy sampling what you make! We will be making a variety of foods from the menu. Join us for a fun day in the kitchen! Instructors: Cami Wells and Elizabeth Exstrom, Extension Educators
Plant a Pizza, Bake a Pizza
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 22, 9 am-3 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $12.00
Do you love pizza? If so, this class is for you! We will have a great time preparing & eating delicious pizza. You will also get to learn how to grow some of your favorite pizza toppings & take home some plants to use on your next pizza. No need to bring a lunch, we’re having pizza! Instructors: Elizabeth Exstrom & Cami Wells, Extension Educators
Cooking 201
Date & Time: Thursday, June 23, 1-3:30 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $10.00
Break the fast by learning to create scones and quick breads that serve up as a great breakfast or snack. You will enhance your skills in Cooking 201, and you will have some wonderful recipes that you can practice and remake for the county fair. Instructor: Kayla Hinrichs, Extension Educator, assisted by Greg Lamphiear, Master Gardener
Planting 101
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 14, 9-11 am
Ages: 5 & up; Cost: $5.00
Location: Earl May Garden Center, 1604 Diers Ave, Grand Island
Time to get your hands dirty! Playing in the dirt is the first step to learning about planting. We’ll go over the different types of basic annual and garden plants you can find anywhere. We will discuss how to grow, where they grow, watering techniques and when to fertilize your plants. Plus you will get your hands dirty potting a flower to take home. Instructor: Angela Dandurand
Weed Identification
Date & Time: Thursday, June 16, 10 am – 12 pm
Ages: 8 & up; Cost: $10.00
“Is it a weed?" That is a great question! This class will cover basic weed identification including plant parts, key characteristics, and tricks for remembering how to identify these pesky plants. Specimens will include some of the more common weeds you might find in your lawns, gardens, fields, and pastures. *If it’s nice, we may go outside, so appropriate attire and footwear would be great to have that day. Instructor: Sarah Sivits, Extension Educator
Explore Farm Animals
Ages: 5-7; Cost: $10.00
Build your knowledge of farm animals! Youth will complete three projects while diving deeper into livestock species and how to care for them. Instructor: Megan Knuth, Extension Associate
Making Food For Me
Date & Time: Thursday, June 16, 1-3 pm
Ages: 5-7; Cost: $10.00
Do you like to make snacks? How about trying new foods? In this class, we will learn to measure, practice setting a table, have a tasting party and make two snacks- one is a perfect summer treat! Please bring a pair of mittens, gloves or a small towel. At the end of this class, participants will have three projects to enter at the Hall County Fair. *If there are any food allergies, please let us know at the time of registration. Instructor: LaDonna Obermiller, Extension Assistant
Clover Kid Crafts
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 21, 1-3 pm
Ages: 5-7 (age as of Dec. 31, 2021); Cost: $12.00
Students will create crafts that will be perfect for the county fair! Students will learn about color and create items to take home. Instructor: Miranda Bright
4-H 101
Date & Time: Thursday, June 9, 1-3 pm
Ages: 5 and up; Cost: $10.00
Are you NEW to 4-H? Then 4-H 101 is for you! Youth will get an overview of a traditional 4-H club and learn skills to help them with their 4-H career. 4-H is a safe space to try new things, where youth learn and grow! Youth will learn about different topics available in 4-H and will complete a sampling of projects to see if any spark an interest! Instructor: Megan Knuth, Extension Associate
Join the 4-H Family in Hall County!
What is 4-H? 4-H is the youth development program of Nebraska Extension. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. All 4-H programs are consistent with placing strong emphasis on life skills, such as problem solving, responsibility, citizenship and leadership.
4-H is for youth who are ages 8 to 18 by December 31 of the previous year, with the Clover Kids program offered for youth ages 5-7. In 4-H, you can learn new skills like taking photographs, cooking a snack, caring for pets, building model rockets, growing flowers and vegetables, fishing, decorating your room and more. 4-H has more than 150 learn-by-doing projects. 4-H projects are challenging, but practical and a fun way to learn.
You’ll enjoy plenty of fun activities as a Hall County 4-H member. Special events like 4-H Project Workshops, Bicycle Road-E-O, Ice Cream Roll and the Hall County Fair are fun for your whole family. Contact the Extension Office at 308-385-5088 or visit our website at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/hall/join-hall-county-4-h/ for more information. New 4-H members may enroll anytime during the year; however, in order to participate at the Hall County Fair, enrollment must be completed by June 15th. We ask returning 4-H members to re-enroll by March 15th.
“4-H has been a great experience for my family. Because of it, I have learned what I want to do as a career.” -4-H youth member
D'Ette Scholtz
4-H Youth Development
Megan Knuth
4-H Youth Development
LaDonna Obermiller
4-H Youth Development
Crystal Beissenherz
Joyce Krolikowski
Nebraska Extension - Hall County
Email: hall-county@unl.edu
Website: hall.unl.edu
Phone: 308-385-5088
Facebook: facebook.com/HallCounty4HNebraska
Twitter: @4HHoopla