RENO—The University of Nevada, Reno Extension is putting out the call to recruit volunteer 4-H club leaders in Carson City and Douglas and Washoe counties.
Club leaders work with youth ages 5 to 18 to help them gain skills through hands-on activities while becoming better communicators, leaders and engaged community members. Weekly or monthly meetings are held online, or as COVID-19 guidelines allow, in person, with each club lasting about three to six months.
These days, 4-H isn’t just about raising rabbits either, although specialized animal clubs are still a part of the program. Leaders can start a club teaching curriculum and leading activities on a variety of topics including photography, robotics, crafts and woodworking, cooking or beekeeping.
UNR’s Extension notes that youth participants in the 4-H programs learn much more than the primary subject of the club. It cites a study from the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University in Massachusetts, that 4-H members excel beyond their peers, and are more likely to participate in STEM activities outside of school, graduate from college, make healthy choices and contribute to their communities.
Program staff have identified leadership needs areas in each community.
- In Carson City, 4-H staff are interested in starting clubs focused on photography, cooking, filming making, crafts and woodworking. In addition, they are looking for new leaders for their cat, sewing and rabbit clubs.
- In Douglas County, 4-H staff are recruiting leaders for poultry; rabbit; horse; dog; beekeeping; robotics; hiking and outdoor recreation; and gardening, horticulture and floriculture clubs.
- In Washoe County, 4-H staff are particularly interested in starting clubs focused on home arts and sciences, including robotics, photography, culinary arts, fabric arts and sewing, beekeeping, gardening and fine arts. They are also looking for leaders for a small animals club specializing in dogs, and large animal clubs. In addition, they are seeking leaders for their Cloverbud clubs, which teach children ages 5-8.
More information on Extension 4-H clubs is online at the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program website.
For specific details about becoming a club leader, contact:
- Carson City 4-H Professional Sandy Wallin at wallins@unr.edu or 775-887-2252.
- Douglas County Extension Educator Lindsay Chichester at lchichester@unr.edu or 775-782-9960.
- Washoe County Extension 4-H Program Coordinator for northern Nevada Sarah Chvilicek at sarahc@unr.edu.
