The school holiday break is a time for youth to work on their projects
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The school winter break is often a time when families enjoy an interruption to the routine of classes, sports and other youth activities.
It is also a great time to get going on 4-H projects, said Beth Hinshaw, Kansas State University southeast area extension specialist. For those 4-Hers ages 7-18, the break from school gives them an opportunity to get started on project-based, hands-on learning experiences.
“We have more than 30 different project areas in Kansas 4-H,” Hinshaw said. “I tell 4-Hers to pick a project that sounds interesting and then figure out what types of learning experiences that you want from that project. Use the holiday time to research, plan, get project supplies and get started.”
She said there are many resources for 4-Hers and their families to help guide them through a project area. Those include project leaders, information sheets, project curriculum and Kansas 4-H Project challenges.
“Often 4-Hers will pick a project area when they are young and they’ll build mastery in that area over their time in 4-H,” Hinshaw said. “Experiences with a 4-H project can lead to a career path someday and success in life.”
She also said the 4-H experience will be different among the youth across the state and even within a project area.
“Everyone’s project experience is going to look a little different because it is guided by what they are interested in,” Hinshaw said, adding that some 4-Hers prefer hands-on experiences while others opt for self-study and time with a mentor.
To learn more about the Kansas 4-H program and see the available project resources and pathways, go to the Kansas 4-H website, or visit your local extension office.
