Youth across Nevada are donning green this week as part of “Go GREEN Day,” kicking off the new 4-H year and celebrating National 4-H Week.
With programs expanding far beyond its agricultural roots, Nevada 4-H is inviting youth and families statewide to explore new opportunities, from science and self-defense to civic engagement and cooking.
Lindsay Chichester, Nevada 4-H Program leader with University of Nevada, Reno Extension, said the organization continues to grow by adapting to youth in both rural and urban areas.
“Today’s 4-H clubs and activities go beyond raising animals and other traditional activities that many may think of, although those clubs are still a valuable part of our offerings,” Chichester said. “Our kids are also doing hands-on activities to learn about things like robotics, self-defense, sign language, creative writing, and even hot air ballooning.”
One local opportunity to learn more about 4-H will be held Oct. 23 in Reno at the Extension Office, 4955 Energy Way.
The 4-H Kickoff Event begins at 5:30 p.m. for livestock clubs and 6 p.m. for all others.
Youth can meet club leaders, participate in activities, and sign up for the new year.
This year’s programs include a wide range of experiences. Youth at a Mustang Camp in Eureka explored land and wildlife management and spent time observing wild horses in their natural habitat. They also toured the Palomino Valley Wild Horse and Burro Center north of Reno.
“The youth were thrilled to see the wild horses, especially the foals,” said Tosha Kerby, 4-H instructor with Extension in Eureka County. “It was incredible to watch their curiosity grow as they explored, finding animal tracks, seeds from plants, and even bones.”
Youth also learned about teamwork, responsibility, and conservation during the overnight camp, which was a collaboration between Extension programs in Nevada, Utah, and California, along with the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program.
Other unique 4-H activities this year included the Grow a Pizza Program in White Pine County. Children grew their own wheat, tomatoes, and herbs, and even made mozzarella cheese. On the final day, they used the ingredients to make pizzas from scratch.
4-H members also contributed to the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project. Nevada was selected to provide the 2025 Capitol tree for the first time, and the U.S. Forest Service requested 10,000 handmade ornaments. Youth from counties across the state crafted and donated ornaments reflecting Nevada’s landscapes, wildlife, and traditions.
“They were also very excited about where the ornaments were going to be displayed,” said Sara Sweeney of the Extension office in northern Nye County. “One of the younger kids said, ‘This ornament is going to be famous, so I am going to try my best.’”
The national 4-H program reaches nearly 6 million children annually through the USDA and public university Extension systems, intending to reach 10 million by 2030.
In Nevada, 4-H continues to emphasize leadership, confidence, and healthy living, often offering free or low-cost educational activities to communities where youth programming may be limited.
“4-H strives to provide free or very affordable, unique and meaningful educational experiences to engage Nevada youth across the state, from those tucked away in our most rural areas to those in heavily populated urban centers,” Chichester said.
From science camps to civic projects, gardening to horsemanship, 4-H encourages youth to grow in all four areas of its mission: head, heart, hands, and health.
