Afterward, the youth formed groups that took their lessons in leadership back to their communities. For example, students shared their training in Blue Hill and Maywood schools, challenging still more youth to think of themselves as leaders in their communities. Sometimes people can learn about making their own communities a better place to live by leaving them for awhile and observing life elsewhere. That was part of the experience of 10 Red Willow County youth and their three adult chaperones during a trip to Costa Rica to live with 4-H families last winter. They soak up a variety of aquatic activities designed to illustrate water's central role in their lives, from its recreational uses to the importance of its quality.
Activities range from relatively straightforward.
The Head Start Garden Program grows green thumbs. Each student planted vegetable or flower seeds in a milk carton and raised the plants in their classroom. Crawly critters take center stage at the Bug Bash, which brings University entomologists together with Lincoln Public Schools and Folsom Children's Zoo for an irresistible primer on insect life.