MANHATTAN – The Kansas 4-H program is holding class this summer, and all of Kansas is the classroom.  

Michelle Beran, a 4-H youth development agent in K-State Research and Extension’s Cottonwood District, said the state’s largest youth program has launched the Clover Classroom Challenge for youth to explore the world around them through nearly a dozen activities available for free.  

“When the pandemic hit last year, our northwest Kansas 4-H advisory group began asking how we can reach young people when we can’t meet face-to-face,” said Beran, who is located in Barton County.  

The program, she said, pivoted to teaching community service, leadership, learning and other 4-H virtues by alternative methods, and shared on social media. The transition was so successful that it made sense to continue doing some of that this summer, even as people start coming together more often. 

“We have (extension) agents across Kansas who have particular areas that they are passionate about,” Beran said. “This gives them that opportunity to offer learning to anyone who wants to learn more about a project area.” 

The Clover Classroom Challenge is available to all youth, regardless if they are currently 4-H members or not. The full list of programs is available to view online. All activities are available for free and can be done on one’s own time.  

“We really encourage families to get out and try any number of these project areas,” Beran said. “Current 4-H members don’t have to be participating in a given project area currently; this gives them an opportunity to try a different project.”  

As an example, Beran noted one activity centered around photography. “It takes the participants through the principles of photography, such as things to look at when setting up a shot and basic knowledge about the camera,” she said. “This is at the basic level; you can use your cell phone or a simple point-and-shoot camera. You don’t need a fancy camera.” 

A foods and nutrition activity walks participants through the differences of yeast bread versus quick bread, while a horticulture activity exposes youth to pollinators.  

“One of our horticulture agents has a passion and knowledge for pollinator gardens and she has shared that with this challenge,” Beran said. The activity includes explanations of what pollinators are and why they are important, and how to plant a pollinator garden.  

“4-H is all about leadership opportunities, so we encourage older youth, especially, to take on some of the leadership pieces that are included in each of these activities,” Beran said. “They can share what they learn with a group at the library or other 4-H members or in a local classroom. We know that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to someone else.”  

Other Clover Classroom Challenges available right now include health and wellness, STEM, wildlife and communications. Additional activities will be added in the near future, according to Beran.  

More information about Kansas 4-H activities is also available online, or contact your local extension agent.