NORTH PLATTE – Ten-year-old Kassidy Frick may only be in her second year of 4-H, but she’s already diving into projects that showcase her curiosity and love for animals.
Frick, a Lincoln County 4-H’er, has explored cake decorating, cookie jars, wildlife conservation, and shooting sports, with archery quickly becoming her favorite. “It really helps build my shoulder muscle,” she said with a laugh. “Archery is probably my favorite so far.”
Her enthusiasm extends beyond the range. With help from her family, Frick took on a wildlife conservation project, tracking deer along the Platte River and learning how to make plaster molds of their footprints. The hands-on project earned her special recognition and a rainbow ribbon at the Nebraska State Fair.
“One mistake in this project and the whole thing is ruined,” Frick explained. “You have to get the right measurement of water or it won’t set. But I was really excited when I saw my ribbon at State.”
For Extension Educator Caitlyn Jacobson, who works with 4-H in Lincoln, Logan and McPherson Counties, seeing youth like Frick embrace new opportunities is what the program is all about.
“4-H is about finding your spark,” Jacobson said. “Kids try different projects—sometimes they love them, sometimes they don’t. But through that exploration, they figure out what they’re passionate about.”
Frick said she’s already thinking about what’s next. She and her mom are considering showing sheep and goats, although she admits goats may be more her dream than her mother’s. “I love every animal equally,” Frick said.
Jacobson noted that fall is a key time for families to think about joining 4-H. With the year-end celebration on October 12 and the awards banquet just around the corner, enrollment for the new year begins again in late October.
“This is my favorite time of year,” Jacobson said. “We get to celebrate what our 4-H’ers accomplished at the county and state levels, and then we look ahead. There really is something in 4-H for everyone.”