Friday, July 25, 2008

By DeManda Arkfeld

WAHOO - An assortment of clinics are being offered this June to area youth.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office near Mead is offering opportunities to learn more about hobbies and 4-H projects.

"Our clinics are open to any youth interested in learning different skills," said Extension Educator Karna Dam. "The rocket and photography sessions are geared more towards 4-H projects but anyone is welcome."

All of the courses are new this year except for the babysitting clinic that has been offered in the past, according to Dam.

"The clinic provides 18 hours of classroom training and a certificate will be received at the completing of the course," Dam said. "Three Rivers Health will provide first aid and emergency preparation training."

Babysitting basics will be available for youth ages 11 and up on June 2 through June 4. The program will run from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day.

The registration fee is $20 and includes refreshments, lunch and training.

First aid and emergency preparedness, keeping children safe, playing and reading with children and bathing, diapering and feeding of young children will be a few of the topics covered during the clinic.

"We added clinics this year focused on subject areas where we need to build," Dam said.

According to Dam, the rocket and photography sessions were picked specifically because there have been many questions asked concerning the two projects.

On June 10 from 9 a.m. until noon a rocket clinic will be offered for $5 a participant.

The workshop will cover everything from buying a rocket to take-off of the rocket.

Ron Suing, instructor of the workshop, has judged 4-H rockets for 20 plus years at county fairs and at the state fair level.

"Suing will be able to assist youth with their questions concerning the time needed to put a rocket together and the details that cannot be ignored," Dam said.

Dam added that Suing will do a fantastic job helping the youth be successful from the buying of the rocket to the flight.

The 4-H photography project has had a complete make-over this year, according to Dam.

"We are encouraging parents to attend the photo clinic," Dam said. "So they too will understand the new guidelines."

The photography clinic is free and will be offered on June 16 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Kay Jurgens, a 4-H photography judge will teach participants about all of the new changes in the 4-H photography project.

She will also discuss what makes a good photo, presentation and exhibit of prints, matting and framing and cropping.
"We are excited to offer a GPS course this year," Dam said. "It will be very interactive with all of the new interest in technology such as the GPS, Tom-Tom and the Gardin."
Allan Vyhnalek, Platte County Extension Educator, is offering a GPS class open to ages 10 years old and older on June 17 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The cost of the GPS and personal navigation systems workshop is $10 including lunch.
The workshop will cover the history of navigation, the need for compasses, how to build their own compasses, read and find bearings and receive basic orienteering skills.
"The day will be filled with hands-on activities," Dam said.
According to Dam, two different sewing clinics will be held.
"The sewing projects are directed toward 4-Hers but any youth interested in learning may attend," Dam said. "Again, we are suggesting a parent or adult attend as well."
Section one, for beginners will be on June 18 from 9 a.m.

until 11:30 a.m. and from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.
The cost to attend is $10 or $15 for an included lunch.
The workshop will be taught by Doris Leander, a 4-H clothing judge.
The second section, for clothing level one, will be held on June 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The cost is $10 including lunch.
A modeling clinic is also being offered this year on June 25 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. with a cost of $10 that includes lunch.
Registration for all of the clinics is due by June 6.