In this edition

• University and 4-H alum works to improve school-based agriculture education in Ghana
• Look back at the 2021 Nevada State 4-H Expo
• Nevada celebrated National 4-H Week in October
• Carson City resident Karen Hinton inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame

About  our College

A founding college of the University, we have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and engagement programs that benefit the health and economic vitality of Nevada. We offer programs in:

• agriculture, horticulture, rangeland & veterinary sciences
• biochemistry & molecular biology
• children, youth & families
• community & economic development
• health & nutrition
• natural resources & environmental science

University and 4-H alum works to improve school-based agriculture education in Ghana

Connor Billman teaching youth and helping rural Ghana communities grow food through prestigious International Agricultural Education Fellowship

By Ashley Andrews

University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada 4-H alum Connor Billman teaches youth in Ghana as part of the International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program. Photo courtesy of the Fellowship Program.

A recent University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada 4-H alum is not wasting time putting his agricultural science education to good use. A 2020 graduate from the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, Connor Billman is serving for a year as a 4-H leader, agriculture teacher, teacher trainer and Extension agent in Ghana.

The work is part of the International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program of the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture. Only nine applicants internationally were chosen to receive the prestigious fellowship in this inaugural year.

Billman’s work, funded in part by University of Nevada, Reno Extension's  4-H Youth Development Program in Douglas County, is part of an effort to empower youth by developing in them leadership and entrepreneurship skills through 4-H, as well as to help the country's farmers.

"The basis of the program is to elevate small-holder farmers out of poverty and hunger through agricultural science," Billman said. "The way that this is approached is through hands-on learning."

Billman oversees a school garden, where he teaches community members hands-on skills in agriculture, leadership, entrepreneurship and more.

He recently co-led the fellowship program's first teacher training, providing over 30 educators with two days of workshops on topics such as positive youth development, classroom management, school-based agricultural education and lesson planning. He works with chiefs and community leaders, school staff and headmasters, and his students and 4-H clubs.

"I believe that as humans we are a bit like air – we fill the space of the container given to us," he said. "In 4-H and as a teacher, my motivation is to give students the opportunity to step into larger containers and develop skills that empower them to be successful."

Billman credits his experiences in 4-H, in which he raised and showed pigs and sheep, and his time at the University, for his desire and ability to positively impact Ghanaian youth and agriculture. Research by Tufts University shows that 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, and two times as likely to plan to go to college and pursue STEM opportunities outside of school.

"The College of Ag and 4-H gave me opportunities, relationships and mentorship that helped me to realize that I am capable and worthy, which propels me forward in life," he said. "In 4-H, I was offered opportunities at a young age to challenge myself and fail."

Billman grew up in Nevada's oldest town, Genoa, on his family’s cow-calf operation, Ranch One, which is Nevada's oldest ranch. From a young age, he was active in agriculture, from working on the ranch to participating in the Divine Swine and Carson Valley Shepherds 4-H Clubs in Douglas County. He writes to his old 4-H clubs from Ghana and plans to present to them about his experience there when he gets back.

At the University, Billman said he found his passions – agriculture, education, adventure and service – and those passions inspired him to teach abroad. As a student, he helped with the University’s NevadaFit Program that helps prepare incoming freshmen, worked as an irrigation technician, served as the College’s senator and helped to start a new student club, a Collegiate Chapter of Nevada Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers Program, of which he served as vice president and president. He also worked as a research assistant on a grazing study in Nevada's Ruby Mountains near Elko. He studied abroad in Brazil, was a member of the University’s Climbing Club, worked various other agriculture-related jobs, and volunteered hundreds of hours restoring access roads in the wilderness and delivering meals to the elderly in Reno. 

After graduation, the Fulbright Scholar’s original plans to teach in the Czech Republic and in Senegal were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Even though my original plans had altered greatly," Billman said, "it didn't dull my spirit. I still felt a calling toward agricultural education and living abroad, which led to my selection as a fellow for the International Agriculture Education Fellowship Program. Through this program, I am able to combine my passions all in one place."

Billman spent five weeks this summer undergoing various trainings in the U.S. to prepare him for his work in Ghana, and he has continued to receive in-country training, including cross-cultural and agricultural trainings, and site visits. Besides touring local landmarks, Billman learned about the slave trade history of Ghana and the country's independence. He received Twi language and Ghanaian agriculture Extension training, and he visited a fruit farm where he learned about Ghana's tropical fruit commodities, and how to harvest popo, or papaya.

 To learn more about 4-H, Extension’s research-based youth development program, visit the program's website.

Explore the Faces of the Pack story  

Youth enjoy 2021 Nevada State 4-H Expo

Annual Expo for youth showcases knowledge and skills

Many Nevada 4-H youth were happy to once again have the opportunity to participate in person this year at the 2021 Nevada State 4-H Expo held at  the Winnemucca Events Complex. Every year, the Nevada State 4-H Expo event aims to showcase the hard work 4-H members have put into their projects with a lighthearted competition, thus promoting and providing the incentive for achieving excellence in sportsmanship, leadership and responsibility.

This year, about 100 youth attended and competed in activities such as shooting sports; livestock breeding for beef, sheep, swine, and goats; demonstrations and static exhibits; fashion review; poultry and dog shows; teen leadership workshops; the National STEM Challenge; and a Quiz Bowl.

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Nevada joins others across the country to celebrate
National 4-H Week

Extension working to reach youth with educational and civic programs, seeking additional volunteers

By Claudene Wharton

Besides STEM and other learning activities, 4-H incorporates physical activities into many of their camps and programs to encourage healthy living and teach teamwork. Photo by Robert D. Moore.

University of Nevada, Reno Extension and its 4-H Youth Development Program joined the rest of the nation to celebrate National 4-H Week, Oct. 3-9. Every year, National 4-H Week sees millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni come together to celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H youth, and the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4-H. In Nevada, 4-H provides programs statewide that aim to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills in youth through experiential learning.

“We’re reaching about 65,000 youth with our 4-H programs here in Nevada each year,” said Carrie Stark, Nevada 4-H director with University of Nevada, Reno Extension. “Doing so benefits not only the youth participants, but also our society as a whole, by helping to develop more true leaders prepared and engaged to take on critical challenges facing families, communities and businesses today.”

Just one of many 4-H alumni now in leadership positions includes the University’s current president and former Nevada governor, Brian Sandoval, who participated in 4-H in Nevada as a youth. For one 4-H project, he raised lambs. Not only did that experience teach him a lot, he then sold and used the money for something very special – his first car.

“The 4-H Program taught me responsibility, leadership and gave me lifelong skills,” he said. “In fact, it was my participation in 4-H that led me to buy my very first car – a Volkswagen bug. My brother and I spent every morning feeding and tending to our lambs.”

In fact, research by Tufts University shows that 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, and two times as likely to plan to go to college and pursue STEM opportunities outside of school. They also report better grades, higher levels of academic competence, and an elevated level of engagement at school.

A call for more 4-H volunteers

But, in order to reach more youth in Nevada with 4-H programs, Stark says more volunteers are needed.

“Volunteers are at the core of our programs,” she said. “We have over 4,000 trained volunteers who are tremendously dedicated to educating and mentoring these youth. But, in order to expand programs, we need more volunteers.”

Stark says that serving as a club leader or helping with 4-H programs in other ways can be a very rewarding experience. One volunteer, Joni Test, who was the recipient Nevada’s 2020 4-H Volunteer Leader of the Year Award, shared her thoughts on her experience as a 4-H volunteer in Washoe County.

“It has really been my privilege to work with such wonderful families and their youth,” she said. “Being a 4-H leader has given me the opportunity to help youth grow and develop, and it’s amazing to see it happen. Our motto is to make the best better, and I believe 4-H has been able to foster that and make a positive impact.”

Celebrating the positive impacts of 4-H during National 4-H Week

Stark says that Nevada 4-H youth, their families and volunteers are joining others in the nation to help celebrate National 4-H Week in a variety of ways, including by participating in the annual 4-H STEM Challenge, formerly known as National Youth Science Day. Nevada 4-H is conducting the challenge throughout October at select program sites.

This year’s challenge, “Galactic Quest,” was designed by Clemson University and focuses on the mysteries and adventures of space exploration. It explores the history of humans in space, the technology and resources needed for missions, and the obstacles humans encounter in orbit. Activities explore important STEM topics ranging from physics and engineering to computer science and space agriculture.

Youth, ages 8 to 14, learn foundational STEM skills while they wrestle with the same questions as today’s top aerospace scientists and engineers. Activities can be done all at once or individually, and include:

• Astro Adventure – This unplugged board game promotes teamwork, as kids gather the resources needed to live and work in deep space.
• Stellar Optics – In this offline activity, kids build a telescope and learn about physics and light, and how telescopes have been used to explore space.
• Cosmic Claw – Kids work hands-on to engineer a mechanical arm that works to harvest crops in space.
• Cyber Satellite – In this computer science activity, kids learn about cyber security and decoding to stay safe from obstacles in orbit.

Stark said that during all 4-H Week activities, as well as all other 4-H activities, Nevada 4-H in each county is following local and state COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. For more information on 4-H Week activities and other 4-H programs offered in Nevada communities, visit the program's website.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization. empowering nearly 6 million young people through more than 100 land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension in more than 3,000 local offices. Outside the U.S., independent, country-led 4-H organizations empower 1 million young people in more than 50 countries. National 4-H Council is the private sector, nonprofit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more about 4-H, find us on Facebook and on Twitter.

 

Carson City resident Karen Hinton inducted into the
National 4-H Hall of Fame

Dean and director emeritus of University of Nevada, Reno Extension honored for her 4-H leadership

By Claudene Wharton

Carson City resident and University of Nevada, Reno Extension Dean and Director Emeritus Karen Hinton was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. last week.

Karen Hinton, dean and director emeritus of University of Nevada, Reno Extension, and current Carson City resident, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame this week, for her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization that develops citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills in youth through experiential learning.

Nominated by the University of Nevada, Reno and the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program, Hinton was one of 20 people inducted to the National 4-H Hall of Fame during the ceremony held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 12. The honorees were chosen from a slew of nominations from across the country for their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels.

“It is a distinct honor to be chosen as a part of the 4-H Hall of Fame Class of 2021 and to see how individual laureates have significantly impacted youth across the country,” Hinton said. “Through their dedication and tireless effort, countless youth from diverse backgrounds, both rural and urban, have learned skills through 4-H that prepare them to navigate life and become productive citizens.”

At the ceremony, Hinton was presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and memory book. Sarah Chvilicek, who worked with Hinton and is the current 4-H Program coordinator for the northern and rural parts of the state, and current Nevada 4-H Director Carrie Stark were there to see her receive her honors.

“It was so great to see Karen receive this well-deserved honor,” Stark said. “She truly used her career in 4-H and Extension to try to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Her legacy is known far beyond Nevada’s borders. She is respected by Extension and 4-H leaders across the country for her innovation, hard work and passion for serving our country’s youth.”

Karen Hinton

As a youth, Hinton was a 4-H member in Happy, Texas, where she lived on a 1,280-acre farm. She began her Extension career in 1981, and spent the next 31 years working for University of Nevada, Reno Extension, first as an Extension home economist in Douglas County, and then as an Extension educator in Carson City. She soon moved up the ranks to the position of western area director, overseeing all Extension programs and operations for Washoe, Douglas and Storey Counties, and Carson City. In 1998, she became the dean and director of Extension, overseeing all Extension operations, statewide. She retired in 2012, after serving as the University’s longest-serving female dean.

“Karen's leadership spurred many programs that made a real difference to youth, volunteers and Nevada's citizens,” Chvilicek said. “Almost all the 4-H events and opportunities for youth in our state have been impacted by Karen's leadership.”

Hinton helped create Nevada 4-H Capital Days in the 1990s, which still exists today and includes the opportunity for youth to meet state elected officials during the legislative session. Civic engagement was essential to Hinton, who always encouraged staff and 4-H youth to interact with local-level decision-makers and place 4-H in front. By providing youth opportunities to speak to local decision-makers, they gained confidence that they could make a difference at the local level. On the national level, Karen served as the co-chair of the National 4-H Task Force formed from the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy to increase the visibility of 4-H with federal legislators.  

Hinton drilled into her staff to assess needs at the local level and collaborate with others to address those needs. She encouraged 4-H faculty and staff to work with community agencies and organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club and Hispanic Services' teen leadership programs to reach underserved youth. In Carson City, when teachers indicated elementary students needed to learn where their food came from, Hinton encouraged the 4-H staff to work with Nevada Farm Bureau, agriculture producers and the school district to offer students a field trip to see live animals and hands-on exhibits and demonstrations regarding agriculture and food production. The event was dubbed Capital City Farm Days, and is ongoing today. 

Although Hinton never lost touch with Extension’s roots in agriculture and rural life, she was also one of the first to embrace new technologies to help fulfill the missions of Extension and 4-H, co-founding and serving as the board chair for “eXtension,” a national website/database where citizens from across the country can get answers to their questions from Extension experts. Hinton brought that same type of innovation to Nevada, where she secured funding to install interactive video conference equipment in each Extension office, allowing 4-H staff, youth and volunteers to interact with one another more often, and participate in or plan events with little or no travel costs. The technology was also made available to other groups and organizations throughout the state, to allow them to conduct business without incurring travel time and costs.

Throughout her career, Hinton believed that volunteers were the heart of the 4-H Program.

“Karen envisioned the role of caring adults who worked with young people as very important and did not consider them ‘just a volunteer,’" Chvilicek said. “She valued our volunteers, and also held them to the same high standards and professionalism as she did our staff, even making sure we developed official job descriptions for our volunteers.”

Perhaps one of Hinton’s greatest passions was for 4-H camp, and in particular, the Nevada State 4-H Camp, located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, in South Lake Tahoe. During her time as dean, she led and oversaw many improvements to the camp’s buildings and grounds, including being on the cutting edge of energy-efficient construction, getting a green-energy-efficient cabin constructed at the camp during her tenure. She greatly valued outdoor educational experience for youth. She structured the camp program with hands-on educational workshops, evening campfire entertainment highlighting local history, cooperative games to foster a sense of belonging, and training for adult chaperones and teen counselors. She also designed an undergraduate- and graduate-level course for adults to receive college credit for volunteering as chaperones at 4-H camp.

Hinton was an active member of, and at times served in leadership roles for, many national and regional associations during her career, including NAE4-HYDP, National Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, National Association County Agricultural Agents, Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, Western Extension Directors Association. In retirement, Hinton continues to be an avid supporter of 4-H and Extension. She currently serves on the fund development committee for the Nevada State 4-H Camp.

About the National 4-H Hall of Fame

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the Centennial Project of National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in partnership with National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters at USDA. Honorees are nominated by their home states; National 4-H Council; the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals; or the Division of Youth and 4-H at the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. based upon their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels. Jeannette Rea Keywood serves as the National 4-H Hall of Fame committee chair.

Published by: Alfaro, H., Malloy, M., Wharton, C., 2021, 4-H 4 Nevada Vol 21, Iss 3, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter

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