Elementary
States’s 4-H Exchange
Event Information
Have you ever wanted to experience different cultures but do not have upcoming plans to travel to a different country? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to host a Japanese youth (ages 12-17) this summer!
This is a great opportunity to assist these students in experiencing American culture while also experiencing Japanese culture yourself. Please see the information below and the attachments to learn more!
What does it take to be a host family?
To be a host family, you must have a child in your home between the ages of 11-17. If chosen to be a host family, you will be placed with a Japanese youth within 3+ years of age of your child. Placing youth in a safe and caring environment is an essential part of the program. To ensure this, all adults in the home must undergo a background screening, a short virtual child abuse awareness training, and a home visit before being selected to be a host family.
What does the process look like?
Tentative Program Timeline
April 15 – Host Family Applications Due
Application Submission – June 1 – Home Visits for Applicant Families
June 1 – All Screening Paperwork Due in our CyCheck Portal
June 1 – Youth Assigned to Families
July 21 – Youth Arrive in Iowa
July 22 – Youth Pickup in Ames
TBD – Midpoint Meet Up (Optional)
August 15 – Families Drop off Youth in DSM
August 16 – Youth Depart for Back Home
How could my family benefit from being a host family?
How might your family grow with States’ 4-H? Learn what other host families have to share from their challenges, advice, growth, learning, communication, and development! Some quotes we particularly loved from the video “Live generously” (as seen on one of the host brother’s shirts). “We’re better having Yui.” “If you are thinking about hosting, you just need to do it.”
What does being a host family look like?
Hosting is a rewarding experience, but a lot of questions can come up when considering hosting! We will have an orientation session for all host families in 2024, but before applying, please check our Host Family FAQ sheet to help answer some common questions we often get!
host_family_faqs_2023.pdf (iastate.edu)
Where can I find more information about hosting?
Information on our International Exchange programs can be found at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/iowa-4-h-international-programs
You can access the host family application link here: https://www.states4hexchange.org/apply/host/
We hope you consider hosting a delegate for our Summer 2024 Program, and please reach out with any questions you may have!
Read MoreTheater Workshop: Seussical KIDS
Event Information
This week will provide a fast-paced, fun education in musical theater (singing, dancing, and acting) while we work to stage this 30-minute musical. There are TWO sessions of this camp:
Session 1: July 22-26(9a-5p), Performance at Ames Public Library July 27 at 2pm.
Session 2: July 19-Aug 2(9a-5p), Performance at Ames Public Library August 3 at 2pm.
Entering grades 5-8
9am – 5pm Mon-Fri at Story Theater Company
11am – 3pm Saturday at Ames Public Library
Registration Fee: $285
Environmental Exploration
Event Information
Youth in 4th-8th grade will embark on an eco-adventure to discover the wonders of wind, seeds, and worms through hands-on and STEAM activities. Fee: $25 per participant; $15 per 4-H member; $15 per additional sibling.
Read MoreOn Their Own & OK: A Kids Guide To Staying Home Alone
Event Information
On Their Own & OK: builds skills in youth 4th-6th grade, and incorporates ways for adults in the home to support this step towards independence. Youth can develop their self-care skills to make good decisions while staying home alone. With adequate educations from parents/caregivers, teachers, and community partners, young people can develop confidence in the skills they need for staying home alone safely. On Their Own and OK reinforces how to act in an emergency, helps young people handle boredom without technology, age-appropriate chores, and includes plans for a family celebration to continue to strengthen family relationships.
Read MoreGilbert Youth Volleyball Camp
Event Information
The Gilbert Volleyball Camp is intended to introduce youth players to the sport of volleyball. Campers will be divided into grade levels to go over the basic fundamentals such as passing, serving, setting, and hitting. Small group instruction will be provided by the Gilbert High School coaching staff and players at all age levels. Girls will have skill training through drills and game play. Campers will receive a t-shirt when pre-registered. Registrations after the deadline are not guaranteed a t-shirt.
Read More2024 Tri-County 4-H Camp
Event Information
Three fun-filled days of Hawaiian theme-based activities plus outdoor activities including swimming, climbing wall, canoeing, archery, zipline, outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, teambuilding, creek walk, campfire, celebration, and plenty of good food! Family members are invited to the Friday evening BBQ, closing ceremony, and campfire with S’mores.
Read MoreGilbert Youth Volleyball Camp
Event Information
The Gilbert Volleyball Camp is intended to introduce youth players to the sport of volleyball. Campers will be divided into grade levels to go over the basic fundamentals such as passing, serving, setting, and hitting. Small group instruction will be provided by the Gilbert High School coaching staff and players at all age levels. Girls will have skill training through drills and game play. Campers will receive a t-shirt when pre-registered. Registrations after the deadline are not guaranteed a t-shirt.
Read MoreUpward Flag Football and Cheerleading
Join 4-H
Event Information
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenships and life skills offered trough a variety of settings: Clubs, schools, day camps, overnight camps, afterschool, and other learning environments. 4-H gives kids and teens opportunities to experience life skills and practice them in a safe environment with caring adults.
Read More4-H Clover Kids
Event Information
Clover Kids is a fun 4-H program specifically designed for children in kindergarten through third grade. The overall purpose of the Iowa 4-H Clover Kids program is to foster the development of life skills that are essential for the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical maturation of kindergarten through third graders by providing a unique, age-appropriate educational opportunity.
In order to provide a high quality learning experience, the Clover Kids program is designed to be continuous and long-term. For this reason, Clover Kids groups meet on a regular basis. In addition to Clover Kids, the Iowa 4-H program offers a variety of experiences and activities that children in kindergarten through third grade are eligible to participate in.
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