Altoona, Iowa – In early May, 33 4-H'ers from Polk, Dallas, and Madison Counties joined eight adult chaperones for a weekend of fun at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Youth had the opportunity to learn more about zoo animals and their habitats while the zoo was closed to the public. Participants then had the opportunity to sleep in the aquarium with sharks, fish, penguins, puffins, and more! 

“Trips like our visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo allow 4-H’ers a unique learning experience,” said Marci Vinsand, Polk County 4-H county youth coordinator. “Of course, 4-H’ers from across central Iowa were able check out zoo exhibits, but they were also able to build relationships with one another outside of their regular club. Developing social and networking skills are just one of the many lessons 4-H instills among youth that they can carry throughout the rest of their lives.”

Special thanks to the adult volunteers, zoo staff, and our bus driver for making this such a fun trip!

Last year, Polk County 4-H impacted over 1,500 area youth through clubs, programs, and partnerships. Polk County 4-H is committed to bringing research-based 4-H programming and experiences to all areas of the county to create positive, safe, and meaningful learning environments. For more information on other 4-H programs or opportunities, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/programs-youth and to learn more about Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Polk County visit www.extension.iastate.edu/polk or call the ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County office at (515) 957-5760. 

About Polk County 4-H
Polk County 4-H is part of America’s largest youth development organization where collectively we empower nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. At Polk County 4-H we offer youth research-based experiences that include a mentor, a hands-on project, and meaningful leadership opportunities. Our programs encourage youth to build leadership, citizenship, communication, and life skills while giving them a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.

In 2022, Polk County 4-H served nearly 1,500 youth through:
•    4-H and Clover Kids Clubs
•    Afterschool programs
•    Summer camps
•    Leadership conferences and retreats