Jefferson County 4-H is offering two short-term clubs this fall for students interested in science and cooking, with registration now open for sessions beginning later this month, according to ISU Extension’s Courtney Burkhalter.
The clubs are part of 4-H’s SPIN — Special Interest — Club program, which provides focused, short-term educational experiences designed to help youth discover new hobbies and develop practical skills through hands-on learning. Both clubs are open to students in fourth through 12th grade and will meet on Friday afternoons at the Jefferson County Extension Office, located at 2606 West Burlington Avenue in Fairfield, from October 30th through December 11th. Cost is $30 per club for all six weeks.
The STEM SPIN Club will give participants opportunities to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on experiments, engineering challenges, robotics, coding and other interactive projects. The club is designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking and innovation while making STEM concepts fun and accessible.
The Cooking SPIN Club is geared toward youth who enjoy being in the kitchen. Participants will learn basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety, meal preparation and nutrition concepts while working together to prepare a variety of recipes. The club emphasizes teamwork, creativity and healthy food choices, and participants will have the chance to taste and share the dishes they create together.
Previous 4-H membership is not required to participate in either club, making both a good entry point for youth who want to try something new. Participants may also have opportunities to complete project exhibits and learn more about broader involvement in Jefferson County 4-H.
Families interested in registering for either club are encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Extension Office at 641-472-4166 or jefferson4h@iastate.edu.
