Nelson County Hosts Youth Project Day

By Scout Nelson

Nelson County is preparing for its annual Youth Project Day, a community event designed to spark creativity and support hands-on learning for young people. The event takes place on December 30 at Dakota Prairie High School in Petersburg and is open to youth from any county. Children do not need to be part of 4-H to participate, making the day accessible to all families interested in learning experiences.

The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers three project sessions. Each session includes a wide range of workshops that allow youth to explore new skills. Activities include woodworking, barn quilt canvas painting, drone demonstrations, and simple science experiments. These sessions help young people try new interests in a safe and supportive environment.

Younger children ages 5 to 7 have their own activity groups with age-appropriate projects. They can make snow globes, magnets, and sun catchers—activities that encourage creativity while keeping tasks simple and fun. These early learning experiences help build confidence and excitement for future projects.

According to organizers, the goal of Youth Project Day is to give children skills they can use again at school, at home, or in future programs. Event leaders explain that one day of hands-on learning often inspires youth to continue exploring these skills throughout the year.

Parents and volunteers are welcome to attend the event. Registration costs $20 for each youth participant and includes all project sessions and lunch. Parents may purchase lunch in advance for $5. Registration is open online, making it easy for families to sign up early.

This event is supported by several community sponsors, including local businesses, banks, insurance agencies, and agricultural organizations. Their support helps keep the event affordable and accessible for all families.

Youth Project Day continues to bring communities together by encouraging learning, creativity, and personal growth in a welcoming setting. For more information or to request accommodations, contact Gwyneth Wieler at gwyneth.wieler@ndsu.edu or Traci Trostad at 701-247-252 or traci.trostad@ndsu.edu.

Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels%201