By Scout Nelson
Sara Clemens has recently assumed the role of outdoor education and shooting sports specialist at North Dakota State University Extension’s Center for 4-H Youth Development. With a rich background in agricultural and natural resource education, Clemens brings a wealth of experience to her new position.
Since 2016, she has been instrumental as an agriculture and natural resources agent in Bottineau County.
Clemens is enthusiastic about her new role, particularly about enhancing her expertise in areas such as air rifle and introducing new shooting disciplines. “I'm excited about the opportunity to deepen my knowledge, especially in areas like air rifle,”
Clemens shares. Her vision includes broadening the scope of programs to include shotgun, air rifle, air pistol, and potentially new areas for 4-H participants to discover.
Her commitment extends beyond shooting sports. Clemens is also focused on enriching youth engagement in other aspects of outdoor education, including entomology, mineralogy, and essential outdoor skills. Since her start in early November, she has been pleased with the influx of passionate volunteers and newcomers eager to serve as 4-H shooting sports instructors.
Clemens' lifelong dedication to 4-H, spanning nearly 30 years as a member, volunteer, and parent, fuels her drive in her professional endeavors. Her deep roots in the program, despite being away from her native South Dakota, affirm her continued commitment to 4-H as her true community.
In addition to her primary role, Clemens is involved with the Central North Dakota Rabbit Breeders as a youth director, where she coordinates youth activities and mentors young rabbit show exhibitors. Her academic journey includes a Bachelor of Education in agricultural education from NDSU in 2011 and a master’s degree in 2021, alongside a Bachelor of Science in animal science from South Dakota State University in 2009, where she also co-founded the SDSU equestrian team.
Photo Credit:north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Education