OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Omaha Home for Boys 4-H club is taking troubled teens out of their comfort zones and giving them chances to raise farm animals.
The Omaha World-Herald reports that the program at the Cooper Memorial Farm aims to give the boys confidence and a strong work ethic. Most of the boys involved in the program are there on a court order. The behavior-based curriculum includes education, mentoring and therapy.
The boys first learn the basics of managing a barn before they learn how to show a calf in a ring. Judges evaluate their showmanship, test their knowledge of cattle and assess the animals.
Mike Pallas runs the 4-H club. He says the hard work is worth it when he's able to make a connection with a teen and help change the trajectory of their life.
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