4-H Friday NewsBlast

We are so excited that you are interested in becoming a part of the Nebraska 4-H Youth Leadership Experience Ambassador Team.
As a part of this group, we hope you can be a voice on the youth perspective, develop & practice leadership skills that you can take back to your communities, and collaborate with Extension Staff and 4-Hers across the state to plan & implement a 4-H Youth Leadership Experiences!

The deadline for applications for the Ambassador team is Friday, January 5, 2024!
If selected our first meeting will be Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 4-6pm CT (via Zoom). From there we'll meet monthly to create an amazing experience for you and other high schoolers across the state!

The 4-H Youth Leadership Experiences will be a combination of working with state level 4-H events and contributing with your own leadership ideas across the state.

The application for Ambassadors can be found HERE!! https://go.unl.edu/2024yleamb

If you have questions or would like to know more please contact Julie Schultz (jschultz28@unl.edu) or Stacey Keys (stacey.keys@unl.edu)!

The 2024 Special Garden Project is Princess of India Nasturtium. Register for your seed packet in 4HOnline using the events tab.You must be enrolled in the 2024 4-H year to register for a seed packet. One packet per family please! Email Tammy @tcavanaugh2@unl.edu with questions.

Students can apply at www.MidwestDairy.com, in the For Young Dairy Leaders tab/section, under Ambassador Program then select Nebraska. More details can be found on the webpage plus the online application (APPLY NOW) is at the bottom of the program page. Online applications are due DECEMBER 15, 2023. Selected ambassadors will be notified by JANUARY 10, 2024.

If you have questions, please contact Dawn Eckel, Nebraska Dairy Ambassador Coordinator, at dklabenes16@gmail.com or Tracy J. Behnken, Farmer Relations and Communications Manager, at tbehnken@midwestdairy.com or 531-207-4291.

Fair awards are not in yet, they will be in within the next week or two. An email will be sent when they arrive. Thank you!

Scan the code or order here: https://forms.gle/o8WxuKQb4Fv8N4P79 LAST CALL!!!! REGISTRATION CLOSES DECEMBER 10TH!

Would your Clover Kid be interested in a Clover Kids program for Feb, March, April, and May? Complete this super quick form and let us know your thoughts! https://forms.gle/2j7AK366dwZcQUC76

Please contact Mirissa @mscholting2@unl.edu with questions.

Nebraska 4-H policy requires all 4-H clubs to submit a Year End 4-H Club Treasurer’s Report to account for the dollars raised and spent in the name of 4-H. This year, we have added a second page to the document for an Annual Club Inventory Report. Inventory items may include, but are not limited to, physical items such as computers, robots, shooting sports equipment, etc. These reports are due to the county extension office on or before January 31st. Here is a link to the new reports: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cass/4-h-resources/

Email Tammy @tcavanaugh2@unl.edu with any questions.

YOU MUST RE-ENROLL EVERY YEAR!

By successfully completing the 4-H member enrollment by the June 15th deadline, youth will be eligible to participate and exhibit in any project area, contest, county and state fairs.

Here is the link: https://v2.4honline.com/

Email Tammy @tcavanaugh2@unl.edu with questions

PLEASE UPDATE MAILING AND EMAIL ADDRESS WHEN YOU ENROLL!

The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Orientation serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska. As part of the screening process, the orientation covers a variety of foundational and essential topics. Any interested individuals including current or prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the orientation. However, all new volunteers serving in direct roles, such as club leader, project leader, or workshop presenter, are required to complete the orientation. Volunteers are also required to complete the orientation as part of the re-screening process. Here is the link: Volunteer Orientation | Nebraska 4-H (unl.edu) Please email Tammy @tcavanaugh2@unl.edu with questions.

Community service is an important part of the 4-H experience. Not only do communities benefit from these projects, but young people do, as well! Youth learn valuable life skills like citizenship, leadership, and respect for others. They are also more likely to do well in school, graduate, and vote.

So, it’s easy to see why we want to celebrate all the 4-H community service projects! Share your project with us at 4h.unl.edu/community-service-showcase.

Nominate the driving forces behind our community's betterment! Who's your local hero, exemplifying kindness, volunteer spirit, or exceptional leadership? Share their story! By recognizing our Community Heroes, we'll make a $1000 donation to their chosen non-profit thanks in part to Medica Health Plans. Join us in spreading gratitude and positivity.
https://northeast.newschannelnebraska.com/community-hero

Let us know if your Cass County 4-Her's is doing great things! Just email Tammy @tcavanaugh2@unl.edu the details and of course pictures! We will put "shout outs" in the NewsBlast and possibly on our social media.

4-H Calendar

1. December 11, 2023 - Shooting Sports Advisory Committee Meeting -5:30 @ Cass County Extension Office *Open to the public.
2. December 22, 2023 - Extension Office Closing @ 12 noon
3. December 25-January 1, 2024 - Extension Office Closed

Lauren Neels, Extension Educator and Unit Leader, lauren.stohlmann@unl.edu

Carol Waters, Extension Educator, cwaters3@unl.edu

Mirissa Scholting, 4H Extension Assistant, mscholting2@unl.edu

Tammy Cavanaugh, 4-H Staff, tcavanaugh2@unl.edu

Sandy Prall, Office Manager, sprall2@unl.edu

Email: cass-county@unl.edu
Website: www.cass.unl.edu
Location: 8400 144th Street, Weeping Water, NE, 68463
Phone: 402-267-2205
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNLCassCounty/
Twitter: @UNLCassCounty