Mailing Address: PO Box 148 - Thedford, NE 69166

Email: mandersen16@unl.edu or s.albertus@unl.edu

Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/centralsandhills/
Location: 503 Main Street, Thedford, NE, USA
Phone: (308)645-2267
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralsandhillsarea/

In this edition:

• Enrollment
• Achievement Applications
• 4-H Activity of the Month
• Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium
• Workshops

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Nebraska Extension in the Central Sandhills

Don't forget to visit our Extension website at:

Nebraska Extension in the Sandhills

PLEASE SHARE WITH US YOUR NEWS so it can be included in our newsletters! Forward any 4-H news, events, or activities to Marcy at mandersen16@unl.edu

The opening date for statewide 4-H enrollment was October 16th.

Starting in the 2023-2024 program year, project selection is now optional. 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. While project selection is optional, it is encouraged for youth to select projects they are interested in exploring.

Please note:

o Youth are only eligible to exhibit in a project area or contest in a single county.

o Horse and shooting sports projects will continue to require project enrollment due to the parental consent required to participate in these projects.

All leaders and volunteers also need to be enrolled on 4honline. There is no fee for adults to enroll. All volunteers in our 4 counties will need to be screened through the DHHS. Call the office if you need more information.

Just a reminder that the Central Sandhills Area Extension Office will be closed on Friday November 10th for observation of Veteran's Day, and on November 23rd and 24th for Thanksgiving. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

What’s for dinner? The answer to that question has changed over the years. In this activity, you will interview someone who grew up at least 30 years ago to get a sense of how advertising, costs, accessibility, and trends have affected their food choices at different points in their life. What did older adults eat, plant, and cook when they were growing up decades ago, and what changes have they noticed? Let’s find out.

The Nebraska Association of Fair Managers will award a $500 scholarship to one qualifying 4-H male and a $500 scholarship to one qualifying 4-H female who are graduating seniors in the State of Nebraska and who plan to continue with post high school education. The scholarship will be awarded at the annual NAFM convention in January.

The selection of the scholarship recipients will be made by the NAFM Scholarship Committee whose members will consider the following:

1. Each applicant must have exhibited his/her 4-H projects in a County Fair or at the State Fair within the last four years.
2. Each applicant must hold a 2.5 high school grade point average (based on a 4.0 system). Each applicant must also maintain a 2.5 grade point average for the first semester in college and carry at least 12 credit hours.
3. Each applicant must agree to apply the scholarship funds for tuition or fees at a two or four year college or its equivalent, to be judged by the committee.
4. Each applicant must have demonstrated support for his/her school and community.
5. Each applicant must exhibit during the application process a desire to achieve the goals of which he/she is capable.
6. Financial need will not be considered in the selection process.
7. One male and/or female finalist will be selected by the 4-H award committee in each local Extension Office.
8. Recipients are requested to personally accept the award at the Nebraska Fair Managers Convention.

Scholarship Application

• Nebraska 4-H has launched a new volunteer orientation. This online training serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska and covers a few essential topics for volunteers. While the orientation is required for new volunteers and those going through the re-screening process, any interested individuals, including current and prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the course. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation.

• Looking for fun lessons to engage and inspire young people in your club or classroom? This year’s 4-H STEM Challenge, Power Protectors, includes 3 activities that teach kids ages 8-14 how to address real-world issues and explore careers in energy. Learn more at 4-H.org/programs/stem-challenge.

• It’s awards and recognition season! In 4-H, we recognize and award individuals and groups for outstanding achievements and contributions to their community, club, and their own personal development. 4-H recognition and awards are available throughout all levels and programs! Explore the statewide opportunities at 4h.unl.edu/awards-recognition.