CENTRAL SANDHILLS AREA 4-H NEWS

Mailing Address: PO Box 148 - Thedford, NE 69166

Email: 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
• Activity of the Month
• Setting Spring Dates
• Grant Opportunity
• Jarvis Memorial Scholarship
• 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 s.albertus@unl.edu.

Hayden Hoffman and Megan Ferguson are the winners of the 4-H month goodie bags! Thank you for enrolling in 4-H early and we can't wait to see your projects this year! Contact the office to pick up your bag.

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.

In this activity, you will use computational thinking to design your own quilt square. You can choose the fabric or paper version of this project: or do both!

In this activity, you’ll apply the four basic components of computational thinking: pattern recognition, decomposition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking to design a quilt square, use coding processes to design a basic quilt square using paper or fabric, and redesign and iterate to change and improve your quilt square design.

Thomas County will hold their CEA contest April 15th. Grant county will hold theirs April 8th. Below are the entry forms and guidelines for the contest. Entry forms for Thomas county are due April 12th and Grant county are due April 5th.

The Jarvis Memorial Scholarship is open. Attached are the eligibility guidelines. Besides the forms, there is a map of Nebraska highlighted in yellow for an easier way to find the boundary of eligibility.

The intent of the scholarship is to assist women who live 3 or more hours drive from Lincoln but wish to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Applicant must reside in Love Memorial Cooperative Residence Hall on East Campus.

If you have questions email Gloria Turnbull at gloria.turnbull@windstream.net.

Application deadline: postmarked or email a PDF file no later than March 15, 2024.

There is a study available on evaluating the Nebraska Equine 4-H Advancement Level Program towards positive youth development. Youth are invited to take part in this research study through the completion of the Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level Survey. The goal of horse programs is to develop important life skills in the youth who participate. In order to determine if there is an association between Positive Youth Development scores and the Advancement Level program, we are asking that you allow your child to complete online survey.

Your child/legal ward will be asked to complete 1 survey using an internet-based Qualtrics survey. The survey will take 15-20 minutes to complete, and they may complete them from a home computer or on a computer at the Extension office. If you allow your youth to participate, please continue by clicking on the link below.

Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level Program

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

launchssp.qualtrics.com

State Horse Show

Ages of youth for the State Horse Show has changed so here is the update!

Elementary Division: 8-9 yrs old with Level 1 & 2 only

Elementary Division: 10-11 yrs old with Levels 1, 2, & 3

Junior Division: Ages 12-14 yrs old

Senior Division: Ages 15 & Up

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge for 4-H and FFA Members

We are delighted to announce the Corn Yield Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.

Key Features:

Team Participation: Teams comprising two or more youth participants will collaboratively embark on the challenge.

Innovative Practices: Youth will be tasked with implementing a production practice differing from the norm, with the goal of assessing its impact on increasing corn yield.

Data Collection: The Corn Challenge management summary will systematically gather crucial information, including yields, cropping history, and production details.

Recognition and Rewards: Outstanding achievements will be duly rewarded with cash prizes and plaques for the top three teams:

First Place: $1,000

Second Place: $500

Third Place: $250

Special Awards: In addition to the top rankings, commendable efforts will be acknowledged through the "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards, each carrying a value of $200.

This competition not only fosters a spirit of innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform for recognizing dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to embrace this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices.

For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.

More details at: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge

The time has come to provide an update for all Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors who received their training in 2018 or before. Over the years there have been numerous curriculum changes, updates, and additions, with some major curriculum adjustments in the last few years.

This Update Session is for adult or apprentice 4-H volunteer instructors who have previously attended a 4-H instructor training workshop in 2018 or prior years. This is an update for existing instructors, NOT a training for new instructors. You MUST be a currently enrolled Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports volunteer leader in your county to attend.

Four disciplines will be offered for the morning session including archery, rifle, pistol, and shotgun sessions. Registration is at 8:30am and the program starts at 9am. Lunch is provided at noon.

There is a minimum number of participants needed to offer this discipline session. Participants will learn under expert instruction from members of the Nebraska State 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team.

Registration fee must be paid by March 8th. Early bird registration by March 6th is $35 for the session. Late registration fee, after March 6th, is $60. Fee includes program materials and lunch for the Update session. It does not include lodging.

Please share this information with volunteers in your county. More Update Sessions will be scheduled for next year. For more workshop information and registration link, go to the 4-H Shooting Sports web page. Or contact your local Nebraska Extension Office or Steve Pritchard at (402)395-2158 or (308)536-2691. Registration is available only online at the link provided in the brochure or they can register directly by clicking HERE.

More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports

Volunteers will have the opportunity to become certified as an adult (21 years and older) or apprentice (14-20 years old) leader. Five project areas and ambassador training will be offered at the Ogallala Workshop – coordinator, rifle, pistol, shotgun, archery, and ambassador. Ambassador training will be held in conjunction with instructor’s workshop and up to eight teens will be accepted at the training session. Please help recruit qualified teen leaders, ages 14-18, who are excelling in their shooting sports projects.

There is a minimum number of participants needed to offer these disciplines at the workshop. Workshop participants will learn under expert instruction from members of the Nebraska State
4-H Shooting Sports Training Team.

The registration fee is $90 per person for initial certification or those individuals adding an additional discipline except for Apprentice Instructors and Ambassadors. The registration fee for Apprentice Instructors (14 to 20 years of age) and Ambassadors (14-18 years of age) is $80 for this workshop. The late registration fee is $160 for both levels. This fee includes meals, supplies and program materials. Participants must make their own lodging arrangements. Registration on Saturday runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

While participants might need to bring limited, if any, equipment to the in-person discipline training site, there are a series of four National 4-H Shooting Sports online modules which individuals MUST complete prior to the training to become eligible for certification. Information on the modules and how to enroll, 4-H Shooting Sports Online User Guide, can accessed by using the link found on the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports website under Calendar of 4-H Shooting Sports Events at https://4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports, under the “Ogallala Workshop” - this provides step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for and complete the entire series of modules before the workshop. Individuals who have already completed the Online modules are not required to complete them again.
As individuals follow each of the instructions in the Online User Guide, they will be asked to choose a payment method. Participants are responsible for the $20 (per person) registration fee. The entire series of modules will take approximately 3-4 hours, so please plan some time accordingly.
Please share this information with volunteers in your county. For more workshop information and registration link, go to the 4-H Shooting Sports web page. Or contact your local Nebraska Extension Office or Steve Pritchard at (402)395-2158 or (308)536-2691. Registration is available only online at the link provided in the brochure or they can register directly by clicking HERE.

More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports

Make a difference this summer! The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is now hiring Program Staff and Assistants for the 2024 Summer Camp season. Work with youth from across Nebraska helping to build community, teach new skills, and foster a love of the outdoors. Apply today at go.unl.edu/campjob

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting applications to attend one of the biggest ag youth outreach events in the state. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) brings together hundreds of high school juniors and seniors for a week to learn more about agriculture, Nebraska’s number one industry.

NAYI will be held July 8-12, 2024, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. Students selected to attend NAYI do so free of charge due to generous donations from numerous agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, 2024, to apply. Applications for NAYI are available at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. This year’s theme is “Leading Your Legacy.”

“From the beginning, NAYI has shared the importance of agriculture with thousands of Nebraska high school students,” said Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council Advisor Christin Kamm. “Students participating in NAYI continue the legacy of exceptional ag leaders in Nebraska by developing their leadership skills and by increasing their knowledge and passion for agriculture. If you know high school juniors or seniors interested in ag, encourage them to apply to NAYI before the April 15th deadline.”

NAYI is in its 53rd year, making it the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation. Over 250 students attended NAYI last year. NAYI features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation, and a dance. NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests, and involvement in agriculture.

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth.

Are you ready to take the next step towards a successful future? Join us for an immersive and empowering college and career ready experience through Big Red Camps 2024! Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, skill-building, and preparation for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. We believe that every young person has the potential to achieve greatness. Our comprehensive program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in postsecondary education and beyond. Whether you're exploring potential career paths, preparing for college admissions, or seeking guidance on how to navigate the professional world, our camp provides the tools and resources you need to succeed. Through this experiential learning opportunity, you will work alongside UNL faculty and staff as well as business and industry professionals. Incoming freshmen through seniors during the 2024-25 school year are welcome. Whether you're a first-time camper or a returning veteran, we guarantee an unforgettable experience filled with learning and fun! Don’t delay, reserve your spot today! For more information and to register, visit our website 4h.unl.edu/big-red-camps or contact us at BigRedCamps@unl.edu. We can't wait to see you at camp!

We are excited to announce the fourth year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program. This additional opportunity for enrolled livestock project youth, is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition by recognizing youth striving to improve in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.

The program

recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.

The program

consists of three levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Junior 8-10 submits pictures, poster, presentation, and other learning activities to receive the distinction of Junior Member of Excellence, no point value, Intermediates, ages 11-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence. The Plan and Reports, linked on the webpage, show examples of the project related accomplishments they can choose, or they can identify their own with approval of their local educator.

Applications/Sign

up are due June 15th through the application form link on the website. Plan and Reports, as well as Project Records will be due August 1 via the completion form on the website.

Youth

completing the achievement program and receiving member of excellence recognition in the various species will be recognized during the Parade of Champions, 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.

For more

information or to apply, go to: Livestock Achievement Program | Nebraska 4-H (unl.edu)

Ashley Benes ashley.benes@unl.edu

Brett Kreifels brett.kreifels@unl.edu

Cole Meador cmeador2@unl.edu

• 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.