Scotts Bluff County 4-H
April 2024 Newsletter
Hello 4-H Families! All 4-H families and volunteers will enroll in clubs and projects through
4HOnline at v2.4honline.com each year.
May 2024 Tagging/Weigh-in
Market Sheep, Goat, and Swine Tag-in
4-H & FFA Sheep/Swine/Goat weigh-in/tagging will take place at the fairgrounds in Mitchell on May 20 and May 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Swine
Swine will NOT be unloaded. Staff and volunteers will enter trailers to tag and disinfect equipment between trailers. Swine will be tagged on the south side of the Event Center. Families are welcome to tag their animals at home and then bring them to the tag-in for verification.
Tags are $1 each for county only or $3 for EID tags.
Sheep and Goats
Market Sheep and Market Goats (meat and dairy market) will be IDed and weighed at the Sheep and Goat Barn located north of the Pavilion. Sheep and goats should be led to the southeast corner of the barn. Scrapies tags are the form of identification for sheep and goats.
If you plan to show Swine, Goats or Sheep at State Fair, you must submit a DNA sample from your animal and use an EID tag for swine ($3) and scrapies tags for goats and sheep. Ask for a DNA kit at tag-in. Families must enter DNA data into the State Fair nominations website (https://showstockmgr.com/) and pay the fee per animal by June 15. If you have any questions, please contact us at 632-1480.
YQCA Training
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Training
No in-person YQCA training by 4-H this year, only on-line.
Please go to yqcaprogram.org.
Contact the Extension Office 308-632-1480 to receive coupon codes for 1/2 of the training fee from a donation from Farm Bureau.
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Training is required for all 4-H members showing RABBITS, POULTRY, BEEF, GOATS, SWINE OR SHEEP at County or State Fair.
Members must be Quality Assurance certified byJuly 1 to be eligible to compete at the County Fair.
2024 Premiere Animal Science Event (PASE)
PASE this year is being held Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21. Dorm check-in begins on Wednesday, June 19.
New Contest Opportunities
- Animal Welfare Judging Contest
- Thursday, June 20
- Companion Animal Challenge
- Friday, June 21
- Essay Contest, Demonstration, Cat Skillathon, Companion Animal Skillathon, Art, Photography
New Age Division: Junior (8-10)
With the inclusion of 8- and 9-year-old youth to participate at PASE, each contest will include a new option for a junior division. Please review each of the contests to understand the contest components for the junior division.
Registration Timeline
Registration will open on May 1 and will close on May 30 (Noon CT). Pre-Registration is required for all participants and will be completed by County Extension Offices.
Fees
- Contest Fee (Individual) $10
- Lodging (Daily) $25
- Meals (Daily) $5
Team Entries
Youth are only eligible to compete on a team in their primary county or in combination with an adjacent county. Multi-County teams are considered to be affiliated with those particular counties and will count against the maximum number of teams that may be entered by any given county. If a county does not have enough youth to complete a team, youth may enter to compete as individuals.
More information can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/pase.
Livestock Achievement Program Sign up
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)
2024 National Volunteer Week Lunch & Learn
Registration is now open for the 2024 National Volunteer Week Lunch and Learn series. The series is open to all current or prospective volunteers including parents of 4-H youth. The structure of the lunch and learn sessions is a 30-minute presentation and 30 minutes for questions and networking with other volunteers. Join us for great opportunities to build your capacity as a 4-H volunteer and learn new skills to support 4-H experiences locally. Visit https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-lunch-learn for more information and to register. Registration is free and open until the beginning of each session.
Special Project Announcement
Summer Mini Workshop
May 31 Workshop
We are having a 4-H workshop of May 31st from 7:45-noon on May 31. Choose two workshop from the first and second half and pre-register with the Extension Office at 308-632-1480. The mini workshop fee is $15 payable to the University of Nebraska-Liincoln on the day of.
Shooting Sports Information
2024 Scotts Bluff County Fair Shooting Sports
The Scotts Bluff County Fair Shooting Event is on Saturday, April 28, 2024 at the Fairgrounds.
2024 County Fair Small Bore Pistol Competion will be held May 6 at 6:00p.m.
at the Sure Shot Range.
Robotic Clubs Update
Scotts Bluff Robotics 4H Club
Well Done & Congratulations! FLL State Competition 2024.
Cookie Bytes Team: 2nd place Champions Award, 1st place Community Connections Award. 3rd place Robot Performance Award.
Gummy Republic Team: 3rd place Champions Award, 1st place Best Pit Design Award.
The Scotts Bluff County Communications (Speech & Presentation) Contest is being held May 13, 2024 at 5:30p.m. If participating, contact the office so we can make preparations 308-632-1480.
For assistance in constructing your presentation check out the resources at https://4h.unl.edu/premier-communication-event-contests.
Fort Rob Horse Camp
The 2024 Fort Robinson 4-H Horse Camp that will take place on June 6-8 at Fort Robinson State Park in Crawford, Nebraska.
New this year in addition to the scholarship application, youth can create a t-shirt design for the 2025 Fort Robinson Horse Camp. If their shirt design is selected, they will be reimbursed for their camp fee. Feel free to email t-shirt designs to mmracek2@unl.edu.
Summer Camp Opportunities
LOG N Camp – This fun leadership camp is designed for current 5th through 7th graders. Youth from around the Panhandle come together to learn more about themselves, leadership skills, and so much more. Applications can be found at go.unl.edu/logn24 and are due June 1st!
Next Level LOG N - Past LOG N youth wanted more camps so we made one!! Whether you have been a part of LOG N or not, you can still attend. Invite your friends to come as well! They just have to enroll in 4-H to attend this one!! Open to all current 8th and 9th grade youth. Applications can be found at go.unl.edu/nextlevel24 and are due on May 1st!!
Big Red Summer Camps
Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential, career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By participating in a camp youth get the opportunity to explore the Nebraska campus, meet people from across the country, spend time investigating an interest or potential career, and have a lot of fun! During the week-long camps, participants will work with our university faculty to explore the topic of their particular camp, like filmmaking or crop science. After spending several fun-filled days on campus, participants' families are invited to attend a special capstone event where youth showcase their achievements.
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!
Calibraska Arts initiative
Calibraska Arts Initiative registration is open for summer 2024 in-person and virtual art
programs for youth ages 5 years old and up. True to the ‘Cali-braska’ name, this initiative brings specialized arts offerings from the California industries to Nebraska communities where access is limited to technology, cultural or arts institutions, professional mentorship and resources to the creative industries. The fun begins June 3 - July 26, 2024!
For more information on the classes, registration, or to donate, visit http://www.calibraska.org or contact Calibraska at info@calibraska.org or call (ne) 308.631.5704, (ca) 661.670.8663.
Register today for the Nebraska State 4-H Camp!
The summer 2024 theme is The Power of Being 🍀 Green. Youth will get to explore and interact with their natural world in five different sessions, exploring how they can use their head, heart, hands, and health to make our natural world a better place for all.
Dates, session summaries, and registration information can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/camps-register. Youth do not have to be a member of 4-H to attend one of the many camps held May-June.
A limited number of scholarships are available, and we encourage families to apply. The application can be completed at go.unl.edu/campscholarship.
Food Science Camps
If you are a high school or middle school student eager to explore the fascinating world of food science you will not want to miss attending our camps this summer! Most are hosted at the Food Innovation Center, 1901 N. 21st St., Lincoln, NE 68588.
Our camps, which are hosted by the Food Science and Technology Department at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, were designed with you in mind. Through hands-on activities, facility tours, and the development of food products, our activities will spark your interest in the science behind the foods you consume every day. Also, during camps you will have a chance to get to know our facilities, interact with experienced food scientists, engage with faculty and students, and immerse yourself in a journey of discovery.
You can choose from a range of camps: one-day, three-day, or week-long experiences. Each camp offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse aspects of a specific food or food group, from pizza to cookies and dairy products! You will not want to miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge while exploring the world of food science.
Secure your spot now by registering at https://foodscience.unl.edu/food-science-summer-camp
**Application deadlines vary depending on the camp.
Questions: Contact Andreia Bianchini at abianchini2@unl.edu.
Nebraska Youth Range Camp
Nebraska Youth Range Camp will be held June 3-6 in Chadron at Chadron State College.
Range Camp is open to students ages 14-18. Learn more and apply HERE:
4-H Design Camp
Come stay overnight with us at Camp Norwesca and sew your hearts out! On June 26-27 we will be holding a Design Camp! We will be creating 4 projects to be entered in fair. This workshop is for ages 10-14. Males attending will need to bring an overnight counselor. The cost is $120 and includes meals, lodging and sewing supplies. Please fill out the registration form w/ payment by June 3rd, contacat the Extension Office for the form.
Heavy Equipment Career Exploration
Mark Thursday, June 13, 2024 on your calendar to spend the day in Hastings, NE exploring Heavy Equipment. This opportunity is open to students entering 8th – 12th grade in fall of 2024. Cost is $30 per individual. The registration link will open May 1, 2024 and close Friday, May 31st by 5 pm CT. You will find the registration link at https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment.
Tractor Safety Training
REGISTER NOW! 2024 Tractor & Equipment Safety Trainings are scheduled across the state. This course certifies teens 14 and 15 years old to legally drive a tractor and do field work with certain mechanized equipment. Visit go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training to learn more!
Certification is earned by completing a Hands-On Safety Day with written test (Certification Day 1), then completing the Tractor and Equipment Safety Training with driving exam (Certification Day 2). Anyone 14 and older can attend! Youth under 14 can attend Day 1 if accompanied by an adult, at no charge.
No Day 1 at your location? You can attend it at another location, or choose the online option!
Students MUST complete Day 1 before completing Day 2. Don’t wait to register!
4-H County Fair Static Volunteers Needed
Please consider helping make our static project entry and display a success this year by volunteering on any or all of the events.
Contact the Extension Office to offer your help.
Contact Information
NEBRASKA EXTENSION - SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY
Email: Scotts-bluff-County@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/scottsbluff-morrill/
Location: 4502 Ave I Scottsbluff, NE
Phone: 308-632-1480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffco4h/