4-H Newsletter

To enroll in 4-H for 2024, click here. 4-Hers and Volunteers planning to participate in Sarpy County Fair activities, 4-H Contests, 4-H Clubs and Shooting Sports must enroll in 4-H before attending any 4-H Club meeting, Contest or event

For returning families, please do not create a new account; rather use your log-in credentials for 4honline used in previous years. Instructions can be found here: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/returning-member. Enrollment instructions for new families can be found here: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/new-member.

Please note the enrollment fee for Douglas-Sarpy counties is $10 per member and is paid online. Enrollments are due June 15, 2024. Please contact Mary <mdierks@sarpy.gov> with any questions.

New 4-H Volunteers for Douglas-Sarpy 4-H will need to be screened and have a background check done. Volunteers may not work with youth until volunteer enrollment and screening is complete. To begin the screening process visit and enroll via 4-H Online.

Douglas-Sarpy 4-H is offering a 4-H Golf Clinic! This FREE clinic is sponsored and funded by the National Jr. PGA and aims to provide youth ages 7-18 the opportunity to learn how to play golf without the barriers of fees for green spaces, coaches, equipment, etc. The Clinic provides each youth with coaching skills, a backpack, hat, and playing jerseys.

When:

-March 21

-March 28

-April 4

-April 11

There will be two classes, one from 5:30-6:30 and the other from 6:45-7:45.

Where: Country Drive Golf Course, 951 County Road 4, Ashland, NE

Fill out our interest form at https://go.unl.edu/4-hgolf

For more information, contact Ericka at ericka.murray@unl.edu

Our office is a drop off location for the All People’s Pantry – A Culturally Appropriate Food Pantry. The next distribution for the public is March 23 at Hanscom Park United Methodist Church. We will be collecting items until March 21st. See the picture to see what items are most needed.

If your club is looking for a fun community service project, consider collecting some of the items on the food drive list and donating! Our office is located at 8015 W. Center Road, Omaha, and we are open M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm

Teach youth the skills they need to become great babysitters.

If interested email stephanie.thorson@unl.edu

2024 4-H Council Camp Scholarship

https://forms.gle/AbNJVVRPNFDvEkCw5

The Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Council will be selecting current 4-H members to receive camp scholarships. The following scholarships may be awarded to those that meet the qualifications and complete the attached application:

· 3- $300 Scholarships

· 5- $200 Scholarships

· 11- $100 Scholarships

Requirements for the scholarship are:
• Applicants MUST be enrolled in 4-H before the application deadline or application will not be reviewed.
• This scholarship may be used for any 4-H, Big Red or University of Nebraska-Lincoln sponsored program or any 4-H Project Camp.

2024 4-H Council College Scholarship Application

https://forms.gle/WCJpd6m13eCqGCG68

Application Deadline – March 15, 2024 The Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Council will be selecting four current 4-H members, who are seniors in high school, to receive college scholarships. The following scholarships may be awarded to those that meet the qualifications and complete the attached application:
• One, $1000 scholarship to UNL, UNO or UNK.
• Two, $1000 scholarships for any college, university or trade school
• One, $900 scholarship for any college, university or trade school

Requirements for the scholarship are:
• Applicants must be a HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR graduating in 2024.
• Applicants must have been enrolled and active in the Douglas/Sarpy 4-H program for a minimum of the past 3 years.
• Applicants must be currently enrolled and active in the Douglas/Sarpy 4-H program before the application deadline of March 15, 2024.

Application due by March 15th, 2024

2024 4-H Council Alumni Scholarship Application

https://forms.gle/rLjZuez6EfW3xcaf6

Application Deadline – March 15, 2024
The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council will be selecting four alumni 4-H members to receive college scholarships. The following scholarships may be awarded to those that meet the qualifications and complete the attached application:
• Four-$500 college scholarships
Requirements for the scholarship are:
• Applicants must be a 4-H Alumni of the Douglas-Sarpy County 4-H program.
• Applicants must have an average GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Applicant must be at least a Freshman in college (cannot be a current high school senior)

Nebraska Extension's Horticulture staff wanted to give 4-H'ers these houseplant tips for their projects:

• Rotate houseplants ¼ turn each week to keep them from becoming lopsided.
• Continue to keep soils moist, not soggy or dry.
• Wait until mid-April before fertilizing houseplants.

All animals need to be properly tagged or identified by June 15. Below are charts for State Fair and for animals who will be shown at the Sarpy County Fair only. For more information, contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu

The 2024 4-H Fairbook is being finalized and will be uploaded to the website soon.

The Fair Book is your guide to entering exhibits in the Sarpy County Fair 4-H Exhibits. The book contains categories, presentation rules and requirements, etc.

March 19, 2024 from 5:30-7 pm

• $10/per youth, ages 5-7

Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8RGCTF7

The 4-H office will provide all the materials (basic fleece colors), instructor and machines. We request that an adult stay and help their child with the class (no sewing experience needed).

For more information, contact Rachel Rwright4@unl.edu

Sewing Basics (tote bag)

Afternoon session 1-3 PM OR afterschool session 4:30-6:30 PM (Tuesdays)

April 9, April 16, April 23, & April 30

• $25/per youth, ages 8+ no previous sewing experience needed

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/UMdUBR4mzUnCRvpB6

Sewing for Fun (zipper bag/pillow)

Afternoon session 1-3 PM OR afterschool session 4:30-6:30 PM (Thursdays)

May 9 & May 16

• $20/per youth, ages 8+ beginning sewing experience needed

Registration link: https://forms.gle/ExpwG6mmmGi8PuE19

Sewing for Fun (pillowcase)

Afternoon session 1-3 PM OR afterschool session 4:30-6:30 PM (Thursday)

May 23

• $10/per youth, ages 8+ no previous sewing experience required

Registration link: https://forms.gle/JyuGNVb8wxzQ6kWa7

Clothing 1 (lounge pants/shorts)

Morning session 10-12 PM OR afternoon session 1:30-3:30 PM (Tuesdays)

June 4, June 11, June 18 & June 25

• $35/per youth, ages 9+ beginning sewing experience required

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/m8adWeabRnCeNTGa7

For information about the sewing classes, please contact Stephanie Thorson at stephanie.thorson@unl.edu

Is your 4-H club having a change in leadership? Please contact your local county 4-H staff (stephanie.thorson@unl.edu) regarding the expected change in your club leadership, and see the new leader checklist to help make the transition as smooth as possible. The new leader checklist is available at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer.

Big Red Summer Academic Camps Registration is NOW OPEN! Don't miss out on the opportunity to develop new skills, prepare for college, explore career paths, and make lasting connections.

Big Red Camps are residential career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By participating in a camp, youth get the opportunity to live on and explore the Nebraska campus, meet people from across the country, spend time investigating an interest or potential career, and have a lot of fun! This is not a commuter camp. 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.

Register today: 4h.unl.edu/big-red-camps.

Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha

When: April 19, 2024 (usually the first Friday of every Month)

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Who: Youth ages 8-18

Let's learn more about the Horse Industry and Horse Related Topics!

You need to rsvp with Alaina at Alaina.kauffman@yahoo.com

2024 Dates will be May 3rd, June 7th , July 12th, Sept 6th, Oct. 4th, Nov. 8th, and Dec 6th

Parents and children ages 5-7 are invited to be a part of the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Clover Kid Program.

When: 3-12, 4-9

Time: 6-7 pm

Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha

The class is sponsored by Douglas-Sarpy 4-H, so there is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to preregister with Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu.

When: March 19, 2024

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

Interested members can contact Club Leader Stephanie at (stephkucera@hotmail.com).

Future date: April 16, 2024

The purpose of the Livestock Booster Club is to help defray some of the cost of raising livestock and add a little “boost” to encourage 4-H youth to continue their interest in agriculture and the livestock industry. With a formula that provides a certain payback to 4-H members that show livestock. The Livestock Booster Club is currently supporting the market beef, market swine, market lamb, breeding calf, bucket calf, feeder calf, breeding sheep and market goats.

See the 2024 Booster Letter and form here.

Nebraska 4-H requires all youth enrolled in livestock projects to complete annual quality assurance certification through Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). YQCA is a national multi-species quality assurance program focused on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development.

Online

Participants can take the course online ( https://yqcaprogram.org/) for $12. Click on the word "Home" on the left of the green bar to get to the courses. Then scroll down to find your age appropriate course. After completing the online course, you will need to send a copy of your completion certificate to Brett (brett.kreifels@unl.edu) You will access your certificate from the drop-down menu on your username by clicking "Course Certificates."

Need help?

Help Video: Web-Based Training

The help desk is your best option for any issues related to the platform help@yqcaprogram.org

YQCA In-Person trainings:

In-Person trainings for YQCA will be held at the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office and the Sarpy County Fairgrounds. All youth 4-H Age 8-18 who will be showing Beef, Swine, Goats, Sheep, Poultry or Rabbits at the Sarpy County Fair MUST take the training in order to exhibit. All youth must register online at the link below and pay a $3.00 fee prior to attending the training. Youth who cannot attend the in-person trainings have the option to complete the YQCA requirement online for $12. Upon completion of the online training, you will print off their certificate and bring it to the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, or email a copy of the certificate to Brett.

Please visit the website https://yqcaprogram.org/ to sign up for one of the two trainings. Clover Kids (4-H Age 5-7) do not need to take the course.

In-Person Dates:

Tuesday, May 21st, 6:30 pm at the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 8015 W Center Rd.

Tuesday, June 4th, 6:30 pm at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds, 100 Main Street in Springfield.

Chick Days is an annual educational event for small and backyard poultry producers and youth to learn more about the poultry industry. The event is open to both youth (Ages 7-18) and adults (ages 19 and up).

This year's event will be held from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., on March 16, 2024, at the Department of Animal Science, 3940 Fair St., Lincoln, NE.

More info: https://animalscience.unl.edu/chick-days

The Lancaster County Extension 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. at Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock – South Hall.

Open to all youth ages 8–18, with a Clover Kids class for youth ages 5–7 - regardless of county! This is a great opportunity for youth to talk to other 4-H’ers about where to purchase a good rabbit for a 4-H project, and to learn and practice showmanship. Rabbit Quiz and Breed Identification contests are free for youth to enter!

Again this year: the knowledge contests are open to adults for a minimal fee!

More details can be found at: https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/stories/92465

This year's Companion Animal Contest is open to all 4-H youth ages 5-18. All exhibitors will give a brief presentation about their small pet. This may include characteristics, health, history and care of the animal they are showing. This contest is for cats, fish, hamsters, birds, snakes, bugs, etc.*

When: April 13, 2024, at 9 am

Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha

Sign up at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M75RF6J

Staff Contact Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu

*Rabbits, poultry guinea pigs and dogs will be shown at their own shows.

Rabies forms for cats and ferrets (required) can be found here.

The scoresheet the judge uses can be seen here.

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 whichThe 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.

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

All livestock in contention to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will be required to submit a DNA nomination. This includes all 4-H and FFA breeding livestock, market livestock, and feeder calves. Any DNA nomination submitted through Show Stock Manager will also be eligible for exhibition at the Aksarben Stock Show.

Learn more at https://4h.unl.edu/state-fair-livestock-id

4-H Communications

4-H Communications workshop: Thursday, April 4, 6:30-7:30 PM @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

4-H Communications Entries DUE Friday, April 19th

4-H Communications Contest: Friday, April 26 (time TBD) @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

4-H Table Toppers

4-H Table Toppers workshop: Tuesday, June 16 6:30-7:30 PM @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

4-H Table Toppers Entries DUE Friday, June 21st

4-H Table Toppers Contest: Thursday, June 27th, Judging starts at 3 PM, awards presentation to follow.

4-H Fashion Show

4-H Fashion Show workshop: Thursday, June 6th, 6:30-7:30 PM @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

4-H Fashion Show Entries DUE Wednesday, July 3rd

4-H Fashion Show Contest Judging Day: Tuesday, July 16th, 2-7 PM @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

4-H Fashion Show @ Sarpy County Fair, Wednesday, July 31st, 6:00 PM

4-H Babysitting Clinics

4-H Babysitting 2.0 Clinic: Friday, July 12th , 9-3 PM @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office (details and registration TBD)

4-H Babysitting 2.0 Clinic: Tuesday, July 23rd, 9-3 PM @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office (details and registration TBD)

Sewing for Fun (Basic Sewing Manual) - https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/documents/SewingforFunManual.pdf

Sewing for Fun Patterns - https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1380&context=a4hhistory

To learn more about this our sewing program, contact Stephanie at stephanie.thorson@unl.edu

• Canning- https://food.unl.edu/tags/canning

• Cooking with Kids Recipes
• Kitchen Safety Rules for Kids
• 4-H Foods Judging Guide

Building Birdhouse Nebguide - https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/html/g2002/build/g2002.htm?fbclid=IwAR3xOJiyydfRsh-P7pC1G7mYGiXLj9i_GsLWaw7z1r7Tbe_H-acXl5MTcsQ

Electricity Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4helectricity

Guide To Growing Houseplants at https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/html/g2205/build/g2205.htm

Preparing Cut Flowers for Exhibits at Fair -4H227-2022.pdf

High school seniors/families planning to attend Nebraska in Fall 2024 should submit the FAFSA at studentaid.gov as soon as possible to help determine scholarship!

Jumpstart your journey to success at UNL's Junior Jumpstart event! High school juniors, get ready for an action-packed half-day campus visit experience this April. From welcome sessions to campus tours, academic appointments, and a preparing for your senior year session, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your future. Sign up now!

The summer 2024 theme is The Power of Being 🍀 Green. Youth will get to explore and interact with their natural world in six different sessions. Youth will learn how they can use their head, heart, hands, and health to make our natural world a better place for all.

The 2024 sessions offer tailored age cohorts, providing sessions for younger campers between the ages of 8-10, and an older cohort for ages 10-14.

Families can find dates, session summaries, and registration information by visiting https://4h.unl.edu/camps-register.

In 2024, Nebraska 4-H lowered the age limit for participation in the Nebraska State Fair for all in-person events to eight years of age. This change provides more youth the opportunity to have an engaging learning experience. There will be some events that will maintain their ages due to specific program rules (shooting sports, FIRST LEGO League Challenge robotics). Please check information on each specific event.

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.

• March 12 - Clover Kid Club
  
• March 15 - 4-H Council Scholarships Deadlines
• March 16 - Lancaster Rabbit Contest
• March 16 - UNL Chick Days
• April 4 - 4-H Communications Workshop
• April 4 - 4-H Golf Clinic
• April 9 - Clover Kid Club
• April 11 - 4-H Golf Clinic
• April 13 - Companion Animal Contest
• April 18 - 4-H Golf Clinic
• April 19 - 4-H Communications Entries DUE
  
• April 25 - 4-H Golf Clinic
• April 26 - 4-H Communications Contest
  
• May 21 - YQCA In-Person trainings
  

• June 4 - YQCA In-Person trainings

• June 6 - 4-H Fashion Show workshop

• June 11 - 4-H Table Toppers workshop

• June 13 - 4-H Pre-fair Extravaganza (ask questions, sign up for events, turn in forms)

• June 15 - Deadline for 4-H Sign Up, Animal ID and Quality Assurance
  
• June 18 - Premier Communication Event - https://4h.unl.edu/premier-communication-event
• June 20 and Friday, June 21, 2024 - PACE - https://4h.unl.edu/pase
• June 21 - 4-H Table Toppers Entries DUE
• June 27 - 4-H Table Toppers Contest
• July 3 - 4-H Fashion Show Entries DUE
• July 12 - 4-H Babysitting 2.0 Clinic
• July 16 - 4-H Fashion Show Contest Judging Day
• July 23 - 4-H Babysitting 2.0 Clinic
• July 30 - Sarpy County Fair Entry Day
• July 31 - August 4 - Sarpy County Fair
• Wednesday, July 31st - Poultry Show, Rabbit Show, Livestock Check in, Fashion Show
  
• Thursday, August 1 - Swine show, Meat Goat Show, Sheep Show
• Friday, August 2 - Dairy Goat Show, Pygmy Goat Show, Beef Show
• August 24 - State 4-H Dog Show

• 4-H Community Service Ideas: https://4h.unl.edu/community-service
• Nebraska Project and Resources webpage offers lots of exciting and educational projects for 4-H'ers to choose from.
  

• Volunteer Connection Sign Up - Get exclusive tips, tricks, and support . https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-connection?fbclid=IwAR0S4jNFxf54dbHE75Co44-w04QwV2224gpfIbYWs5NqhFJRgRq9POh-nVM

• Submit your community service project at 4h.unl.edu/csps

• The Nebraska 4-H Glossary https://4h.unl.edu/glossary
  
• 4-H Shooting Sports information can be found here.
• Start a club: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18S0FvDS90FXh_xsP5s-NSD3DKu1gVlx0?usp=sharing
• New Member Handouts (Drive folder)
• https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1atu4VKDHTYukncs9_gVpRwPTY4MvbuRe?usp=sharing
• New Member Guidebook - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j99YzlGpClOexfXZDJJrouP9USUTtVn_/view?usp=share_link

• For 4-H camp questions, contact Amber at astephens15@unl.edu

• For State 4-H Equine Program questions, contact Lena Luck at Lena.luck@unl.edu

• For State Companion Animal Program questions, contact Lisa Karr at Lisa.karr@unl.edu