4-H Newsletter
December 1, 2023
Enroll in 4-H
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 Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu 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.
Upcoming Events
Paddock Posse, Horseless Horse Club - December 15
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
When: Dec. 15, 2023 (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 Jan 5th, Feb 2nd, March 1st , April 5th , May 3rd, June 7th , July 12th, Sept 6th, Oct. 4th, Nov. 8th, and Dec 6th
Scholarship for Poultry-based Career - Due December 15
Nebraska residents, those attending school in Nebraska, or those interested in a career in poultry-based in Nebraska are encouraged to apply for the 2024-2025 J.H. & J.W. Claybaugh Memorial Scholarship.
Application Deadline - December 15, 2023
https://form.jotform.com/232266910432148
Quilting Club, Happy Hands - December 19
When: December 19 usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month.
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Interested members can contact Club Leader Stephanie at (stephkucera@hotmail.com).
https://www.facebook.com/events/845060407622288
Our activities for the December meeting include:
- Making quilted hearts to use as ornaments, gift tags, or just to leave for someone to find and brighten their day!
- Bring your sewing machine and sewing supplies.
- I will provide the needed fabric and sewing machines for those that need to borrow one.
- A gift swap! (Apparently this was a popular activity at our December meeting last year as I was asked by more than one member if we could do it again!)
- Bring a wrapped sewing or quilting-related gift (in the $5 range) for our gift exchange.
- Don't worry if you forget...I will have extra wrapped gifts so everyone can participate!
- Going over plans for 2024! After some discussion about the purpose of the club and what we want members to learn, Heidi and I have decided to spend the months prior to County Fair working on various quilting techniques and the months after the fair working on smaller sewing and quilting projects.
- So...January through July we will be making sampler quilts to submit to the County Fair. I will be writing patterns for various 12" (finished) quilt blocks that utilize different techniques. (As a hint...January's blocks will be all about squares and strips!) Heidi and I will be participating, and parents are encouraged to participate as well! (I have plenty of machines to share if parents want to sew along with your 4H-er and make your own sampler quilt.) We want this to be a fun learning experience, so the finished quilt is flexible and can use however many blocks each member completes. We will share more details at the December meeting. I'm currently sorting and organizing fabric donations I have received and will have them packaged up as "quilt starter packs" to distribute at the December meeting. (Members are NOT required to use the fabrics they are given.)
Omaha Fashion Week Sign up deadline - January 5
Nebraska 4-H is pleased to partner with Omaha Fashion Week to showcase the work of 4-H members during their Spring Showcase Student Night. OFW Student Night exclusively features student designers, including a 4-H collection. This collection consists of 10 to 15 garments modeled by the 4-H members who made them. In order to create a complete and dynamic collection, interested 4-H members are invited to apply to participate in the show. This year’s OFW Student Night will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at the Omaha Design Center (Near TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha).
https://4h.unl.edu/omaha-fashion-week
Application is now open and will close on January 5, 2024. Please message Marie Nelson <marie.nelson@unl.edu> with questions.
Spotlights of the Week
Static Project Highlight: House plants
During the winter, most houses are too dry for house plants. Humidity may be increased by placing plants on trays lined with pebbles and filled with water to within 1/2-inch of the bottom of the pot.
House plants with large leaves and smooth foliage, such as philodendrons, dracaena and rubber plant benefit if their leaves are washed to remove dust, helping keep the leaf pores open.
Animal Project Highlight: Rabbit
For rabbit showmanship, 4-Hers are required to give a speech. Seen an example of the speech script from our partners in Saline county 4-H at county: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saline/Sample%20Showmanship%20Script.pdf
One of our rabbit showman, Kilee Wilkinson, is seen here at State Fair showing the public her rabbit after giving her 4-H rabbit speech.
4-Hers of the Week Spartan 4-H Club
This week's 4-Hers of the week are the Spartan 4-H club. The Spartan 4-H Club recently went Christmas caroling with residents of Mable Rose. The kids made a Christmas card, brought homemade Christmas goodies to share with the residents, shared memories of Christmas traditions and experiences and had a great time singing together. Great job Spartan 4-H club!
Share your 4-H accomplishments with us! Email your pictures to Rwright4@unl.edu
Community Clubs and Club Resources
Financial End of the Year Information for Clubs Due Jan 2024
If your club collects money and has a bank account, you need to fill out an Year End Treasurer’s Report. You can find more information about this in Section 12.2 of our 4-H Policy Handbook.
Contact Mary for more information at mdierks@sarpy.com
Clover Kid Club - January 9, 2024
Parents and children ages 5-7 are invited to be a part of the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Clover Kid Program.
When: 1-9, 2-13, 3-12
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.
Volunteer Orientation
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.
Animal Projects
Rate of Gain Contest
Rate of Gain contests will be:
Beef - January 27th from 9-10 am at Cooper FarmMarket beef animals intending to participate in the 2024 Sarpy County Fair Rate of Gain contest will need to have their cattle weighed at the weigh day.
Families wishing to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair or AKSARBEN can get EID Tags and DNA Envelopes at the weigh day as well. County-Only animals will receive a County-Only ear tag.
Companion Animal Contest - April 13
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
Questions: Contact Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu
*Rabbits, poultry guinea pigs and dogs will be shown at their own shows.
4-H Livestock Achievement Program
Through the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement program, youth can receive recognition as Members of Excellence for engaging in various project-related activities. NEW in 2024: Members as young as eight will be able to participate. Applications are due June 15, but why wait? Visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement to get started.
Farrowed and Owned Swine Cohort - Register by February 1, 2024
Youth participating in the Farrowed and Owned Cohort will:
- Network with 4-H members across the state who are also participating in the cohort experience.
- Participate in learning opportunities hosted by Extension Swine Specialist Benny Mote about biosecurity, meat science, economics of raising swine and more.
- The cohort will meet virtually the first Sunday of the month at 7:00 p.m. CT, the months of February, March, April, May and June.
- Gain knowledge related to their project and the swine industry as a whole.
- Maintain records related to swine management and basic care.
- Exhibit their Farrowed and Owned project animals at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair with the opportunity for special recognition as a result of participating in the cohort.
Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Cohort Registration (qualtrics.com)
For questions, contact Nebraska Extension Swine Specialist Benny Mote at bmote8@unl.edu or 402-310-9878
Static Project Resources
Special Garden Project - PRINCESS INDIA NASTURTIUM
The 2023 Special Garden Project will focus be Princess India Nasturium. This project offers a unique introduction to plant science. Members are given seeds and guided through planting, growing, and harvesting seasons. Members can exhibit a cut flower or harvested vegetable at the fair if all goes well. Otherwise, youth can share their experience through a poster, story, or video exhibit.
Youth should enroll for the Special Garden Project through 4-H Online. Once enrolled through 4-H Online, youth are then email Mary Dierks at mdierks@sarpy.com to let us know they enrolled for the project. By enrolling through 4-H Online, youth will have access to the shared folder with the educational materials including the growing newsletter & evaluation. Visit 4h.unl.edu/spg to learn more.
Basic Sewing
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
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
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
Fair Information and Statewide Information
National 4-H Art Contest - Sign up by Jan. 1
Calling all artists, creators and performers! We’d love to see what YOU do best. Submit your work for a chance to be featured at upcoming National 4-H events. We’re looking for singers, dancers, instrumentalists as well as visual artists and creators of all kinds. Enter today to showcase your unique talent on this national stage! Applications from students ages 14-19 accepted November 13th through January 1st.
Apply at https://4-h.org/story-submission/
Nebraska 4-H Youth Leadership Experience Ambassador Team.
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! https://go.unl.edu/2024yleamb
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.
If you have questions or would like to know more please contact Julie Schultz (jschultz28@unl.edu) or Stacey Keys (stacey.keys@unl.edu)!
Unique Project Ideas
We all know about the 4-H livestock, cooking and sewing projects. But with nearly 50 projects to choose from, there are likely some you aren’t familiar with. These five often-overlooked projects offer real-world skills and unique experiences: go.unl.edu/2nd8.
Registration for the Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp program is now open!
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.
Thank you for your continued support in sharing this opportunity with your families!
State Fair Ages
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.
Note: 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 as it becomes available.
Scholarships and College Information
Engler Scholarships for 4-H Alumni
This scholarship is a component of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program.
The only requirements to apply for an Engler scholarship – declare a CASNR major and have participated in 4-H or FFA.
For academic year 2024-2025, the application will open on 10/1/23 and close on 1/15/24
Find the application at englerjourney.com
4-H Calendar
- December 15 - Poultry Scholarship Due
- December 15 - Horseless Horse Club
- December 19 - Quilt Club
- December 25 - 4-H Office Closed
- January 1 - 4-H Office Closed
- January 1 - National Art Contest Deadline
- January 5 - Omaha Fashion Week Applications Due
- January 5 - Horseless Horse Club
- January 9 - Clover Kid Club
- January 27 - Beef Weigh Day
- February 1 - Horseless Horse Club
- February 13 - Clover Kid Club
- March 12 - Clover Kid Club
- April 9 - Clover Kid Club
- April 13 - Companion Animal Contest
- 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
- July 30 - Sarpy County Fair Entry Day
- July 31 - August 4 - Sarpy County Fair
- August 24 - State 4-H Dog Show
Resources
- 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
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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
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu
Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.