Nebraska Extension - Thurston County
Sydney Williams, Extension Assistant, sydney.williams@unl.edu
Bobbie Hingst, Office Manager, bhingst2@unl.edu
Email: thurston-county@unl.edu
Website: thurston.unl.edu
Location: 415 Main Street, P.O. Box 665, Pender, NE 68787
Phone: 402-385-6041
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLExtensionThurston/
Twitter: @UNLThurstonCty
4-H Online Enrollment deadline June 15!
For those who have not enrolled in 4-H for 2024 (or started an enrollment but not completed it), it's not too late! Visit https://v2.4honline.com/ to enroll. Our county has a $5 enrollment fee. Please contact us at 402-385-6041 with any questions.
PAY YOUR DUES!!
If you are a member of Rosalie Feeders or Thurston County Independent, please remember to pay your $5 dues to our office ASAP so we can complete your enrollment. Mail checks to: Thurston County Extension, PO Box 665, Pender, NE 68047. (Youth members 8-18+, Clover Kids do not have dues.)
YQCA - Training
Nebraska 4-H requires all members enrolled in a livestock project to complete annual quality assurance certification through the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals program. The program has recently moved to a new online system available at YQCAProgram.org. Learn more about YQCA requirements and find help documents at 4h.unl.edu/yqca.
We will host an in-person event this summer. Remember, enrolled Thurston County 4-H youth can request a coupon code from our office!
APPLY TODAY TO ATTEND THE 2024 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH INSTITUTE
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.”
4-H Hit Me with Your Best Shot Photo Contest
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a multi-state photo contest to youth in grades K-13. In the "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" 4-H photo contest, youth are encouraged to select their best photo from the current 4-H year and tell the committee why it’s special to them. Submit one (1) image (with no or minimal editing) with up to three sentences on why it’s important to you by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on May 1, 2024. Find more information here: 4-H Hit Me with Your Best Shot Photo Contest | UMN Extension with rules here.
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.
A limited number of scholarships are available, and we encourage families to apply. The application can be completed at go.unl.edu/campscholarship.
2024 Special Garden Project
The Special Garden Project is open to all youth of 4-H age and it will give them the opportunity to learn about growing, harvesting, and exhibiting this unique flower. This project lets 4-H members try their hand at growing unusual vegetables and flowers. The project allows experienced 4-H gardeners to grow something fun, new, and different while letting those new to gardening get their feet wet in this project area.
**New for 2024** With the changes to 4-H Online, youth are encouraged to enroll for Horticulture/Plant Science through 4-H Online. Youth will have to reach out to their local Extension Office to sign up and order the seeds. It will be up to the county office to keep track of the youth signed up and share the educational materials including the growing newsletter & evaluation (also in the shared folder on the Special Garden Project website).
The 2024 Special Garden Project will focus on Princess of India Nasturtium. This Victorian-era heirloom flower can be grown in a variety of ways including in containers. It provides a splash of color from its scarlet flowers and much of the plant can be eaten. More information available at: https://4h.unl.edu/special-gardening-project Please contact the Extension Office for the seeds to get started on the Special Garden Project or call the office at (402) 385-6041.
2024 Big Red Camps - 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.
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!
2024 Special Agronomy Project will be Sugar Beets!
The Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project gives 4-H members an opportunity to experience a crop that is grown, was grown or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska. Youth participate by receiving seed and resources to grow the crop, research traits of the crop and determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. This year, we honor a crop grown in the panhandle!
Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting your local Nebraska Extension Office to order packets of seeds.
For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
Computer Science Summer Camp!
The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now accepting applications for a summer learning opportunity for high school students. The Raikes School is hosting its eighth year of “Innovate: The Raikes School Way,” led by Executive Director of the Raikes School, Dr. Steve Cooper. The summer camp was highlighted by Forbes in 2019: "STEM-Focused Summer Programs for Ambitious High School Students."
Priority Application Deadline: May 6, 2024. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after May 6 as space is available
Interested students can find more details and complete the application at https://raikes.unl.edu/summercamp. The video below, captured at our 2021 camp, gives you a glimpse of what students can expect to experience.
If you have any questions about the camp, contact Theresa Luensmann at tluensmann2@unl.edu.
More details at: https://raikes.unl.edu/summercamp
Calibraska Arts Initiative Registration is Open for Summer 2024
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!
Each class, camp, or workshop is taught by experienced teaching artists and professionals from the West Coast ‘scene’. This includes zooming them in or bringing them out to teach in person on the Calibraska ‘tour’ stopping:
- June 3rd-14th at The Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts in Lincoln
- June 17th-21st at Northeast Elementary in Kearney
- June 24th-28th at Scottsbluff High School in Scottsbluff
- July 8th-19th at the Mid Plains Community College in North Platte
- July 22th-26th at our new stop at Wayne State College
Calibraska has a “No One’s Turned Away Policy” to make sure students who may be facing financial
insecurity can still participate in these special opportunities. Scholarships and discounts of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% are available for all prospective students as well as options to pay in installments.
Calibraska is an initiative operating under the 501c(3) non-profit, Arts with Others, allowing donations to
be tax deductible. Any businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring students in need can visit:
https://www.calibraska.org/donate
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.
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
4-H Summer Camps
Registration is open for the Power of Being Green 4-H Summer Camp series! A limited number of spots are available, and we recommend registering as early as possible to reserve yours. You can explore all the sessions and register at 4h.unl.edu/camps-summer.
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.
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.
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.
Summary of Changes for Livestock Fairbook for 2024
Summary of Changes for Livestock Fairbook for 2024
- Age of Eligibility
- The age of eligibility in 2024 is now 8 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person events (livestock, contests, fashion shows)
- Showmanship Age Divisions
- Junior Showmanship (ages 8 to 10 before January 1 of the current year)
- Intermediate Showmanship (ages 11 to 13 before January 1 of the current year)
- Senior Showmanship (ages 14 to 18 before January 1 of the current year)
- Awards
- Exhibitors will receive awards for the Division Champions, Reserve Division Champions, Grand Champion Overall, Reserve Grand Champion Overall, and 3rd Overall. Only entries receiving a purple ribbon are eligible to receive champion and reserve awards.
- Entry Limits
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 5 beef.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 sheep.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 goats.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 hogs.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 rabbits.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 live birds.
- Individual Species
- Sheep: New Breed Class-All Hair Breeds
- Goat: Market goats will show in separate classes; Market Wethers and Market Does (until final selection)
- Swine: New Breed Classes-Tamworth and Landrace
- Rabbit: New Breed Classes-Blue Holicer and Czech Frosty
Dog Skillathon Contest: Added a Junior Skillathon Division and rotated breed ID picture topics
Livestock Achievement Program Applications Due!
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.
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
Livestock Information Series
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Information Series is a resource for 4-H members, leaders, and parents to gain knowledge in various livestock-related topic areas. Each session, a new topic is covered with experts joining to share their experience and expertise. Extended learning opportunities and supporting documents are also available for each topic. Learn more at https://4h.unl.edu/livestock-info-series
Thurston County 4-H Council Senior Scholarship - Due April 5th!!!!
Application is available on the county website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/scholarships/
2023 Thurston County 4-H Council Senior Scholarship Application.docx
Applicant Criteria:
- Applicant must be a current High School Senior.
- Applicant must currently be an enrolled member of the Thurston County 4-H Program. And have been enrolled in 4-H for at least the past two years.
- Application must be completed and returned to get proper signatures to the Club Leader by April 5th of the current calendar year. Club Leaders will then turn all collected applications to Nebraska Extension in Thurston County. After submission, applications will not be returned.
Scholarship Information:
- One $150 will be awarded to all applicants who meet the criteria.
- Scholarship will be awarded after receiving written notification of scholarship recipient’s second semester enrollment. For those students enlisting with the military, notification of basic training completion will be the equivalent.
- Scholarship monies will be sent directly to the scholarship winner.
