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.

We are deeply saddened to share that Mike Pallas passed away after dedicating nearly 40 years to our 4-H program. He will leave a lasting legacy.

See more about his impact on Omaha Home for the Boy's site here.

Service information can be found at here.

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

When: May 14, 2024

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.

Please join us as we run, walk, jog, or even skip miles this summer! To sign up, please complete the google form for EACH RUNNER in your family! All youth runners (ages 2-12) who sign up by May 17, 2023 will receive a package in the mail with all of the materials necessary to participate in the summer program. Any runners (over the age of 12) or those who sign up after the May 18 deadline can print the materials on their own.

Sign up begins now at https://go.unl.edu/marathonkidsrunner

Participate in the Sarpy County Fair 4-H Market Broiler Project! This quick, easy and highly educational project is a great one to take the experience full circle; from Chick to Freezer! Those participating in the project will exhibit a pen of three cockerels or pullets.

All Purple Ribbon and Champion & Reserve winners are also eligible to participate in the Sarpy County Fair Premium Auction!

Chicks must be ordered through the 4-H Office and will be delivered to the 4-H Office the week of June 10th. Only those 4-Hers and families that have reserved chicks will be eligible to compete in the broiler project. Orders may be shared by individuals within a family or Club. However, all participants must sign up on this form and indicate they'll be sharing an order.

Thanks to the generous donation by Lincoln Premium Poultry, all the broiler chicks are FREE this year! We will be sending them a Thank You and/or you can create your own to send.

Sign up at https://forms.gle/V4zbqqsaxBVnrhwu9

Questions? Ask Brett Kreifels, 402-444-1799 or bkreifels3@unl.edu

Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards is a prestigious award designed to recognize 4-H clubs for their efforts to serve their communities. This grant is intended to provide funding for 4-H Clubs to complete projects that will have a lasting impact on their communities. Projects aim to be intentional and impactful, growing club members as leaders and fulfilling a need in their community.

Successful applicants will be awarded a $500 grant issued to the club’s treasury to be used as described in the award application.

At the conclusion of the project, clubs will submit a report detailing the outcomes of the intended project.

For additional information and full application instructions, please see the Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s website. https://www.ne4hfoundation.org/governers-ag-excellence-award/

Please share this opportunity with your local clubs and encourage them to apply. Applications are due in the Nebraska 4-H Foundation office by May 31.

For the 2024 4-H Table Toppers Contest, youth need to plan a well-balanced and colorful menu around the selected theme. Write or type your menu (Using My Plate information as a guide) to be displayed on your table. A great resource for this, is Nebraska Extension (Food.Unl.Edu) which reminds youth that dietary guidelines recommend 2 1/2 cups of vegetables daily. To fulfill this, try our Barbeque Chicken chopped salad recipe https://go.unl.edu/tikd

Last week Everett participated in our 4-H communication contest. He did a great job talking about Electricity!

Learn more about the 4-H electricity project at https://4hcurriculum.unl.edu/index.php/main/program_project/126

See this area of the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-electricity-2024.pdf

Douglas-Sarpy 4-H is inviting families to hatch baby chicks in their home this summer. Sign up at https://cvent.me/1AegA1

Pick up on June 24, 2024 from the 4-H Office (8015 West Center Road, Omaha) between 8 am - 4 pm

Return Incubator, Chicks and Supplemental Material on July 19th. (Chicks must be returned)

Cost: $50 (this pays for incubator rental, 12 eggs and Supplemental Material)*

Only 50 spots available for the Summer Embryology Session.

For questions, please contact Megan at mpetsch3@unl.edu

*if you are interested in eggs only, please email Megan at mpetsch3@unl.edu

When: May 21, 2024

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

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

Future date: June 18 from 6:30-8:30pm

Quilt Fairbook section: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-quilting-2024.pdf

June 13 6-7 pm*

8015 W. Center Rd., Omaha

4-Hers are invited to watch the Wildlife Encounters presentation.

Adults can visit the 4-H booths. Booths will include enrollment assistance, how to enter things in the fair, animal ID help, and more!

*4-H booths will be open from 5:30-7:30 pm

If you are a teen or pre-teen looking to volunteer at this event, contact Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu

Do you want to become even more confident in your babysitting abilities? Then the “4-H Building Better Babysitters 2.0” class is for you! Learn basic CPR and First Aid skills (not a certified class), create age-appropriate activities, prepare nutritious snacks, and build a business action plan. This class is open to all youth ages 11+.

• 4-H Babysitting 2.0 Clinic: Friday, July 12th , 9-3 PM @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office - Register at https://go.unl.edu/babysittingjuly12

• 4-H Babysitting 2.0 Clinic: Tuesday, July 23rd, 9-3 PM @ Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office - Register at https://go.unl.edu/babysittingjuly23

Families (one adult and up to two children) are invited to learn how to make Madeline's and Cinnamon Twist Bread. Both items that can be remade for the Sarpy County Fair in July!

When: June 4, 2024

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Who: One adult and two children ages 8-16

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

Cost: $25 per group

Sign up at https://forms.gle/wXDRDVBB6D2dqk5q6

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

When: June 7, 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 July 12th, Oct. 4th, Nov. 1st, and Dec 6th

Fremont 4-H Expo

July 10-13, 2024

Location: Christensen Field, W 16th St & N Ridge Road Drive, Fremont, NE

This event is open to 4-H & FFA Exhibitors from the following counties: Burt, Butler, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington. See more information and schedules at

https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/frfourhexhguide/

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

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.

Sarpy County Fairgrounds – Springfield, NE

Entry Fees: Beef & Bucket Calf- $25 per head • Sheep/Goat -$15 per head

Showmanship-FREE • Clover Kids-FREE

All guidelines for showing, rules, regulations, and requirements will based on the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Rules. Please visit their website for details: https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/animals

Pre-Entry of Livestock.

Click https://forms.gle/Jpq4MmFifQV4G5Uv6 to pre-register. Payment will be accessed at the show. NO SUBSITUTIONS! DEADLINE FOR ENTRY WILL BE FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH AT 11:59 PM

LINK: https://forms.gle/Jpq4MmFifQV4G5Uv6

See this year's flier at https://forms.gle/Jpq4MmFifQV4G5Uv6

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)

For those families exhibiting at both the Nebraska State Fair and AKSARBEN Stock Show this year, Online Nominations, although the same in the past, will be different this year. Those wishing to exhibit at AKSARBEN will need to nominate their livestock Online with a separate portal (https://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/) NOT Show Stock Manager used for State Fair Nominations. Only 1 set of DNA needs to be submitted like normal. DNA submissions are due to our office by June 15th. Online Nominations for the Nebraska State Fair are also due by June 15th on Show Stock Manager.

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

Time: Varies with each camp

Location: Most are hosted at Food Innovation Center, 1901 N. 21st St., Lincoln, NE 68588

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!

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

Questions: Contact Andreia Bianchini at abianchini2@unl.edu.

Archery Contest

Saturday, June 1st, 9 AM

Sarpy County Fairgrounds

Register by May 17th by filling out this Google form: https://forms.gle/WU2VLjikMenRNWcM9

Michelle Antonson, Superintendent

For more information, contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu

BB Gun/Air Rifle Contest

Sunday, June 2nd, 1:30 PM

Sarpy County Fairgrounds

Register by May 17th by filling out this Google form: https://forms.gle/WU2VLjikMenRNWcM9

Michelle Antonson, Superintendent

For more information, contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu

Rocket Launch Workshop Information

Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

Time: TBD

Location: 8015 West Center Road, Omaha

Staff contact person: Ericka Murray ericka.murray@unl.edu

Rocket Launch Contest Information

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Time: 3:30-6:30pm

Location: Gifford Farm, 700 Camp Gifford Rd. Bellevue

Sign up info. and deadline: Sign up opens on June 3, 2024

Staff contact person: Ericka Murray ericka.murray@unl.edu

Superintendent TBD.

4-H Table Toppers

4-H Table Toppers workshop: Tuesday, June 11 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 is offering the opportunity to learn important horticulture skills through the Online Horticulture Contest. The contest will be available June 7-21, 2024 at: http://go.unl.edu/online4hhortcontest
It consists of three parts, identification, knowledge and judging or placings.
More information about the Nebraska State contest along with a list of study materials can be found in the Fairbook https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/contests/45 .

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.

4-H’ers enrolled in Douglas Sarpy 4-H will have the opportunity to put their market animal up for auction to earn some money. All proceeds will go to the 4-H’er and the animal will go home with the 4-H’er. This is your opportunity to support them and their hard work by bidding.

When: Saturday, August 3, 2024, 4:00 pm

Where: Livestock Barn Show Arena

For more information contact: Justin Wagner at 402-871-8696 or Chad Krapp at 402-630-7076

The Douglas-Sarpy County 4-H Council is offering local businesses, families and organizations the opportunity to purchase plaques and other awards to recognize the achievements of our 4-H youth. Your donation is tax deductible and we are happy to provide documentation if requested.

To sponsor an award, see our letter at https://files.constantcontact.com/f3efa1f3101/f697914f-5c25-425b-867f-e0fbffe3f678.pdf

Consider sharing this opportunity with local businesses!

The 2024 4-H Fairbook is available at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/sarpy-county-and-nebraska-state-fairs/

The Fairbook is your guide to entering 4-H exhibits in the Sarpy County Fair and Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Contests. The book has important project rules, requirements, and deadlines.

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

• May 14 - Clover Kids
• May 21 - YQCA In-Person trainings
  
• May 24 - Deadline to order chicks

• June 1 - Archery Contest

• June 2 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Contest

• 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 22 - Papio Valley Progress Show
• June 21 - 4-H Table Toppers Entries DUE
• June 25 - Rocket Launch Workshop
• June 27 - 4-H Table Toppers Contest
• July 3 - 4-H Fashion Show Entries DUE
• July 10 - Rocket Launch Contest
• 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 - here.

• 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

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.