4-H Newsletter
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 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.
Upcoming Events
Come Watch This Year's Companion Animal Contest
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 Now to Hatch Chickens in your Home
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
Interactive Presentation "Protect The Plate"
Join Douglas-Sarpy 4-Her Archer Antonson for 4-H AG Innovators Experience - Protect The Plate
Tuesday evening, April 23rd 6-7pm
Sign up at Event Registration - Free (google.com)
This interactive event will help our youth learn about keeping our food supply safe and healthy. Be a part of something great as we PROTECT THE PLATE!
Quilting Club, Happy Hands - April 16, 2024
When: April 16, 2024
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Interested members can contact Club Leader Stephanie at (stephkucera@hotmail.com).
Future date: May 21, 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
Highlights of the Week
Static Project Highlight of the Week: Horticulture
Horticulture is the art or practice of garden cultivation and management. The purpose of the 4-H Horticulture project is to encourage participants to start and maintain vegetable gardens.
The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. If potted container with several cultivar or varieties identify each individually within the pot. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will drop the entry one ribbon placing.
This information can be found on seed packets or on plant tags when purchasing vegetables.
Contest Highlight of the Week: Communication Contest
The Communications Contest Entry Forms are due April 19th, 2024. Link:
https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BZmgb8FWnPbbls
The Communications Contest: April 26th, 2024. Starts at 4:30PM in the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office. 8015 West Center Rd, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.
4-H Contact Person: Jake Yambor at jyambor2@unl.edu
For more information on specific guidelines visit the link to our website posted below.
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/sarpy-county-and-nebraska-state-fairs/
Volunteer Opportunity: Donate a Plaque
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!
Community Clubs and Club Resources
Fairbook
The 2024 4-H Fairbook is available at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/sarpy-county-and-nebraska-state-fairs/
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.
Check out 4-H's Market Day
Admission cost: 2 cans of food or $2
Date: Saturday, April 27th, 2024
Time: 10am - 4pm
Where: Springfield Community Center 104 Main St. Springfield, NE 68059
Your support will help us with the cost of our 4-H animals and projects!
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 at go.unl.edu/campscholarship.
4-H Yard Signs
Springfield Blue Jeans & Boots 4-H club is holding a fundraiser that lets 4-Hers celebrate our program. The club is taking orders for 4-H yard signs which are 15 inches in diameter on a 3 foot stake. These can be out outside your home or even outside a business that supports 4-H! Payment is due at time of delivery to @springfield4H or cash payment.
There are a few different options, order yours today at https://forms.gle/VjoyMwLF2fi8k6hC6
Clover Kid Club - May 14 2024
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.
Paddock Posse, Horseless Horse Club - April 19
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, Oct. 4th, Nov. 1st, and Dec 6th
Animal Projects
Identify and Tagging Animals
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
New information - Market goat and market sheep weigh day is May 4 from 9-10 am at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds. For more information, contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Become a Livestock Booster and Invite a Local Business to Do the Same!
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.
YQCA Training for all youth 4-H Age 8-18 showing Beef, Swine, Goats, Sheep, Poultry or Rabbits.
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.
4-H Livestock Achievement Program - June 15
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)
Aksarben and State Fair DNA
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
Horse Testing
All 4-Her's wanting to compete in the riding portion of the Sarpy County Fair Horse Show must pass Level 1. Must pass Level 2 for most State Horse Show Entries. Please talk to your 4-H Horse Club Leader or Brett Kreifels on how to begin a level test. Level Testing requirements for the State Horse Show are due June 1st. County-Only level tests are due July 1st.
For more information, contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Contests and Workshops
4-H Communications
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 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 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)
Static Project Resources
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
Preparing Cut Flowers for Exhibits at Fair -4H227-2022.pdf
UNL Updates
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!
The next UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources informational webinar in the Zoom In To CASNR series will be held April 29th at 7pm CST.
Sign up at https://go.unl.edu/vb2s
Fair Information and Statewide Information
New Club Leader Checklist
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.
State Fair
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.
4-H Calendar
- 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
- April 27 - Earth Day in Elmwood Park
- 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
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 - here.
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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.