Welcome to 4-H

Dear Prospective 4-H Family,

Welcome to 4-H! You have just inquired about one of the biggest youth development programs in the nation. In fact, with 130,000 youth enrolled in Nebraska, 4-H is the largest out-of-school educational program in the country.

This welcome packet will give you an overview of the opportunities and resources available to help your family have an incredible experience in 4-H. Keep in mind that this is only an overview. Your best way to stay informed is to read the Cheyenne County 4-H Newsletter. Your family will start receiving this free publication once you enroll your child in 4-H at v2.4honline.com. In addition, consider connecting with us through Facebook—Nebraska Extension Cheyenne County!

The 4-H program is so large and the opportunities so vast that it can sometimes seem a little overwhelming when you are new. Just keep in mind that your family’s 4-H experience can be tailor-made to fit your goals, schedule, and interests. That is one reason 4-H is such a great program for Nebraska families. You can be involved as a whole family, learning and growing together. Please reach out to our office and we can help you find the right club to meet your goals.

When describing 4-H to someone new, we often use the analogy of a “super department store”. 4-H is like a “store” full of wonderful, fun, positive, educational programs. We have pretty much every type of workshop, project, contest, trip, conference, camp, or activity you could possibly want. Your family will choose what fits into your schedule and your budget. Club leaders and extension staff members are like the “greeters” at the front of the store to help you find what you need. We are here to answer your questions, so please don’t hesitate to call.

The Nebraska Extension-Cheyenne County office is where the 4-H program is administered. It is located at 920 Jackson Street in Sidney. Office hours are Monday– Friday, 8-12; 1-5.

Again, welcome to the wonderful world of 4-H! We can’t wait to meet you.

Sincerely,

Linda Jeffers, Extension Instructor

We’re excited to have you join the 4-H family in Cheyenne County! We hope the information in this welcome packet will be helpful as you start your 4-H journey.

Did you know:

• 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization with over seven million youth members!
• 4-H has been around over 100 years!

4-H is the youth development program of the Extension System, through the US Dept. of Agriculture. We are supported with resources from our land-grant university– University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Take a look at our research-based curriculum and you will see that 4-H is a sound, educational organization with a wide variety of opportunities.

Your 4-H staff members are looking forward to getting to know you and your family and are ready to answer any questions you may have.

Nebraska Extension - Cheyenne County

920 Jackson Street; PO Box 356

Sidney, NE 69162

PHONE: 308-254-4455

FAX: 308-254-6055

4-H is a family program-a place where parents and children can learn and grow together. In 4-H the parent or guardian is very important. You are invited and encouraged to participate in all 4-H club activities. We recognize every family’s schedule is different and you may not be able to attend every club function, but there are many different ways you can contribute to your child’s 4-H experience.

Your 4-H club leader will want to know about your interests and talents, and how you would like to support your child’s 4-H group. Because 4-H has so many diverse experiences, we have discovered that every adult can find a parent volunteer role that matches their interests and the club’s needs. Some possible helping roles include providing refreshments, supplies, or other resources for a club meeting, helping members with their projects, chaperoning a club field trip, organizing the club’s service project, or coordinating the club’s end-of-the-year recognition program. Your club leader may have other suggestions.

As a parent or guardian, these are the following roles you need to fulfill:

· Provide transportation for your child to and from 4-H events.

· Help your child learn to recite the 4-H pledge.

· Attend 4-H club functions with your child whenever possible.

· Guide your child as they select a 4-H project and help them develop goals that are challenging, but also realistic. Encourage their project work by making it a family learning experience.

· If your child serves in a leadership role within the club, help him/her fulfill the duties of the office.

· Read the Cheyenne County 4-H Newsletter so you will know the details of upcoming special events and dates. You will automatically start receiving this publication when you register as a 4-H volunteer or your child enrolls in 4-H. It can also be found on our Facebook site.

· If you have online access, visit the county 4-H website for the latest information and resources at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cheyenne/

· The 4-H staff will provide county-wide training on portfolios, presentations, project workshops, and other core 4-H learning experiences. Try to participate in these classes and workshops. By understanding more about our various 4-H programs, you can help your child excel and take advantage of all that 4-H has to offer.

· Attend your club’s end-of-the-year celebration with your child, and attend the county wide 4-H Achievement celebration as a family. Recognition always means more to children when their family is there to share it with them.

What is 4-H age? The age of a 4-Her is determined by their age as of December 31 of the previous year. Their “4-H age” will determine what age group they will compete in at county and state fairs. To be a Clover Kid, youth must be 4-H age of 5-7. To be a 4-H member, youth must be 8 by December 31 of the previous year.

What do the four “H’s” stand for on the 4-H clover emblem? The “H’s” stand for: head, heart, hands, and health.

What is the 4-H pledge?

I pledge,

my head to clearer thinking,

my heart to greater loyalty,

my hands to larger service, and

my health to better living, for

my club, my community,

my country, and my world.

What is the 4-H motto? “To Make the Best Better”

What are the 4-H colors? The 4-H colors are green and white.

How did 4-H begin? 4-H began in the early 1900’s as Corn Clubs for boys and Canning Clubs for girls. Although the program has changed a lot through the years, it has always been a program designed to help children become productive members of their communities. The national 4-H program celebrated its 100th birthday in 2002.

Do I have to live on a farm to join 4-H? No, although 4-H began as a program for rural children, today 4-H is available for all youth, whether they live on a farm or in town.

Do boys and girls attend different clubs? No, all 4-H clubs are open to both boys and girls.

How old do you have to be to join a 4-H club? Children can join a 4-H club as soon as they are five by December 31 of the previous year and they can stay involved until their final year of eligibility. The last year of eligibility is 4-H age of eighteen (18). In addition, many colleges offer collegiate 4-H clubs, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!

What is the 4-H year timeline? The 4-H year runs from October 1 to September 30. Youth work all year long to complete projects. Many of these are exhibited at the County Fair in July.

Can we join 4-H at any time during the year? Yes, youth may join 4-H at any time during the calendar year. Re-enrollments for current members are due February 15. All new to 4-H youth must be enrolled with the Nebraska Extension Office by June 15 to be eligible to exhibit in the Cheyenne County Fair or any competitive 4-H events.

Are clubs organized by age divisions? Many 4-H clubs operate with children from a wide variety of ages, and some clubs have members that are in a similar age group, within a couple of years of each other. There are benefits of younger youth learning from the knowledge and example of older youth, as well as the leadership opportunities for older youth.

What are the age divisions for competitive events? A child must be at least eight years old as of December 31 of the previous year to compete in any 4-H event. Most competitions are held in the following age divisions: Juniors (8-10), Intermediate (11-13) and Seniors (14-18). However, age divisions may vary. Always carefully review the registration information for 4-H events.

What is a Clover Kid? Children ages five to seven are known in 4-H as “Clover Kids”. These children are full 4-H members and can participate in a wide range of programs and activities, including the fair. However, because research has shown that competition at this age is detrimental, Clover Kid members are not allowed to participate in competitive events. These members do participate in many contests and receive participation ribbons. Their work is not “judged” and compared to other children’s work.

What does it cost to join a 4-H club? There is a $10 fee to join Cheyenne County 4-H. Some clubs may have dues that are payable to the club.

How do I stay informed about 4-H opportunities? Read the Cheyenne County 4-H newsletter that is emailed to you or the one posted online. It will give you all the details about upcoming programs. Visit the Cheyenne County 4-H website at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cheyenne/ or like our Facebook page at Nebraska Extension Cheyenne County.

What is the 4-H Council? The 4-H Council is composed of 8 elected adults and 5 appointed youth who advise and administer the 4-H program in Cheyenne County. They meet monthly.

4-H Club or Independent Member—What works best for you?

4-H Club:
A 4-H club is an organized group of youth, led by an adult, that provides a progressing series of educational experiences. 4-H clubs may meet in any location, typically have elected officers, and a set of rules approved by the membership to govern the club. The purpose of a 4-H club is to provide positive youth development opportunities to meet the needs of young people to experience belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. These Essential Elements foster those educational opportunities that are tied to the Land Grant University knowledge base.

Families, Independent Members:
Families/youth may choose to participate in 4-H as independent members, operating independently of a formal group setting, such as a club. This may be an individual or family learning effort. For many youth, their exposure to 4-H experiences and learning materials comes through activities conducted either within their family or an independent membership. While 4-H encourages participation in club settings to promote friendships and interaction with other youth and adults, for some youth, this is not always possible. Families and independent members are welcome to participate as part of the 4-H experience.

We welcome new clubs. 4-H clubs must have at least three families enrolled with five members. If you would like to start your own 4-H club, please contact the Cheyenne County Extension Office at 254-4455.

4-H Clubs can vary by interest area, age group and activities. If you would like a current 4-H club to contact you with further information about their club, please contact the Extension Office.

What is a project? Each 4-H member will have an opportunity to select one or more projects to learn about during the year. A project is simply a topic, or subject, the member wants to explore. The member will focus on increasing their knowledge and skills on this topic during the year. Projects are completely self-paced. A member may focus on a project over the whole year, or only spend a few months or days on a specific project. Similarly, a member may choose to explore the same topic for many years, gaining a real, in-depth knowledge of the project.

In most cases, the member will end up with one or more finished exhibits to enter in the fair from each project selected. With nearly 150 projects available, there is something to interest every child. Youth are also encouraged to complete project records detailing what they did and what they learned from a project each year.

There is not a limit to the number of projects a member can select; however parents and leaders should help guide members in setting realistic, but challenging goals. It is always better to complete fewer projects that reflect quality workmanship than to do a “rush job” and complete a lot of poorer quality projects.

Project work is at the heart of 4-H. As youth work to complete a 4-H project, a lot more is happening than “just” learning new skills. In fact, project work encompasses all four “H’s” - head, heart, hands and health. Take for instance a young person working on a sewing project.

Their project-related activities may involve…

HEAD Mental development: gaining deeper knowledge and reasoning abilities

· Learning how to select a pattern that is properly sized

· Using smart consumer skills when shopping for fabric, equipment, and sewing notions

· Calculating the correct amount of fabric to purchase for various fabric widths

HEART Emotional development: developing interests, appreciation and wholesome attitudes

· Working as a team with fellow club members to select a sewing project to complete

· Caring for others by sewing baby blankets for the hospital

HANDS Skills development: ability to do, skill in doing, and the habit of doing

· Demonstrating the ability to properly thread a sewing machine

· Becoming skilled in sewing straight and curved seams that follow a seam allowance

· Completing a sewing project using correct techniques

HEALTH Physical development: understanding an appreciation of a changing body

· Learning to select garments that are flattering for their body shape

· Developing poise and body posture when modeling the garment in a 4-H Fashion Show

How do we select a project?

In most cases, club members, leaders or 4-H families choose a club project they want to complete

during the year. Members will work on that project together at club meetings or independently. A club leader, parent volunteer, community resource person, or perhaps an older 4-H member may teach the club’s project lesson.

Additional projects can be selected by 4-H members and they will be able to work on those outside of their club meetings. They may seek guidance from their parents, leaders, community organizations, or other experts in the field to assist them in acquiring these new skills.

What is a 4-H project manual?

To help guide your learning experience, 4-H offers project manuals. These written manuals provide age-appropriate, hands-on lessons to help youth acquire new skills and knowledge. There are youth manuals and adult helper manuals. Typically the manuals are developed in a series with three or four levels. These manuals are researched-based through Universities nationwide.

Please keep in mind that you are not required to use a project manual to guide your child’s 4-H project, but you will find it very helpful. Also, do not feel like you have to complete every learning activity listed in the project manual. Think of the project manual as a very useful resource for you, rather than a “to do” list of activities that must be completed.

How do we find out what 4-H project manuals are available?

A current list of the 4-H project manuals called “Project Resource Center” is available at: http://4h.unl.edu. To help in selecting a project, you are welcome to check out our project manuals at the Nebraska Extension Office. Stop in or call our office to see which manuals are on hand!

One of the highlights of the year for 4-H members is being able to exhibit their completed projects at the Hall County Fair, and then hopefully to have their exhibits selected for the Nebraska State Fair competition!

When is the fair? The Cheyenne County Fair is held during the month of July. As part of the fair, members have an opportunity to compete in a variety of small and large animal shows, miscellaneous contests as well as entering static exhibits. Many contests, such as Shooting Sports, Fashion Show, Judging contests and more, occur before county fair.

Who can enter the fair? Any enrolled 4-H member can participate in the fair. The Nebraska Extension—Cheyenne County will make available the fair book in April, which lists all the 4-H classes that can be exhibited. For the most part, the classes do not change a lot from year to year, so you can look at previous fair books to get ideas for projects to enter in the fair.

How do we enter exhibits in the fair?

Static Exhibits: The process for entering a static exhibit in the fair is simple. In early July each 4-H member will receive a Cheyenne County Fair Pre-Entry Form. From class descriptions that are found in the Cheyenne County Fair Book, 4-H’ers will write down which exhibits they are planning to enter in the fair. These pre-entry forms are due back to the Extension Office on the designated due date. Exhibit tags will be printed and available the week of fair for pick up at check –in. Entry date and times will be listed on the fair schedule and newsletter. It is the responsibility of the 4-H’er to bring their exhibits to the fairgrounds on entry day at the posted time.

Livestock Exhibits: Every 4-H’er who plans to exhibit livestock must complete 3 modules of the on-line Quality Assurance training by June 1 to be eligible to exhibit any livestock at fair. The Nebraska Extension Office in Cheyenne County will announce the dates to have project animals tagged/identified. It is your responsibility to properly ID your animals by the deadline. Please watch for further information in the Cheyenne County 4-H Newsletter and check dates on the website. http://ckb.unl.edu. You must also complete the pre-entry form mailed out in early July in order to compete at Cheyenne County Fair.

How are exhibits judged?

Static Exhibits: All static exhibits are judged earning a purple, blue, red or white ribbon. Clover Kid entries are non-competitive and are not judged; each entry receives a Clover Kid ribbon. Youth receive a fair premium based upon the color of ribbon earned. 4-H members may pick up their premium checks when they turn in their record books by September 15.

Livestock Exhibits: All livestock exhibits are judged earning a purple, blue, red or white ribbon. 4-H members may sell one market animal per species in the Livestock Sale. Market animals which are eligible for the sale are Market Beef, Market Hog, Market Sheep, Market Goat, and Market Rabbit Pen of Three.

When are exhibits released? Exhibit release time will be posted and announced in the newsletter and on the fair calendar. Early release is not allowed.

Cheyenne County 4-H offers many different events and contests each year. Extension staff will conduct the county contest as similar to the state contest as possible, using the same rules, time allowances and judge’s score sheets. You can find the complete details, entry forms and judging forms for each contest at the Cheyenne County website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cheyenne/

• 4-H Fall Carnival—This is the primary fundraising event of the 4-H Council and every 4-H’er is encouraged to participate with their club. Clubs set up carnival booths for the community to enjoy. Each 4-H’er is encouraged to sell raffle tickets and provide a baked good or other contribution to contribute to the success of the event.
• 4-H Public Speaking Contest — Individual entry only. Youth research, write, and present an original speech or Public Service Announcement (PSA). The speech or PSA should relate directly to the participant’s 4-H experience.
  
• 4-H Fashion Show — Individual entry only. Youth sew a garment or purchase a garment and model it for the judges. Judging includes clothing construction; modeling, fit, confidence and poise; and how well they respond in an interview process. All participants model their garments for the audience during the culminating 4-H Fashion Show.
• Achievement Application — The Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application is a standard application form used for the selection of county and state award winners, including Nebraska delegates to National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference, as well as Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarship award recipients. Many awards and scholarships are available.
• Diamond Clover Program—The program consists of six levels that require a 4-H member to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. The program’s overall goal is to provide 4-H members a rich and diverse learning experience.
• Shooting Sports Competition—Individual entry only. Youth who have had instruction from a certified 4-H shooting sports leader can participate. Participants may compete in shooting activities and a written test. Shooting sports leaders can be contacted for information about equipment requirements. We offer shotgun and archery.
• Robotics Tournament— Each year the Robotics Club youth have the opportunity to compete at a Regional Robotic Tournament to showcase the robot that their team builds.
• 4-H Camps and Camp Scholarships—4-H camps are offered throughout the summer with a wide variety of topics and activities available at the Nebraska State 4-H Camp at Halsey.
• College Scholarships—College scholarships are available on the state and local levels. Deadlines vary, so please read your Cheyenne County 4-H Newsletter.

Nebraska Extension - Cheyenne County - https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cheyenne/educational-programs/cheyenne-county-4-h/ For information on the Cheyenne County 4-H
program visit our website. Information on enrolling, newsletters, 4-H forms, upcoming events and more are posted on the website.

Giving Your Best webinar series - https://4h.unl.edu/volunteers/training/giving-your-best

"Giving Your Best" program is a live web seminar series taught by Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development staff. The web seminar series is designed to benefit volunteers and parents as they get ready, set, and go forward with club meetings, 4-H projects, and beyond. Participation in the live web seminars is free. A computer with internet access is needed. Each program will meet online for 45-60 minutes.

Fast Track Training for Volunteers - http://4h.unl.edu/volunteers/training

On your Marks, Get Set, Go...volunteer with the Nebraska 4-H Program! The Fast Track Volunteer Training modules will help you get on the right track to a valuable experience as a volunteer in 4-H. The different modules will assist you in understanding the 4-H program and guide you to resources to help make you the best volunteer you can be. As a volunteer you can provide young people with developmental assets that last a lifetime -- a positive relationship with a caring adult; an inclusive and safe environment; opportunities to value others and master a skill; and much more. For more information on becoming a 4-H volunteer contact the Cheyenne County Extension Office.

Cheyenne County 4-H Social Media
Connect with Cheyenne County 4-H by visiting our social media channels. View pictures, videos, keep up-to-date and in the loop.

Facebook— Nebraska Extension Cheyenne County

Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.

The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture