Hall County 4-H Newsletter
February 2024
Join us in celebration of Nebraska 4-H Month!
Show your 4-H Spirit Thursday, February 1st (or anytime during the month of February) by wearing green or a 4-H shirt and sharing a picture on social media! We look forward to seeing your smiling 4-H Spirit! Also, be sure to enroll in 4-H this month if you haven't already. We look forward to celebrating this month! #NE4HMonth
IT'S TIME TO ENROLL IN 4-H!
New and returning 4-H families may now enroll at https://v2.4honline.com. (Returning 4-H families, please enroll under the same email login that was used the previous year; do not create a new account.) Enrollment fees remain $10 per youth. Fees may be paid online during the 4-H enrollment process or by check/cash at the Hall County Extension Office.
Important Update on Project Selection: Starting in the 2023-2024 program year, project selection is now optional. By successfully completing the 4-H member enrollment by the June 15th deadline, youth will be eligible to participate and exhibit in any project area, contest, county and state fairs. While project selection is optional, it is encouraged for youth to select projects they are interested in exploring. Please note:
- Youth are only eligible to exhibit in a specific project area or contest in a single county.
- Horse and shooting sports projects will continue to require project enrollment due to the parental consent required to participate in these projects.
If you have any questions regarding the enrollment process, please call the Extension Office at 308-385-5088. We are here to help!
SIGN UP FOR 4-H TEXT MESSAGES!
NEW – Hall County 4-H will be using the Remind app (in addition to email & social media) to communicate important 4-H news, events & deadlines to 4-H families. Get information for Hall County 4-H right on your phone! Two-way text messaging makes it more convenient for families to receive important information. Plus, it’s free and easy to use!
Options to sign up for Remind:
- Option 1 - Click the link to sign up, https://www.remind.com/join/4h-hall.
- Option 2 - Text the message @4h-hall to the number 81010.
See the attached pdf below.
Please call Crystal at 308-385-5088 for assistance.
TEACH A KIDS COLLEGE CLASS!
Do you have a special skill or talent and would enjoy passing that on to youth in our community (or do you know someone who does)? If so, we need your help! We’re looking for adults/teens to lead workshops for our summer Kids College program.
Kids College workshops offer hands-on, learning opportunities for youth ages 5-18, and are held in the month of June. Need ideas? We can help! How about candy making, woodworking, jewelry making, metal working, rockets, bath bombs, or slime. Give us a call if you are interested in learning how to become a workshop instructor.
Workshop proposals are due to the Hall County Extension Office by Feb. 1. Contact Joyce at (308) 385-5088 or jkrolikowski2@unl.edu for more information.
SIGN UP FOR THE SPECIAL GARDEN & AGRONOMY PROJECTS!
Check Out the 2024 Special Garden Project!
The 2024 plant will be Princess India Nasturtium. Learn more about the Special Garden Project and how to get started at 4h.unl.edu/sgp. ALL 4-H MEMBERS, ages 5-18, can order seeds (FREE) for the Special Garden Project!
To reserve your Special Garden Project seeds,
- Enroll in 4-H at v2.4honline.com.
- Complete the following google form: go.unl.edu/hallcosgporder by February 1, 2024.
2024 Special Agronomy Project - Sugar Beets
The 2024 Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project is Sugar Beets! 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. Youth are then eligible to enter an exhibit at both the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.
Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting the Hall County Extension Office at 308-385-5088 to order packets of seeds. Orders are due February 20.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
Building Better Babysitters Clinic
- Date and Time: Friday, February 9, 2024, 9 am-4 pm
- Location: Hall County Extension Office
- Ages: 10-18
- Cost: $25.00
Things to Know:
- This program will NOT provide CPR/First Aid Training.
- We will be making our lunch and snack. If there are food allergies, please let us know when registering.
- If you are able, bring a baby doll or medium-sized stuffed animal.
- We invite family members to come at 3:45 pm to help celebrate each new babysitter.
- Youth who are not 4-H members are welcome to register also.
- Click here to register: https://forms.gle/5MTMtZaeSxDZhusE9, scan the QR code or call LaDonna at 308-385-5088 by February 5th.
Join the STEM Challenge Club!
Join us on Friday, February 16 from 2-4 pm for the new STEM Challenge Club. Each meeting will have a STEM activity in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math. STEM Challenge Club will meet monthly. This month’s challenge will be for kids ages 7 and older.
Did you know the first roller coasters were built in Russia in the 15th century? They were sleds constructed of cut lumber and tree trunks and sped down man-made, ice-covered hills. Thank goodness today’s roller coasters are marvels of modern engineering! In this workshop, we will look at the science behind roller coasters, learn about the careers that develop roller coasters, and we'll build a roller coaster for a marble.
Call LaDonna at the Extension Office at 308-385-5088 or email ladonna.obermiller@unl.edu to register by February 14. Cost: $15.00
Bomgaars Grand Opening - 4-H’ers Needed!
We are looking for 5 or 6 4-H members, middle and high school aged youth, who would be interested in helping 4-H staff serve a meal at Bomgaars' Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, February 16th from 11 am – 1 pm. The meal will be prepared for us, we just need to serve it! Most of our local schools are out that day, so we’re hoping a few 4-Her’s will be available to help us with this fundraising opportunity. If you’re interested, please email or call D’Ette!
Join Sew Crazy Sewing Club!
- Who: Any youth interested in sewing, ages 5-18.
- When: Saturday, February 10, 2024
- Where: Hall County Extension meeting room
- What Time: 1:00-4:00 pm
- February Project: Your choice - bring what you want to work on!
Club Leaders: Annette Schimmer and Barb Hovie
- Annette 308-379-7191 | netterz95@gmail.com
- Barb 308-379-5208 | barbarahovie@gmail.com
PLEASE contact Annette or Barb if you plan to attend, or if you have questions. A list of supplies needed will be sent via email before the meeting.
Horse Advisory Meeting
The next Horse Advisory meeting will be on February 12 at 6:30 pm at the Hall County Extension Office meeting room. It is important we have as many 4-H members as possible at this meeting. The discussions will be around: High Point requirements, independent and club duties during the Hall County Fair horse show, and requirements to participate in certain classes. Please watch your email for more information.
Horse High Point Requirements
Reminder: Two of the three spring/summer horse meetings MUST be attended to be eligible for the High Point award. These meetings are held in February, May, and July. The 4-H member will be required to attend at least one meeting themselves, and a representative (parent or club leader) may attend the other meeting.
4-H FINE ARTS NIGHT
4-H Fine Arts Night
Share your enthusiasm about 4-H through the 4-H Public Speaking Contest! Youth have the opportunity to write a Speech or a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that incorporates the topic of 4-H and deliver it to an audience. The 4-H Public Speaking Contest helps youth develop skills for communicating about current issues to real audiences, learn how to organize and prepare a speech, develop speech delivery skills, learn how to present themselves to others, and develop self-confidence.
Do you have a musical talent or a flair for theatrics? Share your talent at the 4-H Fine Arts Night! Talent show entries may include, but are not limited to: magic, comedy, instrumental or vocal performance, mime, skit, etc. Top performers may be selected to perform at the 4-H Fashion show on July 2.
Hall County 4-H Fine Arts Night will be held on Tuesday, March 12th at 6:30 pm in the College Park Auditorium. For more information, go to https://hall.unl.edu/4-h-contests-events/ or call (308) 385-5088. Registration forms are due to the Extension office by February 27.
SHOUT OUTS!
Presenting your 2024 Hall County 4-H Council!
Front (l-r): Westin Bonsack, Becky Krueger, Karen Hurst, Eva Lindiman, Peyton Allan, Becky Carmin, Lisa Allan
Back (l-r): Wesley Fishler, Will Moeller, Allie Horak, Katie Collins, LeAnne Bird, Briana Bird
Not pictured: Melody Greer, Paul Sullivan, Jennifer Turek, Derek Vogt, Emily Happold
Thank you for your service to Hall County 4-H!
4-H'ers Represent Hall County in the State 4-H Indoor Archery Competition!
Congratulations to the following Hall County 4-H youth who participated in the State 4-H Indoor Archery Competition on January 27th in Grand Island. Those who received medals in their division are noted in parenthesis.
Peyton Allan, Jaxsen Battershaw (1st), Cayleigh Bird, Addie Carmin, Makenzie Carmin, Dakota Fenster, Hunter Fowler, Kimber Fowler, Quentin Havel (1st), Caden Irvine, Hope Krueger (2nd), Noah Krueger, Kennedy Reiss (3rd), Parker Reiss, Ruger Schutt (1st), Logan Wasick
Great job representing Hall County 4-H!
ONGOING 4-H PROGRAMS
Little Free Pantry Built by Local 4-H Club
Kountryside Kids 4-H Club has installed a Little Free Pantry at Lincoln Elementary School. They are partnering with Grand Island Public Schools (and you!) on this project!
Kountryside Kids 4-H Club invites 4-H families and clubs to help keep the pantry filled with food, hygiene, seasonal needs, and home essentials, through the next year. If your family or club would like to contribute to the pantry, sign up for a week (or more) in 2024, by following this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45ABA72DA7FBCF8-45801707-lincoln.
The Little Free Pantry is supported by Hall County 4-H, the Nutrition Education Program (NEP), and UNL Extension. If you have any questions, call the Extension Office at 308-385-5088 or email LaDonna at ladonna.obermiller@unl.edu. For ideas of items to put in the Little Free Pantry, click Little Free Food Pantry Food Safety Information | UNL Food.
Check out a STEM Backpack for your family during the winter months! Each of the backpacks contains theme-based books, activity sheets & materials, and a step-by-step lesson plan for adults. Most of the lessons are also available in Spanish. Families not enrolled in 4-H are welcome to check out backpacks as well.
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
Hall County 4-H Council Scholarships
Hall County 4-H Council is sponsoring scholarships valued at $500 each! The scholarships are available to current Hall County 4-H members who are graduating seniors this year. Applications are due March 1st to the Hall County Extension Office at 3180 W Hwy 34, Grand Island, NE 68801 or cbeissenherz2@unl.edu. The application can be found at hall.unl.edu/4-h-member-resources/ or picked up at the Extension Office.
Hall County Agricultural Committee Scholarships
Two scholarships valued at $500 will be awarded to high school graduating seniors who are pursuing a program/career in agriculture/agribusiness. The scholarships will be given to applicants living or attending school in Hall County. The scholarships will be sent directly to the college, university, or technical school upon proof of registration. Applications are due March 1st. For more information, go to hall.unl.edu/4-h-member-resources/.
Plan to Set Goals & Apply for Awards in 2024!
Have you thought about your 4-H goals for 2024? Now is the time to look at the Diamond Clover Program and the Clover Kids Recognition Program, and set those goals now. For more information on Hall County 4-H awards, go to hall.unl.edu/4-h-youth-member-resources/. To find out more about state and national 4-H award opportunities, go to 4h.unl.edu/awards-recognition.
SAVE THE DATE! Hall County 4-H Achievement Event - October 6, 2024 😊
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS IN MARCH
Catch a Leprechaun!
It will soon be St. Patick’s Day and leprechauns will be up to their old tricks! Leprechauns like to sneak around and play tricks on people! In this workshop, kids ages 5-10 are challenged to outsmart the leprechauns by engineering a Leprechaun Trap! Join us on Friday, March 1 from 2-4 pm at the Hall County Extension Office. Please bring a small box to this workshop (a cereal box, Kleenex box, oatmeal container or shoebox); any small box will work. The cost for this workshop is $10.00. Please register by February 28 by calling LaDonna at the Hall County Extension Office at 308-385-5088 or email ladonna.obermiller@unl.edu.
YQCA Face-to-Face Training
YQCA face-to-face training will be offered on Monday, March 4 from 6-8 pm in the Hall County Extension meeting room.
*Remember, YQCA Training is REQUIRED for all youth (4-H age 8-18) planning to show beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy, poultry & rabbits at County and/or State Fair. Clover Kids are not required to take the course. Youth showing bucket calves only are not required to take the course.
Great news! Attending the face-to-face training costs only $3 per youth (compared to $12 for the online course) and it takes less time than the online training. Important! Youth must be enrolled in 4-H Online for the upcoming 4-H year before completing YQCA training.
Follow these steps:
- Enroll in 4-H Online at v2.4honline.com (remember to use your same login information from last year if you are a returning 4-H member).
- Visit yqcaprogram.org/ and sign in with your same login information from last year, unless this is your first time taking the course.
- Find the training session you will attend on the list and register. Be sure you select the correct date, time, location, and trainer Megan Knuth.
- Pay the $3 fee with a credit card.
- Please contact the office to let us know which session you are attending.
- Complete the pretest prior to the training - located on the “Enrolled Trainings” page.
- Attend the training.
- Following the training take the post survey and print your certificate.
If the above date does not work for you, there are other opportunities for face-to-face YQCA trainings in nearby counties. Call the Extension Office for more information at 308-385-5088.
STEM Challenge Club
Bridges are amazing feats of engineering! You drive, walk over them, and see them all the time. Have you ever thought about how they are built or how they can hold so much weight? There is a lot of STEM that goes into building a bridge. We invite kids ages 7 and older to join us on Thursday, March 7 from 2-4 pm in Room 207 at College Park (new location). Register by March 5 by calling LaDonna at 308-385-5088 or email ladonna.obermiller@unl.edu. The cost for this workshop is $15.00.
4-H Spring Rabbit Show
The 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 9:00 am at Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock – South Hall in Lincoln. Open to all youth ages 8–18, with a Clover Kids class for youth ages 5–7. This is a great opportunity for youth to talk to other 4-H’ers about where to purchase a good rabbit for a 4-H project, and to learn and practice showmanship. Rabbit Quiz and Breed Identification contests are free for youth to enter! Again this year: the knowledge contests are open to adults for a minimal fee!
Show flyer is now posted at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/rabbit/rabbit-show-spring-24.pdf. For questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
NDA’S Annual Poster Contest Highlights Nebraska Agriculture
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) annual poster contest highlights and celebrates Nebraska agriculture. NDA’s poster contest is open to all Nebraska students in first through sixth grades. This year’s theme, Nebraska Agriculture: Ready, Set, Grow, applies to everything in Nebraska from livestock to crops. The deadline to submit posters is March 1, 2024.
Poster contest rules and official entry forms are available online at nda.nebraska.gov/kids. For more information, contact Christin Kamm at 402-471-6856 or by email at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.
SHOOTING SPORTS
Hunter's Education
If you plan to participate in the shotgun or rifle project this year and have turned 11 before January 1st, make sure you take a hunter’s safety course first. To register, visit http://outdoornebraska.gov/huntereducation/.
2024 Hall County 4-H Shooting Sports Schedule
The dates are set for 4-H Archery, BB Gun, 22 Rifle and Shotgun practices/competitions. (Dates & times are subject to change.) Youth who participate in practices and competitions must be enrolled in 4-H Online BEFORE practicing and competing in a 4-H Shooting Sports event. *Minimum age for Archery & BB Gun is 4-H age 8. Minimum age for 22 Rifle and Shotgun is 4-H age 11 (Hunter's Safety Certification REQUIRED). Please review the Hall County Fair Book - Shooting Sports section/rules (coming soon!) and the 2024 Hall County 4-H Shooting Sports Schedule, located here: hall.unl.edu/4-h-contests-events/. Contact the Hall County Extension Office at 308-385-5088 with questions.
4-H Shooting Sports Information, Statewide Competitions
Go to 4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports for more information about the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports program & to view the calendar of upcoming statewide shooting sports competitions!
SAVE THE DATE! CLOTHING JUDGING DAY & 4-H FASHION SHOW
Mark your calendars! Clothing Judging Day and the 4-H Fashion Show will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd at College Park! If you are new to this day, you’ll want to hold the morning for the judging of all constructed items in the Clothing & Textiles project area and modeling judging. You’ll return in the evening for the fashion show. Below is a tentative schedule for the day to help you plan. If you have questions about how the day works, please contact D’Ette at the office!
July 2nd Schedule
8:30 am – 4-Hers begin to arrive at College Park
8:30-8:45 am – Judging room is open for modeling practice
9 am–Noon – Modeling Judging (a schedule will be sent out)
9 am–Noon – Construction Judging (come & go as you are available)
9 am–Noon – Theater is open for fashion show modeling practice
10 am–Noon - Family and Consumer Science Contest, awards given during the fashion show
7 pm – 4-Hers arrive at College Park for the Fashion Show
7:30 pm – The 4-H Fashion Show starts!
CAMPS & STATEWIDE 4-H OPPORTUNITIES
Virtual Horse Judging Camp
This is an online horse judging camp for anyone thinking about giving horse judging a try! The camp includes at-home assignments, reasons critique, 4 interactive virtual meetings, quizzes, and certificate of completion! Participants have the opportunity to submit videos of oral reasons for feedback. Recorded sessions, class videos and supplemental materials will be available for 6 months. Experts from 3 universities will be online each session to discuss classes and interact with you.
Topics/classes covered include:
- Feb 8 - Performance Halter, Dr. Steven Cooper, Oklahoma State University
- Feb 15 - Oral reasons, Dr. Casie Bass, Purdue University
- Feb 22 - Reining, Dr. Alyssa Logan, Middle Tennessee State University
- Feb 29 - Western Riding, Dr. Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Time: 6-7:30 pm, Central time
Cost is $50
To register go to: https://catalog.extension.org/?category=6&keyword=horse%20judging%20camp&cond=advand&search=Search&fbclid=IwAR1w8SQzl_XS3ErtfVMw9xdsiaqpmlrg3aEadTOzZq4BY7_jBHmt3ZyhrXc
Hippology Academy is Back!
It's back! The 2024 Hippology Academy kicks off on February 17. Topics for this year include toxic plants of the northeast, horse evaluation, feeding myths, soil testing and usage, identifying feeds, and fencing. Content for each topic includes practice tests, slides, and digital learning stations in addition to twice weekly lectures.
There are three enrollment levels to choose from:
- Bronze: All content listed above, accessible until August 31, 2024.
- Silver: Everything included in Bronze, plus can ask teacher questions, participate in discussion board, and have access to course material until November 31, 2024.
- Gold: Everything included in Silver, plus opportunity to participate in live virtual office hours with instructor (Thursday evenings) and access to course material until December 31, 2024.
Learn more and register here: https://catalog.extension.org/?category=6&keyword=hippology&cond=advand&search=Search
Changes to State Fair Age Eligibility
New in 2024! All 4-H members who were at least 8 years of age on January 1 will be eligible to participate in 4-H in-person events (live animal shows, fashion shows, and contests) at the Nebraska State Fair. Learn more about State Fair: 4h.unl.edu/state-fair.
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.
Dates, session summaries, and registration information can be found by visiting https://4h.unl.edu/camps-register.
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.
VOLUNTEERS & CLUB LEADERS
New 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.
Have You Been Thinking of Starting Your Own Club?
It's easier than you might think! Contact Megan or LaDonna; we would be happy to answer any questions! We have the tools to help you get started! Call 308-385-5088 or email mknuth3@unl.edu. You can also check out this website: https://4h.unl.edu/clubs/start.
CALENDAR
February 9 - Building Better Babysitters Clinic, 9-4 at the Extension Office.
February 12 - Horse Advisory Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Extension Office.
February 16 - STEM Challenge Club, 2-4 pm at the Extension Office.
February 19 - President's Day; Extension Office is closed.
March 1 - Catch a Leprechaun Workshop, 2-4 pm at the Extension Office.
March 4 - YQCA Face-to-Face Training, 6-8 pm at the Extension Office.
March 7 - STEM Challenge Club, 2-4 pm at College Park, Room 207.
March 12 - 4-H Fine Arts Night, 6:30 pm at the College Park Auditorium.
July 2 - 4-H Clothing Judging Day & Fashion Show
July 17-21 - Hall County Fair
D'Ette Scholtz
4-H Youth Development
Megan Knuth
4-H Youth Development
LaDonna Obermiller
4-H Youth Development
Crystal Beissenherz
Office Manager
Joyce Krolikowski
Nebraska Extension - Hall County
Email: hall-county@unl.edu
Website: hall.unl.edu
Location: 3180 W Hwy 34, College Park, Grand Island, Nebraska, USA
Phone: 308-385-5088
Facebook: facebook.com/HallCounty4HNebraska
Twitter: @4HHoopla