May 30 - Table Topper's Workshop
Learn more about this annual contest at our free workshop. The workshop is free and open to all youth ages 5-18.
Sign up at https://forms.gle/nvQcK1gJyJYpmCE86.
See more tips to prepare for this contest here.
Horsemanship level testing - May 31
All 4-H Horse exhibitors!
We will be having a Horsemanship level testing available May 31st at Cass County Fair Grounds. If you are interested please fill out this form below. This is a chance to get all of your reequipments done before the due date of June 1st. If you have any questions reach out to Alaina Kauffman @ Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
June 1 - State Horse Show entries
4-H State Horse Show entries are open! The deadline is Thursday, June 1st!
https://4h.unl.edu/horse-expo-show-entry
Hippology and Horse Judging entries will be due through SAME entry process and deadline. For more info. contact Alaina at Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu, 402-444-4092
June 2 - Sign up for our Recycled Art Summer Workshop
When: Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Time: 9 am to noon
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Register by June 2 at: https://forms.gle/c696iQyfDWmJ2Xtw6
Questions? Email Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu.
During this workshop, youth will have the chance to create different projects: wall hanging, magazine bookmarks, junk journal, cork art, and a gnome friend. Visit here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bwqhaV5MS7C0cFSeDebiRK_u17b1lI1A?usp=sharing for a description of the stations. Ideal for kids 8 and older.
Register for the workshop here https://forms.gle/c696iQyfDWmJ2Xtw6. Choose only as many stations that you think your youth will complete during the three-hour workshop. Each station has its own price.
A minimum of 5 registered youth is required to host the workshop.
Wildlife & Conservation Class
Ideal for 10-15, although the workshop is open to all youth 8-18. Clover Kids are welcome if they are accompanied by an adult.
When: Tuesday, June 21, 2023
Time: p am to 12 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Cost: $10 per youth
Register at: https://forms.gle/ZUueC71SLXbAvSHJ8
Description: Are you interested in wildlife and nature? Do you wonder what animal made that track in your backyard? This is the workshop for you! During this workshop, youth will explore the basics of food chains, food webs, animal tracks, and wildlife conservation. Youth will design their own backyard habitat (a fair project!) and play a fun trivia game, plus much more. This workshop will really give them something to sink their teeth into! Join us on June 21 for a wild good time. Contact Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu with questions.
Looking for volunteer hours? We have a great opportunity for teens!
4-Her - Evelyn Post
Do you have a notable 4-H moment? Upload your project pictures to be included in our newsletter at https://go.unl.edu/4-hwinners
Livestock Project - Horse Western Pleasure
The 4-H Western pleasure is a western style competition at horse shows that evaluates horses on manners and suitability of the horse for a relaxed and slow but collected gait cadence, along with calm and responsive disposition. The horse is to appear to be a "pleasure" to ride, smooth-moving and very comfortable. Lili Rischling with the 2022 Champion Horse Western Pleasure Project.
REMEMBER - 4-H State Horse Show entries are open! The deadline is Thursday, June 1st!
Static Project of the Week - Forestry
This week's project of the week is the new Forestry 4H Exhibit Classes and State Tree ID Contest. This is a time honored contest, as can be seen from our achieved picture from 1938!
Projects include:
D320009 - Forest Product Display,
D320010 - Forest Health Display,
D320011 - Wildfire Prevention Poster,
D320012 - Sustainable Landscape Diorama,
D320013 – Tree Planting Project Display.
See more details about these and other Forestry exhibits: https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/exhibits/32
Youth can also participate in the State Tree ID Contest! Learn more at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/contests/11
Project Learning Tree is the approved curriculum for all Nebraska Forestry 4H, you can learn more about the curriculum at https://www.plt.org/ or reach out to me with any questions about which activities best support 4H fair exhibits.
Volunteer of the Week - Dawn Bodine
Are you looking to volunteer with a 4-H event?
- Clothing Area Superintendent to help keep things on track in the clothing area on August 1st, entry day.
- 2 volunteers for the Table Toppers contest, June 29th (to help kids bring in their tables, watch the doors to the meeting rooms, provide activities for the families while waiting and assist the judges as needed. Also to help prepare the ribbons for the awards ceremony).
- 2 volunteers for the Fashion Show judging day, July 13, (mainly to help read the narratives and call in contestants when it is their turn).
- 1 volunteer for the clothing area to help attach ribbons and prepare items for display on entry day, August 1st , at the fairgrounds.
To volunteer please contact Stephanie at stephanie.thorson@unl.edu
YQCA - June 6
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).
The website to register is: https://yqcaprogram.org/
For more information, contact Brett Kreifels, Urban Program Coordinator at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
YQCA Training Dates: June 6th at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds, in Springfield at 6:30 pm.
The following videos have been developed to help walk families through the process:
Help Video: Web-Based Training
Help Video: Instructor-Led Training
The help desk is your best option for any issues related to the platform help@yqcaprogram.org
Participants need to sign up for the in-person training and there will be a pre and post test given to them that day. They will need to pay the $3 online before they come to the training. Their training will be complete when they have paid, attended the training and done the pre and post test.
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."
Participate in the Quilts of Valor Program
The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program would like to encourage our youth to participate in the Quilts of Valor program.
A Quilt of Valor® (QOV) is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
4-H members and volunteers can work alone or in groups to make the quilts. Perhaps you can find someone who will help donate fabric, batting or machine-quilting to complete your project. You may want to contact a service organization or other donors in your community to help provide funds for the Quilt of Valor. Learn more about the program at
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Quilts%20of%20Valor%20State-wide%20Challenge%20GUIDELINES.pdf
Paddock Posse - June 9
Please join Douglas-Sarpy's Horseless Horse Club!
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
When: June 9 (usually the first Friday of every Month) at 5 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@unl.edu
Nature Night Walk
Families are invited to attend our annual Night Nature Walk
June 16, 2023
8:00 PM-11:00 PM
Schramm Park State Recreation Area
21146, NE-31, Gretna, NE 68028
Sign up at https://forms.gle/Fzbwtu8BekJQ1RvC9
4-H Quilt Club - June 20
When: Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Celtic Quilter, 5080 S. 108th Street, Omaha
For more information, contact Club Leader Stephanie at (stephkucera@hotmail.com).
*This club usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month.
Computer Coding Workshop - June 23
This engaging workshop will pique youth’s interest in computer science by exploring codes and programs using Ozobots! The Ozobot is a miniature robot with color sensors that allow it to follow lines and read color codes to complete commands. In this workshop, youth will learn what makes a robot a robot, use color coding to tell a story, and explore Ozoblockly – an online coding program to create sequential block coding. This workshop is ideal for youth K-5th grade.
When: Friday, June 23, 2023
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Cost: $10 per youth (Cash, check or Credit Card acceptable). Please bring payment June 23.
Register at: https://forms.gle/GLE4Zk8DWhMLrWbs7
For more information, contact Ericka ericka.murray@unl.edu
2023 Fashion Show
Entry form (deadline 7/7 midnight) https://go.unl.edu/4hfashion2023
See tips for preparing for the 2023 4-H Fashion Show here.
Enroll in 4-H By June 15
To enroll in 4-H for 2023, click here.
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, 2023.
Please contact Mary Dierks at mdierks@sarpy.com 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.
New members handouts can be found at https://go.unl.edu/newmemberhandouts
June 29 - Table Toppers
When: June 29, at 6:30 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
LIVESTOCK ID SHEETS Due June 15
Get your ID sheets at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/sarpy-county-and-nebraska-state-fairs/
Livestock, Poultry, Rabbit & Cavy - due June 15th.
For more information, contact Brett Kreifels, Urban Program Coordinator at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Papio Valley Livestock Progress Show
Make plans to join us for the 37th Annual Papio Valley Livestock Show
Goat, Sheep & Beef Show • Saturday, June 24, 2023
Sarpy County Fairgrounds – Springfield, NE
Entry Fees: Beef & Bucket Calf- $25 per head • Sheep/Goat -$15 per head
Showmanship-FREE • Clover Kids-FREE • Sheep Lead -$15
**NEW** Pre-Entry of Livestock.
This year will be trying out a pre-entry system for the Livestock show. Please click on the link to pre-enter. Payment will be taken at the show.
DEADLINE FOR PRE- ENTRY: FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH AT 11:59 PM
LINK: https://forms.gle/Jpq4MmFifQV4G5Uv6
NO Substitutions after submission
Learn more at https://files.constantcontact.com/f3efa1f3101/1d4a01d7-1db2-40da-b30e-98e126ee17d1.pdf
Fremont 4-H Expo! July 12-15
The Fremont 4-H Expo is open to 4-H Exhibitors from Burt, Butler, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington Counties. This year's Expo will be July 12-15, 2023.
Check out the schedule! https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/frfourhexhguide/
For more information, contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
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Livestock Achievement ProgramThe Livestock Achievement Program is an advanced opportunity for youth interested in diving deeper into and expanding upon their current livestock project and establishing themselves as leaders in their project area. The program encourages youth to engage in a variety of activities related to their project and recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas. Applications are now open. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement | DNA and Hair SamplesAll Breeding Beef, Sheep, Swine and Goats MUST have hair pulled and DNA sample submitted along with being nominated in Show Stock Manager by June 15th, 2023. All Feeder Calves must also have hair pulled and DNA sample submitted and the animal must be nominated in Show Stock Manager by June 15, 2023. All Market Beef, Market Swine and Feeder Calves must still have an 840 EID | 2023 Nebraska State Fair 4-H/FFA Livestock Info.Families can now begin entering in their 2023 Nebraska State Fair 4-H/FFA livestock nominations. Show Stock Manager Information https://showstockmgr.com/ The 2023 Step-by-Step Nomination Instructions: https://4h.unl.edu/livestock-id. |
Livestock Achievement Program
The Livestock Achievement Program is an advanced opportunity for youth interested in diving deeper into and expanding upon their current livestock project and establishing themselves as leaders in their project area. The program encourages youth to engage in a variety of activities related to their project and recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas. Applications are now open. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement
DNA and Hair Samples
All Breeding Beef, Sheep, Swine and Goats MUST have hair pulled and DNA sample submitted along with being nominated in Show Stock Manager by June 15th, 2023.
All Feeder Calves must also have hair pulled and DNA sample submitted and the animal must be nominated in Show Stock Manager by June 15, 2023.
All Market Beef, Market Swine and Feeder Calves must still have an 840 EID
2023 Nebraska State Fair 4-H/FFA Livestock Info.
Families can now begin entering in their 2023 Nebraska State Fair 4-H/FFA livestock nominations.
Show Stock Manager Information https://showstockmgr.com/
The 2023 Step-by-Step Nomination Instructions: https://4h.unl.edu/livestock-id.
Tack Cleaning Workshop
Get your tack cleaned before State Horse show. Come join Alaina as we clean tack together and get your tack in tip top shape.
When: July 11
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Register by July 1st. https://forms.gle/sDg2kfraeJupsRnm9
Contact Alaina with questions Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
Diamond Clover Program
2023 Online Horticulture Judging Contest
Do you know what it takes to pick the best fruit and vegetables out at the grocery store? Or do you know what judges are looking for when they judge your plants at the county fair? Have you ever wondered, what plant is that!?! We are excited to offer the opportunity to learn these and other important horticulture skills through the Online Horticulture Contest. The contest will be available June 2-16, 2023 at: https://go.unl.edu/hortcontest.
Learn more about the contest at https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/4hstaff/15682/87747
4-H Youth Leadership Conference
Learn more
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
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j99YzlGpClOexfXZDJJrouP9USUTtVn_/view?usp=share_link
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties
Submit your community service project at 4h.unl.edu/csps
