Companion Animal Challenge - Due April 1
Don’t forget! Virtual Companion Animal Challenge entries, including essays, art, photography, and demonstrations, are due Saturday, April 1. The online dog and cat trivia contests will be available from April 10-16. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/companion-animal-challenge
Clover Kid Club - April 4
Children ages 5-7, and parents are invited to be a part of the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Clover Kid Program. Our April meeting will talk about pollinators!
Clover Kid Dates: April 4 and May 2.
Time: 6-7 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to preregister with Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu.
Poultry & Rabbit Informational Meeting - April 4
Please make plans to join us for the Poultry & Rabbit Informational Meeting.
When: Tuesday, April 4th, 6:30 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha.
For questions or more information, contact Brett Kreifels, Urban Program Coordinator at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Project of the Week - Write a speech!
The only way to learn good public speaking skills is to give one!
A good speech will have:
- The INTRODUCTION captures the attention of the audience. It introduces the central thought of the speech and appeals to the interests of the audience.
- The BODY presents the major points through discussion and examples. This is the longest section of the speech.
- The CONCLUSION restates the central thought and summarizes the major highlights of the speech. This is the “final thought,” the high point and the last chance to impress the audience.
More tips for writing a great 4-H speech can be found here.
Sign up for this year's Communication Contest.
The 4-H Communications Contest is a combination of the 4-H Public Speaking and Presentations Contests. For 4-Hers 5 and up.
When: April 27, 5-8 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdC6gkWs4Qh6HuTGkXNme5GhwoWZu9vg7ZYfLxcqHzqhs2qjQ/viewform
See the 4-H speech score sheet here.
4-Her of the Week - Tristian Wright
This week's 4-Hers of the week is Tristian. Tristian has shown his cat, Cookie, in 4-H for 4 years and won Reserve Champion last year. The great thing about the 4-H Companion Animal show is that the animal doesn't have to be a special breed. Cookie is a farm cat turned spoiled house cat. The requirements for this show, a short speech about the animal, and cats/ferrets need to have a vaccination form filled out by their vet. This year's Companion Animal Contest is April 15!
See the score sheet for the companion animal contest in the fairbook here.
Get the vaccination form here.
Do you have a notable 4-H moment? Email them to Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu
Companion Animal Contest - Sign up by April 7
Time: Check in starts at 8:30 am, show starts at 9 am
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
For 4-Hers 5 and up.
The companion animal contest will include cats, small mammals (hamsters, rats) reptiles, snakes, fish, birds and insects.
This year's contest will include a short (under 5 minute presentation). See the fairbook and score sheet to see what the judge is looking at here.
Connect with our experts for this contest at the Nebraska 4-H companion animal page. This page offer opportunities for youth to develop life skills and obtain knowledge of companion animals. The focus of the Nebraska 4-H companion animal programs is the total development of the young person. The companion animals contests, shows, and related activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development.
Registration link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M5SNST6
Cats and ferrets will need to bring Certificate of Vaccination for Cats and Ferrets. https://4h.unl.edu/documents/CompanionAnimal/SF262-Cat-Ferret-Vaccination-Certification-Form%20Updated.pdf
Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Award
Recycle Art Workshop - Sign up April 7
Recycled Art Workshop
Date: Thursday, April 13
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Cost: $10/youth
Registration due by April 7
Registration link: https://forms.gle/4FHxGkzo89Z2ZpHXA
During this workshop, youth will create a recycled art project out of old corks. Using the corks, they will create a design and then decorate it. They will get to take home their own, unique creation! All materials will be provided. Please note that we will be using hot glue guns during the workshop. Questions? Email Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu.
Registration requirements minimum: 5 - maximum: 20
Sign up for Build A Hut By April 14
Build A Hut is BACK and recruiting youth in 6-8th grade for the Summer Camp!
This Award-winning program is FREE to all interested youth with 4-H membership.
Registration ends on April 14, 2023.
Click the link below to sign up today!
Apply to Work With Us by April 14
Teen Teachers and College Interns are needed for this summer’s 2023 Build a Hut Camp!
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Stephanie Thorson, Imagine Science Professional Development Officer, at Stephanie.thorson@unl.edu.
Applications due by April 14, 2023
Check out highlights from last summer’s Build a Hut - https://go.unl.edu/bahcompetition
Paddock Posse - April 21
Please join Douglas-Sarpy's Horseless Horse Club!
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
When: April 21 (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
4-H Council Scholarships
High School Senior Scholarship:
The Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Council will be selecting four current 4-H members, who are seniors in high school, to receive college scholarships. Deadline to apply is April 21, 2023
Camp Scholarships:
The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council will be selecting current 4-H members to receive camp scholarships. This scholarship may be used for any 4-H, Big Red or University of Nebraska-Lincoln sponsored program or any 4-H Project Camp. Deadline to apply is April 21,2023
4-H Alumni Scholarships:
The Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Council will be selecting four Douglas/Sarpy alumni 4-H members to receive college scholarships. Deadline to apply is April 21, 2023.
Sign up for the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Petting Zoo at Earth Day
4-Hers are invited to bring their animals and to be available during this year's petting zoo. The 4-H program ask that youth bring smaller animals (ideally those that can be held)
When: April 22, 2023 (sign up for a specific time below)
Where: Elmwood Park, Omaha.
Youth can bring a small pen for their animals if they would like, please also bring a chair, sunscreen, and wear a 4-H shirt.
Please note: Large livestock are not recommended for this event.
Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084EACAD2CAAF94-earth
For more information, please contact 4-H Council member Amy at amysoccer2015@gmail.com
Our 4-H Ambassadors will also be there presenting Garden in a Glove. Even if you don't participate in the petting zoo, come say hi and enjoy all the activities and Earth Day.
Foundation Grants
The Friends of Extension Foundation invites grant proposals from 4-H volunteers and program participants, and third parties who are directly partnered with Douglas and Sarpy County Extension.
Grant are due April 30, 2023, apply online: https://buff.ly/2IvDUlV
Start a Club Informational Zoom Meeting - May 10
Interested in starting a 4-H club? Attend a FREE Zoom meeting to learn how you can start a club in your community. This meeting will provide you with the resources you need to get started. Registration is required to get the Zoom link.
Date: May 10, 2023
Time: 6-7 PM
Registration: https://forms.gle/wDQ58cSkF3uBjQhi7
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Table Toppers WorkshopLearn more about this annual contest at our free workshop. See more tips to prepare for this contest here. | Table Toppers Contest Sign up for the Table Toppers Contest where youth get to select a theme and plan a well-balanced menu around the theme. | 2023 Fashion ShowWorkshop registration (deadline 6/13) https://forms.gle/XtdPzK8CvEBvFKh59
Entry form (deadline 7/7 midnight) https://go.unl.edu/4hfashion2023 See tips for preparing for the 2023 4-H Fashion Show here. |
Table Toppers Workshop
Learn more about this annual contest at our free workshop.
See more tips to prepare for this contest here.
Table Toppers Contest
2023 Fashion Show
Workshop registration (deadline 6/13)
https://forms.gle/XtdPzK8CvEBvFKh59
Entry form (deadline 7/7 midnight) https://go.unl.edu/4hfashion2023
See tips for preparing for the 2023 4-H Fashion Show here.
Computer Coding Workshop - June 23
Many of the devices we use today require code or computing programming. Coding can be made easy and FUN with the help of Ozobots, and your local 4-H staff! Join us for the next 4-H Coding workshop
When: Friday, June 23, 2023
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
This workshop is ideal for youth K-5th grade. Sign up will be available May 1.
Shooting Sports Fair Competition - Sign up by May 15
- Air Rifle Contest: Friday, June 2, 5:00 PM, Sarpy County Fairgrounds
- BB Gun Contest: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10:00 AM, Sarpy County Fairgrounds
- Archery Contest: Saturday, June 10, 8 AM, Sarpy County Fairgrounds
Entry forms are due on May 15, 2023. Register for the contest by filling out this Google form: https://forms.gle/vaPXumxK8hxCWnsBA. After the contest entry due date, relay times will be assigned and sent via email. The full rules for the contests are available on the fair book.
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
Looking for ways to support our 4-H Youth?
2023 4-H Council plaque donation information here.
Volunteer with the 4-H Council by contacting Brett Kreifels, Urban Program Coordinator at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Hippology Workshop May 1
Learn more about how you can get competitive with your horse knowledge! Join Bre Wilkinson, a Douglas-Sarpy 4-H alum, talk about her experiences in Hippology and why you should get involved.
When: May 1, 2023
Time: 6 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Registration required by April 26 at https://forms.gle/GZ6Su5uLChXUvV8KA
Learn all about the ins and outs of the Hippology Contest but at state and county levels. Contact Alaina with questions Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
YQCA Training Dates
YQCA Training Dates:
- Tuesday May 16th at UNL Extension office; 8015 W. Center Rd. Omaha 68124 at 6:30 pm
- Tuesday June 6th at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds, in Springfield at 6:30 pm.
This year there will be a test before and after the course for both in person and online YQCA Trainings.
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. Please be patient as they get back to you on your requests. These have been responded to quickly over the past couple of weeks but know that as trainings increase, so do help desk tickets. help@yqcaprogram.org
Livestock Tag Information
For more information, contact Brett Kreifels, Urban Program Coordinator 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
Come Learn with Carla Wenburg
Come learn with Carla Wenburg – an experienced horseman, clinician, and judge. These clinics will give youth an opportunity to work on horsemanship and training maneuvers – great practice for the State 4-H Horse Show! Registration fees must be sent by Friday, May 5. Register now at go.unl.edu/carlaclinics.
Register for our Intro. to Basic Horse Management Clinics
Introductory virtual horse clinic will be Wednesdays May 3, 10, 17, & 24 at 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. CT
New 2023 topics include: Equine First Aid, Managing/Minimizing Vices, Biosecurity and Bits.
Interactive Kits will include, mini equine first aid kit, printed material, & beginning horsemanship online course codes.
Deadline to sign up to receive kits by the start of the workshop is April 17th. You may still sign up to participate all the way up to April 24th but we can only guarantee arrival of your kit prior to the start date if signed up by the 17 of April.
Cost to participate in this workshop: $50
Register at: https://cvent.me/g1qmAG or https://go.unl.edu/introtoequine
Any questions, please contact Grace Kim at grace.kim@unl.edu
4-H Youth Leadership Conference
2023 Great Plains Livestock Judging
We're excited to announce the schedule for the 2023 Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit hosted here in the great state of Nebraska!
For more information: 4h.unl.edu/livestock-judging-circuit
Big Red Camps will be June 11-16, 2023.
Through Big Red Camps, students have the opportunity to develop new skills, prepare for college, stand out in college applications, explore potential careers, and meet like-minded peers in a safe and structured environment. Registration is now open! Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/big-red-camps
Learn more
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties
Submit your community service project at 4h.unl.edu/csps
