Communication Contest - Sign up by TODAY April 14
The 4-H Communications Contest is a combination of the 4-H Public Speaking and Presentations Contests. For 4-Hers 5 and up. Please wear formal attire.
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.
Tips for writing a great 4-H speech can be found here.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR - 4-Hers will need to give the judge a typed up copy of the speech on the day of the contest.
Sign up for Build A Hut
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
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
Watch the Companion Animal Contest - April 15
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.
Join us Next Wee for the Volunteer Lunch & Learn Series!
Nebraska 4-H volunteers are invited to our Week of the Volunteer Lunch & Learn Series! We'll help you excel in your volunteer role and maximize your impact!
▪️ 4-H Club Meeting 101 - Monday, April 17
▪️ Creating a Vibrant 4-H Club Experience - Tuesday, April 18
▪️ YOU Help Youth Thrive - Wednesday, April 19
▪️ Shared Leadership & Succession Planning for 4-H Clubs - Thursday, April 20
Find more details and register at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-lunch-learn.
4-Her - Archer Antonson
This week's 4-Hers of the week is Archer Antonson. Reserve Champion Aerospace. Our office will be hosting rocket launch contest workshops on June 13 (beginning) and June 14 (advanced). Watch future newsletters to sign up.
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
Project - Goats
The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program has a few different kinds of goat projects. Learn more about them at:
Check our all animal projects online at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/animal-science/
Help make the fair happen!
Be a part of the GREAT TEAM who volunteer at the Sarpy County Fair.
We're looking for a Home Environment superintendent. Or grab a friend and be co-superintendents. Superintendents can be anyone: parents, 4-H Alumni, leaders!!! If you are interested or could recommend someone who would be great for the job, contact Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu or 402-444-4306.
New Opportunity - Poultry Judging
The Poultry Judging Contest will be at PASE in June. The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program is looking for participants for an intermediate (10-14 Year olds) and Senior Team (15-18 year olds). The team will compete at the PASE Contest and judge production poultry, eggs, ready-to-cook poultry and broiler carcasses.
Practices will start in May.
If you are interested, please contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu.
Apply for Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards
Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards in 2023 is a grant for clubs to consider applying for to completing a project that will have a lasting impact on your community and/or program. The application form is linked on the Nebraska 4-H Foundation website: https://www.ne4hfoundation.org/governers-ag-excellence-award/. We will accept applications through April 21st, 2023.
The Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards are sponsored by Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). We encourage all clubs to consider a project that will impact their community and promote Nebraska 4-H.
Please note the requirements for the grant:
- Projects should fit within one of the seven programming areas of Nebraska 4-H
- Highly encourage community engagement and educational components
- Clubs need to consider the impact of their project and how they will assess the impact
- Clubs should consider at least one additional outside partner to help complete their project.
- A written letter of support from a 4-H professional in their county will need to accompany the application.
- Clubs who have received the award in the past and not submitted a summary report at the conclusion of their project will not be considered for future awards.
Clubs should submit their application and all materials to Lindsay Shearer (lshearer2@unl.edu) via email on or before April 21, 2023.
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 - Due April 21
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 - Due April 30
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
Clover Kid Club - May 2
Children ages 5-7, and parents are invited to be a part of the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Clover Kid Program. Below is a picture from our April class's Racing Caterpillars activity. See Clover Kid activities you can do at home or with your club here.
Join us for our next Clover Kid class on May 2, 2023 from 6-7 pm at the 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.
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
Summer Embryology
Sign up to hatch chickens in your home!
This year's hatch will be June 19 - July 14. Payment will be made at the time of pick up. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.
Registration: https://forms.gle/42HXDF4euxFPzsnj8
Participants will pick up eggs and incubator on June 19 at the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office (8015 West Center Road, Omaha) and return items on July 14.
For more Information contact Alana at 402.444.4092 or alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
The cost for Summer Embryology will be
- $40 for incubator and eggs
- $15 for eggs only
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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
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
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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.
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
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
