The Weekly Update
Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Update September 29, 2026
September 30 - Deadline for Diamond Clover Forms
The Diamond Clover Program gives youth a structured opportunity to learn and practice skills that prepare them for success in the future. Participants earn rewards for setting goals, trying new things, and keeping records. All youth are invited to participate, regardless of enrollment. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/diamond-clover
Sept. 30 - Deadline to Apply for Nebraska 4-H Horse Advisory Committee
Are you a parent, 4-H leader, horse trainer, or volunteer who would like to be more involved in the 4-H Horse program? Check out the Nebraska 4-H Horse Advisory Committee!
We are looking for passionate and involved people to add to our committee. The Nebraska 4-H Horse Advisory Committee serves as a group of representatives who provide guidance, solicit support, and assist in carrying out program activities in the interest of the 4-H youth development and horse program.
Read more about the Horse Advisory Committee at: https://4h.unl.edu/horse-advisory-committee
Applications are open from September 1st to September 30th at 5 p.m. CST.
October 4 - 4-H Day at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard is celebrating 4-H!!
Please join us on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard (12102 So 180th Street, Gretna, NE)
Participating 4-H club members need to wear a 4-H shirt.
Special pricing for admission is $14.99! This discount applies to all family members!
October 13 - Deadline for Nominations
Nominations are being accepted for 2023 Awards:
Club of the Year:
https://forms.gle/bwkT1spoKkwQMs8D8
4-Her of the Year:
https://forms.gle/sKnZXEboWN6Fewfy7
4-H Volunteer of the Year:
Highlights of the Week
4-Hers of the Week - Aksarben Stock Show Participants
The 96th Aksarben Stock Show was held Sept 21-24, 2023, at Fonner Park, Grand Island, Nebraska. Youth from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming are eligible to show swine, poultry, beef, sheep and goat .
The show was established in 1928 by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben with a mission of "producing an annual youth livestock show celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage which educates and benefits families." Learn more at https://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/
Congrats to the Douglas-Sarpy 4-Hers who participated in this historic event!
Project Highlight- Archery
September 16 & 17th Douglas-Sarpy 4-H's Arrows and Ammo and Springfield Blue Jeans and Boots clubs participated in Nebraska 4-H State Archery contest.
Participants could participate in up to three events (3D, Field and the 600).
Douglas-Sarpy 4-Her's Archer and Joel competed in all three events and are now Arrows & Ammo’s newest Appearance Archery Instructors having completed their certification in August.
Results:
Joel was second in his class for the 600
Archer was second in his class for 3D and fourth in the 600.
Indoor state archery had 5 Douglas-Sarpy youth medal in their classes: Joel - 1st, Zach - 1st, Kylie - 2nd, Tucker - 4th, and Archer -4th
Congrats to all the Douglas-Sarpy County youth who participated in State 4-H Archery Competitions in the 2022-2023 season! Check out more pictures here.
4-H Kitchen Science Workshop
The 4-H Kitchen Science Workshop last week was a HUGE success! Our scientists conducted experiments to learn about heat transfer, 🍨 physical changes, 🍿 water density, 🌈 and sublimation with Fizzy Fruit! 🍇 Thank you to all young Scientists and families that out to Mix, Make, and Investigate! Be on the lookout for the next Kitchen Science Workshop in 2024!
Check out the pictures of our events here.
Upcoming Events/Deadlines
CLOVER KID CLUB
Parents and children ages 5-7 are invited to be a part of the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Clover Kid Program.
When: 10-17, 11-7, 12-12
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.
4-H Fundraiser
Round 'em Up 4-H Cattle Club, is collecting gently worn, used and new shoes to raise money for supplies and community outreach. Not only do you help them by cleaning out your closet, but the shoes also get a second life with those in need. It's a double donation!
Two Gretna businesses are offering support by hosting donation boxes: Ace Hardware and Fareway Grocery Store.
Donations can also be brought to Rachel at the 4-H office (8015 W Center). Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm.
PADDOCK POSSE - HORSELESS HORSE CLUB
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
When: October 6 (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
Animal Projects
Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium
The 19th annual Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS) will be at the Animal Science Complex on November 17 – 19, 2023. Learn more at go.unl.edu/nybls. The application deadline of October 1st, with a $75 registration fee. Contact araymond2@unl.edu with any questions.
Companion Animal Contest
This year's Companion Animal Contest is open to all 4-H youth ages 5-18. All exhibitors will give a brief presentation about their small pet. This may include characteristics, health, history and care of the animal they are showing. This contest is for cats, fish, hamsters, birds, snakes, bugs, etc. *
When: April 13, 2024
Time: 9 am check-in will begin at 8:30a.m.
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Questions: Contact Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu
*Rabbits, poultry guinea pigs and dogs will be shown at their own shows.
Dog AKC Registration
What benefits do you get as a 4-H youth if you get your dog AKC registered?
• Platte Valley Kennel Club will cover ALL fees for you to get your dog AKC registered! (you dog does NOT need to be a purebred, they have other types of registrations for non-purebred dogs!)
• Any 4H dog person also registered with AKC as a Junior and the dog is AKC registered, can enter regular AKC classes in the trial for only $10.
Questions about getting your dog registered? Or want to know more? Contact Grace McCarthy at gmccarthy3@unl.edu or Gisele Onley (specifically for AKC registration) at gcolney@aol.com
Scholarships For College Students
Engler Scholarships for 4-H Alumni
This scholarship is a component of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program.
The only requirements to apply for an Engler scholarship – declare a CASNR major and have participated in 4-H or FFA.
For academic year 2024-2025, the application will open on 10/1/23 and close on 1/15/24
Find the application at englerjourney.com
Scholarship for Poultry-based Career
2024-2025 J.H. & J.W. Claybaugh Memorial Scholarship
Nebraska residents, those attending school in Nebraska, or those interested in a career in poultry-based in Nebraska are encouraged to apply for the 2024-2025 J.H. & J.W. Claybaugh Memorial Scholarship.
Application Deadline - December 15, 2023
https://form.jotform.com/232266910432148
End of the Year Banquet
It's time for the End of Year Banquet and celebration of all our 4-H youth success throughout the year! Join us on Tuesday, October 24 for the banquet and youth can pick up their premium checks. A light meal and premium check pickup from 6-7PM and the program starts at 7PM. Please click on the link below to RSVP. Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050945A9AC2BABFE3-44530447-4hbanquet
Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023, 06:00 PM
Sarpy County Fairgrounds, Main Street, Springfield, NE, USA
4-H Calendar
- Sept. 30 - Diamond Clover Applications are due
- October 1st-7th - National 4-H Week 2023
- October 4 - Douglas-Sarpy Discount Day at Vala's Pumpkin Patch - https://www.valaspumpkinpatch.com/2023/08/17/valas-discount-days-2023/?fbclid=IwAR0lYFMmx7KEfrvrbh3aCVrz61boRS0Bb2blThQ-N8HgIxJCQ9Bcbkgf3xo
October 6 - Paddock Posse
October 13 - Deadline for Nominations
- October 17 - Clover Kid Club
- October 24 - End of Year Banquet
- October 31 - Deadline for Foundation Grants - https://www.friendsofextension.org/
- November 11 - Clover Kid Club
- November 17 – 19, 2023 - Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS) go.unl.edu/nybls.
- April 16, Companion Animal Contest
- June 18, Premier Communication Event - https://4h.unl.edu/premier-communication-event
- June 20 and Friday, June 21, 2024 - PACE - https://4h.unl.edu/pase
Resources
- Curriculum - https://marketplace.unl.edu/ne4h/curriculum
Submit your community service project at 4h.unl.edu/csps
- Canning- https://food.unl.edu/tags/canning
- 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
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu
Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.