4-H Newsletter

In this edition:

• 4-H'ers Helping 4-H'ers
• Upcoming YQCA Trainings
• Communication and Expressive Arts Contest
• Diamond Clover Award Information
• CSA Fair Dates
• Shooting Sports Instructor Training Opportunities
• State Programming
  

The 4-H’ers Helping 4-H’ers project, led by the Nebraska 4-H Foundation, is devoted to helping 4-H members and their families in times of need. When disaster strikes, no matter how large or small, 4-H’ers Helping 4-H’ers will be there! Through generous donations made by 4-H families and friends, support is available to Nebraska 4-H families that have been affected by an emergency or disaster.

4-H’ers Helping 4-H’ers funds are available to any Nebraska 4-H family who has been impacted by a disaster. Major disasters might include flood, tornado, fire, or serious illness. Grants are limited to $100 for an individual and $500 for a family. There is no deadline to apply for support. Applications are accepted year-round and must be submitted electronically.

4-H’ers Helping 4-H’ers seeks contributions from 4-H members, 4-H families, 4-H alumni, and 4-H clubs and councils. Donations may be given to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. 100% of your gift will be directed towards youth applicants within the 4-H’ers Helping 4-H’ers program!

All 4-H youth planning to show beef, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, or rabbits are welcome to join this in-person YQCA training directly after school on March 3rd. Please be sure to register and complete the pre-test prior to the class. In order to take the post-test and receive your certificate, the pre-test must be completed before the class begins.

Show off your talents and public speaking skills! Blaine, Thomas and Hooker County participants, please turn in your entry forms no later than 3p.m CT on April 3rd!

The 2026 CSA Fair Book is now available on our website! Check out what's new this year and get a head start on your projects today!

2026 Central Sandhills Area 4-H Fair Book

Are you new to 4-H or just wanting to learn more about the program? Pick up a 4-H Family Handbook at either of our office locations or email Brittney at bemerson4@unl.edu and she will send you a copy.

4-H is all about serving your community and finding your spark. The Nebraska 4‑H Diamond Clover program encourages 4‑H youth to engage in a variety of programs, projects, and activities that will enable youth to acquire skills and abilities that will prepare them for success in the future. The program consists of six levels that require a young person to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Nebraska 4‑H Diamond Clover program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4‑H youth choose their goals. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. At the beginning of the 4‑H year, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end of the 4‑H year, they report on their completed accomplishments. Successful completion of a level's Plan & Report form results in a 4‑H youth earning that level of the Diamond Clover program.

Eligibility

The Diamond Clover program is available for any 4‑H youth ages 8-18. Youth do not need to be enrolled 4‑H members in order to participate in the Diamond Clover program. Youth may be engaged in any 4‑H program or delivery mode, including clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool, special interest, and independent membership. The accomplishments for each level have been created to enable any 4‑H youth, no matter how they are involved in 4‑H, to be successful. Parents/guardians, leaders, and Extension staff may suggest other accomplishments — comparable to those provided — to improve the individual learning experience of each 4‑H youth.

Rules

• Youth may only receive recognition at each level once.
• Youth may only receive one level of recognition per year.
• Youth should begin at Level 1 and progress through Level 6. However, youth who are older when beginning may opt to start at a higher level (2-4) as is mutually agreeable to the participant and the parent/guardian or leader. In order for older youth to begin at level 5 or 6, the Extension staff must also be in agreement.
• While it is encouraged, it is not required that youth complete a 4‑H project for each level. 4‑H youth may be involved in 4‑H programs or activities not related to projects.
• If necessary, youth may be allowed to amend their plans. Due to unforeseen circumstances (loss of an animal, loss of a garden from drought, etc.), a 4‑H youth may amend their plan. Levels 1–4 can be amended by agreement between the 4‑H youth and parent/guardian and/or leader. Levels 5 and 6 may be amended by agreement between the 4‑H youth, parent/guardian, and/or leader and local Extension staff.
• 4‑H youth may begin participation in the Diamond Clover program at any time of the year.
• Youth must complete the Plan & Report Form for each level. Forms are available as Microsoft Word Doc. 4‑H youth must legibly handwrite on the forms or type.
• Approval: Levels 1–4 require the approval of a 4‑H youth’s parent/guardian. If the 4‑H youth belongs to a 4‑H club, club leader approval is also required (if 4‑H youth belongs to more than one club, choose one leader to work with). Levels 5 and 6 require the approval of a local county extension staff member.
• Accomplishments: Each level requires participants to complete a specified number of accomplishments. The 4‑H participant may choose accomplishment listed for each level. The accomplishments are age appropriate and increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. Parents/guardians, leaders, and Extension staff may suggest other accomplishments — comparable to those provided — to improve the individual learning experience of each 4‑H youth.

Instructions

1. To begin, the 4‑H participant must complete the Plan portion of the Plan & Report Form for the level they are pursuing.
2. A parent/guardian and a 4‑H leader will need to confirm the plan.
3. This plan should be saved by the young person and used as a point of reference throughout the year.
4. Youth may fill out the Report portion of the form as they complete their accomplishments throughout the year, or at the end of the 4‑H year.
5. A parent/guardian and a 4‑H leader will need to confirm the report.
6. The completed Plan & Report Form with signatures should be printed and submitted to the Extension Office.

Recognition

Participants will obtain a certificate of achievement at the end of the 4‑H year at the county achievement party once they have completed a level. Levels 1 through 6 are awarded by the local Extension office. Level 6 – Diamond recipients will be presented with a certificate and diamond clover pin.

If you are interested in taking part in the Diamond Clover project, email Brittney at bemerson4@unl.edu for the correct level form based on your age. All Diamond Clover level plan forms will be due to the Extension office April 15. You may turn in printed forms or email us directly.

Stay Tuned for more information on 4-H Summer Workshops!

Thomas County Fair (CT)

• July 20 - Dog Show @ 8:00 AM
• July 20 - Style Revue Judging @ 3:00 PM
• July 21 - Horse Show @ 8:30 AM
• July 22 - Small Animal Show @ 8:00 AM
• July 23 - Static Check-In @ 9:00 Am
• July 25 - Livestock Show @ 8:00 AM
• July 25 - Fashion Show @ 4:00 PM
• July 25 - Auction (Silent 4:00-6:00 PM) Live @ 4:00 PM

Blaine County Fair (CT)

• July 21 - Horse Show w/TC @8:30 AM
• July 28 - Static Entries @9:00
• July 28 - Style Revue Judging After Static Entries
• July 30 - Livestock Show 9:00 AM
• July 30 - Small Animal Show 11:00 AM

Hooker County Fair (MT)

• July 27 - Small Animal @ 8:00 AM
• July 27 - Style Revue Judging @ 1:00 PM
• July 28- Horse Show @ 8:00 AM
• July 30 - Static Entries @ 8:00 AM
• August 1 - Livestock Show @ 8:00 AM

Grant County Fair (MT)

• July 29 - Style Revue Judging @ 2:30 PM (Exhibitor Only)
• July 29 - Fashion Show 5:00 PM (Tentative to After Style Revue Judging)
• August 5 - Horse Show @ 8:30 AM
• August 6 - Small Animal - Dog @ 9:00 AM
• August 6 - Small Animal @10:30
• August 6 - Small Animal - Poultry 12:00 PM Noon
• August 7 - Static Entries @ 9:00 AM (Exhibitor Only)
• August 8 - Livestock Show @ 7:30 AM Check-In)
• August 8 - Auction at 1:00 PM

It is time to enroll in 4-H! The enrollment deadline will be here before we know it! Sign up by June 15.

We are excited to announce the fifth year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program! This program provides an additional opportunity for enrolled 4-H livestock project youth to strengthen their knowledge and leadership skills across all aspects of livestock projects, including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition.

The program recognizes Members of Excellence in the following livestock project areas: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.

The Livestock Achievement Program consists of three levels designed to support age-appropriate growth and learning. Youth plan and report a broad range of project-related accomplishments by selecting goals from an approved list, with each accomplishment carrying a designated point value.

• Juniors (ages 8–9): Complete 75 points. Submit pictures, posters, presentations, and other learning activities to earn the distinction of Junior Member of Excellence.
• Intermediates (ages 10–13): Complete 100 points of activities to earn Intermediate Member of Excellence.
• Seniors (ages 14–18): Complete 150 points of activities to earn Senior Member of Excellence.

Plan and Report forms, available on the program webpage, provide examples of eligible accomplishments. Members may also propose their own project-related accomplishments with approval from their local Extension educator.

• Applications are due June 15 and must be submitted through the online application form.
• Plan and Reports and Project Records are due August 1 and must be submitted via the online completion form.

Youth who complete the program and earn Member of Excellence recognition will be recognized during the Grand Drive during 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://go.unl.edu/lap

Contacts:
Cole Meador – cmeador2@unl.edu
Brett Kreifels – brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Kelly Schole – kschole2@unl.edu
Ashley Benes – ashley.benes@unl.edu

The 55th annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) will be held July 6-10, 2026, on UNL’s East Campus.

Applications are now available to students who are currently high school juniors and seniors on the website at: www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi

Applications will be due on April 15th.

For more information, please see the attachment below.

The Nebraska 4‑H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) features a variety of state-level animal science contests. The three-day event is held annually at the Nebraska Animal Science Complex in Lincoln. Youth explore issues related to the animal industry, discover college and career opportunities, and work with other youth from across the state. Youth have the opportunity to participate in livestock contests that do not require owning or exhibiting a live animal, including livestock, meat, poultry, companion animal, and animal welfare judging, as well as livestock skill-a-thon and livestock quiz bowl. Youth can participate in more than one contest or event as their schedule allows. In addition, youth will have chances to explore the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus, meet with faculty members and current college students, and have fun with friends!

Mark Your Calendars:
Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29, 2026

Registration is required. If interested in attending, please contact the Extension Office. Registration opens on April 13th and closes May 7th.

The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now accepting applications for a summer learning opportunity for high school students. The summer camp was highlighted by Forbes in 2019 and continues to provide high-quality computer science education to interested students!

During the two-week, overnight camp students will:

· Develop core programming skills and learn innovation concepts through a project-oriented curriculum

· Receive instruction from Raikes School faculty members and experience what classes can be like in the Raikes School

· Visit campus research labs and local employer partners

· Interact with Raikes School students and staff, all of whom play a key role in the competitive selection process to our program each year

Key Details:

· Innovate: The Raikes School Way is a great opportunity for high school students, with priority given to students in the high school graduating class of 2027.

· The camp serves students with little to no experience in computing, as well as those looking to enhance their existing computer science skills.

· Students in the graduating class of 2028 will be accepted on a space-available basis.

· The camp will be held at the Kauffman Academic Residential Center, home of the Raikes School, in the heart of Nebraska's City Campus from July 19-August 1, 2026.

· The fee to participate is $3,000. Students attending a Nebraska high school will receive a $1,000 discount, lowering the cost to $2,000 for Nebraska high school students. The cost covers all housing, meals, instruction, and activities associated with the camp.

· Full and partial scholarships are available - students can apply for scholarships through the Summer Camp application.

Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 - Students who submit their application by this priority date will be notified of admission & scholarship decisions by April 13, 2026.

Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after May 1 as space is available.

Please be sure to like us on Facebook at Nebraska Extension in the Central Sandhills

Don't forget to visit our Extension website at: Nebraska Extension in the Sandhills

PLEASE SHARE WITH US YOUR NEWS so it can be included in our newsletters! Forward any 4-H news, events, or activities to CentralSandhills@unl.edu.

Mailing Address: PO Box 148 - Thedford, NE 69166

Email:

Brittney Walker: bemerson4@unl.edu

Terri Thomas: tthomas39@unl.edu

Location: 503 Main Street, Thedford, NE, USA
Phone:

CSA Office: (308)645-2267

Brittney Walker: (308)675-8539