Saunders County 4-H Update
12/8/2023
**Exciting News for Nebraska Youth**
As you know, in 2023, Nebraska 4-H lowered the age limit for participation in the Nebraska State Fair for all in-person events to nine years of age. That change increased our participation and provided more youth the opportunity to have an engaging learning experience. We had many positive comments from legacy families as well as new.
This fall, we have had follow-up conversations with many of you as well as the show superintendents and various teams that run these events during State Fair and throughout the year. Based on that feedback and our goal of increasing access, the decision has been made to change the age of eligibility.
Starting in 2024, all Nebraska 4-H youth age 8 and older will be able to participate in statewide competitions (Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo, PASE, communications contest) and in-person State Fair events (livestock, contests, fashion shows, contests).
Note: there will be some events that will maintain their ages due to specific program rules (shooting sports, FIRST LEGO League Challenge robotics). Please check information on each specific event as it becomes available.
The age of youth is set as of January 1st of the current year and youth must enroll in 4-H before June 15th, 2024.
CALL FOR 2024 4-H COUNCIL MEMBERS!!
We are beginning the search for 2024 Saunders County 4-H Council members! Want to get involved in shaping and sharing the Saunders County 4-H program? This is your chance!
4-H Council is open to any youth and adult members who support the Saunders County 4-H program.
For more information visit: https://go.unl.edu/Saunders4HCouncil
Applications are being accepted now!
What is the Saunders County 4-H Council?
- The purpose of the Council shall be to fulfill the mission of the 4-H youth development education program of Nebraska Extension in cooperation with the Extension staff and the Extension Board.
- Secure and manage private resources and fund raising available to the 4-H and youth development program to support local programs.
- Assist in planning and executing a well-balanced program for 4-H youth with both short- and term-goals.
- Support local policy development, while understanding state and national guidelines for the larger program.
- Serve as a community connector between the 4-H program and the Extension Board, Fair Board, Agriculture Societies, other youth organizations and the public.
- Advocate the philosophy of the 4-H youth development program and serve as an advocate for youth.
- Develop and maintain a vigorous active Council membership that works in cooperation with the Extension staff to have a strong program in the best interest of youth.
- Provide a recognition program for volunteers and youth in the 4-H program.
Who is on 4-H Council?
The county 4-H Council and the 4-H program in Saunders County shall have a membership open to any youth or adult without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap. Council youth representatives will be between 13-19 years of age.
How often will 4-H Council meet and where?
At least four meetings will be held each year with the dates of these meetings set at the first meeting held in January. Meetings will be held at the Saunders County Extension office in Ithaca unless otherwise stated.
How long do members serve?
Adult council members will serve a three-year term. Youth council members will serve a two-year term.
We are excited to be launching STEM Backpacks for checkout! This project is sponsored by the University of Nebraska Lincoln and Beyond School Bells.
These backpacks are available for checkout now! Find more information at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/stem-backpacks/
Date Extended!
Last chance for applications, please apply by December 11th, 2023 for the 2024 program year. For more information regarding the Fed Steer Challenge, or to apply to participate in 2024, visit https://4h.unl.edu/fed-steer-challenge
Check out the recorded learning session on the website above to learn more about the program.
We are excited to announce the fourth year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program. This additional opportunity for enrolled livestock project youth, is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition by recognizing youth striving to improve in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.
The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.
The program consists of three levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Junior 8-9 submits pictures, poster, presentation, and other learning activities to receive the distinction of Junior Member of Excellence, no point value, Intermediates, ages 10-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence. The Plan and Reports, linked on the webpage, show examples of the project related accomplishments they can choose, or they can identify their own with approval of their local educator.
Applications/Sign up are due June 15th through the application form link on the website. Plan and Reports, as well as Project Records will be due August 1 via the completion form on the website.
Youth completing the achievement program and receiving member of excellence recognition in the various species will be recognized during the Parade of Champions, 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.
For more information or to apply, go to: Livestock Achievement Program | Nebraska 4-H (unl.edu)
We all know about the 4-H livestock, cooking and sewing projects. But with nearly 50 projects to choose from, there are likely some you aren’t familiar with.
These five often-overlooked projects offer real-world skills and unique experiences: go.unl.edu/2nd8.
Contact Jenna @ jhanson19@unl.edu or (402) 624-8052 with any questions.
The Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts is seeking applications for the 27th annual Nebraska Young Artist Awards.
The awards recognize 11th-grade students from Nebraska who are talented in visual art, dance, music, theater, and film and emerging media arts (which includes film, 3D models, interactive art, sound design and video games). These students exemplify the pinnacles of creativity in one of the fine and performing arts.
For the areas of music, dance, theater, and film and emerging media arts, students must submit an online application, which includes uploading a sample of their work and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Full instructions are available at https://go.unl.edu/nyaa.
Visual art students must submit an online application and include a photo of their work for judging. The winning students will have their work displayed in person in the School of Art, Art History & Design’s MEDICI Gallery, and they will be invited to the Nebraska Young Artist Awards day in April. Visit https://go.unl.edu/nyaa for details.
The deadline for applications in all categories is Dec. 15.
The winning students will be invited to a special recognition day on April 3, 2024. Honored students and their parents will take tours of the arts facilities, attend classes, meet faculty and college students, have lunch and participate in an awards ceremony.
Students selected to participate in the Nebraska Young Artist Awards will also be asked to nominate the teacher who provided them with the greatest amount of mentoring and support in the development of their special talents.
For more information, contact Chris Watson, director of recruitment for the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, at 402-472-0897 or chris.watson@unl.edu.
More details at: https://arts.unl.edu/hlfpa/nebraska-young-artist-awards
Nebraska 4-H is seeking three teens (age 13+) to be the State Teen Facilitators for the Ag Innovators Experience statewide. An additional 20+ teen facilitators are also needed to work with the 3 State Teen Facilitators to facilitate the Ag Innovators experience across the state of Nebraska in their local communities. The challenge, which will be led during the Spring of 2024 is ‘Protect the Plate’. The 2024 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, “Protect the Plate” explores how different technologies have transformed agriculture and how farmers, government and consumers must continue to innovate, learn, and adopt to grow more food in a sustainable manner while focusing on food safety.
If selected to be a teen on the State Leadership Team for Nebraska, youth will be expected to attend the Ag Innovators Experience Training in Champagne, Illinois on January 12th, 13th & 14th. They will be traveling with two Nebraska Extension Educators & travel expenses will be covered. The team will bring the information back to Nebraska to train 20+ other teen leaders across the state to reach youth in their local communities with the Ag Innovators Experience activities. This training will be in February.
Please pass the opportunity on to those youth in your counties who are interested in the opportunity to join the State Leadership Team or serve as a Teen Facilitator.
Link to Teen Leader & Facilitator Application Form: https://go.unl.edu/2024aginnovatorsapp
Applications are due November 22nd with final selection for the State Leadership Team and Local Facilitators being made and notified by December 1st.
For more information visit: https://4h.unl.edu/ag-innovators-experience
Calling all artists, creators and performers! We’d love to see what YOU do best. Submit your work for a chance to be featured at upcoming National 4-H events. We’re looking for singers, dancers, instrumentalists as well as visual artists and creators of all kinds. Enter today to showcase your unique talent on this national stage! Applications from students ages 14-19 accepted November 13th through January 1st.
Apply at https://4-h.org/story-submission/
If you experience any difficulty in completing the form, please contact us at YouthInAction@4‑H.org.
Questions? Contact Mary Clayton Murphy, mmurphy@fourhcouncil.edu.
Nebraska 4-H is once again partnering with Omaha Fashion Week during its Spring Showcase. OFW Student Night will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, and will exclusively feature student designers, including a 4-H collection. This collection will consist of 12 to 15 garments from across the state. Each garment will be modeled by the 4-H member who made it. In order to create a complete and dynamic collection, interested 4-H members are invited to apply to participate in the show. The 4-H collection will be curated based on the selection criteria as listed below.
Applications Due January 5th!
Selection Criteria:
· Participants must be current 4-H members.
· Garments must be constructed by the 4-H member from 2023, not purchased.
· Preference will be given to full garments constructed by the 4-H member.
· Garments should be fashion-forward, runway appropriate, and display high-quality construction.
· Creativity and attention to detail are highly scrutinized in garment selection.
Application can be found at https://go.unl.edu/4HOFW2024
Opportunity for college and high school students interested in dairy to build leadership skills while serving as industry advocates.
The Dairy Ambassador Program is an educational and leadership opportunity for young people who are passionate about dairy. Dairy Ambassadors have the opportunity to connect with consumers and share dairy’s story while networking with their peers and industry professionals.
Dairy Ambassadors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including connecting with consumers at regional events, the state fair, youth educational presentations, and attending dairy industry meetings as well as participating in leadership opportunities. The program is designed to shape future dairy champions who will promote the dairy community and support Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience.
To be considered for the Dairy Ambassador Program, applicants must be enrolled as a Nebraska High School Junior (11th Grade) or Senior (12th Grade) during the current year of application, or enrolled full-time in a Nebraska post-secondary school for the duration of the appointment. All applicants must be able to communicate effectively through writing and speaking and possess a passion for dairy. This is a one-year program, running from January through December 2024. During their service, ambassadors will receive stipends and have approved expenses covered upon participation. After successful completion of the one-year program, Dairy Ambassadors are eligible to apply for a $1,000 educational scholarship.
Students can apply at www.MidwestDairy.com, in the For Young Dairy Leaders tab/section, under Ambassador Program then select Nebraska. More details can be found on the webpage plus the online application (APPLY NOW) is at the bottom of the program page.
Online applications are due DECEMBER 15, 2023. Selected ambassadors will be notified by JANUARY 10, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact Dawn Eckel, Nebraska Dairy Ambassador Coordinator, at dklabenes16@gmail.com or Tracy J. Behnken, Farmer Relations and Communications Manager, at tbehnken@midwestdairy.com or 531-207-4291.
Companion Rabbit Science
Companion Rabbit Science is a self-paced learning opportunity offering information about caring for rabbits. The online course is great for middle-school-aged youth but is open to all youth regardless of age who are looking to learn more about rabbits and the 4-H rabbit project. Companion Rabbit Science is a great resource for anyone interested in caring for or learning about rabbits in 4-H whether they own one now or not!
Check it out at https://4h.unl.edu/companion-rabbit-science
Companion Cat Science
Companion Cat Science is a self-paced learning opportunity offering information about caring for cats. The online course is great for middle-school-aged youth but is open to all regardless of age who are looking to learn more about cats and the 4-H cat project. Companion Cat Science is a great resource for anyone interested in caring for or learning about cats in 4-H whether they own one now or not!
Dog Achievement Program
The Nebraska 4-H Dog Achievement Program encourages youth to engage in a variety of companion animal opportunities, events, and contests. The program is designed to equip youth with a variety of skills and abilities and prepare them for success in the future. The Dog Achievement Program is open to enrolled 4-H members ages 8-18.
The program consists of 4 levels that require youth to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Dog Achievement program provides a list of recommended accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals.
Volunteer Orientation
Nebraska 4-H has launched a new volunteer orientation. This online training serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska and covers a few essential topics for volunteers. While the orientation is required for new volunteers and those going through the re-screening process, any interested individuals, including current and prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the course. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation.
Enroll as a volunteer or enroll your youth! More details at https://go.unl.edu/SaundersEnroll
Nebraska 4-H Glossary
The Nebraska 4-H Glossary provides general terminology and language used within the Nebraska 4-H program. Check it out at https://4h.unl.edu/glossary
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made in advance to the Saunders County Extension Office.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
Email: Saunders-county@unl.edu
Website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/4h/
Location: Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC)
1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE, United States
Phone: (402) 624-8030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaundersCountyExtension4h
Instagram: https://instagram.com/saunders_county_extension_4H
4-H Extension Educator
Cole Meador- cmeador2@unl.edu
4-H Extension Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Sara Hass - shass3@unl.edu