4-H fall
Enroll in 4-H
To enroll in 4-H for 2024, click here. 4-Hers and Volunteers may not participate in any 4-H Activities without being enrolled first. This included attending club meetings, participating in shooting sports projects, etc.
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, 2024.
Please contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu 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.
Premium Checks - Now Available at the office
Premium checks from county and state fair are available for pick up at the Douglas-Sarpy central office (8015 West Center Rd, Omaha). Monday - Friday from 8-4:30 pm. Please pick up your checks by Nov. 30.
*SPECIAL PICK UP TIME - Staff will be available Tuesday, November 14 until 6 pm for check pick up in room A at the Extension office.
New Information
State Fair Changes
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 in 2024 to be 8 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person State Fair events (livestock, contests, fashion shows, contests) and other state competitions (Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo, PASE, communications contest). 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.
Pictured is Kinsley White with her Reserve Grand Champion Composite Charolais Breeding Heifer at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair. We can't wait to see all our Douglas-Sarpy 4-Hers at the 2024 State Fair!
CALLING ALL TEEN LEADERS!
We are seeking facilitators for this year's Ag Innovators Experience, Protect the Plate.
We need three state facilitators to attend the national training and provide leadership for local facilitators. We need 20+ local facilitators to deliver the Ag Innovators Experience in their communities.
Applications are due Nov. 22, 2023. More information and applications are available at 4h.unl.edu/ag-innovators-experience.
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.
Spotlights of the Week
4-Her - Marissa Rolle
This week's 4-Her of the week is Marissa Rolle. At the 2023 Marissa won the Elite Showmanship award. Competitors are scored on beef, swine, sheep and goat showmanship during a competition during the Saturday of the Sarpy County Fair.
Share your 4-H accomplishments with us! Email your pictures to Rwright4@unl.edu
Animal Project Highlight: Poultry
Want to learn about showing poultry in 4-H? Check out our Exhibiting Poultry Guide at https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/ec282.pdf
This publication helps 4-H'ers prepare for bird exhibition and for showmanship, through a step-by-step process. Diagrams of chicken body parts, feet, various types of combs, and disqualifying features are included.
Pictured is Grant Meister with his Champion Large Fowl at the 2023 Sarpy County Fair.
Static Project Highlight: Home Environment
Home Environment projects should be ready for display in the home: pictures framed, wall hangings and pictures ready to hang etc. No single mat board or artist canvas panels allowed. Wrapped canvas (if staples not visible on edge) is accepted without framing. Make sure hangers are strong enough to support the item. Command strips are not adequate hangers. Items not ready for display will be dropped one ribbon placing. Items should show creativity and originality, along with the application of design elements and principles.
Pictured is Jack Reilly with his 2023 Cat Tree Home Environment project that was selected for state fair.
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: 11-14, 12-12
Time: 6-7 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
The class is sponsored by Douglas-Sarpy 4-H, so there is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to preregister with Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu.
We will be making bread, so please let Rachel know about any food allergies.
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.
Quilting Club - Happy Hands
When: Nov. 21 usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month.
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Interested members can contact Club Leader Stephanie at (stephkucera@hotmail.com).
Animal Projects
Paddock Posse - Join the Horseless Horse Club
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
When: Dec. 1 (usually the first Friday of every Month)
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 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@yahoo.com
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, at 9 am
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.
4-H Dog AKC Registration
• 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
Static Project Resources
Basic Sewing
Sewing for Fun (Basic Sewing Manual) - https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/documents/SewingforFunManual.pdf
Sewing for Fun Patterns - https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1380&context=a4hhistory
To learn more about this our sewing program, contact Stephanie at stephanie.thorson@unl.edu
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Building Birdhouse Nebguide - https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/html/g2002/build/g2002.htm?fbclid=IwAR3xOJiyydfRsh-P7pC1G7mYGiXLj9i_GsLWaw7z1r7Tbe_H-acXl5MTcsQ
Electricity Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4helectricity
Guide To Growing Houseplants at https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/html/g2205/build/g2205.htm
Scholarships and College Information
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
4-H Calendar
- November 10 - 4-H Office Closed
- November 14 - Clover Kid Club
- November 17 – 19, 2023 - Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS) go.unl.edu/nybls.
- November 23 and 24 - 4-H Office Closed
- December 15 - Poultry Scholarship Due
- April 13 - Companion Animal Contest
- June 13 - 4-H Pre-fair Extravaganza (ask questions, sign up for events, turn in forms)
- 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
- July 30 - Sarpy County Fair Entry Day
- July 31 - August 4 - Sarpy County Fair
Resources
- Nebraska Project and Resources webpage offers lots of exciting and educational projects for 4-H'ers to choose from.
Submit your community service project at 4h.unl.edu/csps
- 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
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For 4-H camp questions, contact Amber at astephens15@unl.edu
For State 4-H Equine Program questions, contact Lena Luck at Lena.luck@unl.edu
For State Companion Animal Program questions, contact Lisa Karr at Lisa.karr@unl.edu
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.