February 2024
4-H Update
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4-H State Qualifier contests | |
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The following are state qualifying contests to represent California 4-H in national competitions. If you have any questions about these contests, please contact Erica Pettey at [email protected].
UC Davis CA&ES Field Day
Saturday, March 2, 2024
UC Davis campus (see additional information on the Field Day website for contest-specific locations)
Livestock Judging, Poultry Judging, Dairy Judging
Junior 4-H Division: youth aged 9-13 years old
Senior 4-H Division: youth aged 14-18 years old
Youth competing in the Senior 4-H division of each of these contests will be eligible to qualify for a national 4-H competition.
4-H Division in Light Horse Judging Contest
This is NOT a state qualifier contest, but interested 4-H youth aged 9-18 years old are welcome to enter.
Registration Deadline: February 9, 2024
Registration Information: Registration of 4-H teams and individual entries must be managed by your county office. JudgingCard accounts have been created for this purpose and your county staff needs to reach out to JudgingCard.com to activate these accounts. County 4-H staff: Please email [email protected] to gain access to the account. Registrations cannot be made through the JudgingCard system by parents, coaches or youth members. JudgingCard accounts are meant to be accessed at the county level.
Late Registration Deadline: February 20, 2024 (contact the Field Day Coordinator at [email protected] to register after February 9, 2024)
2024 Avian Bowl
At the Greater Society of Poultry Fanciers' Show (Fresno, CA)
February 24, 2024
Youth can enter:
4-H Junior Avian Bowl TEAM: 9- 13 years old
4-H Senior Avian Bowl TEAM: 14-18 years old*
* Eligible to qualify for the National 4-H Avian Bowl contest
Deadline to enter: Entry must be postmarked or faxed by February 12th
Entry Form and more information
Avian Bowl Study Materials
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Keep up with Animal Science and Equine news
Join our mailing lists to get updates about Animal Science and Equine Science.
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Civics and Society Institute Spring 2024
Last month’s newsletter announced the public release of an effort to invigorate civic engagement programming with The Civics and Society Institute (CSI) by California 4-H.
The 2024 Spring CSI Program consists of three projects.
1. Civics 101 - Local
2. Civics 201 - State
3. Civics 301 - National
A well-attended interest meeting was held on January 25th. In response to multiple requests, an additional Interest Meeting will be held on February 8th from 6:30-7:30pm.
Click below to be sent a Zoom link for the 2/8/24 Interest Meeting.
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Click below to view the Program Guide, which includes slides from the January 25th meeting. | |
State 4-H Shooting Sports Match | |
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It’s time to sharpen up your shooting skills and start preparing for the Fortieth Annual State 4-H Shooting Sports Match, sponsored by the Siskiyou County 4-H Council. Instead of coming together at one event, the State 4-H Shooting Sports Match is a "postal match": participants have their fired targets recorded by their instructor and the target results are mailed in for ranking.
Categories:
- Air rifle
- Sporter air rifle
- Sporter air rifle prone
- .22 Rifle open sights
- .22 Rifle open sights prone
- .22 Rifle iron peep
- .22 Rifle Telescope sights
- .22 Rifle Telescope sights prone
- .22 competition rifle
- .22 hand gun
- American Skeet
- American Trap
Please see the rules for more details about each category.
Registration Form
Awards
Each of the top 10% of shooters for each division within each category will receive a gold award, the next lower 10% a silver award, and the next lower 10% a bronze award. Percentage will be based on returned fired targets. Participation ribbons or awards will be awarded to all shooters who have returned fired targets.
Trophies Awarded to County Teams
The top three scorers of each county from the combined Junior, Intermediate and Advanced divisions within each category will be selected as the county team for that category. Within each category, there must be at least three teams for the trophy to be awarded. There will not be more than one team selected per county for each category. A county with fewer than three shooters in the combined Junior, Intermediate and Advanced divisions of a category will not have a team for that category.
How to sign up
All currently enrolled 4-H members ages 9-19 may compete in the 2024 State 4-H Shooting Sports Match. All registration forms must be sent to your county UCCE office for your 4-H club, along with payment by the club. Personal checks will not be accepted. Your club must submit this to your county office BEFORE March 15 - the earlier the better!
Give your UCCE office time to process and submit applications!
Your UCCE office must sign to verify that all entrants, adult and youth, are currently enrolled in 4-H. UCCE offices must send the completed forms and payment, postmarked by March 15, 2024, to Siskiyou County Leaders Council, 1655 South Main Street, Yreka, CA 96097.
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Seeking nominations for the Young Alumni Advisory Committee
National 4‑H Council needs your help to identify and nominate dynamic, proven leaders to serve on the Young Alumni Advisory Committee (YAAC). This group serves as a bridge to the young alum community, informing Council's Board of Trustees and working closely with associates to provide counsel and serve as 4‑H ambassadors.
Applicants must be nominated by a 4‑H professional or volunteer by February 29th.
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California 4-H takes top 2 at the 4-H FCS Championship
Congratulations to Lily Q. from Contra Costa County 4-H and Olivia F. from San Joaquin County 4-H for taking the top 2 spots at the 4-H Family & Consumer Science (FCS) Championship held in San Antonio, Texas! At this National Fashion Revue, Lily was named Overall Champion and Olivia was named Reserve Champion! Learn more about Lily and her "Journey to Victory at the 4-H FCS National Championship" on the California 4-H Grown blog.
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Sign up to test the new UC Community Chicken app
Backyard chicken owners, 4-H Project Leaders and 4-H youth ages 13 and up: Sign up to text the new UC Community Chicken app!
This new app shares information to raise healthy chickens. Participants who complete the entire study and follow-up survey will receive a $25 Amazon gift card via email.
Read more - and sign up!
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Georgia Boot Trailblazer
February 1 – March 3
Apply now to share about your 4-H project for a chance to win a prize pack from Georgia Boot valued at $500 and recognition on Georgia Boot and national 4-H digital channels as a 2024 Trailblazer.
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Youth in Action Award
Applications are now open
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The 4-H Youth in Action program amplifies the diverse stories and leadership of 4-H youth who are making a difference in their communities every day.
Each year, program participants receive an exciting year of media training and national opportunities to share their 4-H story and leadership.
Applications open on January 29, 2024 and close April 1, 2024.
See the application and more details about the Youth in Action Awards.
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Youth in Action Info Session for Applicants
February 21, 4:00-5:00pm PT (7:00-8:00pm ET)
Teens aged 14-19 are encouraged to apply to the 4-H Youth in Action Program for the chance to tell their 4-H impact story and win a $5k educational scholarship.
4-H'ers interested in applying are encouraged to attend the info session on February 21 from 4:00-5:00pm Pacific Time (7:00-8:00pm ET) to learn about the benefits of the program and how to become a competitive applicant.
Register Now
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Mission Possible: 2024 Camping Conference | |
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Your mission, if you so choose to accept it, is Anything is Possible!
Do you want to take your camp experience to the next level? Are you a camp staff, leader, or director looking to refresh your camp program?
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Beekeeping Mini Grant
Apply by March 1st
We will award four $300 mini grants to project leaders who are currently enrolled in CA 4-H in any county, leading a Beekeeping Project.
The funds must be used to purchase beekeeping equipment, supplies and curriculum. Preference will be given to those wishing to purchase one bee box, one beehive colony and related start-up supplies to manage a hive.
See full Beekeeping Mini Grant requirements.
Applications are due by March 1, 2024, 11:59 pm
Apply at
bit.ly/UC4-H_Bee_Mini_Grant
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Guide Dog Mini Grant
Apply by March 15th
We will award up to four $500 mini grants to CA 4-H Youth Members who are currently enrolled in a CA 4-H Guide Dog Project and who are raising a puppy for guide dog service.
The funds can be used for any expenses related to raising one or more guide dog puppies, including food, equipment, veterinary bills, medications, and/or transportation to CA 4-H and affiliate Guide Dog organization meetings and activities.
See full Guide Dog Mini Grant requirements.
Applications are due by March 15, 2024, 11:59 pm
Apply at
bit.ly/UC4-H_Guide_Dog_Grant
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Join an Advisory Committee | |
Join the Volunteer Development Advisory Committee
We are restarting the Volunteer Development Advisory Committee! Give feedback and suggestions for improving volunteer experiences in 4-H. The Advisory Committee will help guide the development of resources to support volunteers, such as online courses and workshops.
Who can apply:
- 4-H members ages 14 to 19 during their term (March 2024-June 2025, with option to renew for one year);
- 4-H adult volunteers (young 4-H alumni are encouraged to apply!)
- 4-H professionals - Community Education Specialists, Advisors, Staff
- UCCE Academics
Time commitment: Approximately 3-5 hours per month. Quarterly 1.5-hour Zoom meetings, with independent project work between sessions.
See the Committee Description for more information. Apply now!
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Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Committee
If you are passionate about equity and inclusion and how it affects your communities, we invite you to join the 4-H Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Committee.
Committee members have the opportunity to attend the True Leaders in Equity Institute held in July. Through the Advisory Committee, you will work together to prepare for the conference.
The JEDI Advisory Committee will be applying for scholarships to attend the True Leaders in Equity Institute. You must be a member of the JEDI Advisory Committee to attend.
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About the
True Leaders in Equity Institute 2024
July 7-11, 2024
Hyatt Regency, Bethesda MD
The True Leaders in Equity Institute (TLEI) is a training program for passionate youth ages 14-19 to learn about equity and inclusion and how it affects their communities. This training and leadership opportunity challenges participants to ideate and champion equity-related projects that will grow 4-H in their communities.
Youth-adult-led teams explore their unique views on equity and inclusion. As a team, you will develop plans to spark innovative solutions to create more welcoming and inclusive environments in your community.
Learn more about the True Leaders in Equity Institute
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Spring Project Leader Workshops | |
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If you missed our last series of workshops for Project Leaders, you have another chance! There is still time to sign up for the next series of workshops - and earn a 4-H namebadge. We have had very positive response to these workshops - don't miss it!
Learn about your role, responsibilities, lesson planning, making learning engaging, working with youth of all ages, and effective hands-on learning.
Tuesdays in March
March 5, 12, 19, & 26 6:30-8:30pm
The complete series is four 2-hour sessions. Please plan to participate in all 4 sessions for the best learning experience.
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Returning Volunteers Overlap of Service
On December 31, the 6-month period where Adult Volunteers from the 2022-23 year could keep helping in the 2023-24 year ended. To stay involved for the rest of this year, your enrollment in ZSuite must be approved as Active before you start volunteering.
Talk to your local county 4-H office about completing all the Volunteer requirements to get your enrollment approved in ZSuite to become Active.
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Need help with eXtension? We got you covered! | |
If you are looking for help with the the eXtension Learning Management System, we encourage you to visit the Learning Center on the CA4-H Resource Center.
Tutorials
Comprehensive guides and resources to assist you in navigating the system seamlessly.
Login Assistance
If you encounter issues with forgotten passwords or experience difficulties accessing your account, our dedicated eXtension team is ready to help. Reach out to us directly at [email protected], and we'll ensure a swift resolution to your concerns.
Technical Support
Should you encounter any challenges while exploring our courses, don't hesitate to submit a support ticket. Our team is committed to promptly addressing your inquiries and ensuring you stay on the path to success. Your achievements are our top priority!
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Apply to be a Guest Speaker on the Volunteer Cafe webinar series | |
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Do you have an innovative 4-H project? Share your idea and creativity with other 4-H volunteers! Through the bi-monthly Volunteer Cafe Webinar Series, you can learn and teach others about what's working in your club and county.
Fill out the Speaker Application so we can see what kind of topics we can feature in the series.
County staff: Refer a volunteer through our Referral Form.
Let's create waves of inspiration together!
For more information, contact Scott Mautte at [email protected].
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Emerald Star I & II Webinars
Learn more about the next phase of the Achievement Program: Emerald Star I & II.
To begin Emerald Star I and progress to Emerald Start II, members must be intermediate (11- 13 years old) or senior (14- 19 years old).
Webinar Dates
February 28
March 7, 14, 20
All webinars are from 6:30 – 7:30 pm
If you haven't already participated in one of the fall webinars, mark your calendar for one of our upcoming webinars.
Please register to get the Zoom link to join in. bit.ly/ESI_II_Webinar
Zoom links are sent on the day of the webinar you register for.
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Record Book Webinars
The State Incentives and Recognition Advisory Committee will be hosting a repeated webinar to help volunteers, youth, parents, and staff understand the different types of Record Books that can be submitted for evaluation.
Webinars include a 30-minute presentation, followed by time for questions and answers. We will cover historical book options, Sparks Achievement books, Emerald and Impact Star Books, and Record Books that have no achievement records.
Webinar Dates
April 2, 10, 18, 23
May 1, 9, 14, 22
All webinars will be held 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Mark your calendar for one of our upcoming webinars.
Please register to get the Zoom link: bit.ly/RB_Webinar_2024
Zoom links are sent on the day of the webinar you register for.
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JOANN Campaign, March 3 to May 4 | |
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We are thrilled to announce that JOANN has renewed our partnership agreement for another three years! Over the past three years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the campaign results and in the funds going to your local programs, from a total of $116,000 raised in 2021 to a record-breaking $1.28 million raised in 2023.
Mark your calendars and start putting together your project supply lists to pick up at a JOANN store near you!
JOANN Point of Sale Campaign
March 3- May 4, 2024
During the two-month promotional timeframe, customers can donate or round-up at checkout in JOANN stores to support 4-H.
The JOANN campaign relies on consumer donations, so the more you can help drive people to JOANN stores, the more California 4-H will earn! Funds raised through JOANN supports the State Fashion Revue contest at State Field Day. A social media toolkit will be shared on the Resource Center soon.
All JOANN stores will also receive a Team Member box with information about 4-H and our partnership along with materials to encourage store engagement.
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