February 2024
Pope County 4-H News & Views
Highlights
HIGHLIGHTS

  • Open Enrollment
  • Enrollment Recognition Event
  • Pope County 4-H Council
  • 4-H Achievement Banquet Committee
  • Livestock Team Practice
  • SeaPerch Team Practice
  • Arkansas 4-H Teen Leadership Applications OPEN
  • February Community Service
  • Food Challenge Interest Meeting
  • Poultry Chain Information
  • Save the Dates

2024 4-H Enrollment OPEN NOW
January 1st began a new 4-H year and we have a NEW enrollment system! We are excited about using ZSuites as the Arkansas 4-H Enrollment System.

So get those 4-H'ers enrolled ASAP!

Those enrolled before March 1st will be invited to our annual Enrollment Recognition Event at the Russellville Aquatic Center.

The 4-H'ers MUST be enrolled in Pope County 4-H by March 1st.

4-H members that are enrolled by March 1st will receive an invitation to the Enrollment Recognition Event.
Enrollment Recognition Event
Pope County Enrollment Recognition Event
Date: tentatively JUNE 15th, 2024
Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Its that time of the year and enrollment for the 2024 4-H Year is OPEN!

4-H'ers that enroll/re-enroll BEFORE March 1st, will be invited to come and enjoy a night all to recognize you!

REMEMBER: You MUST be enrolled in Pope County 4-H BEFORE March 1st to be eligible to attend this event.
Super Star, Club of the Year,
& Leader of the Year Applications
Our annual 4-H Achievement Banquet is fast approaching and it is time to apply for those county awards. You can contact your 4-H leader or come by the office! We will have applications ready for:

  • Super Star
  • Leader of the Year
  • Club of the Year

DEADLINE is Tuesday, February 14th, 2024.
4-H Achievement Banquet
Planning Committee BLENDED Meeting
4-H Achievement Banquet
Planning Committee Meeting

We will be holding our first 4-H Achievement Banquet Planning Committee BLENDED Meeting. So if your 4-H youth needs leadership experience and is interested in helping plan our 4-H banquet, join us on Thursday night while we get to planning. You can join us in the office or via Zoom from the comfort of your own home.

WHEN: Thursday, February 8th, 2024
TIME: 6:00pm
WHERE: Pope County Extension Office or via ZOOM
follow the link below (password 925839)

If you would like to join us by phone, please Mrs. Ashley know by emailing her at [email protected].
Pope County 4-H Council
We are calling all 4-H Youth looking for leadership opportunities! This council will be the voice of Pope County 4-H.

The council will be comprised of elected council officers and club representatives. The council will focus on youth leadership training and development, and will meet to conduct business, educational meetings, plan community service projects, plan county activities, and provide leadership at county events and activities.

Who can become a Pope County 4-H Council Member?
  • 4-H Club Presidents
  • 4-H Club Vice Presidents
  • 4-H Club Secretaries
  • 4-H Club Junior Leaders

We are very excited to bring the council back into session. So select YOUR club's three representatives to sit on the Pope County 4-H Council.

First Meeting of 2024:
Tuesday, March 13th, 2024
5:00 PM
Pope County Extension Office

NOTE TO PARENTS: We are focusing on building our future leaders so we ask that you drop your 4-H leader off at 5:00 PM. We will have a parent debrief at the end of each meeting.
4-H Achievement Banquet
You are invited to the Pope County 4-H's annual Achievement Banquet. Dress in your Sunday best and join us as we recognize the achievements of our impressive youth.

Thursday, March 14th, 2024
6:00pm - meal will be served
Dover Middle School Cafeteria
135 College Street, Dover, AR 72837

RSVP by March 1st, 2024 at the link below!
Livestock Team Practice UPDATE
Livestock Team Practices

WHEN: Wednesday
February 21st, 2023
WHERE: Pope County Extension Office
TIME: 4:30pm - 6:00pm

PLEASE NOTE: We are pushing Livestock Practice to Wednesday, February 21st, 2024. NO practice will be held on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024. Contact us with any questions or concerns.
SeaPerch Workdays
SeaPerch Workdays

WHEN: Wednesdays
February 7th, 2024
February 14th, 2024
February 28th, 2024
WHERE: Pope County Extension Office
TIME: 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Arkansas 4-H Teen Leadership Applications OPEN
Arkansas 4-H Teen Star
The 4-H Teen Star Award is recognition for Senior Arkansas 4-H members who have outstanding accomplishments in their 4-H projects and activities, leadership, and service-learning experiences. The Teen Star award is a gateway to higher levels of leadership within the Arkansas 4-H Program.

Eligibility:
A 4-H member:
  • must be 14 years old as of January 1, 2024
  • Should have completed one year as a 4-H member.
  • Should be an active 4-H member in the 4-H Enrollment & Events System (ZSuites) at the time of application.
  • Must display the following qualities:
  • Leadership ability
  • Integrity of character, demonstrating high moral standards and high goals.
  • Outstanding achievement in both project and service activities.
  • Ability to work with others.
  • Interest in the 4-H program.

Application and Selection:
Find the application at the link below. You can also find the application in the calendar of events within ZSuites.
  • Applications and short essay questions are reviewed.
  • Each Essay question is scored against the rubric on the application.
  • Much of the information needed for completing the Teen Star application can be found in the applicant's 4-H Record Book (if records have been kept).

DUE DATE:
Friday, March 15th, 2024

RECOGNITION:
Ceremony held each year at the
Teen Leader Conference
JUNE 5-7, 2024

For more information you can contact your local extension office.
Arkansas 4-H Ambassador
The main job of the Arkansas 4-H Ambassador is to promote the Arkansas 4-H program at the county, state, and national level. Ambassadors plan and attend statewide 4-H programs like Teen Leader Conference, Ambassador Workshop, District and State O-Rama, and the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show. They are called to assist with county 4-H programs and contests in their own County and surrounding counties.

Eligibility:
a 4-H member:
  • Must first be recognized as an Arkansas 4-H Teen Star.
  • May apply for Ambassador the following year after they receive the Teen Star recognition.
  • Must not turn 19 years of age during the calendar year in which the application is submitted
  • Committed to promoting the Arkansas 4-H program on the county, district, and state level
  • Committed to attending Ambassador Workshop (February) and Teen Leader Conference (June).

Application & Selection:
Find the application at the link below. You can also find the application in the calendar of events within ZSuites.
Application:
  • Submit the appliction on or before March 15th
  • Applications consist of submitting a resume and 3 short answer questions.
  • The application is reviewed and those that are satisfactory will be notified & moved to the interview round.

Speech and Interview - takes place on 1st day of Teen Leader Conference in June.
  • Interviewees will write a 500-word 4-H promotional speech and deliver to a panel of judges.
  • This speech should be one that could be used at 4-H Banquets and events, and with civic and community organizations
  • Additionally, the interviewee will answer general interview questions from the judges.
  • New Ambassadors will be announced on the final day of Teen Leader Conference held in June.

DUE DATE:
Friday, March 15th, 2024

RECOGNITION:
Closing ceremony of
Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama
July 26th, 2024

For more information you can contact your local extension office.
Arkansas 4-H State Officer
The Arkansas 4-H State Officer Team provides state-wide leadership for youth, adult volunteers, supporters, and more. The state officers advocate for Arkansas 4-H, provide input for enhancing the 4-H program, connect the county, district, and state levels, and serve as leaders and role models. Positions on the team: President, First Vice President, Secretary, Reporter, 3 District Vice Presidents.

Eligibility:
A 4-H member:
  • Must be a current Arkansas 4-H Ambassador who has re-certified for the year.
  • May apply for State Officer the following year after they are named an ambassador.
  • Must NOT turn 19 years of age during the calendar year in which the application is submitted.
  • Should discuss being a State Officer with their local county agent, consider the time commitment required, and acknowledge their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the leadership role.

Application & Review Day:
Find the application at the link below. You can also find it in the calendar of events in ZSuites.

Application - Submit application no later than Friday, March 15, 2024.

Review Day
  • All State Officer candidates are required to attend the AR 4-H State Officer Candidate Review Day where they will be provided scenarios that mimic situations state officers may face:
  • Storytelling
  • Impromptu Speaking
  • Interview
  • Networking & Formal Lunch
  • Review Day will be held at the 4-H State Office on Friday, April 19th, 2024. More information will be sent out after the application deadline.

Election:
District Vice Presidents:
  • Each District (Ouachita, Ozark, Delta) elects one District VP during their District O-Rama.
  • All registered District O-Rama participants are eligible voters.
  • Candidate speeches are delivered at the opening ceremony of each District O-Rama

President, First VP, Secretary, Reporter
  • Candidacy speeches delivered at the opening ceremony of State O-Rama.
  • Delegates (2 per County) elect remaining 4 positions during the general business assembly.
  • Arkansas 4-H State Officer Team is announced during the closing ceremony of State O-Rama.

For more information you can contact your local extension office.
February Community Service
Random Acts of Kindness

Treat someone to lunch or coffee

Deliver Valentine Cards in your community

Participate in "National Thank a Mail Carrier" Day
(February 4th)

Participate in "National Visit a Shut-In" Day
(February 11th)

Contact us if you need more ideas for February Community Service.
Food Challenge Interest Group Meeting
We are excited to announce the 2024 Food Challenge Interest meeting!

You may be wondering ... What is the Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge Competition? At the Food Challenge Competition, teams of 3-4 4-H youth will receive a mystery ingredient and have 40 minutes to create a dish. They will then present their dish to judges and are scored on preparation, serving size, food safety concerns, nutritional value, and cost.

If you are a 4-H'er between the age of 9-19 years old as of January 1st, 2024, that loves to cook, create new ideas, and enjoys working on a team, join us to learn all about the Food Challenge.

Pope County 4-H Food Challenge Interest Meeting
Tuesday, March 4th, 2024
5:00 PM
Pope County Extension Office
2024 Arkansas Poultry Chain
2024 Arkansas 4-H Poultry Chain

Arkansas Poultry Chain is an opportunity for youth to learn about bird husbandry, health, production, biosecurity, and potentially small business managagment.

Birds will be Hyline Browns this year. The cost is $12.50 per pullet set becuase our 4-H Association pays half the cost. Each set will consist of 15 Hyline Brown pullets. Cockerels can be ordered for $1.50 each but will be limited to 5 per pullet set.

Hyline Browns are excellent egg layers and will make great additions to a backyard flock or as the start of a new flock.

The goal of the Arkansas Poultry Chain is to raise the best possible birds between pick up day until your county, district, or state fair. Participants are allowed to show their poultry chain at the Arkansas State Fair without having to qualify as a county champion or reserve champion.

To Order:
You MUST be an active 4-H Member
Order will be made through the Pope County Extension Office.

DEADLINE
March 11th, 2024 by NOON
Payment MUST be completed by March 11th.
Save the Dates
  • Feb. 7th - SeaPerch Worday
  • Feb. 8th - Banquet Planning Committee ZOOM
  • Feb. 13th - Pope County 4-H Council Meeting
  • Feb. 14th - SeaPerch Workday
  • Feb. 19th - Extension Office CLOSED - Presidents' Day
  • Feb. 21st - Livestock Team Practice
  • Feb. 22nd - Banquet Planning Committee ZOOM
  • Feb. 28th - SeaPerch Workday
  • Mar. 1st - State 4-H Camp/TLC Scholarship Applications DUE
  • Mar. 5th - Food Challenge Interest Meeting
  • Mar. 6th - Livestock Team Practice
  • Mar. 7th - Banquet Planning Committee Meeting IN PERSON
  • Mar. 9th - State 4-H Campfire Cooking Contest
  • Mar. 11th - Poultry Chain Order & Payment DEADLINE
  • Mar. 12th - Pope County 4-H Council Meeting
  • Mar. 13th - Livestock Team Practice
  • Mar. 15th - State 4-H Teen Star, Ambassador, & State Officer DUE
  • Mar. 19th - 20th - Senior Shooting Sports National Qualifer
  • Mar. 21st - Ross Photography Submissions DUE
  • Mar. 22nd - Extension Office - CLOSED
  • Mar. 27th - Livestock Team Pracitce
  • Apr. 8th - Extension Office - CLOSED
  • Apr. 9th - Pope County 4-H Council Meeting
  • April 17th - Poultry Chain Pick-Up
  • April 20th - 3B's Workshop
  • May 11th - Pope County 4-H O-Rama
  • June 18th - Ozark District O-Rama
  • June 21st - Poultry Processing Workshop
  • July 1st - 3rd - Arkansas 4-H State Camp I
  • July 4th - Extension Office - CLOSED
  • July 8th - 10th - Arkansas 4-H State Camp II
  • July 23rd - 26th - Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama
For more about Pope County 4-H, contact:
Ashley Flickinger CES - 4-H at [email protected]
Violet Mefford 4-H Program Assistant at [email protected]
Call us at (479) 968-7098!
"The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer."