Gage County 4-H Family Handbook

Dear 4-H Family,

Thank you for joining Gage County 4-H. We look forward to your participation in one of the largest youth development programs in the nation. We hope that you enjoy exploring what 4-H has to offer: mastering skills, creating friendships, and having fun.

The Extension staff in the Gage County office collaborates with you and the community in sharing a variety of educational experiences for youth. We also work with the Gage County 4-H Council to provide oversight to the 4-H program as well as training and development for volunteers. 

The 4-H program offers many opportunities on a club, county, district, state and national level. As you progress through your 4-H journey, we hope that you will explore those experiences.

Purpose Of This Handbook

This handbook is designed to provide your family with basic 4-H information, details about Gage County policies, and an overview of the 4-H Year. (Official rules related to the Gage County Fair will be found in the fairbook, which is published later in the year.) Updates, changes, and more detailed information will be in our electronic newsletter, as well as on social media (Facebook, Twitter). 

Please keep this handbook and refer to it frequently.

Have a wonderful year in 4-H! 

Gage County 4-H Staff & Gage County 4-H Council

What is 4-H?

4-H is a community of young people, ages 5-18, across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H is education for life that uses a learn-by-doing approach. In Nebraska, 4-H is present in ALL 93 counties across the state.

4-H is a Family Affair

• 4-H youth and their family members are encouraged to attend meetings together. 
• Work on projects can take place at home - in the yard or around the kitchen table - with guidance from mom or dad, an older brother or sister, a neighbor, friend, or other adult.
• 4-H’ers need the support and encouragement of their families. Growing together through 4-H enhances family strengths.

4-H Way

4-H empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. It’s a research-based experience that includes volunteers, hands-on projects, and meaningful leadership opportunities.

4-H Community

Young people experience 4-H through school and community clubs, in-school and afterschool programs, and 4-H camps.

4-H Programming

Based on their interests, youth develop their own pathway in 4-H. They select from a broad menu of local 4-H programs. 

4-H Motto, Emblem, Colors, and Pledge

4-H Motto

“To Make the Best Better”

4-H Emblem

The 4-H emblem is a four-leaf clover with the letter “H” on each leaf which stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

4-H Colors

The 4-H colors are green and white. Green symbolizes nature’s most common color and represents life, springtime, and youth. White symbolizes purity and high ideals.

4-H Pledge

I Pledge...

My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

4-H Age and Membership requirements

4-H is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 18, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status. 

4-H Membership

1. Member is between 8 and 18 on January 1.
2. The last year of eligibility is the calendar year the member is 18 on January 1 and turns 19 before December 1.

Clover Kid Membership

Clover Kids are between the ages of 5 and 7 on January 1. Clover Kids is the officially recognized program in Nebraska for children under the age of 8. The program is designed to provide this age group with a variety of educational and recreational experiences.

4-H Age

The age of a 4-H member on January 1 of the program year.

The 4-H Program Year

The 4-H program year begins on October 1 and runs through September 30 of the following year.

PROCESS

4-H club members (including Clover Kids) are required to officially enroll through the 4-H Online system. By enrolling, youth can participate in the county fair, county contests, the Nebraska State Fair, district and county contests and events, and additional statewide programs.

HOW TO ENROLL

Gage County 4-H Enrollment Webpage

1. Visit v2.4honline.com.
2. If new, create an account. Make sure the email adress you enroll with is the one most frequently checked.
3. If returning, login to family profile.
4. Add new information or update personal information. Phone numbers, address, and email address are all very important and should be updated whenever there is a change. 
5. Complete the 4-H Code of Conduct and review waivers. The waivers will include photo release, shooting sports (if applicable), and survey. Please read Code of Conduct and waivers carefully.
6. Update clubs and projects. Remove projects that you are not going to take part in during the current program year. Add new projects.
7. Submit enrollment on the final page.

Enroll means to sign up to be a 4-H member or volunteer for the year. (It does NOT register you for the fair).

Youth and adult volunteers MUST re-enroll each year.

Enrollment is due June 15 for the current 4-H year.

What is a project?

A project is centered around a topic of interest to members.  Members can choose one or more topics to learn about. There are a whole range of projects for 4-H’ers, everything from animals, to gardening, to safety and more! A project should include a series of learning experiences related to that topic.

Nebraska 4-H Projects & Learning Resources 

Clover by 4-H

For Gage County, project learning experiences can include:

• Independent Study - 4-H manuals (complementary digital curriculum with enrollment) & Online Learning (Clover by 4-H)
• Anytime Learning Projects & Workshops - listing of offerings will come out in the April Newsletter and is posted on the Anytime Learning webpage
• Field Trip or Tour - local, state, and national trips provide great experiences for 4-H members.
• Participating in a Contest - many static and livestock project area contests are available for 4-H members to participate in at both the county and state level.
• Giving a Demonstration - whether part of a 4-H club or county workshop, giving a demonstration or teaching other youth how to do something is an excellent way to build project skills.
• Exhibiting at the Fair - showcasing the work you did at the county fair is a great way to get feedback and recognition for the learning that took place throughout the year.

Selecting Projects

When selecting projects, consider

• Does it meet your child’s needs and interest? 
• Is the project appropriate based on the age and ability of your child?
• How much time does the project require?
• Is the project acceptable to parents and does it fit your family’s situation?
• How much will the project cost; Is adequate space and equipment available; Are leaders available to help; or are you, the parents, willing to help your child with the project?

Important project guidelines

1. 4-H members cannot enroll in the same 4-H project area in more than one county or state in the same year.
2. They may enroll in different project areas in different clubs crossing county lines. Ex: 4-H’er can enroll in the Horse project in Gage County and enroll in Beef project in another county but CANNOT enroll in the Beef project in both counties.

First Year Member Project Enrollment

First year members are strongly encouraged to limit their enrollment to 5 projects. We want members to get started the right way in 4-H. We know there are a lot of fun and interesting projects, you can always add more.
          
Manuals

Most projects have manuals or resource material relating to the project. Manuals are designed to help the 4-H’er reach the objectives of the 4-H projects they enroll in. They are designed to cover several years of the 4-H’ers experience.  You can check-out manuals in our office.  To purchase – visit the following websites:

https://shop4-h.org/ 

https://marketplace.unl.edu/ne4h/curriculum

Purpose

The purpose of a 4-H club is to: provide positive youth development opportunities; to meet the needs of young people; to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity (the Essential Elements); and to foster educational opportunities tied to the Land Grant University knowledge base. 

Structure

• Clubs meet at least 6 times per year. Many clubs meet 9-12 times a year and may be supplemented by project meetings, camps, fairs, and other 4-H learning experiences.
• Clubs must have a minimum of 5 youth members from at least 3 different families. 
• Members plan meetings and elect club officers to lead meetings. 
• Members present an in-club demonstration or presentation each year.
• Club members complete a 4-H project each year. As a club, members complete yearly service learning or community service projects. 

All clubs must be advised by an adult club leader. Leaders may be 4-H staff or volunteers who have been screened and trained in accordance with the Nebraska 4-H Policy and Procedures Handbook.

• Organizational leaders - provide overall management and leadership to the 4-H club.
• Project leaders - conducts and connects youth to meaningful education experiences in a specific project area.

Leaders or youth must complete and submit the club's financial reports to the local Extension office at the end of each year.

Resources for Club Leaders Webpage

4-H Club Meetings

Each 4-H club meeting should help youth:

• Acquire new information
• Learn to use leisure time creatively
• Develop social skills
• Acquire leadership and citizenship traits
• Learn to conduct meetings

Meetings enable 4-H members to learn and practice decision making and leadership skills in a group setting by using the knowledge and skills acquired through 4-H. Each member is expected to attend club meetings. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend meetings with their children. Your involvement demonstrates support for 4-H members, keeps members informed on club activities, and enables you to assist volunteers as requested. 

What is a club meeting like?

Each 4-H meeting normally lasts 1 to 1½ hours and includes business, educational programs, and recreation.  Clubs may meet monthly or at any time determined by the club members. Meetings may include a variety of the following items:

Business

Members learn how to conduct meetings effectively, work with others through committee assignments, and cooperate with others in making decisions.

Education

This part of the meeting helps members learn more about subjects of interest to the membership. 4-H teaching is “learning by doing.” It can include talks or presentations by members, speakers, work on project books, tours, and more.

Teambuilding and Fun

A variety of fun activities adds enjoyment and enthusiasm at meetings. Icebreakers and teambuilding games help members get to know each other. Refreshments and celebrations create time to socialize.

4-H Parents

Parents and families play a critical role in the success of the 4-H program. Youth join 4-H to belong, to do things with their friends, to meet new friends, to have fun, to be recognized as a person, and to achieve. The volunteer can only do so much; children need the support of their parents.

Parent participation in 4-H results in the following benefits:

• Active parent participation can strengthen and broaden the 4-H program in any local club or in any county.
• When parental support is positive, the club is likely to become stronger, larger, and more active.
• In clubs where parental support is evident, individual members receive more personal attention and guidance from leaders and parents.
• Club activities and events will develop and expand with the additional support of parents. 4-H can have a positive influence on the lives of thousands of boys and girls.

This happens only when parents care enough to share their time, efforts, and talents. Below are 4-H member expectations. As a parent, your job is to provide transportation and support for them to meet the following expectations.

4-H Volunteers

There are many different volunteer opportunities available through Gage County 4-H. Volunteers can be parents, grandparents, community members, or passionate folks who are excited about the 4-H program. 4-H volunteers make a difference! Without volunteers, we would not be able to have 4-H clubs, teach workshops, help youth grow in their projects and life skills, and conduct the county fair.

Interested in volunteering? Please email gage-county@unl.edu.

Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Webpage

4-H Member Expectations

• Enroll in 4-H.
• Follow the 4-H Code of Conduct.
• Participate in 4-H club meetings, lessons, and activities.
• Take part in at least one community service activity per year.
• Demonstrate or teach at the club, county, or state level.
• Keep informed of project requirements (livestock ID, Animal Quality Assurance, level testing, and more).
• Complete project requirements by designated deadlines.
• Participate in contests or fair competitions.
• Complete annual records or awards applications.
• Follow through on any elected or designated leadership role.

4-H Participant Code of Conduct

Animal projects have additional requirements to establish animal ownership, knowledge of animal care, and safety for participants exhibiting in shows. It is the responsibility of youth and parents involved in animal projects to keep informed of requirements. 

Member Responsibilities

To participate in a Gage County 4-H Animal or Livestock Project, 4-H members must complete the following:

• Enroll in the livestock project of their choice by June 15. 4-H’ers enrolling in more than one county cannot take the same project in two counties (i.e. Beef is one project, breeding and market animals cannot be shown in two different counties). 
• Properly identify animals by method of identification and deadlines listed. County Fair identification is due June 15. 
• Quality Assurance Certification: To exhibit beef, dairy, goat, sheep, pig, poultry, and rabbit at the County Fair, State Fair, or AKSARBEN exhibitors must be Quality Assurance certified by June 15.  All members ages 8 – 19 must attend a YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) training in-person or online.

Registration for the training is on-line at yqcaprogram.org

• Horse Level Testing: To participate in horse riding events, exhibitors must have completed the proper level testing by the following deadlines: 
  • State Horse Show – June 1
  • County Fair – July 15
• Pre-Enter animal(s) for the County Fair, State Fair, or AKSARBEN by appropriate deadlines (for County Fair July 15). Watch newsletter for State Fair and AKSARBEN deadlines.
• Follow the IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions) National Code of Show Ring Ethics.

Animal Identification

4-H’ers planning to exhibit livestock or horse project animals (beef, sheep, meat goat, dairy goat, dairy, rabbit, swine, horse) must turn in Animal Affidavit (ID) forms by June 15 each year. Identifying the project animal is an important aspect of the 4-H project.

All applicable information on each form should be completed. There is some information common to all forms, this includes:

1. Names and ages of exhibitors
2. Club name
3. County
4. Signature of at least one listed exhibitor
5. Signature and address of parent
6. Phone number of parent(s)
7. YCQA certificate number
8. Premise ID number

Additional information is required for each species.

Gage County Livestock ID Webpage

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)

YQCA is a national multi-species quality assurance program for youth ages 8 to 21 with a focus on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development. 

• YQCA certification is required to participate in county fair, state fair, and Aksarben livestock shows. 
• Clover Kids are not required to complete Quality Assurance training.
• DUE:  JUNE 15 for beef, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbit, dairy, pigs
• Must recertify each year.
• Failure to complete modules will result in youth being ineligible to exhibit animals.

Training Options: 

Create a personal account to access the courses for the youth in your family. Only active members will show in the dropdown menu for access to the course.   

• Online Course - $12.00 annually
• Face-to-face YQCA training - $3.00 annually

YQCA Website     Nebraska 4-H YQCA Webpage

Horse Levels Testing

All Horse exhibitors are required to have completed at least Level 1 of the Horse Advancement Levels before they will be allowed to ride in horse events at County Fair.

Horse Levels Testing Consists of:

• Club Demonstration
• Health Care Reports
• Feed Charts
• Written Exams
• Skills Test

Horse Advancement Levels testing must be done with a certified examiner. 

Gage County 4-H Horse Advancement Levels Examiners: 

Written exams require an 80% to pass and are taken at the Extension Office. Please call to make an appointment to take the written exams. All Levels testing must be completed by July 15 for County Fair. Study guide information can be obtained from the Extension Office or online at: http://4h.unl.edu/horse/advancement

Nebraska 4-H Horse Advancement Levels Webpage

The Gage County Fair is a highlight of many 4-H’ers annual experience. It is a community event, showcasing the talents and achievements of youth. Youth take part in contests and share exhibits that are the result of their project work.

Fair Book

This book is available online by April 15. There may be a printed version as well. This is your guide for exhibiting at the fair. It will have guidelines of what to include with your exhibits such as extra supporting material. It is important to read the sections of the fair book that pertain to your project exhibits. The fair book is made up of Departments, Division Name and Number, and Classes.

• Department - the entire or overall curriculum area such as "Family & Consumer Science, "Animal Science," or "Beef"
• Division - a more specific area such as "Division 15 - Design Decisions." It usually refers to a "project."
• Class - a very specific and detailed area, giving information and details related to a specific class of exhibit such as "C257008 Bedcover"

County Only Exhibits 

Will be denoted in the fair book with a * sign before the exhibit name in the fair book. County only exhibits are not eligible for state competition.

County Fair Information & Dates

Held in Beatrice, NE at the fairgrounds in July (dates may vary). Entry day is typically early in the week with static exhibit judging the following day. Some contests such as the Premier Communications Contest, Fashion Show, Horticulture and Entomology Contest and Shooting Sports are held ahead of the official start date of the fair. Schedule will be advertised once fairbook is live.

Entering at the Gage County Fair

There is a separate registration process for county fair. All entries for County Fair are made prior to the County Fair through a process called “pre-entry.” All “pre-entries” must be completed by July 15 of the current year in which 4-H’ers will indicate to the Extension Office which exhibits they plan to enter at the County Fair. 

• Static exhibit entries are to be made online at: https://gage.fairwire.com/
  • Static exhibits are exhibits that are non-animal or livestock related such as clothing, baking, child development, quilts, gardening, cake decorating, etc.
• Livestock exhibit entries are to be made through the Showman App (Search for Gage County Fair.
  • Livestock exhibits include all animal project areas including, beef, sheep, meat goats, dairy, dairy goats, swine, horse, rabbit, poultry, and broilers

Late Entry Policy

Entries will be accepted after the deadline, up until exhibit check-in at the Gage County Fair. However, penalties may apply.

Late Identification Policy – All livestock entries are required to be identified with the appropriate ownership affidavit or certificate by the June 15 deadline. An animal can be identified after the deadline under special circumstances; however, penalties may apply. 

4-H Uses the Danish System of Recognition

The Danish system uses color to signify different award levels. Ribbons are given to 4-H members as a symbol to represent a level of knowledge/skill mastered in completing and exhibiting a project. 

Nebraska 4-H uses the following colors:

• RED indicate average quality and that the exhibit has met the minimum standards. Some improvements can be made in workmanship, design or expression of what was learned in the project. Good exhibit.
• BLUE exhibit exceeds minimum standards. The exhibit shows high quality work but may have some smaller flaws needing improvement. Excellent exhibit.
• PURPLE denotes an exhibit of superior quality that has met and exceeded all of the standards. Superior exhibit. 
• WHITE means the exhibit does not meet all minimum standards. The exhibit can be improved in workmanship, design, or knowledge shared about the project.

Keeping ribbon placings in context

Aside from any placement of ribbons, what is most important is that the child was participating in an activity that will build his/her character and learning skills that will be of benefit to them for life. 

Parents and leaders can help 4-H’ers to understand all levels of ribbons and to celebrate the learning that can occur by taking on a new challenge. 

Gage County 4-H Achievement & Scholarship Application

All 4-H members are encouraged to keep record of their 4-H experience. Gage County uses a county-specific online application for the Gage County 4-H Achievement Awards, Special Awards, and Scholarships. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on October 15.

• Achievement Awards - recognition for outstanding participation, learning, leadership, and growth in one's project area.
  • Apply for project area awards (related to project work for County Fair).
• Special Awards - these awards provide recognition to youth who have gone above and beyond in 4-H and specific project areas. Some receive a monetary award.
• Scholarships - several achievement scholarships (amounts of $50-100) are awarded to youth who show excellence and growth in their project areas. Scholarships are to be used for educational purposes and to access the scholarship, you must email gage-county@unl.edu to indicate how you will use the scholarship.

Apply for Gage County 4-H Achievement Awards & Scholarships

Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application

Seniors (youth ages 15-18 as of December 31 of the current year) are invited to apply for state-level achievement awards, scholarships and recognition. Applications are due to 4HAchieves@unl.edu by 11:59 p.m. on January 5.

Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application Webpage

Senior Scholarships

Gage County 4-H members are eligible for local high school senior scholarships. 

High School Senior 4-H Scholarships

The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Program is designed for all ages of 4-H members. The program consists of six levels that require a 4-H member to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. It is designed to enable every 4-H member willing to exert the effort, an opportunity to be recognized, regardless of how they are involved in 4-H.

To begin the Diamond Clover program, a 4-H member must complete the plan portion of the Plan & Report Form available for download. Due October 15 in Gage County.

The plans are saved and upon completion of the accomplishments, are attached to the completed Report portion. Upon completion, 4-H’ers receive a pin recognition at the Achievement Program

Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Program

• January 5 - State Level Achievement Applications & Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships Due
• March 15 - High School Senior Scholarship Deadline
• April 1 - Youth at Work Grant Applications Due
• April 15 - Robert Kracke Memorial Scholarship Dealine
• June 1 - State Horse Show - online entries due, Horse ID & Advancement levels due to Ext. Office
• June 15 - Animal ID (Affidavidt) Due for: beef, sheep, meat goat, dairy goat, dairy, hog, horse, rabbit
• June 15 - YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) Due - all 4-H'ers exhibiting beef, sheep, hog, poultry, rabbit, goat, dairy, or other livestock projects.
• June 15 - Nebraska State Fair Deadline for Livestock nominations, DNA envelopes
• July 15 - Fair Pre-entries due - Livestock & Static Exhibits
• July 15 - Horse Advancement Levels Testing Due
• August 10 - Pre-entry for the Nebraska State Fair Due
• October 15 - Gage County 4-H Achievement Awards & Scholarship Application Due