K-State Research and Extension

Beginning this 2023-2024 year, a Post Rock District 4-H member can strive to achieve 4-H Ambassador recognition. Direct questions to Nora Rhoades, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, at nrhoades@ksu.edu.

Post Rock District 4-H Ambassador Application_printable pdf

Completed applications are due to your local Post Rock District Office by close of business on October 1, 2024.

POST ROCK DISTRICT 4-H AMBASSADOR
4-H Ambassadors are 4-H members recognized for exceptional efforts to promote the Post Rock District 4-H program throughout their community, county, and beyond. 4-H Ambassadors increase visibility and enhance the image of Kansas 4-H in the Post Rock District. Success as a 4-H Ambassador requires a sincere desire to positively represent Kansas 4-H and K-State Research and Extension, willingness to interact with the general public, confidence to speak in front of groups, and a commitment of your time and energy. Through this experience, 4-H members have opportunities to learn, practice and improve leadership, civic engagement, communication, marketing, employability, and job skills.

Any enrolled 4-H member in Post Rock District can strive to achieve 4-H Ambassador recognition. Youth should be mature, responsible, and able to demonstrate the initiative needed to complete the requirements. Caring adults are able to coach and encourage members, yet the member should strive to complete the tasks with minimal adult guidance in order to challenge themselves to reach their goals and enhance personal development.

Interested members are to work to achieve the requirements outlined on this application throughout the 4-H year. As a requirement is met, mark completed and fill out the description section. Efforts are to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to be a 4-H Ambassador. While some efforts may require a group or team to achieve, the review committee will consider each member’s role in completing each requirement.

Requirements must be met during the designated 4-H year, October 1 – September 30. The deadline to apply to be recognized as a 4-H Ambassador is October 1, immediately following the completion of the program year applying for. Must apply to be eligible. Submit to your local Post Rock District Office.

Youth successfully completing the requirements as approved by a district review committee will be recognized as a Post Rock District 4-H Ambassador at achievement celebrations. Members will receive a 4-H Ambassador pin and token of appreciation for their efforts. Members can earn this recognition more than once.

Below are the scheduled meeting dates for the 4-H Councils in Post Rock District. Dates, times and locations are subject to change and members will be notified in a timely manner.

Lincoln County 4-H Council
Meetings are at the Lincoln Senior Center at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
December 29, 2023

Osborne County 4-H Council
Meetings are at the Osborne Extension Office at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
January 22, 2024 

Smith County 4-H Council
Meetings are at the Smith County Courthouse 
December 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Post Rock District 4-H Day registration will open January 10. The 2024 4-H Day Guide is available on our 4-H Day webpage. Plan ahead and practice your presentations during club meetings. Explore resources on the Post Rock District’s 4-H Communications webpage.

• 4-H Day #1:  Saturday, February 10 in Beloit beginning at 8:00 a.m.
• 4-H Day #2:  Monday, March 4 in Smith Center beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Learn more at Kansas 4-H Public Speaking.

Writing 4-H project goals should take place toward the beginning of the 4-H year rather than right before record books are due. Use the "Setting 4-H Project Goals" worksheet to guide the 4-H member as they write and set 4-H project goals for the year ahead. Once the young person has selected their 4-H projects, they should plan out what they would like to learn and accomplish. It is very helpful when this process is done with the guidance of an adult volunteer or junior teen leader. Setting measurable goals will help ensure that the 4-H member has a positive 4-H project learning experience. Goal setting is a great educational activity to incorporate into a club meeting!

Make plans to participate in 4-H Quiz Bowl. Post Rock District's annual 4-H Quiz Bowl will take place on Saturday, January 20 at Rock Hills High School in Mankato, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The 4-H Quiz Bowl provides an opportunity to learn more about the 4-H organization. While a quiz bowl is semi-competitive, the experience is designed to be a fun, educational opportunity for 4-H members! Registration, rules and a study guide will be available on the Quiz Bowl event webpage. It is free to participate, but registration is needed by January 8.

Youth will participate in teams of four. There will be two age divisions, junior and senior. Team members must participate in the division of the oldest member. You do not have to be from the same club or county in Post Rock District. When you register, state what team you intend to be on. If you don't have a team yet, just sign up and we will combine youth into teams!

Registration

Study Guide will be available by December 11.

The "Live, Learn, Serve" and "To Make the Best Better" T-Shirts sold at the 2023 Kansas State Fair are available to order online at https://tinyurl.com/2023KS4HTSHIRT. Share this opportunity at your club meeting and save on shipping with a group order! The proceeds benefit the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council. Orders will be taken through December 1.

Christmas at Sun Porch Party flyer.

The Kansas 4-H annual training and recertification for 4-H Dog show judges will be January 26 - 28, 2024 at the Leavenworth County fairgrounds. This is a 5-year certification. All 4-H dog shows must have a certified judge for members to qualify for the State Fair Dog Show. There is a reduced cost for project leaders and 4-H members who want to observe and learn more about the project, but not become a judge. Contact your 4-H Program Coordinator if interested.

There will be a great opportunity for volunteers, project leaders, and youth to learn more about what it takes to be a judge at the county fair on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 15 at the Western Research Center in Hays. County fairs are only successful with great judges, so be thinking about who you know that would be a great asset to the 4-H and open class exhibition experience. Participants will learn about how to judge a variety of non-livestock projects and gain tips and tricks to interact with youth during the consultation process. The event will begin at 10:30a.m and end at 3:00p.m. It is $10 to attend, with lunch provided. You'll pay at the door of the event. Register by January 3 via the online link at: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5d8cZPUfrrxhYoK

Judges Training Event Flier

The Kansas 4-H Horse Panorama will be January 27 at the K-State Salina Campus. The state experience is for 4-H members ages 9-18 and adult volunteers. Horse Panorama is a compilation of various contests related to the Horse Project. Contests include: quiz bowl, hippology, public speaking presentations, photography and educational posters. Details are on the Horse Panorama website. Register by January 2.

Kansas 4-H, the KSU Horse Judging Team and Colby Community College are excited to offer a 4-H Horse Show Judges Seminar on Friday, April 12, 2024 in Colby. This experience is open to potential 4-H Horse Show judges, volunteers and youth. Contact your  4-H Program Coordinator if interested.

The K-State Junior Beef Producer Day is March 2, 2024, in Weber Arena on the Kansas State University campus. This event will be a fun-filled, educational day of activities where youth, parents, beef project leaders, and extension agents can expand their knowledge of youth beef projects. Presentations and demonstrations by K-State faculty, staff, K-State livestock judging team members, and guest speakers will cover topics such as selection, nutrition, meat science, reproduction, health, grooming, and showmanship. An optional YQCA certification session will be offered at the end of the day. A complimentary lunch and t-shirt (early registrations) will be provided. The registration fee is $20/person for those who sign up by February 12 and $25 for those who register after the deadline. Only those who register by February 12 will receive a t-shirt. This is a family event! Anyone attending must register, including youth and adults. For questions, contact Lexie Hayes at 785-532-1264 or adhayes@ksu.edu or visit the Kansas Youth Livestock Program website.

Registration Link: http://bit.ly/ksuasiregister

Join us for K-State Junior Sheep Producer Day on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Weber Hall on the Kansas State University campus.
Presentations and demonstrations will be provided by featured guests, as well as K-State faculty, staff, and students. This event will
be a fun-filled, educational day of activities in which youth, parents, extension agents, and sheep project leaders can increase their
knowledge of youth sheep project selection and management. Topics include project selection, nutrition and feeding, facilities,
health, reproduction, meat science, wool, clipping and grooming, showmanship, and an optional YQCA certification at the end of
the day. This event is designed for all ages and skill levels. Lunch is included. The registration fee is $20/person for those who
sign up by February 26, or $25/person for those who register after that date. Only those who register by February 26 will
receive a t-shirt. This is a family event! Anyone attending, including both youth and adults, must register. For questions, contact Lexie Hayes at 785-532-1264 or adhayes@ksu.edu or visit the Kansas Youth Livestock Program website.

Registration Link: http://bit.ly/ksuasiregister

Alpha of Clovia is the 4-H Cooperative Leadership House at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Girls exploring collegiate opportunities and housing options are invited to attend their hospitality weekend in the spring, March 23-24. Email
alphaofclovia@gmail.com to learn more.

The annual 4-H Day with Wildcat Women’s Basketball will be on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at K-State’s Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. Join Kansas 4-H as the Wildcats take on the Texas Longhorns! Tipoff is at 1:00 p.m. Registration and cost details will be available soon. The event flier will be posted here soon.

Flyer

Welcome to the Jungle at NCK LEAD! Join fellow adventurers on a quest to master leadership! Complete career and college readiness challenges as you embark on your journey to make the best better. Explore campus, network with 4-H friends, and equip yourself to navigate life by reaching your full potential.

Post Rock District and River Valley District are teaming up to offer a drive-in personal development experience for youth currently in 6th through 12th grades. NCK LEAD will take place on Saturday, January 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Cloud County Community College in Concordia. In addition to hands-on workshops focused on leadership and career development, participants will engage with collegiate professionals to gain information to assist with making post-high school decisions and enjoy a tour of campus. Adults bringing youth to the event will have a chance to learn about financial aid for higher education. Lunch is provided. A full event schedule will be available by December 5 on the event webpage. A fee of $10 is due to Post Rock District to attend.

Register by January 3.

There are a lot of helpful tools to boost skills and enhance the success of club and county-level officers and committee members. Members of all ages can benefit from developing important life skills that will help them be more engaged during business meetings. Did you know you can reach out to your 4-H Program Coordinator or 4-H Youth Development Agent to request a prepared activity for your officers to facilitate or request us to guest present at your 4-H club meeting about parliamentary procedure, time management, goal setting, and more!?!? If you are not able to find a resource needed, please reach out. We are happy to help, and we are always looking to expand the resources accessible on our Post Rock District 4-H Officers webpage.

The resources include Officer Worksheets. You can complete these as a self-study training. If you submit your completed worksheet to your local Post Rock District Extension Office, we will review it and provide feedback. Then, it can count as a district-level officer training.

Poultry producers should be reminded about the need for enhanced biosecurity for all types of poultry during migration season. More information on the outbreak and HPAI can be found at https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-animal-health/animal-diseases/avian-influenza. Tips for preventing HPAI: Prevent contact with wild birds, especially wild waterfowl; Remove any potential nesting areas for wild birds; Cover and enclose outdoor feeding areas, and cover stored feed; Take all possible steps to separate wild birds from having any access to your flock or their living area; Clean and disinfect any vehicle tires or equipment that has been on other farms or other locations where there is poultry or wild birds; Wear clean clothing, boots and shoes when in contact with your flock; Restrict unauthorized people and vehicles; Isolate new birds; Stay informed about the health of birds in your area. Contact Blaire Todd, Post Rock District Livestock Production Agent, for more resources related to your poultry project.

Post Rock District Offices will be closed December 22, 2023 through January 1, 2024. Our normal hours will resume on January 2. There will be very limited access to Post Rock District staff by email and phone during this time. Please plan ahead if you need support with your 4-H experience or if you need to visit the local Extension Office. We wish you a great December!

4-H Online’s company has experienced a name change. Emails from 4-H Online, based on your enrollment and project selections, will now arrive in your inbox from RegMax 4-H. When you see this in your inbox, it is a legitemate outreach from Kansas 4-H and Post Rock District regarding your 4-H participation.

Kansas 4-H Camp registration is officially open for the summer 2024 season! When you register before December 31 you will receive the 10% Early Bird discount. 4-H camp sessions are posted at www.rockspringsranch4hcamp.org. There are over night camps for rising 3rd through 12th graders that include three-night or five-night sessions. There is a new two-night option for rising 1st through 3rd graders. Rock Springs Ranch even has Family Camp session opportunities! Another new opportunity this year is week-long specialty camps - a Ranch Camp and Shooting Sports Camp -where the camps are designed to further develop skills in campers’ desired areas of growth. Interested participants will register directly with Rock Springs Ranch through the website. Before you register, contact your local Extension Office and your club leader. There may be club or county-level event scholarships available.

4-H Camp Counselor in Training (CIT) participants can receive a full-ride scholarship in 2024! This is the final year for the full-ride scholarship provided by a donor through Rock Springs Ranch/Kansas 4-H Foundation. Teens age 16 to 17- years, especially rising 12th graders, may participate. Participants will receive camper care training and counselor experience, in addition to "camp" time with peers.

The Northwest 4-H Judging Event, "Super Saturday" will be March 23 in Hays. There will be judging contests for livestock, entomology, photography, crops, life skills, and horticulture. Project workshops will also be available. Save the date for this fun event, and reach out to your local Extension Office if you have an interest serving as a volunteer or presenter!

The Post Rock District 4-H Shooting Sports program is growing! Our certified instructors and active youth have secured donations to help grow the program, and there is an increasing number of youth interested in getting involved. In order to make sure our program aligns with Kansas 4-H requirements, we plan to establish a Shooting Sports Advisory of committed youth and adults to
help guide the program in collaboration with our certified instructors. If you are interested in being involved, please email Tonia at tiunderw@ksu.edu. We’re planning to have an in-person meeting this fall.

If you enrolled in a Shooting Sports project, it is time to pay your County 4-H Council the $10.00 project participation fee. One amount is due regardless of number of disciplines enrolled in. The project fee supports the special requirements needed to maintain a 4-H Shooting Sports Program in the Post Rock District. If you do not submit your fee by December 14, you will be removed from Shooting Sports project enrollment. You will not be able to re-enroll in the project disciplines until the fee is paid.

Youth 8 years old before January 1, 2024 can participate in 4-H Shooting Sports. Youth MUST be actively enrolled in Shooting Sports via 4-H Online to be able to attend any practice or activity. Contact Tonia Underwood, tiunderw@ksu.edu, our District's certified Shooting Sports Coordinator, to learn about practices with our certified instructors.

• Archery Instructors: Tommie Berger/Stede Underwood
• Shotgun Instructors: Dean Heise/Karen Panter
• BB Gun/Air Rifle Instructor: Jeff Cady

Indoor archery practices will be on January 14, 21, 28, and February 4, and 18 at the Jewell County Fairgrounds in Mankato. Stede Underwood, certified Kansas 4-H instructor, will facilitate the practices. He will run 2 groups this winter. Beginners practice will start at 2:00 p.m. More experienced archers (aka: youth that have been to a qualifier before) will practice at 3:00 p.m. For more information and to sign-up to attend, contact Tonia at tiunderw@ksu.edu or 785-378-3174.

Who: Anyone who is interested in helping support Smith County 4-H.

Why: To help current and future 4-H members with their funraising efforts for fair awards, scholarships, camps, leadership, and the future livelihood of Smith County 4-H.

When: Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.  We will be serving a pork chop supper.

Where: Smith Center Armory

What: There will be entertainment, door prizes, silent auction items, and awards to celebrate the 4-Hers accomplishments this past 4-H year.

Tickets are available through Smith County 4-H members or at the Extension Office. Price is $25 each or $40 for a couple. All proceeds will go to help Smith County 4-H.

Adults working with the 4-H program at the club, county, district, and state-level need to register and be screened as a Post Rock District 4-H Volunteer. This includes, but is not limited to: club leader, project leader, transporting youth (that are not your children) to 4-H activities, chaperone, signatory on any 4-H financial account, chair of a committee involving youth, and 4-H food stand manager. Before December 30, adults need to enroll/re-enroll in 4-H Online and complete all training steps (including the background check), or your status as a 4-H volunteer will be discontinued.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national, multi-species youth livestock quality assurance program that covers food safety, animal well-being, and character development. It is a great learning experience for youth involved in any livestock project! The class is required to be completed annually by all Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and Kansas Junior Livestock Show participants. YQCA training can be completed online or by attending an in-person class. Your club or county can host an in-person training. Blaire Todd, Livestock Production Agent, or Risa Overmiller, 4-H Program Coordinator, can assist with your questions and getting an in-person class scheduled. Learn more about YQCA at www.postrock.k-state.edu/4-h/yqca/.

To attend an in-person YQCA class, members need to log in to their YQCA account(yqcaprogram.org), go to "enrolled trainings", and select the class you plan to attend. You must pre-enroll, pay online, and you will need to take a pre-test online before attending the in-person training. Upcoming in-person classes are listed on our Post Rock District’s YQCA webpage as planned.

Don't delay getting your online permanent and project record books started with Zbooks! Find details at the Kansas 4-H Zbooks Online 4-H Record Keeping resource webpage.