K-State Research and Extension

The Kansas State Fair is just around the corner!

REMEMBER, if you want Charlene to take your 4-H exhibit to the State Fair: You  need to bring your item to the Extension Office between the hours of
1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8th. Items cannot be accepted before 1:00 p.m. When you bring your items this day, there will be State Fair paperwork for you to fill out and attach to your items. Please allow plenty of time to do this. If you are sending someone else with your projects, please make sure to read through the State Fair rule book so you know what information they will need to have with them to complete the paperwork. http://www.kansas4-h.org/events-activities/fairs/kansas-state-fair/index.html

Also REMEMBER:  (SMALL, NON-BREATHING ITEMS  ONLY! Due to limited space—anything requiring boxes or extra support cribbage to transport cannot exceed 12”x 12”x12” This does not include poster boards that can lay down flat)

August 18, Thursday – Third and Final Record Book Class – 6:00 p.m.

September 8th,Thursday — Bring small, non-breathing items to the
Extension Office for Charlene to take to Kansas State Fair.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

September 9—18—Kansas State Fair

September 23, Friday – All KAPs, Scholarships, and Special Awards due into the Extension Office.

September 30, Friday —End of 2015 4-H Year

Sept. 30 – Oct. 2—Kansas Junior Livestock Show in Hutchinson

Oct. 1st, Sunday – Happy 4-H New Year

Oct. 6th, Thursday – 4-H Council

Oct. 15, Saturday – 4-H Officer Training and Family Fun Event

Hunter Education – The next Hunter Ed Course will be held on Saturday, September 10.  This is an internet assisted course.  In order to take this course, you will first have to log on to the KDWPT website, locate the internet course, and complete the course.  After completing it you may register at the Extension Office to take the Saturday field day.  The field day will be conducted from 7:30am  to about 3pm.

Rifle, Pistol and Archery projects – Basic Rifle, Pistol and Archery classes begin in September and will meet weekly through Thanksgiving.  Rifle and Pistol start on Tuesday evening, Sept. 6, and Archery starts on Thursday evening, Sept. 8.  Check-in is from 6:30 to 7pm and the classes run from 7 to 8pm.  All equipment and supplies are provided.  If Archery participants have their own bow that they prefer to shoot, they can bring it.  If it is suitable, they may use it.  All meetings are held at the 4-H Building.

There is a $15 fee for Rifle and a $10 fee for Archery and Pistol.  Pre-registration is required by contacting the Extension Office and completing a Shooting Sports enrollment form.

Shotgun – A Saturday, October 22, basic shotgun course is being held at Michael Murphy Sporting Clays, 6400 SW Hunter Road.  Check in is from 8:30 to 9am.  The class starts at 9:00am, and will end at about 4pm.  Bring your own lunch and drinks.  Ice chests will be available for storing them.  If you are not currently enrolled in 4-H, your parent will need to complete a participation form before you can participate in the course.  This can be done Saturday morning at the range.   Your parent must be present to sign the form.  If not, you must bring the completed form with you.  You cannot participate without the signed form. 

Bring your own shotgun, either a 12 ga. or 20 ga.  No 410-s.  An improved cylinder choke is preferred.  If you do not have a suitable shotgun, a limited number of shotguns can be provided.  Ammunition is provided.  Contact Gene Maggard at 316-742-3746 to let him know if you have your own shotgun and its gauge, or if you have any questions.  Signup for this course must be completed by October 19.

For questions, call Gene Maggard at 316-742-3746.

When I first received the invitation to go to Campference I was not sure if I wanted to go. I was nervous because I would have to really step out of my comfort zone to go without knowing anyone.  But, I was pretty sure I would have a good time. When I finally decided to go, all the spots were full so I was put on the waiting list. Then I was disappointed that I wasn’t going to get to go.  A couple weeks later I got a call and was told that there was an empty spot and that if I wanted it I could have it, I took it knowing that it would be the best decision for me.  I am so glad that I did because Campference was such an awesome experience! Even though I did not know anyone at this camp all of the people and counselors were really fun, nice, and friendly. I learned about all of the great opportunities that are in my future with 4-H.  An example is Discovery Days, where you go and stay in the K-state dorms and take fun classes to learn about various things, which I am excited to attend next summer. Another opportunity in my future is Kansas Leadership Conference that I might get to do when I get older. Also, I learned from a guest speaker, how to get along with people that have different personalities than me. But Campference wasn’t all about learning, it was also like a fun camp experience and I got to do many of the camp activities I am used to.  Some of those are canoeing, mountain biking, archery, swimming, and many more plus making new friends. Over all I am so lucky that I got to go–especially because I didn’t get to go to regular 4-H camp this year. I would definitely recommend Campference to anyone who gets the chance to go.

Lillie Haller

The 2016 Butler County Fair has ended. I hope that everyone is recouped from the heat and exhaustion and ready to set sail into the 2016-2017 school year!

When reflecting back on this year’s Fair, many thoughts surface! There were certainly some “hiccups”, but those come with just about anything we do. I prefer to call them opportunities for improvement or stepping stones. Maybe it’s double checking our paperwork, rules or our enrollments. Maybe it’s readjusting or revisiting our feeding program for our livestock to make sure they are at the right weight/spot/condition for fair. Maybe it’s adjusting our livestock selection techniques to achieve the goal we set out to achieve. Maybe it’s making sure there is a family member, friend or neighbor who can help your child out when you’re busy. What ever it is that may have took a smile off your face or resulted in your head hanging a little low, ask yourself “What can I do to make it better next time?”

Despite these, there are many smile worthy moments that occurred at Fair! Set-Up on Friday the 29th and clean up on the 4th went very well! The volunteers who helped out and created positive learning moments were incredible! I really enjoyed watching the those volunteers who uplifted the 4-H’ers, mentored and did what they could to help others out. To you all, I say THANK YOU!

I also witnessed many 4-H’ers, from younger to older, helping out their fellow friends and 4-H’ers. Whether it was helping carry items in the buildings or helping them with animals, it was wonderful to see so many helping each other out. Laughter could be heard throughout fair and smiles could be seen no matter where you looked.

The FairBoard also deserves a THANK YOU! The fair would not happen without them. They are the ones that coordinate, organize and make the decisions of the Fair; not the Extension Office staff nor the agents. The Extension Office staff and agents are there to assist and provide support. The FairBoard works year round to try and put on the best fair for all of you. If you happen to see them around, extend them a Thank You for their time, dedication and hard work.

As you and your family take a moment to reflect back on the year, please take time to thank those that have helped and supported you along the way; before, during and after fair. Friends, family and volunteers all make the 4-H program successful. The program wouldn’t happen without each and everyone of you! THANK YOU!

~Charlene

Fair is over and the dust has settled. The Fair takes a plethora of volunteers and support from buyers to make it successful. Have you sent your Thank You notes? Do you know who to send Thank You notes too? Here is a list of suggestions that we strongly encourage you to write a note of Thanks. Without the support of these individuals, the Fair would not be as successful as it is:

• Food Buyers (we will have a list available of those who purchased food. Even if you don’t know who bought your food – you are encouraged to pick out 4 or 5 random names and write notes of Thanks. DID YOU KNOW – the food auction helps support scholarships for you to attend 4-H Camp, other activities and other 4-H Scholarships.
• Livestock Buyers – You are required to get the buyers signature on a card if you wish to participate in next year’s event. How many of you went out into the crowd, found the buyer of your animal and said THANK YOU immediately following your animal exiting the sale ring and/or even offered to get them a drink? Our buyers are our heart and souls. Without them, the premiums won’t be there. Did you have an add-on when you picked up your buyer’s card? If so, you need to write a Thank You to them as well. If you need addresses, please contact our office – we can help you out
• Superintendent’s – I encourage you to write a Thank You note to the Superintendent’s of the Division’s your child participated in. Need their address…call our office. Volunteers are a critical aspect of the Butler County Fair.
• Fair Board and Executive Committee – These are the shakers and doers of the Fair. Without them, well, we wouldn’t have a Fair. Let me tell you, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes getting everything ready for the Fair, A LOT.
• Jacob Cooper for donating and maintaining the new signs for the Champion and Reserve Champion Livestock projects.
• The Extension Office staff – these individuals work year round to help the 4-Her’s out.
• Auctioneers – Our auctioneers at the Fair do a fabulous job getting the most they can for the youth and the projects. We need to let them know our Thanks!
• Judges – Why not write a letter to the judge and thank them for helping out, even if you aren’t happy about your placing! Without judges, we wouldn’t have a Fair!
• Project Leaders and Community Leaders – need I say more?
• Butler County Board of County Commissioners – they support our program. We need to let them know just how much we appreciate their support.

4-H Ambassador’s—What are they? They are a group of 4-H’ers between the ages of 14 & 18 (as of January 1) who are interested in being the face and voice of promotion for Butler County 4-H Activities.
They participate in and host events. Some events include Ambassador Day Camp, Barnyard Olympics at the Fair,  Mini-Fair, help with the achievement banquet and officer training. They also help promote 4-H and help deliver promotional material to every third grader enrolled in school! They have a lot of fun!
If you are interested in applying to become a member of the Butler County 4-H Ambassadors, applications are due in the Extension Office on September 23rd by 5:00 p.m. The Ambassadors are an energetic, fun group to be a part of. The application can be found online at www.butler.ksu.edu or you can pick one up at the Extension Office. Join this fun group today!

The September 4-H Council Meeting will be held at on Thursday, September 1st at the 4-H building.

If you cannot attend, please call the alternate council member from your club to see if they can attend.

It is important to have all clubs represented. We also have a special check presentation by MidKansas COOP at 7:00 p.m. I would like for as many club representatives as possible to be there.

The following committees will be meeting prior to the start of  4-H Council.

6:30 p.m.—Ambassadors/Officer Training

6:45  p.m.—Achievement Celebration

7:00 p.m.—Special Presentation by MidKansas COOP – need as many youth as possible here for this presentation

7:15 – Executive Committee Meeting

7:30 – 4-H Council Meeting

It’s time to get your record book, pin applications, club seals and scholarships on!

All KAP’s (record books), pin applications, club summaries, college scholarship applications, reporter and secretary notebooks, and special award applications are due into our office no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 23rd. Don’t miss this deadline! All forms can be found online at http://www.butler.k-state.edu/4-h/recordsawardsetc.html

WANT TO HELP JUDGE RECORD BOOKS?

If you are interested in helping judge record book, adult or teen leader over the age of 13, please let Charlene know! This is a great learning experience. Those that have participated in the past really enjoyed the opportunity, as well as, picked up ideas and lessons learned from judging them.

We exchange our senior record books with Cowley County. They judge our senior KAP’s and we judge theirs. We also judge our junior and intermediate KAP’s.

Don’t worry if you have never judged before, we will help you get started! This is a great opportunity to learn, volunteer and give back!

The judging date has not been finalized. We are looking at doing an evening judging this year instead of a daytime.  Any time you can volunteer (even if only for 30 min) is greatly appreciated! Please email Charlene at cmmiller1@ksu.edu if you are interested in helping.

YOUTH

The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum will be November 18-20, 2016 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. The Forum is for youth ages 14-18, as of January 1, 2016. Registrations closes November 1st. This event will include: speakers, workshops, consulting groups and election of the State 4-H Council. Any Kansas 4-H member between the ages of 14-18 by January 1, 2016 may apply to be a council member. The duties of the Council Members include planning the next Youth Leadership Forum and other events, and may include assisting the State   4-H functions, working with 4-H public relations, and speaking at local achievement program, forums, and other workshops or conferences. Applications for the State 4-H Youth Council will be available in the registration materials on the State 4-H website at www.kansas4h.org.

ADULT

Are you a volunteer in the 4-H program. Interested in meeting other volunteers from across the state and picking up ideas and suggestions? Need a weekend away? The Kansas Volunteer Forum just might be for you! This is a great opportunity to network with other Kansas 4-H volunteers and pickup useful information to help strengthen your volunteer roll and 4-H Club!

Registration information for both events can be found here: http://www.cvent.com/events/2016-kansas-4-h-leadership-weekend/event-summary-affee4088ebe452893e1557d03b76de9.aspx