K-State Research and Extension

search

Wild West District Extension Blog

Tag: 4-H

Why do I have to do record books?

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Why do I have to do record books?

By Judy Parsons

How many 4-Hers have spoken these words “Why do I have to do record books?” I would guess about 99.99% (there may be one or two that really like to do them). As parents it seems like a never-ending task to get youth to fill them out. So why do we really need to do record books? I asked a few 7-9-year-olds youth why do they do record books? A few of their answers were “so we know what we have done, what awards we won and how much money we made on an animal”.

In the 4-H program, we teach our youth life skills and record books are a very important life skill. They prepare youth to be successful adults by doing adult tasks such as setting goals, documentation and budgeting.

Successful adults set goals. Goals are a road map to where we want to go and how we are going to get there. As we go through life, we set goals for our careers, where we want to live, when we get married and start families and how we are going to retire. Without goals, life can get chaotic and unmanageable. Learning to set specific goals as 4-H youth and accomplishing those goals will put them on the right track to become successful adults.

Successful adults document important events and business dealings. Documentation of important events allows adults to keep track of what they have done, when they did it and who was in attendance. It is also important to document business dealing in the same way. This allows adults to be able to have a document that they can use in the future to plan events or defend a business deal. 4-H youth learn to do this in their record books as they complete their permanent pages and stories telling about what they did in their 4-H project work.

Successful adults know how to budget and live within their means. Most adults work to earn a salary with expectations of increases. They hope to earn enough to buy a car, buy a house, go on vacations, provide for their family and save enough for retirement. These expectations can only be accomplished with sticking to a budget and not go into enormous debt. Adults also have to budget for taxes based on the salary earned. I’m sure most adults have spoken these words “Why do we have to pay taxes?” It’s all a part of the adult life. Record books teach 4-H youth the reality of what they earn when they compare their expenses to their income. They learn this by purchasing ingredients for baking, buying an animal to raise and sell and purchasing ammunition for shooting sports. Some projects can be sold to earn an income. Learning how to manage their money sets them up to be successful adults.

So, the next time you hear a 4-Her ask “Why do I have to do record books?”, you can tell them that they are being prepared to be successful adults.

4-H Parents are Very Important

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

4-H Parents are Very Important

By Judy Parsons

Parents play a very important role in the 4-H program. Successful 4-H experiences for 4-H youth depend on the active role of their parents. Parents provide the support and encouragement needed for their 4-H youth to complete their 4-H work. Parents are a vital role in fulfilling the 4-H Mission of empowering youth to reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships.

Parents make sure their youth attend club and project meetings. They also make sure to bring the necessary materials needed for the meetings. They help the other adult leaders whenever possible to help make the 4-H club successful. Most club leaders are also 4-H parents and rely on everyone’s help. All parents have skills and resources that they can share to help all the youth in the club learn life skills and achieve their goals. We know that tomorrow’s leaders are built in today’s 4-H clubs.

Parents are there to guide their youth in project selection. The activities that youth chose help build them into good citizens and leaders of tomorrow. You are building the future by teaching essential life skills that all youth need. Parents are a very important part of this process.

Parents who are involved in the 4-H program with their youth often have a much better understanding how the entire program works. They are then able to assist their youth and other youth in having positive 4-H experiences. This meaningful contribution to the 4-H program can give the parent satisfaction.

Some specific responsibilities of parents could include:

  • Provide or arrange transportation
  • Read your 4-H Newsletter and know what is going on
  • Encourage and reward youth in their project work
  • Volunteer to help as a project leader
  • Volunteer to help at 4-H events
  • See that youth finish projects that they start
  • Be a “shadow-helper” by guiding and advising but letting the youth do the work
  • Make sure your youth meet project and registration deadlines
  • Provide materials and equipment needed for the project
  • Encourage your youth in successes and failures
  • Make 4-H a family affair
  • Be a good sport, help your youth be a good sport also
  • Appreciate the success of others
  • Support your 4-H Leaders
  • If you need help or have questions, ask your 4-H Agent or club leaders

It takes time and commitment to develop tomorrow’s leaders. There is great satisfaction in watching youth grow into their potential and become successful.

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Join 4-H

By Judy Parsons

I have been involved in Extension programs since I enrolled in 4-H as a teenager. I have a passion for working with youth and horses and being a 4-H Horse Project Leader has fulfilled that passion. I am excited to start a new adventure in Extension as the 4-H Youth and Development Agent in the Wild West District and help all youth in all projects.

What a great time to start my new career during National 4-H Week. What is 4-H Week? It is always the first full week of October and is the start of our 4-H year. 4-H enrollment starts October 1st and the 4-H programs are promoted during this week. You may see 4-Hers doing several activities during this week from doing radio promotions, to providing donuts at schools, to holding project fairs. They will also be doing community activities during National 4-H Week as 48 Hours of 4-H. There are project fairs scheduled at Hugoton Elementary School on October 6th and one at Sublette Elementary School on October 7th. There will be a bake sale at the Satanta Library on October 8th. 4-Hers are also sponsoring a movie at The High Plains Theater in Hugoton followed by a pizza party on October 9th.

Current 4-Hers are beginning their enrollment for the new 4-H year. They are encouraged to invite their friends to join the fun. I became a 4-Her when my best friend invited me to join her 4-H Community Club. I never regretted my decision and it has enriched my life in so many ways. 4-H offers a large variety of projects and educational activities. We have something for everyone.

If you would like more information, check out a 4-H Community Club or enroll in 4-H, you can visit one of our Extension Offices located in Hugoton, Liberal and Sublette. You can also contact Judy Parsons at 620-453-0732 and I would love to visit with you about what 4-H has to offer.

Volunteering

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Volunteering

By Kylee Harrison

It seems that when organizations gather to share ideas, one common theme emerges, “We could do so much more if we had more volunteers.”  This statement seems to ring true no matter if you are visiting with your local library, school, little league board or 4-H.  As a result of lack of volunteers, organizations are forced to do more with less resources and the few volunteers or employees are left to scramble.

Why is it so hard to groups to find help?  The resounding answer is time, or rather lack thereof.  We all get it.  Adults are being pulled in a hundred different directions.  The thought of adding one more to your plate is outright scary.  Most organizations offer many flexible options to volunteering now that don’t make it feel like a life sentence!

If you are an organization looking for volunteers, here are a few tips to help get and keep good helpers.

  1. Offer a description so volunteers understand the task
  2. Onboard the volunteer, much like starting a new job
  3. Consider “micro-volunteering” this would be a bite-sized volunteer role. In 4-H, this could be a SPIN Club (It’s just 6 meetings!)
  4. Have open communication
  5. Make it enjoyable

On the flip side, here are some great benefits to being a caring volunteer.

  1. Helps to build a resume
  2. Great way to meet other individuals with similar interests
  3. Strengthens your community
  4. Encourages civic responsibility
  5. Makes your healthier (emotions like optimism and joy strengthen the immune system😊)

Curbing Your Summertime Stress

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Curbing Your Summertime Stress

By Kylee Harrison

Growing up in 4-H, July and August were always stressful moments of the year.  As a kid, making sure I got the last-minute touches put on all my projects before entry day were so critical.  Now, as a parent, I think back to those “stressful” kid-situations and think how easy I had it!  No matter which phase of life you are in, stress always seems to creep into our daily life.  When it does, it generally effects nearly every aspect of our lives including personal relationships, work-flow and our overall health.  Here are some tips to help combat stress and anxiety.  I hope this can be helpful to all, but especially our 4-H families just trying to make it through the next few weeks!

Try these when you’re feeling anxious or stressed:

  • Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
  • Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
  • Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
  • Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.
  • Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
  • Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
  • Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.
  • Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
  • Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
  • Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
  • Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
  • Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.

Are you a good communicator?

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Are you a good communicator?

By Kylee Harrison

Helping kids to perfect resumes and cover letters is a passion of mine.  It is a piece of this job that I really enjoy.  Throughout the years, I have seen terms like leadership and communication litter each page that I read.  However, one thing I have noticed, is the lack of an explanation or follow-through with these terms.  It is easy to say, “I am a good leader in my school.” But if we deep-dive this sentence, what does that really mean?  I always tell kids, don’t just say that you are a leader, show me how with your words!  Recently, I have had some great leadership and communications lessons and discussions with our district 4-H’ers.  Hopefully, these classes will give some leadership pointers and tips to them that they can carry on to their clubs, school or work.

We discussed that one part of being a good leader, was being able to effectively communicate your message to others.  Students examined many different definitions of communication and ultimately created their own definition.  We looked at all the ways that you can communicate with others, in multiple situations and the appropriateness of each.  Finally, we discussed the difference between “you” messages and “I” messages and how this can be a way to change the tone of a situation.

Here are some key points to being a good communicator that will ultimately make you a good leader:

  • Communication is found in the spoken word through body gestures and symbols.
  • Being a good communicator is important for teaching and facilitating students and establishing personal relationships.
  • Active listening is an essential element of good communication.
  • Using “I” messages is a productive and appropriate way to share one’s feelings and thoughts with another person or group.
  • Asking questions, repeating what was said, and checking for accuracy when relaying information are elements of good communication.

National 4-H Week

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

National 4-H Week

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

What is National 4-H Week? It is always the first full week of October with October being the start of the new 4-H year. It’s the week that 4-H is promoted in many different ways across the nation. Here is our local communities you will see many different things. From donuts provided to a school from a 4-H Club, proclamations by commissioners, project fairs and many other things. Also during this week you will hear some of the 4-H’ers on the radio. Also on October 5th is 4-H Spirit day so will see a lot of people wearing 4-H shirts.

If you would like to learn more about 4-H check out one of the meetings being hosted at the extension offices across our districts. October 4th in Hugoton, October 5th in Liberal or October 7th in Sublette. All these meetings start at 7pm. If you are unable to attend and would like some more information, contact Devin at deramsey@ksu.edu.

What’s the spin on SPIN Clubs?

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

What’s the spin on SPIN Clubs?

By Kylee Harrison, Community Vitality
Ever heard of a 4-H SPIN Club? A SPIN, which stands for SPecial INterest, is a 4-H group that meets for a short term, usually around six weeks. The group focuses on one educational aspect, or project. These projects could be traditional 4-H projects such as cooking, visual arts or woodworking. SPIN Clubs could also be created to share a volunteer’s passion with youngsters that doesn’t necessarily align with a traditional 4-H project. Examples of these more unique SPIN clubs would be glass blowing or a crime scene investigation.
SPIN Clubs are appealing to those families that are not familiar with the traditional 4-H model, and are not necessarily interested in devoting time to a year-long commitment. This different format is also appealing to volunteers teaching the SPIN clubs as they are not committed as long either.
A Robotics SPIN Club is going to be starting in the Wild West District – Liberal, on October 9th from 10:00-11:30 and will run for six weeks (not meeting on October 30th). Participants should be 2nd -3rd grade. Kids that are not currently enrolled in 4-H will be asked to fill out some short paperwork to become enrolled into the 4-H Robotics SPIN Club. Kids will be charged $10 to cover the cost of the legos. SPIN Robotics members will learn the basics of lego robotic coding and building.
If your child is interested in being a part of the Robotics SPIN Club or is interested in future SPIN Club opportunities, please email Kylee at kharrison@ksu.edu or call 620-624-5604. Volunteers for SPIN Clubs are also greatly appreciated!

Seward County Five State Fair

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Seward County Five State Fair

By Devin Ramsey

I’m sure you have heard many advertisements about the Fair but that doesn’t mean you understand what that means for the 4-H’ers. For the Seward County 4-H’ers that means you get the chance to exhibit your exhibits you have been working so hard on all year. The get the chance to bring their exhibits to be judged to earn ribbons and learn more about their different projects. This could be anything from static exhibits such as clothes, drawings, food and more. Or their livestock including cattle, swine, poultry and more.

Make sure to come out to the Activity Center starting Thursday to see all of their exhibits. The 4-H’ers will also have a booth at kids day if you would like to learn more about 4-H. 4-H enrollment starts on October 1st if you like more information on how to join ask a 4-H’er or call any of the Wild West District Extension Offices.

Record Books

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Record Books

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

There is a lot of 4-H’ers that wait until the last minute to start their record books but now is a great time to start if you haven’t already. Most are done with school and have a little more free time on their hands. Even just working for 15 minutes a day is super helpful. This year the only record book that will be accepted is the online ZSuite project records. I know for many of you change is hard but this new online form is very easy and there is tons of helpful tips.

Such as on the Wild West District Webpage here https://wildwest.k-state.edu/4-h/recbook.html. Also in each of the newsletters there has been a new tip and challenge to help you with your record books. You can also check out the Kansas 4-H Website here https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/4-h-library/awards-and-recognition/ProjectRecognition.html. I am also doing some Record Book Zooms or you are always welcome to email or stop by the office and would be more than happy to help.

Start by challenging your 4-H’er to work on their record book for 10 minutes each day. It will make the deadline approaching a lot less stressful.

Youth Canning Class

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Youth Canning Class

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

Do you have a garden and are interested in how you can save your produce to eat throughout the year? Or want to make your own jam and jelly? It might be fun to learn how to water bath can. Water bath canning if done safely is a great way to do all of these but if not done correctly can be dangerous.

The youth canning class is open to any youth 7-18 they do not have to be in 4-H. We will be offering two zoom informational sessions on May 4th and May 20th at 5:30pm. Attendance at one of these sessions is required in order to patriciate in the hands-on sessions. You can register for the zoom sessions here https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6MxYuXPAjsHaLjg. After the zoom sessions those that attended will be given the registration for the hands-on sessions. Dates for hand-on sessions are May 25th at Satanta High School and July 9th at the Liberal Rec. More dates will be added as needed.

Dog Project

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Dog Project

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

Do you have a dog at home that you wish was better trained?  Or looking at getting a dog for your family but are not sure about training? Then the 4-H dog project may be for your 4-H’er. The dog project starts out with very basic grooming and obedience training that all dog owners should know. While training your dog creates a special bond and is very rewarding it is also very difficult. Some dogs pick things up faster than others and yes you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Why yes, it is most common to own a dog in the dog project but it is not required. There is a lot of opportunities for those that are unable to own a dog. Such as doing a presentation at Club Day, Dog Conference and doing a poster for the Fair. These give you the opportunity to research the history of a certain breed, learn about dog body language, or learning about dog diseases. If the Dog Project is something you are interested in contact any of the Wild West District Extension Offices and check out this spark page for more information on the Dog Project https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1137.pdf.

Cloverbuds

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Cloverbuds

By Devin Ramsey

Do you have a child that is interested in 4-H but not quite old enough? Then Cloverbuds is for you! Cloverbuds is for those 5-6 year olds that are looking to learn more about 4-H before officially becoming a 4-H’er. In the Wild West District we offer two Cloverbud meetings each month. One in Sublette on the second Wednesday of each month at 4pm and on the third Thursday in Liberal at 5pm.

At Cloverbud meetings we have snacks, learn the 4-H pledge and learn about a different 4-H project each month by doing crafts and activities. Cloverbud meetings are free and last about an hour. Your child gets to take home whatever crafts we do. We have done things from making straw rockets and marbling paper using shaving cream. If this is something you may be interested in having your child doing contact us at the Wild West District Extension Offices.

Helpful Application Tips

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Helpful Application Tips

By: Kylee Harrison, Community Vitality Agent

It’s application season!  If you have a high school senior in your house, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  Seniors are furiously filling out those scholarship, college, and job applications, trying to meet the common deadline of April 1st.  If you have a high-schooler working on applications, here are a few helpful tips.

  • Be thorough, neat, and accurate; spelling and handwriting are important
  • Be sure to read and follow all directions; do not leave any spaces blank
  • It’s important to memorize all nine digits of your social security number
  • Use actual job titles that you are either applying for or for your references
  • Use actual dates of things like time you were at a job or when you can start a job
  • If you are applying for a job – you may be asked if your current employer can be contacted – if you mark yes, this is acting like a reference and your employer may be contacted. You should first notify them.
  • Some applications ask for the names, addresses, and phone numbers of schools you have attended or jobs you have previously had. Make sure to have that information.  Keep a photo on your phone of a completed application for easy reference.
  • If you have taken any vocational classes, list those skills under education if they resulted in a certificate or credential.
  • When listing your employment history, be sure to use reverse chronological order – most recent first.
  • Past duties should demonstrate skills relevant to the job for which you are applying.
  • Reason for leaving should not be worded negatively.
  • Ask permission before using someone as a reference
  • References should be teachers, coaches, or people you have done volunteer work for. They should not be family or friends.
  • Any application is a legal document, don’t forget to sign and date it.

Citizenship Project

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Citizenship Project

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

Does your child have an interest in helping the community and being involved? Then the citizenship project is for them. The citizenship project is a great way to make a difference is the lives of those in your community by different service projects. This could be a canned food drive for the local food bank, picking up leaves at the community garden, or even helping a neighbor.

 

The citizenship project provides the opportunity for those interested in many different things. Learn about those by helping others in the process. As those 4-H’ers in the citizenship project get older this will provide the opportunity for them to develop and carry out their own service project or even teach younger youth about how to be involved in their community. Learn more about the citizenship project by contacting your local Wild West Extension Office or checking out this spark page https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1109.pdf.

Citizenship in Action

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H and Youth Development Agent

Do you have a child that is interested in learning more about government and laws? Have them attend Citizenship In Action. This is a great event sponsored by Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council. The purpose of this two-day event is for Kansas youth to learn how the state legislative process works and how they can make a difference in their communities. Normally this event takes place in person in Topeka so that the youth can see the capitol building but this year it is going to be virtual.

CIA is February 14th-15th youth must be 13-18 years old before January 1, 2021. Youth do not need to be in 4-H to participate. You must register by February 1st there is a small fee to help cover costs of $35 this will include a t-shirt. To find out more and to register check out the Citizenship In Action event page here https://www.kansas4-h.org/events-activities/conferences-events/citizenship-in-action/index.html. Or contact your local extension for any other questions you may have.

Wild West District 4-H Club Day

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Wild West District 4-H Club Day

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

What is 4-H Club Day? It is an event where 4-H compete in different events showing off their speeches, musical talent, dance and more. 4-H’ers can compete as an individual, team or in a group with their 4-H Club.

4-H’ers gain a lot of skills by participating in events like these. For example, if they are wanting to do a demonstration. First, they will have to decide on a topic, make sure to pick something you like. It should be something you can show how to do or make. Once you have decided on your topic you will have map out your talk having an introduction of yourself and what you will be talking about. The middle which you would go over the steps and process of what you are talking about. Then the conclusion where you so a quick summary and make sure at the very end you ask if anyone in the audience has any questions. Most of the time the judge will have a question to ask you.

This would take a lot of work to prepare everything you would need. Since you would be doing a demonstration you would have posters showing the different steps as you go along as well as the different items you will need to do you demonstration. The topic you pick will determine how much or how little you will need.  Once you have gotten all that ready to go you will want to make sure you practice. Your practice will need to include doing it just like you would in front of the judge. Giving the entire talk, going through the different steps, moving the posters, and practice for the different things that could go wrong. Poster falling, forgetting a line, or even forgetting something at home.

Check out the other areas 4-H’ers can compete in on our website https://wildwest.k-state.edu/4-h/Club%20Days.html. You can find the link where to register, guidelines and scoresheets for the different events. Also new this year is now Cloverbuds can participate. Cloverbuds are youth ages 5-6 so not quite official 4-H’ers but are still included in a lot that we do. They can only participate in Show and Share.

 

If you have any questions about Club Day please contact Devin at deramsey@ksu.edu.

4-H Entomology Project

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Entomology Project

By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

Last time we talked about one of the most popular projects in 4-H so lets talk about one not so popular but still very important. Entomology! The study of insects. Almost three-fourths of all animals are insects and impact our lives in both good and bad ways. Insects carry diseases and compete with us for food but they are also very important to us as well. Most importantly pollinations our crops but also controlling other insect pests and recycling organic matter.

 

Starting out with this project in 4-H would include learning how insects move and look. Fun activities may include building a compound eye, identify insects and observing their habits. This will help you in preparing your insect collection to be show at the fair. You will make an insect collection kit, and make traps and baits.

 

There is a wide variety of things you can do with this project in 4-H such as attending the Kansas 4-H Insect Spectacular. Project ideas for the fair could be an insect collection box which is the most common but also most difficult. If you are just getting started and don’t feel comfortable making a box quite yet. Start out with making a poster or educational display. Some ideas could be parts of an insect, pest management and the life cycle.

 

Check out more about this project here https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1106.pdf. Reach out to any of the Wild West District Extension Offices for more information about 4-H.

4-H Project Foods and Nutrition

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent

Since we have talked about what 4-H is and the roles that an adult plays, let’s talk about the different projects the 4-H has to offer.  Let’s start out with one of the most popular projects Foods and Nutrition. Most people when they think of foods and nutrition when it comes to 4-H is baked goods exhibited at the fair but it is so much more than that. You can take much more than baked goods to be exhibited at the fair. You can do canned goods which would include jam, jelly, salsa, etc.. An educational poster about anything food related, or even a food gift package. Plus, so much more.

But that is only talking about the exhibits at the fair, we must talk about what participating in the foods project teaches the 4-H’ers. From starting out learning basic food safety and how to properly measure ingredients. Then advancing throughout the years to learn how to make yeast breads and pies. 4-H’ers even learn how to prepare a meal and how that would fit in MyPlate. So then they can really start helping you in the kitchen at home.

Check out this great resource from Kansas 4-H to learn more https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1112.pdf. If you are interested in joining 4-H please contact any of the Wild West District Extension Offices.

Advice for Selecting your Next Show Heifer or Steer

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Lacey Noterman, Livestock Extension Agent

You’ve decided you want to show a steer or heifer, and it is prime time to start the selection and purchase process for your new project.  There are so many resources out there about sales.  There are magazines nearly two inches thick promoting every show steer open house, you start looking at online sales, and then you start hearing about the sales that are taking place in your area.  It is easy to become overwhelmed with so many options.  Before you become overwhelmed go back and think about the basics and following these three main factors when it comes to selection.

Continue reading “Advice for Selecting your Next Show Heifer or Steer” →

4-H Volunteers

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent

 

4-H may be a youth organization, but it doesn’t function without a lot of help from adult volunteers and 4-H parents. Parents and volunteers play a vital role in a 4-H’ers journey.

Parents are most important in their 4-H’ers life and by making 4-H a family event it can be even more fun. Plus parents will understand more about was expected of their children in 4-H and learn more about what is expected of them. It’s important for parents to take interest in their child’s 4-H projects to be able to assist them as needed. Learn what 4-H is and how it can better their child in the future. Also be encouraging for their child to try new things in such a safe environment. But parents aren’t not always able to do and know everything that is where our amazing volunteers come in.

4-H volunteers are not always 4-H parents. They might of been former 4-H’ers that just have a passion for a specific and have a desire to teach youth. Or even community members will be project leaders. With so many projects available in 4-H there is no way to have all the information so that is why we rely on volunteers.

If you have a passion about 4-H and its projects but just aren’t sure what being a project leader would entail, please contact the extension office to learn more.

What is 4-H?

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent

4-H is the largest youth organization in the nation. Kansas 4-H is open to all youth ages 7-18 with an opportunity for youth aged 5-6 to be in Cloverbuds. By joining a local community club you can gain the mentor experience. In which you can learn about the many projects that 4-H provides for youth to learn about. These projects range from rocketry, swine, fiber arts and everything in between.

In the Wild West District the is a total of 10 community clubs. Two in Seward County, five in Stevens County and three in Haskell County. Each of these club meet monthly to conduct business, a program and recreation. The meetings are led by 4-H youth with guidance by adult club leaders.

Continue reading “What is 4-H?” →

Meet Devin Ramsey

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

devin ramsey

Introducing – Devin Ramsey – Devin grew up in Carbondale, KS. While she lived there she was as a member of the Carbondale Rustlers 4-H Club in Osage County. Devin graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School. She then went to Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Animal Science. Before coming to southwest Kansas, she was the 4-H Program Assistant in Marais des Cygnes District for 4 years.