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Wild West District Extension Blog

Tag: Youth Development

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.

Your 5 Senses

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

My Five Senses | Early Childhood Health Lesson

By Alma Varela

Our little kids are natural explorers with curious minds. It is important for them to develop an understanding and awareness of their five senses. I have an activity that will help our pre-k – 2nd graders learn to identify their body parts and learn about the five senses while learning the importance of food choices and building a food vocabulary.

Let’s start by asking what are their favorite foods, there may be a variety of answers, but let’s think about the important nutrients we get from the foods we eat. They help us stay strong and grow, they give us energy to learn and play. After we have talked about the importance of food, let’s talk about the different types of food. Some foods are good for us and some are not.

To do the activity, place three different foods on a plate. Help them describe how each food looks, feels, and tastes. Use the following prompts;

We can use our five senses to explore a big variety of foods that we eat.

With our eyes, we can see what the food looks like.

With our nose, we can smell it.

With our ears, we can hear the sounds it makes when we eat it.

With our mouth, we can taste it.

Without hands, we can feel its texture.

This activity can be done with a new food or a favorite food that kids like. The point of this exercise is to encourage trying something new, even if they don’t like it in the end. Healthy habits begin at home with the help of family, so let us encourage healthy eating habits with this activity.

Preparing for the cost of college

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Preparing for the cost of college

By Kristin Penner

Does the price tag of your dream college have you a little worried?  Sometimes the initial sticker price is enough to discourage you from going to the one school you really want.  The good news is there are possibilities to assist you in going to the college of your choice, but you must do your homework.  There are a lot of factors that go into calculating the cost per semester.

What is included in the cost of college?

  • Tuition- The cost of taking courses- Course cost varies by school
  • Room and board- Lodging and food costs, vary by school
  • Books and supplies- this is an expense that most people don’t think about and books and supplies can be very costly and some classes need multiple books.
  • Fees- most colleges have additional fees for conveniences like parking and activities.
  • Travel and miscellaneous- This would be for gas, cell phone, and other monthly expenses you have.

These are all very important things to consider when you are trying to make the decision if you are able to afford the college you want.

What are you options for helping to pay for college? 

Scholarships- can make what you thought was not possible a possibility.  Apply for all scholarships unless there is a qualification that you do not meet.  You will have the opportunity to apply for local scholarships as well as, the college will have scholarships that can sometimes be renewable for several years helping to pay for your tuition.

Grants-  These are loans usually through the government that you do not have to repay.  Most of the time these are based off of household income so not everyone qualifies.  You should always check to see if you do or not.  You might be surprised.

Federal Student loans-  Loans through the government to help pay for your college expenses.  The amount you will receive is based off the income of the household as well.  Most will qualify for some type of assistance.  There are several different kinds of federal loans so you will need to read and understand what you will be applying for.  For more information, about the different types of financial aid visit, https://studentaid.gov/h/understand-aid/.

Private Student loans- These type of loans are not recommended unless you have exhausted all other resources.  They do not offer flexible repayment terms or have the protection the federal student loans do.  These usually have variable interest rates which cause your monthly payments to change.

Preparing to go to college and making sure you choose the right school can be very stressful.  There are lots of great resources available to help you make the best choice.  If you would like more information you can always contact your local extension office and we will guide you in the right direction.

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.

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.

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 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.

Meet Lacey Noterman

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

lacey noterman

Introducing-Lacey Noterman, Livestock Production Agent
Lacey grew up on a farm right outside of Dighton, Kansas. She graduated from Dighton High School. Lacey was a 12-year member of the Eager Beavers 4-H Club in the Walnut Creek District. After high school Lacey attended Fort Hays State University. At FHSU, Lacey was a member of the Livestock Judging team. Lacey received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a certificate in Leadership Studies.

Continue reading “Meet Lacey Noterman” →

Meet Nancy

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

nancy honig

Introducing-Nancy Honig, Adult Development and Aging/4-H Youth Development Agent
Nancy grew up in Garden City and was an 11 year member in the Beacon Boosters 4-H Club. She worked in retail growing up as her mother owned both a fabric store and several retail clothing shops. She is married (to my co-worker) and have an adult son (Stetson) who lives in Hugoton. They have two very spoiled and very cute dachshund dogs and we love to travel the world whenever the opportunity arises!

Continue reading “Meet Nancy” →