Kit Carson County
251 16th Street, Suite 101
Burlington, Colorado 80807
719-346-5571
Phillips County
127 East Denver
P.O. Box 328
Holyoke, Colorado 80734
Sedgwick County
315 Cedar
County Courthouse
Julesburg, Colorado 80737
970-474-3479
Washington County
181 Birch Aveneu
Courthouse Annex
Akron, Colorado
970-345-2287
Yuma County
310 Ash, Suite B
County Courthouse
Wray, Colorado 80758
970-332-4151
January/February2016
JANUARY
5-24National Western Stock Show – Denver. For the complete schedule, go to Group ticket information will be in the office shortly.
154-H Day is at National Western Stock Show
23-25Leadership Development Conference (LDC). More info in this newsletter
254-H Day at the Capitol
FEBRUARY
5-7Youth Fest – Ponderosa Retreat Center in Larkspur, Colorado. More info in this newsletter.
MARCH
2-4Western Regional Leaders Forum – Fairbanks, Alaska
APRIL
2-3Hunter Safety—More info in this newsletter.
4-H Scholarships
There are several 4-H scholarships available to graduating seniors in Colorado. It’s simple to apply for them as they all have the same application. Fill it out once and you have applied for all scholarships. The application is available from January 2-April 1, 2016 online at
OPPORTUNITIES AND ACTIVITIES
Colorado 4-H Leadership Development Conference
The annual LDC conference will be held January 23-25 in Denver. Interested youth should contact your local office to pre-register by January 6th. LDC conference is a fun, educational weekend promoting leadership development and community service. Delegates will be given the chance to tour the state capitol and be present for the proclamation designating January 25th as 4-H Day.
The event is open to youth 14 and over and registration is typically around $150.00 (plus lodging).
Highlights for this year’s conference include:
IFYE presentation from the 2015 IFYE delegates
Banquet and Awards Presentation – Saturday evening
Call to Action Think-Tank
Colorado Youth Fest
February 5-7, 2016
2016 Youth Fest will be held February 5-7 at the Ponderosa Retreat Center in Larkspur, Colorado. This camp is for youth who are ages 9-13. The cost is $120.00. For more information or to register, please contact your Extension Office. Registrations are due by January 25. Camp reimbursements may be available from the council and/or your club.
Counselors have to be 16 years old and they need to contact the District President. Each District has the opportunity to have two counselors. One should be the District Vice President and then another one from the counties. Counselors’ is $75.00.
Youth attending will get the privilege of listening to inspirational words from a rodeo clown and to learn about the way of the west through Cowboy Ethics. They will learn important skills such as leadership, teamwork and critical thinking. They will also have the opportunity to meet other 4-H members from across the state.
Hunter Safety Class 2016
April 2
9:00 a.m.
Yuma County Fairgrounds
April 3
9:00 a.m.
Start at Yuma County Fairgrounds
Conclude at the Marr residence
The class is an online/classroom combination class. You need to complete the online section prior to April 2. The website for this After each section please print off the quiz score to show the instructor.
Cost of the class is $20.00, which includes the class fee, snacks, lunch for both days, and ammunition.
To register or for more information, please call Margaret at 970-597-0144. This class is sponsored by the Yuma County Shooting Sports program.
Quiz Bowl
The livestock quiz bowl is a competition where you answer questions about general livestock trivia. This fun event takes place at the State Conference and is open to anyone, regardless of the projects they are taking. If you are interested, we will be organizing some practices in the Golden Plains Area after National Western Stock Show and we look forward to your participation. Please call your Extension Office if you have questions or are interested.
Citizenship Washington Focus
June 25 to July 2, 2016
What does it mean to be a good citizen? Are you being a strong civic leader for your community, country and world?
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a week-long 4-H citizenship program for youth ages 15-19 that takes place at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, just 1 mile from the Washington, DC border.
Every summer, thousands of young people participate in the program, which provides opportunities for them to:
strengthen their communication, leadership, and citizenship skills on a national level
understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the develop ment of better citizens and leaders.
exchange ideas, practice respect, and for friendships with other youth from diverse backgrounds.
experience hands-on learning using the historical backdrop of Washington, DC.
CWF participants enjoy:
a behind-the-scenes look at our nation’s capital and the chance to meet Member of Congress
motivational speakers, educational workshops, and assemblies that increase individual commitment to citizen involvement and build life time skills for success.
activities that encourage new and lasting friendships
an enthusiastic staff of young adults that work directly with them
Participants are immersed in the culture and history of Washington through onsite workshops at it most spectacular sights.
Destinations include, but are not limited to:
The Capitol
Mount Vernon
Arlington National Cemetery
Presidential and war monuments and memorials
Smithsonian museums
The week’s signature event called “Nightview” is a spectacular evening tour of our nation’s most historic sites.
In between tours, youth can relax at the National 4-JH Youth Conference Center, the premier meeting and conference center in the Washington, DC area especially for young people. It offers a 12-acre campus with 24-hour uniformed security, fitness center, and full-court basketball. Recreation room with cyber café, all-you-can eat buffet in the Clover Café, free parking and more.
Eligibility:
Must be 15-19 years of age by December 31 of the enrollment. Colorado 4-H membership and leadership, based on application and 1-3 page resume. Seventy 4-H members are selected. Counties are asked to interview and select prior to submission. Contact your local county Extension Office for more information.
LIVESTOCK
Certification/Recertification Workshops
Public confidence in our meat products is extremely important to the success of the livestock industry. Youth livestock projects play an important role in building or losing the trust of our consumers. It is important that youth livestock exhibitors exceed the standard in producing quality, defect-free livestock for our consumers. In the past, a very small number if exhibitors have given youth livestock shows a bad name by using unethical and unsafe techniques to “win at all cost.” As a result, we have implemented a strong Meat Quality Assurance program in Colorado. Through the MQA workshops youth learn ethics and good production practices needed to produce a high quality, desirable product for the American Consumer. If you need to attend this year you will be notified by your county Extension office prior to the workshop.
You have the option to test out of the workshop at 12 and 15 years of age but it is highly recommended to attend a workshop instead. The workshops allow for hands on learning and experience. For those of you that participated last year, it will be the same layout. There will be different stations pertaining to the 10 Good Production Practices set up at each location and you will have the chance to observe and learn with real supplies and equipment. You will have the opportunity to come any time during the listed period as long as you are able to participate at each station. Allow yourself one hour. The following chart explains when and where the workshops will be. Keep in mind that dates and/or times and locations are subject to change so stay posted and be sure to call your local Extension Office if you have any questions.
2016 Northeast Colorado MQA WorkshopsDate/Time / County / Location
March 30, 4:00-7:00 pm / Kit Carson / Community Center, Burlington
April 3, 4:00-7:00 pm / Sedgwick / Fairgrounds, Julesburg
April 4, 4:00-7:00 pm / Phillips / Fairgrounds, Holyoke
April 5, 4:00-7:00 pm / Yuma / Fairgrounds, Yuma
April 6, 2:30-5:30 pm / Yuma / Roundhouse, Wray
April 7, 4:00-7:00 pm / Logan / Fairgrounds, Sterling
April 11, 4:00-6:30 pm / Morgan / Fairgrounds, Brush
April 19, 4:00-7:00 pm / Washington / Fairgrounds, Akron
May 10, 4:00-6:30 pm / Morgan / Fairgrounds, Brush
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
4-H 101
New to 4-H and not sure what to expect?
Newsletter: Your enrollment in 4-H automatically subscribes you to this newsletter which is dedicated to our five county area called “Golden Plains”. Watch the front of the newsletter for information and events that may be pertinent to all area counties. Flip to your county section for specific news, events, deadlines and rules for your county. You will receive another newsletter bimonthly. Current and past editions are available on the Golden Plains website at
Club Meetings: Are you in touch with your club leader to find out when your club meetings are? Try to attend as many meetings as you can so that you can get involved, make friends, and learn more about your projects. Many clubs have requirements as to how many meetings you need to attend so make sure you are aware of that number.
Manuals: Be sure to ask your club leader or the Extension office if you need a project manual. These manuals were designed to help you learn more about your specific project. TIP: For additional help, try to find out if your club has any project leaders that can help you. Colorado4h.org also has tip sheets for most projects. Click “Projects and Record books”. Scroll to the middle of the page and click “Tip Sheets”.
Livestock Weigh In: Are you taking a livestock project? If you plan to show a market animal (one that will be fed out, shown and possibly sold) you’ll need to be sure to check the newsletter for information about livestock weigh-in or nomination. All market beef, market goats, and market lambs must be weighed in on the specific date listed. Market Swine must be tagged and have appropriate “nomination” paperwork turned in before May 1st. Rabbits and Poultry do not need to be weighed in or tagged.
Websites: Check out our local Golden Plains website at goldenplains.colostate.edu or the state 4-H website at Some of the Golden Plains Area counties also have a 4-H Facebook page, just search for Phillips County 4-H, Washington County Colorado 4-H or Yuma County Colorado 4-H on facebook.com and then “Like” to follow their updates.
Check for the Right Project Manual
Leaders or families often have extra 4-H manuals from previous years on hand and give them out to youth, especially to those who want to get a head start on 2016 projects.
BE SURE THE MANUAL IS CURRENT!! Various 4-H manuals are updated each year, and if a youth has an outdated version, they might end up doing the wrong requirements and exhibit. Projects with changes this year are Foods, Clothing, and Shooting Sports projects. If you have unused manuals, please bring them to the Extension Office to check if they are still current. Thanks!!!
CONSUMER SCIENCES
2016 New Foods & Clothing Projects
THERE ARE BIG CHANGES IN FOODS AND CLOTHING PROJECTS FOR 2016. Youth will enroll in a unit of clothing or foods, but each unit will have 3 or more exhibit options. Options cannot be designated during enrollment. However, exhibit options must be determined and your County Extension Office notified before Add/Drop Deadline!
Be sure to check the new 2016 exhibit requirements:
Foods and Nutrition Manuals – New manuals will replace old manuals from units 1-4, breads and baking. They include information on cooking, food safety, kitchen safety, nutrition and more!
Cooking 101 —for members just learning to cook and bake. The project covers kitchen and food safety, basic food preparation, and nutrition. Use this manual for multiple years until skills have been mastered.
Exhibit Options: No Bake Bars or Cookies, Coffeecake, or Cookies (drop or molded)
Cooking 201 - builds on skills learned in Cooking 101. Use this manual multiple years until skills have been mastered. Choose from over 50 recipes and several activities to complete.
Exhibit Options: Quick Breads, Scones or Muffins
Cooking 301 –builds on skills learned in Cooking 101 and 201 and provides an in-depth exploration of outdoor cooking, party planning, cooking with slow cookers, and making yeast breads and shortened cakes. It is suggested to complete Cooking 101 and 201 before doing this project. Use this manual multiple years until skills have been mastered. Choose from over 70 recipes and several activities to complete.
Exhibit Options: Shortened Cakes (cake using butter, shortening, oil, etc.), Yeast Rolls, Creative Yeast Bread, Party Planning
Cooking 401 –builds on the skills learned in Cooking 101, 201, and 301. Members are encouraged to complete those project areas before taking Cooking 401. This project provides an in-depth exploration of preparing ethnic foods; cooking with herbs and spices; planning celebration meals; preparing meats by roasting, braising, and stewing; cooking with dried beans; and making pastry, foam cakes, and desserts made with milk. Use this manual multiple years until skills have been mastered.
Exhibit Options: Flatbread, Double Crust Pie, Celebration Meals
Other Foods units remain unchanged: Outdoor Cooking – Unit 25, Cultural Foods – Unit 30, and Passport to Foreign Cookery – Unit 35.
Clothing Manuals - Check with your County Extension Office on availability and cost of new manuals. STEAM 1 and 2 manuals are best used by leaders to teach young people beginning and advanced sewing techniques.
STEAM Clothing 1 – for beginner sewing members. Medium weight cotton or cotton blend woven fabric is recommended. Garment options are made without set-in sleeves, zipper, collar or button holes.
Exhibit Options: Pillowcase, Pillow, Top, Simple Bottom (pants, short, skirt, etc), Simple Dress
STEAM Clothing 2 – for members with some sewing experience. Use any woven or knit fabric appropriate to the garment’s design. Demonstrate sewing skills beyond Unit 1. Include one or more of the following techniques: set-in sleeves, zippers, collars and button holes.
Exhibit Options: Top (shirt or vest), Bottom (pants or shorts), Skirt, Dress (not formal), Romper or Jumpsuit, Two-piece Outfit
Sewing for Others – Unit 7
Exhibit is one garment or outfit made for another person demonstrating skills learned.
Recycled Clothing – Unit 8
Exhibit is one garment or outfit made from an existing clothing or household textile item, and redesigned and sewn into a new garment or outfit which illustrates sewing skills learned.
STEAM Clothing 3 – for Intermediates and Seniors with advanced sewing skills. Introduces youth to new technology and skills needed for more advanced patterns and garments like tailored coats, jackets and suits as well as couture sewing techniques to create distinctive garments and how to market them. Youth will learn how to work with wool, napped fabrics, leather and more.
Exhibits may be any garment or outfit of a variety of different fibers/fabrics by fiber content. Garments should demonstrate sewing skills beyond STEAM 2, such as rolled hems, invisible zippers, tailoring techniques, etc. One Textile Experiment must be included.
Exhibit Options: Cotton or Cotton Blends, Synthetics or Rayon, Wool or Wool Blends, Silk or Silk-like fabrics or Specialty Fabrics (leather, fur, linen, ramie, hemp, sequined, beaded, etc.)
Artistic Clothing – Decorate Your Duds, Creative Sewing, and Create Your Own have not changed.
Buymanship Project – Unit 8 – for Intermediates and Seniors. Learn about flattering clothing styles and colors; selecting clothes and accessories that coordinate with your existing wardrobe; and clothing care and construction. Exhibit one complete outfit and two activities from the manual.
Why Cowboys?
The iconic cowboy represents the best of America — the courage, optimism and plain hard work. Cowboys are heroic not just because they do a dangerous job, but also because they stand for something — the simple, basic values that lie at the heart of the cowboy way. Even though their way of life has changed over the last 150 years, cowboys still honor and live by their code. They are an abiding source of inspiration to do better and be better than we are.(from
Just what does it mean to live each day with courage? In the old west the cowboy was faced with danger each and every day whether it be a thunderstorm, cattle rustlers, or rattlesnakes. Every morning they awoke with the courage to meet any such challenge head on. Today we have it somewhat easier, but we still have daily challenges that take courage to face.
For some it may be just going to school and facing someone who might ridicule them. For others it might be standing up to the bully who is picking on someone else that you might not know all that well. In either case I would challenge each of you to get outside your comfort zone and stand up for someone else and what is right.
Other things might cause anxiety in our lives such as public speaking. Getting up in front of a crowd of people and sharing our individual thoughts about a topic can be a real challenge for many. When I was in high school it was one of my greatest fears, but I overcame it and today it causes only a slight bit of nervousness to get in front of a crowd of hundreds. Once again I would challenge every 4-H member to expand their comfort zone and get up and speak to your club by giving that demonstration and project talk. Each year there is a public speaking contest at state conference. Why not write a speech and enter the contest? Who knows where that might take you?