Weber County 4-H Newsletter
January 2024
 

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Dear 4-H Families,

I am excited to announce that Sharon Bee is now a Program Coordinator for Weber County 4-H!  She has been a fantastic Staff Assistant for the past year and we are thrilled to have her now as an additional Coordinator.  We are looking forward to providing even more help and support in the future.  If you have any suggestions or ideas of how we can work together to improve the quality and quantity of 4-H here in Weber County please let us know.  We are hoping to fill the vacancy of 4-H Staff Assistant as soon as possible.

New Years is the time, naturally, for reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future with a positive outlook.  It can also be a time when we appreciate those who we hold dear in our heart, both family members and friends. 

This past year we have had many successes with the 4-H program here in Weber County. For starters we have a team of outstanding youth who are going to the Western National Roundup Competition in January.  Our Horse teams took 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place at the Regional Horse Show.  At the State Horse show we had many who took top honors in different categories.  We served over 200 youth in our Summer Camp programs.  We had 300 portfolios turned in to be judged.  Our Ambassadors planning and organizing great events and clinics for everyone, including planning and putting together a great float for the Pioneer Day Parade.  I could go on for a long time, but I wont.  I am looking towards the future with optimism and expecting even greater things to come.

The connections that I have made this past year with our incredible youth and parents and leaders have greatly enriched my life.  There have been times when I have been brought to tears seeing the outstanding service and dedication and love that has been shown in our program.  I feel blessed to be surrounded by such greatness and count you as part of my chosen family.

My New Year’s wish is that we cherish each moment that is ours, and may we join together and celebrate the good and freely love one another.

Happy New Year Everyone!

David Widdison
Weber County 4-H Program Coordinator

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Happy New Year!

I am thrilled at the prospect of serving as one of the Weber County 4-H Program Coordinators, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunities that the upcoming year holds. A heartfelt thank you to all those I've collaborated with in various capacities, including as a Staff Assistant, 4-H Leader, Livestock Ambassador Leader, and more. In transitioning to the role of Program Coordinator, my aim is to not only sustain existing working relationships but also cultivate new ones. The success of our program hinges on the dedication of our leaders and volunteers, and I am fortunate to be part of a community that boasts some of the best.

The exceptional qualities of our youth are truly noteworthy. Over the past seven years of involvement with Weber County 4-H, I have witnessed remarkable accomplishments by our young participants. Whether through clinics, workshops, service projects, or County and State fairs, the youth consistently demonstrate qualities such as kindness and inclusion, laying the foundation for lifelong success. I feel privileged to be surrounded by such positive examples and aspire to meet the expectations set by these outstanding individuals.

Looking ahead to the upcoming year, I am excited about the possibilities and achievements that our Weber County 4-H team can attain. I am open to collaboration and eager to contribute to the program's success. As we step into 2024, let us collectively seek ways to "make the best better." I look forward to working with each of you and being part of a transformative year in the Weber County 4-H program. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do to enhance your 4-H experience.

Sharon Bee
Weber County 4-H Program Coordinator

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Upcoming Livestock Clinics
   

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Jr. Livestock Education Tests

Jr. Livestock Education Tests

From October through July, Weber County 4-H members in grades 3-12 can compete in the Livestock Education Tests. To participate, youth must be enrolled in 4-H (and enrollment fees paid). 4-H members can take the test online in ZSuite:https://4h.zsuite.org/. (Click on “Events” to find the current months test).
Awards are given for each species in each division.
Each month's tests are prepared for all four species: beef, sheep, swine, and goats.
Each month will focus on a different chapter or two of the handbooks.
Youth can select the test for the species they are studying. They do not have to be raising that species to participate in the test. You can compete in all 4 project areas.
The tests are a combination of true/false, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank.
All the questions for the test come from the Ohio State University Resource manuals, which are available for purchase from the 4-H office. The cost per book is about $30 depending on the species.
This is an open book test with a time limit of 30 minutes to complete each test. Tests will close the last day of each month.

Congratulations to the following youth who excelled in the December 2023 livestock tests:

	Junior	Intermediate	Senior
Beef	Hesston Hansen, Annica Fuller (tie)	Brilee Skeem, Baylor Hansen, Bridger Fuller (tie)	Liah Hirokawa
Goat	Hesston Hansen, Kaylee Casperson (tie)	Baylor Hansen	Liah Hirokawa
Sheep	Grayson Skeem	Brilee Skeem	-
Swine	Hesston Hansen	Baylor Hansen	-

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How to Manage Your Mind 

Come explore how your mind works and learn tips and tricks to increase your confidence, self-image, and better reach your goals. Whether you’re playing a sport, performing music, giving a presentation, or facing every-day challenges, this workshop will help you live your best life.

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Become a Volunteer

Are you interested in becoming a 4-H club leader?
4-H leaders support youth as they learn by doing by providing guidance and opportunities for meaningful leadership roles in their 4-H club and community.

What are the responsibilities of 4-H leaders?

Develop a caring relationship with members.
Create a safe environment for 4-H members.
Provide opportunities for youth to build skills.
Create opportunities for youth to value and practice service to others.
Allow youth to make decisions and lead.
Create an inclusive environment.
Keep up-to-date and trained.

What qualifications/skills do 4-H leaders need?

Sincere interest in the safety and well-being of youth.
Desire to facilitate and motivate youth while nurturing self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility, and leadership.
Successfully pass the volunteer training process.
Ability to organize information and materials and delegate responsibility.
Ability to work and communicate effectively both verbally and written.
Desire to motivate parents and other volunteers.
Interest in working in partnership with youth, other volunteers and professional staff in an educational setting.
Willingness to adopt the philosophy, policies, and procedures of your 4-H organization.

You don’t have to be an expert in a project topic to be a leader! By following the project resources, learning along with your members and involving others, there is no limit to the variety of 4-H clubs or projects you can run!

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Check out the Weber County 4-H Calendar here:https://extension.usu.edu/weber/4h/ 

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Weber County 4-H
1181 N Fairgrounds Drive, Ogden, UT  84404
(801) 399-8202
https://extension.usu.edu/weber/4h/

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