January 2025 Clover Chatter

Clover Chatter CHARLES MIX COUNTY

Happy New Year!

Do Not forget to re-enroll in 4-H!

4-H Calendar

South Dakota 4-H Capitol Day South Dakota 4-H is hosting their annual day at the Capitol, January 22, 2025, where we will learn about the legislative processes in our state and get to mingle with fellow 4-Her’s. We are departing Lake Andes at 7:00 am and returning by 6:00 pm. We are excited to announce that all seats are full to go on this trip, so be sure to watch for social media up dates in the following days! If you are participating, be sure too bring money for lunch and snacks and to wear your 4-H green!

January 1st Office Closed January 20th Office Closed

Interested in Joining the Leaders Association?

With the new 4-H year getting started, the Leaders would like to welcome anyone who has an interest in serving the Leader’s Association. If you are interested, please contact President Mike Dangel or Educator Lesley Rygaard. lesley.rygaard@sdstate.edu

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu. © 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents.

Concession Stands at the County Fair If you attended the County Fair this year, you are aware we tried something new and had food trucks the first day and a honor system on pork sandwiches for the second day.

It was suggested to offer the concession stand option up for someone in 4-H to take this over, or if you know of a youth organization that would like to run the concessions at the county fair next year, please reach out to the office and let us know!

County and State Horse Show Dates Announced!

The county Horse Show will be June 25th at the 7N Arena in Bon Homme Co. The 2025 State 4-H Office Horse Show will be held in Huron at the State Fairgrounds on July 8th 10th, 2025.

Check in and YIA will be on July 7th.

SIOUX EMPIRE LIVESTOCK SHOW County Fair Dates Announced!

The Charles Mix Leaders Association has Announced the 2025 dates for the County Fair. The Fair will be taking place on July 29th-August 2nd.

Youth can participate in two Youth Livestock Literacy events in Sioux Falls in January. The Sioux Empire Livestock Show Youth Livestock Skill-athon will be Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Expo Building on the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds during the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. Preregistration is requested (but not required) by Jan. 16 in order to prepare materials.

Pre-register to wsweeter@lincolncountysd.org.

Youth can also participate in the Sioux Empire Livestock Show Youth Livestock Judging Contest in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 26. Check-in is from 12-12:45 p.m. and the contest starts at 1 p.m. Preregistration is $10 per person with early registration due by Jan. 3 at https://web.siouxfallschamber.com/events/2025Sioux-Empire-Livestock-Show-4-H-FFALivestock-Judging-Contest-2664/details. Late registrations are accepted but the fee is $20 per person.

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu. © 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents.

Meetings

SOUTH DAKOTA 4-H VOLUNTEERS

Leaders Association Jan. 27th, 2025 @ 4-H Center Starts at 6:00 pm in Lake Andes Fair Board January 6th, 2025 7:00pm @ 4-H Center in Lake Andes

Clubs Community hard Workers

Located in Wagner @ Fire hall Contact Jenna Krcil or Cathy Kreeger if interested in joining

Hearty Helpers

Meet every second Sunday of the Month Located in Geddes/Lake Andes Contact Darci Bultje if interested in joining

are essential to the mission of our program.

These caring adult mentors bring forth many skills and hours of dedicated service each year to help strengthen the lives of young people. If you were a volunteer in the 2023-24 4-H program year, thank you so much! South Dakota 4-H volunteers serve one-year terms, renewable indefinitely so long as both parties (i.e., typically the volunteer and lead county 4H professional) wish to continue the relationship. The returning volunteer indicates this interest by re-enrolling in 4-HOnline after October 1st. At this point, the returning volunteer’s status is “pending.” In most cases, the lead local 4-H professional will quickly approve and the 4-HOnline status will then say “active.” This signifies the renewal of the relationship for the 4-H year ahead. If the lead local 4-H professional does not wish to continue the relationship or wishes to discuss role restrictions or alterations, they will communicate this to the volunteer. Each year, a few 4- H volunteers are not renewed for service. Reminder: All returning volunteers need to indicate their interest in returning. The preferred renewal date is before December 31(or other local program preferred date), but required before volunteers are allowed to do any 4-H programming or events and before September 1st. Otherwise, should they wish to return at a future time, they will have to restart the volunteer process from scratch and pay a $75 lapsed background check fee.

Interested in becoming a new volunteer this 4H year? Contact Lesley or Jo Cee at the office anytime, preferably before April 1, to learn more.

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu. © 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents.

Birthdays This Month!

Mallory Gant 12/28/2007 Garret Varilek 1/2/2006 Kaelee Pazour 1/8/2009 Lydia Frei 1/10/2013 Audriana Ochoa 1/10/2018 Preslyn Hollenback 1/15/2013 Kendall Von Eschen 1/15/2016 Katelyn Derry 1/22/2014 Jennifer Dvorak 1/25/1974 Duane Pedersen 1/26/1964 Hayes Bartunek 1/28/2024

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu. © 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents.

2024 In 2024, the second North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Impact Survey was launched to gather information from 4-H Volunteers about the perceived impact of volunteering.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the: Individual Benefits - or, value to the individual volunteering Public Value Organizational Benefits - or, value to the Extension 4-H program and - or, value to the community(ies) where they live and work 273 South Dakota Volunteers responded to the survey, a response rate of 27.3 %, the highest in the region! An electronic survey was sent to a sample of 1,000 volunteers from each of the 12 NCR states. A total of 2252 volunteers responded for an overall 18.8% response rate.

Volunteers give on average 10 hours a month to South Dakota 4-H. Average years of service was 13.5 years for Gen Z volunteers. 2/3 of volunteers were 4-H members as youth.

1%

Millennial 29%

Boomer 22%

78% Female 20% Male Gen X 48%

INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS Volunteers come into the 4-H Youth Development Program to support youth and make a difference. In addition, they personally:

94%

had fun while volunteering

91%

built new relationships with youth

82%

gained skills to use in other roles

75%

felt better connected to tbe community

74%

increased their confidence as a leader

"I feel that most of my life skills come from what I've learned either directly from being in 4-H or being a volunteer. I have learned how to stand in front of a crowd and speak to everyone without fear. Being able to pass that knowledge on to the youth in 4-H has been a great feeling.”

SOUTH DAKOTA 4-H VOLUNTEER

© 2024 NORTH CENTRAL VOLUNTEER SPECIALISTS SURVEY

Volunteers value the "shared sparks" model of 4-H, which focuses on working with young people on areas of mutual interest to facilitate youth thriving.

ORGANIZATIONAL BENEFITS Volunteers bring substantial value to Extension and 4-H programs. Volunteers said they:

96%

taught youth new skills

85%

planned learning experiences

86%

shared the value of the 4-H program

83%

recruited new youth to 4-H

67%

recruited new volunteers to 4-H

It has been great to be able to present opportunities for the kids to be involved in that I have had the opportunity to learn about due to my involvement in the community through this organization and others.

SOUTH DAKOTA 4-H VOLUNTEER

Volunteers impact the communities where they live and work. Their value goes beyond the scope of the program and leads to changes in community conditions. Volunteers said that volunteering for 4-H:

%

makes communities stronger

86%

helps connect communities

86%

improves community health

73%

encourages civic involvement

I feel that by volunteering for 4-H I am able to learn about needs in the community. Then I pass that information on to friends and coworkers. To help our community out when needed.

76 SOUTH DAKOTA 4-H VOLUNTEER

Volunteers not only bring invaluable experience and care (as caring adults) to the 4-H program and its participants, but volunteers seek out 4-H as an opportunity for personal growth and to give back to their communities and the youth they serve.

© 2024 NORTH CENTRAL VOLUNTEER SPECIALISTS SURVEY

PUBLIC VALUE

South Dakota 4-H Trip Application to the 2025 National 4-H Conference Members of the South Dakota 4-H Program, have the opportunity to apply for National 4-H Conference scheduled for April 11-16, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. Youth must be 16-18 years old by the date of the event to apply. Applications need to be submitted to the applicant’s 4-H Educator. Upon approval, the 4-H Educator submits the signed application, via email or USPS mail, to the State 4-H Office by January 24, 2025. A designated committee of 4-H Youth Development professionals and/or previous trip participants will review applications and notify youth if they are selected to attend National 4-H Conference as a delegate.

NOTE: 4-H youth in South Dakota are awarded one trip per calendar year to represent the State 4-H Program at a national 4-H event/conference. Eligible youth may reapply in future years for trips in which they have not yet participated.

Application Process. To apply for this trip, applicants and 4-H Educators need to submit a portfolio of the following items. DO NOT SUBMIT the member’s 4-H Journal or 4-H Record Books as part of this application.

• Cover letter (one typewritten 8½” x 11” page with one-inch margins, using a 12 point font; sample copy is provided in this packet – please replace with applicant’s cover letter) ― Describe your definition of 4-H Citizenship and Community Service. ― Describe what you learned through 4-H Citizenship and Community Service that makes you a better person and citizen for your club, community, country and world.

• Résumé (one typewritten 8½” x 11” page with one-inch margins, using a 12 point font; sample copy is provided in this packet – please replace with applicant’s résumé) ― List the 4-H member’s name, complete address, county, contact information including email address and phone numbers. ― Describe the size and scope of two of your 4-H project areas, focusing on goals set/achieved and skills/ knowledge gained. ― Describe the leadership skills you have attained through 4-H activities, events and opportunities.

•

One Page of Photos (Optional) with captions showing 4-H leadership work and accomplishments.

•

Non-Confidential Letter of Recommendation (commenting on skills relevant to your selection) from one of the following : ― 4-H Club Leader ― 4-H Educator ― School employee ― Employer ― Pastor

•

Checklist completed with required signatures.

Participants are responsible for the entire cost of the trip. The price to attend National 4-H Conference will be determined when the registration fee has been announced and the number of youth attending from South Dakota has been determined. Potential costs for four youth to go is $3,300.00 per youth.

The National 4-H Conference is pleased to offer financial assistance to 4-H youth and adult chaperones to maximize opportunities for those who otherwise would not be able to attend Conference. The Scholarship Form, can be found at https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/2024%20National%204-H%20Conference%20 Scholarship%20Form_English-508.pdf. For more information, email National4-HConference@usda.gov, subject line “National 4-H Conference Scholarship Program”. The deadline to submit scholarship forms is Monday, January 13 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.

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The deadline to submit the application to the State 4-H Office is Friday, January 10th. To submit the scholarship application, email sdsu.4h@sdstate.edu.

Plan of Action. At the conclusion of the trip, delegates will create, with the guidance from their trip chaperone(s), and implement a plan of action. The plan of action describes how delegates intend to benefit/inform others of 4-H opportunities related to Citizenship and Community Service. For more details about National 4-H Conference, please review information at https://4-h.org/parents/national-4-hconference/. You may also contact the South Dakota State 4-H Office using the contact information above.

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SD 4-H Trip Application to the National 4-H Conference COVER LETTER {Type youth’s USPS mailing address}

E

{Type City, State and Zip Code}

L

{Type date of letter}

P

Dear State 4-H Office,

A

Sincerely,

M

{In the opening paragraph, applicants should explain what they are applying for.} {In the second paragraph, applicants should describe their understanding of citizenship and community service.} {In the closing paragraph, applicants should include other relevant information they think is important along with current contact information (e.g., phone number, email address).}

S

{Type the applicant’s name.} Enclosures

Page 3

SD 4-H Trip Application to the National 4-H Conference RÉSUMÉ {USPS mailing address} {City, State & Zip Code} {Phone number(s)} {Email address(es)}

Club Work

{Years of membership}

{County}

{Club Name}

Project Areas

{Primary interest area}

{Years in Project #1}

{Project Area}

L

•

E

{Name of 4-H Member}

P

{Main Focus Within Project Area} • {Size and scope of project area} • {Goals originally set for project area} • {Goal achievements} • {Current/future goals for project area} • {Knowledge and skills gained}

{Years in Project #2}

{Project Area}

M

{Main Focus Within Project Area} • {Size and scope of project area} • {Goals originally set for project area} • {Goal achievements} • {Current/future goals for project area} • {Knowledge and skills gained}

S

A

Leadership Skills

Education

{Where/Location}

{4-H Activity/Event/Opportunity}

{Where/Location}

{4-H Activity/Event/Opportunity}

{Leadership Skill} • {Who, if applicable} • {What, if applicable} • {Where, if applicable} • {When, if applicable} • {Why, if applicable}

{Leadership Skill} • {Who, if applicable} • {What, if applicable} • {Where, if applicable} • {When, if applicable} • {Why, if applicable}

{Dates}

{School}

G.P.A. {0.00} on a {0.00} scale

Interests/Organizations

{Listing of other activities}

Page 4

{City, State}

SD 4-H Trip Application to the National 4-H Conference CHECKLIST FOR: Cover Letter (one typewritten 8½” x 11” page with one-inch margins, using a 12 point font) Résumé (one typewritten 8½” x 11” page with one-inch margins, using a 12 point font) One Page of Photos ( Optional )with captions showing 4-H leadership work and accomplishments Non-Confidential Letter of Recommendation from 4-H Educator, School Employee, Employer or Pastor Checklist (this document) Upon completing this checklist (including obtaining the signatures below), applicants should submit this application packet in one of the following ways (please check which method(s) you are using).

Scan all documents (listed above) and submit them as attachments in an email message to sdsu.4h@sdstate.edu with 2025 4-H Conference Application typed in the subject line.

Mail the original hard copies of all documents (listed above) to the State 4-H Office at State 4-H Office, SAG 121, Box 2207E, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. In the lower left corner of the envelope, write 2025 4-H Conference Application.

Required Signatures 4-H Member 4-H Member’s Parent/Guardian 4-H Member’s Club Leader County 4-H Educator REMINDER: At the conclusion of the trip, delegates will create, with the guidance from their trip chaperone(s), and implement a plan of action. The plan of action describes how delegates intend to benefit/inform others of 4-H opportunities related to Citizenship and Community Service.

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu.

MC -03635

© 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents Page 5

FOOD, FUN, 4-H Food, Fun, 4-H is a free at-home cooking program that unites families in the kitchen and at the dinner table.

This program gets young people in the kitchen and provides experience preparing home-cooked meals, trying new foods, encouraging family time, developing communications skills and having fun!

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE? FOOD, FUN, 4-H IS A GREAT E X P E R IE N C E F O R Y O U T H O F ALL AGES. YOUNGER MEMBERS C A N W O R K W IT H A P A R E N T O R C A R IN G A D U L T T O C R E A T E T H E I R R E C IP E S , W H I L E E X P E R IE N C E D 4 - H C H E F S C A N T E S T T H E IR IN D E P E N D E N C E A N D C U L IN A R Y S K I L L S C R E A T IN G T H E R E C I P E S .

H O W D O E S IT W O R K ?

THOSE WHO REGISTER WILL R E C E IV E M O N T H L Y T H E M E D R E C I P E S O N D IF F E R E N T C O M M O D IT IE S IN S O U T H DAKOTA FOR ONE COMPLETE M E A L , E D U C A T IO N A L I N F O R M A T IO N , C O N V E R S A T IO N S T A R T E R T O P I C S A N D ID E A S F O R A F A M IL Y P H Y S IC A L A C T I V I T Y THROUGH A MONTHLY EMAIL O R M A IL IF E M A I L I S N O T A V A IL A B L E . F A M I L I E S A R E R E S P O N S IB L E F O R P U R C H A S IN G T H E I N G R E D I E N T S TO PREPARE THE RECIPES.

How to sign up?

EMAIL LESLEY.RYGAARD@SDSTATE.EDU THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICATE IN FOOD, FUN, 4-H SIGN UP BY JANUARAY 17TH! YOU WILL RECIEVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMING YOU ARE ON THE LIST TO PARTICIPATE, AND BE ASKED HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECIEVE YOUR FREE MONTHLY KITCHEN ITEM ON JANUARY 31ST YOU WILL RECIEVE AN EMAIL ON THE RECIPES, TABLE TOPICS, EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION, AND GOOGLE FORM TO ENTER IN PICTURES AND ANSWER THE MONTHLY QUESTIONS. YOU HAVE TIL FEBUARY 21STD TO COMPLETE THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY RECIPES

What is included:

Each participating family/household will receive a monthly packet via email (or mail if email is not available) with recipes for a main dish, side and dessert, as well as table topics, and educational information.

At the beginning of the program, 4-H members who register for Food, Fun, 4-H and are active in 4HOnline will receive a 4-H apron.

Each month, 4-H members who register for Food, Fun, 4-H, are active in 4HOnline, and completed the previous month's reporting requirement will receive a kitchen item that will be used in the recipe.

MEMBER EXPECTATIONS: FOR EACH MONTHLY PACKET, MEMBERS HAVE 20 DAYS TO PREPARE THEIR RECIPE(S), SHARE TWO PHOTOS (ONE PREPARING THE RECIPES AND A PHOTO OF THEIR FAMILY MEALTIME) AND ANSWER THREE QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR COOKING AND MEALTIME EXPERIENCE. UPON RECEIPT OF PHOTOS AND RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL RESPONSE, MEMBERS BECOME ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE NEXT MONTHS KITCHEN TOOL 3 MONTH PROGRAM WILL START FEBUARY AND END IN APRIL