LIMITED RESUMPTION OF 4-H IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES
Announcement Revised May 5, 2021
On March 11, Governor Inslee announced that all counties would move to phase 3 on March 22. On April 12, the Governor moved Pierce, Cowlitz and Whitman counties back to phase 2. On May 4, the Governor announced a two-week pause on phases. Under the pause, every county will remain in its current phase. At the end of two weeks, each county will be re-evaluated. NOTE THAT CHANGES TO REQUIREMENTS MAY BECOME MORE OR LESS RESTRICTIVE, depending upon the course of the COVID-19 virus.
PLEASE WORK WITH YOUR LOCAL COUNTY EXTENSION 4-H OFFICE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HOLD A 4-H IN-PERSON MEETING, ACTIVITY OR EVENT. ALL NEW IN-PERSON PLANS MUST BE APPROVED BY YOUR LOCAL 4-H STAFF/FACULTY AND LOCAL COUNTY DIRECTOR.
We reference the Governor’s Agricultural Events COVID19 Requirements for agricultural and animal events and the Department of Health’s Youth Development guidance for other in-person 4-H activities. We are also following recommendations by WSU’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
If the 4-H Event IS NOT an agricultural event, WSU has expanded the group size from 5 (for phase 2) to 15 (for phase 3) youth participants plus at least two adults (Extension personnel and/or Certified 4-H Volunteers). If the event is anticipating larger numbers, please consider staggered participation or “shift” scheduling to stay within the limits. More information can be found on the 4-H In-Person Resources Page linked below.
If the event is an agricultural event, the 4-H Youth Development Program will be following the Governor’s COVID-19 Agricultural Events Guidance, linked below.
As always, all safety protocols must be followed and any activity that can be accomplished at a distance should be.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Governor’s COVID19 Agricultural Events Guidance – March 19, 2021 – Link Updated March 24, 2021
Three County Rollback to Phase 2 Announcement by Governor Inslee –
April 12, 2021 News Release
Two-Week Pause on Phases Announcement by Governor Inslee –
May 4, 2021 News Release
Washington Department of Health Guidance for Child Care, Youth Development, and Day Camps During COVID-19 – Updated April 14, 2021
Save the Date! Rabbit Vaccine Clinics Coming Soon!
Save the date! A highly contagious and fatal rabbit disease has been detected and has been spreading throughout the Western United States over the last year. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV-2) was recently confirmed in both Oregon and Idaho. With recent confirmed cases of RHDV-2 having been found in neighboring states, the WSU Extension Small Animal Science Committee is organizing RHDV-2 drive-thru vaccine clinics for 4-H rabbit project members. The RHDV-2 vaccine is difficult to access as only a handful of vets in Washington State have the license necessary to provide the vaccine.
Currently, the following event dates have been scheduled: Sunday, May 23, at the Enumclaw Expo Center (King County Fairgrounds) and Sunday, June 6, at the WSU Extension Lewis County Office. More details and how to pre-register will be included in a future Tuesday News.
Please Note: Pre-registration and pre-payment for vaccines will be required to participate and to reserve a spot in line for the RHDV-2 Vaccine Clinics. No day of event registrations. For more information about RHDV-2 and to help families make an educated decision about whether or not to vaccinate, please visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) RHD webpage at https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-health/animal-diseases/rabbit-disease
and the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) website at https://arba.net/announcements/.
Again, please watch for more information to be announced in a future Tuesday News.
International Exchange Program Update:
Summer Program Cancellation
Academic Year Long Program Hosting Opportunities
From States’ 4-H International – Unfortunately, our Japanese partners have cancelled the month-long Summer Inbound Program as of April 16th of this year. This decision was made due to some international travel restrictions on safety around Covid-19. This is very sad for many families and students who were looking forward to the Exchange Program this summer. However, we are expecting next year’s month-long Summer Exchange Program to be bigger than ever. Many students in other countries and our own wait many years to finally have an exchange opportunity. Our hope is that 2022 will allow these students this great trip of a lifetime!
We are excited that our Academic Year Long Exchange Program is still taking place! Many students are looking for placements for the school year starting in September. If you would like more information on this great program,, check out the States’ website at: https://www.states4hexchange.org/year-long/
Miss the Youth In Action Event on April 27th?
View the Recordings Now!
Washington State 4-H celebrated Mayyadah Zagelow, recently named the Healthy Living Pillar winner, at the 2021 4-H Youth in Action Virtual Celebration on April 27th.
The event, carried live on Facebook and YouTube, featured appearances from several celebrity guests and 4-H alumni, including: Carla Hall, Avery Williamson, Lazarus Lynch, Bill Nye “the Science Guy,” and Dolly Parton.
If you missed the event, recordings are available for viewing on YouTube! Find the playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpKw1i-cDY_EGkFm4yfrkB41eKfxiVln4
Tractor Supply Spring Paper Clover Campaign Continues Through May 9th!
Tractor Supply proudly began their partnership with 4-H in 2010 and they have since helped raise over $14 million through the Paper Clover fundraisers. The success of these campaigns has impacted over 69,000 students by providing them with hands-on learning experiences through projects in STEM, agriculture, healthy living, and civic engagement.
100% of funds raised through the two Paper Clover fundraisers directly benefit 4-H and the kids and teens they work with – 90% of donations directly support 4-H youth in the state it was raised, and the remaining 10% supports national 4-H programming.
The Spring Paper Clover Campaign is on now through May 9th!!
2021 Horse Bowl Results Are In!
Congratulations to the twenty participants from four counties who participated in the 2021 Washington State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest on May 1.
It was a challenge to do a virtual contest, however, all participants, coaches and officials did a magnificent job!
Thank you to all the officials for their contributions, with special appreciation to our Tech Support of RA Mazzola and Erika Kapur, who really made it possible. Ann Vonderau was the Senior Moderator, Kim Baker was the Intermediate Moderator, Katie Huston was the timer, Jennifer Leach was the judge and Molly Verschuyl was the ZOOM/Break out room master!
And a big thank you to Pat Pehling, who coordinated the State Contest.
A special “shout out” to the members and coaches for the work and preparation they did for this equine knowledge contest. Everyone was so respectful of the officials in doing this virtual contest.
RESULTS
Seniors:
Champion Team – Snohomish
(Qualified for Eastern 4-H Equine Round-up to be held in Kentucky the first weekend in November)
Reserve Champion Team – Thurston
Third Place Team – Skagit
Top Ten Senior Individuals
1st – Molly Greiner (Skagit) – Gold Medal
2nd – Addison Kapur (Snohomish) – Silver Medal
3rd – Katie Pestinger (Thurston) – Bronze Medal
4th – Julianne Sharpe (Skagit)
5th – Charlotte Pestinger (Thurston)
6th – Hannah Kruchek (Snohomish)
7th – Maddy Durkin (Skagit)
8th – Baeya Kardokus (Thurston)
9th – Tristan Krohn (Snohomish)
10th – Stella Harris (Thurston)
Intermediates:
Champion Team – Snohomish
Reserve Champion Team –Spokane
Top Ten Intermediate Individuals:
1st – Avery Hand (Snohomish) – Gold Medal
2nd – Alice Cottrell-Steen (Snohomish) – Silver Medal
3rd – Madison Erickson-Corp (Snohomish) – Bronze Medal
4th – Katelyn Cockrum (Snohomish)
4th – Kashley Brown (Spokane)
5th – Isabelle Pefley (Spokane)
6th – Elise Petermann (Snohomish)
7th – Jason Dodge (Spokane)
8th – Hayley Baker (Spokane)
Of course, the County Coaches deserve recognition for their commitment to serving the youth in their counties to prepare them for and support them in the Contest:
Skagit – Sharrie Nelson and Hannah Brown
Snohomish – RA Mazzola, Erika Kapur and Jaeden Kapur
Thurston – Molly Pestinger
Spokane – Cheryl Paz
Submitted by Pat Pehling, State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest Coordinator and Jennifer Leach, State 4-H Equine Specialist
Experience 4-H! Sharing the 4-H Trail Zoom Workshop Set for May 12th!!
Are you thinking about hitting the trail? Join us for Sharing the 4-H Trail on Wednesday, May 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. PST. This introductory Zoom workshop is for 4-H members who plan to hike with or without their 4-H animal projects. We will cover hiking basics, safety, and trail etiquette when hiking with animals (such as dogs, horses, goats, and llamas).
To pre-register and receive the workshop link click here: https://wsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIsc-GtqjgiGtydCKIAbc3j-w4FAsd_juQD.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Washington State 4-H Hippology Contest Registration Deadline Extended To May 7th
The Washington State 4-H Hippology Contest will be held June 5 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Registration deadline has been extended to MAY 7, 2021.
The entry fee for the Hippology Contest is $20.00 per contestant. Full information and the fillable registration form is available by clicking https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2050/2021/04/2021-State-Hippology-Registration-CORRECTED.pdf (Updated April 16, 2021)
For more information contact Kim Baker, Snohomish County 4-H Program Coordinator and State Hippology Coordinator, atkim.baker@wsu.edu or 425-520-3908.
2021 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarship Application Open –
4-H Shooting Sports
Posted from Lisa Muzzey, National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee:
4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors and Coordinators,
It is with great pleasure I announce the 2021 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarship!!! This scholarship will be given annually to up to two 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassadors that have attended the national institute and are still active with 4-H Shooting Sports.
The shooting sports industry lost a tremendous ambassador, teacher and friend in 2013 with the passing of exhibition shooter Tom Knapp. His combination of shooting skills and stage presence inspired an entire generation of new shooters. To honor his memory and continue his legacy of stewardship, Champion® and Federal ® teamed with the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee to create the Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarship.
For more than a decade, Knapp represented Champion® and Federal® around the world at live exhibitions, on television and at countless consumer and trade shows. With the support of his wife, Colleen, Champion extended Knapp’s licensed products program to fund an endowed scholarship that will award $2,500 each to up to two National 4-H Ambassadors per year.
The application deadline is May 21st. Please be sure that all sections are complete when you return the application. Any incomplete application will not be considered.
Eligibility:
- Attended the National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Institute
- Be a high school senior or within your freshman, sophomore or junior year any accredited two or four year accredited Jr. College, College or University
- Active in 4-H (current member or volunteer)
Forms Required:
- Completed Application due May 21, 2021
- Application to include a 250-500 word essay. How has participating in shooting sports activities made you a conservationist? Please describe how 4-H Shooting Sports programs have increased your awareness to wildlife conservation and how hunting and shooting sports are critical components of conservation in North America.
- Recommendation from a 4-H coach or equivalent who is not a relative
- Recommendation from state 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator. Signature on recommendation will serve as signature on application. (Ashley Hernandez-Hall – a.hernandez-hall@wsu.edu)
The Scholarship Application Form is available at https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2050/2021/05/2021-Tom-Knapp-Scholarship-Application.pdf.
Ambassadors – If you’ve seen previous applications you will notice a couple of changes – No transcript request, no signature on application required from coordinator as the signature on the recommendation will serve as the coordinator’s signature for your application. If you think that you qualify for this scholarship you immediately ask for your letters of recommendation most of us are working from home. Your references can be directed to me and I will attach them to your completed application when it arrives.
State Coordinators – I ask for your help in helping our ambassadors turn around this application quickly. Please send your reference directly to me as your signature on the reference will serve as the signature on the application. You will be certifying their continued activity in 4-H Shooting Sports either as a teen ambassador or now as a volunteer.
The ambassadors also received this notice via our Facebook chat. I’m hoping that I have everyone’s current contact information. If an email is returned I may ask for your assistance in contacting anyone that has continued activity within your state.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. If you are snail mailing your application please send the items to my home office: Lisa Muzzey, National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee, 1733 Brockways Mills Road, Chester, Vermont 05143 otherwise email will work great. Lisa.muzzey@uvm.edu I will not receive any faxes while I am working out of the office.
From Oregon State University Extension:
A Shooting Sports Certification Training Invitation
Shooting Sports Adult volunteers!
The Oregon State University Extension program has graciously extended an invitation to any 4-H volunteers who need shooting sports certification to attend their in-person training May 15th or 16th in Madras Oregon!
More information and sign ups can be found on the flyer linked https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2050/2021/04/Oregon-Shooting-Sports-Training-2021-05.pdf.
If you would like to attend this training, please inform your county 4-H coordinator or faculty AND Ashley Hernandez-Hall, a.hernandez-hall@wsu.edu.
Please note, the fee for this training is $75 and it will be up to the individual attending to arrange for travel and lodging. In addition, you will be required to complete the National 4-H Shooting Sports online training modules which can be found here: https://4-hshootingsportscollege.com/ The fee for completing the national modules is $20, and your certificate of completion will be automatically recorded with WSU 4-H.
If you have any questions, please contact Ashley at the email above.
2021 Citizen Washington Focus Virtual Program Registration Open Through June 1st
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), is National 4 H Council’s premier leadership and citizenship program for high school age students. While it typically takes place in Washington, D.C., this year it will be held in a virtual format.
CWF will return to in-person programming in the Washington, D.C. metro area in Summer 2022. Get more information about the future of the NATIONAL 4‑H CONFERENCE CENTER.
The virtual CWF program will take place once a week, for five weeks, beginning Sunday, June 20, 2021. When they register, participants will be able to indicate if they would prefer to participate on Sundays or Mondays. Preferences will be honored on a first come first served basis.
Elevating youth voice and strategies for being effective change agents are the focus of the entire five-week virtual CWF experience. Each week will explore new topics.
Program Fee:
Youth: $250 per person
Adults: One Lead Coordinator can attend free of charge. Additional adult participants are $250 per person.
Registration Deadline is June 1. Join an info session on May 19 to learn more. Information on program sessions and details can be found at https://4-h.org/parents/citizenship-washington-focus/
Third Annual True Leaders In Equity Institute Application Period Open Now
From September 10-12 and on October 9, 2021 the True Leaders in Equity Institute will prepare up to 20 teams to be change agents within the Cooperative Extension System as we work to create more welcoming and inclusive environments. This training and leadership opportunity challenges participants to work together to ideate and champion equity-related projects that will grow 4‑H in their communities.
4‑H believes in youth and adults working together to leverage the strengths that each group brings to their communities and world.
At the Institute, teams will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of key principles and concepts related to equity and inclusion.
- Identify a particular equity indicator and/or issue to focus on for the next year.
- Develop their skills and competencies in equity leadership and make connections to people, organizations and tools that can be helpful for their projects.
- Create an overall framework for their project for the next year and a specific 90-day action plan to implement when they return home.
The 2021 True Leaders in Equity application is open now through June 30, 2021.
If you have questions, you may download Frequently Asked Questions or email Hayat Essa at HEssa@fourhcouncil.edu.
This program is supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Presents
Just in Time Dialog Webinar on May 12, 2021
Our society continues to wrestle with social justice, as seen in the voting law recently passed in Georgia and Derek Chauvin’s trial for the murder of George Floyd. Our youth are not immune to what is going on in the country and need to have a safe space to discuss these topics. The Just in Time Equity Dialogues for Youth authors developed a series of guided dialogues to help in having these conversations.
Just in Time Dialogue Webinar
May 12, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. EDT (12:00 P.M. PDT)
This webinar will empower professionals who work with children, youth, and families by:
- Providing ready-to-use resources to facilitate conversations about social justice
- Increasing cultural competency; and
- Expanding understanding of terms and definitions.
The Just in Time Dialogue team consists of Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins (University of Maryland), Michelle Cox, Ph.D. (University of Illinois), Jessica Russo (University of Minnesota), Nicole Webster, Ph.D. (The Pennsylvania State University), and Dorothy Freeman, Ph.D. (National 4-H Council).
Click here to register for the webinar!
The Last of the Experience 4-H Small Animal Series –
Introduction to Judging Contests for Rabbit & Cavy 4-H Members Set For May15th!
The WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Small Animal Committee is offering ONE MORE workshop in May:
Introduction to Judging Contests for Rabbit & Cavy 4-H Members:
You get to be the judge! An introduction to judging contests and how to mark
your scorecard. Judge a few practice classes from photographs of rabbits and
cavies. Note to parents: This workshop may be challenging for younger 4-H
members as understanding number patterns is part of participating in a Judging Contest. Youth age 9 and younger should have an adult helper present during the workshop.
When: May 15, 2021, 1:00 to 2:30 PM Pacific Time
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://wsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtd-irrD0vHNP_CC-ojyESIwcoHoRMXIPS
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information
about joining the meeting.
Volunteer Opportunities Available at Military Teen Adventure Camp!
Through Glacier Peak Institute
The Glacier Peak Institute has many volunteer opportunities with varying focuses and time commitments, many internship opportunities, and have opened our pre-registration for interested campers. The Institute would love for 4-H participants and volunteers to be aware of opportunities regarding 4-H volunteer and participant outreach for the WSU Cascade Mountains Military Teen Adventure Camp.
For more information, check out the helpful links below:
Military Teen Adventure Camp Webpage (pre-registration is on this page)
Military Teen Adventure Camp Volunteer Information
Military Teen Adventure Camp Recreation Internship Description
WSU Cascade Mountains Military Teen Adventure Camp Webpage
Enter the Experience 4-H! Table Setting Contest by June 1st!
Submit a photo of decorated table and menu to tgwin@wsu.edu by June 1, 2021
Contact Toni with any questions,
Washington State 4-H Dairy Judging and Quiz Bowl Contests Coming July 20th
The State 4-H Dairy contests for Judging and Quiz Bowl determines the individuals that will represent Washington State participating at the National events. This year both contests will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at the Fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington.
Times for both contests will be announced at a later date.
General Dairy Judging Team information can be found by clicking here.
General Quiz Bowl Team information can be found by clicking here.
If you have an individual 4-H’er or team that wants to compete, please contact Gary Fredricks at 360-577-3014 Ext. 3, or at garyf@wsu.edu.
Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Info Available for Poultry Project Youth
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is very active right now around the globe. Outbreaks are presently occurring in North Korea, China, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Iran, Poland, Norway, France, and Ukraine.
Wild waterfowl are one of the main ways the virus moves around. A major migratory flight path for wild waterfowl includes Washington State; many waterfowl species (swans, ducks, geese) overwinter in the state as well. These birds can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it to chickens, in which it is much more deadly. Please refresh your knowledge of the biosecurity practices recommended to keep your birds safe and take these actions every day! Here are some good resources:
https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/avian-health/ai-in-humans
More Information on HPAI:
Washington State Veterinarian News: Batten Down the Hatches Against Avian Influenza
Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza are happening in several countries around the globe now. Please share this important info with 4-H members, commercial poultry owners, and any other stakeholders who would be affected by an outbreak in the U.S. We do NOT want this disease to get a foothold here! Thanks.
Link to the WSDA document here.
Susan Kerr, DVM, PhD
WSDA Education and Outreach Specialist
skerr@agr.wa.gov
Plea for 4-H Horse Project Youth to Vaccinate for Equine Influenza
Dr. Susan Kerr, WSDA Education and Outreach Coordinator
4-H horse project youth, your horse depends on YOU to keep him/her safe and healthy!
There were 33 confirmed cases of equine influenza in Washington State in 2020. There were an additional 29 suspected cases, and 25 more horses were exposed to the virus by infected horses. These cases were distributed throughout the state. Fortunately, none of these horses died, which is typical for this disease.
Part of influenza treatment involves strict rest, and some horses do not return to normal for six months! Can you imagine not being able to ride or exercise your sick horse for weeks or months? Horses infected with the influenza virus can develop secondary pneumonia, which can be much more serious and require antibiotic treatment.
If your horse is at risk of catching influenza from other horses, why not prevent this disease and all its complications by vaccinating him/her? The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends horses at risk be vaccinated for influenza every six months.
Is your horse at risk of influenza? YES if he/she has contact with other horses “outside its bubble” at shows, trail rides, schooling, etc. Also YES if you keep your horse at a stable where other horses are coming and going and mixing with other horses. Even if your horse doesn’t go anywhere, another horse can bring the virus to him/her.
If your horse stays at your home barn with a steady “bubble” of barn mates and doesn’t have direct or indirect contact with other horses, he/she is at minimal risk of influenza.
A very good article with more details about equine influenza is available at https://www.equinediseasecc.org/disease-information. For more information about equine vaccinations, see the AAEP’s recommendations at https://aaep.org/horse-owners/owner-guidelines/owner-vaccination-guidelines or speak with your veterinarian.
The foundation of animal welfare is preventing animal illness, pain, and suffering. Vaccinating against diseases of concern is a very simple and effective way to do this.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
A Reminder: COVID-19 Resources Available from WSU Extension
The WSU Extension COVID-19 Updates and Resources page is updated as new information becomes available. The Link to the page is https://extension.wsu.edu/covid-19/
WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCE GUIDE
FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:
Caring for Your Family During COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families has created a
resource for parents during COVID-19. The WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Caring for Your Family During COVID-19 was developed to help parents and their families navigate the pandemic and the days to follow. The publication is available at
https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/FS_0039.pdf