Letter to Families, February 2021

1/20/2021

Dear 4-H’ers, Parents, and Leaders,

As I write this note, we are approaching the Kent County 4-H Public Speaking Contest. There is a change this year, and the event will be hosted at the Delaware Agriculture Museum. We would like to publicly thank the museum for their ongoing support of Delaware 4-H, and I thank the Leaders Association for agreeing to make a monetary donation to the museum.

As February approaches, we are expecting entries for the Favorite Foods Contest, the deadline to enter is February 5th. Late entries will not be accepted for this event, please submit them early. We will also be holding the annual photography contest, the deadline to enter is February 9th (either hardcopy or digital submission). Favorite Foods will be on March 6 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds. There will be no large gathering for awards, the results for both the Favorite Foods and Photography Contest will be shared online.

In case you missed the announcement, the Volunteer Leader Forum will not take place this year, but watch for other volunteer development opportunities throughout the year. The State Teen Conference will be an online opportunity, held on February 13, please be sure to sign up teens to attend this!

Looking ahead, 4-Hers are busy working on the Diamond Clover Programs, studying for Horse Bowl (which will be virtual), and preparing for a variety of spring events, discussed further below. Please remember that the clothing showcase has been moved to the summer time frame. Now is also the time for teens to consider submitting a State Record Book, to be considered for attending National 4-H Congress, these are due in March. Please contact the office if you would like more information or help with this, it is a great opportunity for teens.

We have tentative dates scheduled for spring, but please know that this schedule is fluid, and is dependent on state and UD guidelines/approvals. April 13 is scheduled for Woodworking Judging and Photography Judging, at the 4-H office. April 18 is the date litter barrels should be in place if your club is planning to participate. Watch for additional resources to help teach content around litter awareness and Earth day! County Demonstrations are tentatively scheduled for May 6 at the 4-H office. Make-Up demonstration opportunities will be available, and scheduled on an individual basis, for only categories remaining after the May 6 competition. The final judging contests will be held May 12, this includes Wildlife Judging and Horticulture Judging, contests will be held at the 4-H office. Finally, the window display contest will take place in May (but then will move to fall each year). We ask that window displays are in place by May 31 (this is a holiday, but displays can be set up prior to this date). Finally, fingers crossed that Delaware 4-H will be able to deliver the great camp experiences we know and love, during the summer months!

If the 4-H office can help in any way, please feel free to reach out to us!

Yours in 4-H,

Kristin Cook, Extension Educator, 4-H & Youth Development

Important Information, Meeting Dates, and Deadlines Listed Below (click on the link for detailed information)

Delaware 4-H Science Resources

Virtual State Teen Conference, February 13, 2021

Delaware 4-H Mission to Mars Series

Cancellation of the 2021 Leader Forum

February Science Activity- 4-H Space Exploration

Delaware 4-H Foundation Grant Request Due March 1st

State Camp Scholarship Application

Re-enrollment Deadline- March 1st