Update on Suspended 4-H Activities

Dear 4-H Families:

During this time of uncertainty, we are in this together!  We are learning alongside one another and living by the 4-H motto, “To Make The Best Better.”

K-State Research & Extension (KSRE) has made an incredibly hard and heart-wrenching decision.  We had a meeting this afternoon which informed us of the decision to continue with no face-to-face (or in-person) Extension programming activities or contact with our participants through July 4. We are sharing this information with you at this time so you hear it from us first.  However, we ask that you please do not make any posts on social media until after you have received information from Kansas 4-H tomorrow.

Here is why:

• The health of YOU (our constituents), volunteers, and professionals is KSRE’s #1 priority;
• We cannot assure that health through July 4; and
• We need to divert planning and preparations to alternative activities.

Therefore, the following state 4-H coordinated events will be impacted:

• Discovery Days
• 4-H Camps
• Campference
• Insect Spectacular
• Geology Field Trip
• Shooting Sports Matches
• District Horse Shows
• Shutterbug Events

Other events that will be included (but not limited to):  CKD 4-H Dog Show, Horse Clinics, and in-person project meetings.

While the above events are impacted, we do not know what virtual option(s) may or may not come about.  I ask that you keep up on your email and the CKD 4-H Blog for announcements.

Before you ask, will we have in-person county fairs?  The answer is, at this time, we just don’t know.  Regardless if an in-person county fair happens or not, there is no doubt that we will work with our local fairboards on providing a showcased learning experience for our 4-H members.  For our livestock exhibitors that still need tags, we ask that you continue to be patient.  Once a plan has been devised and approved, we will get information out to you.  For KSF and KJLS exhibitors only:  Since you will have nomination paperwork that needs to be signed and it cannot be signed until the tag has seen in the animals ear, please contact Cade Rensink (crensink@ksu.edu).

Again, we are in this time of uncertainty together!  The decision that KSRE administration has made is the responsible decision.  Now, we are responsible for:

• Abiding by this decision;
• Planning to engage and keep engaging in ways that are offered (i.e., virtual club meetings, leadership workshops, etc.);
• Planning for county fairs & alternate activities; and
• Developing alternative showcases for 4-H participants while obeying social distancing for the safety of everyone.

While the situation is fluid and more information will continue to come your way, know we are here to help you and answer questions!  Do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Our methods are changing, our opportunity is growing, and our 4-H mission remains the same!