2021-2022 STEM Project Opportunities

 

 

09/22/21
2021-2022 STEM PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES

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Hey all!  

We are excited to share with you some local STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) Project opportunities.  For those new to STEM, this general project area includes the following:

• Computer Science
• Photography & Videography
• Robotics
• Rocketry & Aerospace
• other science activities such as forensics!

The Lee 4-H STEM Club has opened up to include Bastrop County 4-H members interested in this exciting project area!  Check out the information about it below and let us know if you have any questions!

 

CLUB MEETING OPPORTUNITIES:

• The STEM Club Meetings will take place on the first Thursday of each month starting at 5:00 PM (this will change slightly for the December & March meetings)
• They will meet at the Lee County Extension Office (310 S. Grimes Street in Giddings)
• Club Manager: Mary Pearl Meuth
• If you're not able to make these meetings, but are interested in the activities they are doing, please let us know!  We can get some of the activity plans for you to keep up with or do at home

 

OTHER PROJECT RESOURCES:

• Texas 4-H Project Page: https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/project-category/stem/
• 4-H STEM Challenge: https://4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge/ 
• University of Minnesota Virtual STEM projects: https://extension.umn.edu/projects-and-more/4-h-science-technology-engineering-and-math
• 4-H STEM Pinterest Activities: https://www.pinterest.com/Utahcounty4h/stem-4-h-projects/

 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 

2021-2022 Food & Nutrition Project Workshops

 

09/21/21
2021-2022 FOOD & NUTRITION PROJECT WORKSHOPS)

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Good afternoon!

We are excited to start planning for our Food & Nutrition Project this year!  We have a couple of changes to this project area for this year - our main Food & Nutrition Project Leader needed to step back this year, so Miss Hillary, our FCH Agent, is taking on the project education.  These practices are going to be focused on food preparation, food safety, and nutrition.  They may not strictly focus on the contest preparation, so we will work on incorporating more of that in with youth who wish to compete.

PROJECT ENROLLMENT / SIGN-UP:

• Youth interested in participating in these practices must sign up for practices by Tuesday, October 5th, 2021, in the Google Sign Up Form
• To help us cover the cost of the additional food & supply items for practices and contests, each youth participant will need to bring a $5 project fee to the County Extension Office by October 5th, 2021

 

TEAMS:

• Most of our practice and contest formats will include teams of 3-4 individuals.  There are 2 options for teams:
  • Teams that would like to stay together will need to let us know who is on their team ahead of time when they sign up in the online system
  • We will randomly assign teams for those who do not have a team

 

DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS:

• Participants need to wear closed-toed shoes and clothing that they are okay with potentially getting food on.
• Since we are going to be in a smaller, inside space at the Extension Office and closer together than normal, we are going to require youth and adults to wear masks during the in-person practices.

 

PRACTICE INFORMATION:

• Practices are going to focus on food preparation, food safety, and nutrition.  They may not strictly focus on the contest preparation, so we will work on incorporating more of that in with youth who wish to compete.
• Practices will take place at 5:30 PM at the County Extension Office unless otherwise noted: 
  • Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 5:30 PM - virtual via Zoom, Introduction to project and how practices will work
  • Thursday, October 14, 2021
  • Thursday, October 21, 2021
  • Thursday, October 28, 2021
  • Thursday, November 4, 2021
  • Thursday, November 11, 2021
  • Thursday, November 18, 2021

 

CONTEST OPPORTUNITIES:

• County Food Show (Individual) Contest: late October, TBA
• County Food Challenge (Team) Contest: late October, TBA
• District 10 Food Show (Individual) Contest: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 
• District 10 Food Challenge (Team) Contest: Thursday, December 2, 2021

 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

2021-2022 Virtual New 4-H Parent Orientation

 

09/16/21
2021-2022 VIRTUAL NEW 4-H PARENT ORIENTATION

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Hey all, happy Thursday!

I wanted to share that we are hosting a virtual new 4-H parent orientation for new (and prospective) 4-H parents in Bastrop & Lee Counties on Tuesday, September 21st.  Please see the details below, let us know if you have any questions, and feel free to forward to anyone you think might be interested!

DETAILS:

• Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 5:45 PM to 6:45 PM
• Virtual via Zoom - we'll email out the link on Monday evening, and a reminder Tuesday morning
• We will record the session to send out for those who are unable to make it

 

AGENDA:

• Welcome to the Family
• Structure of the 4-H Program
• Role of Parents
• Role of Club Leaders
• Role of CEAs
• Goals of the 4-H Program
• Projects
• 4-H Opportunities
• Advice
• How to navigate the first year of 4-H
• Resources
• Questions

 

RSVP DETAILS:

• Please RSVP by Monday, September 20, 2021, at https://bit.ly/NewParent21 
• Please feel free to email questions you have ahead of time AND to forward to other parents you think would be interested in this opportunity!

 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 

2021-2022 Smithville Livestock Show Updates

09/15/21
SMITHVILLE LIVESTOCK SHOW UPDATES

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Good morning!!

We wanted to pass on the updates for the 2021-2022 Smithville 4-H/FFA Livestock Show scheduled to take place in April 2022 at the River Bend Park in Smithville.

At this time, the Show Board is being cautious about the schedule and will be making more decisions on the schedule and sale as we get closer to the show itself so they can both ensure everyone's safety and the fun nature of the event.

As a reminder, participation in this show is limited to those who attend Smithville ISD and are members of 4-H, FFA, or both.  Also, Quality Counts is not a requirement to participate in this show; however, we highly recommend completing it as part of your project education and if you are interested in showing at majors or the upcoming county show.

Please see the other information below and let us know if you have any questions!

IMPORTANT DATES:

• PLEASE NOTE: the rules and judging schedule(s) are subject to change due to uncontrollable circumstances and/or at the discretion of the Smithville FFA & 4-H Livestock Show & Exposition Committee board due to COVID 19, to ensure safety of our participants, volunteers, & judges.
• Monday, October 18, 2022
  • 4-H & FFA enrollment must be completed by this date to exhibit in the 2022 Smithville Livestock Show
  • You can be a member of either 4-H or FFA (or both!) to participate in the show
• Saturday, November 13, 2021 
  • 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
  • Steers, Heifers, Lambs, & Goats validation, entry forms & fees due
  • Broiler order forms, entry forms, & fees due
  • Rabbit entry forms & fees due
• Week of January 8-15, 2022 - rabbit does need to be bred at this time for the show
• Saturday, January 15, 2022
  • 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
  • Barrow validation, entry forms & fees due
  • Ag Mechanics entry forms & fees due
• Late February/Early March 2022 - Broiler Chicks ready for pick-up (about 7 weeks before the show)
• Monday, March 21, 2022 - Rabbit Validation from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
• Sunday, April 10, 2022 - Mandatory Set-Up Day @ 2:00 PM
• Thursday, April 21, 2022 - Scales available at River Bend Park from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (all species)
• Saturday, April 23, 2022 - SHOW DAY!!!
• Sunday, April 24, 2022 - Mandatory Clean-Up Day @ 2:00 PM
• Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - Thank You notes should be completed/received by buyers and the show board (mailed directly to the buyers & a proof mailed to the show board)

 

RULES:

• Download the Rule Book Here
• Big Changes have a NEW*** notation that is in red text and yellow highlighted

 

FORMS (click on link to download):

• Entry Forms
  • Due 11/13/21 for Steers, Heifers, Lambs, Goats, Broilers, & Rabbits 
  • Due 01/15/22 for Barrows & Ag Mechanics
• Rules Acknowledgement Form - DUE at time of entry
• Project Expense Sheet - DUE on April 10, 2022 at Set-Up Day, must be completed for EACH of your projects

 

RECRUITING/INVITING BUYERS:

• You will need to reach out to buyers ahead of time to develop a relationship with them and invite them to the show and sale:
  • This is not just a one-time thing, you will need to keep them updated on your project and your goals
  • Start out with an initial letter at the beginning of the school year updating them on what projects you have, your goals, and invite them to the show 
  • Send them some updates on your projects throughout the year and send them some reminders and invites as we get closer to the show
• Be sure to take pictures of you and your animals throughout your project timeline to add it to your letters/updates
• Some Examples of information to include: 
  • Tell them about yourself. Example - My name is ________ and I am a senior at _______________. I have been an active member in my chapter by showing_____________, and I have been an 4-H/FFA officer for three years.
  • Tell them about this year's project, and share pictures.
  • Tell them your goals for this year's project. Example - I plan on showing Ricky Bobby at the Smithville 4-H/FFA Livestock show, and then taking him to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. If you didn't get to show last year, included how your last year project was impacted because of COVID.
  • INVITE THEM TO COME TO THE SHOW. Include date and time... make the invite personal
  • Make sure to thank them, and personally sign it!
  • THE MORE PERSONAL AND INVITING THE BETTER. If people get to know you they will become INVESTED in you and your project. 
• Rockne Livestock Booster Club Buyer’s Letter Resources:
  • Video Overview on writing Buyer Letters
  • RLB Buyer Letter Template (Word)
  • Sample Buyer’s Letter Template (Word)

 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

09/09/21 4-H Email Blast: Elgin Livestock Show Opportunities & Updates

 

09/09/21
ELGIN LIVESTOCK SHOW OPPORTUNITIES & UPDATES

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Good Afternoon!

The Elgin Livestock Show has opened up their Livestock Show AND Youth Fair to all Bastrop County 4-H/FFA members!  The new board members just recently received access to the show website and are in the process of updating information throughout the next few days.  Their goal is to build up a true county show experience and develop a tight-knit community through doing so.

All projects exhibited will be eligible to be sold at the auction based on their placement in the show/youth fair.  The only exception to this is the Little Wranglers division of the Youth Fair, which is open to Kindergarten through 2nd Grade participants (clover kid ages).  The auction will be a ribbon sale only.  Youth fair projects that do not make auction will also have the opportunity to be sold at the Country Store.

Check out some of the other information available below and let us know if you have any questions!
 

2021-2022 SHOW BOARD & MEETING INFORMATION:

• WEBSITE: https://www.elginlivestockshowassociation.com/ 

• ELECTED OFFICERS
  • President: Patrick Maass
  • Vice-President: Deborah Blackmore
  • Secretary: Sarah Munzer
  • Treasurer: Eric Fisher
  • Note - cell numbers are being added to the website this week 
• EMAIL: elginlivestockofficers@gmail.com 
• MAILING ADDRESS:
  • Elgin Livestock Show Association
  • PO Box 1056
  • Elgin, Texas 78621
• MEETING DATES:
  • First Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Elgin VFW off of Hwy 95
  • Next Meeting: Monday, October 4th 

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:

• There is a family membership requirement to participate in the show:
  • Each family needs to complete a Membership Form and pay the $15 per family membership fee to the Show Board by October 1st, 2021 for the 2021-2022 year.
  • Members are required to participate in a few activities (these are being reviewed, as well, and may change slightly):
    • Sell at least 1 fundraising ticket 
    • Participate in a barn cleanup
    • Complete Thank You Notes
• The 2021-2022 Membership Form is available for download on the Elgin Livestock Show Association Website

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

• October 1, 2021 - family membership forms and dues are due to the show board

• November 1, 2021 - Livestock & Youth Fair entry forms and fees are due to the show board
• January 7, 2021 - **TENTATIVE** Youth Fair Entry Check-in (in the AM, official time TBA)
• January 8, 2021 - **TENTATIVE** Livestock Show (official times TBA, based on number of entries)

 

LIVESTOCK SHOW  & YOUTH FAIR UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES:

• The Show Board is still in the process of updating their final 2021-2022 Rules; the 2020-2021 Rules are available on the website for reference with some of the changes noted (the dates will also be slightly different)
• Entry forms with payment will be due by November 1st, 2021 for both youth fair items and livestock.  We are going to ask that 4-H members also email/send a copy of just the entry form to us at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu to help us coordinate eligibility.
• Entry Forms will be available at the next board meeting on Monday, October 4th, at 7:00 PM at the Elgin VFW (they should be available on the website at that time, as well)
• All state validated animals are accepted; if an animal is not state validated, they must be validated by the show.  (Rabbits and Poultry do not have a state validation)
• Poultry must be ordered from Becky Maass (bmaass@elginisd.net) in addition to submitting an entry fee.  

 

FALL FUNDRAISER:

• The Show Board did recently put together their Fall Fundraiser - they are working on printing tickets off for it this week  Tickets may be picked up next Monday, September 13th, around 6:00 PM at the El McGuey restaurant in Elgin 
• The fall fundraiser is selling tickets for a nice supper at a winery in McDade scheduled for .Thursday, October 28th.  The tickets are $100 each and will include:
  • Supper for 2 - they're thinking a nice chicken breast supper
  • Drink tickets
  • Acoustic Music
• We will have a few tickets available for families to pick up and sell (or purchase) at the County Extension Office for those unable to grab some at the Monday pick-up.

 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

09/02/2021 4-H Email Blast: District 10 4-H Mega Meeting (4-H Conference)

 

 

09/02/21
DISTRICT 10 4-H MEGA MEETING
(USED TO BE 4-H CONFERENCE)

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Hey all,

We are excited to announce that we will host our 2021 District 10 4-H Mega Meeting (formerly known as District 10 4-H Conference) on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Comfort High School. This event is open to all 4-H members, parents, adult volunteers, and agents who would like to come learn more about 4-H and network within District 10. Registration for Mega Meeting will formally open on 4HOnline (v2.4honline.com) on Sept. 1st (Wednesday) and close Sept. 13th, 2021 (Monday)!
  

OVERVIEW:

• Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
• Location: Comfort High School; 143 US-87 Comfort, TX 78013
• The 2021 District 10 4-H Mega Meeting (formerly known as Conference) is a District event that gives youth and adults the opportunity to expand their 4-H knowledge and meet 4-H members in District 10. It provides for district level leadership that they can take back to their county and teach to local 4-Hers. Mega Meeting will feature hands-on game sessions for youth, adult volunteers, and agents!  
• This event is open to ALL 4-H MEMBERS and is a great way to connect with the County & District 10 Council Officers, as well as meet other District 10 4-H members and learn about fun things to bring back to our county!  We would love to see you there!

 

COST:

• Cost: $30.00 per registrant, youth and adults
• Included with cost: Lunch & T-Shirt Provided

 

REGISTRATION INFO:

• Registration:
  
  • via 4-H Online
  • Open September 1-13, 2021
    
  • All 4-H members, parents, volunteers, agents, or other youth not of 4-H age must register to participate in the event.
• All youth, adults and agents registering for Conference will need to be approved members on 4-H Online before you can register. If you have a small child that is going to stay with a parent (non-participant), please let the District 10 Office know at D104-H@ag.tamu.edu
• There will be no refunds for registration fees
• Registrations will not be finalized in 4-H Online until the week before the event

 

LINK TO DISTRICT 10 EVENT LETTER & MAP TO LOCATION:

• District 10 Mega Meeting Letter with full details, schedule & Map
• Google Maps Link to Comfort High School
• Event Schedule:

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H