State 4-H Leaders of SD - Making the Best Better!

2024 SD 4-H State Fair Book
The 2024 4-H State Fair Book has been uploaded to the state website! Here is the 2024 State Fair book and information. https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2024-04/MC-03551.pdf
Please note that pages 5-7 have a summary of changes from the 2023 State Fair book.
**Entry Limits have been set by each department. There are no overall caps on exhibit entries by participants. Please see each department for the specific entry limit. As an example, the entry limit for all Display Exhibits is 6 entries, for Poultry is 4 entries, and Sheep is 4 entries. In general, for each department, you will find the entry limit under Eligibility Requirements.
**Check out the YIA Mastery Showcase opportunity on pages 57-58.
**The SD 4-H Livestock Integrity Pledge was implemented during the 2022 4-H year. Find details on page 104. Also review page 105 on IAFE Show Ring Code of Ethics.


4-H Online sign in link


We provide a number of scholarships to our 4-H Members!

4-H Camp, TLC, Performing Arts, SDSU Dairy Judging Camp, SDSU Livestock Judging Camp, National Trips, Ambassador Scholarships

We offer the following scholarships: 
4-H Camp @ Lake Poinsett or Storm Mountain - $50
SDSU Dairy Judging Camp - $50
Teen Leadership Conference/TLC - $75
Performing Arts - $75
SDSU Livestock Judging Camp - $75
National Trips - National 4-H Shooting Sports or NAILE or FCS Skillathon San Antonio 2024 or Fashion Revue Contest San Antonio 2024 or National Land & Range Judging (OK) - $75
4-H Ambassador - $75

Here is how the scholarship program works for camps or trips.
Step 1 Register for the 2024 event and pay the full fees.
Step 2 Attend the event and have a great time!!
 Step 3 Tell one group (4-H camp or Dairy Judging) or two groups (all other scholarship options) about the event or experience.
Step 4 Complete the camp assistance/scholarship application form with all signatures and submit to the State 4-H Leaders of SD.  Electronic signatures are acceptable, and the completed form may be scanned and emailed or mailed. You will receive your scholarship money within 2 weeks of its receipt. Applications are due by December 31, 2024.
**Click here for the camp App-CampFeeAssistance.pdf
**Click here for the National Trip form App-NationalTripScholarship.pdf

Here are the details on the 4-H Ambassador Scholarship 

The State 4-H Leaders of SD offer a scholarship assistance program to provide a $75 scholarship to assist with travel and clothing expenses for 4-H Ambassadors.
Here s how it works:

*Step 1 You were chosen as a 4-H Ambassador!

*Step 2 Tell 2 groups about your Ambassador role and plans. You may choose to tell your 4-H Club, your FFA chapter, a class at school, etc. Spread the word about this great opportunity!

*Step 3 Complete the application with all signatures and submit to the State 4-H Leaders of SD. You will receive your scholarship money within 2 weeks of its receipt. Applications are due by December 31, 2024.
App-AmbassadorScholarship.pdf

Mini-Grants - for 2024-25 4-H Year 

As you are gearing up to plan for this next 4-H year you may want to consider applying for a Mini Grant!

Mini grant applications are due December 31^st. They must be received via email or postmarked by 12/31/24. Late applications will not be considered.

http://southdakota4hleaders.com/doc/App-MiniGrant.pdf or

http://southdakota4hleaders.com/doc/App-MiniGrant.doc

The grant amount available per county is $400. Counties may choose to do projects together 2 counties can apply for $800 for a combined project 3 counties can apply for $1200 for a combined project. The max amount available for a single project is $1200.

Note: If you received a grant in this past 4-H year, you are required to submit a report on the project before you are eligible to apply for this year s grant opportunity.

So what is a Mini Grant? Each year, the State 4-H Leaders of SD award Mini-Grants across the state to county or 4-H club projects. The purpose of the 4-H Grants Program is to address youth needs at the local level. The State 4-H Leaders of SD recognize that the greatest impact of 4-H occurs at the local level, usually between youth and 4-H volunteers.

Criteria for awarding funds include:

* Potential for youth involvement in the planning and implementation of the project.
* Potential impact on addressing youth issues at a local level through either a traditional or nontraditional setting.
* Potential for increasing life skill outcomes for youth.

* Potential for reaching expanded youth audiences e.g. at-risk low income, single parent families, other cultures, disabled, etc.
* Potential for transitioning new youth audiences into more traditional or ongoing 4-H programs.

Grants funds can be used to purchase educational materials and supplies, expenses/honorariums for speakers, travel and training. Generally, snacks for refreshments, give-away items, e.g. t-shirts, etc. and building rental are not approved expenditures. Monies can t be used for capital equipment or hardware (defined as items and material with a life expectancy of greater than five years) or building drives.

Leader Dues
Leader dues for 2024-2025 are $5 per leader if paid by December 31, 2024 or $6 per leader if paid after December 31.  Dues may be mailed to State 4-H Leaders of SD, c/o Paula Linke, Executive Secretary, 39833 233rd St, Woonsocket SD  57385.  Please include this completed worksheet with your check, and also email the worksheet to her at sd4hleaders@santel.net. 

T-shirts, Hoodies, 1/4 Zips, Jackets, Hats, Jewelry and More Available:

We were excited to roll out new logos and apparel in 2024 at the State Fair!!  Congratulations to our 2024 winner of the t-shirt logo contest...Andi & Arden Raml. Note that the State 4-H Leaders of SD sell apparel and jewelry year-round.  Check out all the options here.  Just place your order at least two weeks ahead of when you need the shirts. 

Judging 4-H Cookies & Bars

Here is a training video from State 4-H Leaders of SD.
Link to the video Judging 4-H Cookies & Bars - YouTube
Link to a document with more information that could be printed for reference http://www.southdakota4hleaders.com/Judging/JudgingCookies.pdf
We hope that this video will be a good resource for judges, as well as for our families preparing the exhibits.