County Public Speaking Contest
It has been a while since we've seen each other at the OSU Extension Center! Register for the County Public Speaking Contest by 1/13/22 and join us on Saturday, January 22nd, 2022 from 1pm-6pm.
H.U.G.S. Service Project
Hats, underwear, gloves, and socks are among some of the most needed items for the unhoused population during the winter months.

We donate to the Homeless Alliance and Citizens Caring for Children.

Between all of our clubs and donors, we were able to donate nearly 2,500 items to those in need! Thank you so much for all you have done for our community!
On Behalf of the Oklahoma County Fair Board
Please mark these dates on your calendar.

On the week of January 3-7, you may file to run for a fair board seat at the County Clerk's Office. There was a vote to redistrict recently, so please double check your district. The election will take place at the OSU Extension Office on January 25th from 10am-1pm. There will be a fair board meeting on January 27th at 7pm at the OSU Extension Conference Center.

If you have any questions, please contact your fair board members, your county elected officials, or the OSU Extension office.
Chili Cook-Off
The biggest fundraiser of the year is taking place on January 28th, 6-9 pm, at the Science Museum Oklahoma. Stop by the Oklahoma County OSU Extension Office for tickets to this year's chili cook-off and auction. We are requesting a suggested donation of $15, however, children 7 and under and active 4-H members eat free. Your ticket includes admission, samples of all chili, one bowl of your favorite chili, potato bar, fixins, tea, water, and lemonade. Plus, you can cast your vote for best chili. Other event activities include:
Live Auction
Silent Auction
Desserts for purchase
Grab and Go items
1/2 & 1/2 Cash Giveaway
Live entertainment
4-H Apparel for purchase

We are having a planning meeting on January 4th at 6pm for any 4-H'ers and parents who want to be involved in the planning of this event. Check with your club leader to see what your club is bringing (chili, auction basket, dessert, etc.)!
Science Night at the Museum
Everyone can attend this fun night at the science museum! The science museum program is perfect for 9-12 year old youth, but every age seems to enjoy the event. Since this is a non-competitive event, feel free to bring younger or older youth, brothers, sisters, cousins, even those really big kids (parents and chaperones) to enjoy an evening filled with science and fun.

Families are always welcome to participate.

February 11th-12th, 7:00PM - 7:00AM

Location:
Science Museum of Oklahoma
2020 Remington Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Cost:
$45 for Youth
$25 for Adults

Spring County Livestock and Horse Shows
The spring livestock and horse shows are coming up and we will be using a new registration system. The fair board recently approved the purchase of ShoWorks, the same system used by OYE, the State Fair, and Tulsa State Fair. We will be sending out links to register in the next newsletter. In the meantime, please review the rulebook.

Livestock Show: February 24-26
Horse Show: March 5
JOIN OUR TEXT REMINDER LIST
Text @okcounty4h to the number 81010. You’ll receive a welcome text from Remind. If anyone has trouble with 81010, you can try texting @okcounty4h to (419) 464-9705.

OR
What club should you join?
Oklahoma County 4-H has so many amazing clubs!

If you are new to the county or to 4-H in general, get in touch with one of our super volunteers and check out a meeting.

Don't see a club in your area or project area? Consider starting your own club today!

Want to start a 4-H Club? The qualifications include:
  1. At least five youth members from two or more families.
  2. Certified volunteer(s) who care about working with members, teen leaders and parents.
  3. Maintain a necessary/appropriate adult to youth ratio. (1:8 in most cases)
  4. A structure that gives members the shared responsibility for making decisions and operating the club.
  5. An organized, fun and educational program planned by members, volunteers and parents.
  6. Six or more club meetings during the year.
  7. Participation in learning experiences outside of the local group.
  8. Involvement in the community through service-learning.
  9. Personal evaluation and recognition of progress on individual and group/club goals.
  10. Effective blend of all five components of the 4-H Recognition Model.

The process for creating a new club begins by submitting a Club Charter Application to your county OSU Extension office. A group requesting a charter must the agree upon the following:

  • The use of the 4-H name and emblem is granted on the basis that membership in the 4-H group named above of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • The 4‑H club/group is the local learning group in which 4‑H members are involved. Club activities are critical to 4‑H as they advocate both leadership and cooperation among club members. 

For more information, click here

We are currently searching for a volunteer to lead the Harrah 4-H Club. Contact Mindy or Cody for more information.
4-H’ers to learn first-hand about legislative process
Members of Oklahoma 4-H and Oklahoma FFA will be joining forces this summer to learn more about the state’s legislative process.

The Oklahoma Youth Legislative Experience, slated July 12-13, will provide 4-H and FFA members with an in-person experience at the Oklahoma State Capitol to learn more about how government works, said Cathleen Taylor, state leadership and civic engagement specialist with the State 4-H office at Oklahoma State University.
FUTURE EVENTS
County Speech Entries Due: Jan. 13
County Speech Contest: Jan. 22, 1-6 pm, County Extension Office, OKC
Chili Cook Off and Auction: Jan. 28, Science Museum Oklahoma, OKC
Virtual SED Share the Fun: Feb. 1
County FCS Skills Day: Feb. 5
Science Night @ the Museum: Feb. 11, Science Museum Oklahoma, OKC
SED Speech Contest Registration Due: Feb. 18
County Livestock Show: February 24-26, Jones High School, Jones
County Horse Show: March 5, State Fairgrounds, OKC
OYE: Mar 7-18, Oklahoma City
Spring Break Day Camp: March 17-18, County Extension Office, OKC
SED Speech Contest: March 24, Pontotoc County Office, Ada
SED Livestock Judging Registration Due: Mar. 31
SED Livestock Judging: Apr. 5, Murray State College, Tishomingo
County Food Showdown: April 9
SED FCS Skillathon & Food Showdown Registration Due: May 5
SED FCS Skillathon & Food Showdown: May 16
SED Dutch Oven Registration Due: May 20
SED Dutch Oven Contest: May 26
SED FCS Skills Day Registration Due: June 1
SED Animal Science Field Day Registration Due: June 14
4-H Camp: June 14-17, Canyon Camp, Hinton
SED Animal Science Field Day: June 21
SED Skills Day: June 23

These dates are subject to change.
Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https://eeo.okstate.edu.