Routt County 4-H news & updates
January 16, 2024
Upcoming Events
Click here to access the Routt County 4-H Google Calendar!
TONIGHT, 6pm, Routt County Junior Livestock Sale Committee Meeting in the Alpine Bank Conference Room. We are looking for more volunteers, please reach out to Renee May, or Millie if you have any questions.
January 16, January 24, March 4, March 13, March 19, April 2, April 10, 5:30pm, Leathercraft Workshops in the Trout Creek Room. Leathercraft workshops are optional. Please click here for the full schedule.

RSVPs are Required 48 Hours prior to the workshop. Please click HERE to RSVP.
January 17, Citizenship Washington Focus Registration opens in 4-H Online. Registration is due February 16th at 5pm. More information on CWF can be found in the Leadership Opportunities section of the newsletter.
January 18, January 31, February 8, February 17, 4-5:30pm, Cake Decorating Workshops in the Extension Kitchen. Cake Decorating workshops are optional, but highly encouraged for anyone enrolled in the project.

RSVPs are Required 48 Hours prior to the workshop. Please click HERE to RSVP.
January 24, February 28, March 27, April 3, May 29, June 26 5pm, Cloverbud Workshops. Please click here for the full schedule of Cloverbud Workshops.

RSVPs are Required 48 Hours prior to the workshop. Please click HERE to RSVP.
January 24, February 28, April 3, May 29, 6pm, Jr Leader Meetings. Please click here for a full outline of the Jr Leader Program.
January 27-29, Leadership Development Conference in Denver. Cost for Routt County 4-H Members is $100.

Registration is now open through January 11th at 5pm in 4-HOnline. Please enroll early so we can plan accordingly for chaperones, travel plans, and county night out.
January 28, 12:30-2:30pm, Steer Weigh-In at the Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden. Cost is $5 per animal. Please have the Weigh In Form completed before arriving at the scale. You must be enrolled in Routt County 4-H with all fees paid (including any past due fees). Questions? Take a look at the handbook section that discusses spring weigh-ins.
February 4, 5pm, Routt County Exchange Group Meeting in the Trout Creek Room. Scroll down to Leadership Opportunities to learn more about Exchange.
February 11, Winter Carnival Parade - Routt County 4-H is in the Diamond Hitch Parade! Join us on foot, or a pair of skis to partake in our Diamond Hitch. Please fill out the Google Form if you would like to participate.
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February 19:The Routt County Extension Office will be closed in observance of President's Day.
February 20-22, 2-4pm, Sample 4-H, Blues Break Camp. Join us for 3 days of sampling 4-H Projects. $10/day. RSVP early before spaces fill up.

BONUS - Enroll in Routt County 4-H as a new member and get your camp fees credited to your enrollment. That is up to $30 off your $40 enrollment fee!
March 2, Ski Day at Mount Werner. Tami will be handing out lift tickets in Gondola Square from 9am-10am. Members and families will then meet at the top of Thunderhead for a picture at 11am. This is an unsupervised event, please plan accordingly.

Lift tickets are free for 4-H members, and half price for parents. If anyone needs ski rentals, there will be half price rentals available.

RSVP to Tami by February 21st at 5pm.
March 6, 6pm, Parli Pro Training in the Hayden FFA Ag Room. All Club Officers are highly encouraged to attend this fun training taught by Eric Wellman.
March 11, April 11, April 17, 4-5pm, Gardening Workshops in the Trout Creek Room. Gardening workshops are optional, but highly encouraged for anyone enrolled in the project.

RSVPs are Required 48 Hours prior to the workshop. Please click HERE to RSVP.
March 17, 2 pm, Casey's Pond Snow Sculpture Building. All Steamboat and North Routt 4-H members are encouraged to join us as we make some snow sculptures for the residents at Casey's Pond to enjoy.
March 17, 11am-1pm, Ag Week Petting Zoo at Howelson Hill. Join Routt County 4-H and the Community Ag Alliance as we kick off Ag Week with a petting zoo at Ski Free Sunday.

Please RSVP to Routt County 4-H, by March 8th at 5pm, if you are able to provide an animal.
March 20, 6pm, Mandatory New Member Dinner at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. Come join us as we discuss important dates, outline the importance of 4-H, and meet the faces behind Routt County 4-H!

All first year members and their families are required to attend!
April 1, 6:30pm, Vet Science Meetings begin at the Steamboat Springs Veterinary Hospital. Meetings will be held on Mondays through July 22.

Members must be enrolled in the Vet Science Project in order to participate in these workshops. A full list of workshops can be found here.
April 5-7, District Retreat in Glenwood Springs. More information on registration for the event will be posted soon.
General 4-H News
The Routt County 4-H Member Handbook, Policy and Procedures is updated and approved. All members must abide by the Routt County 4-H Member Handbook, Policies, and Procedures while enrolled in the Routt County 4-H Program.
2023-2024 Record Books are still being worked on by the Colorado 4-H State Office. We will post the current record books when they are available for download.
  • Livestock Members, scroll down to your section for record book tips and tricks!
  • More information on Record Books (including club books) can be found on our website.
4-H Enrollment is Open!
Here is a LINK to how to enroll, clubs, projects and much more. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!
  • Interested in specific projects? Check out the sections below for project workshops!
  • Are you new to 4-H? Have questions? Mark your calendar for the New Member Dinner, March 20.
Stay up to date on all things Routt County 4-H. Follow, like and share our Facebook page(s)!
Financial Opportunities
Are you passionate about soil, air, or water? Would you like $500 to explore your passion? Check out the Granary Innovation Challenge to get more information on how to get $500 to put towards your passion.
Some Examples of your application can be:
  • Design a more energy efficient chicken coop
  • Start your own pollinator garden
  • Make a movie about the importance of Range Land
  • Compost area for horse manure
  • Create a horse feeder that reduces hay waste
  • Convert your tank water heater to solar
  • OR any other creative component you can dream up!
You can fill out the loan application here.
Please email your completed application to Christine Epp by May 15th.
Applications can be found here.
Colorado 4-H awards scholarships annually to outstanding youth who have actively engaged in Colorado 4-H clubs for at least three years. The scholarship process is open from November 1, 2023, through March 1, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May 2024. There are opportunities available for all kinds of students, including those attending CSU or other universities, trade schools or junior colleges, transfer students, and continuing students. We encourage our 4-H participants to apply. There is $49,500 available in funding this year!
Routt County 4-H Scholarship Applications will be posted in February.
Club Reports
High Point
January 14, 2024
High Point 4-H Club held their meeting on January 14th. The meeting was called to order at 2:07pm. Tim led the pledges, and Jessica completed role call, Secretary Report, Treasure's report, and the Council Report. Under old business we discussed Bowling at Snowbowl. We completed our Officer Elections.
President: Jessica Bedell
Vice President: Alley Kvols
Secretary: Shea Rossi
Treasure: Erick Yeiser
Reporter: Cole Lujan
Council Representative: Tim Bedell and Addisyn Schlaff
Historian: Nicholas Tanyuk
Game Master: Sky Lujan
The meeting was adjourned at 2:46pm
Submitted by: Cole Lujan
Routt County 4-H Council
January 10, 2024
The Routt County 4-H Council met on January 10 at the Trout Creek room in Steamboat, thank you to all that showed up!
  • We started the meeting off by listening to a presentation given for the Hayden Granary Innovation Challenge, all members 14+ should really look into the project as it gives an amazing opportunity for you to pursue one of your passions! Thank you to Tammie Delaney and Grip-tape for shedding some light on this incredible opportunity at the meeting!
  • After that we played a short game and got started with the meeting.
  • We went over recent events such as the 4-H Craft Table at A Very Steamboat Holiday Festival and the 4-H Council Officer Retreat and moved on to unfinished business:
  • BBQ Update- tabled until next meeting after the BBQ meeting on January 16.
  • We finally discussed new business:
  • Are you ready for the 4-H year?
  • Do you have your project manual?
  • Record books have not been posted this year yet- extension office will let you know when they are available, make sure to use the most up to date record book-2023-2024.
  • Non-animal projects-have you reviewed the Exhibit Day project requirements so you know what you are working towards?
  • Animal projects- mark your calendars for your weigh in dates and the animal ID dates. If you keep your animal someplace other than your house: You must complete an Animal Care and Housing form and turn in to the Extension Office.
  • January 16- Join the BBQ or Jr. Livestock Sale committee- we need more volunteers to help!
  • 5pm- BBQ planning meeting at Extension Office
  • 6pm- Jr. Livestock Sale planning meeting at Alpine Bank
  • What is Jr. Leadership?- This is a leadership opportunity for all 4-H youth ages 14-18 who want to be an ambassador for Routt County 4-H and improve your leadership skills. We meet monthly to help put on fun 4-H events throughout the year and help at fair. Our first Jr. Leader meeting is on January 24 at 6pm in the Board of County Commissioners room.
  • Beef weigh in is January 28 from 12:30-2:30 at the Routt County Fair grounds. The cost is $5 per animal and you must complete your weigh In sheets prior to arriving at the scale.
  • 4-H and the Winter Carnival Parade- It’s on February 11, join by foot or on skis to partake in our diamond hitch graciously provided by Del’s Triangle Three Ranch. RSVP through the link in the newspaper or email Tami at the extension office.
  • Sample 4-H – Blues Break Workshop- February 20-22, from 2-4pm. This is for members and non-members who will get to experience all sorts of fun activities like cake decorating, food preservation, knitting, scrapbooking, macramé, and leathercraft!
  • Check out the project workshops in our newsletter:
  • Cloverbud
  • Leathercraft
  • Gardening
  • Cake decorating
  • Team Robotics
  • Vet Science
  • Shooting Sports- Including Air Rifle in South Routt and Steamboat
  • Dog/Horse/Poultry/Livestock-More info to come on these workshops
  • Then the meeting was adjourned- Our next meeting will be at 6pm in Hayden which will include a Parliamentary Procedure Training provided by Eric Wellman. This will be an in person meeting.
  • Upcoming events- check out the bi-weekly newsletter for more info on these events.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Bedell
Routt County Council Reporter 2024

January 3, 2024
On January 3rd, the Routt county council held an officer retreat and meeting at the Hagenbuch’s home. It was filled with fun games and activities that got everyone laughing and in a positive attitude for the night!
  • We started the meeting off by going over the structure of 4-H + the history and purpose of the extension office.
  • Then reviewed the duties and expectations of each council officer.
  • After that we discussed the openings for 4-H scholarships and the logistics of the 4-H offered scholarships for senior members.
  • Then we continued to review the following:
  • Code of Conduct + 4-H Dress Code.
  • Communication within the council.
  • Bobby Robinson Sr. Memorial BBQ + What to do the money coming in from sponsors to improve the facilities and aspects of the program.
  • The 2024 Fundraising plan.
  • 4-H T-Shirts (Opted to keep the navy blue and gray shirts with the past design):Sales start April 1-June 1.
  • Buckle/Reserve Champion awards (committees).
  • Workshops for members: County Retreat on Sept 21-22, 4-H Day/elementary class visits, Cloverbud workshops, and Fun Day on June 12.
  • Upcoming events: NWSS tickets, Cowboy Downhill Petting Zoo, Jr. Leader meeting, and Winter Carnival. All activities 4-H will have some participation in.
  • And finally we did a brainstorming activity to come up with the council’s goals for the 2024 4-H year!
This entire night was so much fun and a great experience for all that were involved!

Respectfully Submitted,
Jessica Bedell
2024 Routt County Council Reporter
Elk River Wranglers
January 7, 2024
The Elk River Wranglers had our January club meeting at the Moonhill Schoolhouse on January 7th. Following pledges and officers reports, Jason Heid reminded us of all of the upcoming events that 4-H members can participate in such as the winter carnival, cowboy downhill 4-H petting zoo, LDC and district retreat. He encouraged us to read the 4-H newsletter for links to sign up.

Respectfully submitted
Elk River Wranglers reporter
Charlotte Heintz
Goodtimes
January 7, 2024
On Sunday, January 7th the Goodtimes 4-H club had the first meeting of 2024. we held officer elections for our club.
President: Kelbee Manzanares
Vice President: Kasey Singer
Secretary: Sydney Wattles
Treasurer: Lucy Wattles
Reporter: Joseph Elkinton
Historian: Grace Elkinton and Kyson Manzanares
Council Representatives: Sydney and Lucy Wattles. Following the meeting we had a potluck lunch.
Submitted by:
Joseph Elkinton
Flat Top
December 10, 2024
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, Flat Top 4-H Club held their meeting at South Routt Elementary School. During the meeting the Calendar committee met and planned out the rest of the Flat Tops 4-H year. We had a new member join the Flat Tops 4-H Club. Members brought caned goods and we will be dropping them off at the senior center in Oak Creek. We look forward to the next meeting on January 21, 2024 at 1:00 to meet for bowling. 
 
Respectfully submitted by: Gavin Ahlgrim
Courtesy Posts
Please reach out to Renee May, or Millie if you have any questions on how to get involved with this great committee!
Join CSU Routt County Extension in the Trout Creek Room on January 25th to learn more about Food Preservation. Class is free, but please email Melina to reserve your spot!
Register for this event here!
New Member Information
Learn more about Routt County 4-H on our WEBSITE.
  • See a list of our 4-H clubs and when they meet.
  • Learn about all the projects 4-H has to offer.
  • The Colorado 4-H WEBSITE also offers project information and record book links. Click on the area of a project of interest (word on picture square), then click on the project you want to learn more about.

March 20, 2024, 6-7pm, Mandatory New Member Dinner. Come join us as we discuss important dates, outline the importance of 4-H, and meet the faces behind Routt County 4-H!
4-H Project Area Information
WANTED - Hayden .22 Rifle Leader if you are interested in becoming a leader, please reach out to Tami ASAP!

Leader Training Dates -   All workshops are tentative and may be cancelled or adjusted for reason including but not limited to low registration numbers, inclement weather, etc.
  • March 1-3, Morgan County - (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun)
  • March 8-10, Pueblo County – (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Hunting & Outdoor Skills, Western Heritage)
  • March 15-17, Weld County – (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun)
  • March 22-24, Garfield County - (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Hunting & Outdoor Skills, Western Heritage)

Project Requirements - please make sure that you are aware of the requirements for your project. You can find a complete list of the requirements on the Colorado State 4-H Website.

Important Shooting Sports Dates -
  • May 1 - Project Add/Drop/Change Date
  • July 6 - Completion Weekend Registration Due
  • July 10 - FairEntry Registration Due
  • July - Completion Weekend
  • July 27 - Exhibit Day
Project Dates - check out the following links for important project dates!
  • Cattle - please note, the Winter Weigh-in date is January 28th
  • Swine - please note, the Spring Weigh-in date is May 5th
  • Sheep - please note, the Spring Weigh-in date is May 5th
  • Goat - please note, the Spring Weigh-in date is May 5th
  • Horse
  • Poultry
  • Rabbit
  • Dog
Pre-Fair Weigh-Ins -
Livestock Dates -
  • January 28- Beef Weigh-In
  • April 24 - Meat Quality Assurance
  • May 1 - Project Add/Drop/Change Date
  • May 1 - Horse and Dog IDs Due
  • May 5 - Sheep/Goat/Swine Weigh-In
  • June 1 - Market (Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goat) Animal IDs Due
  • June 10-14, 2024 - NW Colorado Expo in Grand County
  • July 1 - Breeding Animal (Cattle, Swine, Sheep, Goat, Poultry, Rabbit) IDs Due
  • July 10 - Market Poultry/Rabbit Animal IDs Due
  • July 10 - FairEntry Registration Due
  • August 7 - Fair Set-Up Day
  • August 9-17 - Routt County Fair
  • August 18 - Fair Break-Down Day
  • September 17 - Record Books Due to the Extension Office
Jackpots, Shows, and Expos -
These are shows we are sharing from other counties for members to participate in. The postings are for your information. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Routt County Extension.
  • April 6, 2024 - Annual Beef Blow N Go Show in El Paso County. More information and registration can be found here.
2023-2024 Record Books are still being worked on by the Colorado 4-H State Office. We will post the current record books when they are available for download.

Pages that can be completed NOW -
Pages to be working on through project -
Pages that are completed at the END of your project -
Project Workshops - Click on the following links to see the tentative schedule for the following workshops. All members must be fully Enrolled in Routt County 4-H before attending these workshops.
Project Requirements - please make sure that you are aware of the requirements for your project. You can find a complete list of the requirements on the Colorado State 4-H Website.
Important Dates -
  • May 1 - Project Add/Drop/Change Date
  • July 10 - FairEntry Registration Due
  • July 27 - Exhibit Day
Routt County 4-H Leadership Opportunities
Routt County Junior Leaders - become an ambassador for the Routt County 4-H Program. Are you interested in promoting county, district, and state events? Plan meetings, events, activities and more. Join the Routt County Junior Leader program to work with like-minded peers to host and plan fun activities!

Routt County Exchange Group - Are you interested in traveling to experience the 4-H Atmosphere in a different state? Are you interested in hosting a 4-H member from a different state to show them around our area? Any Senior age 4-H member is encouraged to look into the Routt County Exchange Program. Meet lifelong friends while getting to experience another part of our country. This is a two year program with one week each year dedicated to the group.
Interested or have more questions? Join for the first meeting on February 4, at 5pm in the Trout Creek Room.

Leadership Development Conference will be January 27-29 (Saturday-Monday), in Denver.

District Retreat will be April 5th-7th, in Glenwood Springs. More info to come soon.

2024 4-H National Conference will be April 19-24 in Arlington Virginia. This event is open to Senior 4-H Members from 15-19 years old. Please let Tami know if you would like to be nominated to attend the National Conference. For more information, click here!

Citizenship Washington Focus is June 20-27 (dates lap over State Conference). Registration opens in 4-H Online January 17th, and registration is due February 16th at 5pm. If needed, interviews will be conducted in the 2 weeks following the registration deadline. 2 members from Routt County will go with all expenses paid. If you have any questions, please reach out to Tami.
Leaders
THANK YOU all for the help that you pour into our Routt County 4-H youth each and every year. We could not do what we do without all of you!


4-H Enrollment is Open!
  • Please Re-Enroll as a leader ASAP!
  • Encourage returning members to sign up (and pay) before December 31st to avoid a $30 late fee!
Routt County 4-H Cloverbuds
What is a Cloverbud? Cloverbuds are members from 5-7 years old who are not quite ready to participate in many of the projects and activities that the rest of the older 4-H members participate in.

What can Cloverbuds do? The Cloverbud program is focused on participation, teamwork, and learning (not so much on competition). Several of our clubs host Cloverbud events during their regular monthly meetings, and our Routt County 4-H Junior Leaders host 5 Cloverbud workshops throughout the spring and summer to get our youngest members excited about 4-H.

Enrollment - $15/Cloverbud Member
Here is a LINK to how to enroll, and much more. Cloverbud members are not required to attend monthly meetings, but any member wanting to join the Cloverbud workshops must be enrolled as a Cloverbud member. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!

Cloverbud Workshops- See a list of workshops here. RSVP for workshops Here.
Routt County CSU Extension - 4-H