One of my most frequently asked questions right now is in regards to completion of 4-H livestock projects in 2020 in light of the cancellation of the Muskingum County Fair.

Here’s a reminder:
Livestock Projects – Youth can complete a livestock project in 4-H by participating in Virtual Livestock Skillathon or by contacting the Extension Office if accommodations are needed. Virtual Livestock Skillathon through Flipgrid video submission is the preferred method; however, we can discuss alternative options for youth with Winning 4-H Plans or families who may not have access to adequate technology to complete in this way. Internet access is only required for video submission, so some families have uploaded pre-recorded videos at times when they have better access to internet. Showing at a livestock show unaffiliated with the Muskingum County Fair does not meet requirements for project completion.
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Virtual 4-H Still Project Judging and Junior Fair Livestock Skillathon 

If you haven’t already, don’t miss your chance to register online through July 23 at 11:59 p.m.: https://go.osu.edu/judgingregistration!

We also extended the deadline for video submissions on Flipgrid to August 9 at 11:59 p.m. This gives all families two extra weeks, but we encourage you to start soon in case you encounter problems.

The following documents will assist members in preparing and submitting Flipgrid videos:

• 2020 Still Project Judging Details
• 2020 Livestock Skillathon Details
• Flipgrid Submission Instructions

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OSU Extension Office Reopening

• Answer questions about your health:
  • your temperature
  • any symptoms
  • your exposure to COVID-19
• Wear a face mask
• Practice social distancing of 6 ft apart
• Use hand sanitizer upon entering

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Muskingum County Youth Livestock Expo 

The committee meeting scheduled for July 22 has been moved from the sale barn to the Adamsville Ball Park next to the Twp Garage.  For more information or if you have questions, please contact Jim Porter at 740-819-9839. This effort is not affiliated with the Muskingum County Agricultural Society (Senior Fair Board) or OSU Extension.

Greetings 4-H Families!

2020 continues to be a year of surprises. The cancellation of the 2020 Muskingum County Fair earlier this week has generated a variety of questions about completing projects and finishing the year in 4-H. The cancellation of the fair does not mean 4-H is cancelled! We are an organization that loves the fair, but functions independently! Clubs can still meet virtually (and in person if they follow guidelines) and projects will still be judged.

Here’s an update related to 4-H Member Guidelines and 4-H Project Completion from the 2020 Muskingum County 4-H Owner’s Manual.

• A 4-H member in good standing must be enrolled in a club and have project enrollment by March 15; attend a minimum of four meetings from January through August 1; complete at least one project in order to receive credit for the year in 4-H; follow the Ohio 4-H Code of Conduct; meet additional club requirements. I will be contacting volunteers about providing information about club meeting attendance.
• 4-H projects must be judged at the county level to be completed. Youth can complete any 4-H project by participating in a county-level judging event outside of the fair.
  • Still Projects – This year, completion options are to participate in Virtual Still Project Judging or contact the Extension Office if accommodations are needed.
  • Livestock Projects – Youth can complete a livestock project in 4-H by participating in Virtual Livestock Skillathon or by contacting the Extension Office if accommodations are needed. Showing at a livestock show unaffiliated with the Muskingum County Fair does not meet requirements for project completion.
• Electing not to complete a project/or projects does not prohibit youth from participating in 4-H or that project in 2021. Clubs will not be penalized if members do not complete projects.

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Virtual 4-H Still Project Judging and Junior Fair Livestock Skillathon 

In light of the cancellation of the Muskingum County Fair, we have extended the registration for Virtual Still Project Judging and Junior Fair Livestock Skillathon. Youth who have already registered DO NOT need to register again. If youth have not registered, please do so by next week’s deadline. Register online through July 23 at 11:59 p.m.: https://go.osu.edu/judgingregistration

We also extended the deadline for video submissions on Flipgrid to August 9 at 11:59 p.m. This gives all families two extra weeks, but we encourage you to start soon in case you encounter problems.

The following documents will assist members in preparing and submitting Flipgrid videos:

• 2020 Still Project Judging Details
• 2020 Livestock Skillathon Details
• Flipgrid Submission Instructions

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• Youth enrolled in Project #588 The Writer in You will not be required to submit a portfolio to the Extension Office this year. Please share your writing activities during your Flipgrid video. If you like, you can include a link to your writing portfolio by following “If you want to add photos or a presentation” in the Flipgrid Submission Instructions.
• Flipgrid will ask you for a Flipcode. Many are assuming this is a number, it is not. Refer to the Flipgrid Submission Instructions for the list of Flipcodes by project area. Example: The Flipcode for Livestock Skillathon is: musklivestock. The password for every grid is: Musk4h!!
• Parents/project helpers are encouraged to help members (especially younger members) complete the video process. This could include: asking the questions from the project judging rubric, prompting them to show pages of the project/record book, providing cues on or off screen.
• Youth are not expected to show every page of the project book during their video. They should show the book, highlight some completed activities and what they learned.
• Be sure to review “Produce an Awesome Project Video!” in 2020 Still Project Judging Details and/or 2020 Livestock Skillathon Details, as well as the rubric. As long as suggested items are included, this process is intended to allow members to be creative in how they present information!
• Youth are not required to include animals in Livestock Skillathon videos; however, this might help the youth explain/demonstrate what they learned. If youth have already sold their animal or the animal has died, they can still participate!

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OSU Extension Office Reopening

• Answer questions about your health:
  • your temperature
  • any symptoms
  • your exposure to COVID-19
• Wear a face mask
• Practice social distancing of 6 ft apart
• Use hand sanitizer upon entering

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Muskingum County Youth Livestock Expo 

A group of community volunteers has formed a Muskingum County Youth Livestock Expo Committee to plan an opportunity for 4-H/FFA members to show their livestock projects. The first meeting will be July 22, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. at Muskingum Livestock Auction. The committee plans to abide by COVID-19 guidelines. Species that have expressed interest are: beef, sheep, hogs, poultry and rabbits. If there are other species interested, please contact Jim Porter at 740-819-9839. This effort is not affiliated with the Muskingum County Agricultural Society or OSU Extension.

The Muskingum County Agricultural Society (Senior Fair Board) announced this evening that they made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Muskingum County Fair. This includes the Junior Fair, which is under their leadership. OSU Extension shares the disappointment of the Senior Fair Board, but supports the decision for the health and well-being of our community and the long-term sustainability of the fair in this unprecedented economic and public health environment. We value our partnership and recognize the important role that the county fair plays in the lives of our 4-H members, volunteers and families.

Junior Fair is a major component of the county fair and 4-H is one of several youth organizations involved in Junior Fair. While Junior Fair exhibition is a highlight for many 4-H members, it is not a requirement to be a 4-H member in good standing, which includes club meeting attendance, project completion, and adherence to the Ohio 4-H Code of Conduct. 4-H members can refer to the 2020 Muskingum County 4-H Owner’s Manual, page 5, for more details on completing the year in 4-H. This information was also outlined in our July 8 update e-mail.

Muskingum County 4-H is committed to helping young people gain skills that will help them succeed, including navigating disappointment and developing resilience in the face of challenges and uncertainty. Club meetings and activities can continue if they follow the Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-person Meetings & Events. Our office will communicate directly with volunteers regarding club paperwork and requirement deadlines. Virtual Still Project Judging and Livestock Skillathon will offer youth an opportunity to complete projects, although I ask for your patience as consideration is given to any changes that might be made in light of the fair cancellation – stay tuned for more information, but in the meantime, keep working on those projects!

This Friday, July 17 marks my 10^th anniversary of working for OSU Extension in Muskingum County. What a roller coaster ride it has been! Together, we face another unanticipated challenge that is a defining moment for our 4-H program. When our office first closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I shared a video on our Facebook page with the following quote, “If there’s one thing I know about our 4-H community here in Muskingum County, it’s that we are resilient.” Let’s show our strength by accepting today’s announcement with grace and encouraging youth to finish what they started in the ways that are available to us.

As I provide additional details related to Virtual Still Project Judging and Livestock Skillathon, I thought it would be a good time to share reminders from the 2020 Muskingum County 4-H Owner’s Manual related to 4-H Member Guidelines and 4-H Project Completion. Here are some notes from the information found on page 5:

• A 4-H member in good standing must be enrolled in a club and have project enrollment by March 15; attend a minimum of four meetings from January through August 1; complete at least one project in order to receive credit for the year in 4-H; follow the Ohio 4-H Code of Conduct; meet additional club requirements.
• 4-H projects must be judged at the county level to be completed. Youth can complete any 4-H project by participating in a county-level judging event outside of the fair, including livestock projects.
  • Still Projects – This year, completion options are to participate in Virtual Still Project Judging or contact the Extension Office if accommodations are needed. Still projects must be completed (judged) for exhibition at the Muskingum County Fair.
  • Livestock Projects – Youth can complete a livestock project in 4-H by exhibiting at the Muskingum County Fair or by participating in Virtual Livestock Skillathon. Virtual Livestock Skillathon provides an opportunity for youth to complete projects if they did not register animals for fair exhibition, have concerns about attending the fair due to COVID 19, etc.

I have been asked if choosing not to complete one or more projects during 2020 will result in youth being unable to join 4-H or enroll in the same project in 2021. The answer is NO. Many have indicated that they believe this penalty exists in a normal year – it does not. However, if they complete no projects, they will not receive credit for a year in 4-H and will not be eligible to be a camp counselor in 2021. It does impact club completion percentages, but this metric will be re-evaluated.
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Virtual 4-H Still Project Judging and Junior Fair Livestock Skillathon Submission Details

More than 400 youth registered to have a still and/or livestock project judged via Flipgrid. Our Flipgrid portal is now live! Submissions are due July 26, 11:59 p.m.

• Review 2020 Still Project Judging Details for more information! The document details requirements, information about awards and alternate opportunities.
• Review 2020 Livestock Skillathon Details for more information! The document details requirements, information about awards and alternate opportunities for project completion purposes.

Finally, this document will help you record and submit: Flipgrid Submission Instructions

Reminder: This is a learning process for all of us. Ask questions and we will do our best to help!

Greetings 4-H Families!

Earlier this week, OSU Extension released guidelines for a return to in person 4-H activities. This information was shared with volunteers on Monday, but I want to make families aware of the expectations when participating in face-to-face 4-H activities. Our office is still familiarizing ourselves with the new guidelines, but will work through questions from volunteers and families as they are presented.

Ohio 4-H clubs that choose to begin meeting in-person must follow specific guidelines to promote the health and safety of our 4-H community, as we face the challenge of COVID-19.

Clubs choosing to meet in-person should provide virtual connection options for members who have that preference. Please note that in-person 4-H club meetings, activities and other events may be suspended at any time if local, state, federal, and/or university authorities issue new restrictions. 4-H meetings and activities can only be held in person if Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events guidelines can be followed.

The Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events provides expectations for all members, volunteers, and their families while participating in 4-H club meetings and activities. County and Independent Fairs work closely with Ohio 4-H/The Ohio State University, but are separate entities and follow different guidance. When 4-H members and volunteers participate in Junior Fair activities, they follow guidance from these local partners, as Ag Societies have the responsibility for the Junior Fair.

The Muskingum County OSU Extension office is in the process of reopening, but employees will also continue to telework. We will continue to send information to you via e-mail. You will find the guidelines, a tip sheet and resources at ohio4h.org/families/stay-connected. When possible, we encourage OSU Extension programs, meetings, and events to meet virtually.

Also, the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department has issued an additional recommendation for local organizations. Effective immediately, any child or adult that is returning from a vacation out of state be expected to refrain from practice, meetings, activities and games for a period of two weeks upon their return.  Even if an individual is tested upon their return, they should still be excluded from activities with the group/team for a period of two weeks.  A person may test negative on one day and be positive the next, and the virus can take 2-14 days for symptoms to appear. With the gathering of more groups for classes, practices and activities if a child or adult becomes symptomatic, the entire group would be out for at least a 14 day period.

Be safe and be well!

-Jamie
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Last Call for Zoom Quality Assurance and Horse Education Programs!

Two additional Zoom Quality Assurance sessions will be offered in Muskingum County on July 6 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Youth can register here: https://go.os.u.edu/qahorseed. These are the final sessions that will be offered in county If you cannot attend on July 6, Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is the option for completion of the Quality Assurance requirement. Youth can complete this online course at a cost of $12. You will sign in utilizing your 4HOnline family login information. Details: https://muskingum.osu.edu/sites/muskingum/files/imce/Program_Pages/4H/Member_Resources/YQCA%20web.pdf.

One FINAL Horse Education Program will be offered on Zoom – July 9 at 6 p.m. Youth can register here: https://go.osu.edu/qahorseed. As a reminder, youth are required to attend the Horse Education Program to exhibit at the Muskingum County Fair.
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4-H Still Project Judging

2020 Muskingum County 4-H Still Project Judging will take place virtually on a platform called Flipgrid. Our Flipgrid will launch on July 8 for submissions! Instructions for submitting will be provided at that time.

Review 2020 Still Project Judging Details for more information! The document details requirements, information about awards and alternate opportunities.

IMPORTANT: In an effort to plan for project judge recruitment and to help us design our Flipgrid portal, we are asking youth who plan to submit Flipgrid project videos for still and livestock projects to complete the registration form by July 3: https://go.osu.edu/judgingregistration.
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Junior Fair Livestock Skillathon

2020 Junior Fair Skillathon will not take place face-to-face in 2020. A virtual option will be provided on a platform called Flipgrid. Our Flipgrid will launch on July 8 for submissions! Instructions for submitting will be provided at that time.

Review 2020 Livestock Skillathon Details for more information! The document details requirements, information about awards and alternate opportunities for project completion purposes.

IMPORTANT: In an effort to plan for project judge recruitment and to help us design our Flipgrid portal, we are asking youth who plan to submit Flipgrid project videos for still and livestock projects to complete the registration form by July 3: https://go.osu.edu/judgingregistration.
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Junior Fair Entry Forms Now Available!

Junior Fair Entry Forms due July 16 can be accessed on our website: https://go.osu.edu/muskcolivestockentry

• Feeder Calf – due July 16, 11:59 p.m. via online entry form. No late entries will be accepted. 
• Market Rabbit – This is a printable form due at Market Rabbit Registration on July 16 from 6-8 p.m. at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds. ALL Market Rabbits must be tattooed on July 16. If families are unable to print a copy of the entry form, printed copies are available on the table to the left of the Extension Office entry door. Please come to registration with the form completed (except for tattoos).
• Horse Vaccination Record Submission – for youth who did not submit proof of 5-way vaccination with their entry, documentation must by submitted by July 16, 11:59 p.m. via the online form. 

Greetings 4-H Families!

A lot has happened since our last family update! We’ve hosted six Zoom QA sessions, three Zoom Horse Education Programs, a virtual camp and a Camp at Home Challenge. The Senior Fair also announced that they are planning for a complete fair with modifications. At this time, I do not have word on what these modifications entail. Please know that we will share information with you as it is available. Many questions you have at this point may be awaiting more information before decisions can be made.

We appreciate your continued patience as we await guidelines related to 4-H programming held after July 6 and make changes to our traditional programming. When the University shares guidelines we will share them!

This email does provide updates about 4-H Still Project Judging, Speaking Contests, Camp Scholarship Winners, Junior Fair Livestock Skillathon, Junior Fair Entry Update, QA/Horse Education Programs and Royalty. 

Be safe and be well!

-Jamie
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4-H Still Project Judging

Due to factors related to the COVID 19 pandemic, 2020 Muskingum County 4-H Still Project Judging will take place virtually on a platform called Flipgrid. Still Project Judging will not be held on July 8. 

Review 2020 Still Project Judging Details for more information! The document details requirements, information about awards and alternate opportunities. It will also be posted on our website next week.

IMPORTANT: In an effort to plan for project judge recruitment and to help us design our Flipgrid portal, we are asking youth who plan to submit Flipgrid project videos for still and livestock projects to complete the registration form by July 3: https://go.osu.edu/judgingregistration.
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4-H Speaking Contests
 

Area Health and Safety Speaking Contests will be held via Zoom on July 1 and July 15. Youth interested in this opportunity should contact Jamie directly for details.
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2021 4-H Camp Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the following youth who won 2021 Camp Scholarships by participating in Muskingum County 4-H Camp programs in June!

Half Scholarship Winners from Not a Camp: Kylie Bradley, Chloe Lynn, Kylie Martin, Karson Shrigley

Scholarships Winners from the Camp at Home Challenge:

• People’s Choice: 1st Place Full Scholarship – Bradley Family; 2nd Place Half Scholarship – McConnell Family
• Counselors Choice: 1st Place Full Scholarship – Stewart Family; 2nd Place Half Scholarship – Weck Family

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Junior Fair Livestock Skillathon

Due to factors related to the COVID 19 pandemic, 2020 Junior Fair Skillathon will not take place face-to-face in 2020. A virtual option will be provided on a platform called Flipgrid.

Review 2020 Livestock Skillathon Details for more information! The document details requirements, information about awards and alternate opportunities for project completion purposes. It will also be posted on our website next week.

IMPORTANT: In an effort to plan for project judge recruitment and to help us design our Flipgrid portal, we are asking youth who plan to submit Flipgrid project videos for still and livestock projects to complete the registration form by July 3: https://go.osu.edu/judgingregistration.
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Junior Fair Entry Update

Feeder Calf & Market Rabbit Entry Forms, as well as the form to submit Horse Vaccinations not already submitted will be available next week. Look for an update e-mail! Forms are due July 16.

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Muskingum County Zoom Quality Assurance & Horse Education Programs

• Our staff is currently inputting 2020 Quality Assurance/Horse Education Program attendance information to determine how many youth still need training. Look for an update next week on final session offerings. Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is another option for completion of the Quality Assurance requirement. Youth can complete this online course at a cost of $12. You will sign in utilizing your 4HOnline family login information. Details: https://muskingum.osu.edu/sites/muskingum/files/imce/Program_Pages/4H/Member_Resources/YQCA%20web.pdf

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Junior Fair Royalty Update

We have not forgotten about royalty! More information coming soon.

Greetings 4-H Families!

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Dewine released guidelines on county fairs. You can view them here: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/responsible/County-Fairs.pdf. Around the state, families are asking “What happens now? and “What does this mean for our fair?” The decision-making processes in the days that follow will be difficult for everyone involved, no matter the outcome. There are a variety of factors at play that make it important to have the opportunity to make decisions locally – short and long term financial implications, ability to adhere to current guidelines that frequently change, and even the layout of the fairgrounds.

You may have heard by now that 4-H Educator Trevor Tom has made the decision to return to classroom teaching in the Franklin Local School District this fall. Please join me in thanking Trevor for the time he spent with OSU Extension, helping us explore and conduct programming that expand the definition of 4-H. Trevor plans to continue volunteering for and supporting our program!

Be safe and be well!

-Jamie
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Junior Fair Stall Sheets/Entry Forms 

• I’m receiving several questions about when stall sheets will be available to download. As a reminder from our update on May 8 – for 2020, the Junior Fair entry has process has changed. There will be no stall sheets to download and print for submission. Instead, entries must be submitted by completing the appropriate online registration form/survey. Instructions on how to complete the entry process and links to entry forms are available on our website: https://go.osu.edu/muskcolivestockentry. You are strongly encouraged to review the instructions before beginning the entry process, especially if registering animals that typically have a pre-fair weigh-in (market goat, market lamb, breeding rabbit).
• Exhibitors will complete one entry form per animal or class (poultry). 
• The following entries are due by June 15 at 11:59 p.m. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
  • Beef Breeding/Market Steer
  • Dairy Heifer/Cow
  • All Goats
  • Owned Horses
  • Llama & Alpaca
  • All Poultry
  • Breeding Rabbits
  • All Sheep
  • Market Hogs
• Entry forms are not currently available for the July 16 deadline (market rabbits and feeder calves).

Muskingum County Zoom Quality Assurance & Horse Education Programs

• • Registration is now open for Zoom Quality Assurance sessions on the following dates and times:
    • Tuesday, June 16 – 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
    • Thursday, June 18 – 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
    • Monday, June 22 – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Registration is now open for Zoom Horse Education Program sessions on the following dates and times:
    • Wednesday, June 17 – 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
    • Thursday, June 25 – 6 p.m.

• • Register here: https://go.osu.edu/qahorseed

• • Registration is first come, first served and each session will be limited to 50 families. It is recommended that families with multiple youth who need to complete a Quality Assurance or Horse Education program requirement select a time when all family members can view together. Your family can share a device for the session, as long as everyone is visible and can see the screen easily. Proctors will monitor the sessions to ensure participants are engaged.

• Sessions are designed to last one hour, but participants should allow up to 1.5 hours in case instruction runs over. Families can begin joining the Zoom ten (10) minutes before the scheduled start time, but must enter no later than 5 minutes after the scheduled start time in order to be allowed from the waiting room to the classroom. Youth must be present during the entire session, as attendance will be taken at the end of the session.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) 

• This is another option for completion of the Quality Assurance requirement. Youth can complete this online course at a cost of $12. You will sign in utilizing your 4HOnline family login information. Details: https://muskingum.osu.edu/sites/muskingum/files/imce/Program_Pages/4H/Member_Resources/YQCA%20web.pdf

Greetings 4-H Families!

We may not be able to attend 4-H Junior Camp this summer at 4-H Camp Ohio, but the Ohio 4-H Camping Design Team and our Camp Team has been working on a variety of opportunities to still celebrate our camp spirit in Muskingum County and throughout Ohio! These opportunities will take place in late May/early June. Ohio 4-H Camp…ish is open to a wider age range, 8-18!

Our efforts were highlighted in a CFAES News Release and will also be featured in a June article of the Ohio Country Journal.
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Muskingum County 4-H Camp at Home Challenge
June 1-10

Open to Muskingum County youth 8 years old and in the 3^rd grade, or 9 years old and in any grade to age 13 as of January 1, 2020. Youth do not have to be enrolled in 4-H!

Challenge Guidelines:

• Set up a campsite at your home any time between June 1 and June 10 and camp for at least one night. Youth can set up camp indoors or outdoors. Outdoor camp sites must be located on property the family owns.
• Be creative with camp site set up, campfire, games, crafts, nature, cooking/snacks and other activities! Family members are encouraged to join the fun!
• At least one photo should include the youth entering the contest.
• Campers must follow local and state COVID-19 orders.
• One entry per household.
• Submit four photos of your Camp at Home experience via Qualtrics by June 11 at 11:59 p.m. Submission Link: https://go.osu.edu/campathomeentry.

Families have the opportunity to win scholarships for 2021 Junior Camp by entering! Scholarship winners can use the scholarship or designate a recipient. See our website for more details: https://go.osu.edu/campathome
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Muskingum County 4-H “Not a Camp”
June 11-12

Who? Muskingum County youth 8 years old and in the 3^rd grade, or 9 years old and in any grade to age 13 as of January 1, 2020. Non 4-H members are welcome!

What? A virtual experience with traditional camp activities! It’s an opportunity to use our imaginations, like the children’s book Not a Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nif94VQ4Xsc.

When? June 11-12. There will be morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Each session will be approximately an hour, but not longer than 1.5 hours. A detailed schedule will be shared with registered campers. Youth are encouraged to participate in all sessions, but it is not required—those who attend all sessions will be entered to win 2021 Junior Camp Scholarships! Scholarship winners can use the scholarship or designate a recipient.

Where? From the comfort of your own home, via Zoom. Connection information and instructions will be shared with registered campers.

Why? We love camp and we do not want to forget about it this summer!

Cost: FREE! Some activities may require minimal supplies, provided by the camper. A “packing list” will be shared the week before camp!

For more details: https://go.osu.edu/notacamp

Register online by June 1, 11:59 pm: go.osu.edu/notacampregistration

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Ohio State – Muskingum County 4-H Facebook Page – Spotlight on Camp

June 9-13

During our regularly scheduled camp dates, we will post a variety of photos and videos to spotlight our camp team, campers and past camps. We welcome submissions from Junior Campers, as well as other fans of camp to be included in these spotlights.

For more details on what and how to submit: https://go.osu.edu/spotlightoncamp

Submission Deadline: June 1
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Ohio 4-H Camp…ish

June 9-11
Ohio 4-H Presents Statewide “Camp…ish” Opportunity!
Calling all stay-at-home campers! Ohio 4-H staff miss summer camp as much as you do, and we want to do what we can to bring elements of camp to your home!

On June 9-11, you are invited to join us for Ohio 4-H Camp…ish! It is open to any youth ages 8-18 across the state of Ohio. Friends who are not in 4-H are welcome to register, too!

There is no cost for attending, although some activities will require the use of basic art supplies, household items, or things found outdoors.

Please visit go.osu.edu/campish to register by June 7! Activities will be hosted at the following times each day: 9-11 AM, 1-3 PM, 4-5 PM. Campers are not required to attend all sessions, so sign up and come for the times you can enjoy Camp…ish activities brought to you by Ohio 4-H Camp…ish Directors!

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4-H Camp Ohio Buckeye Funder

4-H Camp Ohio Buckeye Funder was created as an emergency response to unprecedented COVID-19 needs. How are you giving back in honor of your own camp experience? Share and inspire others to give together, even when we’re apart.

Now more than ever, 4-H Camp Ohio needs your support. As a result of these challenging times, the income loss from camp closures may be more than we can withstand. Your gift today helps us to make it through this storm to welcome campers back next summer.

For nearly a century, 4-H Camp Ohio has helped to grow leaders and make the best better. Show your camp love by supporting our camp to ensure we are still here next year to welcome our 4-H youth and continue the tradition of excellence.

Donate today!

Today’s update will provide you with information related to the status of the Extension Office, Junior Fair Entries and Events, the Ohio State Fair Horse Show and FAQs without Answers.

According to our current instructions, OSU Extension staff will be teleworking through July 6. We have limited access to mail (Debbie can pick up office mail every two weeks) and we can only go to our office with permission from our supervisor, which is only being granted in specific cases.

Junior Fair Events – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• Will there be a fair? Right now, planning for fairs across the state continues. Some early fairs have adopted modified schedules or plans. If plans for the Muskingum County Fair should change, we will provide information to families as Senior Fair Board instructs.
• What about Quality Assurance and Horse Education Programs? These programs will still be required for youth enrolled in specific projects to exhibit. Virtual options for both will be released in the near future.
• Are entries for leased horses still due May 15? YES. Please refer to instructions later in this e-mail about submitting entries.
• What about horse body condition scoring and vaccination requirements? Both requirements are still in effect for the 2020 fair. Body condition scoring will NOT take place on May 27, June 2 or June 3. As Junior Fair rules indicate that the fair horse veterinarian must do the body condition scoring, the Saddle Horse Committee will be discussing options at a meeting in the near future. Signed documentation of a five-way vaccine from a veterinarian is required when completing the Junior Fair entry (due May 15 for leased horses and June 15 for owned horses). Exhibitors should get the vaccinations and documentation from their own veterinarian.
• Will Market Lamb and Goat Registration take place on June 1? Market Lamb and Goat Registration will NOT be held on June 1. Instead, exhibitors will be required to submit three photos with their entry form: 1)  FRONT VIEW photo of the animal from a close distance, Scrapie ID should be visible; 2) Photo of the ear with Scrapie ID tag so the number can be read; 3) SIDE VIEW photo of the animal from a close distance. Please refer to instructions later in this e-mail about submitting entries.
• Will Breeding Rabbit Registration take place on June 1? Breeding Rabbit Registration will NOT be held on June 1. Instead, breeding rabbits must be tattooed at the fairgrounds during Market Rabbit Registration on July 16, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. if they have not been tattooed. If your rabbit does not have a tattoo at the time of entry, please enter “none”. If your rabbit does have a tattoo, please enter it on the entry form. Please refer to instructions later in this e-mail about submitting entries.
• I haven’t seen any stall sheets on the website. Are they Junior Fair Entries still due June 15? YES. As a result of the July 6 programming/office restrictions and the Stay Safe Ohio Order, no paper or PDF Registration and Stall Sheet forms will be provided for Junior Fair entries due June 15. Instead, youth will submit Junior Fair livestock entries by completing the appropriate Qualtrics survey, available on the Extension Office website under 4-H Youth Development>Junior Fair. Exhibitors are encouraged to review 2020 Muskingum County Junior Fair Livestock Entry Instructions to familiarize themselves with the process and reach out to Jamie (mcconnell.210@osu.edu) if you have questions.

Ohio State Junior Fair Horse Show
There will not be PAS qualifying horse shows this year. Registration for the Ohio State Fair will be accepted first-come, first-serve with members in their final year of 4-H receiving priority. Registration opens June 1. State Fair has allowed counties to have additional requirements to qualify for the horse show. The Muskingum County 4-H Saddle Horse Committee has determined eligibility requirements and communicated this information to volunteers with horses in their club. Results of the selection process will be shared with club volunteers on May 25, allowing youth to have time to register for OSF. Reminder: State Fair horses must have a current negative Coggins test dated on or after January 1, 2020. Coggins paperwork must be submitted to Jamie (mcconnell.210@osu.edu) by July 1 for submission by the entry deadline. All Coggins paperwork will be submitted by the county.

FAQs without Answers
The following questions are being frequently asked, and we are still waiting on guidance before finding solutions. Thank you for your continued patience, as we work through numerous unknowns.

• What is the status of royalty/ambassador contests?
• What about public speaking contests, workforce preparation day and still project judging?
• What about Livestock Skillathon?

Greetings 4-H Families!

I wanted to reach out to you because I know that questions and uncertainty are a big part of our daily life. 4-H is no different. We are still waiting for answers related to a variety of summer events from the State 4-H Office, Governor Dewine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Please know that our staff has a lot of the same questions you have, and in many cases we do not YET have answers.

This e-mail will serve as a summary update of information we have shared so far, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we are receiving. I will share status of events as I know them to be TODAY, through still project judging July 8. After reading this e-mail, it is likely you will still feel a sense of uncertainty and incompleteness. I feel it every day. While we do not currently have the answers, we will find them – and I ask for your patience as we work through this process.

One answer I do feel confident about: 4-H will not be “cancelled” in 2020. We will still have an active presence in Muskingum County. We will have mechanisms for youth to work in clubs, participate in a camp-like experience, complete projects and be recognized for their work. What we must realize is that many pieces of the experience may look different as we adapt to our current circumstances. 4-H is an organization built on a long history of adapting to changes in our culture. We began with boys & girls clubs focused on agricultural pursuits and in 100+ years of existence we have grown to offer more than 200 project options. We also support a variety of delivery methods outside the community club, including school enrichment, after school, SPIN clubs and 4-H CARTEENS. This pandemic presents yet another opportunity for 4-H to show flexibility and resilience, and come through stronger on the other side.

As a reminder, OSU Extension has instructed us to cancel all face-to-face 4-H events between now and July 6. Face-to-face 4-H Camps are cancelled through August 31. Extension staff will work from home until further notice and we do not currently have regular access to our office, mail, etc. – which makes it difficult to collect hard copy paperwork. Not everyone has the ability or access to print and/or scan at home in order to submit paperwork, so we are examining strategies. We are still holding off on rescheduling any face-to-face events, even after July 6.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I change projects? Members who wish to make a project change should do so by e-mailing those changes to Debbie (dunn.257@osu.edu) by April 30. Families cannot log in to make these changes in 4HOnline. It is our preference that these change requests come directly from the family.
• How do I order project books? I provided instructions to club volunteers about how to proceed with project booking ordering for 2020. Please reach out to your club volunteers to find out about the process for your club. 
• I enrolled in Archery Project 751. Is that still happening this year? We are currently examining options for virtual learning, postponing the program to later in the year, etc. I am instructing those who ask to stay enrolled in the project for now.
• Will the number of meetings members are required to attend change? What if members are unable to attend virtual meetings? I am not sure yet about changes to the meeting requirement. I think it is important for clubs to consider that not all members have technology to participate in virtual meetings.

Status of Events/Calendar Items

• April 30 Deadline for Sale Committee Scholarships – The Small Animal Sale Scholarship Application is not currently available on our website – in fact, it still needs to be created. We have not promoted the Large Animal Sale Scholarship widely this year. I will work with those committees to ensure youth have time to submit those applications this year
• May 15 Deadline for Club Paperwork, Horse Permission Forms, Dog Permission Forms and Winning 4-H Plans – This deadline was already extended from April 15. If necessary, this deadline can be extended again. See note earlier in the e-mail about current challenges in collecting paperwork
• Junior Fair Events (registrations/weigh ins, horse body condition scoring/vaccinations, etc.) – These events COULD still take place on the scheduled dates if government restrictions allow and social distancing measures are followed. Collection of horse leases (May 15 deadline) and stall sheets (June 15 deadline) is also under consideration, as it is likely the Extension Office will not reopen to the public before those deadlines, and the Senior Fair Office is currently closed. I will be dialoguing with Senior Fair Board and appropriate committees to determine a course of action
• Quality Assurance/Horse Education Programs –Because these programs are conducted by Ohio 4-H, we must abide by the July 6 face-to-face restriction. Ohio 4-H has presented us with Zoom training options that we are not yet ready to roll out in Muskingum County. Zoom options will be free. There is an option through YQCA, but there is a fee associated with each child. We will offer face-to-face training when/if restrictions allow. At this time, the deadline to complete these requirements is Day 1 of the Muskingum County Fair for 2020. Youth who wish to exhibit at the State Fair will need Quality Assurance before the start of State Fair
• PAS Show – Because this is an Ohio 4-H event, PAS shows have been cancelled for 2020 because they need to take place before July 6. The Saddle Horse Committee is in the process of sharing details related to the State Fair Horse Show with clubs who have horse members
• Royalty/Ambassador Night – This is an event that involves 4-H, Junior Fair and local commodity groups. I need to touch base with these groups and determine how they wish to proceed based on current restrictions
• Health & Safety Speaking Contest – COULD convert to a virtual format
• Junior Fair Board Meetings – Scheduled meetings are taking place via Zoom. The group will discuss a 2020 Junior Fair Theme this Monday
• 4-H CARTEENS – The program is not currently taking place
• 4-H Camps – Our 2020 Junior Camp is cancelled face-to-face. Our Camp Team is considering a “camp-like” virtual opportunity during the same dates our camp was scheduled, June 9-13. Early stage conversations about Cloverbud Camp indicate we will partner with Windy Ridge Jerseys for camp in 2021
• COVID 19 Camp Shirts Available – Ross County Camp Counselors are working with a company in Ross County to sell a “COVID-19 Camp T-shirt”. Families can order online through May 1: http://4hcovid19camp.cssprinting.org/. $3 of each shirt purchased from Muskingum County will benefit 4-H Camp Ohio. The 4-H Committee is purchasing shirts for our camp counselors and staff
• Still Project Judging – We will offer a still project judging opportunity in 2020 – it may be virtual, rescheduled later, etc. A state team is currently developing best practices
• Communications/Workforce Prep Day – COULD convert to a virtual format.

If you have questions, please reach out to Jamie (mcconnell.210@osu.edu) or Debbie (dunn.257@osu.edu).  We can also be reached through our office phone number, 740-454-0144 if you follow the menu prompts.