August  18, 2026 

 

Upcoming Deadlines & Events

 
  • August 18: New Year Kick-off Webinar
  • August 22-23:  4-H Livestock Sweepstakes, Manhattan 
  • September 2: KSF Set-Up Day
  • September 5: State 4-H Dog Show 
  • September 11-20: Kansas State Fair
  • September 21: 4-H Online Closes until October 1
  • September 26 State 4-H Smallbore/Muzzleloading Match, Capital City Gun Club, Topeka 
  • October 1: Start of New 4-H Year
  • October 3 State 4-H Archery Match, T.H.E. Archery Range, Wakaruska 
  • October 10-11 48 Hours of 4-H Service Challenge 
  • October 10-11 State 4-H Shotgun, Sat – Ark Valley Range, Sun - STC 

Check out the event list on the Kansas 4-H website for other events.

 

From the State 4-H Program Leader

 

Showcasing the Future of Kansas at the Kansas State Fair

Every September, the best of Kansas 4-H is on display in Hutchinson. Like the county fair, the state fair includes early mornings, long hours, and, about halfway through, most are running on caffeine and adrenaline. Somewhere in the middle of it all, taking a few moments to watch what is going on gives us a chance to remember why we do what we do and commit ourselves to making the best better.

Click here for the full article.

 

Educational Experiences

 

2027 4-H Summer Enrichment Program Host Site Applications

The 2027 4-H Summer Enrichment Program Host Site Applications are live!  Apply today to host a SEP intern next summer!
 
During the Summer Enrichment Program, 4-H interns will lead youth in exploring project-based learning through one of the many approved programs offered by the grant and the Kansas 4-H program. Projects include each of the major program areas of Engineering and Technology, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Creative Arts, Family and Consumer Science, and Personal Development. Interns will lead in-depth project-based learning throughout the summer, designed to foster youth spark in the subject matter taught. They will be encouraged to work with local volunteers to provide additional support and connection to community resources and expertise. 

What is included in the program? 
Paid summer internships for 12-weeks up to 40 hours per week at $17 an hour (May 17 – August 7, 2027)
Curriculum for two or three 4-H programs (i.e. Junk Drawer Robotics, Food Science, STEAM clothing, etc.)
Support from an agent Enrichment Leader
In-person and virtual professional development and 4-H content training

Apply using the link provided here; applications are due October 15, 2026!

 

State 4-H Dog Show Information

The 2026 Kansas State Fair 4-H Dog Show will be held on Saturday, September 5. To qualify, members must be at least 9 years old as of January 1, 2026, earn a qualifying blue or purple ribbon score in a state-fair-eligible class, and qualify with the same dog they plan to exhibit at the State Fair. Qualification must be earned separately for each event entered and by each individual handler.

Additional information, including statewide qualifying opportunities, rules, and entry procedures, is available through the Kansas 4-H Dog Show Rules and Kansas State Fair resources. State Fair dog show entry fees are $10 per class and must be submitted through local Extension offices by local entry deadlines.

 
 

Other News

 

4-H Online: End-of-Year Deadlines & Resources

As we approach the end of the 2025–2026 4-H program year, please take time to complete year-end tasks and prepare for the transition to the new program year.

Important Dates: 

September 21 – 4-H Online Closes
4-H Online will close for year-end processing. Before the closure, complete necessary enrollment updates and run or save any reports you may need.

October 1 – 4-H Online Reopens
4-H Online will reopen for the 2026–2027 program year.

End-of-Year Resources
The 4-H Online End-of-Year Prep Training and supporting resources are available in Teams:

End of Year Prep Training 2026

End-of-Year Prep for Rollover Checklist

End-of-Year Preparation for Rollover Guide

The training covers recommended year-end tasks, reports to run, and other considerations before 4-H Online closes.

Before September 21
Consider running or saving reports you may need for:

  • Achievement pins and recognition
  • Enrollment and membership
  • Volunteer information
  • Event participation
  • Local year-end reporting
  • Stay Up to Date

Updates and reminders for 4-H Online and PEARS are shared through the 4-H Online Listserv. If you are not currently subscribed, please contact McKenzie Zimmermann to be added.

Please plan ahead and complete the necessary 4-H Online tasks before September 21.

 

Youth Council and National 4-H Conference Applications

Applications for the Kansas Youth Leadership Council and the National 4-H Conference are open. All applications will be completed online and will be due by October 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT.

Any Kansas 4-H member between the ages of 14 and 18 before January 1, 2027, may apply as a Council Rep, and those 15-18 before January 1, 2027, may apply for the National 4-H Conference.

This year's KYLF delegation will elect representatives from the four extension program areas (NE, NW, SE, SW) for one-year terms on the council. Up to 6 National Conference Delegates will be selected through an interview prior to KYLF, and they serve a two-year term on the council.

Click here for more info.

 

Dona Ratliff Transitions from Kansas
4-H to Horticulture and Natural Resources

Please join us in congratulating Dona Ratliff on her new role as Extension Event and Program Manager in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources, effective September 27. Dona’s last day with the State 4-H Office will be September 26, following the Kansas State Fair.

Read full article here.

 
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