4-H Programming Postponed

Published on by ANDREA L RIPPLEY

Updated 8/6/2020

In-person Approval Form

Visit this link to see the full update on in-person meetings here.

Email From State Leadership Sent on 6/2/2020

Dear 4-H members, families, & volunteers –

This has been a year unlike anything we’ve seen. And, while Wisconsin has done a good job of limiting the spread of COVID-19 in many communities, the virus is still spreading. We are basing our decisions on health guidance and none of us has a crystal ball. But with more than 30,000 youth in our programs, we are weighing the disappointment of not having a normal set of summer experiences against the need to take care of everyone in our communities. And, we are trying to strike a reasonable balance as we transition back to in-person programs.

JUNE

  • During this month of June, the preferred method of program delivery is “virtual/online” and most planning efforts should focus on these types of programs for the remainder of the summer.
  •  In June, we are also allowing some in-person but “No-contact” programs. “No-contact” programs are defined as programs that:
    • cannot be conducted virtually are held outdoors have only one youth or household engaged at a time (Note: household members may help ensure a child is never alone with an adult)  are staggered so there is no contact, if more than one youth/household is engaged, and any shared equipment is sanitized between uses
    • Some examples include:
      • one-at-a-time/staggered times dog obedience training, horse riding lesson, or individual animal project work
      • one household-at-a-time/staggered times community gardening and service projects
      • supply sharing and sales using curb-side pick-up/delivery methods.
  • Activities that clearly meet the “no-contact” guidelines will move forward. Work with your 4-H Educator to seek organizational approval. These will be the exception and not the rule. They will be limited to things that cannot be accomplished virtually.
  • WHEN READY – and no sooner than July 1, 4-H programs may begin for Small Groups with an approved plan
  • We are currently planning to move to “small-group” meetings and activities of 10 or fewer people that allow social distancing. Before we can move to this phase, both staff and volunteers must be trained on safety procedures. Plans will need to be created using the Extension template and shared with the 4-H Program Educator who will seek organizational approval.
  • NEXT STEPS — Anything can happen, and we are open to making changes as conditions improve. We hope to scale up to larger groups of no more than 50 by the end of the summer. And it seems unlikely that 4-H will organize programs or participate in any activity or event with more than 50 participants for a considerable time.

REMINDER: Overnight camp and travel programs are cancelled through August.

Please know this a fluid situation and depending on how the summer progresses these plans and dates may need to be modified. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we all navigate these unprecedented times.

Thriving together,

Dei & Matt

Dondieneita Fleary-Simmons

WI 4-H Program Manager

Our alternatives to in-person events

Continuing to provide a connection between Extension knowledge and our neighbors is a driving priority for Extension during the pandemic. Our researchers and educators moved trainings to an online format, they’ve prepared easy-to-use roadmaps for assistance, and more. These events are being captured and shared by Extension on our website https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/covid19. Extension staff are providing valuable resources at a confusing and concerning time, including engaging with participants in new ways.

Badger Bounce Back

Here is a link directly to the full badger Bounce Back text. Currently, Wisconsin 4-H is following these guidelines. With the safer at home emergency order dismissed we are still not going to have programs or in person meetings until July.

Badger Bounce Back

Fair FAQs

The State 4-H Office has come out with a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the upcoming fair season.

Fair FAQs

Fairs Canceled around the State

Here is a link to the list of fairs that are cancelled around the state.

Fairs Cancelled

Open Office Hours

Below is a copy of the message I sent out through 4-H Online . Anyone is welcome to join me, this is a great time to ask questions and event try out the Zoom platform.
Hello Everyone!
I want to hear from you! I am holding open office hours on zoom to give members and parents from both counties a chance to connect with me. This is an opportunity to drop in and chat, ask me questions or event just try out zoom if you are curious about the platform. I will be available during the whole time so stop in when you have time. This will be a weekly meeting on Wednesdays at 1 pm. I know this time does not work for everyone but if you are interested in meeting up with me I can schedule a separate meeting for us.

Below is the meeting information. I highlighted the parts that you will need to connect. If you want to connect by computer simply click on the link. If your internet connection is not the best you can call in using the number below. Either way you will be able to participate. Let me know if you have questions before you connect. I look forward to seeing everyone!

 
If you are interested in joining please fill out the registration form and I will send you the invitation.

Video Conferencing

If you want to host a virtual meeting there are options for your club or project. Here are a couple of options that are open to anyone:

    1. Zoom Basic – Free – Meetings for a limited number of participants for up to 40 minutes.
    2. Zoom Pro – $14.99 per month – Up to 100 participants per meeting. No time limit. (Zoom is available Free for educational use – https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/13/how-to-use-zoom-for-online-learning/.
    3. Google Meet – Free – Restrictions vary based on whether they are using Google Suite or regular Gmail as a host account https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/g-suite/helping-businesses-and-schools-stay-connected-in-response-to-coronavirus.
    4. Cisco WebEx – Free during the Pandemic – https://help.webex.com/en-us/n80v1rcb/Cisco-Webex-Available-Free-in-These-Countries-COVID-19-Response.
    5. Microsoft Teams – Microsoft has tools within their MS Teams platform, both for paid and free users available as part of their response to the pandemic  – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/03/05/our-commitment-to-customers-during-covid-19/.

Here are some games you can use to interact with your group well having a virtual meeting!

Virtual-Team-Building-Games-by-Michelle-Cummings

Postponed Events

Some of the events coming up in both Trempealeau and Jackson Counties that are being rescheduled are the:

  • All instructor led YQCA training’s are canceled.
    • During the month of April (April 1-April 30), YQCA will be offering web-based trainings for $9, instead of $12.
  • All Market Animal Sales have been determined to be non-essential under the Governor’s ‘safer-at-home’ Emergency Order. This means all show animal auctions are postponed.
  • Livestock Weigh ins are being suspended. Here is a document to help explain Extension’s involvement in the current weigh in situation.
  • State Wide Cancellations
  • Trempealeau County Horse Camp is Cancelled.
    • Clinics will be planned for the summer.

If you have and event or program that you want posted on this page please contact Andrea.

We realize that this will be disappointing as our young people miss out on positive youth development opportunities.  At this time we need to follow the guidance of experts to keep our youth, volunteers, staff and everyone safe.