Dear Kansas 4-H Families,
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to work its way across our nation, experts say the major impact of the virus’ spread in Kansas remains ahead of us.
Because of this, K-State Research and Extension has extended its ban on all face-to-face extension programs, meetings and events through July 4, 2020.
For the health and well-being of our 4-H families, volunteers, and professionals, all in-person 4-H events, contests and activities at the state, regional, district, county and local levels are to be postponed, canceled or converted to non-face-to-face experiences. This applies to scheduled events, contests and activities that are led by local 4-H volunteers as well.
We did not take this decision lightly. We are doing this because the health and well-being of our participants, employees and volunteers must be our top priority.
In order to ensure quality programs for late spring/early summer, we need to shift from preparation and planning for face-to-face activities to alternative activities.
In light of this decision, the following state 4-H coordinated events are impacted: Discovery Days, 4-H Camps, Campference, Insect Spectacular, Geology Field trip, MYPI, Shooting Sports Matches, Shutterbug Photo Event, district horse shows and district dog shows. Participants who have already registered for Discovery Days will be given refunds.
Many of these and other events are being revamped to provide an alternative, online option for learning. Information and invitations to those repurposed events will be coming soon.
We know this is an incredible disappointment and recognize how much everyone looks forward to these 4-H events. We will make every effort to shift as many of these events as possible to internet-based learning and showcase opportunities.
Please note that this does not include county fair season. Fairs are governed by local county fair boards, not K-State Research and Extension. Preparation for fairs will continue as much as possible. In case it becomes necessary, we are looking at alternative methods that would enable 4-H youth to showcase their projects.
In some cases, such as youth camps, we are heartbroken to know there is not an adequate online replacement for making those lifelong memories. As extension professionals committed to providing positive youth development programming through 4-H, we share your sense of loss.
At this time, however, our top priority is ensuring that we are doing everything in our ability to slow the spread of COVID-19. We work hard to empower every 4-H’er to be a responsible member of our society, and this is a prime opportunity for each of us to model that ideal for true leaders of the future.
Our methods are changing, but our 4-H mission remains the same.
Respectfully,
Wade M. Weber
