August 15, 2023
Summer and Programming Year is Winding Down
The local showcase events of county fairs are wrapping up and it is now time to move our focus to the Kansas State Fair, the record-keeping and award applications, and the preparation of the new program year.
There are several opportunities to volunteer at the Kansas State Fair. Just like at the county fairs, it takes a lot of volunteers to help make this event a success. If you haven’t signed up to serve as a volunteer, please consider doing so. This also includes the set-up day of August 30 from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The final puzzle piece of the 4-H project is not the county or state fair, but it is the record-keeping and reflection of what was learned throughout the year. While I know this is not the most favorite part of the process, it is an important one. With the investment in Z-Suites (https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/awards-and-recognition/ZBooks.html), the record-keeping process is made easier. The year-end awards are part of this record-keeping process, which may be the true motivating factor.
Let’s not forget about the recognition of our volunteers. We know that our programmatic reach would not be what it is without the dedication of our volunteers. In the July 4-H Tip Sheet, an article highlighted the Salute to Excellence volunteer awards; another opportunity to show our appreciation for all they do.
While we are winding down the 4-H year with record-keeping and awards, we are also getting geared up for the new year. We hope you have plans to join us on Tuesday, August 29, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. as we kick off the new 4-H year with the 4-H Growing More in 2024 Webinar. If you did not receive the calendar invite through the KSRE Listserv, please email semaass@k-state.edu and I will forward the information to you. Additionally, packets went in the mail this week to local offices, so be watching for them.
T.S. Eliot said, “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” As we work to prepare for the new year, we have a new beginning ahead, but we will also be closing out a year. Let us learn from the past and apply it to the future so we can continue “to make the best better.”