We would love your club to join in on one of our countywide 4-H community service projects this year. Operation Support Our Troops-America receives cards and letters prepared by thousands of members from every part of the US. The cards and letters are thoroughly mixed, then made up into packages ranging in size from a few pieces for small units to much larger quantities for an entire base or large ship. Those packages are then sent via USPS Priority Mail to more than 1,000 bases, units, hospitals, ships, etc. Across the US and around the world. The goals here are to send each person’s letters far and wide and to include mail from as many people and locations as possible in each package. All clubs and families are encouraged to participate in this county-wide 4-H community service project.  

WHAT TO DO: 

1. Using 8.5 x 11 paper or light card stock, fold each sheet (individually and sharply) in half to form 8.5 x 5.5 folders. If desired, colorful pre-printed stationery with a holiday theme can be used.

2. Cards may be addressed in a generic way to: Dear Soldier, Dear Service Member, Dear Veteran, etc.  

3. On either the front or the back side of each folder place your first name only and your club name beneath it. The return address can either be your Organizational Leader or the Extension Office : 9595 Nelson Road, Box B - Longmont, CO  80501. All pages in the folder can be “dressed up” with photos of the writer or of the group, or with clip art from any number of sources.

4. Your message should be positive, upbeat, and cheerful (nothing such as “I hope you don’t get killed”). Write about yourself, your family, friends, hobbies, interests, job, classes, pets, etc.

5. The inside of the folder can be formatted as one page, or it can be set up as two separate pages. The writer’s personal message may be continued on the back page of the folder if desired. 

6. No envelopes needed. 

7. The organization we partner with prefers no religious cards be used  

WHAT NOT TO DO: 

1. Do Not affix postage stamps to the individual cards or letters. 

2. Do Not use “glitter” or anything that will rub off or flake off the letters or envelopes. If going overseas, glitter can get on their uniforms and compromise their safety. It shows up on night vision goggles. 

3. Do Not include any three-dimensional objects (candy, chewing gum, key chains, ball point pens, pencils, etc.). Any stickers or labels used on the letters should be pressed down firmly and completely affixed. 

4. Do Not use staples. 

This is a fun activity for all the 4-H clubs to participate in!  

Please return all the cards from your club together with the proper identification of your club. 

All Military Mail must be returned to the Extension Office by Friday, October 31, 2025. 

Enrollment for the 2025-26 year begins in October.

Who can join:

• Ages 5-7 join as Cloverbuds: fun and hands-on, no competition.

• Ages 8-18 choose their own 4-H projects.
  
  

How to enroll:
Sign up through your family account on 4HOnline.

Fees for 2025-26:

• Cloverbud: $40

• 4-H Member: $40 (plus manuals)

  • Shooting Sports: additional $40 (if enrolled)

  • Dog: additional $40 (if enrolled)

  • Horse: additional $100 (new this year)

• Second Club: no extra fee

• Family maximum for enrollment fee: $120

• Family maximum for project fees: three times the project fee

  • Dog: $120 max per family

  • Horse: $300 max per family

  • Shooting Sports: $120 max per family

• Leaders: no charge
  
  

Why the changes? Increased rental fees at the fairgrounds and higher program costs mean we had to make some adjustments this year.

Scholarships are available if cost is a barrier, so please reach out to either your 4-H organizational leader or the 4-H office directly. 

We cannot wait to welcome new and returning members into another year of growth, learning, and fun. Invite a friend to join and let’s make this the best 4-H year yet!

2025 State 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Applications

The application for Colorado State 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors will open on Friday, September 12. Senior 4-H members who are interested in applying can find the application form online. All completed applications must be submitted by October 15. Before applying, please review the list of ambassador expectations to be sure this opportunity is a good fit. 

Applications are now open for the National Western Stock Show Catch-it-Calf Program. Participants who are selected will catch and raise a calf, then return one year later with a market-ready steer. Steers are judged on production and carcass quality, and participants are judged on showmanship, record books, and an interview. The program is open to youth ages 14 to 19 as of January 1, 2026. Bouldeer County members must make an appointment and meet with Brenda by November 15th. Then the signed Applications are due by December 15, 2025. Due to Holidays, out of office work events and more, it is important to apply early for this opportunity so we can meet the needs of the process. 

Research Opportunity for Farm and Ranch Families
Colorado State University researcher Melissa Fenton is looking for parents/caregivers and teens (ages 12–18) from farm or ranch families to take part in a study on coping and resilience in agricultural communities.

• Interviews take 60–90 minutes, online or in person.

• Each participant will receive a $75 gift card.

• All information is confidential.
  
  

Interested families can complete the eligibility survey at: https://col.st/BOXyU

Join the 4-H Alumni & Support Network

Stay Connected with Colorado 4-H

We’re launching a quarterly newsletter to keep our 4-H alumni, donors, and partners informed and inspired. Each issue will spotlight youth, volunteers, and programs from across the state. Help us grow our network by sharing this opt-in link with families, volunteers, and supporters.