Happy Helpers 4-H Club

09/18/2026

Nice job Alyssa—selling yummy cookies made with eggs from her own chickens at the Tonganoxie Farmers Market.

09/12/2026

The club elected officers at its September meeting last Wednesday and promoted 4H with a booth & scavenger hunt at the Tonganoxie Farmers Market on Thursday. Next up: a new parent info meeting on Sept. 13 and record book signing on Sept. 30.

09/08/2026

The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts has youth poster, limerick, photography, speech and other contests--check them out at the below link. Some deadlines are in October.

Kansas Conservation Local Youth Contests

08/31/2026

This is a terrific opportunity for adventurous 4-H youth. Talk to Anne if you have any questions about traveling abroad as part of one of these programs!

State's 4-H International Exchange Programs has announced six outbound exchange trips for 2027. Online applications open September 5, 2026, with Kansas applications due November 1, 2026. Interviews and first orientation will be November 22, 2026. For more information: https://www.kansas4-h.org/educational-experiences/project-based-events/global-citizenship/states-4h-international-exchange-program/

08/13/2026

Opportunities!

Calling all teachers: Ready to grow some science? 🌱🥬

Bring plant science to life with Willie and the Salad Bonanza!

This hands-on challenge invites K–12 student teams to grow leafy greens, investigate the science behind plant growth, document their progress, and see just how much they can produce in a limited amount of growing space.

Students will:
🌱 Grow three designated varieties of leafy greens
🔬 Explore the science of plant growth
📏 Work within a five-gallon growing-medium limit
📸 Document their growing process
🏆 Compete against other teams (middle and high school only)

Teams can participate in K–5, 6–8, 9–12, or Mixed Age divisions. Extension provides seeds and support throughout the challenge.

Teachers and team leaders: Now is the time to sign up!

📅 Registration deadline: September 1
👩‍🏫 Open to schools and K–12 community organizations, including 4-H, Scouts, FFA, and more.

👉 Learn more and register: https://tinyurl.com/2026WillieSaladBonanza

Gather your team. Grow some greens. See what your students can discover!

08/13/2026

Put your knowledge and skills to the test in the 2026 KJLS LEAD Challenge!

The LEAD Challenge gives exhibitors the opportunity to grow their knowledge of animal agriculture while building leadership and advocacy skills through Listen & Learn sessions, prepared speeches, skill stations, career development and livestock showmanship.

🏆 Cash prizes will be awarded to the top five finishers in each age division, with prizes ranging up to $500!

Interested youth can enter the LEAD Challenge through ShoWorks while completing their KJLS entries.

Learn more and view the 2026 Participant Guide: kjls.net/lead-challenge

08/12/2026

Reminder: there is NO August club meeting tonight (we had a pool party last Sunday instead). The next regular meeting will be on Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. in the 4-H building on the fairgrounds. Hope to see you all then!

Send a message to learn more

08/11/2026

Busy couple of days. Yesterday was the club picnic & pool party, then today members shared info about 4-H at the Tonganoxie Elementary School Back-to-School night. Way to go 4-Hers!

08/11/2026

🎡That’s a wrap on another incredible fair! 🎡

As we close the gates on this year’s fair, we want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who helped make it such a memorable week.

To our Youth Livestock Auction buyers, thank you for investing in the future of our youth and supporting their hard work throughout the year.

Thank you to our event sponsors, commercial and food vendors, and everyone who helped provide a fun experience for our fairgoers.

A special thank you to the Christian Church Parking Team, EMS, Emergency Preparedness, and the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department for helping keep our fair safe, organized, and running smoothly.

To our dedicated superintendents, countless volunteers, committee members, and all of the behind-the-scenes supporters.. you are the backbone of this fair. Your time, hard work, and dedication often go unseen, but they never go unnoticed.

Most importantly, thank you to the parents, families, and mentors who spend countless hours throughout the entire year encouraging, teaching, transporting, and supporting the young people who exhibit at our fair. Your commitment makes these opportunities possible, and the impact you have reaches far beyond fair week.

And finally, thank you to our exhibitors, fairgoers, and community for making this year’s fair, our 100th anniversary fair, one to remember. We couldn’t do it without each and every one of you.

We’ll see you next year for our 101st year! ❤️🎠