This Week in Gillespie 4-H

January 25th, 2026

*New Gillespie 4-H News*

'26-'27 State Council At-Large Delegate Applications

The 2026-2027 At-Large Delegate application information and the Texas 4-H Council Contract have been posted. The Texas 4-H Council is a team of 4-H members elected by their peers from across the state of Texas representing the twelve AgriLife Extension districts plus an additional six At-Large Delegates, elected by any Senior level 4-H member across the state.

MORE INFORMATION

Stock Show Judging Contest Sign Up Form

Please complete google form after checking your schedule to let us know what contests your youth is able to participate in. This will help us do school excuses more accurately and plan for each contest. If we have more youth interest than we have entries for a specific contest we will be in touch (not typically the case).
Livestock Judging: https://forms.gle/Hr7xnsxpe7x176ds9

Ag Product ID: https://forms.gle/MW4E58Hbf7DSbcTj7

Wool Judging: https://forms.gle/7KB8qSrtDWF8LWdn9

Meat Judging: https://forms.gle/PV5umrTy9aYAp2GG8

Friendly Reminders

Livestock Reminders & Validation

• Fort Worth & San Angelo passes have arrived and are available for pick up at the Extension Office

• State Fair Checks are in the office for those who have a sale or floor check to pick up

• Don't forget to make sure you submit your school excuses by the deadline! 

Project Updates

All Shooting Sports

Coach Certification Training
Shooting sports coach certification training at the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood for archery, rifle, pistol or shotgun certification. ou must be a registered volunteer to register - if you would like to go but aren't currently a registered volunteer please get on it ASAP 

Registration: January 23rd- February 16th

Save The Date: March 6-7, 2026

MORE INFORMATION

Ag Product ID
NEW Virtual practice posted - Due February 5th.  To access the google form go to: https://www.gillespie4h.com/projects/judging-contest/ag-product-id

Judging Contest at Major Livestock Shows

Includes Livestock, Meats, Wool, Ag Product ID
Please complete google form after checking your schedule to let us know what contests your youth is able to participate in. This will help us do school excuses more accurately and plan. If we have more youth than we have entries for a specific contest we will be in touch (not typically the case).
Livestock Judging: https://forms.gle/Hr7xnsxpe7x176ds9

Ag Product ID: https://forms.gle/MW4E58Hbf7DSbcTj7

Wool Judging: https://forms.gle/7KB8qSrtDWF8LWdn9

Meat Judging: https://forms.gle/PV5umrTy9aYAp2GG8

Photography

D10 Virtual Photography Contest
Registration: OPEN NOW!

Deadline: February 17, 2026

4-H members participating in the District 10 4-H Virtual Photography Contest will be limited to 3 photography entries per contestant. There are Junior, Intermediate and Senior age divisions.

MORE INFORMATION

Texas 4-H Amateur Photography Contest
Registration: OPEN NOW!

Deadline: January 31, 2026

The Amateur Photography Competition encourages self-expression and allows youth and adults to demonstrate skills in the area of photography.  

MORE INFORMATION

Aperture Academy Photography Camp
Registration: OPEN NOW!

Save the Date:  July 6-10, 2026

Aperture Academy is a hands-on camp designed for beginners to learn the basics of photography in a fun, interactive environment.  Limited to 25 campers.

MORE INFORMATION

Community Service Opportunity

St. Vincent's 5th Saturday - Gillespie 4-H
We need 5-7 Intermediate to Sentior 4-H members to work St. Vincent's 5th Saturdays. Please reach out to Emily and let her know you are available. 

District/State 4-H News

San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo School Tours

Sign Up NOW!

Tour Dates: Tuesday, February 17th - Friday, February 20th, 2026 and Tuesday, February 24th - Friday, February 27th, 2026 

The School Tours program has been an important part of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo for over 25 years! Tours start with an 8am instructional meeting followed by a quick demo tour so that our guides get a feel for the grounds and attractions.  Once the schools arrive, tour guides will get assigned a teacher and their class to take out on the grounds.  Touring time lasts till about lunchtime and then tour guides will be released for the day.  A follow up meeting is at 2pm.  This meeting is not mandatory (we understand school schedules) but recommended.  SIGN UP 

Texas 4-H Virtual Sportfishing Program

Registration: Open Now!
Are you ready for some spring sportfishing with the 2026 Texas 4-H Virtual Sportfishing Program?  The 2026 sportfishing spring programs offer lots of new things, like virtual educational opportunities!

MORE INFORMATION

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Calf Scramble

Registration Open NOW!
Applications  are first come, first serve!

Dates: January 16-February 7, 2026
Run in the dirt under the bright lights at Dickies Arena. Entry Applications are to be submitted by the County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher as a group 20 Participants and 10 Winners per Performance. Each kid that does not catch a calf will receive a FREE pair of Justin Boots, courtesy of the Justin Boot Company. Each of the 230 Winners will be issued a $500 Purchase Certificate to use towards the purchase of a registered Beef or Dairy Heifer.

ENTER HERE

Texas 4-H Congress

Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members going into 9th grade – through those who just graduated 12th Grade (at the time of the event).  

MORE INFORMATION

Gillespie 4-H Seniors

Texas 4-H Scholarship - OPEN NOW! 

Deadline: February 15, 2026
Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarships provide financial assistance for Texas 4-H members attending a Texas college or university, with scholarships awarded based on academic achievement, 4-H experience, and financial need.
It is never to early to start working on your 4-H Scholarship - schedule a meeting with Shea/Emily to get a head start on this one.  
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 

4-H Adult Leaders Scholarship - THIS WEEK!

Deadline: January 30, 2026
Gillespie 4-H Adult Leaders awards up to $10,000 in scholarships to graduating Gillespie 4-H members. Scholarships must be turned in at the Extension Office, and applicants must select an interview time.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

EEA County & District Scholarships- THIS WEEK!

Deadlines: January 30, 2026

The 2025 Gillespie County Extension Education Association (EEA) scholarship recognizes the achievements of high school seniors in their schools and/or communities. 4-H high school seniors are encouraged to also apply for the District EEA Scholarship. Application, 4-H Record Book from previous year, official high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, and two letters of recommendation are required.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

State Fair of Texas-Exhibitor Scholarship - THIS WEEK!

Deadline: February 1, 2026
Eligible recipients must be graduating high school seniors around the state of Texas who have participated in competitive youth livestock events held at the State Fair  
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Gillespie County A&M Club Scholarship

Deadline: March 2, 2026
This application is for graduating high school seniors in Gillespie County, Texas who are accepted as a student at Texas A&M University in College Station, Galveston, or McAllen in the fall of 2026. NOTE:   Applicants must attend school or home school in Gillespie County to be eligible to apply for this scholarship. If you attend high school outside of Gillespie County, then you are not eligible to apply for the Gillespie County A&M Club Scholarship application and should consult with the A&M Club in that county.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Forging Futures Education Fund Scholarship

Deadline:  March 15, 2026
Scholarships are available to students planning to attend accredited institutions that offer programs leading to a bachelor’s degree, vocational certification, or post-secondary training that prepares them for gainful employment in recognized professions.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Scholarship  

Deadline: February 6, 2026                                                                                                                                                                                                       This scholarship is awarded annually to deserving students pursuing an agricultural or agricultural-related degree program (Animal Science, Pre-Vet, Agribusiness, Range Management or Wildlife) from an accredited university in Texas or Oklahoma. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior. Applications are selected on the basis of their interest in the industry, leadership, academic achievement and financial need.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

San Angelo Stock Show Exhibitor Foundation Scholarship  

Deadline: March 1, 2026 

Through the San Angelo Stock Show, scholarships are awarded based on work inside and outside the classroom identifying well-rounded and driven individuals. Students receiving scholarships participate as members of 4-H and FFA programs, demonstrating the Association's anchored belief in these important youth programs. Recipients of these scholarships will attend an accredited Texas university, college, or technical school. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Hill Country Sheep & Goat Raisers Scholarship  

Deadline: April 20, 2026                                                                                                                                                                   

This is open to high school seniors and college students currently enrolled. To apply you must be a legal Texas resident living in the counties of Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Menard, Mason, Real or Sutton.

Moneys awarded begin at $500 per student with added awards.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you need a school excuse for a 4-H activity CLICK HERE to access the form.
Non-stock show 4-H school requests must be submitted at least 3-4 business days before the dates you are requesting.
Stock show excuse request deadlines are emailed to exhibitors prior to shows.