ELKHART COUNTY 4-H RABBIT CLUB 2016 HANDBOOK

ELKHART COUNTY 4-H RABBIT CLUB 2016 HANDBOOK 4-H Motto: To Make the Best Better I pledge: My Head to clearer thinking My Heart to greater loyalty My Hands to larger service, and My Health to better living for My club, my community, my country and my world. http://elkhartcountyrabbitclub.weebly.com Find us on Facebook Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit Club 1

Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit Club 2016 Project Book Table of Contents Page 3 Welcome Fair Week Calendar 4 Leadership Advisory Board Officers 5 Project Leaders 6 2016 Calendar 7 Breeds of Rabbits Breeding Chart 8 Live Rabbit Exhibit 9 Exhibiting at Fair Rules 10 Completion Requirements 11 Rabbit Club Supply Fees Bunny Hut Cutest Bunny Photo Contest 12 Rabbit Workshop Marvin J. Yoder Scholarship 13 4-H Rabbit Ambassador Procedures 15 4-H Rabbit Showmanship 16 Rabbit Poster Exhibit 17 Rabbit Illustrated Talk County Action Demonstration Contest 18 4-H Queen Contest Parent and Member Requirements 19 Rabbit Auction Rules Rabbit Club Achievement Points 20 Achievement Point Score Card 2

WELCOME!!!!!! Parents and Members: Welcome to the Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit Club! There is a lot to learn about raising rabbits and we want to help you be successful. The Rabbit Club is for the ENTIRE FAMILY! Please feel free to join your children at all meetings and activities. Please take time to read this Project Book and remember to check the Rabbit Club Calendar every month for upcoming events. The Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit Club has several activities throughout the year. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions that you may have throughout the year. Objectives of the 4-H Rabbit Club The Elkhart Co. 4-H Rabbit Program is designed to help members: 1. Develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, and sportsmanship skills along with other valuable character traits. 2. Experience the pride and responsibility of owning an animal along with care, feeding, and related costs. 3. Learn safety precautions so that injuries to yourself, other members, and the animals can be prevented. 4. Promote a love for animals and a humane attitude towards them. 5. Prepare for citizenship responsibilities by working together, supporting community projects and activities. 6. Become aware of the opportunities for careers in the rabbit industry or animal field. The information below is provided so that you can plan ahead for activities during Fair Week. Times will be announced at a later date. Fair Week Calendar: Thursday July 21 Check-in Friday July 22 Costume contest, Rabbit Ambassador Knowledge Test & Breed ID, Queen Contest Saturday July 23 ARBA Youth Open Rabbit Show Sunday July 24 Parade Monday July 25 Showmanship Contest Tuesday July 26 Illustrated Talk and Action Demonstration Wednesday July 27 4-H Rabbit Show Thursday July 28 Round Robin Competition for Showmanship champion Friday July 29 Auction, Check-Out 3

Leadership Co-Organizational Leaders: Regina Goodman 534-3720 Melody Dunithan 522-0669 Assistant Leaders: Veronica Jordan 266-1065 Kim Rich 329-8383 Advisory Board: President Kevin Grimm 529-4992 Vice President Shawn Jordan 266-1065 Treasurer Andrew Kuhn 773-3100 Secretary Jamie Holdeman 206-1514 Fair Bd. Rep Cliff Wolf 518-2324 Members Priscilla Johnson 293-2798 Stacy Burden 202-3513 Scott Hornish 354-0104 Rabbit Club Officers: President Destinee Boutwell 533-8847 Vice President Chloe Wall 370-0011 Secretary Kali Wolf 202-3269 Treasurers Heather Campbell 354-8475 Devotions Noah Wolf 518-2325 News reporter Daycee Boutwell 533-8847 Photographers Kelsey Fish 360-7011 Jr. Adv. Bd. Katelynn Johnson 612-9336 4

Project Leaders: 3 rd Grade Kristen O Dell 312-8423 Katie Gerke 536-9020 Rachel Longacre 538-7519 1 st Year Members Angelo Brown Morgan Jordan 612-1882 Lisa Wolf 518-2325 4 th and 5 th Grade Amber Dunithan 849-8197 Jodi Hershberger 312-5718 Cyndi Calkins 264-2400 6 th and 7 th Grade Zoann Wall 533-6081 Tammy Gard 329-0392 Priscilla Johnson 293-2798 8 th and 9 th Grade Elise Goodman 536-1527 Samantha Dunithan 849-6869 Trina Anderson 312-5868 10 th -12 th Grade Marie Mast 262-0062 Heather Kleckner-Malcom 825-7428 Cora Christophel 294-2034 First Year Families Wendell Hershberger 612-3298 Lindsey Trenshaw 238-1686 5

2016 Calendar January January 4 Advisory 7:00 January 14 Club Mtg. 7:00 S/S arena Group #1 Start Chocolate Bunny Fundraiser February February 1 Advisory 7:00 February 11 Club Mtg. 7:00 S/S arena Group #2 Turn in Choc Bunny Fundraiser Wear Red/Pink Turn in Valentine s Cards for Nursing Home March March 7 Advisory 7:00 March 10 Club Mtg. 7:00 S/S arena Group #3 Choc Bunny Delivery Wear Green Nominate Queen Candidate Geranium orders due Only month for Pop Tabs Get a Card for the Troups April April 11 Advisory 7:00 April 21 Club Mtg. 7:00 S/S arena Group: Work on Resume Fair week contest and Bunny Hut Food Tshirt designs turn in Turn in Card for the Troups April 30 Rabbit Workshop S/S Arena May May 2 Advisory 7:00 May 12 Club Mtg. 7:00 Building F Group: Showmanship practice Declaration forms MUST be turned in by this meeting!!! Tshirt color and design vote May 14 Work Day #1 June June 6 Advisory 7:00 June 16 Club Mtg. 7:00 S/S arena Group: Fair Week Prep Info Only time to turn in Zip Ties June 17 Cook Day June 18 Work Day #2 July July 11 Advisory 7:00 July 14 Club Mtg. 7:00 Bldg. F Fair Prep begins after group Meeting!!!!!! Turn in Resume and Record book Affidavit Candy for Float July 9 Work Day #3 July 21 Fair Check in July 22-30 Fair Week July 29 Check out and Work Day #4 August August 1 Advisory 7:00 August 11 Banquet ECCC Building 6:00 Other Dates September 5 Advisory 7:00 October 3 Advisory 7:00 November 7 Advisory 7:00 December 5 Advisory 7:00 6

BREEDS OF RABBITS 6 CLASS RABBITS: American Cinnamon* Silver Fox Angora (Giant) Crème d Argent* Argent Brun Flemish Giant Beveren* Hotot* Californian* English Lop Champagne d Argent* French Lop Checkered Giant* New Zealand* Chinchilla (American) Palomino* Chinchilla (Giant)* Satin *These breeds have a Pre-Junior class in ARBA sanctioned shows. 4 CLASS RABBITS: American Fuzzy Lop Havana Silver American Sable Himalayan Silver Marten Angora (English) Holland Lop Tan Angora (French) Jersey Wooly Thrianta Angora (Satin) Lilac Belgian Hare Lionhead (REW, Tort) Britannia Petite Mini Lop Chinchilla (Standard) Mini Rex Dutch Mini Satin Dwarf Hotot Netherland Dwarf English Spot Polish Florida White Rex Harlequin Rhinelander Breeding Chart If you need 4 or 6 class Juniors for the 4-H Fair at the end of July, you need to breed after December 28 th. If you need Seniors for the 4-H Fair, you need to breed in October for 6 class breeds and in November for 4 class breeds. 7

LIVE RABBIT EXHIBIT (Showing at the Fair) Exhibiting at the Fair is NOT a completion requirement. If you do not own a rabbit, or an ARBA recognized breed, PLEASE see the section on completion requirements. REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOWING A LIVE RABBIT EXHIBIT AT FAIR: 1. Rabbit must be an ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) recognized breed. 2. One (1) purchased rabbit per breed will be allowed. (Must be purchased by the May meeting) All other rabbits must be raised* by the member. Meat pen rabbits CANNOT be purchased since only 1 purchased rabbit can be shown. *Definition of RAISED: kits born on Rabbit Club member s property. NOTE: There is a Special Class available for those not able to meet this requirement. Non-recognized breeds or mixed breeds must be shown in Special Class. There is no special class for meat pens. 3. Each member may enter TWO (2) breeds of rabbits for the 4-H Rabbit Show. 4. Each member may show up to ELEVEN (11) individual rabbits. 5. As part of the ELEVEN (11) individual rabbits, each member may exhibit ONE (1) sixclass Meat Pen (Three rabbits of the same breed and variety) which must be displayed in 1 cage. NOTE: These rabbits MUST weigh a min. of THREE (3) pounds and a max. of FIVE (5) pounds each, and be under 70 days old. (Unless ARBA standard is changed) 6. Order of Showing: 6-CLASS RABBITS 4-CLASS RABBITS Meat Pen (under 70 days) Senior Buck (over 6 months old) Senior Buck (over 8 months old) Senior Doe (over 6 months old) Senior Doe (over 8 months old) Junior Buck (under 6 months old) 6/8 Buck (6-8 months old) Junior Doe (under 6 months old) 6/8 Doe (6-8 months old) Junior Buck (under 6 months old) Junior Doe (under 6 months old) Pre. Jr. Buck (under 70 days old) Pre. Jr. Doe (under 70 days old) NOTE: Many breeds have weight limits for Juniors and 6/8 (intermediates), Consult the ARBA Standards for weight limits on ALL ages and breeds. It is your responsibility to know your breed(s) of rabbit(s) weight limit(s). 7. The rabbits MUST be in good health to show. If any health problems occur with one of your rabbits during it s stay in the Rabbit Barn during FAIR WEEK: AN ORGANIZAITONAL LEADER MUST BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY! 8

8. All rabbits MUST have a permanent ear TATTOO in its LEFT ear, BEFORE entering the Fairgrounds. THE TATTOO MUST BE CLEAR AND EASY TO READ or the Rabbit could be disqualified by the Judge. There will be opportunities to have rabbits tattooed at some of the club meetings. There will be a limit of 6 rabbits per member per meeting to be tattooed. THE CLUB AND THE PEOPLE WHO VOLUNTEER TO TATTOO RABBITS WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURIES TO RABBITS DURING THE TATTOOING PROCESS. 9. ALL rabbits must be weaned. EXHIBITING AT THE FAIR RULES 1. Resumes and record books MUST be turned in to the 4-H Rabbit Club Leaders by the July mtg. Resumes and record books need to be completed in order to receive your Fair Passes. A penalty of 5-10 points could be deducted from workbooks/record sheets turned in after the July mtg. 2. Declaration Forms must be turned in on, or before, the May meeting. Untattooed babies must be added to the form on, or before, the July meeting. All tattoos must match the declaration form at check-in. 3. Rabbits MUST be on exhibition by 8:00pm the Thursday before Fair begins. There will be only ONE check-in. There will NOT be any Friday check-ins, unless prior arrangements have been made with a leader. All rabbits must be weaned. Rabbits must be checked out by 3:00pm the last Friday of Fair. The Elkhart Co. Club WILL NOT be responsible for the safety and well-being of any rabbits remaining in the barn after the check-out time. 4. ANY RABBIT THAT HAS A STAR, OR OTHER SYMBOL, IN ITS EAR, MAY NOT BE BROUGHT TO THE LOCAL 4-H FAIR OR THE STATE FAIR FOR EXHIBIT. A registration tattoo is an exception to this. 5. All members are to have their remark card(s) for the Youth Show on Wednesday filled out at Check-in. If this is not done, you may not be eligible to show on the Wednesday show. 6. 4-H club members will be responsible for the feeding and watering of their rabbits and cleaning under their cages DAILY. The 4-H member is responsible for the grooming of his/her rabbits. 7. 4-H MEMBERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SEEING THAT THEIR RABBITS ARE BROUGHT TO AND FROM THE SHOW TABLES. 9

8. Rabbits will be shown by breed in alphabetical order. The show order will be A to Z on even numbered Fair years and Z to A on odd numbered Fair years. This is for the Wednesday Show Only. 9. The 4-H Rabbit Club co-organizational leaders and at least 2 Advisory Board Members will rule on any special situations that may arise. Their decision will be final. 10. Any animal showing signs of illness or disease may be sent home. 11. NO rabbit breeding will be allowed in or around the barn during Fair Week. 12. Any 4-H exhibit removed from display prior to official release time could be disqualified. Any 4-H Placing/prizes (including ribbons, money, medals, trophies, etc.) awarded to that exhibit could be forfeited. 13. FOR SALE signs may NOT be placed on any cages until after the 4-H show on Wednesday. 14. All members will be allowed to display above their cages, the rabbit s cage card, Open Show and 4-H Show ribbons and rosettes. 15. No 4-H exhibited rabbits may be removed from the barn until after Auction on the last Friday of Fair, unless for health reasons. (Taken from the Fair catalog under Indiana 4- H Program Statement of Policy, Exhibition. ) 15. Special Class Rabbits will be defined as: 1. Mixed breed rabbits 2. Lionheads and any other rabbit not meeting the Live Rabbit Exhibit Requirements. 3. Rabbits purchased after May Rabbit Club meeting 4. Any rabbit that has been altered PARENTS: During the Judging process, we ask that parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc. to please use the provided seating area to watch the rabbit judging. ONLY 4-H members, the 5 Organizational Leaders, Advisory Board members, and show workers can be inside the roped off area. We need to keep the aisles free so that our 4-Hers can bring their rabbits to and from the show tables. Thank you. Completion Requirements: Displaying a Rabbit Not Displaying a Rabbit Late Enrollment Enrolled by January 15 Enrolled by January 15 Enrolled after January 15 1 Rabbit Display at fair 1 Rabbit Poster on display in ECCC bldg Declaration Form due May 14 Rabbit Resume Rabbit Resume Rabbit Resume 1 Record Book 1 Record Book 10

RABBIT CLUB SUPPLY FEES For the 2016 club year, the Elkhart Co. Rabbit Club fees will be $20 for the first child and $15 for each additional child. These fees will be due by the May mtg. The fees cover all the cost it takes to run this club. (i.e: postage, t-shirt, newsletters, etc.) This is in addition to the fees required by Purdue University. BUNNY HUT The Elkhart Co. 4-H Rabbit Club has a concession stand open for food sales during the fair. The Bunny Hut is located near the main entrance of the Fairgrounds. It is staffed by Rabbit Club members and their families. The rabbit meat used in the various items is obtained from our members first and outside sources if the members cannot fulfill the need. Rabbit processing dates will be announced throughout the year. The Bunny Hut needs food donations for our FAMOUS salads. We can accept tomatoes, cucumbers, red cabbage, green peppers, onions, heads of lettuce (no leaf or prepackaged), and carrots. Donations of paper towels, shredded cheese, and hard boiled eggs are also needed. If you are not sure what to donate, PLEASE ask the Bunny Hut Chairperson. Sign-up sheets will be available as we get closer to Fair time. CUTEST RABBIT PHOTO CONTEST 1. Any rabbit club member can enter up to TWO (2) pictures involving rabbits in cute or adorable photos. Neither Club members nor family can be in the pictures. Just rabbits. Please make sure you write your name on the back of your photos BEFORE you turn them in. Any photos showing any animal in a dangerous or harmful way will not be used. 2. You may enter your photos during the Check-in process on Thursday before the Fair and up until 8:00pm Monday evening. 3. The photos will then be arranged and displayed during the 4-H Show on Wednesday for all members, their families, and Fair goers to vote on. A ballot box and paper will be provided. Voting will last until the barn closes at 10:00pm Wednesday evening. 4. The ballots will be counted and the winner will be named once the results are available. 5. All members pictures will be returned during Check-out or at the banquet. 11

RABBIT WORKSHOP In April, the Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit club will offer a Rabbit Workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to provide members with additional rabbit information and fair week preparations. THE MARVIN J. YODER 4-H RABBIT CLUB SCHOLARSHIP The Marvin J. Yoder Scholarship has been created to say WELL DONE to our senior members in the Elkhart Co. Rabbit club. These members have worked hard and participated in the growth and function of the club. We would like to be a partner with them and show our support as they pursue their post High School education. Marvin J. Yoder was a long time resident of Elkhart Co. His contributions to the community were many. As a member of the Elkhart C. 4-H Rabbit Club Advisory Bd., Marvin served as Fair Board Representative. Marvin had a love for learning and competition. Out of that love, came a desire to support the youth in Rabbit club through generous gifts of time and money. Each year at the 4-H auction, young people could count on Marvin s bid. On more than one occasion, he purchased prize-winning animals to reward the hard work that a 4-H er had put forth. On August 18 th, 1995, Marvin J. Yoder died after a hard fought battle with cancer. Although he will no longer be there to bid on 4-H livestock, his competitive spirit and love for learning can live on through this scholarship. Eligibility and Requirements: Every eligible senior who applies and has met the requirements will be awarded the scholarship. Requirements for 1998 and beyond: 1. Be a completing member for at least 5 years in the Elkhart C. 4-H Rabbit Club 2. Earned at least 3 Gold Achievement ribbons 3. Complete at least 5 approved activities: Ambassador Contest, Judging Contest, Share-the-fun, County Demonstration Contest, Illustrated Talk, Livestock, Advisory Board, Rabbit Costume Contest, Learning Show, Round Robin, Showmanship, Club Officer, Public Speaking Contest, Rabbit Poster?Exhibit, Parade Participant, Showmanship, Ambassador State Competition, Rabbit Club 4- H Queen Representative Funding: This scholarship is an endowment fund set up by the Yoder Family and the Elkhart Co. 4-H Rabbit club. Donations will consist of endowment funds and immediate monies. The rabbit club will be making contributions through fund-raising programs and we will be accepting donations from community members who also believe in our youth and would like to help them pursue their dreams. If you are a Senior Member of the 4-H Rabbit club, scholarship application forms are available from the Rabbit Club leaders. 12

4-H RABBIT AMBASSADOR PROCEDURES Use the Indiana 4-H Rabbit Ambassador Handbook, available from the leaders, as a guide for this contest 1. Quiz/Test (100 points maximum score Novice (3 rd & 4 th Grade) 25 True/False questions taken from: (4 points each question) a) Rabbit Resource Handbook b) Standard of Perfection from ARBA Junior (5th& 6 th Grade) 25 True/False questions taken from: (4 points each question) a) Rabbit Resource Handbook b) Standard of Perfection from ARBA Intermediate (7 th & 8 th Grade) 50 questions taken from: (2 points each question) a) Rabbit Resource Handbook b) Standard of Perfection from ARBA Senior (9th & 10 th Grade) 50 questions taken from: (2 points each question) a) Rabbit Resource Handbook b) Standard of Perfection from ARBA Master (11 th & 12 th Grade) 50 questions taken from: (2 points each question) a) Rabbit Resource Handbook b) Standard of Perfection from ARBA The Rabbit Resource Handbook for Breeding, Market, and Pet Rabbit Projects is purchased through the Ohio State University Extension estore website. 2. Breed identification (60 points maximum score) Identify and classify 10 breeds and or varieties of rabbits 3. Showmanship (100 points maximum score) Each contestant will furnish his/her own rabbit. 4. Resume of Rabbit Project (30 points maximum score) Resume should be completed prior to the contest and submitted to the leaders at or before the July meeting. Use the following as a guide in addition to the scoring rubric in the ambassador handbook. a) Skills and accomplishments (20 points possible) One point per life skill (maximum 5) One point per experience for above life skills (maximum of 3 per life skill=15 points) b) Future Goals (4 points possible) List 1 short term 4-H goal 13

List 1 long term 4-H goal List 1 short term life goal List 1 long term life goal c) Honors (2 points possible) 4-H honors specific to category Outside honors d) Format (4 points possible) Use bulleted or outline format Use correct font (minimum 10) Observes correct length: 2 pages, 1 sided Correct spelling 1. Contestant categories determined by the grade in which they were enrolled on January 1 of the current year. a. Novice 3 rd and 4 th grade b. Junior 5 th and 6 th grade c. Intermediate 7 th and 8 th grade d. Senior 9 th and 10 th grade e. Master 11 th and 12 th grade 2. Division winners are not eligible to participate in the same division again if they have won at the state level. 3. Contestants must furnish a #2 pencil. 4. Participants may use no resource or reference materials during the contest. 5. Contestants will complete: a. A quiz/test (100 points maximum score) b. Breed identification (60 points maximum score) c. Showmanship (100 points maximum score) d. Resume of Rabbit Project (30 points maximum score) 6. Breaking Tie Scores: a. Highest test score b. Highest breed identification score c. Oral test given by committee of two appointed by the Ambassador chairperson d. Ties will only be broken if needed to determine who will go on to Sate Ambassador Contest. 14

4-H RABBIT SHOWMANSHIP 1. REQUIREMENTS a. Open to all 4-H ers enrolled in the Rabbit Project. b. The 4-H participant will be grouped in the following categories: i. Novice 3 rd and 4 th grades ii. Juniors 5 th and 6 th grades iii. Intermediates 7 th and 8 th grades iv. Seniors 9 th and 10 th v. Masters 11 th, and 12 th grades 2. MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS a. 4-H ers must supply their own rabbit that they have trained for the competition. The rabbit must be a display rabbit. b. Each participant will be graded on their technique with a score sheet. c. Showmanship Technique (90 points possible) i. The 4-H er will demonstrate their ability to evaluate a rabbit according to the standard for type and disqualifications. ii. Point values for the steps range from 2 to 12 points. d. Appearance and Attitude (10 points possible) i. 4-H er should be neat and appropriately dressed for the occasion. Black pants and white shirt. Long sleeves should be worn. ii. Both the 4-H er and the animal should be clean and well groomed. iii. The 4-H er should be courteous at all times with their attention on the animal and the judge, not looking around at others. iv. Only the exhibitor showing the rabbit should be at the table, others are to stand back. v. The 4-H er should be alert and follow the instructions that are given by the judge or assistant. 3. ROUND ROBIN PARTICIPATION The first place showman from the Senior/Master division will be eligible to represent the Rabbit club in the Small Animal Round Robin Contest. The Reserve Senior/Master showman will be the alternate. In the even there is no eligible Senior/Master member, the representative will be the showman in the Intermediate Division. Prior to the Round Robin Contest, the Rabbit Club Showman and the alternate representative are responsible for contacting the other participating clubs in order to get an information sheet on the specie and get instructions on their showmanship techniques. In case of a tie in the Round Robin Contest, the participants will be required to answer questions that have been taken from these information sheets, in order to determine the placing. 15

RABBIT POSTER EXHIBIT 1. The 4-H Rabbit Poster is open to any 4-H member and is not limited to exhibitors of 4-H rabbits. 4-H ers may also use their 4-H Rabbit Poster as part of their Illustrated Talk or Action Demonstration. The purpose shall be visually demonstrate 4-H Rabbit Poster knowledge and to demonstrate to others the 4-H Rabbit Poster possibilities. 2. The 4-H participant will be grouped in the following categories: a. Level 1 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th grades b. Level 2 6 th, 7 th, 8 th grades c. Level 3 9 th, 10 th, 11 th, 12 th grades 3. Requirements a. Poster Board Use white 22 x28 displayed horizontally with stiff backing and the front covered with clear plastic. Leave a space in the lower front right-hand corner for a 3 1/2 x 4 1/4 nametag. The nametag will be filled out when the poster is checked in. b. Each poster must have been made by the 4-H member enrolled in the current year 4-H program. c. Proper footnoting should be used for any reference materials. Attach a 3x5 file card to the back of the poster listing all references 4. Standards of evaluation: a. Content and Information (Accuracy and Completeness) 40 points b. Originality and Creativeness (Attracts interest and encourages thought 25 points c. Overall Appearance/Appealing (Neatness, arrangement, background workmanship, attention to detail) 15 points d. Suitable Subject and Age Appropriate (Matches child s age ability) 10 points e. Conveys Message/ Accomplishes Purpose 5 points f. Meets Exhibit Requirements 5 points g. Total 100 points 5. Entering Date The entry date is determined by the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. 6. State Fair Participation: There will be one poster from each level that will be chosen by the judges to represent Elkhart County at the State Fair in August, unless the judges feel none are worthy of State Fair Exhibition. 16

RABBIT ILLUSTRATED TALK 1. The Rabbit Illustrated Talk Contest is an educational contest for any 4-H Rabbit Project member. This contest will be implemented and sponsored by the State 4-H Advisory Board Committee. 2. The Illustrated Talk is a presentation to an audience. 3. The 4-H participant will be grouped in the following categories: a. Junior 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th grades b. Intermediate 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grades c. Senior 9 th, 10 th, 11 th, and 12 th grades 4. Previous winners may compete again, but must select and present a different topic. 5. Requirements: a. Presentation should be of original and of practical nature related to some phase of the rabbit industry. Elaborate and expensive equipment cannot be justified. b. The Illustrated Talk should last 5 to 7 minutes for the Junior and Intermediate categories. Senior participants should use 5 to 10 minutes. Judges will deduct points when the presentation exceeds the allowed time limits. c. Each category will have a Grand Champion and a Reserve Grand Champion. d. Additional information is available from the leaders. 6. Winners are eligible to compete at State Fair. COUNTY ACTION DEMONSTRATION CONTEST 1. This contest is sponsored through the Extension Office. 2. The 4-H Action Demos will have the following Levels: a. Junior 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th grades b. Intermediate 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grades c. Senior 9 th, 10 th, 11 th, and 12 th grades 3. All 4-H ers completing an Action Demo will be awarded a special activity ribbon. In addition, participants will be eligible to represent Elkhart County at the Indiana State Fair. 4. Please contact the Extension Office for materials to help you plan your Action demo. Achievement Points will be given to Rabbit club members participating in this contest. All Rabbit Club participants are encouraged to use this opportunity to promote the Rabbit club and the Rabbit Industry. 17

4-H FAIR QUEEN CONTEST 1. Age requirements: Any girl interested in competing in the Elkhart county Queen Contest must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the state Fair. (Taken from the Fair Catalog under Queen Contest ) 2. Nominations: Any female member of the 4-H Rabbit Club may nominate herself or be nominated by someone else for consideration to represent the Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit Club. The names of the nominees should be given to the Leaders before the March Club meeting. 3. A contestant will be chosen to represent the 4-H Rabbit Club using the following the following guidelines: You may represent the Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit Club only once, unless in any given year there are no first-time nominees. Once elected to represent the Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit Club, the club will pay for the entry fee. The contestant will be given the entry fee, and entry form to complete and turn into the Fair Office along with a picture. (FYI: The entry fee must be paid to the Fair office with the contestant s name in order to reserve her spot the day after the meeting.) PARENT AND MEMBER REQUIREMENTS 1. Each member is required to work a 2 hour shift in the Bunny Hut. Please sign up for only 1 shift until the July meeting. 2. If you cannot make the shift you signed up for, YOU need to find a replacement before the beginning of the shift. Last year we had many members not show up for their shift. We need to have 4 members and 2 parents working at each shift to keep our Bunny Hut running smoothly. 3. 1 Parent per family is required to work a 2 hour shift in the Bunny Hut. Parents are important to help supervise the running of the Bunny Hut and run the cash register. 4. Each member and 1 parent per family is required to work a 2-hour barn duty shift. We need to have more supervision to keep our rabbits safe. 5. Parents are needed to spend the night in the barn. The parents will be required to stay from 10:00 pm-8:00 am. We have cots for you to sleep on. You will need to supply your own bedding. These parents will be excused from their Bunny Hut and Barn Duty requirements. 18

RABBIT AUCTION RULES On the LAST Friday of fair, each member has the opportunity to auction. Every member will draw an auction number at check in. This does not mean that you are required to auction your rabbit. EXCEPT FOR: Grand Champion Meat Pen and Reserve Champion Meat Pen THESE MUST BE AUCTIONED If the 4-H er DECIDES to auction, and a meat Pen was exhibited during Fair Week, the displayed meat pen MUST be auctioned. If you DID NOT exhibit a Meat Pen, you may auction ONE (1) rabbit. All Rabbits must have been checked in and exhibited during Fair Week. Special Class rabbits cannot be auctioned. If you cannot be at the auction, you MUST make arrangements with another 4-H Rabbit club member for your rabbit to be auctioned. The Auction Chairperson and or leaders will NOT be responsible for finding your rabbit. If you decide to auction, the decision must be made by the 6:00pm DEADLINE after the 4-H Show on Wednesday during Fair Week. There will be a $2.00 transaction fee that will be collected prior to tattooing. This fee must be paid in order to participate. Missing the deadline will forfeit your chance to auction. The pen of rabbit(s) to be auctioned will then be required to have a SPECIAL ELKHART COUNTY RABBIT CLUB TATTOO placed in its right ear. If your rabbit(s) do not get the RABBIT CLUB TATTOO, they will not be allowed to go to the auction. Once your rabbit has been auctioned it may no longer be shown at the local or State Fair Level. If the buyer chooses not to keep your rabbit you may buy it back from the club for $5.00 after the auction is over and the paperwork has been received at the Rabbit barn. RABBIT CLUB ACHIEVEMENT POINTS The purpose of the Rabbit Club Achievement Awards Program is to encourage all the members to be as active in Rabbit Club as you want. Award Categories: Gold Award: Silver: Blue: Red: Green: 91 points or above 76-90 points 66-75 points 46-65 points up to 45 points Determination of Awards: Beginner of the Year award: any member of any level who has completed the FIRST Year of Rabbit club membership Junior Achievement Award: any level ONE member Intermediate Achievement Award: any level TWO member Senior Achievement Award: any level THREE member 19

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A GOLD STAR AWARD YOU MUST ATTEND ONE MEETING (JANUARY-JULY), WORKAT LEAST 2 HOURS AT ONE OF THE WORK DAYS, AND ONE 2 HOUR SHIFT IN THE BUNNY HUT. ACHIEVEMENT POINTS SCORE CARD ACTIVITY CRITERIA PTS. Officers Hold an officer position 10 Attendance 10pts. For each mtg. attended (Jan.-July) 70 Perfect Attendance 10 Monthly Club Activity Participation 5 Rabbit Workshop Participation 5 Rabbit Donation Participation per time 5 Cook Days Participation-2pts. Per hr. up to 5 hrs. 10 Record Books On time and complete-grade A 15 On time and incomplete-grade B 10 Turned in late-or grade C 5 County Contests Demos, Co. Action Demo, Public Speaking 10 pts. Contest, Achievement Record (Jr. or Sr.) each Share the Fun Must provide documentation contest Community Service Participation in Club projects i.e. nursing home visits with rabbits, parade candy canned goods 5 pts. ea Fund Raisers Participation during year 5 pts. ea Work Day Participation 2 hour minimum 10 Ambassador Participation 10 Showmanship Participation 10 Illustrated Talk/Act. Demo Participation 10 Cutest Bunny Photo Participation 5 Costume Contest Participation 10 Poster Participation 10 Bunny Hut 5 pts. For first 2 hrs worked, then 2pts. Every 2 hrs. after up to 20 pts. 25 Float Participation in helping or riding 10 Rabbit Display at Fair Displaying at Fair 15 Barn Clean-up Participation after Fair in total barn clean-up 10 Zip Ties at least 25 June only 5 Pop Tabs March meeting only 5 Bunny Hut food 5 points per day 20 Max Dues paid by March meeting 5 You may check on your points at any time. Keep updated so you know how many points you have throughout the club year. 20