Greetings Fellow 4-H Friends:
We just recently completed a very successful 80th State 4-H Congress here on the campus of Virginia Tech. We were blessed with good weather, and did not experience any rain during the entire week (with exception of a small shower while we were inside for an assembly). This event, which began in 1919 (but not held in 1942; 1944 because of gas rationing), was attended by 741 participants from throughout the Commonwealth.
With the theme, "Leaving Footprints Among the Stars," the delegates and adult volunteers and agents did just that. This Congress will be remembered for years to come with competitions, service learning, olympic games, contests, educational programs, meeting new friends, and all the fun and fellowship that was experienced. The dates are set for next year's event for Monday-Thursday, June 17-20, 2002. A new 4-H Cabinet has been elected and installed and I am confident that we will have another year of excellent and outstanding leadership from these teens.
On a different note, I have been reflecting on the fact that I will complete my first year as Associate Director, 4-H on June 30. In doing so, I realized that 26 of our 107 counties/cities have employed new 4-H agents within the last 2-3 years. With additional retirements forthcoming, we are committed to employ top quality 4-H agents to lead ongoing 4-H programs. During the National 4-H Congress interviews, one teen reported that she has experienced four different 4-H agents' leadership during her tenure as a 4-H member. She is only 17 years of age. While this is not the norm, and we have many tenured staff, it is our hope that our new folks will learn the system, be excited about the work with people, and continue in their roles as 4-H agents for years to come. Thus, we are committed to conducting quality staff programs and tracts for the agents as well as 4-H volunteers. Information will be sent to you soon about new and exciting educational 4-H programming tracts geared for 4-H agents and volunteers.
Thanks for all you are doing for the 4-H youth and adults of the Virginia 4-H program. I wish you a successful summer season and look forward to working with you in the near future for the betterment of the Virginia 4-H program.
(Bob Meadows)
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4-H Poultry Project Update
As most of you are aware I will be moving on to a new opportunity at Penn State at the end of this month. This has created changes in how the VA 4-H poultry program will be facilitated. This article is an effort to inform you and those involved in the 4-H poultry program as to whom to contact in the future. Hopefully, this will make the transition easier for the youth and volunteer leaders in the program.
- The Virginia State Fair will handle the State Junior Poultry Show and the Open show officials. The Virginia State Fair will handle all entries. The form was printed in the incorrect book and can be down loaded from the WWW at http://www.StateFair.com/YouthPoultry_Entryform.pdf Past exhibitors should receive this information directly from the fair soon.
- The State 4-H Market Poultry Pen Show will also be handled differently. The State Fair will handle all entries. They still have me listed in the premium book. The form can be down loaded and printed from the www at http://www.StateFair.com/YouthPoultry_Entryform.pdf Past exhibitors should receive this information directly from the fair soon. The fair will then pass the forms to the Animal and Poultry Science Dept. The Department will then run the show on the day of the show.
- The state contests and Virginia Poultry Federation youth convention will be handled by Dr. Curtis Novaks at 231-5087, cnovak@vt.edu until the administration decides what if anything will be done to fill my position.
- All other questions about the poultry programs I was responsible for should be directed to Bill McKinnon (project leader) at 231-9160 bmckinno@vt.edu
Poultry Resource Homepage:
http://www.apsc.vt.edu/Faculty/Clauer/clauer.html
Good Bye and I wish you all the best in the future.
(Phillip J. Clauer)
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State Fair Information Available on the Internet
4-H Clubs Can Save Money At The State Fair of Virginia -- PDF format
The State Fair of Virginia has posted a great deal of helpful information about their event on the Internet. Especially helpful to Extension Agents is information about competitions. All competition guides are available in PDF format, as are all entry forms. Please refer clientele to this website to access this information. http://www.statefair.com/
(Mark L Wahlberg)
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Mini Grant Proposals
The deadline for 2001/2002 Virginia 4-H Soil & Water Conservation Mini-grants Proposals has been extended to July 31.
Only one proposal per unit will be accepted. Email tdowney@VSU.EDU for more information
(Barry Fox)
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Farm & Family Showcase
The College of Natural Resources, along with the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Human Resources and Education will
be hosting a new event at Kentland Farm, September 5-6. There is an excellent program planned, well worth your attention http://www.farmandfamily.vt.edu/
(Jeff Kirwan)
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Plan Now for 4-H Tree Identification Contests
The fall season is the best time to conduct tree identification programs with schools and community clubs. Tree ID books valued at $5 are available as awards to youth who learn 10 trees. See VCE Pub. # 388-802 for suggestions on how to run a tree ID contest, and for SOL correlation's. Contact Jeff Kirwan, 540-231-7265 if you would like help getting this program started in your county.
(Jeff Kirwan)
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Booklet Available on Virginia Snakes
A brand-new, full-color booklet on Virginia snakes is now available from the Virginia Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries. It includes identification photos and descriptions, range maps, habits and habitats, and other information. This is an excellent resource for 4-H wildlife education programming.
Pinder, M. J., and J. C. Mitchell. 2001. A Guide to the Snakes of Virginia. (Wildlife Diversity Special Publication No. 2) Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Richmond, VA. 32pp.
Single copies are free and any requests for it should be directed to: WriteOnTarget@dgif.state.va.us
(Lee Watts, Information Services Supervisor, Administrative Services Division)
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Sales & Use Tax Exemption
The most recent information received from the Virginia Department of Taxation addressing the sales and use tax exemption for Virginia 4-H Programs. This letter states the approval by the 2001 General Assembly to extend the exemption as applies to Code of Virginia 58.1-609.8(117) through June 30, 2005.
You may find a downloadable(PDF) copy of the letter located at 3.12 (#11) of the 4-H Policy Handbook on the intranet web site:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/vce/specialty/4h/handbook/handbook98.html
(Debbie C. Price)
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National 4-H Congress Delegation
The following 4-H'ers were interviewed and successfully selected as the delegates to represent Virginia 4-H in the National 4-H Congress, scheduled for November 23-27, 2001 in Atlanta Georgia. National 4-H Congress is the flagship event for leadership and community service learning for 4-H members between the ages of 14 to 18. Over 1,300 youth from forty-eight states and two providence's participate in the five-day event held the weekend after Thanksgivings in Atlanta, GA.
During the five-day event, 4-H members will participate in educational programs and cultural events in Atlanta. They will hear from individuals such as media mogul Ted Turner, Miss America 2000 Heather French, and Paralympic Gold Medalist and author Scot Hollonbeck. In addition more than 20 educational programs will feature topics that range from conflict mediation and effective youth leadership skills to biotechnology in agricultural and global environmental policies.
Virginia's delegates will include:
| Julianne Bathe | Suffolk |
| Mary Virginia Breault | Buckingham |
| Laura Galante | Fairfax |
| Ashley Good | Rockingham |
| Sarah Jackson | Middlesex |
| Zachary Judd | Page |
| Stephen Pool | Campbell |
| Erin Quigley | Fairfax |
| David Rosie | Isle of Wight |
| Sarah Templeton | Campbell |
Congratulations and best wishes to these 4-H'ers on their outstanding accomplishments.
(Bob Meadows)
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4-H Character Counts! Evaluation Results
Many 4-H Agents assisted in distributing a 4-H/CC! evaluation tool to school personnel in May. I have some results of that effort to share with you. We received 55 responses to the survey from 11 Units representing 7,014 students.
- When asked what percentage of their students they believed benefited from the CHARACTER COUNTS! program
18.4% said few to some
28.6% said about half benefited,
30.6% said most benefited,
22.4% said all or nearly all benefited.
- When asked for the average amount of time spent on character education in the classroom:
36.5% reported spending 5-15 min./day on CC!
9.6% reported spending 16-30 min./day on CC!
- The evaluation tool used 4 behavioral indicators for each of the six pillars. Evaluators were asked to rate their groups' behavior for each of the indicators before and after introduction of CHARACTER COUNTS! Significant positive differences were found from pre to post measurement in all but the following indicators: Cheating (trustworthiness), using threats and judging others (respect).
- When a composite score was calculated for each of the six pillars, significant positive differences at the .05 level were found from pre to post for all six pillars.
- When asked how various groups have been supportive of CHARACTER COUNTS!, evaluators reported:
School administration - 63% very much;
Parents - 14.3% very much
Community - 8.5% very much
For more details on the evaluation, contact Joe Hunnings or Mike Lambur.
(Joe Hunnings)
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Character Counts! Poster (Pub #388-900)
Extension Unit offices were mailed via UPS from the Extension Distribution Center a copy of a wonderful Character Counts! Poster (Publication Number 388-900). Big thanks go to Kelley Coggsdale for designing the poster and for arranging for a very reasonable rate to have it printed.
The distribution of the poster will work this way. In order that all units have an equal opportunity to acquire copies of the poster, we are asking that each unit limit their request to a maximum of 80 copies. However, please only order what you can realistically use. We don't want this sitting on the shelf collecting dust! The Distribution Center will help remind you that you are limited to 80 copies. We will continue this limited order period until August 15th, 2001. After that time, the remainder of the posters will be available on a first come-first serve basis.
I'm sure you will have no trouble finding many suitable places to display the poster. Put them to good use in promoting our 4-H/CC! Program! Contact me if you have questions.
(Joe Hunnings )
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Grandparent/Grandchild Camp
September 14-16
We will hold our second Grandparent/Grandchild 4-H Camp this fall at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Front Royal. Please help us spread the word . Flyer is attached. This camp is a weekend of fun and learning designed to build special memories for both Grandparent and Grandchild. Registration Deadline is September 7.
(Cynthia Rowles)
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Field Study Training Workshop
You want to take your 4-H Club on a field trip to a local park but you aren't comfortable with nature and field study activities. This training will provide you with the skills and resources needed to plan and conduct a successful nature study field trip.
This program content will include:
- Setting goals & objectives
- Trip logistics and support
- Program content and schedule
- Health, safety and liability
- Aquatic & terrestrial field study activities
- The Nature Trail
- Games that teach about nature
Participants will receive resource publications and instructions for all activities. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis and is limited to 25 for each workshop. A $15.00 fee is required. Lunch will be provided. Please see the enclosed registration form. For more information, contact Barry Fox at (804) 524-5848 or e-mail bfox@vsu.edu
(Barry Fox)
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Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum
October 4-7, 2001
Rock Eagle 4-H Center
Brochure
This conference is always a favorite of Virginia 4-H Volunteers and agents. Participants benefit from experiential learning activities, which require them to discuss, use, and apply what they learn. The ultimate application is for individuals and teams to teach others what they learn. Information flyer and registration form is attached.
(Bob Meadows)
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You Know You're at 4-H Camp When...
The National 4-H Camping Institute Committee needs you help in developing a publication to support camping in Virginia. If you have attended 4-H Camp then you undoubtedly have humorous or interesting anecdotes about your camping experience. We would like to compile these into a booklet and sell it nationwide. Proceeds from the booklet will go to support the Virginia 4-H Camping Program.
To help out, just complete the following phrase,
"You know you're at 4-H Camp when....."
Send your completed phrases to: Barry Fox, Box 9081, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA 23806 (804-524-5848, bfox@vsu.edu) by August 31, 2001. You may send as many entries as you wish. Be sure to include your name, address and county.
The phrases will be reviewed by the Virginia NCI Committee and the top ten will receive special recognition. The following are some examples:
You know you're at 4-H Camp when: -
- it's time to leave and you can't find your car keys.
- the iced tea tastes like grape Kool Aid.
- you have seven shoes in the lost-and-found that are missing their mate.
- Suzie, who has been home sick all week, decides she's OK and doesn't want to leave.
- the pool filter breaks down on the second day of camp.
(Barry Fox)
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4-H Staff Development -- Master 4-H Training
Returns in Spring 2002!
Mark you calendars! For the first time since 1997, the State 4-H Office will be offering Master 4-H Training the week of March 18-22, 2001. The Master 4-H Training program, which is based upon the Master 4-H Volunteer model, is a staff development event for both salaried and volunteer staff who want to increase knowledge or skills in a specific area for which the training is provided. The Master 4-H Training program provides several tracks with participants being able to sign up for one during each training session.
Master 4-H Training tracks will be designed based upon the needs expressed by Virginia 4-H agents and volunteers. Special thanks to everyone who took the time to complete the email-based survey that was distributed in early June. Potential tracks include:
- Resource Development (Fundraising and grant writing)
- Volunteer Development / Recruiter Coach
- Project Wet / Wild / Learning Tree Facilitator
- 4-H Camp Director
- Developing/ Coordinating/ Maintaining 4-H Clubs
- Managing Conflict / Working with Difficult Children
- Master Naturalist / Natural Resources (wildlife, animal science, forestry)
- Other Specific Training in 4-H Project Areas
Each track will consist of 16 or more hours of programming designed to provide not only a solid knowledge base, but also to include an element of practical application of that knowledge based in the "real world" environment. For more information about Master 4-H Training, look for additional information through emails and in upcoming 4-H Newsletters. If you have questions about this event, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.
(Barry A. Garst)
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4-H Staff Development -- District Trainings
REMINDER: In fiscal 2001-2002, the State 4-H Office will be funding _ day to one-day 4-H staff development programs designed to meet the needs of each District. The 4-H Extension Agent planning group in each District is asked to work with their District Directors to identify program topics and potential dates for these events. Please contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373 to discuss this staff development opportunity.
(Barry A. Garst)
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Virginia View Career Education Workshop
Purpose:
- Train career development professionals to use Virginia VIEW products and services
- Train professionals to assist students and clients with career planning.
- Distribute free career development software and print materials
Goals:
- Introduce new Virginia VIEW users to our products and services
- Promote career information resources for all ages
- Familiarize experienced VIEW users with new materials and technologies
- Receive feedback from VIEW users
Who Should Attend:
Elementary, Middle, and High School counselors and teachers, Higher Education career development professionals and administrators, Public and private service agency professionals, PTA representatives
Virginia VIEW 2001 WORKSHOPS:
Dates and locations
Workshop: 9:00 A.M.-12 noon
Materials and Registration: 8:15-8:45 A.M.
- Roanoke -- September 6, 7
Higher Ed Center
- Virginia Beach -- September 12, 13, 14
ODU/NSU Higher Ed Center
- Lynchburg -- September 17, 18
Central Virginia CC
- Abingdon -- September 20, 21
SWVA Higher Ed Center
- Eastern Shore -- September 28
Eastern Shore CC
- Hampton -- October 3, 4
Thomas Nelson CC
- Richmond -- October 9, 10, 11, 12
John Tyler CC- Midlothian
- Dublin -- October 16
New River CC
- Warsaw -- October 19
Rappahannock CC
- Harrisonburg -- October 24
Broadway HS
- Fredericksburg -- October 26
Germanna CC-Locust Grove Campus
- Charlottesville -- November 1
Monticello HS
- Loudoun County -- November 5
Potomac Falls HS- Sterling
- Annandale -- November 6, 7, 8
Northern Virginia CC
- Middletown -- November 9
Lord Fairfax CC
*Workshop: 11:30 A.M-2:30 P.M.
Materials Pick-up and Registration 11-11:30 A.M.
- Big Stone Gap -- March 2002 (TBA)
Mountain Empire CC
Register by one of the following methods
- Mail to: Virginia VIEW Workshops
205 W. Roanoke Street (0527)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Phone: 1.800.542.5870
- Internet: http://www.vaview.vt.edu
(Barry A. Garst)
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Environmental Education Institute
Florida is conducting a three-day Environmental Education Institute, October 23 - 25, 2001. It features Bill Hammond of Project WILD fame as key note speaker. Participants will explore Ocala National Forest, receive Project Learning Tree and WET training, learn how to conduct NR&EE competitions and address environmental issues with youth, and receive a wealth of resource materials. The cost is $325 before October 1. For more information, contact Martha Monroe, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida/IFAS, P.O. Box 11410, Gainesville, FL 32611-0410 (352-846-0878, mcmonroe@ufl.edu)
(Barry Fox)
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4-H Curriculum Update
Greetings! Camps are in full swing across the state and agents are hard to track down...just as it should be for this time of year. I will offer updates and needs below. Please respond at your earliest convenience.
Updates and Needs:
- Thanks to Deb Jones and the participants at VESA who provided a timeline of items for a state curriculum calendar. I am working to meet the deadlines for printing of basic forms, i.e.
- Treasurer's Book
- Secretary's Book
- Enrollment Forms
- 4-H Project Newsprint
- Curriculum Guide
- Each curriculum committee has an agenda item to add to their next meeting: evaluate the competition guidelines listed on the web for their curricular area and make necessary revisions. Send the revisions to me in your minutes. If agents have comments, please direct them to the curriculum committee chair. Thanks to the Communications and Expressive Arts for revising the "Share the Fun" competition guidelines. It is important that each curriculum committee be represented with appropriate and comprehensive guidelines for competition and presentation.
- Two new In-School pubs will be coming to your unit to be added to your notebook: Horticulture (388-804) and Learning About Older Adult Friends (388-805). Many thanks to Laurie DeMarco, Diane Relf, Pam Teaster, Tim Fisherpoff, and members of the Plant and Soil Science and FCS Curriculum Committees. The publications look great!
- Specialists will advise you of new pubs being sent via distribution. Please give them feedback. It is process that requires perseverance and patience. They work hard on newly written and revised pieces. Thanks to Mark Walhberg, Jeff Kirwan, and Kathleen Stadler for their latest pubs!
- The Curriculum Event scheduled for October 8th and 9th will be held at the Richmond Sheraton in the tower. We looked at accommodations in Lynchburg, as suggested by the Ed Design Team, but could not have needs met for those dates. This is the premiere event for curriculum in the state. Please find a way to contribute through the committee chairs. We invite you to work with us as a member of a committee or subcommittee. Creating a dynamic presence and quality materials is our focus. Direction for future publications, web presence, funding, and marketing at the 2002 conference will be work and discussion items at this event.
Enjoy the warmth of summer and the laughter of children at camp. I like that we have the choice to focus on good things in our life.
(Kathy Jamison)
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Virginia 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Education Curriculum Brochure Available
The new Virginia 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Education Curriculum brochure is available. It describes all of the programs this committee facilitates with contact information. Contact Barry Fox for your copy(ies).
(Barry Fox)
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Got Woods?
Informational Piece by Dan Goerlich to share with 4-H'ers, volunteers, & others.
(Jeff Kirwan)
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Virginia/Costa Rica 4-H Exchange!
Twelve Virginia 4-H members and adults traveled to Costa Rica in early July as part of an exchange program that began in 1993. Five members were from Carroll County, 2 from Montgomery County and one from Tazewell County. There were also 4 adult leaders including Dr. Jeff Kirwin, long time coordinator of this exchange program.
The Virginia-Costa Rica 4-H Exchange Program is an exciting, cross-cultural experience for high-school youth with an interest in natural resources. The exchange is conducted much like a traditional interstate 4-H exchange. Typically a group of 4-H'ers from one or several nearby counties will host a group 4-S members for Costa Rica one summer. The following year the Virginia host members travel to Costa Rica to stay with their brothers and sisters. The result is a rich experience that centers on youth interaction and total immersion in a new culture.
TheVirginia delegates attended a 4-S Camp and stayed with families who live in the San Carlos region of northeastern Costa Rica. This region is known for
its pineapple, sugar cane, orange groves, bananas, active volcanoes and tropical rain forests. Other highlights included a trip to San Jose, the hot
springs of Volcan Arenal and the Pacific Ocean.
For more information about this year's exchange refer to their website. You will find stories of the participants expereinces and pictures of their travels. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/costarica/delegates.html. For more information contact jkirwan@vt.edu or hunnings@vt.edu
(Jeff Kirwan/Joe Hunnings)
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Japanese LABO and FLEX Exchange
Thirty-one Japanese young people (a new record!) and 4 adult chaperones arrived in Virginia on July 22 to begin their 4-H/LABO exchange. Host families exist in 21 Units including Amherst, Appomattox, Bland, Culpeper, Fairfax, Floyd, Hanover, James City, Loudoun, Madison, Mercer WVA, Montgomery, Nelson, Orange, Prince William, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Surry, VA Beach, Washington, Wythe. The month long stay will result in lasting friendships and fond memories for the participants. But more importantly the exchange will provide the participants a priceless educational experience that will prepare them for life in a global society. Volunteer coordinator, Judy Ann Fray, leads this wonderful program.
Tom and Anne Baker volunteer their time to coordinate the yearlong 4-H High School Exchange programs. This year there are four Exchange students in Shenandoah County, 1 in Winchester (Frederick County), 1 in Patrick County, 1 in Virginia Beach and 1 in Cumberland, MD. Five of the students are FLEX (all from the Ukraine) and three are Japanese LABO members. FLEX - Future Leaders Exchange is for students from the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union.
Contact either of these volunteers or Joe Hunnings for more information how you can get involved in Virginia's 4H International exchange programs.
(Joe Hunnings)
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Citizenship Washington Focus
Ten 4-H delegates and two chaperones from Virginia spent a week in Washington, DC as part of Citizenship Washington Focus program sponsored by National 4-H Council. This week‚long event gave participants opportunities to view and learns about many monuments, museums, and legislative buildings in our national capitol. The youth had opportunities to talk with their individual congressman about issues they had been studying, have discussions and pictures with both Senators Allen and Warner, and we even got to see and hear President Bush make a few comments as he headed into the capitol to address republican legislators.
In addition to tours, delegates discussed issues relative to youth today ‚ campaign reform, land conservancy, charter schools, how bills become laws, our delegates made friends with 4-Hers from many states including California, Colorado, Maine, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Idaho.
The Virginia Delegation included: Amy Baxter, Mrs. Carolyn Baxter, & Becky Talbott (Va Beach): Sean Fruik, Bryan Jukes, Genny Carpenter, & Jed McKann (Henrico); Nicy Leigh (Halifax); Melissa Hope (Clarke); Jamie Beamer (Loudoun); Emily Pfeiffer (Montgomery).
This is a wonderful opportunity for senior 4-H members. Every club/county should find ways to honor some of their senior 4-H members by helping fund this trip. Many Civitan, Ruritan, Rotary, Jaycee, etc organizations are eager to sponsor youth to citizenship workshops such as this and this is a premier event. As you begin planning for the new year, try and work in a scholarship for a 4-H member to attend this worthwhile conference. Registration, food, & lodging total about $700 for 7days and 6 nights. Contact bcline@vt.edu for more information.
(Billie Cline)
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Consumer Savvy 4-H'ers Travel to San Diego
The Washington County 4-H LifeSmarts team represented Virginia in the National LifeSmarts contest in San Diego, California on April 21st - 24th. The team, composed of four young ladies from Abingdon High School won the state LifeSmarts championship on March 7th in Richmond, VA. Members of the team include: Tracey Cook, Emily and Sarah Blevins, and Traci Church. Fifteen teams from across Virginia made it to the state finals.
The National LifeSmarts Competition consisted of youth from 33 states. During the first round the Virginia 4-H team competed against Kentucky and won by a score of 120 to 80. Next the young ladies faced Pennsylvania and were narrowly defeated, putting them into the "Wild Card" round to vie for the finals. During the Wild Card competition the Washington County 4-H team defeated Alabama, Nebraska, Michigan, and North Dakota to finish fourth in the nation.
LifeSmarts is the ultimate consumer challenge for youth. This educational opportunity helps develop the consumer and marketplace knowledge of teenagers in a fun and rewarding way. The LifeSmarts competition is run in a game show type setting. There are five key areas in which the questions focus. These areas include: Personal Finance, Environment, Technology, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, and Health and Safety.
Each contest consists of three rounds. The first round is an individual question for each team member while the second round offers four separate questions for team members to reach consensus on an answer. The final or "lightning" round consists of 16 toss up questions, which are answered by the first to buzz in with the correct answer.
LifeSmarts is a program of the National Coalition for Consumer Education, Inc. For more information on the LifeSmarts project, or to become a member of the Washington County 4-H program, contact Crystal L. Peek, Extension Agent, 4-H, at (540) 676-6309. 4-H is a great way to invest in the future of our youth.
(Crystal Peek)
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2001 Virginia 4-H Congress
Leaving Footprints among the Stars
A Conversation about the 2001 State 4-H Congress
Recently, I ordered a book titled What Teens Need to Succeed: Proven, Practical Ways to Shape Your Own Future by Benson, Galbraith, and Espeland, 1998. The book is about building assets in teens. Under the Youth Programs session, the author ask teenagers following questions:
- Overall are you happy with the things you do with your time?
- Are the activities stimulating and challenging?
- Are you learning new skills and talents?
- Do your activities teach you more about yourself?
These questions and others in the research literature on positive youth development and building life skills/assets in teens, poses the question, Does State 4-H Congress "Make the Grade" in Lifeskills/Asset Development with our teens?
Read some of the results (the full report is available from Joe Hunnings).
- Three hundred and sixty one out of the 730 Congress participants returned the evaluation form-a 49% returned rate
- Of the 361 members and adults who returned the survey, 30% rated Congress as excellent, 60% rated it as good, and 9.4% rated it as poor.
- Eighty-eight percent of the delegates at least agree that Congress provided them with youth development experiences above and beyond what is available in the unit or district.
- Eighty-seven percent at least agree that they learned information that they could use to make a difference in their club or community.
- Eighty-eight percent indicated that 4-H Congress provided them opportunities to gave knowledge or develop skills that made them a better person.
- Ninety seven percent of those reporting agreed that Congress provided an opportunity for them to meet many new people from different places and backgrounds.
- In addition to other responses, 94% of the participants indicated they would like to attend Congress again next year.
What do you think? I believe we made the grade!!! And, it is because we have caring adults who invest in our young people. Hence, I want to thank the many caring adults who participated in the 2001 State 4-H Congress--You made Congress a "Success Story"!!
(Dorothy Freeman)
4-H Feeds the Hungary
During 4-H Congress, a total of 159 cans of food were collected for the 4-H FEEDS THE HUNGRY Program, bringing the total number cans of food collected to 6,889 to date. Congratulations to Loudoun, Highland, Page, Rockingham, and the delegates of State 4-H Congress for collecting these needed food items to feed the hungry. We hope more units will become involved in the near future.
(Bob Meadows)
Most Attendance/Most Improved Unit Attendance at State 4-H Congress
Rockingham County has won the plaque for bringing the most delegates to State 4-H Congress. Congratulations to Kelley Coggsdale, Extension 4-H Agent for that unit, for her leadership and dedication to supporting State 4-H Congress. A total of 30 delegates were in attendance from Rockingham County.
The Most Improved Unit this year was Pittsylvania County winning the plaque for having the largest percentage of increase. This unit went from sending 1 delegate in 2000, and bringing 10 delegates for the 2001 event. Congratulations to C.J. Connor for her work in improving attendance at this year's event.
The Most Improved District this year was the Southwest District who increased their attendance from 110 in 2000 to 142 at this year's event, thus bringing 32 additional delegates from the previous year. Congratulations to the Southwest District for outstanding efforts in attendance.
Five of the six districts had increases in attendance over the previous year. We hope to see all six districts with increases for the 2002 State 4-H Congress.
(Bob Meadows)
I'm a 10
For several years, the goal has been for extension units to strive to have at least "10" delegates attend State Congress. Those units reaching that goal are recognized at awards luncheon and participants from those counties received a "I'm a 10" button. Those counties reaching that goal and the total number in their delegation this year included
| Accomack | 22 | Albemarle | 13 |
| Bland | 26 | Brunswick | 14 |
| Campbell | 11 | Chesapeake | 18 |
| Clark | 10 | Dinwiddie | 13 |
| Fairfax | 14 | Greensville | 19 |
| Hanover | 23 | Henrico | 16 |
| Isle of Wight | 11 | Madison | 14 |
| Montgomery | 11 | Nelson | 12 |
| Page | 20 | Patrick | 10 |
| Petersburg | 23 | Pittsylvania | 10 |
| Rappahonnock | 13 | Rockbridge | 11 |
| Rockingham | 30 | Shenandoah | 16 |
| Spotsylvania | 12 | Suffolk | 11 |
| Va Beach | 11 | Warren | 15 |
Congratulations!
(Bob Meadows)
Congressional Games Results:
State 4-H Congress 2001
4-H Congress is now history, and an exciting week it was. The annual 4-H Congressional Games and Olympics was conducted on Tuesday evening, June 19, with the Southeast District winning the annual overall trophy. Congratulations to the Southeast District for their hard work and efforts in winning this year's trophy. The scoring totals for the separate events are as follows:
| District | Total Number of Points |
| Southeast | 4300 |
| Northwest | 3900 |
| Southwest | 3400 |
| Central | 3200 |
| Northern | 3100 |
| Northeast | 3100 |
The individual games and events were awarded 600 points to the 1st place district, 500 to the second place, 400 to 3rd, 300 to 4th, 200 to 5th, and 100 to 6th. The following games and scores reflect
| Name of Event | 600 pts | 500 pts | 400pts | 300 pts | 200 pts | 100 pts |
| Basketball | C | SE | SW | NW | NE | N |
| Volleyball | NW | SW | NE | N | C | SE |
| Walleyball | SE | NW | C | N | NE | SW |
| Racquetball | NW | C | SE | NE | SW | N |
| Ping Pong | SW | C | NW | SE | NE | N |
| Pool (8-ball) | N | NW | SW | NE | SE | C |
| Executive Marbles | N | SE | SW | NE | NW | C |
| Bowling | SE | NE | SW | N | C | NW |
| Swimming Olympics | N | SE | C | NE | NW | SW |
| Provide Your Own Pitcher Softball | SE | NW | NE | SW | C | N |
| Crazy Wacky Olympics [fun only-did not count for trophy] | C | N | SE | NW | SW | NE |
The trophy will be displayed in the Southeast District for the year and returned next year for the 2002 State 4-H Congress event. Congratulations to all who participated in this year's Congressional Games.
(Bob Meadows)
Highlights from the 2001 "Great Summer Showcase"
Delegates at the 2001 State 4-H Congress had the opportunity to participate in 3-hour workshops during the 1st Annual Great Summer Showcase. Approximately 470 delegates (ages 14-18) participated in one of twenty-seven (27) workshops during the Great Summer Showcase.
Fourteen (14) workshops were developed or supported by 4-H Curriculum Component Committees and conducted by a combination of Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, and 4-H volunteers. Participating curriculum components committees included: Leadership/Personal Development, Natural Resources and Environmental Education, Science and Technology, and Plant and Soil Science.
Thirteen (13) workshops were offered through Virginia Tech departments and colleges, including: College of Engineering, Peace Corps Campus Recruiters, Department of Agriculture and Extension Education, College of Natural Resources, Department of Chemistry, Visualization and Animation Group (VT CAVE), AHNR- Information Technology, University Unions and Student Activities, Career Services, Department of Horticulture, Virginia/Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Recreational Sports, Fralin Biotechnology Center. The Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department conducted one (1) workshop.
Of the 470 participants, 330 completed a post-Congress survey (70% response rate). On a scale of 1-4, where 1=poor and 4= excellent, the GSS mean rating was 3.08. Approximately 78% of respondents rated the GSS as "good" or "excellent." Fifteen (14) instructors/presenters completed a post-Congress survey (62% response rate). Thirteen (13) were satisfied with their experience as an instructor/ presenter and indicated a willingness to work with the GSS program in the future.
Special thanks to all Extension Agents, Specialists, and 4-H volunteers that helped to make the 2001 Great Summer Showcase a success!
(Barry A. Garst)
State 4-H Awards
2001 State 4-H Congress competitive events, and were presented with framed certificates and 1st Place ribbons/medallions during the Share-the-Fun program on Wednesday evening, June 20. Congratulations to all these winners for their outstanding performances.
A list of Winners is attached and is also listed on the 4-H Congress website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/01congress/
(Bob Meadows)
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June Dairy Month 4-H Poster Contest Winners
4-H'ers from throughout the state brought and sent posters for the June is Dairy Month contest. The winners of this contest are attached and are also listed on the 4-H Dairy website: http://www.dasc.vt.edu/youth/2000posters.html
All top three posters in each division will be displayed at the Virginia State Fair in Richmond. Congratulations to each of these poster winners.
(Bob Meadows)
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State 4-H Meats Contest
Ten senior 4-H members participated in the State 4-H Meats Contest on June 19,2001. Laura Galante led all contestants in overall score. Her Fairfax County team consisting of Monica Garley(third place individual in the contest), Charlotte Hansen and Patrick Blase placed first in the contest and will represent Virginia in the National 4-H Meat Contest.
Allie Heishman from Shenandoah County was second in overall score and along with Dana O'Brien, Allyson Copp and John Funkhouser were the second place team. Samantha Walker and Rachel Shepherd, Shenandoah County, competed for individual honors and both scored higher than their peers in an average of pork and lamb class placings.
A meat identification and judging contest was held for fifteen junior 4-H members. A team from Shenandoah County composed of Adam Heishman, Samuel Funkerhouser, Lesky Ludwig and Aaron Heishman placed first. Adam Heishman had the highest overall score in the contest. Laura Neff, Allie French, Erin Leskey and Laura Coffey(Shenandoah Team II) had the second highest overall score. Augusta County's Tina Wilson had the third highest individual score. Tina, Nancy Ramsey and Emily Croy made up the third place team in the contest.
Other junior 4-H member participants were Chase Blaze, Fairfax County, Jenny Wahlberg(Montgomery County), Kristin Wahlberg(Montgomery County) and Kate Wahlberg(Montgomery County).
An educational session on meat identification and judging was provided for the contest participants and accompanying adults at the close of the contests.
(Paul Graham)
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Director's Letter
Calendar of Events