Many of you have been hearing or reading about the issue that is facing West Virginia 4-H with its long-standing practice of the use of Native American tribes and council circles with its 4-H camping program. I served on the review team of this program, one of seven, and experienced the views from both sides--Native American and 4-H. Being a former resident of that state, and serving as Extension 4-H agent in two separate counties during my tenure there, helped me to be more open and empathetic to the issues. Under the leadership of Barry Garst, Extension Specialist, 4-H, and working with the 4-H Center Program Directors, we are looking at our own program and will have a policy established by May 15 concerning our use of Native American practices in Virginia's 4-H camping programs. I have included a section in this Newsletter on this issue.
Some of the recent good things that have taken place with our 4-H program, even in a time of tight budgets, are ones that should inspire us to keep on keeping on. These include~4-H/CHARACTER COUNTS! Conference that was successfully conducted in Richmond (February); the State Conversation and National Conversation that took place in Richmond (January) and Washington, DC (March); the 4-H/CHARACTER COUNTS! Train-the-Trainer Event that took place at Airfield 4-H Educational Center (March); the 4-H Foundation Good Luck Gala that took place in Richmond (March) and raised approximately $35,000 for the Foundation; the 4-H Days at the Capital and 4-H Ambassadors in Richmond (February/March); Recognition on the Floor of both the Senate and House for the 100th Birthday Celebration of 4-H (February); Winter 4-H Cloverbud Camps (February and March); 4-H Teen Camps at 4-H Educational Centers (February/March); 4-H Events and Activities in local units; and much more.
Now is the time to "Keep on keeping on" with 4-H. It is our 100th birthday and 4-H will be around for future generations to benefit from the good work that each of you are providing. Youth make up 26% of our population, but they are 100% our future. I look forward to working with you in providing quality 4-H programs.
(Bob Meadows)
Each Extension unit is encouraged to nominate a 4-H Volunteer leader that has a record of extraordinary service to Virginia 4-H State Congress. Years of service to 4-H Congress is certainly a factor but also consider the nature and quality of the Volunteer's involvement and leadership for Congress responsibilities and activities.
Deadline for nominations - May 17, 2002.
Submit your nominations to:
State 4-H Office
115 Hutcheson Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
The person making the nomination will be notified by June 1 in order to coordinate the volunteer's presence to receive the award. The winner will be presented the award at the 4-H Congress Awards Banquet on Thursday evening.
Nomination Information:
Unit Flag Processional
As part of a special 4-H Congress Opening Assembly, we are asking each unit to bring a county flag to be part of a Presentation of Counties and Cities. Each unit will select one delegate to be part of the Processional of flags in Burruss Hall.
The flags can be county or city flags or Unit 4-H flags. The flag should be one that distinguishes it from other units. However, if a county/city or unit flag is not available, bring a 4-H flag. Most local governments have flags that represent their locality. Perhaps you can borrow one for Congress. Many units have created unit flags for camp and other events. These will also be suitable. Flags should be a common size such as 2X3 to 3X4. Be sure to bring a flagpole for your flag as well.
You will be provided information at a later date to pass on to your flag bearer concerning a brief pre-Assembly practice.
State 4-H Ambassadors & Cabinet Officers
Please encourage your top 4-H'ers to apply for these important and fulfilling roles in state 4-H teen leadership. The Congress Cabinet Officer and Ambassador Election Procedures Packet can be found at the 2002 Congress website located on the intranet at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/02congress/
If you have questions about any of these two items or anything else concerning Congress, please contact Joe Hunnings (hunnings@vt.edu) or Tracy Sebring (sebring@vt.edu) or Billie Cline (bcline@vt.edu). Thanks much!
(Joe Hunnings)
As you may recall, the purpose of the Great Summer Showcase is to give Congress participants (teens ages 14-18) the opportunity to learn more about (1) 4-H curriculum and (2) academic programs and recreational opportunities at Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, through hands-on, interactive workshops and tours.
An invitation to present a workshop during the Great Summer Showcase is extended to 4-H Extension staff (salaried and volunteers), 4-H Curriculum Component Committees, and other related individuals and groups. This is an excellent way to share new curriculum and educational opportunities with 4-H youth. A number of different time slots are available (2 hours to 9 hours). These expanded times will offer you considerable flexibility in providing Congress participants with your workshop/ tour.
As we are providing pre-registration for all Great Summer Showcase workshops/tours prior to Congress, we must have all workshops scheduled by the first of May. If you are interested in providing a workshop/ tour, then please complete the Summer Showcase form on the Congress website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/02congress/ and return it to me by May 1, 2002.
For more information about the Great Summer Showcase, or to discuss a potential workshop topic, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu.
(Barry Garst)
| Year | K-3rd | 4-6th | 7-9th | 10th + |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | 0% | 52% | 36% | 2% |
| 1958 | 0% | 58% | 32% | 10% |
| 1968 | 0% | 64% | 27% | 9% |
| 1980 | 11% | 48% | 29% | 12% |
| 1990 | 21% | 46% | 23% | 10% |
| 2001 | 34% | 39% | 16% | 11% |
Compare these numbers with your own unit percentages to see how your 4-H enrollment compares to the national data.
(Bob Meadows)
Call for Workshop Proposals
You are invited to submit a workshop proposal for the Fall Conference of the Virginia 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association hosted by Northwest District 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association. The theme is "4-H - Shines in the Valley" Proposals are due by May 10, 2002. The Northwest District Leaders Association committee will review proposals and make recommendations to the State Program Committee in July. Applicants will be notified by September 9.
Workshop proposals can be on any topic of interest to 4-H volunteer leaders (a list of possible topics is suggested below). Proposals may be made by 4-H volunteer leaders, agents, and staff or by other interested persons in youth development or necessary skills for volunteer leaders. Workshops should actively involve the participants and include suitable handouts to replicate the activity or program once volunteer leaders return home.
Suggested possible topics include any of the ten curriculum areas, technology, 4-H administration and paperwork, day camps, portfolios, crafts, games and organizational skills.
Please submit only one proposal on a page and include all presenters. Return proposals to Geraldine Cubbage, 670 Phoebe Lane, Luray, VA 22835 or Elwanda Luttrell 113 Kern Circle Stephens City, VA 22655 or e-mail to elwand@shentel.net
Workshop Title:
Presenters:
Contact Address:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Fax:
Amount of Time Needed:
Maximum Number of Participants:
Special Requirements (limited participants, A/V or other equipment needs):
Workshop Description (use back of page, if needed):
(Van Petty)
In many cases, volunteers do not realize the tremendous impact that they make within an organization, and their actions may not always be recognized. It was once said, "If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way" (Napoleon Hill). There is no doubt that the Virginia 4-H program continues to grow and thrive because of the many things that volunteers help us to accomplish. For everything that 4-H volunteers do, that allow us collectively to make a GREAT impact, we again say thank you.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, please take the opportunity to thank all of your volunteers. For more information about National Volunteer Week, please visit the Points of Light Foundation at http://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/programs_nvwintroa.htm.
(Barry Garst)
(Barry Garst)
(Barry Garst)
In summer 2002, the state 4-H office will again work cooperatively with 4-H centers to collect data regarding the outcomes of 4-H camping. Other evaluation initiatives include a study that will explore how 4-H camp helps to develop the leadership skills of 4-H camp counselors-in-training (CITs) and teen counselors. For more information about the evaluation results of summer 2001 or the evaluation planned for summer 2002, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu.
(Barry Garst)
The types of Native American rituals, imagery, and customs that are impacted include:
A number of Native American programming options remain, including:
The long-term plan for addressing this issue will involved multiple stakeholder groups. During the summer 2002, Barry Garst will be contacting various individuals from throughout the state to serve on a committee that will develop a long-term plan for the incorporation of Native American education into Virginia 4-H. The following individuals/ groups will be invited to participate:
This committee will meet in the fall 2002. The goal will be to submit recommendations to Dr. Meadows by December 2002. The final plan will be communicated to the state according to Dr. Meadows' instructions. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu by June 1, 2002.
(Barry Garst)
| Name of Activity | Percentage of Camps Conducting that Activity |
|---|---|
| 1. Arts/Crafts | 64% |
| 2. Swimming-Recreational | 58% |
| 3. Nature/Environment Studies | 52% |
| 4. Canoeing | 50% |
| 5. Camping Skills/Outdoor Living | 50% |
| 6. Archery | 47% |
| 7. Hiking | 47% |
| 8. Counselor Training (C.I.T.) | 42% |
| 9. Challenge/Rope Courses | 41% |
| 10. Aquatic Activities | 40% |
(Barry Garst)
The "Community That Cares" program provides out of school supervision and educational instruction to youth that have been suspended. This creative program not only provides adult supervision for an entire school day for these youth, but also maintains a continuum of instruction for youth who would otherwise miss their scheduled class instruction. Additionally, the program provides these at-risk youth valuable positive youth development and character training through the 4-H Character Counts! curriculum.
For the past 74 years, the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center and its staff have been dedicated to the growth and development of youth through innovative programs in camping, environmental education and leadership training. Program participants have fun while developing interpersonal and leadership skills and conscientiousness for the environment; values and life skills that will prepare them for the challenges of adulthood, and the challenges of preserving our environment and ensuring our future. This is an opportunity we are pleased to bring to the diversified group of youth throughout our 22-county/city-service area.
If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please contact Jamestown 4-H Educational Center at 757-253-4931.
(Elizabeth Chisolm, Development Director)
Jamestown 4-H Educational center intends to promote its tobacco use prevention program by incorporating hands-on physical activities that teach the same skills and attributes of problem solving, decision making, self-control, self esteem, coping strategies, assertiveness and social skills. Utilizing various physical and athletic activities, coupled with a comprehensive life skills and drug prevention curriculum and practical interactive workshops that emphasize character development, the program will focus on the benefits of non-tobacco use and healthy lifestyles. Since studies demonstrate that smoking, like other behaviors, is socially learned and functional, the program will target youth between the ages of 10-16 years old that local Extension Agents, teachers and other area organizations, identified as academically challenged and demonstrating potentially at-risk behaviors.
If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please contact Jamestown 4-H Educational Center at 757-253-4931.
(Elizabeth Chisolm, Development Director)
New Board Members representing many of the 22 counties/cities in the Jamestown 4-H service area were initiated. Board Members Bernie Farmer of James City County and Tom Wilcox of the Virginia Dept of Game & Inland Fisheries were commended for their service to the Center and Jeff Jessee was commended for his service for the past four (4) years as President of the Board of Directors. New officers for 2002 are President John Crump, New Kent County; Vice President Brian Ingram, Hanover County; Treasurer Bill Weimer, Hanover County; and Secretary Sarah Gregory, Chesterfield County.
The 2002 Board of Directors first initiative will be to complete the construction of an instructional pier prior to this years-camping season. Construction of the pier is expected to begin immediately. The Board has also agreed to move forward with major renovations to the existing dining hall/recreational hall facility at the Center to begin at the conclusion of the summer camping season..
"Jamestown 4-H is one of the oldest not-for-profits in the Williamsburg community" states Elizabeth Chisolm, Development Director for the Center. "Our dining hall/recreational hall building is one of the original structures built in 1948 when the Center moved from its original campsite at Jamestown Settlement. We are committed to seeing this facility assume its place as a partner and provider in the community and are working diligently to create an atmosphere where people can bring their children and grandchildren and tell them about their camping days at Jamestown".
As Jamestown 4-H prepares for its 75th birthday next year, an anniversary committee is being formed to coordinate the celebration. Former campers, parents and volunteers are asked to contact the Center and become involved. All are welcomed to participate.
If you are interested in finding out more about the 75th Anniversary plans and how you can support Jamestown 4-H, 757-253-4931.
(Terry Patterson)
(Lance Johnson)
(Bryan S. Branch)
Each unit office should have a notebook/file of these packets. The idea behind this venture was that each unit office could reproduce the sets needed for volunteers/ teachers. They would then reproduce worksheet pages for the members as needed. Quantities for mass distribution are not available. Offices not able to find materials should contact me --email jamisonk@vt.edu -- for a replacement.
The 4-H School Enrichment Electric project has recently been updated and that new packet will be distributed in June/July.
(Kathleen Jamison)
(Kathleen Jamison)
(Kathleen Jamison)
We have several goals in bringing this workshop to Southwestern Virginia. The central theme of the meeting is that violence in our society can affect all relationships and all members of the family. Pets are part of the family in more than half of American households and they are frequently drawn into the dynamics of family violence, sometimes as the first victim, or as the first to come to the attention of others.
We hope this meeting will provide an opportunity for professionals in animal protection and animal care and control to interact with their counterparts in human services to share their common experiences and insights into family violence. We also hope to help educate the law-enforcement and legislative communities about the importance of investigating animal cruelty cases not only for the sake of preventing animal suffering, but in recognition of their importance in the larger picture of family and societal violence. Finally, we hope to provide a foundation for establishing a local "humane coalition against violence" involving people from many disciplines concerned about violence and abuse, that can meet on a regular basis to explore issues such as cross-training of abuse investigators, intervention strategies and community education.
As professionals and animal lovers, you may have the opportunity to be directly involved in this Animal Cruelty-Human Violence connection, and this Workshop may benefit you in dealing with these issues. We encourage you to visit the HSUS http://www.hsus2.org/firststrike/ and VA PAWS www.vapaws.org websites for further information and directions. Attached is additional workshop info and a registration form.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (540) 651-4530 or by email at vapaws@onemain.com.
(Lila Borge Wills --VA PAWS)
Please mark your calendars for....
Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup , November 8 - 10, 2002
A complete schedule and registration information can be obtained from our Web Site at: http://www.4hhorsecontests.org/ Web updates for 2002 are currently under construction.
If you would like to receive an information packet for this event but did not receive one last year then please return, by email to agriffin@uky.edu, your complete mailing address.
Thank you and we hope that this date change does not pose an inconvenience for your programs.
(Ashley Griffin -- Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup Chair)
Registration deadline has been changed to May 15th to accommodate the changes in scheduling. Let me know if you have any questions. All contest information will also be available on the web. See the 4H poultry web site for this information: http://www.apsc.vt.edu/Faculty/Novak/4H/4hpoultry/Poultry_judging.htm
(Curtis Novack)
State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Saturday, June 29
Judging Pavilion on Virginia Tech's campus.
(Earlier communications from others that indicated another date were in error.)
Both contests will include competition for teams and individuals in the senior division (14-18 on January 1) and the junior division (non cloverbuds who are not over 13 on January 1). These are the same age eligibility for the respective national contests.
Details and entry information will be coming via US mail later this month. Please communicate these dates to coaches working with youth in these project areas.
(Mark L Wahlberg)
Reflecting on the 100th birthday of 4-H this year, the theme selected for the State 4-H Dog Show is "Shooting for the Stars--the Next 100 Years." The State Fair is working in partnership with the State 4-H Dog Show Committee to provide adequate space for events and seating for parents and others visiting the show.
In the Agility, Obedience, and Showmanship Categories, both Junior and Senior 4-H'ers will be allowed to participate. The Poster and Costume Categories is open to Cloverbud, Junior and Senior 4-H'ers; however, the Cloverbuds will not be in competition and will be awarded a participation ribbon. Further details will be forthcoming on this important 4-H event. Now is the time to begin planning to send your dog club members to the State Fair for this coming September. This promises to be a growing event statewide.
(Bob Meadows)
Virginia 4-H has one member traveling to Japan this summer. She is Stephanie Graves of Hanover County. Stephanie is actually going to Japan for seven weeks, as she is planning to participate in the pre-Exchange Nihongo Program, an experience of immersion into study of the Japanese language. The Nihongo classroom is in Tokyo, where she will have a second host family. Stephanie's host for the four-week exchange that follows Nihongo is the family of Kanako Raita, who was hosted by the Graves family in the summer of 2001.
Daniel Graves, Stephanie's brother, was recently chosen in a very competitive application process to be an Intern with the LABO Program. Daniel will depart for Japan in August 2002, and work in Japan for one year. As a young 4-H'er, Daniel hosted Naito Nomura, then traveled to Japan the following year. We are excited about Daniel's achievement, and wish him well. He graduated from VA Tech in December, 2001, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
These are examples of life-changing experiences that are possible through participation in the 4-H/Japanese Exchange, and they all began with the hosting of a Japanese boy or girl for one month in the summer. So, check out the chart of Japanese students included on our website, and respond to Judy Ann Fray by calling Toll Free: 888-259-4272 +pin # 7916, TODAY.
(Judy Fray)
(Barry Fox)
(Barry Fox)
(Barry Fox)
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(Barry Fox)
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(Barry Fox)
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(Barry Fox)
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(Barry Fox)
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(Barry Fox)
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John Rockett, Extension Agent at the Powell River Project in Wise County was selected as Project Learning Tree's (PLT) "Educator of the Year" for 2001. As recipient, Jon receives an expenses-paid trip to the National PLT Conference in Charleston, SC in June. Jon uses PLT to teach natural resources to school groups throughout the coalfield counties of southwest Virginia. He also authored two supplemental spreadsheet programs for PLT activities that are bring used by educators across the U.S., and helped develop the Virginia PLT website. Jon is active in the Society of American Foresters and gives leadership to the 4-H Forestry Judging and envirothon programs in the Southwest District and beyond.
Charles Lytton, Giles County Extension Agent, received the Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) Flagship Award for his American Chestnut Project. This project involves youth in scientific research, while giving them a chance to do something positive about the environment. Students plant seed nuts, grow seedlings for transplanting, then monitor seedling survival and report data to scientists at Virginia Tech. A web site provides supporting information and summarizes results. As recipient, Charles receives an expenses-paid trip to the national conference in Naples, FL, where he will give a presentation on the project.
(Jeff Kirwan)
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In 2001 4-H members, as reported by the Virginia Department of Forestry planted over 100,000 seedlings. (Please see the attached summary of county participation reported by the Virginia Department of Forestry; let me know if your county is not included.) The Department of Forestry provides free pine seedlings to 4-H members conducting planting projects. Also attached to this newsletter is a two-page summary of Virginia's Forest Resources for use with school groups.
(Jeff Kirwan)
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(Angela Huebener)
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Many Virginia Master Gardeners have been trained on the 4-H JMG program. They may be available to assist you in the delivery of the JMG Camp program. Medals are ordered from the Texas Extension Service at www.jmgkids.com Submit to the State 4-H office the names of youth enrolled in the 4-H JMG Camp program. Names should be submitted 2 weeks in advance of the camp in order for you to receive the certificates in time to present at camp.
For more information, contact Hunnings@vt.edu
(Joe Hunnings)
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Awards will be presented at the Donor reception June 20, 2002. Application forms, nomination information and criteria can be found at the following website: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/v4hf/awards.html
Nominations are due at the VA 4-H Foundation office by 5:00 p.m. May 1, 2002. Should you have questions please call Alma deLeon at 804 662-7291.
PARTNER-IN-4-H AWARD
To recognize business/industry, organizations /associations, governmental agencies/units, and other institutions who have worked closely with Cooperative Extension in supporting the Virginia 4-H program. This special recognition is limited to those who provide sustained and significant contributions to the 4-H program.
VIRGINIA 4-H ALUMNI RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest qualities of the Virginia 4-H program is its alumni and their service to the Commonwealth. The Virginia 4-H experience has provided the Commonwealth with many outstanding leaders including former Governors Mills Godwin and Gerald Baliles, former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, and Chief Justice Harry Carrico of the Supreme Court of Virginia. In every community throughout the state, 4-H alumni are fulfilling the 4-H pledge in making our communities, country, and world a better place through community service and leadership.
In grateful appreciation for this service and in recognition that the Virginia 4-H program is proud of its significant achievements in building leaders, the Virginia 4-H Foundation will sponsor and coordinate a 4-H Alumni Recognition program. The proposed program will offer recognition at the local, district, and state levels. Additionally, state winner will be submitted to the National 4-H Council the nominee for the National 4-H Alumni Award.
THE VIRGINIA 4-H DIAMOND LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Virginia 4-H Diamond Leadership Award is the highest and most prestigious award presented by the Virginia 4-H Foundation. It recognizes impeccable long-term service and leadership to Virginia 4-H. It is designed to recognize truly outstanding thinking, service, leadership, and stewardship to the Virginia 4-H program. It is understood that the recipient has made highly significant contributions on the local, district, or state scenes in a variety of ways and with longevity.
(Cindy S. Barnett)
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(Bob Meadows)
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events