One such positive experience just concluded with the National 4-H Congress event in Atlanta, Georgia, November 29-December 3, 2002. Nearly 1200 participants were involved with this year's educational event with 16 representing our state. Additionally, three other Virginians were in attendance with Nancy Amanda Redd (Henry County) serving as speaker to the delegation, Laura Galante (Fairfax) serving on the National 4-H Congress Design Team, and yours truly serving as Headquarters Chair. This was an exciting event and one that will be remembered for years to come.
It has often been said that one should not underestimate the power of youth. Coincidentally, this being the theme of 4-H nationally, the Power Of Youth was clearly demonstrated with the contributions collected for two important causes. Prior to this year's National 4-H Congress, delegates were challenged to bring 100 dimes each to celebrate and honor the 100th birthday of 4-H in the United States. It was agreed upon by the Design Team, in its planning meeting last January, to give 1/2 of the donated money to the Atlanta Area Habitat for Humanities and 1/2 to the International 4-H Youth Foundation (IFYE).
A total of 121,383 dimes were donated by the delegates of this year's Congress! That equates to a total of $12,138.30 donated. That's right--$12,138.30 was donated! Thus, the Atlanta Area Habitat for Humanities will receive a check for 1/2 of this amount; the IFYE Foundation the other 1/2. This reminds me of the story about the Statue of Liberty that was given to the United States by France. The pedestal was not part of the gift, and thus money had to be raised to support the costs for building the pedestal upon which the Statue was to be placed. Funding support was sought from private foundations and corporations, but the money did not come as expected. Some smart individual decided to have school children throughout the United States be given the opportunity to contribute pennies, dimes, and nickels to pay for the construction and material costs of the pedestal. Children, proving once again that one should never underestimate the power of youth raised the total cost for the pedestal.
The plans by the Design Team is to continue this project of delegates contributing dimes for these worthy goals for the next few years. The future plan is to have a house completely built by donated 4-H funds in Atlanta, and to have a sign made, "This is the house that 4-H built."
As we take time away from busy work schedules, and spend time with families and friends over the holidays, it is also a time to reflect on what the season means to us and the fact that we have been truly blessed. The Power of Youth should challenge us all to look on the positive side of life and the opportunities to help improve our world. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
(Bob Meadows)
(Billie Cline)
Medical Staff Person Job Description - PDF
(Joe Hunnings)
We strive to provide youth with an opportunity to experience the atmosphere and academic choices that college life offers. Students will sit in on college classes, tour the campus, learn extra-curricular opportunities available, and speak with current college students about their experiences.
Students must provide their own transportation to Blacksburg. Cost is $55 and includes all organized activities and most meals for the weekend. Student's will have to pay for one dinner out on Friday night. To apply complete the registration form and send with a health history form and code of conduct form to the State 4-H Office by February 1. A brochure is attached or can be downloaded at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/teenweekend.html
(Kathleen Jamison)
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.
Registration information will be available after January 6, 2003. A limited number of spaces will be available, so you are encouraged to register early. If you have questions about this event, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.
(Barry Garst)
Donna Hamm, email: dhamm@vt.edu
121 Bagley Circle, Suite 434
Marion, VA 24354
Include topic, time required for workshop (1, 2, 3 hours), brief description, special needs, and number workshop can accommodate.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to send consider a workshop and send a proposal.
(Donna Hamm)
Enclosed in this newsletter is the Request for Workshop Proposals. I challenge you or a group of you and your peers to submit a proposal for consideration. Our state is in charge of the workshop proposals for this year, and here is a chance for volunteers, agents, and specialists to submit a proposal. All proposals are due March 15, 2003 to be considered. I look forward to seeing your request soon.
Request for Workshop Proposals - PDF
(Bob Meadows )
"Welcome to The World of Relational Aggression..."Female Bullying"
(Jewel E. Hairston,)
It is important that you seriously consider giving all- or a portion of- your 2003 tax return to the 4-H Centers, by checking the box marked "4-H educational centers," and indicating the amount that you wish to donate. In addition, please share this information with your 4-H volunteers, 4-H supporters, and friends of 4-H in your unit. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.
(Barry Garst)
Jan. 17-19, 2003 Buy, Sell, Trade: An Entrepreneurship Camp for 7th Graders
April 25-26, 2003 District Cloverbud Camp
For more information contact Chrystle Gates at 276-676-6180 or chgates@vt.edu.
(Chrystle M. Gates)
(Kathleen Jamison)
Child Trends has developed a set of tables called "Youth Development: What Works." The tables are based on an extensive review of the available research on topics ranging from adolescent sexual health to education to mental and emotional health. They offer essential guidance on "what works" (and what doesn't work) for anyone who designs, administers, or funds youth services. To view the tables, go to http://www.childtrends.org/youthdevelopment_intro.asp
Source: Connect for Kids Weekly (11/4/02)
(Kathleen Jamison)
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 804-469-4514.
2003 Dinwiddie 4-H Regional Hippology Contest Form - PDF
(Barbara Thomason)
The contest challenges the contestant in all areas of livestock production and marketing relating to beef, swine, and sheep. In the individual round, the contestants had to identify 20 breeds made up of the 3 species plus goats (and match the breed with the appropriate description), 10 retail cuts of meat (including specie and wholesale cut), and 20 feed samples (and place the feed in the proper category). In addition, they judged a class of wool and a class of hay and answered questions on each class. They completed a quality assurance problem and took a quiz evaluating their knowledge of all aspects of the livestock industry. As a team, they completed a Feedlot Feeding problem, a Quality Assurance Animal Processing problem, identified 30 pieces of livestock equipment (and identified the proper use), and completed a Livestock Marketing problem.
The Washington County team placed 1st in Identification, 1st in Evaluation, 3rd in Quality Assurance and were 1st Overall in the contest. Individually awards were as follows; Sara Pratt was 9th in Identification, 5th in Evaluation and 11th Overall. Jason Pratt was 6th in Identification, 9th in Evaluation and 5th Overall. Emily Blevins was 5th in Evaluation, 10th in Quality Assurance and 8th Overall. Sarah Blevins was 7th in Evaluation, 6th in Quality Assurance and 4th Overall.
Coaches for the team included Phil Blevins and Crystal Peek.
(Phil Blevins)
The team from Illinois finished out in front with 2197 points, but second through fifth had scores of 2167, 2163, 2161, and 2161. The 2163 total for Virginia brought them 3rd place recognition, behind Kansas, and ahead of Colorado and Maryland. Virginia was one of only 3 teams in the entire contest to place in the top ten in each of the 3 species divisions. Virginia placed 6th in sheep, 10th in swine, and 7th in beef cattle. This is the second consecutive year that Virginia completed a top 10 finish in every species at the national contest.
Team members representing Virginia were Rebecca Funkhouser of Edinburg, Jared Burner of Luray, and Dixie and Stewart Boyd of Winchester. Jared Burner received individual recognition for 5th place in judging of Performance beef cattle. In addition, Jared placed 14th overall, and Rebecca finished 11th overall, thus receiving belt buckles recognizing them as Livestock Judging All-Americans.
Earlier in the year Virginia participated in the Eastern National Livestock Show judging contest at Timonium, Maryland. Members representing Virginia in this contest were Rebecca Funkhouser, Jared Burner, and Josh Joseph and Katelyn Koontz, both from Rockingham County. Virginia finished in 1st place overall, with a 3-point margin over Maryland. Virginia finished 4th in sheep, 3rd in oral reasons, 2nd in swine, and first in cattle. Jared Burner took first place in cattle judging, with Rebecca Funkhouser in 3rd and Katelyn Koontz in 6th. These same 3 individuals finished 2nd, 4th, and 7th in total score.
Many individuals and organizations support the Virginia 4H Livestock Judging Team. Foremost is the Virginia Pork Industry Board, which has been a long-standing primary financial sponsor of the 4H Livestock Judging program. Many farms and fairs throughout Virginia willingly hosted the judging team to enable them to develop their skills more fully. The generosity of current and past individuals and organizations has enabled Virginia to sustain a strong record in regional and national competitions. We look forward to their continued success.
(Mark L. Wahlberg, )
This year, we would like to make the Orientation Session an integral part of the overall learning experience of 4-H Day at the Capitol, instead of just being an informational session. Although I have some ideas of my own, if you have ideas you would like to share, feel free to contact me!
We will have two orientations sessions scheduled for February 10th. The first orientation session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the second session will begin at 10:45 a.m. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jewel Hairston at (804) 524-5965. See attachment for schedule and more information.
Schedule - PDF
(Jewel Hairston)
I encourage you to register by visiting www.lifesmarts.org and simply clicking on "Play the Game". Indicate that you are from the state of Virginia and simply follow the registration procedures. The top teams in Virginia will be invited to the state championships on the campus of VCU on March 21, 2003.
What Does LifeSmarts Teach Teens? LifeSmarts is a flexible classroom or group activity that teaches teens to be smart and responsible consumers and citizens. The content and competition questions focus on five key areas of consumer knowledge that teens need to know to function effectively in today's marketplace. These are:
In addition to the important information and knowledge that participants gain, they also develop teamwork, self-esteem, verbal communication skills, leadership abilities, and have fun competing. LifeSmarts changes behavior toward better decision-making and better use of money and resources. It provides teens with a good understanding of their consumer rights and responsibilities. Because many teens begin work during high school, LifeSmarts helps them understand workplace protections, too. It teaches them to spot and avoid frauds and scams, and to make smart choices. Brochures, booklets, videos, teaching guides, textbooks, Web sites, and other educational resources provided by governmental agencies, businesses, consumer groups, and trade associations are the source of this information that can easily be obtained by any consumer.
Who Can Participate? LifeSmarts is free and open to all teens in the 9th through 12th grade. The participation of special needs students, exchange students, alternative schools, work study groups, home school groups, clubs, and community organizations is encouraged and welcomed.
Please be sure to call me at (804) 828-1627 if you have any questions or concerns once you visit the site.
( Jeff Fitch, President Virginia Council on Economic Education )
THE TRAINING IS IDEAL FOR: coaches, athletic directors, counselors, sports officials and administrators.
TRAINING EMPHASIZES:
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
LEARN:
EXPERIENCED TRAINERS:
SESSION TUITION:
For more information go the CC! web site: http://www.charactercounts.org
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
(Jennifer Mercer)
Check it out! http://www.bethanyroberts.com/ChristmasfortheBirds.htm
(Jeff Kirwan)
Check it out and pass the word...
(Jeff Kirwan)
In addition, the Cloverbud multimedia project, Clean Water for the Frog won the Southern Region Educational Technology - Youth Team Award. Award recipients include: Julie Keeton, (project designer, VA Tech), Barry Fox (project director), Edward Graham (ACE), Scott Shetrone (VA Tech), Karen Cronin (VA Tech), Mark Sumner (VA Tech), Jeff Kirwan (VA Tech), Beth Atkins (formerly VA Tech), Carol Heiser (VADGIF) and Jim Firebaugh (VADOE).
(Barry Fox)
(Kathleen Jamison)
For a complete review go to the following website. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/about.html#stats
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events
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