Dear co-workers:
The new 4-H year is beginning with some very positive news. At the time of this writing, a total of ten 4-H agent positions are in the process of being filled, or ready to be filled. Even though we continue to have counties and cities without 4-H leadership, at least we are able to fill ten critical 4-H positions at this time. It is my sincere hope that the Critical Staffing Initiative (CSI) will be passed by the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session, and supported by the Governor. This will enable us to fill 16 additional county, city, and 4-H center positions that are currently vacant, or being filled in a temporary position.
Members of the State 4-H Staff are excited about the upcoming New 4-H Agents/4-H Program Assistants Orientation Training, scheduled for December 9-12. This very important staff development for new managers of unit 4-H programs covers the important fundamentals and requirements necessary for a successful 4-H program. District Directors have identified those who need to participate in this event. Due to budget reductions last year, staff development dollars were not available. It is good to be able to provide very necessary and important staff development for staff, both salaried and volunteers. All 4-H agents and 4-H program assistants in charge of unit 4-H programs will be participating in State 4-H In-service scheduled here on campus, January 27-29, 2004.
Virginia 4-H volunteers, agents, program assistants, and specialists will be busy preparing for the hosting of the 2004 Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum, scheduled for the first Thursday-Sunday in October, at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, near Eatonton, Georgia. Further news will be forthcoming, including information as to how you may become involved in a planning committee and participate in this quality staff development opportunity. Information will be sent to unit offices, as well as, through this newsletter.
Thanks for all to do to make the best better for the 4-H youth of the Commonwealth. Keep in mind that youth today are 26% of our population, but 100% our future.
Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
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Get Your 2004 4-H Source Book
It's time for National 4-H Supply Service to build the mailing list for the " 2004 4-H Source Book," and we need your help! We invite you to provide us with the addresses of everyone you want to receive the "2004 4-H Source Book" so that it will find its way to 4-H homes. Requests for the "2004 4-H Source Books" will be shipped as timely as possible. You can have copies of the "2004 Source Book" sent directly to households on your mailing list and/or sent in bulk to your offices. "Everyone you designate may receive the 4-H Source Book and best of all it is ABSOLUTELY FREE."
- Files may be e-mailed to sourcebooklist@fourhcouncil.edu as an attachment.
- Disk Type - 3 inch diskette, double density or high density. IBM compatible formats only. Please do not send disks with less than 25 names. Please include a printed list with your disk. This list will help us to confirm the contents of your disk. We are not able to return the disks.
- File Format - list in text format. Most word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs allow export of files in a delimited (text) format. This format will allow for efficient and accurate processing of your lists.
- We also will graciously accept a printed list of names, spreadsheets, labels, or typewritten lists. Please, NO HANDWRITTEN lists, as these cause the most errors. Please do not send duplicate lists.
ALL BULK ORDERS MUST INCLUDE A UPS DELIVERY ADDRESS. FOR QUANTITY ORDERS TO COUNTY OR STATE OFFICES, YOU MAY SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST online at http://www.4-hmall.org/catalogue/sourcebook.asp, E-MAIL US AT sourcebooklist@fourhcouncil.edu, or send the list to: National 4-H Council, 2004 4-H Source Book Mailing Lists, 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
(National 4-H Council)
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New 4-H Extension Agent Training Program Begins in December 2003
The State 4-H Office has developed a new staff development event for 4-H Extension Agents and other individuals responsible for the 4-H program in each unit. The first session of this program will be offered on December 9-12, 2003 at Virginia State University and will likely continue across two other sessions offered in 2004. The New 4-H Extension Agent Training Program will address the core competencies needed by 4-H youth development professionals (also connected with the 4-H Professional Research and Knowledge Model). Content will be supplemented by conceptual and practical applications.
For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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2004 4-H In-service Theme is "Getting Plugged In..."
The 2004 4-H In-service training event is scheduled for January 27-29, 2004 at the Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center on the Virginia Tech campus.
This In-service will focus on the current and future state of the Virginia 4-H program and will explore creative strategies for delivering research-based information to Virginia's youth and adults who work with those youth. Most importantly, this event will provide new and experience Extension faculty with the opportunity to interact with their campus and field-based colleagues. With the theme "Getting Plugged in...", participants have the opportunity to develop themselves and their professional peer relationships, based upon their own development needs, by "getting plugged in" to the Virginia 4-H program through the dynamic processes of learning, reflections, discussion and interaction.
The In-service keynote speaker will be Nancy Redd, the current Miss Virginia and a former 4-H member from Martinsville, Virginia. Nancy, who has identified 4-H as her platform during her reign as Miss Virginia, will discuss the power and relevance of 4-H in making positive changes in the lives of youth. The capstone speaker will be Patrick T. Grady. His presentation, "All Stressed Up and No Place to Go" uses humor to reduce stress and combat burn-out., and his spirited and enthusiastic delivery inspires and communicates the qualities necessary to be the best in both professional and personal lives.
Professional development sessions are planned throughout the In-Service Training. Ranging from 11/2 to 5 hours in length, these workshops will address many areas of interest to youth development Extension Agents. Topics will include Critical Issues Facing Virginia's Youth and Youth Development Professionals, Identifying and Developing Financial Resources for 4-H Programming, Working with Youth with Special Needs, and Volunteer Management and Development. "How to..." sessions that focus on starting a new 4-H club, school program, camp, etc are also planned.
4-H Innovative Program Showcase and Curriculum Committee Showcase are planned for Tuesday evening. These showcases provide participants with the opportunity to learn more about innovative and successful 4-H and Extension programs through poster and/or multimedia display formats. The 4-H Fun Shops and 4-H Share Fair round out this year's In-service Training by providing opportunities for sharing, learning, and laughter on Wednesday.
For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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2004 Master 4-H Training to be Conducted at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center
The State 4-H Office will offer Master 4-H Training on March 2-5, 2004 at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center. 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 following tracks are planned:
- 4-H Camp Director
- After-school Programming
- Youth Development (from the Moving Ahead Curriculum)
- Grant Writing/Resource Development
Each track will consist of 16-20 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 2004. A limited number of spaces will be available, so you are encouraged to register early. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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Spring Conference--Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders
The spring and fall staff development conferences of VAA4-HVL are for any and all adult 4-H volunteers, 4-H agents, 4-H program assistants, and specialists. With the theme, Proud to Be a Virginia 4-H Volunteer Leader, the Northwest District will be hosting the Spring Conference on March 20-21, 2004, in Harrisonburg.
The location will be the Four Points-Sheraton on 1400 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, and the early bird fee is $50, (if postmarked by March 10, 2004) which includes Saturday registration and lunch, Saturday banquet, and Sunday registration and lunch. Registration March 11 and later is $65. The registration fee does not include hotel reservations, which my be made directly with the Four Points-Sheraton. The cost per room (1, 2, 3, or 4 to a room) is $69.00
Be sure to register NOW for this important staff development event. We will be featuring an optional SHARE-THE-FUN session after dinner on Saturday night, so anyone wishing to participate may do so. Just complete the attached form and send to the address listed. We look forward to seeing you and others at this exciting Spring Conference of VAA4-HVL. Registration forms and more information can be found on the 4-H Public website under Volunteer Leaders meetings http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/volunteers.html#meet
(Bob Meadows)
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4-H Camp Safety Task Force Makes Recommendations
In August 2003, Dr. Steve Umberger created a task force comprised of internal and external stakeholders to review existing 4-H camp policies and procedures and to make recommendations for improving 4-H camp safety, security, and youth supervision. In September 2003, a draft of the recommendations was distributed to 4-H Agents, Extension Administration, and 4-H Center faculty/staff for review and comments. In November of 2003, a final meeting of the task force finalized the recommendations. These new 4-H camping policies will be shared with the VCE system during November and December of 2003. In January of 2004, the revised Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook-which will include these new policies-will be made available to unit offices and to the 4-H Centers.
For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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Revised Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook to Be Released in January of 2004
During the past few months, the State 4-H Office has been working cooperatively with the 4-H Center Program Directors and Center Director to complete a major revision of the Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook. This revision will provide Agents with better 4-H camp administrative, policy, and planning tools (i.e., "one-stop shopping" for all 4-H camp related policies, forms, resources, etc.). This revision will provide the 4-H Centers with a more effective tool for the ACA accreditation review process. This revision will also help to protect 4-H Centers/4-H/VCE by ensuring that the language that we use for 4-H camping policies, procedures, etc. is standardized. The revised Handbook will include:
- OVERVIEW AND USE OF THIS HANDBOOK
- INTRODUCTION TO 4-H
- INTRODUCTION TO 4-H CAMPING
- VIRGINIA 4-H CAMPING HISTORY
- AMERICAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN 4-H CAMPING
- RISK MANAGEMENT AND 4-H CAMPING
- 4-H CAMP PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION
- 4-H CAMP TRANSPORTATION
- 4-H CAMP HEALTH AND WELLNESS
- 4-H CAMP OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
- 4-H CAMP HUMAN RESOURCES
- 4-H CAMP PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
- 4-H CAMP TRIP AND TRAVEL
- APPENDIX A- 4-H CAMPING RESOURCES SUMMARY
- APPENDIX B- 4-H CAMPING POLICY SUMMARY
- APPENDIX C: 4-H CENTER-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Seven VCE publications will eventually be produced. One state-level publications (i.e., revised Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook) and six 4-H Center-specific publications. These publications will be designed and produced through the VT Media Department in cooperation with Linda Burcham.
Agents will get a "PILOT" copy of the Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook at the 2004 4-H In-service and will be provided with an orientation session regarding the Handbook. All publications will be in "PILOT" form for 9 months and then will be revised in the fall of 2004 for final printing and to be placed on the VCE Intranet in PDF format.
For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst,)
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National 4-H Camping Institute VII
"Trails & Tales" is the Theme of 2004 NCI to be held at Rock Springs 4-H Center, Junction City Kansas Feb 7-11, 2004. Please review NCI website for additional information: www.oznet.ksu.edu/4h/NCI/NCIhomepage.html
(Bob Meadows)
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Virginia Income Tax Check-Off Option to Assist 4-H Educational Centers
The 2003 Virginia income tax forms will include a check-off box that will allow individuals to designate all-or a portion of-their tax return to Virginia's six 4-H educational centers. These funds will greatly assist the 4-H program by helping the 4-H Centers to keep program and service costs reasonable for 4-H youth and adults working with those youth.
Please consider this opportunity to support 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) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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Grandparent/Grandchild 4-H Camp
Jan 23-25, 2004 at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center. Please promote this camp in your community. Last year we had people from 4 states participate. This camp has had traditional grandparents as well as grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Email crowles@vt.edu for more details and registration information.
(Cynthia Rowles)
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Holiday Lake Forestry Camp
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp for youth age 13 - 16 will be held June 14 - 19, 2004. Youth must be nominated by a 4-H agent, volunteer, teacher, scout leader, or someone who is familiar with the interests of the person being nominated. Most people receive a scholarship valued at $100. For more information please see http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/camp/.
(Jeff Kirwan)
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Airfield Winter 4-H Horse Camp Weekend
Plans are being made for the annual Airfield Winter 4-H Horse Camp Weekend. This camp will be held at the Southeast District 4-H Center in Wakefield. The event is scheduled for the weekend of February 13-15, 2004. Registration will be held from 6:00 Ç 8:00 p.m. on Friday, no dinner will be served. We will conclude at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Bringing a horse to this event is not mandatory. The only requirement is that each camper must be enrolled in 4-H as of January 1, 2004. Campers may not share horses. The cost for the weekend includes all meals, lodging, and insurance. The total cost is $95.00 per person ($10.00 of this fee is non-refundable). The $95.00 fee is non-refundable after February 4, 2004. The registration form and fee are due by January 13, 2004. All checks should be made out to the Southside 4-H Horse Leader's Association. There will be a $20.00 fee for all returned checks. The registration fee and form are to be sent to: Penny McNerney, Riggan Lane, Hopewell, VA 23860, Phone: 804 458-6621
(Andrea Carson)
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Virginia 4-H Wins National Dairy Quiz Bowl
The National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl, a premier event designed to test the knowledge of youth, took place at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 8. Virginia's 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team won the national championship for the second straight year. Members of the state team were: Chad Craun from Rockingham County; Beth Haberland from Orange County; Crystal Lacey from Clarke County; and Megan Mackintosh from Clarke County. Dave Winston, Extension Dairy Scientist at Virginia Tech, Laura Jackson, a 4-H volunteer leader from Clarke County, and Sue Puffenbarger, Dairy Extension Agent in Franklin County, coached the team.
The road to Louisville for these 4-H'ers began on Saturday, March 15, at the State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl. They were selected for the team based on their performance on a written test and a 25-question toss-up round. When asked what he learned about himself by participating in the contest, Chad Craun stated, "I learned that if I set my mind to something, I can accomplish it." Dave Winston commented, "I was so impressed by this group's work ethic. They studied hard and worked together as a team. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such outstanding young people."
The National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl is one of the nation's most challenging contests for dairy industry youth and it attracts young people throughout the United States. The challenging dairy event is a contest in which young people have an opportunity to test their knowledge of dairy animals and related subjects. Twenty states were represented in this year's contest. The teams from Maryland and Massachusetts placed second and third in the contest, respectively. The 25th National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl will be held in November 2004.
(David Winston)
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4-H Day at the State Capitol
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Mark your calendars now and watch for more information.
( Jewel E. Hairston, )
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LifeSmarts Competition Begun.
Teams of high school students may compete in the annual LifeSmarts! Competition. Visit http://www.lifesmarts.org/ for materials, information for coaches, and to take the tests. Teams must pass three levels of tests between now and March to participate in the state competition in Richmond in March. I should know the exact date next week. The winning state team is then sent to Chicago for nationals as part of there prize.
Players registered by each coach take the internet rounds individually. The team is then selected from the 4 players that score the highest (plus one alternate) so you probably want to start with more than 5 players if possible. Go to "how to play" for practice quiz and registration information. Each player can only take the actual quiz one time and they must complete all three levels to be eligible for the team.
(Celia Ray Hayhoe,)
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Financial Curriculums for 4-H
Two new curricula will be available early in the 2004: What is Money for 5-8Year Olds and What is Money for 9-11 Year Olds. Both are geared to the State Standards of Learning. What is Money for 5-8 Year-Olds (cloverbud) covers coin and bill recognition, the value of coins, writing money, keeping money safe, and saving money. The one for Juniors (9-11 year olds) covers what is on a dollar bill, comparing foreign and US bills, how the Federal Reserve works, spending, saving, sharing, and a little bit on inflation. Both include a store activity for making change. There will be training at 4-H In-Service during January on both curricula. Many of the projects make great camp projects as well
(Celia Hayhoe)
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High School financial Planning Program
I am state representative for the NEFE High School Financial Planning Program. Please let me know if you have any needs with this program or if you have personal finance curricula or training needs. I look forward to meeting with you in January.
(Celia Hayhoe, Family Financial Management Specialists)
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4-H Cloverbuds Cook with Pyramid Chef
Each unit office will soon receive a set of 4-H Cloverbuds Cook with Pyramid Chef, which is a series of five lessons that are developmentally appropriate for 8-year-old youth in community and special interest clubs. A CD Rom Leader Training Lesson is available for volunteers.
(Kathleen Stadler)
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State Forestry Judging Contest
The State 4-H Forestry Judging Contest will be held on the campus of Virginia Tech during State 4-H Congress. The winning teams at district forestry judging contests will be eligible for $100 scholarships (per participant) to Congress. For more information please see http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/forjudging/
(Jeff Kirwan)
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Delaware Ducks Unlimited Presents Workshop
An Exciting Day Full of Conservation, Public Safety and Education For Youth Ages 6 to 16!
Greenwood Delaware. For more information contact Ralph Weis (302) 335-3911 X255, weisr@ilcdover.com
Flyer - PDF
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4-H Natural Resources Weekend
The event will be held at Holiday Lake 4-H Center, January 16-18, 2004.
This event has lots of hands on workshops for youth and adults. It will also include and introduction to the Forestry, Soils, and Wildlife Habitat (WHEP) 4-H judging programs. This is a great way to educate agents and volunteers (or potential volunteers) about these programs and help them learn how to get a local program started. The program is designed for youth ages 9-18. Adults are welcome to attend and participate in classes, but the workshops are directed toward the youth participants. Some classes will be designated specifically for juniors (ages 9-13) , some specifically for seniors (ages 14-18), and some open to everyone. There are not age appropriate activities for youth under the age of 9.
Participants will sign up for classes when they arrive at Holiday Lake for registration on Friday, Jan 16.
For more information and registration form email jamercer@vt.edu
(Jennifer Mercer)
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Virginia 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) State Contest
The Virginia 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program State Contest will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2004. If you are interested in having a team participate in the contest or need WHEP manuals, please let me know. Registration materials for the contest will be sent out via email and the state 4-H newsletter in March/April.
Virginia is hosting the National Contest for this event July 28-August 1, 2004. Any agent or volunteer who would like to help during the week of the contest should contact me at 540/245-5750 or jamercer@vt.edu.
If you have any adults (volunteers or agents) who would like training on this program, please let me know and we will try to arrange training for coaches some time this winter. I encourage you to send volunteers, agents, and youth interested in natural resources to the 4-H Natural Resources Weekend, January 16-18 at Holiday Lake 4-H Center. Information on this event will be in the November state 4-H Newsletter.
(Jenny Mercer)
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Free Pine Seedlings
Seedlings are available to 4-H members conducting the 4-H seedling project, or to school children conducting the 4-H school enrichment program. Extension Agents should survey their 4-H members and leaders, consolidate orders and contact their county forester with the number of seedlings needed by January 15. Request one delivery date and make arrangements to deliver seedlings to 4-H members and schools promptly thereafter, to assure seedling quality.
American chestnut seedlings are available through the West Virginia Department of Forestry. If you are interested in this project, please contact Jeff Kirwan, jkirwan@vt.edu with the number of seedlings desired by December 1. Seedlings will be made available free to new counties with an approved planting plan (seedlings planted together on land with public access) and to existing counties who are up-to-date with their seedling survival reports.
Landowners may purchase seedlings directly from the Virginia Department of Forestry, http://www.vipnet.org/shoppingcart/cgi-bin/home506.cgi
More information about 4-H seedling projects can be found in the November issue of 4-H Information, or at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/pineseed/
Many thanks to our partners in the Virginia Department of Forestry for making these resources available to us since 1952!
(Jeff Kirwan)
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4-H JMG Program Ideas
- A Lesson on Delayed Gratification
Are your junior 4-H members impatient? (I can already hear you chuckling) Alow your members to experience delayed gratification by planting bulbs now and allow their beauty to bloom after a cold winter. Fall is the right time to plant bulbs! For more information about Bulbs, visit the International Bulb Society (http://www.bulbsociety.com/) and click on Bulb Basics.
- A Plant Part Canned Food Drive
For a Holiday service project have your gardeners collect and donate canned goods to a local food bank. With your gardeners, categorize them by each part of the plant (roots, stems, leaves, flower, fruit, and seeds). This service project will help create hunger awareness and include a great lesson on plant parts. (These ideas were taken from the JMG newsletter. Subscribe to the newsletter at jmgkids.org)
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
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Annual Virginia 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest
2004 Essay Topic is: "Swarming"
Length of Essay - 750-1000 words
General Rules:
- Write on designated subject only.
- All factual statements must be referenced
- Word count does not include the endnotes, the bibliography or references.
Entries Due February 12, 2004
Winner in the State Contest will go on to compete at the National Contest.
Check out the American Beekeeping Federations website at www.ABFnet.org to view the 2003 National Contest winning essays. Last year's Virginia state winner: Renee Bender
Send 2004 Essay's to Sandra Fisher
Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center
25236 Hillman Hwy.
Abingdon, VA 24210
If you have questions or need more information about this opportunity, please contact your local Extension Agent or me at the above address or email safishe3@vt.edu.
(Sam Fisher)
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Space Day and Space Camp Opportunities
"Blazing Galactic Trails" is the theme for Space Day 2004 (May 6) recently and it is something 4-H members and groups can participate in throughout the country. The "Design Challenges" make excellent projects for young people to participate in. Review the opportunities available via the Space Day web site at: http://www.spaceday.org/index.html
The 4-H collaboration with Space Camp continues as well. Visit the 4-H Aerospace Education web site at http://www.aces.edu/dept/4Haero/ and click the 4-H Missions in Space link for more information. The 2004 rate for the 3-day Pathfinder camp program is $285 per person for 4-H groups (any group of youth may attend as a 4-H group as long as it is coordinated through 4-H). There are also less costly 2-day, 1-night programs. Hundreds of youth are participating in these programs each year and we look forward to having some of your groups attend as well. Contact me for more information.
Another opportunity exists with the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE). This conference is held each year and is promoted by the Civil Air Patrol. It is the premier education conference for aviation and space and is open to Extension Educators. Go to the conference web site for more information (http://cap.gov/events/ncmain.html). Registration at this time is only $99 per person.
Thank you for your interest in the aviation and space education programs. Contact me if I can assist with your program planning in this area.
(Ron Sanderson)
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Midwinter All Star Conference
Let's Reminisce about All Stars: Past, Present, and Future
Mark your calendars for Saturday - Sunday, February 7 - 8, 2004! The Virginia 4-H All Stars will hold their Midwinter's Conference in Richmond, VA at the Holiday Inn Crossroads. Make plans to attend this fun-filled weekend. Registration will be Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
Schedule and registration form are located at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/allstars.html
(Selicia Gregory)
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Current All Star officers :
Big Chief - Julie Martin
Lesser Chief - Lila Orrock
Recording Scribe - Michelle Cock
Corresponding Scribe - Daniel Collins
Medicine Men - Randy and Irene Leech
Scout - Shawnda Gregory
Advisors - Connie Bryant, Mike Martin, Deb Nester
(Carol Nansel)
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Virginia 4-H Foundation - Payroll Deduction
As the new 4-H year progresses, support of the Virginia 4-H program becomes increasingly important and needed. 4-H is a fantastic place where young people can develop and shape their individual futures with the assistance of caring adults, character building, community service, learning about our environment or caring for animals.... (Cindy Barnett)
Virginia Tech faculty and staff are encouraged to use the payroll deduction contribution plan to help provide the support for 4-H programs. Evan a $5, $10 or other contribution each pay period from us provides funding to support mini-grants, youth trips to State or National 4-H Congress, volunteer leader support, or other important 4-H areas of interest. Why not consider filling out the attached VIRGINIA TECH FACULTY/STAFF PAYROLL DEDUCTION CONGRIBUTION FORM?
Our support for the betterment of 4-H youth is much needed.
Form - PDF
(Bob Meadows)
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Pictures of Youth in Action
I am in desperate need of pictures of our 4-H youth in action.
(Cindy Barnett, Executive Director, VA 4-H Foundation)
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4-H Volunteers and 4-H Agent Win State Awards
The Fall Conference of the VAA4-HVL was successfully conducted at the Holiday Inn Select in downtown Lynchburg, October 25-26. With the theme, "Catching the 4-H Vision," volunteers, program assistants, and agents did just that. The Central District, in charge of hosting this event, did an outstanding job of providing dynamic workshops, funshops, and speakers. Among the celebrations featured at this conference was the recognition of District and State winners for Outstanding Service to 4-H.
District and State 4-H Adult Volunteer and Agent Award winners were recognized at the Saturday evening banquet. They were as follows:
- Outstanding 4-H Adult Volunteer-Central District ---MARY LEE DIMMIE (Cumberland County). Mary is often the first volunteer most called upon whenever 4-H help is needed because she always comes through. Mary volunteers with 4-H Camp, Summer Camps in the local unit, and food workshops in her county. She serves as President of the Volunteer Leaders Association in her unit, as well as a Unit Representative for Cumberland. Her work on the local, district, and state level is well respected.
- Outstanding 4-H Adult Volunteer-Southwest District----MIKE GATES (Smyth County). Beginning his career as a 4-H volunteer by serving as teen leader at Riverside Elementary School in Chilhowie, Mike has been a volunteer for 10 years and also serves as Co-Camp Director for his unit's summer 4-H camp. He worked on the summer camp staff at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, and now serves as volunteer with other counties within the Southwest District with 4-H camp. He is currently the organizational leader for a 4-H club in the school at which he teaches Earth Sciences, and serves as advisor to the Smyth County 4-H Honor Club. He also assists with other 4-H clubs, projects, and learning events throughout his county. Mike is a Master 4-H Camp Director graduate, and is trained in Project Wet, Wild, and Learning Tree. He and his wife Crystle were both recently tapped as Virginia 4-H All Stars. Mike currently serves as Historian for the Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders.
- Outstanding STATE 4-H Volunteer Leader--STEVE WOOD (Shenandoah County). An active 4-H volunteer leader for 33 years, Steve is actively involved in the county, district, and state levels with 4-H and serves as 4-H County Advisor and Show Manager at the 4-H/FFA Livestock Show and Sale. He also serves as judge for project books, presentations, and 4-H public speaking contests, and volunteers time at 4-H camp, State 4-H Congress, and serves on the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center Board of Directors. An active 4-H All Star, as well as Past-President of the Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders, Steve's volunteer work is well known throughout the state.
- Outstanding DISTRICT 4-H AGENT & OUTSTANDING STATE 4-H AGENT--LEONARD ELAM (Mecklenburg). Serving as 4-H agent since 1986, Leonard oversees a 4-H program with over 750 members. A graduate of Virginia Tech, he is very active with the 4-H volunteer leaders within his county, as well as with VAA4-HVL. He is a certified Hunter Education Instructor, where he organized a regional 4-H Shooting Education club. He serves as advisor to the Central District 4-H Leaders Association, and is a member of numerous organizations and associations including Epsilon Sigma Phi, NAE4-HA, and VESA. He serves on the Board of Directors of Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, the Mecklenburg County Prevention Advisory Council, Open Door Mission Board of Directors, and the County School Health Advisory Committee. Leonard was recognized for being the recipient of both the Outstanding District 4-H Agent and Outstanding State 4-H Agent awards
Congratulations to these outstanding individuals for their awards and a thank you to each for the great contributions they have made to the Virginia 4-H program. These individuals have contributed greatly to making the best better
(Bob Meadows)
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State Exchange Program Opportunity
We are looking for a group to exchange within the state of Virginia. We belong to a 4-H group from Harper County, located in the South Central part of Kansas. We would like to travel in July of 2004 and host in July of 2005. Interested? Contact Kathy Lamb, klamb@oznet.ksu.edu, Harper County 4-H Assistant, Anthony, KS 67003
(Bob Meadows)
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Virginia Association of Fairs Youth Scholarship
It may be too late to enter this year (applications are due Dec 4) but tell your 4-H members about it and let them start planning for next year. Application and more information can be found at
The prize jackpot has increased this year to $7000! Although the contest information says a visit to a fair is required for the activity symposium, it does not specify that the visit has to be during operation. If a contestant has not done so at this point, they can use their creativity and connections to get the information they need to make an effective presentation of an activity from another fair. The judges will then decide who did the best job. It would no doubt have been most helpful to witness the event in person, but we don't want this to hinder an applicant's participation in the contest. This is only one of five contest areas so everyone is encouraged to participate.
The stated purpose of this contest is to "recognize and reward youth that work with local fairs". Youth that have experienced some sort of leadership activity tend to do well, but that is not required. Each application must be supported and signed by a VAF member fair official.
If you have any questions please call me at 804-333-3420
(Kelly Liddington, Richmond County 4-H Agent)
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Do Something BRICK Awards
This is an exciting national awards program that provides recognition and funding to young community leaders. Founded in 1996, the BRICK Awards honor dynamic people under the age of 18 for service in the areas of community building, health, and the environment. Each award includes a $5,000 higher education scholarship, a $5,000 grant for continued community work, pro bono services, and other support and recognition. Winners are announced and recognized at an annual gala in New York City that has been dubbed the Oscars of youth service awards by CNN.
If you know of any outstanding young leaders who may be eligible for this fantastic Award, please direct them to our website at www.dosomething.org. The BRICK Awards application is easily downloadable from the site in PDF format. Please let me know if you would like more information, and please feel free to forward this information to other organizations or groups that you know would be interested.
(Melissa Richman)
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Websites to Explore
VIRGINIA 4-H ALL STARS http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/allstars.html
WHAT YOUNG ADULTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MONEY Http://Www.Ext.Vt.Edu/Niemoney/
VIRTUAL FOREST Http://Www.Ext.Vt.Edu/Resources/4h/Virtualforest/
PINE TREE SEEDING INFORMATION Http://Www.Ext.Vt.Edu/Resources/4h/Environment/Pineseed/
RESTORING THE CHESAPEAKE WEBSITE, http://www.cnr.vt.edu/PLT/potomacshenandoah/index.html.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY SEEDLING CATALOG, http://www.vipnet.org/shoppingcart/cgi-bin/home506.cgi.
NATIONAL JUNIOR HORTICULTURE ASSOCIATION WEBSITE Http://Www.Njha.Org/
I DARE YOU website www.ayf.com
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Grant Opportunities
Grant Opportunity Announcements Posted
Starting Nov. 7, federal agencies will post all grant opportunity announcements on www.grants.gov. This site allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. You may want to bookmark this site for future reference. (Joe Hunnings)
Grants
The following private organizations are excellent sources for funding of youth development projects. Visit each web site to learn the details of their grants process.
- Captain Planet Foundation
Projects that organize children and youth to solve environmental problems in their communities may be funded for grants ranging from $250 to $2,500.
Deadline(s): December 31, 2003
Eligibility: Schools and nonprofits that organize local environmental programs involving children and youth ages 6 to 18.
Contact: Sona Chambers, Captain Planet Foundation, One CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303; Email: captain.planet.foundation@turner.com; Internet: www.captainplanet.fdn.org.
- Southern Poverty Law Center
Two grant programs are offered by this funder to support initiatives that work to fight hate and promote tolerance among the nation's youth. Mix it Up provides one-time grants for $250 to support youth-directed activist projects that identify, question, and cross social boundaries in schools and communities. Visit www.tolerance.org/teens/grants.jsp for additional information. Teaching Tolerance provides funding of up to $2,000 each to teachers seeking to implement tolerance and youth activism projects in their schools or greater communities. For additional information, visit www.tolerance.org/teach/expand/gra/guide.jsp
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Mix it Up: groups demonstrating youth leadership, collaborative efforts among disparate groups, and extensive future plans (beyond the funded project).
- Teaching Tolerance:
K-12 teachers seeking to implement tolerance and youth activism projects in their schools or greater communities.
Contact: Attn: The Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, (334)956-8200; Fax: (334)956-8488.
- Rosie's For All Kids Foundation
Focusing on economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth and their families, this foundation provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each. Awards are provided for center-based childcare, afterschool, education, and other youth programs, particularly those focused on low-income urban areas.
Deadline(s): None for the initial letter of intent, which may be submitted by e-mail or regular mail.
Eligibility: Nonprofits providing childcare, early education, and other programs for at-risk and economically disadvantaged children in underserved communities.
Contact: Rosie's For All Kids Foundation, Grant Review Committee, PO Box 225, Allendale, NJ 07401; E-mail: grants@forallkids.org; internet: www.forallkids.org.
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Director's Letter
Calendar of Events