Much has taken place since the last issue of the Virginia 4-H Newsletter in the world of Virginia 4-H. Our new Director, Dr. Pat Sobrero, is on board and her first official audience was to address the 4-H teen delegates at this year's State 4-H Congress the evening before her official beginning date of July 1. As our 13th Director of VCE since our beginning in 1914, I am certain that she will be an advocate of 4-H and the quality of educational programming that characterizes what we are all about.
The 2004 State 4-H Congress was a tremendous success in terms of programming, the involvement of teen delegates, and leadership qualities that were practiced throughout the week. The weather cooperated and we experienced no rain or very hot days. The members of the State 4-H Staff were very pleased with the leadership, citizenship, and attitudes of this year's delegation. The 4-H teens truly had a super time and most gained much from the experience. We hope to have more teens in next year's event. Planning will begin August for next year's premier 4-H teen event conducted in the state.
The 4-H camp programming at the six 4-H educational centers is going extremely well. I have heard many positive and encouraging stories about the difference that 4-H camp has made on the lives of youth this summer. At the time of this writing, we are in the midst of the summer 4-H camping season, and several thousands of youth have already participated in our 4-H camping program with several thousands ready to do so. At the end of the summer season, the evaluation results of campers, counselors, agents, camp staff, and parents of campers will be tabulated and reported to the field. As the American Camp Association states, "camp does children a world of good." We are hoping for a continued successful camping experience for Virginia's youth. The respective summer 4-H camp staffs have performed very well.
At this time, we are accepting and screening applications for the vacant positions that we have in the 4-H program. This is a good opportunity to recruit new people to lead 4-H programs throughout the state. We are blessed to be able to hire new 4-H agents. It is indeed a great day to be alive in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Best wishes for a great summer.
Test Your 4-H Policy IQ Answer!
According to the 4-H Policy handbook (section 3.4), Cloverbud 4-H Members are five through eight years old and Junior members are nine through eleven year olds. For each of the above categories youth must turn the entry age during the 4-H year, October 1 through September 30. That is, youth who turn 5 or 9 between October 1 and September 30, participate in these respective categories.
Based on our example, the 8 year old is still in the Cloverbud category and is thus ineligible to compete in a Junior 4-H contest either as an individual or as a part of a group. In addition, Cloverbuds are not allowed to participate in competitive events (Section 3.5.1).
(Joe Hunnings)
According to the Pew Internet Project (2003), 93 percent of young people ages 10‚18 are actively online and want to find the information they need from online sources. 4-H is at the forefront of youth development organizations using the Internet with national, state and county 4-H programs and 4-H clubs actively developing new and more innovative online presences with the support of the National 4-H Youth Technology Team, state and county 4-H youth technology teams and the 4-HUSA Web Crew.
The 4-HUSA Web Crew is a group of 14 teens from across the United States charged with designing 4-husa.org, 4-H's first national web site exclusively for, by and about youth. The 4-HUSA Web Crew will design and manage the website, which will demonstrate the size, diversity and value of the 4-H adventure. Focusing on youth ages 13-16, the site will feature a complete list of 4-H web sites organized by state and interactive elements like message boards, weblogs and myname@4-Husa.org e-mail aliases. The new site is set to debut in early August.
4-H clubs and county and state 4-H programs will be able to use National 4-H Week to showcase their websites to the media and will be asked to cross promote 4-husa.org. A National 4-H Week media kit with a customizable media advisory, feature story and photos will be available online in early August to help county and state 4-H programs promote 4-H Online! Through their National 4-H Week events.
Visit www.4husablogs.org/national4-hweek2004 in early August for access to the kit. Contact Laura Phillips Garner at National 4-H Council at lgarner@fourhcouncil.edu for more information.
(Bob Meadows)
Simply go to www.statefair.com and click on the "Competitions" tab, then download the rules and registration form. Be sure to use separate registration forms for each contest or show. Questions? Contact Lil Reynolds at the State Fair: lreynolds@statefair.com or 1-804-569-3224
(Bob Meadows)
(Joe Hunnings)
(Billie Cline)
The Virginia 4-H Information Letter provides information about 4-H and other youth events, curriculum, dates and services for 4-H professionals, educators, youth and volunteers.
For registration forms, highlights, and more information go to http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/2004southernpacket.pdf.
(Bob Meadows)
An exciting program will be followed by lunch and meetings of the two associations. An auction will complete the day. Click here for more information and registration.
(Carol Nansel)
The Junior division consisted of members who are between 9 and 13 years old. In the junior contest there were 55 contestants and 14 teams of at least 3 members, from 13 different counties. Results of the top-scoring teams and individuals based on their total score are shown here.
All 4 members of the winning team from Highland County and the second-place team from Giles County were among the top-20 high placing individuals. This made for a very tight competition between these 2 groups, with the oral-reasons tie breaker needed to determine the first place team Click here to view results .
(Mark Wahlberg)
Horse Hero's is a contest that the State 4-H Horse Show is conducting this year. The following website has more information http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/horserulebook/rulebook6.pdf
Thank you for your help. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at the address below.
Bertha Durbin, State 4-H Horse Show Advisory Committee e-mail: Bertha@direcway.com
(Mark Wahlberg)
(Mark Wahlberg)
"Blueprints for Violence Prevention," a 180-page online Report, describes the Blueprints initiative, presents lessons learned about program implementation, and provides recommendations for those designing, implementing, and funding violence prevention programs.
"Successful Program Implementation: Lessons From Blueprints," a 12-page Bulletin, presents findings from a process evaluation of Blueprints programs, identifying critical components of implementation.Resources:
"Blueprints for Violence Prevention" (NCJ 204274) is available online only at http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=11721
"Successful Program Implementation: Lessons From Blueprints" (NCJ 204273) is available online at http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=11719
A limited number of printed copies of the Bulletin are available from the Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse (JJC). Copies can be ordered online at http://puborder.ncjrs.org or by calling 800-851-3420. Please use the document number when ordering.
For full-text publications, information about OJJDP or JJC, and other juvenile justice information, visit the OJJDP Web site at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ojjdp
(Angela Huebner)
Anne Schoningh" IFYE from Germany wrote:
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 18:26:42 +0200 (MEST)
I have enjoyed my stay in Bland County.I like all the trees and all the mountains. It is a nice to change to what I am used to in Germany. The new courthouse is very nice, and I think that it will be a nice addition to the county.
I must tell you my experience with a big rat... My host family calls it a groundhog, but I called it a huge RAT. We were looking for one of the dogs that we had not seen for a while...I heard her barking under one of the buildings so I went and got Dreama, my host mother...We started beating on the floor and tearing it up. I was on my knees and I could here Snuggles barking, and I was hollering for her and -- well I did not get Snuggles. I got the groundhog. I did not stick around to see anymore. I ran to the John Deere and did not move until the big (rat) or groundhog was gone. It was VERY horrible.
There was this very nice man who must have been 80, and he owns a huge cattle farm and everyone thought it would be something nice for me to see. So I was being a nice person, and I opened his gate for him...again and again and again. Then on the way home with Debbie and Vivian (IFYE from Taiwan and her host mother) they told me the reason that I had to open the same gate so many times was because I looked good in a pair of blue jeans. We still laugh about it.
The Gammons (my host family) let me drive the tractor, clean stalls, and ride horses. They've made me a regular American farm girl . After a hard day at the barn we sometimes go out to eat at places like Ryan's, Subway, Chick-Filet, Dairy Queen and so on. Also they own a breeding stud that does the breeding on the farm - that was interesting.
My favorite restaurant was Ryan's...it was so good. I would come back to Bland County just to go to Ryan's and get a steak or two...with a roll and honey butter spread. I enjoyed my stay with Debbie and Gary they were super nice people, and were always trying to make my stay better. For example, letting me drive their
Corvette, and the GTO, it was so cool. I had two very nice families in Bland County. I was scared to death by the Gammon's daughter Shala, when her older brother took us on a driving lesson and well....it was scary, but she is slowly getting better. Thank you for the opportunity. It was very much worth it, and I am having a very good time
(Anne Schoeningh IFYE from Germany)
Beth Hanneman --2004 IFYE/Virginia to Greece
Hello Everyone! I am sorry that I have not emailed in a while. This is the first time I have gotten a chance to be at a computer in 2 weeks. I know in the grand scheme of life it is not a big deal, but when I am used to checking it almost everyday it seems weird. (You know like when you are right handed and you start righting with your left hand!)
I have been staying in a small village about an hour from the Northern Border of Greece. I am having a wonderful time with the families and at the local clubs.
I got to attend my first Greek Wedding. They are not kidding when they say ®Big®and Fat! The wedding was held in a small village about 30 minutes north of Thessaloniki. The father of the bride is a minster, so the whole town was invited as well as friends and family....and of course one random Ohio Girl. So, I was thinking maybe 200 people at the most......wrong 700 people were there! That¥s right 700 people!! The church was very small -- about the size of a regular classroom. Of course it could not hold everyone, so people had to stand outside and look in through the windows!
The reception was amazing! We danced traditional Greek dances until 4 in the morning, and there was lots of wine for everyone. (I mean everyone. In Greece, they do not have a drinking age, so I saw a few 12 year olds drunk~and we worry about college students.) It was held in the backyard of the bride's family. The entire house was covered in lights, and they built a dance floor just for the celebration. Greek Love~
(Beth Hanneman)
National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation (WHEP)- First Place Team, Prince William County 4-H
International Envirothon- Second Place Team, Augusta County 4-H
National Forestry Invitational- Fourth Place Team- Scott County 4-H
See more details at the EENR website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/eenr.html
And please join me in celebrating the achievements of the State WHEP Committee which hosted the National Wildlife contest at Va Tech July 28-31, under the capable leadership of Loudoun County 4-H Volunteer Ann Gallus and Augusta County Extension Agent Jenny Mercer. In addition to hosting 22 teams from across the US, this committee put together an outstanding educational program and brought in 70 new sponsors and donors.
(Jeffrey L. Kirwan)
4-H Center. Match programs will be mailed to all 4-H Shooting Education Clubs that participated last year. If your unit did not have any participants last year and would like a copy of the 2004 State 4-H Match Program, please e-mail me. jbaney@vt.edu
(Jinx Baney)
We will also offer basic training in the 2 or 3 disciplines with the greatest need. I need to hear from you. What disciplines should we offer basic training in - Archery? Coordinator? Hunting? Muzzleloading? Pistol? Reloading? Rifle? Shotgun? jbaney@vt.edu
(Jinx Baney)
We could not have bought better advertising and positive feedback in support of the 4-H Virtual Forest. I encourage you to implement the 4-H Virtual Farm and its components in your program if you are not already doing so. I am certain that we will receive examples of the above letter in support of your programming efforts.
(Bob Meadows)
Bill Duggins duggins@vt.edu (phone 540.231-8124 is the Virginia FLL contact person.
(Joe Hunnings)
Advance Auto Parts
American Electric Power
Frank Bolton III, D.D.S
Law Offices of Marni E. Byrum
Computer Training & Consulting - Joan Buhrman
Dominion Virginia Power - Ken Barker
Jerry Carr
Jim Earwood
Farm Credit of the Virginia's
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Goodwin
Independence Golf Course
Dr. Bob Meadows
Scott Carter - Prosperity Mortgage
Richmond Braves
River Course of VA Tech
Geoffrey Sisk - Wachovia Securities
State Fair of Virginia
Virginia Farm Bureau
Verizon
Georgia Willis
Jim and Melinda Youngblood
HOLE IN ONE SPONSORS
Haynes Jeep Chrysler Plymouth
Richmond Honda
Sheehy Ford
Whitten Brothers - Dodge
A special thank you to our Golf Committee:
Jim Gardner -Chairman
Mason Carbaugh, Dan Carson,
Jim Earwood and Andy Swiger
(Cindy Barnett)
First prize is $2500 scholarship. Second through sixth place prizes range from $1500 to $500.
The contest recognizes superior leadership characteristics among junior members of the association and the industry and encourages and develops leadership skills among Jr members so that they will be able to serve their local boards, industry and communities as tomorrows leaders.
Contestants between ages of 14 to 19 must have actively participated in their local fairs. They must also complete the application and be present at the convention to compete in public speaking and interviews.
Click here for rules, regulations, competition information and application .
(Teresa Lambert)
Eligible applicants include elementary and middle schools grades K-9 and after-school community-based organizations. Applicants must participate in Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play. Funds may be used to purchase playground and athletic equipment, integrate playtime or recess into school/organization curriculum, establish nutritional or health education programs, establish athletic or intramural clubs/teams, or to host days of play for club/school/community throughout the year.
Application deadline: November 1, 2004. For more information and application guidelines, please visit http://www.nick.com/all_nick/everything_nick/public_ljpgrants2.jhtml For questions please call or email: Nickelodeon Public Affairs Department at Public.Affairs@nick.com or (212) 846-4333.
(Bob Meadows)
At least twenty-five winners will be selected. Prizes include a trip with a parent/guardian to Los Angeles for an awards ceremony, a Certificate of Appreciation from Nestle USA and RIF, a $1,000 donation to the winner's charity of choice, and a profile in the 2005 Very Best In Youth publication.
Nomination forms are available online and must be received by November 1, 2004. For more details, visit http://www.rif.org/what/eventscontests/verybestinyouth/default.mspx.
If you know a young person who is a good candidate, be sure to tell him or her about the Nestle Very Best In Youth program and encourage them to participate*. Don't let their exemplary achievements go unnoticed!
*If you or someone you know submits an application, please ask them to mark the "RIF'" box on the nomination form for how they heard about the Nestle Very Best In Youth program.
(Bob Meadows)
4-H Programs of Distinction are an ideal way for you to communicate your outstanding program outcomes. Manuscripts (maximum length: 1000 words) can be submitted under 27 different categories and are evaluated for content and readability.
If you are hesitant about how to tackle this opportunity, consider submitting a manuscript with a colleague or mentor. . Submissions are sent electronically and are reviewed on a continuous basis. No deadlines! Some of you may have planned to submit a program for the former 4-H programs of Excellence category -- and therefore I strongly suggest you submit a 4-H Program of Distinction by mid-September.
4-H Programs of Distinction are a collection of program descriptions that reflect the high quality of 4-H youth development programs that are occurring in communities across the United States. They represent outstanding examples of programs that:
4-H Programs of Distinction can be submitted two ways:
1) Submitted directly from the author or
2) By recommendation from the State 4-H Program Leader
Manuscripts are accepted on a continuous basis. All submissions must be submitted electronically.
4-H Programs of Distinction is supported by the National 4-H system partners and coordinated through National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA. Contact: Barbara Stone, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA, TEL: 202-720-5345, E-mail: bstone@csrees.usda.gov
(Bob Meadows)
Historical Trends in 4-H Enrollment, with Graphs 1996-2003. You may manipulate these nationally, for states within a region, or for individual states. Want to quickly ascertain trends in your state by race, residence, school grade, or curriculum category? It's amazingly easy. You click a couple of buttons, and it creates what you want to see "on the fly."
Comparative Analysis of 4-H Enrollment and US Census School Grade Data 2002. (Annual census data does not come out until August, so 2002 is the latest census data). In late August we will have your Market Share for 2003.
Comparative Analysis of 4-H Market Share - 1992 and 2002. I did the 1992 Market Share analysis the hard way, without use of database. Now we show you graphically what has happened in the 10 year period. Some of these will truly amaze you. The difference between the states in Market Share is nothing short of astonishing. Also amazing is how much this can change in a decade. States range from less than 2% of school-age youth reached to over 90% reached by 4-H.
Did you know that the Plants and Animals curriculum category is unquestionably the fastest growing part of 4-H? Or that Healthy Lifestyles was the second fastest growing? Did you know that Science and Technology enrollment dipped dramatically from the early '90's to 2000, but is now moving back up? Did you know that School Enrichment enrollment is consistently trending upward in three of the four Extension regions? Did you know that 4-H continues to grow in Rural Non Farm places, and Towns less than 50,000, but is declining on farms, in suburbs, and in central cities?
1996 was the first year everyone was using our "new" reporting system. We hope you will put a hotlink to the http://reeis.usda.gov website on your state website, and bring it to the attention of your researchers and enrollment contacts. Eventually, REEIS is supposed to house all the land grant university datasets. At present, it has 4-H, EFNEP, the CRIS research database, and five others. --Alan Smith, USDA
(Bob Meadows)
( Bob Meadows)
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events
To Table of Contents...