Dear co-workers:
Congratulations on the hard work and quality programming that you are providing on behalf of the 4-H members of the Commonwealth of Virginia! Our new 4-H enrollment data for the current year has been gathered and finalized. The total enrollment of membership is up by over 4%, and the number of volunteers involved has increased by over 11%.
The current 4-H enrollment is 199,386 (compared to 191,645 the year previously). Our 4-H volunteer enrollment increased from 15,632 to 17,398 this year, thus providing an average ratio of approximately 1 adult to every 11 youth. With all the new hires that are taking place to fill vacant 4-H agent positions throughout the state, I expect this number to increase again next year. The 4-H program is greatly impacting the lives of youth throughout our great Commonwealth. Given this fact, there are many youth who are not involved in positive youth development programming that 4-H affords. Our programming is greatly needed by today's youth because the issues and challenges they face are much more complex than what most adults faced during their childhood.
Our core capacities reflect strong expertise that 4-H youth development has to offer. While young people represent only 26% of the population of our nation, they represent 100% of our future. Virginia's human capital is its most important resource. Far too many youth are reaching adulthood unprepared to be productive workers, effective parents, or responsible citizens. Virginia 4-H promotes a focus on positive youth developmenta process which prepare young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a progressive series of activities and educational experiences which help them to become socially, ethically, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent.
4-H is indeed a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Keep this in mind as you work with your respective 4-H members. The leadership you provide will help them improve in these areas, and better prepare them for becoming effective, contributing citizens of our great country.
Bob Meadows
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4-H Collegiate Club Host Weekend at Virginia Tech
4-H Collegiate Host Weekend at Virginia Tech is always a hit with senior 4-H members. The brochure with all the information is attached. Encourage your older 4-H members to participate. It gives a great glimpse of life on Va Tech campus plus lots of fun. See the following website for information and registration brochure. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/teenweekend.html
4-H Collegiate Club Offices for 2004-2005 include
| President | Elizabeth Strawderman | estrawde@vt.edu |
| Vice President | Katie Pehowski | katiep@vt.edu |
| Treasurer: | Whitney Lott | wlott@vt.edu |
| Secretary: | Katie Poling | katiep@vt.edu |
| Public Rels: | Jacquelyn Zidzik | jzidzik@vt.edu |
| Historian: | Andrea Canerossi | acaneros@vt.edu |
| Advisor: | Kathleen Jamison | jamisonk@vt.edu |
If 4-H members from your unit are attending Virginia Tech, encourage them to join the collegiate club.
(Kathleen Jamison)
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PLAN NOW TO ATTEND
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS
JUNE 20-23, 2005
COMPETITION DAY June 21
Logon to the Congress website to review previous year's events and to keep up with plans for this years event
http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/congress/
(Kathleen Jamison, Coordinator of 2005 Congress)
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"4-H Day with the
Washington Wizards."
As you will see from the attached flyer, the Wizards are offering half price tickets, free food coupons, special half time recognition of 4-H and a pre-game activity for 4-H members. In addition, every ticket sold will provide a $2 donation to our state 4-H Foundation. Groups of 25 also receive one free ticket. 4-H game day is Saturday, January 15th.
This promotional offering is open to any 4-H member and their family, volunteer leaders and their family, 4-H friends and Extension employees. Basically anyone who is a part of or supports 4-H! This could be a great unit-wide 4-H outing. Consider a caravan or a bus trip. Make a day or weekend of it in the DC area!
This event is a great marketing opportunity for 4-H, plus it will provide our Foundation with a valuable contribution and provides 4-H members an exciting family or club outing at a reasonable cost!
We hope you will consider joining in on the fun! Go to the following website for more information. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/news/wizards.html
(Joe Hunnings)
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New Calendar Feature
The 4-H public website (http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/) has always had a calendar link. In the past when this link was "clicked on" it took you to a page listing upcoming 4H events for the year. The link now takes you to a different calendar. It is a calendar that has been set up for the entire College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Some people have been confused about this new format.
If you go to the calendar (http://www.calendar.vt.edu/main.php), you can set it to provide you with information for a particular day, week or month. You can also search for a list of events by keyword. To do this, go to the "Search" function on the calendar page. For example, you can type in "4-H" and get a list of every 4-H event that is on this calendar! Remember though that it is designed to list only regional or state wide events, not county level programs.
If you have a regional or state-wide 4-H event that you would like to post to the calendar, send the info to Billie Cline (bcline@vt.edu).
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
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75th National 4-H Conference
April 1-6, 2005
The National 4-H Conference is a working conference in which youth and adults--at the invitation of the Secretary of Agriculture--assist in the development of recommendations to help guide 4-H Youth Development Programs nationally and in their communities. This event brings together youth, volunteer leaders, state, and county Extension staff members from across the United States, its territories, and the Canadian Provinces.
If you have youth who are interested and would be good representatives of Virginia 4-H, please nominate them to participate. Send your nominations to bcline@vt.edu. Virginia will send up to six youth and one adult.
(Bob Meadows)
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Newsletter Reminder
The Virginia 4-H Information Letter is a FREE monthly newsletter with information for staff, volunteers and youth from the 4-H Department of Virginia Cooperative Extension. It is archived on the Internet at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/infoletter/. Subscribe to a monthly reminder of its availability. http://info.ag.vt.edu/vce/4hnewsletter/index.cfm
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Southern Region Leaders Forum
Tennessee 4-H Youth Development is pleased to announce the Request for Forum (SRLF). Proposals may be submitted either electronically or hard copy. To submit electronically or obtain a copy of the RFP, please visit http://www.utextension.utk.edu/4H/volunteers/rockeagle/SRLF%20proposal.htm
Please note that the RFP's are due in the Tennessee state 4-H office by March 15, 2005. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me at 865-974-2128 or via e-mail at patrick@utk.edu. --M. Patrick Hamilton Extension Specialist, 4-H, Tennessee
(Bob Meadows)
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New 4-H Extension Agent Training Program Continues in 2004-2005
The second year of the New 4-H Extension Agents Training Program begins November 30-December 3, 2004 at the Airfield 4-H Educational Conference Center. This training provides essential training in the core competencies of 4-H youth development and the content is supplemented by conceptual and practical applications. This training is designed for 4-H Extension Agents and other youth development professionals responsible for the 4-H program in each unit. The next modules for 2004 are scheduled for April 26-29, 2004 at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center and August 23-26, 2004 at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake.
For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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2005 4-H In-service Theme is "Reaching Out, Reaching Up"
The 2005 4-H In-service training event is scheduled for January 26-28, 2005 at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake. The purpose of this 4-H In-service is to support new and experienced Virginia 4-H professionals as they learn more about the essential elements of youth development. The focus will be on innovative strategies for delivering research-based programs and the current status and future trends of 4-H youth development and Cooperative Extension. The theme "Reaching Out, Reaching Up" symbolizes how 4-H youth development professionals, during this important time of change, are challenged to enhance their own knowledge base and develop strategic partnerships with their Extension colleagues and constituents to ensure programming excellence. Professional development sessions are planned throughout the In-Service Training. Ranging from 11/2 to 3 hours in length, these workshops will address many areas of interest to youth development Extension Agents. P7roposals-which are due December 10, 2004-are currently being accepted in the following areas:
- Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development/Features of Positive Youth Development
- Critical Issues Facing Virginia's Youth and Youth Development Professionals
- Applying Positive Youth Development to Club, School, After-School, or Camp Programming
- Volunteer Management/Development (emphasis on recruitment, recognition, 4-H volunteer leader associations, etc.)
- Enhancing Communication and Cooperation with Internal and External 4-H Stakeholders
- "How to" Sessions (e.g., how to start a new 4-H club, 4-H school program, 4-H camp, etc.)
- Crisis Management and Crisis Communication
- Identifying and Developing Financial Resources for 4-H Programming
- New or Revised National or State 4-H Curriculum and Related Information
- Evaluating Program Outcomes and Identifying Program Impacts
- Strategies for Working Smarter not Harder
- Working with Youth with Special Behavioral, Emotional, or Physical Needs
- New 4-H Initiatives (e.g., 4-H After School)
- Utilization of Logic Modeling for Program Planning and Evaluation
- "Advanced" sessions in any of the above areas for experienced 4-H faculty
A 4-H Innovative Program Showcase/Curriculum Committee Showcase, 4-H Roundtable Discussions, 4-H Fun Shops, and 4-H Share Fair are also planned.
For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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2005 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 8-11, 2005 at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Conference 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 being considered:
- 4-H Camp Director
- After-school Programming
- Grant Writing/Resource Development
- Youth Behavior Management
- Project WET/Aquatic Wild/Healthy Water-Healthy People
Each track will consist of approximately 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 2005. 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 Staff Development Opportunity
With the theme, "Bridging the Gap Between City and County," the Spring Conference of the VAA4-HVL will be held for adults the weekend of March 5-6, 2005 at the Hotel Renaissance in Portsmouth, Virginia. This event is for agents, program assistants, educational center staff, and volunteers from throughout the state, with the focus on staff development that will enhance back-home 4-H work.
Please mark your calendars now and be looking for further details on this event. Calls for Proposals are being sent by the Southeast District and complete registration information will be available soon.
(Bob Meadows)
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Revised Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook (2004-Pilot)
Due in Early 2005
Since September 2004, the State 4-H Office has been accepting "reviewer forms" and other feedback regarding the Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook (2004-Pilot). A state-wide video teleconferencing call was conducted on Monday, November 15, 2004 to further discuss edits to the Handbook and to address questions from the field regarding policies and procedures contained in the Handbook. After all of the edits have been made, the publication will be updated. Each unit will receive at least one new copy of the revised Handbook and the revised Handbook will 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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New 4-H Camp Counselor-in-Training Curriculum Available in Early 2005
The State 4-H Office has developed new curriculum for 4-H camp Counselors-in-Training titled, "Exploring the World of 4-H Camp Counseling: Counselor-in-Training Curriculum for the Virginia 4-H Camping Program." Authored by Barry Garst, Michelle Adcock, Jennifer Unroe, Billie Jean Elmer, and Melanie Soper, this curriculum will be available in early 2005. Each unit will receive at least one copy of the curriculum and the curriculum will also be available 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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Documentation of Leadership Training Card to Be Produced
The State 4-H Office is working with Agriculture and Extension Communications to produce a new "card" that can be used to document leadership training and experience. The card will be a resource designed for volunteers to use to document the leadership training that they receive internally and externally to Virginia Cooperative Extension and 4-H. One of the primary purposes of the card will be to assist volunteers in documenting the leadership training that they have received towards the 24-hour training requirement for 4-H camping.
This training card is being produced as an Extension publication and will be available in early 2005. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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Ideas for New 4-H Camp On-Line Volunteer Training Modules
Last year the State 4-H Office developed a series of eighteen (18) on-line volunteer training modules related to 4-H camping. Agent and volunteer feedback to these modules has been overwhelmingly positive. If you have ideas for additional modules that you would like to see developed, then please contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst),
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Virginia Income Tax Check-Off Option to Assist
4-H Educational Centers
For the 3rd year, the 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.
Promotional resources (i.e., advertisements, new stories, radio announcements) for the tax check-off option can be found on the VCE intranet.
For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372 or Mary Ann Johnson at (540) 231-6975 or jnayram@vt.edu.
(Barry Garst )
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Mountaineer Camping Institute
WVU Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp and Center for Lifelong Learning
Weston, W.Va. February 3-5, 2005
Colleagues with 4-H Camping Responsibilities and Interests, --West Virginia University has distributed the Call for Proposals for the Mountaineer Camping Institute, scheduled for February 3-5, 2005 at the Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp and Center for Lifelong Learning. Please see note following and the attachment for more information
Help us make the second Mountaineer Camping Institute as wonderful as the first! Our theme is "Solving the Mystery..." Mountaineer Camping Institute is designed for camp directors, program directors, camp managers, key volunteers, and Extension educators with youth camping responsibilities. While the conference is hosted by WVU Extension Service, the workshops and speakers will appeal to any nonprofit group conducting camps. Please share this information with your colleagues who conduct youth day and residential camping programs
For registration information, please contact Suzanne Gribble (sugribble@mail.wvu.edu; 304-293-2796 x 3442). Watch the Web (www.ext.wvu.edu) for more information.
(Barry Garst) & Bob Meadows)
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"Virginia 4-H Camping Songs"
This booklet is being provided to you in WORD format so that you may edit the song booklet (add or delete songs) before providing the song booklet to youth and volunteers in your service area.
Concerns Regarding 4-H Camp Songs The State 4-H Office has received feedback from some Agents that certain songs in the song booklet may be offensive to some audiences because of the nature of their lyrics or their originating tune. It is important that we are all sensitive to the concerns of our stakeholders.
Perhaps the best approach for dealing with this issue is to plan ahead. During your pre-camp planning meetings, Agents (or other staff responsible for 4-H camping) should discuss the issue of "4-H camp songs" with their 4-H Center Program Director. If stakeholders (e.g., youth, parents, volunteers, etc.) in your unit have shared concerns with 4-H camp songs in the past, discuss how these concerns can be addressed. If you prefer that specific songs not be sung during your camping week, then be clear and specific. Make a plan for how concerns will be addressed if they are brought up during the camping week. Please contact me if you have questions.
(Barry Garst)
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4-H Programs of Distinction
We invite you to share in the scholarship and celebration of success with your colleagues by submitting your programs to the "Programs of Distinction" database -- A collection of program descriptions that reflect the high quality of 4-H youth development programs occurring in communities across the country. It will be a searchable database on the web that will be divided into categories. More information can be found at this website http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm Contact Kathleen Jamison (jamisonk@vt.edu) for more infraction or if you are interested in submitting a program.
(Kathleen Jamison)
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National Afterschool Association Conference 2005
National AfterSchool Association (formerly NSACA) Conference 2005 will be held in San Antonio, Texas and will bring together 2500 afterschool professionals - the largest conference of the profession. From Thursday, February 24 through Saturday, February 26, the programs, sessions, and events will be thought-provoking as well as practical. For more information go to their website www.naaconference.org
(Kathleen Jamison)
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4-H Dairy Judging Team B Excels at Louisville
The Virginia 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Team B placed seventh overall and eighth in oral reasons in the Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky on November 7. Members of the team were Leslie Hardesty (Clarke County), Matt Hardesty (Clarke County), Rachel Smith (Rockingham County), and Brandon Waldron (Augusta County). Rachel Smith was also recognized as the sixth high individual in the contest. David Hardesty coached the team with assistance from TIna Horn, Laura Jackson, and Lois Skeen.
(David Winston)
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4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team Earns Honorable Mention
The Virginia 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team received an honorable mention during the 25th National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl held at the North American International Livestock Exposition on November 5-6, in Louisville, Kentucky. The team had wins against Kentucky, New York, and Wisconsin and losses against Iowa (2nd place) and Minnesota (4th place) in the double-elimination tournament. Members of the team were Jill Craun (Rockingham County), Katy Leonard (Fauquier County), Veronica Paulson (Rockingham County), and Jason Stuth (Rockingham County). The team was coached by Bonnie Hutchison, Patty Leonard, and Dave Winston.
(David Winston)
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CWF (Citizenship Washington Focus
July 10-16, 2005 Mark your calendars now and watch for more information. This is the week for Virginia Delegates to participate.
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is an intensive, six-day program for high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. The program spans the course of seven weeks during the summer. Each week, delegates from across the country travel to the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, one mile outside Washington, D.C. city limits. From the moment delegate's step off the bus, they are immersed in every aspect of becoming better citizens as they enjoy the rich history of our nation's capital.
The key to our success is the dedication of our staff. Each year, we bring in Program Assistants from across the country to lead workshops, provide commentary during trips to and from Washington, and serve as role models for the delegates. PA's are college-age students who have most likely attended CWF in the past and loved it so much they wanted to come back. For information on becoming a PA, visit http://www.cwf.n4h.org/pa.html
For more information on attending CWF, contact Jewel Hairston (jhairsto@vsu.edu)
(Jewel Hairston)
CWF (Citizenship Washington Focus
If you are unable to attend CWF with the state delegation (July 10-16) , you have another option. This year, individuals wishing to attend Citizenship Washington Focus may do so during week 7 (July 17-23, 2005). Our Program Assistant staff will serve as the chaperones for this group of individually registered delegates. We will schedule their cultural heritage, delegation day and take care of their transportation. For more information on this new format, visit http://www.cwf.n4h.org/individual%20registration.htm For more information on how to register for CWF visit: http://www.cwf.n4h.org ( Adam Cassady, National 4-H Center Program Assistant)
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2005 4-H Day at the State Capitol
February 17, 2005
Mark your calendars. More information will be coming in the next few months.
(Jewel Hairston)
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Discovery The World Through 4-H
Have you ever dreamed of travel and adventure? You can discover the world by participating in the International 4-H Youth Exchange program. One of the following opportunities may be just what you or your family need to broaden your horizons in 2005.
- IFYE Representative: Participants between the ages of 19-30 years of age can experience life in another country first-hand through living with host families for three to six months. This is not the typical tourist's view of a foreign land, but a chance to participate in daily living and learn about the customs and culture of another country while sharing about your life in the U.S. Approximately 35 different countries are available for this exchange and the IFYE Ambassador Individual exchange next described.
- IFYE Ambassador - Individual: For youth between the ages of 15-24, this program features a summer abroad living with host families. The purpose of the program is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and forming attitudes that will help them become productive citizens of the global communities.
- IFYE Ambassador Group Tour to Finland: For youth between the ages of 15-19, this 6 week summer group tour will be led by a leader from the Midwest with delegates doing some group touring together, but also experiencing life in a host family.
- Japanese Exchange: Youth between the ages of 13-18 will spend a month in Japan, departing Virginia in mid-July. Besides living with a host family, they will attend LABO camp and visit places of interest in the area where their host families live. LABO is a Japanese youth organization providing programs on culture and language learning. An additional two-week extension to attend the Nihongo (Japanese) Institute for indepth language and culture study is also available.
- Hosting: Unable to travel at this time, or past the age range of the opportunitives above? You can still participate by letting the world come to you. Host families are needed for periods of two to four weeks. Host families will receive advance information on the delegates and an orientation. This is a great chance for your family to experience another culture without actually leaving home. You may be introduced to a different language, a new culture, and a new way of looking at things, both at home and abroad. Both urban and rural families are needed. Why not welcome an international visitor into your home in 2005?
- Year-Long High School Student Hosting: Opportunities for hosting a year-long high school student are also available. Delegates are from Japan and the new countries that were formerly a part of the Soviet Union, such as Azerbaijan, Kahzahkstan, Russian, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, etc.
For further information on the IFYE Representative and Ambassador programs, contact Dottie Nelson, P.O. Box 144, Bland, VA 24315, work phone: (800) 752-0673 or home: (276) 688-4028, or email: dottieifye@yahoo.com.
For further information on the Japanese one-month exchange, contact Judy Ann Fray, P.O. Box 263,Madison, VA 22727, phone: (888) 259-4272 + PIN 7916, or email: jfray@gemlink.com.
For further information on the high school exchange, contact Becky Moyer, 434 Chapel Drive, Woodstock, VA 22664, phone: (540) 325-1061, or email rlbmoyer@yahoo.com.
Outbound applications are due by February 1 and hosting application by April 1. Apply ASAP for IFYE Representative and Ambassador programs, as the most popular countries tend to fill their slots quickly after January 1.
Also see websites: www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/japanese.html and www.ifyeusa.org.
(Dottie Nelson)
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IFYE Reports
Keep up to date with IFYE experiences. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/citizenship/ifye.html
(Dottie Nelson)
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New Survey Shows High School Sports Filled With Cheating, Improper Gamesmanship And Confusion About Sportsmanship
High school sports do teach positive values and build character, but in many cases young athletes -- especially males -- simply learn to cheat, engage in improper gamesmanship and indulge in excessive violence. In the wake of the 2004 Olympic Games, with nearly two dozen disqualifications for illegal drug use and several controversies centering on sportsmanship, a new survey of over 4,200 high school athletes provides a chilling picture of a confused generation floating in moral relativism and self-serving rationalizations.
The study conducted by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition (a project of the nonprofit Josephson Institute of Ethics) is believed to be the most comprehensive measure of the attitudes and behaviors of high school athletes.
According to the Institute's president, Michael Josephson, "The values of millions of youngsters are directly and dramatically influenced by the values conveyed in high school sports. This survey reveals that coaches and parents simply aren't doing enough to assure that the experience is a positive one. Too many youngsters are confused about the meaning of fair play and sportsmanship and they have no concept of honorable competition. As a result they engage in illegal conduct and employ doubtful gamesmanship techniques to gain a competitive advantage. It appears that today's playing fields are the breeding grounds for the next generation of corporate pirates and political scoundrels." Among the key findings:
- Forty-two percent of male athletes and 24 percent of females think it`s OK for the coach to use the stolen playbook of an opposing team.
- Fifty-one percent of males and 30 percent of females think it`s OK for the coach to argue with an official intending to intimidate or influence future calls.
- More than one in three males (37%) -- versus only 15% of the females -- agree that "when all is said and done, it's more important to win than be considered a good sport"
In addition, to judge by their attitudes, many high school athletes themselves engage in unsporting conduct. For instance, 58 percent of males and 24 percent of females think it`s OK to deliberately inflict pain in football to intimidate an opponent.
The findings are disturbing. To see the whole report, please go to: http://charactercounts.org/sports/survey2004
In the end, it's extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more than that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don't win, how can you lose? --(Jesse Owens, American track star (1913-1980)
(Joseph R. Hunnings, )
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4-H Natural Resources Weekend
The 2005 4-H Natural Resources Weekend will be held January 14-16 at Holiday Lake 4-H Center. This program is open to youth ages 9-19 and adult 4-H Volunteers who are interested in forestry, wildlife, soils, aquatics, and other natural resources topics. Registration begins at 4:00 on Friday and the program will end after lunch on Sunday. The cost is $60.00 per person. The full fee must be paid regardless of your arrival time or departure time. All youth attending must be accompanied by adult supervision. No youth under the age of 9 may attend. Participants will sign up for classes at registration on a first come first serve basis. Five or Six workshop choices will be offered during each workshop session. Adults are asked to allow youth first choice of workshops. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Mercer at jamercer@vt.edu or 540/245-5750. More information and registration form may be found at the following website. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/nationalresbrochure05.pdf
(Jennifer Mercer)
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2005 4-H Essay Contest
Sponsored by The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc.
The essay topic is "Use of Honey Bees and Honey in Symbolism". Honey bees and honey have been used symbolically throughout recorded history. Utah is the Beehive State; its motto is "Industry." Napoleon had bees on his throne and robes to symbolize that the emperor was working hard. "As busy as a bee" is part of our language, as is "honey of a job" and "Honey, I'm home." The U.S. Navy Construction Battalion, was tagged "The Sea Bees;" they became known for their ability to work under adverse conditions with few resources and used machine gun-toting bees in their emblem. Bees are inscribed in ancient Egyptian tombs - and so on. See how many symbols you can list and determine why bees and honey are so used.
Top 3 winners will receive cash prizes of - $250, -$100 and $50.
For contest rules and to learn more about this great opportunity for active 4-H members contact Sandra Fisher at the Southwest Va. 4-H Educational Center at 25236 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 or email safishe3@vt.edu, or call 276-676-6180. Deadline for entries is February 1, 2005.
(Sandra Fisher)
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Free 4-H seedlings are available for spring 2005 planting projects as follows:
Loblolly pine- for coastal plain and piedmont counties White pine- for Blue Ridge counties and west
Hardwood seedlings- all counties in the Potomac/Shenandoah watershed, and the following Tidewater Counties: Accomack, Chesapeake, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Middlesex, Newport News, Middlesex, Norfolk, Northumberland, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, York
For pine seedlings, consolidate orders from your county and send one request to your local Virginia Department of Forestry forester by Jan. 15. More information: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/pineseed/
For hardwood seedlings, consolidate orders from your county and send one request to Jeff Kirwan by Jan. 15. More information: http://teacherbridge.cs.vt.edu/public/projects/NOAA+Project/Free+Seedlings
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4-H Tree Planting
Project Leaders Guide
A new 4-H leaders guide for tree planting projects is in draft form and available for pilot. It includes several pages of ideas for using tree planting projects to teach Virginia Standards of Learning for math, science and history. Find the guide at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/pineseed/leadersguide.pdf
(Jeff Kirwan)
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Arbor Day in Virginia
Celebrated the second Friday in April, but anytime between mid-March and April 30 is OK. Organizing an Arbor Day committee is a great way to recruit volunteers into your program. Key Standard of Learning is Science 4.8- Virginia's Natural Resources. Let me know if I can help.
(Jeff Kirwan, Extension Specialist Virginia Tech Department of Forestry 540-231-7265)
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Curriculum Development Team Needed
The Changing Spaces design team is seeking qualified individuals to develop an exciting curriculum that features four activity guides and an interactive web site. The proposal accepted by the 4HCCS Curriculum Committee includes $160,000 in donor and 4HCCS funds to complete the project.
If you have someone in mind who you believe would contribute to the team's production, please send the attached design team application ASAP so anyone interested can be notified by December 12th. The team will meet in Phoenix January 10-14th to complete a major portion of the work. All workshop related expenses will be paid by 4HCCS.
For your information the Changing Spaces curriculum will focus on home decorating, remodeling and landscaping activities that will support National Education Standards for Science, Visual Arts, Housing, Interiors and Furnishings. More information and application are attached.
(Kathleen Jamison)
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Good Luck Gala
The Virginia 4-H Foundation Good Luck Gala will be held Saturday, February 26 at 6:30 at the Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond. The black tie affair will feature both a silent and a live auction and a sit down dinner. The funds raised from this event help to sponsor mini grants, Virginia and National 4-H Congress, curriculum events, awards, volunteer activities and many other 4-H activities. Ticket price per person is $175. For further information please contact Cindy Barnett at 804-662-7290 or FourHBarnett@vt.edu.
(Cindy Barnett)
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"Call for National 4-H Camp/Conference Memories" for National 4-H Headquarters, USDA
Did you know that the first National 4-H Conference was in 1927 and was called National 4-H Camp? Delegates slept on cots in tents, supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. From the earliest days, participants visited Capitol Hill as part of this annual event. In the 1940's and 1950's, the event was held at various locations around Washington where delegates no longer slept in tents. In 1957, the Camp became known as National 4-H Conference. Since 1959, the National 4-H Conference has been held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center (operated by our private partner, National 4-H Council) in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
In 2005, the National 4-H Headquarters, located within Families, 4-H and Nutrition at USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, will sponsor the 75th National 4-H Conference!
To celebrate this historic moment, National 4-H Headquarters is collecting stories from past National 4-H Camp/Conference participants. Participants of all ages are invited to share their fondest National 4-H
Camp/Conference memories. A selection of stories, with participants' permission, may later be shared on the National 4-H Conference website or other Conference materials. Contact information is requested for the sole use of National 4-H Headquarters, USDA, for follow-up regarding entries.
Share your stories at http://www.4-h.org/2005conf.
Questions about National 4-H Conference? Contact Maria Parisi, Youth Development Program Specialist, at National 4-H Headquarters, USDA, at 202-720-8857 or mparisi@csrees.usda.gov.
(Maria Parisi)
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Recognize Your Volunteers With Salute To Excellence Awards
Volunteers are, undeniably, the "heart and soul" of 4-H; and in an age when people's time is at a premium, Salute to Excellence serves as an opportunity to acknowledge their unwavering dedication to the 4-H youth development movement.
Each year, state 4-H programs are invited to nominate two outstanding individual volunteers, one in each of two categories. The Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to an individual who has spent 10 or more years volunteering for 4-H. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has volunteered for 4-H less than 10 years.
Recipients of the Salute to Excellence awards will be chosen from nominees submitted by state 4-H offices. Awardees will be honored at a reception in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area during the National 4-H Conference, April 1-6, 2005. Recipients will be presented with a monetary award (a portion of the award must be utilized for a community service project of the recipient's choosing). Awardees will also have their name engraved on the Salute to Excellence perpetual plaque located at the National 4-H Conference Center and be recognized in the "4-H...The Power of Youth" newsletter produced by National 4-H Council.
For more information and to obtain a nomination form visit http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/ste.aspx. Nomination forms should be received in the state 4-H office by January 1, 2005.
(Bob Meadows)
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4-H All Star Nominations Due
Fall is the time to nominate eligible 4-H members to be tapped as Virginia 4-H All Stars during the 2005 State 4-H Congress. Forms and supporting information can be found on the All Star website: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/allstars.html
There is no limit to the number of youth nominees that a unit can submit.
Nominees should
- Have completed at least 3 years of work as a 4-H member.
- Be at least 15 years of age as of January 1 of the current year.
- Be an active 4-H member and no more than 19 years of age as of January 1 of the current year or, have been an active 4-H member and no more than 19 years of age as of January 1 of the preceding year (Four-H'ers have an additional year of eligibility beyond the age for participating in other 4-H recognition opportunities.)
Honorary All Stars Each Extension unit may nominate three (3) adult volunteer leaders for consideration as honorary members. Nominees must have rendered outstanding service to the 4-H program over a period of not less than seven (7) years. !
(Carol Nansel 4H All Star Liaison)
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Tutoring Resource For
Youth Organizations
Under federal education law, low-income students in underperforming schools are eligible to receive free tutoring and that tutoring can be provided by community youth organizations. This tutoring is referred to as Supplemental Educational Services and can help students meet standards in math and reading. A free booklet provides the details. Visit http://edpubs.org or call 1-877-576-7734 for more information. Request publication EU 0111H.
( Bob Meadows)
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Foundation Announces State Volunteering Rates/Calculating Value Of Volunteer Time
For the second time since the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor released raw data collected for its monthly Current Population Survey (CPS), research staff at the Points of Light Foundation in partnership with researchers at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis's Center on Urban and Environmental Policy developed estimates of state volunteering rates. The CPS is a monthly survey of about 60,000 households that obtains information on employment, unemployment and volunteering among the nation's civilian non-institutional population age 16-years and over. CPS defines volunteers as persons who did unpaid work (except for expenses) through or for an organization.
The Points of Light Foundation found that in 2002, the national average of people aged 16-years and above who volunteer in the U.S. was 27.4 percent or 59.8 million people; in 2003, this number rose to 28.8% or 63.8 million people.
In 2003, Utah's residents continued to boast the highest rate of volunteering for the second straight year. Virginia ranked 25th among state volunteer rates with 30.4% in 2003, up from 28.6% in 2002 where Virginia ranked 30th. For more information visit http://www.pointsoflight.org and visit the resources section.
When calculating the value of volunteer time in your reports, the average value per hour for a volunteer in Virginia is $17.79 (based on the Virginia Employment Commission figures). So, if a volunteer is involved with 4-H for 86 hours this year, then take 86 x $17.79 =$1,529.94 is the value of time contributed to the 4-H program. With multiple volunteers, the number of hours and value of time is considerable. The number of hours contributed by each volunteer will differ based on each contribution.
Take the number of volunteers for your program, calculate the number of hours that each is contributing (including travel to and from an event), add up all hours contributed, and then multiply that number by $17.79 and you will have the total dollar value of time contributed to your 4-H program. This should be stated in your evaluation reports to stakeholders, as well as in your faculty report.
(Bob Meadows)
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Virginia 4-H'ers Make Ornaments for the National Holiday Tree
For the first time in history, the Commonwealth of Virginia will be providing the Capitol Holiday Tree for the nation's capitol. The beautiful 70-feet red spruce located in Highland County was selected from the George Washington National Forest. 4-H and other youth, as well as other groups from throughout the state were called upon to make ornaments for the tree. Over 360 4-H clubs from several counties and cities in the state participated in making ornaments which will be used to decorate this tree as well as approximately 70 smaller trees donated by Christmas tree farmers from throughout the state. These smaller trees will be distributed among Washington, D.C., House and Senate office buildings, and other government offices as a gift from the people of Virginia.
A celebration honoring 4-H members who made ornaments was conducted at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center on Wednesday, November 10. The event was coordinated and conducted by representatives of the State Department of Education, Forestry, and other representatives under the leadership of Ms. Cherry Gardner, Director of the Capitol Holiday Tree from Virginia Campaign. Many of the best ornaments were available and displayed at this celebration. A total of 362 4-H clubs from throughout the state made ornaments that will be used on the National Tree and the 70 smaller ones. Units participating in the 4-H ornaments included: Bath/Highland 4-H clubs, Southampton County 4-H Astronomy Club, Stafford Harbour Honey Bees 4-H Club, and 4-H clubs from Chesterfield, Hanover, Accomack counties, and the cities of Richmond and Virginia Beach. Congratulations to these 4-H youth for the outstanding contribution they made for honoring the Commonwealth of Virginia. For those planning to view the Capitol Holiday Tree, as well as the others in Washington over the holidays, be sure to look for the ornaments made by Virginia 4-H members.
(Bob Meadows)
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Job Opportunitiies
Plans for Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) are currently underway, however, a major factor to the success of the program is our Program Assistant (PA) staff. We are currently looking for bright college-age students to facilitate the program. If you know someone who would be an excellent PA, please pass this along to them.
Applications are due by January 28, 2005 and can be found at www.cwf.n4h.org/pa.html PA positions run May through July and are paid. PA's receive a weekly stipend of $300 as well as have room and board provided here at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center. If you have any questions, or can not print the application, feel free to contact us. Stacy Carrell, Staff Assistant, National 4-H Youth Conference Center, (301) 347-3819 scarrell@fourhcouncil.edu
(Bob Meadows)
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Grant Encourages Youth
To Fly Like An Eagle
The American Eagle Outfitters Foundation supports teen and college student civic engagement programs as well as youth development programs. Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000. There are no deadlines. For more info, go to http://www.ae.com/corp/foundation.htm
(Bob Meadows)
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Mini-Grants Available for
National Youth Service Day 2005
Youth Service America, the U.S. Department of Justice and National Partners announce the availability of over 400 mini-grants in support of National Youth Service Day 2005, to take place April 15-17, 2005. Sources of those grant funds are listed in the Volume 1, Issue 33 of the Clover Corner News found at http://4husablogs.org/ccn/
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
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2005 Healthy Lifestyles Grant Program Accepting Applications
National 4-H Council, with funding provided from Kraft Foods, Inc., and Cargill, Inc. is offering local grants of up to $7,500 to develop or expand innovative and fun programs that partner youth ages 5-12 with adults. The programs should help communities create educational programs and public awareness to confront and reverse the climbing trends of overweight and obesity. The January 14, 2005 deadline for these grants is quickly approaching.
Obese young people have a 70 percent chance of growing up to be obese adults. Being obese is as taxing on an individual's health as it is on society's bankbook. In 2000, the United States paid out more than $117 billion in medical care due to overweight and obese citizens. The Surgeon General's "Call To Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, Overweight Children and Adolescents" reported that poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity results in 300,000 premature deaths each year in the United States. Many communities are largely unaware of the problem. However, by educating young people and adults on nutrition, fitness and positive lifestyles, we can reverse the trends of poor health related to obesity. For more information on applying for the Healthy Lifestyles grant and to download a copy of the application go to http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/pGrntHealthyLS.aspx.
( Bob Meadows)
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2005 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H
Application Period:
January 1, 2005-March 31, 2005
ESRI, in cooperation with National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES/USDA, announces the 2005 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H to support its geospatial outreach, education, and community involvement efforts. The goal of this program is to foster and support the integration of GIS in U.S. 4-H clubs.
The software, data, and support materials provided to U.S. 4-H grant recipients under this program will be licensed to a club and can be used for noncommercial club business including educational training and community research and activism. A club receiving a 2005 grant will be able to use the software free of charge until May 30, 2006, and will earn continued use via participation in the ESRI Community Atlas Program http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/atlas/index.html (CAP) as well as community geographic research and outreach in their area during 2005.
Grants will be awarded to 75 clubs that successfully complete the grant application process.
Eligible Applicants: A U.S. 4-H community or in-school club, 4-H after-school program, 4-H special interest group, 4-H school enrichment group, 4-H camp, or similar 4-H unit that meets regularly and is recognized as an authorized 4-H group within its state's 4-H program.
Grant Application Guidelines http://www.esri.com/grants/esri/education.html
(Joe Hunnings)
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Program Award funds!
National 4-H Council has recently announced a new partnership between 4-H Youth Development and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. They are currently developing the framework for the 4-H Youth Development Family Strengthening Awards Program, which they hope to formally announce after the first of the year. National 4-H Council expect to award several (4 or 5) major awards (between $10,000 and $15,000) in the fall of 2005 for exemplary 4-H programs that involve families, especially in rural areas. These are not grant dollars for new programs; they are awards for programs that are already occurring. The awards will be modeled after the 4-H Programs of Distinction process.
These awards are likely to be announced in early 2005, but the time frame for applications this year will be relatively short, and that work being done now will be eligible for this recognition. This is an exciting opportunity for 4-H, and National 4-H Council is anxious to share details as they become available. If you have questions about this award, please feel free to contact Karen Blaney, Program Coordinator in Strategic Initiatives, at kblaney@fourhcouncil.edu.
(Joseph R. Hunnings,)
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MetLife and 4-H Announce
Grants Available in 2005
For: members of the National 4-H Youth Directions Council and adult partners
Purpose: to support capacity-building efforts that will strengthen youth voice, participation and decision making in 4-H and in communities. Contact me for more information.
(Kathleen Jamison)
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Website
National 4-H Congress - Resumes for National 4-H Congress are due in the State 4-H Office by April 15, 2005. National 4-H Congress is an exciting educational experience for senior 4-H members. Review the 2004 website http://www.national4-hcongress.com/ to see details of schedule and speakers. Fourteen Virginia youth and 3 adults have just returned.
The Virginia 4-H National Congress Website - gives examples of resumes and tells more about the selection process. December Holidays are excellent times for youth to collect information for their resume. (Billie Cline)
http://www.4husablogs.org/CCN/ - Clover Corner News.. Items of interest from the National 4-H level
http://national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_map.htm National 4-H Website -State website plus other important information about 4-H
http://www.4husa.org/ - News of 4-H from across America
http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/ - 4-H Supply, Programs from National 4-H Council, National 4-H Center News, and more
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Director's Letter
Calendar of Events