Even though our statewide 4-H program experienced an 8% decrease in numbers over the previous year, the numbers of youth involved in juniors, intermediates, and seniors showed a growth in percentages of those involved. The most recent enrollment data demonstrated a growth in the percentages of those involved in Virginia 4-H: Juniors (9-11)--from 42% to 43.5%; Intermediates (12-13)--from 13.6% to 14%; and Seniors (14-19)--from 13.9% to 16.3%. We hope to involve more of the older youth in 4-H as our program expands and develops.
The State 4-H Strategic Planning Team is busy preparing and developing actions that will be addressed and modified by various stakeholders of the Virginia 4-H program. The state 4-H strategic plan is not the team's plan, nor is it the state 4-H office plan. Rather, the plan will be every 4-H stakeholder's plan once it is adopted and approved. This plan should be ready by early next fall, and will shape Virginia's 4-H program for the next four years. Everyone's input and buy-in is valued and appreciated.
Let's all work to make the best better for the youth, and adults working with those youth this year. I look forward to working with each of you this year.
Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
The Great Summer Showcase (GSS) will offer delegates 8-10 diverse choices of intensive, 6-9 hour workshops. The workshops represent the major curriculum areas of 4-H and will led by Extension specialists and others subject matter experts. Service Learning activities will be offered at the same time as the GSS workshops, but will allow delegates to combine learning with community service.
The popular Leadership Institute is back for a third year. The Institute focuses on developing leadership skills that delegates can apply to 4-H clubs, school groups and community organizations. The Youth Issues Forum is sure to spark lively discussions and is designed to equip delegates to initiate discussions on the issue back in their own communities.
A new feature this year is the College Showcase. Tentative plans are to combine a picnic lunch on Wednesday with a series of displays from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The displays will highlight courses of study and career opportunities available in each of the 12 departments.
Jonathan Sprinkles, a nationally sought-after speaker, will join us for the Closing assembly. His presentation, "Beep, Beep, Who's got the keys to my Jeep" is designed to teach youth how to take accountability for their life and diffuse peer pressure. Visit his web site to learn more about this exciting speaker.
Of course, there are the two dances, the Pep Rally, the Congressional Games, the Share-the-Fun Show and many other opportunities for you to make new friends and have fun!
On-line registration for Congress and the GSS workshops will take place between April 1 and May 9. Find more information at this web site: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/congress/
(Joe Hunnings)
Each Extension unit is encouraged to nominate a 4-H Volunteer leader that has a record of extraordinary service to Virginia 4-H State Congress. Years of service to 4-H Congress are certainly a factor, but also consider the nature and quality of the volunteer's involvement and leadership for Congress responsibilities and activities. More information can be found on the Congress website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/congress/
Deadline for nominations is May 28, 2004. Submit your nominations to: State 4-H Office, 115 Hutcheson Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0419
(Joe Hunnings)
Forms for the event are available online at: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/hostweekend.html
Feel free to call or email me for more information.
Michelle Cock
President, 4-H Collegiate Club at Virginia Tech
(540) 552-0016
mcock@vt.edu
(Billie Cline)
(Bob Meadows)
(Bob Meadows)
(Bryan Branch)
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)
A task force is examining public speaking criteria for recommendation to Educational Design Team. If you have an interest or would like to contribute concerns, please email me.
Revision of 4-H Handbook sections related to curriculum is in progress.
Keep me informed about what is working, what is needed, and how I can support your efforts in the field.
(Kathleen Jamison)
Revision of 4-H Handbook sections related to curriculum is in progress.
Keep me informed about what is working, what is needed, and how I can support your efforts in the field.
(Kathleen Jamison)
Revised Products -
Child Development Horse Rabbit Sewing Swine Theatre Arts
Discontinued Products -
Clothing Decisions Health Horticulture
In addition, 4HCCS is offering a discounted price on a set of all new and newly revised products.
These specials will also be available between February 23rd and March 30th. To order simply go to the 4HCCS home page www.n4hccs.org and you can link directly to the order form.
A new product catalog will be sent to your unit from the State Office. Please order more from 4HCCS to distribute in your community as needed. Partner groups, such as Afterschool programs, might be interested in the new curriculum also.
New for 2004:
Consumer Savy
Entrepreneurship Microwave
Magic Forestry
Outdoor Adventure
Veterinary Science
Revised for 2004:
Child Development Horse
Rabbit
Swine
Sewing Expressions
Theatre Arts
(Kathleen Jamison)
Space Day 2004 - Blazing Galactic Trails will ignite the imagination of 21st century space explorers, scientists and inventors by focusing the attention of young people on the challenges and accomplishments of exploration during the national bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Space Day's official launch will take place May 6 at the Smithsonian Institute National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center with an event that focuses on students.
Since its launch in 1997, Space Day has evolved into a major grassroots effort dedicated to the achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The ultimate goal is to promote math, science and technology education by nurturing the enthusiasm of young people for the wonders of the universe and inspiring them to continue the stellar work of today's space explorers. Space Day events are held in all fifty states, throughout Canada and in countries around the world.
Space Day Opening Ceremonies on May 6 will feature Senator John Glenn and other luminaries in the space industry. Special awards for students and teachers who excel at Space Day's education projects are all part of the event.
Students attending this year's Space Day national event will be able to participate in a wide variety of hands on educational activities such as:
Activity stations will be opened from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.
In-service workshops for teachers will also be available including Aerospace for Educators, an introduction to a series of four learning labs that will highlight the mathematic, scientific and historic principles applicable to aerospace. From The Wright Brothers and the Process of Invention to the International Space Station, the labs will give teachers the tools to facilitate a math and science curriculum with aerospace technology as the backdrop of instruction. Teachers will also be updated on the most recent discoveries made by the Mars Exploration Rovers. In addition, teachers will be able to access a Teacher Resource Room featuring take away educational materials.
(Kathleen Jamison)
Check out the materials in this Web site http://www.ohio4h.org/cloverbuds/handbook/seriesone/esp/frontpage.htm This curriculum is very general and could be used in any state.It has been around for a while and many people have been using it. Let me know what you think. There's a second series, similar to this one, which Ohio 4-H is planning to translate.
(Kathleen Jamison)
Animal Science Listservs . You subscribe to it in the same fashion, beginning with the 4H meats website, which is http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/meats/index.html
(Mark Wahlberg)
Horse Listserv Available
Horse is http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/index.html.
2004 Northeast District 4-H Horse Show
The 2004 Northeast District State 4-H Qualifying Horse Show will again be held at Dorey Park in Henrico County.. This year's event will host the Hunter Show on Saturday, May 15, 2004, followed by the Western/English Show on Sunday, May 16, 2004.
The goals of the show are to offer 4-H youth a state qualifying horse show that promotes sportsmanship, horsemanship, and provides an opportunity for youth to grow and develop into mature and productive citizens under the safest conditions possible.
Entries close April 30. For more information contact Sandra Dowdy
(Tim Ethredge)
(Curtis Novak)
~ Madison County 4-H will be hosting two important 4-H poultry events which your youth may be interested in. Avian Bowl will be held during the Northern District contests on Saturday, April 17th. No poultry experience is required; there are resource books and study guides that provide all the information your youth will need to know. An attached document provides more information.
A Poultry Workshop with faculty from Virginia Tech will be held following the Northern District Contests. Bring your youth and adults and learn about poultry judging, meat birds, egg inspection, and more. The second attachment contains more information. Questions about either of these events should be directed to 4-H volunteer Norma Sides (sides4him@ns.gemlink.com). We look forward to your participation!
(Kaci Coppedge)
(Curtis Novak)
~ INBOUND PROGRAM (Host an international delegate)
Families can host a Japanese boy or girl (typically 12-14 years old) for a month in the summer or a high school student (15-18 years old) for one school year. High School students from countries of the former Soviet Union are also available for hosting.
All of these students are eager to learn about life in America and have prepared well for their trip by studying English and American culture. The students have their own medical insurance and spending money.
Host families can be from rural areas or cities. All that is needed is a willingness to open their home and hearts. Students are placed with families that have a child of the same gender and are close in age. No special activities need to be planned to host a student. The students are here to be a part of the host family's normal routine.
Families wishing to HOST an international youth delegate need to complete and return the Host Family Application Form and two Confidential Host Family Reference forms by April 15. Forms are available at the following web site: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/japanese.html or contact the appropriate state coordinator.
Approximate dates for summer program hosting are July 22 to August 18. High school program dates are approximately July 30 till the end of your school year. All host families will participate in an In-Home Interview after the host application is received. There is no cost to host.
Please note that hosting Japanese delegates provides you cash scholarships to use towards the cost of participation in the outbound program (US to Japan); $100 for hosting a summer delegate and $1000 for hosting a high school delegate.
We look forward to working with all who wish to EXPAND THEIR WORLD through involvement in the 4-H/International Exchange, either as hosts for one of the 25 Japanese summer delegates or a high school student coming to Virginia this summer, or as one who can travel to Japan.
If you have questions about any component of the summer exchange program, please call Judy Ann Fray at 888-259-4272 + pin 7916Šor email at jfray@ns.gemlink.com
For questions about the high school exchange program contact Becky Moyer at 540-459-3048 or email at RMOYER@co.loudoun.va.us
(Joe Hunnings)
The CC! Training program will prepare participants to implement CC! in the classroom or with youth in other settings. Participants will receive the CC! curriculum notebook for ages K-12 and lunch for a fee of $40.
Potential participants include schoolteachers, Parks and Recreations Departments, church youth workers, youth organization leaders, community leaders and youth development professionals.
For more information and a registration form contact your local 4-H agent or Joe Hunnings, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, 114 Hutcheson Hall, VA Tech, 540-231-6372; hunnings@vt.edu
Would you like to see more emphasis in youth sports programs in your community on the development of character and less on winning at all costs, more emphasis on sportsmanship and less on gamesmanship?
Pursuing Victory with Honor is a program led by the Sports division of CHARACTER COUNTS! PVWH is designed to help coaches, athletic directors, principals and other youth sports-related individuals to learn the essence of building character, ethical decision-making and sportsmanship.
Virginia 4-H has a group of nationally trained PVWH instructors that can help create an awareness of the need character education in sports and/or help develop implementation plans for a youth sports organization. To discuss how you can get started, contact Joe Hunnings (540-231-6372; hunnings@vt.edu).
(Joe Hunnings)
This training is appropriate for coaches, potential coaches and VCE employees who may want to get a WHEP program started in their area. This training is for adults only.
Participants should bring clothing appropriate for the weather. We will be outside at least part of the time regardless of the weather. Bring your sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries/ personal items, note pad, something with which to write, a coffee mug, and something to read / do during your free time (although there won't be a whole lot of that).
The form refers you to several websites for additional information. If you are unable to get to that info, please let me know and I will get it to you. I can be reached at 540/245-5750. However, after today, I will be unavailable until Feb 23rd.
In the event of inclement weather during the weekend of our event, call 540/245-5750 and there will be a message on the answering machine indicating the status of the program.
Thanks for your interest in the 4-H WHEP program. Please share this with anyone else that you think may be interested.
(Jenny Mercer)
This is the premier conservation leadership school for Virginia youth, now in its 58th year. Professional foresters and wildlife biologists who donate their time teach campers. Any young person with an interest in the out-of-doors should be encouraged to attend. A 4-H leader, Extension Agent, or other youth development worker must recommend campers. Most campers will automatically receive a $100 scholarship provided by the many conservation organizations that support this event. The best way to recruit campers is through personal contact. It is a great self-esteem builder when an adult recommends a young person this way.
Information about Holiday Lake Forestry Camp can be viewed at: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/camp/
(Jeff Kirwan.)
(Barry Fox)
(John Venskoske, Jr)
(Jeff Kirwan)
A main component of the course will feature the seven principles of Leave No Trace and is appropriate for outdoor educators / instructors interested in being trained in the ethics of 'Leave No Trace.' Participants will also be asked to "teach" a topic during the training.
The cost of the training is $75 and includes meals, lodging, and several resource materials to use in starting a 4-H Outdoor Adventure Club. The deadline for registration is March 19, 2004. For more information, please contact Michael Poole at (540) 459-6140 or mpoole@vt.edu
(Michael Poole)
(Jeff Kirwan)
What Do You Know About Water Quality?
This new educational game is being developed to teach youth and adults (sixth grade - college) about basic water quality parameters. There are two introductory games that cover water resource processes and concepts. These lead into three competitive games that center around six water quality parameters: pH, alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, nitrate and phosphate. There is a final "wild card" game that includes a variety of water resource topics. The program is in PowerPoint format and includes a companion leader publication, Water Quality Indicators. A youth project publication is planned. There is a need to present the program to school environmental/science classes and youth/adult groups for field-testing. If you are interested in reviewing and/or piloting the program, please contact me at bfox@vt.edu. (Barry Fox)
National Science Teachers Association Eastern Regional Annual Conference
This years conference will be held in Richmond, December 2 - 4. More than 3000 educators will be attending. One of the educational tracks deals with watershed education. The Virginia Association of Science Teachers will be heavily involved in this conference. In addition, the Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association will be hosting a hands-on Share-a-Thon during the conference to promote a variety of marine/aquatic education programs and resources. Visit the NSTA Web site (http://www.NSTA.org) for more information this spring. (Barry Fox)
Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association Annual Conference
This conference will take place in Corolla, North Carolina, October 29 - 30. The theme will be Biodiversity and Aquatic Ghosts. Contact Barry Fox now or the MAMEA Web site this summer (http://www.MAMEA.org) for more information. (Barry Fox)
James River Fish Festival
James River Park in Richmond, in cooperation with a number of natural resource agencies and organizations, will be hosting the James River Fish Festival, May 1 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the 14th Street Bridge and Floodwall. We will be celebrating the return of anadromous fish (shad, striper, herring) and the beauty of the James River. A variety of activities are planned including: art, dance and music, fly fishing instruction, fish passage tours, watershed education presentations, bass fishing, a fun run, forestry and wildlife displays and much more. The event is free to the public. (Barry Fox)
Chesapeake Bay Teachers' Academy
The second Chesapeake Bay Teachers' Academy is planned for June 21 - 25 at St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock. The program is designed to help teachers meet the "meaningful watershed experience" requirement of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. River canoe trips, an over night stay a Port Isabel, hands-on workshops and guest lectures are planned. For more information on content and registration, teachers should contact their science supervisors or administrators and visit the VA Naturally Web site this spring (http://www.vanaturally.com). (Barry Fox)
Watershed Classroom Grants
These grants will be available this summer for teacher's wanting to take their students on watershed education field trips. The program is designed to help teachers meet the "meaningful watershed experience" requirement of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. This is a great opportunity for Extension 4-H Agents to work with their local schools and 4-H Centers. The application process is easy for grants of $500 - $1000. For more information, contact Barry Fox and visit the VA Naturally Web site (http://www.vanaturally.com). (Barry Fox)
Meaningful Watershed Experience (MWE)
Beginning with the class of 2005, every school student in Virginia will be expected to have had a MWE before graduation. There are separate guidelines for Grades K-6, 6-8 and 9-12 experiences, and Extension is well positioned to provide assistance. First, MWE's are to be investigative or project oriented, and GPS is specifically mentioned. A very easy way to apply GPS is to mark a waypoint and obtain a topographic and aerial photo of the study site. This can be done with free software. By July we will have a kit of GPS receivers in every Extension District, including Southeast and Northeast District. A second easy way to involve students in a MWE project is planting trees. Forestry is the most protective land use in terms of water quality, and increasing forest cover in riparian (streamside) and urban/community areas is critically important to watershed restoration. Guidelines for a MWE are found at: http://www.chesapeakebay.net/pubs/subcommittee/cesc/c2k.pdfv (Jeff Kirwan and Barry Fox)
Water Wizard Van
This is the Water Wizard Van Schedule for the future. Contact your respective 4-H Center to reserve the vehicle for your programs. (Barry Fox)
| MONTH | 2004-2005 | 2005 - 2006 | 2006 - 2007 | 2007 - 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar/Apr | SM | NOVA | SM | AF |
| May/June | JT | SW | AF | HL |
| July | NOVA | SM | JT | SW |
| Aug | AF | HL | NOVA | SM |
| Sept/Oct | SW | JT | HL | JT |
| Nov/Dec | HL | AF | SW | AF |
| Jan/Feb | SW | NOVA | SM | NOVA |
SW - Southwest NOVA - Northern Virginia AF - Airfield
JT - Jamestown HL - Holiday Lake SM - Smith Mountain
CD Rom Available
Veined Rapa Whelks: Aliens in the Chesapeake is a multimedia CD-ROM designed to provide information on the biology, ecology, habitat requirements, and distinguishing features of Rapa whelks in relation to native Chesapeake Bay gastropods. This CD is designed as a resource for scientists, educators, and the general public. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science Department of Fisheries Science, the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee, and Virginia Sea Grant supported the CD's development. Visit the Veined Rapa Whelks: Aliens in the Chesapeake Web site (www.vims.edu/mollusc/education/rapaCD.htm) for ordering information. Also, for information on other VORTEX materials, visit (www.vims.edu/mollusc/education/vortex.html).
(Barry Fox)
The combined resources of the National Wildlife Federation and the 4-H Junior Master Gardener Program along with the valuable input from pilot teachers and students across the country have helped to shape Wildlife Gardener into an integrated, engaging, and one-of-a-kind experience for kids.
As Wildlife Gardeners, children will:
All while taking part in an integrated curriculum that will strengthen skills in math, science, language and social studies.
The Wildlife Gardener curriculum is scheduled to be released on March 1 and will be available at a pre-order price of $26.50. After March 1 the retail price will be 34.50. Go the national JMG web site to place your order. www.jmgkids.org
(Joe Hunnings)
Space Day and Space Camp Opportunities
"Blazing Galactic Trails" is the theme for Space Day 2004 (May 6).. 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 Foundation Board is awarding each 4-H Educational Center $1,000. Therefore Educational Centers may not apply for mini-grants.
Should your project be awarded a mini-grant, it is requested that you submit the Evaluation Report as soon as you complete your project (I will email that to you with your winning notification). Unless you have a June project, all Evaluation Reports are due at the VA 4-H Foundation office by May 30, 2005. Remember to include pictures (digital are best) with your Evaluation reports. The Board of Trustees truly enjoys seeing our youth in action. They also love to receive "thank you's" from youths who receive gifts from the 4-H Foundation (congress scholarships, camping scholarships, mini-grants, etc.). Keep them rolling!
(Alma D. deLeon-Daughtry)
(Bob Meadows)
In the United States, according to the federal Department of Labor, the number of volunteers and the overall rate of volunteering rose in 2003. Their figures show that in 2003, 63.8 million people volunteered, compared to 59.8 million in 2002, with the volunteer rate increasing for both men (up 1.5 percent) and women (up 1.2 percent). (The Independent Sector, however, reports twice this many people volunteering.) The Department of Labor reports the teenage volunteer rate increased by 2.6 percent, which they speculate is largely due to volunteer activities in schools. Meanwhile, the rate for the 35-44-year-old group remained essentially the same at 34.7 percent. The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) reports that the increase in teen volunteering is mostly attributable to an increase in episodic, rather than regular, volunteer activities.
Internationally, a 2001 study by Johns Hopkins University revealed that the United States ranked fifth in its rate of volunteering, behind Sweden, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. Across all countries studied, fully 60 percent of volunteer work occurred in the fields of social services and culture and recreation.
For more volunteering facts and figures, you may go to the Web sites from which the information for this article was drawn. The Independent Sector, (gathered through national survey ) http://www.independentsector.org/programs/research/gv01main.html
Information from CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement), which promotes research on the civic and political engagement of Americans between the ages of 15 and 25, can be found at http://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/frequency%20of%20volunteering.pdf
http://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/frequency%20of%20volunteering.pdf.
(Bob Meadows)
(Bob Meadows)
Thirteen photos will be selected for the 2006 4-H Calendar. Winning photos will be displayed at the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD, and on http://www.4-hmall.org from September to December 2004. Photos will be gallery-mounted and framed and engraved with the photographer's name for the National 4-H Conference Center display.
Winners will be notified around May 2004 and are required to sign, along with a parent or guardian, a release to use the photo in the 2006 4-H Calendar. Winners will be asked to supply a second photo for the National 4-H Conference Center display. Winning photographs will be returned no sooner than December 10, 2004. Submissions not selected for the calendar will be returned by August 2004.
Submissions will only be considered for the 2006 4-H Calendar if they include the following information and criteria:
The second opportunity is by telling us how "4-H Changed My Life!" Your story might be featured in the 2006 4-H Calendar. If it is, you will receive a free gift certificate for the 4-H Source Book, the official catalog of the National 4-H Supply Service. Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2004.
4-H members, volunteers, parents, staff, and partners are welcome to furnish their stories. These personal testaments must tell the who, what, when, where, why, and how, so everyone can understand how 4-H changed your life. One story for each month will be featured in the calendar, and the author will receive one $10 gift certificate towards a future purchase in the 4-H Source Book.
E-mail, fax or mail your stories to Maria Cascioli, National 4-H Supply Service, 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; mcascioli@fourhcouncil.edu, Phone: 301-961-2948, Fax: 301-961-2937.
(Robert Ray Meadows,)
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 non-commercial club business including educational training and community research and activism. A club receiving a 2004 grant will be able to use the software free-of-charge until December 31, 2004 and will earn continued use via participation in the ESRI Community Atlas Program (CAP), as well as community geographic research and outreach in their area during 2004.
Grants will be awarded to 100 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 together regularly and is recognized as an authorized 4-H group within its state's 4-H program.
Deadline: March 31, 2004
(Joseph R. Hunning)
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events
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