Dear co-workers:
Another Virginia 4-H interactive program has been completed and sent to all units. The new 4-H Virtual Forest is an interactive, Standard of Learning and web-based learning experience that introduces youth to forests, soils, and land; animals and plants; photosynthesis; tree measurements; the influence of human activities on the ecosystem; renewable resources; and much, much more.
Developed by Virginia 4-H in cooperation with a team of Extension faculty, the 4-H Virtual Forest is already getting rave reviews by volunteers and teachers throughout the state. One such example: "I LOVED your new interactive 4-H program on the forests! The sounds and animated characters are sure to motivate kids; interactive format will keep them involved, inspired, and thinking; your suggestions for taking care of the environment are well done; information is presented in a clear and educational format; and I really enjoyed the obvious "kid input!" Congratulations on a job well done! Hope it's widely used!" (Education Ranger, Shenandoah National Park). For further information on the 4-H Virtual Forest, please contact your local Extension office, or visit our website: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/virtualforest/
The new 4-H year has been a very active one with 4-H club reorganizations, staff development training in After-School programming, the State 4-H Curriculum Event, District Visits, Summer 4-H Camp Evaluations and 4-H Camp Planning Meetings for the 2005 summer season, 4-H/CHARACTER COUNTS! Trainings, Jr. Master 4-H Gardener, State 4-H Shooting Education Training, New Agents Orientation and Training, hosting the Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum (SRLF) at Rock Eagle, Georgia, and many county and district events. The 4-H year is off and running with numerous interviews for unit 4-H agent positions and new hires. We are hopeful for a very successful 4-H year and are making plans to provide continued quality educational experiences for the thousands of youth and adults working with these youth in the Virginia 4-H program. Thank you for being an important part of the 4-H Youth Development program. Together, we are making the best better.
Bob Meadows
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2005 Virginia 4-H Congress
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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Southern Region 4-H Leaders Conference Success
Virginia 4-H was well represented at the recent Southern Region 4-H Leaders (SRLF) at Rock Eagle 4-H Center near Eatonton, Georgia. This annual staff development event for adult volunteers and salaried personnel was conducted September 30 - October 3, with 90 delegates representing Virginia 4-H. Nearly 700 total adults, representing the 13 southern states and the territory of Puerto Rico, attended this year's SRLF. With the theme, "4-H History...in the Making," Virginia 4-H served as host for the 2004 event. Numerous complements have been received from other state delegates, and plans are already being made for next year's Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum. Information will be forthcoming after the planning committee meets in late November. Well done, Virginians!
(Bob Meadows)
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Vacancies Being Filled
At this writing, interviews are in progress to select successful staff to fill vacant 4-H leadership positions in 20 counties and cities, and two 4-H educational centers. Thanks to additional funding from the Virginia General Assembly and cost savings from early retirement of experienced staff, these vacancies will be filled soon. These 20 counties and cities need a full-time 4-H agent to lead and manage the respective 4-H program, and the 4-H educational centers will have a new Director at one, and a new Program Director at the other. We are anxiously anticipating the addition of new 4-H agents and 4-H center personnel.
(Bob Meadows)
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National 4-H Week Proclamation
As you are well aware, the new 4-H year began the first full week in October. The Honorable Governor Mark Warner issued a Proclamation honoring Virginia 4-H. During the flag raising ceremony at Burruss Hall, here on campus, the 4-H flag was raised directly beneath the flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Proclamation was read publicly to those in attendance To view the proclamation go to the following website. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/4hweek2004.html
(Bob Meadows)
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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 Subscription System
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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Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders, Inc. Fall Conference
The Fall Conference of the Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders is scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, November 20-21, in Richmond (Sandston Holiday Inn Airport). Please make certain that your volunteers are informed of this staff development opportunity and also give serious consideration to attending yourself. Please find the registration form and information at the following link I hope to see you and some volunteers at this conference http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/2004fallconf.pdf .
(Bob Meadows)
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2004 4-H Winter Holiday Camp
Holiday Lake 4-H Cetner in Appomattox, VA is the location of this special event. Registration is due by November 19. Cost is $55 for campers 9-14, for teens and adults cost is $30. More information and registration form may be found at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/holiday/specialty.html
(Terry Abston)
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Jamestown 4-H Center Dates to Remember
The following events are scheduled at the Jamestown 4-H Center for the coming year. Mark them on your calendar
Dec 27-31 (04) -- Winter Day Camp
Jan 22-23 -- Volunteer Appreciation Event and Teen Leadership Weekend
Feb 11-13 -- Cloverbud Valentines Camp
Mar 28-Ap 1 -- Teen Adventure Trip
April 23 -- Teen Adult Leadership Training Session I
May 14 -- Now & Later Program Retreat (Jamestown 4H Outreach Prevention Program)
May 18-20 -- State Wide Summer Camp Staff Training
May 21 -- Teen Adult Leadership Training Session II
June 5 -- Jamestown 4-H Center Open House 2-5 pm
June 13 -- Opening session of Junior Camp 05
June 17-19 -- Cloverbud Camp I
Aug 12-14 -- Cloverbud Camp II
Aug 15-19 -- NE District Wide Junior Camp
Aug 19-21 -- Marine Science Camp
(Sue Vezeau)
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Virginia 4-H Curriculum Committee Updates
Extension agents, volunteers, and business and industry leaders met in early October to review and make plans for 4-H project curriculum including project books, events, and training. Committees are looking for new members. If you are interested in serving on one of these committees contact me at jamisonk@vt.edu. It is an exciting way to keep up to date with 4-H.
(Kathleen Jamison)
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Pilot Sites Needed
If you are interested in piloting any of the following 4HCCS materials, please use the following contact information. You will be asked to do an evaluation as a follow-up. The contact person will let you know when the materials are ready to download and disseminate. Check ouot the 4hccs website for other pilots (n4hccs.org)
Cat: Dr. Molly Gregg, AL mgregg@aces.edu
Communications: Dr. Kathleen Jamison, VA jamisonk@vt.edu
Dog: Lucinda Miller, OH miller78@postoffice.ag.ohio-state.edu
(Kathleen Jamison, Ph.D. )
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CWF (Citizenship Washington Focus
July 10-16, 2005 Mark your calendars now and watch for more information
(Jewel Hairston)
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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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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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Invitation to Pilot 4-H Visual Arts
4-H Art Pilot for Youth, Grades 6th-12th The 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System (4-H CCS), under the leadership of Idaho and Missouri 4-H is ready to launch the national pilot for the new visual arts curricula for youth in grades 6th-12th. Beginning in June 2004, 4-H sites across the nation will be piloting Sketchbook Crossroads and Portfolio Pathways. Sketchbook Crossroads and Portfolio Pathways teach youth the elements and principles of design and develop life skills while following the National Visual Art Content Standards. Both books are designed for youth in any setting, in and out of school, individually or working in groups. SKETCHBOOK CROSSROADS -- The three units of Sketchbook Crossroads are: Drawing, Fiber and Sculpture. Through the visual arts activities youth have the opportunities to develop life skills in communicating, problem solving, positive identity and self motivation. Helper information is embedded within the book. PORTFOLIO PATHWAYS also designed for youth in any setting in grade 6th-12th, continues to art experience developing life skills while featuring three units: Painting, Printing, and Graphic Designing. Helper information is embedded within the book.
WHO MAY PILOT: It is time to get the word out about these new and exciting visual arts curricula. Please consider piloting the curricula with a broad audience such as: 4-H clubs, camps, school enrichment, military youth programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA's, junior high, high school and home school programs. Each site will complete 2 activities within a unit focusing on 3 units (6 activities total) OR pilot one complete unit (6+ activities). Pilot curricula will be available in PDF format and accessed on the 4-H CCS web site for downloading.
HOW TO PILOT The pilot will begin in June and run until mid-November 2004. You may complete the activities at any time during these months. All art supplies and materials are the responsibility of the pilot site. If you wish to pilot Sketchbook Crossroads and Portfolio Pathways go to
http://www.agls.uidaho.edu/4-H/visualarts/artindex.htm Review the Art Matrix and decide which activities you will do. Download the Pilot Registration form. Send the completed form to Ina Linville, University of Missouri 4-H LinvilleI@missouri.edu Include your name, mailing address, phone, and fax. In the subject line type: 4-H Art Pilot. Ina will then direct you to the pilot activities that may be downloaded from the Internet. (Maureen Toomey Extension Associate, 4-H Youth Development University of Idaho Caldwell Research & Extension Center 16952 S. 10th Avenue Caldwell, Idaho 83607 Phone: 208-454-7648 Fax: 208-454-7612 Web: www.agls.uidaho.edu/4-H/ )
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Natural Resource & Environmental Education Funding
$1500 grants are available to use to support educational programs. Application deadline is November 30, 2004. Information and application format.
(Jeff Kirwan/Barry Garst)
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State 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
American chestnut- up to 25 experimental seedlings per county, but must report survival data each year. Counties who have received in the past and have not reported survival are ineligible. Request from Jeff Kirwan by Dec. 1.
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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AECP's Fifth Annual Green Living And Energy Expo
Sponsored by: The Association Of Energy Conservation Professionals (Aecp)
PLACE: Roanoke Civic Center
WHEN: December 3 and 4, 2004
TIME: 10:00--6:00 Friday
10:00--4:00 Saturday
ADMISSION IS FREE
Come to the Expo and learn why it is important to save energy and then let us show you how you can do this in your home and/or business. More information.
(Kathleen Jamison)
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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. The following forms and supporting information can be found on the All Star website: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/allstars.html
All Star nomination process flowchart
Unit agent sends forms to eligible members, meets with local All Stars to review the nominations and sends the completed nominations to the district office by December 1.
All Star nomination form
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 Star nomination form
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.
Nomination Summary Sheet
Use to list the nominees from the unit.
Awards and Recognition information
This is a good time to let current All Stars know about the $600 Wayne Keffer Memorial Scholarship - form due on January 1 - for any All Star who is a college student or a graduate student.
See the website for more information on All Star Chapter Charters, Bradshaw Service Award and the All Star Hall of Fame Award.
Also note that the C. Dean Allen Award for Excellence recognizes an agent who has excelled in All Star and/or international programming. Please take time to nominate yourself or a colleague. Form is due January 1. There is a cash award and a nice plaque.
All Star Brochure
This is nice if you need a brochure.
All Star Powerpoint Presentation
This is also nice if you can include a powerpoint presentation in your program efforts.
If you have any particular questions, please let me know and I'll either answer them, or find the answer for you. If you are not currently in touch with the 4-H All Stars in your unit, please know that they can be a valuable asset in your programming efforts. Their dedication to 4-H service means that they can help you as contest judges, project book judges, special workshop presenters, donors, club volunteers, etc. I know the 4-H All Stars in my unit make my job a lot easier!
(Crol Nansel 4H All Star Liaison)
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Young MacDonalds Farm at the State Fair of Va.
Thank you to all the 4-H Clubs that served as hosts at the Young MacDonald's Farm exhibit at the State Fair of Virginia. 4-H was well represented and many fair patrons learned lots about animals, and how to join 4-H. At this time, James Paul, Young MacDonalds Farm Superintendent would like to recognize the following 4-H Clubs for their outstanding service:
Top Three Host Clubs
- Lousia County, Homeschool 4-H Club, Beth Blackwell
- Hanover County, White Oak 4-H Club, Teresa Robins
- York County, Millennium Riders 4-H Club, Janine Hughey
Congratulations! Thank you to all the units who recruited 4-H volunteer hosts!
(Cathy Corker)
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National 4-H Hall of Fame Class of 2005
Attached are the announcement memo and nomination form for the National 4-H Hall of Fame Class of 2005. You will note in the memo that the 2005 laureates will be recognized at a celebration during National 4-H Week 2005 rather than during National 4-H Conference as in the past.
Nominations are now due by January 15, 2005. This provides states with some additional time to select and prepare their nominations and will provide more time for the committee to work with the nominators of the
2005 laureates to prepare for the induction of the 2005 class.
Complete details are in the attached announcement memo. (Jim Kahler, Program Specialist Families, 4-H, and Nutrition, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service US Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW - MS 2225 Washington DC 20250-2225 202-690-1568 Web: www.national4-hheadquarters.gov
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Grant Opportunities
SAM'S CLUB Offers Matching Grants to Local Nonprofits
The SAM'S CLUB Foundation develops and implements programs that support children and families in the company's local communities. The Community Matching Grants Program, the Foundation's largest program, provides grants of up to $1,000 to match the funds raised by nonprofit organizations at SAM'S CLUB locations. Local nonprofit organizations, including public schools, churches, and government agencies in communities with a SAM'S CLUB are eligible to participate. In addition, the Foundation's Be a Good Neighbor Environmental Grants Program provides grants of up to $500 for the environmental efforts of nonprofit organizations in communities with SAM'S CLUB stores. To learn more about receiving a grant from your local SAM'S CLUB, please see the community involvement coordinator at the location closest to you. Visit http://www.samsclub.com/eclub/main_foundation.jsp?stg=STG0 for more information.
NICKELODEON Let's Just Play Grants Program
The Let's Just Play Grants Program, a program of Nickelodeon, provides support to create or expand opportunities for physical play in schools and after-school community-based organizations. The program is committed to reaching the broadest and most diverse group of funding candidates possible. Applications are encouraged from urban, rural and suburban areas, and from small and large community-based organizations serving all ethnicities. Visit http://www.nick.com/all_nick/everything_nick/ for information. Applications are due November 1, 2004.
National Gardening Association Grant and Awards Programs
National Gardening Association supports programs across the country that actively engage kids in the garden and improve the quality of life for all. Except for the Mantis Award, to be eligible for the following grants and awards programs, your school or organization must plan to garden with at least 15 kids between the ages of 3 and 18. You may apply for more than one award. Application deadline: December 1, 2004. Visit http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants.asp for information.
(Bob Meadows)
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Websites
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