Dear co-workers:
The summer season has been a whirlwind of 4-H programming with camps, trips, hosting and traveling with the international 4-H exchange, club events, State 4-H Congress, State 4-H Intermediate Congress, animal and livestock events, and a large variety of other exciting, fun, and learning experiences for thousands of Virginia 4-H youth. With the new school year upon us, the realization that the old 4-H year will soon end and the new one will begin during National 4-H Week, October 2-8, 2005.
As we reflect on the many opportunities that are afforded to youth through the 4-H program, as well as for the adults working with those youth, it is good to be reminded that Virginia 4-H addresses the developmental needs of youth-belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. These are known as the essential elements of 4-H youth development:
- Belonging-includes a positive relationship with caring adults and an inclusive/safe environment for youth. The focus is on caring relationships and represents the HEART of 4-H.
- Mastery-focuses on constructive learning experiences, and includes engagement in learning and opportunities for Mastery and represents the HEALTH of 4-H.
- Independence-focuses on learning opportunities and opportunities for self-determination, and to see oneself as an active participant in the future. Independence represents the HEAD of 4-H.
- Generosity-focuses on opportunities to value and practice service to others. Generosity for others represents the HANDS of 4-H.
Thus, the 4-H environment is designed to support the positive and successful development of all youth:
| Caring Relationships | (Belonging) |
| Constructive Learning Experiences | (Mastery) |
| Leadership Opportunities | (Independence) |
| Service to Communities | (Generosity) |
All these considered, the research suggests that belonging may be the single most powerful positive ingredient that we as 4-H staff, both volunteer and salaried, can add into the lives of youth. No youth should feel excluded.
As we close out the summer, it is now time to focus our attention on the opportunities that lie ahead during the fall season to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Four-H belongs to the youth of America-we as adults serve as stewards. Let's work to make certain that we are good stewards of America's largest youth development organization.
Bob Meadows
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Celebrate 4-H Week -- Oct. 2 - 8
Contest with Financial Rewards
Unit agents or program assistants can win an award for the most outstanding publicizing of 4-H Week as a special offer from the Virginia 4-H Foundation. Additionally, each unit is receiving one-hundred 4-H decals to jump-start the publicity.
The Virginia 4-H Foundation is offering three prizes: $700 for first place; $200 for second place; and $100 for third place to honor the "Jazziest, Pa-zazziest Publicity for 4-H Week Ever" (theme).
The individuals who manage the respective unit 4-H program are eligible for the prizes with the following criteria:
- creativity
- involvement of 4-H members and volunteers
- involvement of local officials such as county, city, and town officials, educators
- mention of the 104th anniversary of national 4-H program
- reaching at-risk or underserved audiences to encourage new members from non-traditional groups.
- publicity of the unit celebration in the local/area media (newspapers, tv, and/or radio, etc.).
Examples might include photos of 4-H decals being given to unit boards of supervisors, boards of education, superintendent of schools, donors and/or sponsors
To help jump-start the effort and to help provide a statewide image, each unit will be receiving 100 static-cling Virginia 4-H decals. The 4-inch by 6-inch decals feature the clover, the words Virginia 4-H and the website URL. The decals can be easily placed on car windows (and other windows) and easily removed. Community leaders who might be willing to promote 4-H during 4-H Week can easily remove the decal later.
Prepare a summary of your 4-H Week effort and send it by the deadline date of November 1, 2005, to: Robert Ray Meadows, State 4-H Office, 119 Hutcheson Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061
I strongly recommend that each unit give the decals to the people in your area and especially ask them to display the decals during National 4-H Week. This is a good way to market 4-H. It is important to know that the winners can use the funds anyway they wish, so here is an opportunity to earn some extra money for 4-H programming, self -development, or any other way you wish.
Agriculture and Extension Communications will again prepare some publicity material about Virginia 4-H for you to use. It will be on the Intranet soon. They also will send publicity to the state communications media especially for that week. National 4-H Council also has a wide variety of publicity materials on its website http://4hmediaresources.4husa.org/4hweek_kit.
Many 4-H'ers will be doing wonderful activities to celebrate 4-H week, so be sure to document these and send it to me by the deadline date. Judging will be done by the members of the Marketing Committee of the 4-H Leadership Council and the award will be presented at the VCE Conference in Charlottesville, January 17-19, 2006. Bob Meadows
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National 4-H Week Marketing and Media Resources Kit Now Available
While, Virginia is creating a few things specific to our state, The National 4-H Week 2005 media relations and marketing communications kit is now online. There are a variety of pieces available, from template news releases and media tips to logos and brochures. Below is more information on the kit that can used in promoting National 4-H Week! The National 4-H Week Kit is now available online at www.4husa.org.
National 4-H Week is Sunday, October 2 through Saturday, October 8, 2005. National 4-H Week welcomes you to connect with the 4-H community where young people across America are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. This year's theme is Make the 4-H Connection.
How can you promote events going on in your community? What do you need to get it all done in time? Where can you hold an event? The National 4-H Week 2005 Kit contains a wide variety of media relations and marketing communications collateral to help you successfully promote National 4-H Week 2005 events and activities in your community.
The kit contains the following materials: activity guides, bookmarks, brochure, certificates, fact sheets, folder labels, interview information, letterhead, logos, name badges, news release template, newspaper ads, placemats, posters, proclamations, radio PSAs, table tents and many tips, resources and how-to guides. Many of the materials are available in a version that you can easily save and open in Microsoft Word, customize with your community and contact information and print on color printers. All files are in .jpeg (graphics), Adobe .pdf and Microsoft Word. There is a link on the site to help you download the Adobe Reader software.
We hope you find these materials helpful and look forward to promoting National 4-H Week across the 4-H community. Once you have used the site, please take a moment to fill out our survey so we can make National 4-H Week 2006 even better!
If you have any questions, please contact Allyson McMahan at amcmahan@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-2915 ( Bob Meadows)
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Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders, Inc
Fall Conference is November 11-13, 2005 and will be held at Holiday Inn Emmet Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901. More information and registration forms can be found at the following website. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/volunteers.html#meet Hope to see you there! (Bob Meadows)
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The 2006 National 4-H Camping Institute
Scheduled for February 17-21, 2006. Here are a few details
South Dakota, home of Mt. Rushmore the Shrine of Democracy, is excited to be the host for the 2006 National 4-H Camping Institute. Plans are underway to make sure all attendees have a Monumental Experience. The National 4-H Camping Institute will be held February 17-21, 2006 at the Cedar Canyon Wesleyan Camp in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills. At this time we are looking for workshop proposals from individuals interested in sharing their camping knowledge with the camping enthusiasts attending. Please take the time to visit the South Dakota 4-H Website at http://4h.sdstate.edu and go to the National Camping Institute link to fill out the Call For Proposals and return it to the address on the form. We would like to encourage you to visit our website often to find out what to expect and when things are going to happen as final plans develop.
For more information contact LaDonna McKnight at 605-673-4971 or email at mcknight.ladonna@ces.sdstate.edu. We look forward to seeing you in the beautiful Black Hills in February. LaDonna McKnight, Extension Educator, Youth Development/4-H, 447 Crook Street, Suite 1,Custer, SD 57730, (Barry Garst)
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2005 ANNUAL CURRICULUM EVENT: Holding a Standard of Excellence!
All curriculum committee members are encouraged to participate. If you do not currently serve on one of the ten 4-H Curriculum CommitteesÉ now is the time to join and share in developing the programs for Virginia's youth. Virginia 4-H Curriculum Committees Need You!. The event will be held October 10-11 in Charlottesville. All expenses are covered. There is something for everyone. For more information, contact Billie Cline (bcline@vt.edu) or Kathleen Jamison (jamisonk@vt.edu) .Send an email to bcline@vt.edu to express your interest. (Kathleen Jamison)
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Statewide Curriculum Training
This training session (expenses covered) will be held in Charlottesville on October 12th following of the Curriculum Event. The main topic will be Experiential Learning, including the Active Teaching-Active Learning, Teaching Techniques and Tools from Oregon State University and "Heads-On, Hands-On : The Power of Experiential Learning" from National 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System. Each participant will receive copies of:
- Active Teaching - Active Learning Leader's Guide,
- Heads-On, Hands-On Facilitator's Guide
- Heads-On, Hands-On Training Video
Location to be announced.
If planning to participate, please send a note to bcline@vt.edu and indicate your name and unit and if you will need lodging on the night of Oct 11. (Kathleen Jamison)
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COMING SOON (Kathleen Jamison)
- 2006 Curriculum Guide - a listing of all project materials, instructional aides and other resources will be available in limited print and on-line by October.
- Spanish Enrollment Forms -- (Member Registration, Volunteer Registration, Code of Conduct and Health Form should be ready for use in late October)
- Learn by Doing-- the Virginia 4-H promotional booklet will be ready for distribution in October.
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4-H Afterschool "Opens Doors" Award
What: This grant offers $500 to honor volunteer and for use in an Afterschool Programs
Who: Completed by volunteer working in 4-H Afterschool Program or 4-H Professional in charge of the program
When: Deadline date to submit to Dr. Kathleen Jamison, State 4-H Office, by September 30, 2005
A great way to recognize volunteers working in a 4-H Afterschool Program! Please read and respond by deadline. Contact Kathleen Jamison (jamisonk@vt.edu) for additional information. (see attached application)
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J C Penny Afterschool Newsletter Features Virginia
An article about the Campbell County Teen Science Club GPS/GIS mapping project is featured in the new JCPenny Afterschool newsletter. The newsletter can be viewed on the JCPenny Afterschool website at http://jcpenneyafterschool.org/times/pageone.html. The article is at the bottom of page 4. It is exciting to see Virginia 4-H in a national newsletter! (Elizabeth Elizabeth S. Maguire) This is a wonderful example of what can be done to promote 4-H Afterschool programs, (Kathleen Jamison)
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4HCCS --Virginia Represented
Two new sets of curriculum unveiled this summer from 4HCCS have representation from Virginia on the design teams, Kathleen Jamison -- Communications and Mike Clifford -- GPS. Check out other new curriculum at http://www.n4hccs.org. (Kathleen Jamison)
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Livestock Links
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2005 State 4-H Horse Show
The 2005 State 4-H Horse show schedule has been posted under information column for the show in Calendar of Events. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/ The 2005 4-H Horse show rule book is posted online - hard copies of the rule book as requested by each district will be delivered to the units prior to their District horse show. Other additions to the website include a direct link to the 4-H Equine policies and guidelines that cover Equine risk management, Equine waivers and Equine donation policy. Another new link will bring up all available 4-H horse related curriculums as either on-line or as hard copy pieces. Future efforts in organizing the site will include a link to all policies and guidelines governing Virginia 4-H as well as a link for additional resources. Please direct any suggestions or comments to ccrisman@vt.edu . (Celeste Crisman)
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Horse Links
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Revised Equine Waiver Form
The "Equine Waiver" form for 4-H programming has been revised. Please use this form for all equine activities effective immediately This form can be found at the VCE Intranet in three locations: . (Barry A. Garst)
- VCE Intranet----VCE Policies----Risk Management
- VCE Intranet----4-H Camping----Resources
- Public 4-H webpage----Programs----Animal Science----Horse Programs http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
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State 4-H Dairy Judging Teams Selected
Congratulations to the following youth who were selected to represent Virginia 4-H in regional and national dairy cattle judging contests in 2005. (David R. Winston)
Team A (Competes at the Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg and at the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Madison, WI)
- Katy Leonard (Fauquier County)
- Rosemary Liskey (Rockingham County)
- Evan Shiflett (Augusta County)
- Rachel Smith (Rockingham County)
Team B (Competes at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY)
- Paula Craun (Rockingham County)
- Derek Heizer (Augusta County)
- Chris Potts (Loudoun County)
- Billie Jo Swope (Augusta County)
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Lipizzaner Stallions Horse Show
Attached is a flyer for 4-H Members regarding a special rate for The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions coming to the Constant Center at ODU on October 22nd. Please feel free to distribute this flyer and make copies for 4H Members, staff, volunteers, families and friends. Please let me know if you have any questions. Kevin Goldman, Manager of Group Sales, Ted Constant Convocation Center/Global Spectrum, 4320 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23529, (757) 683-5000 (Bob Meadows)
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Youth Market Poultry Show Coming Up
It is time to start informing interested persons in your area about the Youth Market Poultry Show held at the State Fair of Virginia on October 1, 2005. . For information regarding the market show, please visit my web site: http://www.apsc.vt.edu/Faculty/Novak/4H/4hpoultry/Market_Poultry.html (Curtis Novak.)
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Survivor Management Curriculum
Available soon to unit offices will be a new 4-H Curriculum entitled Survivor Management. This curriculum for older youth helps them understand the reality of managing their life and their income. Included with the curriculum is a game similar to monopoly. The game board, fake money and chance cards are all included with the curriculum. Each unit office will receive one copy, additional copies may be ordered as needed. (Celia Ray Hayhoe, Ph.D., CFP)
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Money Speaks
Each unit office recently received a CD titled Money Speaks. This CD has lots of useful information and projects to use in teaching money management to Senior 4-H members. If you need more CD's for clubs/schools/etc., please send a note to bcline@vt.edu with request. These CD's were purchased as part of a grant from the University of Arkansas. If you need assistance or help using these, don't hesitate to contact me at chayhoe@vt.edu (Celia Hayhoe)
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WHEP Team Places 3rd
Please join me in congratulating the Augusta/Nelson 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) team for placing 3rd at the National 4-H WHEP Contest held at Vines 4-H Center near Little Rock, Arkansas, Aug. 3-7. Team members were Jill Bourgeois, Derek Davis, and Lily Damico of Augusta County and Hannah Shaw of Nelson County. Jill was 8th in aerial photos, 3rd in foods ID, and 5th high individual overall. Hannah was 10th in wildlife management practices. The team was the only one to have both the urban and rural management plans place in the top 5 with the rural plan earning 3rd place and the urban plan earning 2nd place.
Many thanks go to the sponsors, particularly the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and the Virginia 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Education Curriculum Committee. For a picture of the team and for more information about the program, please see: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/wildjudging/ (Jeff Kirwan/Jenny Mercer)
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Congratulations to Virginia's 4-H Forestry Team
Please join me in congratulating the Dickenson County 4-H Forestry Judging Team for winning 10th place at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational Contest held recently at Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp in Weston, WVA. Team members Jonathan Edwards, Jeremy Edwards, Corey Dodson and Brian Smith all attend Clintwood High School. Their coach, Susan Wilder, teaches agriculture at the high school. The team was sponsored by Mountain Forest Products and the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation.
For more information about the 4-H forestry judging programs, please see: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/forestry.html (Jeffrey L. Kirwan)
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What Do You Know About Water Quality?
is a "jeopardy-style" Power Point Educational program that helps participants understand the important processes, measures and issues dealing with water quality. Designed for grades 6 - 12. Send a blank CD to me with return address. (Barry Fox)
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Environmental Newsletter/Grants
Virginia Naturally publishes an on-line monthly newsletter, http://www.vanaturally.com/augustnews.html. Of special interest to many of you will be the announcement for the Next Round of Classroom Grants, Deadline September 15, 2005. Amounts of $500, $750 and $1,000 are available. Providing a "Meaningful Watershed Experience" is a much needed area. Let me know if I can assist.
Thanks for your efforts in natural resources education. (Jeffrey L. Kirwan)
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Outdoor Adventure
- Mountain Hike to Hensley Settlement -
Southwest 4-H Center is planning an overnight backpack trip to the Hensley Settlement in Lee County, September 16 - 18. Contact me (bfox@vsu.edu. 804-524-5848) for more information. (Barry Fox
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Remarkable Tree Search
A "Remarkable Tree Nomination Form" and "Guidelines for Organizing a Search" and "Organize a Youth Group" can be found at http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/ (Jeffrey L. Kirwan, Ph.D.)
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Shooting Education
- 4-H Shooting Education Calendar of Events www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/shootinged
- State 4-H Shoot
Mark your calendars now! The 2005 State 4-H is scheduled for the weekend of September 16 -18 at Holiday Lake 4-H Center. The shotgun event will remain the same - one round of regulation skeet. New in 2005 - scopes will be allowed for the inline muzzle loading category. More details later...
- Fall 4-H Hunter Education Camp
Participants will develop self-discipline, safety consciousness, sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and appreciation for the outdoors under the guidance of qualified adult shooting instructors. Youth will have the opportunity to receive Hunter Education Certification, which will include live fire in Archery, Rifle, and Shotgun. In addition, participants will be introduced to tree-stand safety, wildlife calls and identification and other aides to hunter education. Cost is $40.00 per person. Event will be held at W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake, September 30 - Oct 2. Registration and more information can be found on the 4-H Shooting Education webpage at www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/shootinged (Jinx Baney)
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Electric Energy In-school Project Training/Support
4-H Electric Energy is an in-school curriculum that fully supports Science SOL 4.3 (electricity and magnetism) and incorporates many concepts outlined in Science SOL 4.1 (science inquiry skills).
I am available to offer teacher training during the year.. August 2005 - May 2006... The training takes approximately 2.5 hours. Most school systems will give teachers continuing education credits, if you, as Agent apply for them. I have some money in the 4-H foundation to offset the cost of kits. Therefore, I can offer them to you for $100/each. However, to offer them that inexpensively, I must place a group order so that I order in large volume.
Kit order is also through Billie Cline. Possible sources for dollars for kits include school systems, school PTA's, local electric utilities/electric cooperatives or electrical contractors.
Best of luck to you all in your efforts to make a difference! (Lori Marsh)
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State Fair of Virginia Recognizes Top Scholarship Winners
$30,000 awarded to students from across Virginia
The State Fair of Virginia, Inc. a private, not-for-profit company which presents the State Fair each Fall, honored its top scholarship winners at an awards luncheon at the Fairs future site in Caroline County on Thursday, May 26. In all, 18 students from across Virginia earned $30,000 as part of the Fair's top honors awards programs.
The winners are as follows
Herbert Bruce Thomson, Sr. Scholarship
Michell McCann, Nelson County, 1st place Gold $8,000, 4-H Crops Judging
Mary Margaret Morris, Clark County 2nd Place Gold $4,000, Youth Sheep Show
Michelle Simms, Stafford County 3rd Place gold $1,000, Youth arts and crafts
Bradley Bennett Augusta County 1st place silver, $2,000, Youth Beef
John Wyatt Hall, Giles county, 2nd Place Silver $1,000, Youth Beef, Jr. Stockmens and FFA Agri-science
Otis L. Brown Scholarship - $500
Mary Ashley Balsley, Augusta County, Youth Sheep and Youth Market Hogs
Wyndham B. Blanton, Jr., Scholarship $500
Kyley Clevenger, Frederick County, Youth Sheep and Jr. Stockmens'
Virginia Wineries Association Scholarship - $500
Jessica Smith, City of Richmond, Fine Arts
University Scholarships $1,000 each
Virginia Tech 2004/2005 Recipients
| Sara Barlow, Mineral | Caroline Boyd, Winchester | Kimberley Sager, Manassas |
| Jennifer Bowry, Powhatan | Konti Henderlite, Middletown | Melissa Van Witzenburg, New Canton, |
| Todd Wiseman, Harrisonbur, |
Virginia State University, 2005/2005 Recipients
Heather Mosley, Empooria, Maurice Smith, Waverly
Virginia Commonwealth University - 2005/2006 Recipients
Elizabeth Talbot, Arlington, VA
The State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program rewards young people for their hard work and achievement in nineteen state fair completion areas
Since the programs inception in 1989, the State Fair Scholarship program has awarded 1440 scholarships and has dedicated nearly one and a half million dollars to youth education. Scholarship winners many attend any accredited post-secondary educational institute. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the education institutions.
This year's State Fair of Virginia takes place Sept 22 through Oct 2, 2005 at the Richmond Raceway complex in Richmond. Details are available at www.statefair.com (Bob Meadows)
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4-H Website Policy & Guidelines
The policies and guidelines related to 4-H club and organization web sites were approved by 4-H Leadership Council at their May 11, 2005 meeting.. Besides web sites that might be created by 4-H clubs and organizations in the future, these policies are also retroactive. In other words, any Unit 4-H club or organization (such as a 4-H leaders association, local 4-H All Star Chapter, etc) that already has a web site must comply with these policies. You are asked to share this information with 4-H club and organization leaders. For more information contact Joe Hunnings 540-231-6371 or email: Hunnings@vt.edu (Joe Hunnings)
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4-H Media Resources Available Online
4-H county and state staff can now access a multitude of 4-H media relations and marketing communications resources online. With just a click, you can download materials with the 4-H message, "4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills," to reproduce quickly and easily.
Access the resources via www.4husa.org by clicking on the "4-H Media Resources" button on the left column. The site will continue to be updated as more resources become available.
Of course, 4HUSA.ORG continues to provide other great resources to link the 4-H community together. The 4HUSA.ORG Web Crew has created seven versions of buttons for download so that everyone involved with 4-H or who supports youth development can link to the site. With blogs, message boards, the latest 4-H news, and links to every 4-H website in the country, youth today are using 4HUSA.ORG to get involved and stay in touch with 4-H! (Bob Meadows)
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In Good Hands/Online Safety Grant Opportunities
The Allstate Foundation supports youth safety programs including fire safety, gang and delinquency prevention, drunken driving prevention, auto passenger safety and child safety advocacy. The grants are from $1,000 and up with no specific deadline. For more information, visit http://www.allstate.com/foundation/funding.html.
A new resource can help parents and youth workers keep kids safe in cyberspace. The National PTA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girls Scouts of the USA have published the "Digital Living Project," featuring specific recommendations for protecting youth online. The free handbook is available at http://www.digitallivingproject.com/pdf/DLP_Handbook.pdf. ( Bob Meadows)
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Websites of Interest
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events