Dear co-workers:
I am often asked the questions, "What is the definition of a 4-H club?;" "What is the minimum number of youth that one needs to have a 4-H club?," and "What is the maximum number of youth that you can have in a 4-H club?" These are important questions, especially when we have so many new staff who have recently joined the ranks of 4-H agents, volunteers, and 4-H center staff. With these in mind, the information covered in this letter provides the official answer to these questions. These definitions and statements are taken from Dr. Cathann A. Kress, Director‹Youth Development, National 4-H Headquarters.
A 4-H Club consists of 5 or more school-age youth, guided by one or more adult volunteers. Therefore, a 4-H club must have at least five members and there are no maximum numbers. Although this is the exception, I have known of 4-H clubs that operated very efficiently with over 100 members. Most 4-H clubs involve 15-40 members or so.
A 4-H Club is a non-formal, educational youth opportunity which serves as a 'hands-on' laboratory for helping youth grow in any or all of the following ways:
- How to make wise decisions
- Developing a zest and skill for lifelong learning
- Learning positive socialization skills by working in a group and as part of a team
- Improving communication skills
- Learning and using practical technical skills
- Acquiring confidence and a positive attitude toward self
- Enhancing citizenship skills by developing an awareness and improvement in one's community
- Developing leadership and teamwork skills
- Exploring possible vocations and careers
- Learning to manage time wisely and set priorities
- Interacting with adults who serve as role models and have a positive influence on the lives of youth, and
- Spend quality time with parents in a mutually rewarding setting.
4-H is designed to support the positive and successful development of all youth. 4-H volunteer leaders are essential partners in creating a positive environment by focusing on the strengths of youth and providing positive ways for youth to meet their basic needs. The important elements of 4-H youth development includes:
- CARING RELATIONSHIPS (BELONGING)
- CONSTRUCTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES (MASTERY)
- LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (INDEPENDENCE)
- SERVIVE TO COMMUNITIES (GENEROSITY)
Why are meeting youth needs so important? 4-H youth development programs focus on the development of life skills for work and daily living, as well as character-building experiences for the preservation of a democratic society. The goal of the 4-H Club program is positive youth development. 4-H youth development programs encourage young people and adults to make choices, to freely participate in activities of interest. 4-H is indeed a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
Bob Meadows
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Let's Explore Some Policy Scenarios
QUESTION: Your county has a 15-passenger van that you often use for 4-H programming. You only allow 10 youth/adults and you are careful to pile your luggage and equipment in the back of the van. Is this consistent with policy?
ANSWER: Yes and No! Although it is true that you are only allowed 10 people in the 15-passenger van we have been directed by the VT office of Risk Management to not pile luggage and other heavy items where the other 5 passengers would have been sitting. This defeats the purpose of limiting the number of passengers in the rear of the van. The main thing to remember is that 15-passenger vans have a tendency to "fish-tail" because of the amount of weight located behind the rear axle. These heavier vans are also harder to control and to stop. By the way, this policy applies to ALL vans operated by Virginia Tech personnel...county owned vans and rentals from outside vendors.
(Joe Hunnings)
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PLAN NOW TO ATTEND
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS
JUNE 20-23, 2005
COMPETITION DAY - June 21
http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/05congress/
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4-H Day at the Capitol
Tuesday, February 15, 2005. Because we will not have an orientation session this year (we do not have a location this year), announcements, schedule, tours, preparations to meet legislators, Shamrock Delivery, Letter for Schools and much more can be found at
http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/20054hday_at_capitol.pdf
4-H Day at the Capitol is recommended for ages 12 - 18. This age group has a little more familiarity with the workings and functions of state government.
Please send an email jhairsto@vt.edu to let me know if you will be attending and the number of 4-Hers who will attend from your unit. I hope the attached information helps. If there are any questions, please contact me!
(Jewel E. Hairston)
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Virginia State University will host 4-H Intermediate Congress in August 2005.
This is a pilot year for 4-H Intermediate Congress and we are just beginning to structure the program. Currently, we are organizing a committee to assist with the planning process and program development for this event.
To develop an outstanding conference, we are seeking two 4-H agents, two 4-H volunteer leaders, and two 4-H youth who are interested and willing to serve on the Intermediate Congress planning committee. It will involve attending three planning meetings and the conference in August.
The first planning meeting will be held on February 24, 2005 at Virginia State University from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Subsequent meetings can be held elsewhere if necessary.
The specifics of the conference and the expectations of the planning committee members are listed in the attachment below. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact Jewel E. Hairston at (804) 524-5965 or at jhairsto@vsu.edu. We would be delighted to have your input for what we plan to make a successful conference!
(Jewel Hairston)
4-H Intermediate Congress 2005 QUESTIONS...
- How can 4-H teens share stories, knowledge, skills, and attitudes for becoming effective leaders?
- How can 4-H teens assist younger 4-H counterparts in becoming leaders, while further developing personal leadership and mentoring abilities?
They can do so by becoming a 4-H Intermediate Congress Teen Mentor!
We are seeking 12 interested teens with 4-H leadership experience to serve as teen mentors during 4-H Intermediate Congress in August 2005.
Initial training for those who apply and are selected will be conducted during 4-H Congress in June at Virginia Tech. Subsequent training will be conducted on the day prior to the 4-H Intermediate Congress event in August at Virginia State University.
If you have 4-H teens with 4-H leadership experience who are interested in participating, please recommend them, review the attached information that explains the application process, have them complete the attached application, and contact Jewel E. Hairston at the address below or at (804) 524-5965 - jhairsto@vsu.edu. We hope your 4-H youth will greatly value this experience!
(Jewel Hairston)
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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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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 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.
Registration information for the 2005 Master 4-H Training, scheduled for March 8-11, 2005 at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Conference Center will be released within the next week. The educational components of this training will include:
- 4-H Camp Director
- Project WET, Project Aquatic WILD, Healthy Water-Healthy People
- Resource Development/Grant writing
- Handle With Care (Tentative)
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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Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leaders Conference ~ Rock Eagle
Tennessee 4-H Youth Development is pleased to be hosting the workshop/funshops at the 2005 Southern Region Leader Forum (SRLF), October 6-9. The Request for Proposals for workshops and funshops for the 2005 SRLF are now available!
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.
Begin promoting the 2005 SRLF now! If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Patrick Hamilton at 865-974-2128 or via email at patrick@utk.edu. M. Patrick Hamilton, Extension Specialist, 4-H, UT Extension, 4-H Youth Development Web address: http://www.utextension.utk.edu/4H/
(Bob Meadows)
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2005 National Extension Conference on Volunteerism
Extension Volunteers:
Strong Connections ŠStrong Communities
April 11-14, 2005
Little Rock, Arkansas
Review the following website for conference details, agenda, registration, and more
http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/lvd/conference.htm
(Bob Meadows)
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Spring Conference-Virginia 4-H Leaders Association: March 5-6, 2005
The Spring Conference of the Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders, Inc. has been set for Saturday-Sunday, March 5-6, 2005. The event will not only feature outstanding educational workshops, but an opportunity to meet and mingle with 4-H volunteers, agents, program assistants, and specialists in a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful hotel. The Hotel Renaissance is an outstanding and beautiful facility that provides breath-taking views of the waterfront in the Portsmouth-Norfolk area.
A major feature of this Conference includes a Dinner Cruise on the 'Spirit of Norfolk' for all who register. This 3-hour cruise promises an evening of unparalleled cruising fun on the historic Elizabeth River, where you'll dine, dance if you wish, and enjoy star-quality entertainers and exciting skyline views including the Navy's Atlantic Fleet. Be sure to register for this event early. The information is attached.
A SILENT AUCTION will be featured during this Conference with the proceeds going to the 4-H Leaders Association. Each unit is asked to send one or two items for the auction, if possible
Details and registration information can be found at the following website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/2005_spring_registration.pdf
Hope to see you there.
(Bob Meadows )
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Youth Camping Research Report
From 2000-2003, the American Camp Association conducted a major study of the outcomes of the youth camping experience. Eighty camps were involved in this $800,000 study. This is the most comprehensive youth camping research to date. The results of this study are now available in a report at www.ACAcamps.org/research/research_book.pdf
(Barry Garst)
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Airfield 4-H Center To Hold 4-H Teen Spring Fling
The Airfield 4-H Center near Wakefield, Virginia, will be hosting a 4-H Teen Spring Fling event, entitled "Teens Reaching Teens," on April 1-3, 2005. This special event is designed for youth ages 14-19. Scheduled weekend events include leadership building initiative and challenge course activities, a life-skills workshop, a dance, a campfire, recreational sports, canoeing, a basketball tournament, a service-learning project, and plenty of time to meet new teens from all over southeastern Virginia. This weekend event will be a rewarding experience for all participating teens. The cost for the weekend is $50 per participant which includes meals, lodging, and program activities. All interested individuals should contact the Airfield 4-H Center at 757-899-4901 or your 4-H representative at your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office to request registration information. The registration deadline for participants is March 25, 2005. Airfield 4-H Center is located near Wakefield, midway between Suffolk and Petersburg.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the 4-H Department, Airfield 4-H Center, at 757-899-4901 during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations 30 days prior to the events.
(Andrea Carson)
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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 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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Documentation of Leadership Training Card available
The State 4-H Office has produced a new "card" (Extension publication 388-020) that can be used to document leadership training and experience. The card was designed to be a resource 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 is 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 was showcased at the 2005 4-H In-Service and will be available to unit offices. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
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Application for Volunteer 4-H Camp Teen Counselor and 4-H Camp Teen Counselor Reference Form
After concern was expressed that the volunteer application form was not specific enough for 4-H camp settings- particularly for teen volunteers, a committee comprised of Dr. Cathy Sutphin, Michele Adcock, Jennifer Mercer, Lesley Prillaman, Glenda M. Snyder, and Jennifer Unroe developed the "Application for Volunteer 4-H Camp Teen Counselor" and the "4-H Camp Teen Counselor Reference Form."
These forms- --have been reviewed by Extension administration and the State4-H Office and are approved for use beginning January 14, 2005. Extension Agents can make changes to the "Application for Volunteer 4-H Camp Teen Counselor" to make it more specific to unit's camping program (i.e., contact information on page 1 and camp class information on page 5.)
NOTE: The "VCE Volunteer Application/Enrollment Long Form" remains an acceptable form for both adult and teen volunteers. However, if you find that the new "Application for Volunteer 4-H Camp Teen Counselor" is a better tool, then you may choose to use it.
These forms will be available on-line and will also be added to the revised Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook (2005) which is currently in the publication process. Please contact me if you have questions bgarst@vt.edu.
(Barry A. 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. These modules can be viewed by visiting the intranet. 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 Gart),
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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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Avian Bowl Contest
APRIL 30, 2005 MADISON COUNTY
We will once again offer an AVIAN BOWL contest for both junior and senior teams (mixed teams are welcome as well). Although the Avian Bowl Manual states that a team can consists of 2 members, VA requires three with a maximum of four. Age requirements are based on the national standard of January 1; therefore, a youth must be 14 as of January 1 to qualify as a senior member. Only senior 4-Hers can compete at the state and national levels.
The 2005 study sections and rules of play can be found at the following site: http://ulisse.cas.psu.edu/Nat4hpoultry/avianbowl.html#Studypacket
This will also direct you to the purchase information of an avian bowl manual if you do not have the current 2002 edition. Although the Avian Bowl contest is held in conjunction with the Northern District 4-H Contests, teams from any unit throughout VA are welcome and encouraged to participate. For further information and to register for the contest please contact Norma Sides at 540-672-6343 or mailto:sides4him@ns.gemlink.com
(Kelly Mallory)
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4-H Livestock Events Calendar
The calendar below includes most of the state-wide (and a few regional) events that may involve 4H or FFA kids in Virginia. For more information contact Mark Wahlberg email: wahlberg@vt.edu.
(Mark Wahlberg)
2005 Calendar of Livestock Events
| Date | Event Name | Location | Contact |
| March 12 | Southwest Virginia Invitational Stockmens Contest | Wytheville | Phil Blevins |
| March 12-13 | MAJAC Regional Angus Show | Rockingham County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg | http://www.njaa.info/shows.html |
| March 18 & 19 | B& B Stockmens, Meats, and Livestock Judging Contests | Va Tech | Mark Wahlberg |
| March 25 | Area Youth Cattle-Working Contest | Alphin-Stuart Arena, Virginia Tech | Mark Wahlberg and Dee Whittier |
| April 12 | Northern District Cattle Working Contest | Madison County | Brad Jarvis or Steve Hopkins |
| April 15 & 16 | Va Beef Expo | Rockingham County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg | Bill McKinnon, Mgr Mark Wahlberg, Youth Events |
| April 23 | Little International Livestock & Horse Show | Va Tech | http://www.apsc.vt.edu/Clubs/Clubs.cfm |
| May 27-29 | Atlantic National Regional Angus Show | Timonium, MD | http://www.njaa.info/shows.html |
| June 18 | State 4H Livestock Judging Contest | Va Tech | Mark Wahlberg |
| June 20-23 | State 4H Congress | Va Tech | 4H Department |
| June 27-30 | State FFA Convention | Va Tech | State FFA Office |
| June 27 - July 2 | Shorthorn Junior National Show | Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA | www.beefshorthornusa.com |
| Sept ??? | Eastern National Livestock Show | Timonium, MD | http://www.marylandstatefair.com/ |
| Sept 30 - Oct 2 | State Fair Livestock Events | Richmond | http://www.statefair.com/ |
| Oct 4-10 | Keystone Livestock Expo | Harrisburg, PA | http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/kile/ |
| October 28 | Hokie Harvest Sale | Va Tech | Dan Eversole |
| Nov 5-18 | North American Livestock Expo | Louisville, KY | http://www.livestockexpo.org/ |
See the 4H Livestock Website for Details for Many of these Events
http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/livestock/index.html
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District 4-H Qualifying Horse Shows
Southwest District -- Abingdon, VA -- Please note - the correct date is Saturday, June 25, 2005. This is a change from the date listed on 4-H Horse Events Calendar. The finalized program for the show will be available at a later date.
Northwest District--Saturday, June 25, 2005 at the Highland County Fairgrounds in Monterey, VA. The High Riders 4-H Club is organizing the event. This will be their 9th annual youth horse show open to all youth (4-H and non-4-H members) ages 9-19. Classes include western, english, gymkhana, and more. For information on show regulations or directions, contact Kathy Cobb 540-468-2942 or e-mail ducknc2003@yahoo.com
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Extension Equine Specialist Hired
The equine extension position has been accepted by Celeste Crisman. Celeste is a former Extension agent in North Carolina. She has a BS in Animal Science and an MS in Animal Nutrition (equine emphasis) from Clemson. Most recently she has been employed in several pharmaceutical company positions. Her husband, Mark, is on the faculty in the Vet College (Dept of Large Animal Clinical Sciences). Celeste's office is in 380 Litton-Reaves, the phone number in that office is 231-9162, email: ccrisman@vt.edu Join all of us in welcoming Celeste to our Extension family.
(Mark L Wahlberg)
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Revised Equine Waiver Form
The "Equine Waiver" form for 4-H programming has been revised. This form can be found at the VCE Intranet in three locations:
Public 4-H webpage----Programs----Animal Science----Horse Programs
http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
Please use this form for all equine activities effective immediately.
(Barry A. Garst)
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4-H International Night
For my club, my community, my country and my world. Does your 4-H program reflect that "world" component? If not maybe you can get it started with a 4-H international night. A 4-H international night can help youth expand their understanding of the world and could encourage participation in 4-H activities such as Exchange programs.
Invite your 4-H clubs to join together for a night of learning and fun. Ask each club to select a country that they are interested in learning more about. Have the club members research information about that country, it's people, language, food, games, music, arts, etc. Have them create a table top display that will inform others. Have each club create a short skit to highlight something unique about that culture. Each club could bring food typical of that country for sharing with other clubs.
Perhaps you might invite a 4-H'er who has participated in the Japanese exchange program to share their experiences or invite a speaker from your community that has taken an interesting trip somewhere in the world. There are also wonderful videos available that promote the 4-H exchange program. For more information about 4-H world citizenship programs contact Joe Hunnings (hunnings@vt.edu).
(Joe Hunnings)
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4-H Tsunami Relief Fund
The 4-H Tsunami Relief Fund has been created at the request of numerous 4-H members, volunteers and leaders as a nationwide 4-H program appeal for volunteer monetary donations. The 4-H tsunami relief fund has been established through a combined effort of the 4-H International Programs Committee, the International 4-H Youth Exchange Association of the USA (IFYE), the IFYE Foundation and the National 4-H Council.
The fund will be managed by the National 4-H Council with 100 percent of all donations directed to relief efforts in an attempt to ease suffering, aid recovery and minimize displacement of those affected by the devastating tsunami in December 2004.
The funds will be designated to an international relief organization chosen by the youth of 4-H through an online poll at the interactive website, 4HUSA.ORG (www.4husa.org). The poll question is: "4-H donations for tsunami relief should be given to:"
Project Hope
Save the Children
UNICEF
Credit Card contributions may be made over the telephone by calling the National 4-H Council at 1-301-961-2817 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT. Clubs, volunteers, parents, agents, staff, etc. can send checks - written to "National 4-H Council (tsunami relief fund)" - directly to:
National 4-H Council
Attn: Tsunami Relief Fund
7100 Connecticut Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Contributions will be accepted through Monday, February 21, 2005. All funds collected will be distributed to the relief agency chosen by the youth of 4-H. Thank you for helping in this very important relief effort.
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
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CWF -Citizenship Washington Focus
Virginia 4-H members will participate in CWF July 10-16, 2005 at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase Maryland. CWF is an exciting educational event for senior 4-H members to learn more about government and our nation's capitol. Information and registration form can be found on the following website
http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/cwfapplication.pdf
(Jewel Hairston)
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Discovering 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 these opportunities may be just what you or your family needs to broaden your horizons in 2005.For more information go to the following websites www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/japanese.html and www.ifyeusa.org
(Dottie Nelson)
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2005 LifeSmarts Competition
LifeSmarts is a national event, styled as a college-bowl type competition testing consumer and financial management knowledge for high school students. Virginia teams of high school youth who score best online will be invited to participate in the face-to-face statewide competition on March 14, 2005 at Virginia Commonwealth University. The winning team will represent Virginia and that team and their coach will receive financial support to travel to the national competition in San Francisco, California, April 15 - 19, 2005. Contact chahoe@vt.edu for more information.
(Celia Hayhoe)
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Environmental Education and Natural Resources
GPS ADVENTURE 2005 - Workshop for adults and older teens
Holiday Lake 4-H Center, Appomattox, Virginia March 4-5, 2005
This Friday evening/all day Saturday workshop will cover a variety of Global Positioning System topics: GPS receiver operation, using topographic maps and magnetic compasses in concert with GPS, digital mapping, incorporating GPS in natural resource & agriculture field work, and exploring ways to use GPS in youth education. Participants will be using our Virginia 4-H GPS Navigation Education Kits and/or other advanced GPS equipment in both e-classroom sessions and during a variety of field exercises (culminating with GPS Search & Rescue of "Bubba" the lost hunter!). We'll also be field-testing recent innovations in GPS receiver technology such as acreage measurement and GPS/FRS radio capabilities. The workshop is sponsored by the Virginia 4-H Natural Resources & Environmental Education (NREE) Curriculum Committee. Chief instructors: Staci England & Mike Clifford. To register, complete & return "Registration & Data Sheet" by February 25th. For more information, contact: Mike Clifford, Senior Extension Agent Emeritus. Phone: 804.561.5411 E-mail: mjc4h@vt.edu Home office: 11131 Amelia Springs Road, Jetersville, VA 23083
(Jeffrey L. Kirwan, Ph.D.)
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4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) State Contest
The contest will be held Saturday, April 2, 2005 in Charlottesville, VA. The contest will begin at 10:00 am and end at approximately 5:00 pm. The contest is open to 4H members 9-19 years old. The contest is designed to be a competition of teams of 3 or 4 members each; however, individuals may still attend and compete in the individual parts of the contest which include wildlife foods ID, aerial photos interpretation and oral reasons, and on site wildlife management practices recommendations (WMP's). Registration fee is $5.00 per competitor and $5.00 per coach or adult (to cover the cost of lunch). Anyone interested in sending a team should send an email to Jennifer Mercer at jamercer@vt.edu. Registration forms and other contest details will be sent directly to the list of those pre-register via email. Any agent or volunteer who would like to attend the contest to learn more about the program is welcome to attend. However, you will need to pre-register via email and then confirm your attendance by completing the registration form and submitting $5.00 for lunch. WHEP manuals are available on CD or hard copy. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Jennifer Mercer at 540/245-5750 or jamercer@vt.edu.
(Jenny Mercer)
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Holiday Lake Forestry Camp
June 20-25, 2005
For youth age 13-16
$100 scholarships provided to successful candidates
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp is the premiere conservation education program for youth in Virginia. Extension Agents, 4-H volunteers, teachers, scout leaders and resource professionals are encouraged to nominate any number of students with an interest in the out-of-doors. Young people will spend a week of intensive training in natural resources management, taught by career foresters and natural resources professionals. The Virginia Department of Forestry sponsors Holiday Lake Forestry Camp, in cooperation with 4-H. An announcement and nomination form is attached to this newsletter. Applications are due April 22. More information: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/coned/hol-lake-camp.shtml
(Jeff Kirwan)
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2005 VCE Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) Flagship Award
Applications are now being accepted for the Virginia 2005 Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) Flagship Award. A Flagship program is a highly successful program that is unique; has portability to other counties, states, regions; addresses a natural resources program area (eg. water quality, soil conservation, forestry, land conservation, fisheries and wildlife, youth environmental education, etc.); has demonstrated impacts; and involves stakeholders. Do you have a program that you are especially proud of that may qualify?
To apply, simply send an attached WORD file to Jim Johnson at jej@vt.edu. The file should contain a brief description of your program, followed by sections that describe (a) relevance of the project, (b) accomplishments to date, (c) stakeholder involvement, and (d) approximate annual funding used to support the program. Applications should be about two pages in length. Applications should be received by February 15, 2005. Applications will be reviewed by a five person team consisting of three folks from within VCE and two external partners.
The award winner will receive a plaque at a suitable upcoming function. Additionally, we will try to leverage support for the winner to attend the 2006 Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) conference to be held in Park City, Utah. Past winners of this award have received support to attend ANREP conferences in Lake Tahoe, California; Naples, Florida; and Wheeling, West Virginia.
Past Virginia award winners include:
- Marc Aveni -- The Water Wise Gardener (1998)
- Gary Larrowe -- The Carter Pines Heritage Development Project (1999)
- Dylan Jenkins -- The Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program (2000)
- Suzan Craik and Richard Nunnally -- GRASSROOTS - Residential Water Quality/Lawn Care Program (2001)
- Charles Lytton -- 4H American Chestnut Restoration Project (2002)
- Brian Benham and TMDL Team -- TMDL Development and Education Program (2004)
This award is sponsored by the VCE Natural Resources Program Leadership Team chaired by Jim Johnson. Other Team members include Michelle Adcock, Eric Bendfeldt, Brian Bond, Barry Fox, Daniel Goerlich, Jeff Kirwan, Jim Parkhurst, Jim Riddell, Bob Shaffer, Jim Willis, and Carl Zipper.
(Jim Johnson
Associate Dean -- Outreach and Professor of Forestry , College of Natural Resources )
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Remarkable Tree Search
I have been asked to co-author a book illustrating Virginia's Finest Trees. In order to find these trees, I am asking you- my Extension family- to undertake a Remarkable Tree Search in your county and/or community. Although this is ideally suited to 4-H and youth groups, anyone is welcome to nominate a tree or organize a search. We are looking for trees that are remarkable for their beauty, size, historic significance, importance to the community, or for any other reason known to the nominator. We intend to include all nominated trees and the name of the nominator on a Remarkable Tree Website, and to select a smaller number of trees to photograph for the book. The purpose is to increase awareness of the value of trees in our communities, and to recognize youth for their service.
A "Remarkable Tree Nomination Form" and "Guidelines for Organizing a Search" can be found at http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/ Once a nomination is received, it will be reviewed for accuracy and placed in the on-line database. This way everyone involved will be able to track the progress of the state-wide search on-line.
The deadline for nominating trees is Dec. 31, 2006.
Send questions and suggestions for improving the search to me jkirwan@vt.edu .
(Jeffrey L. Kirwan, Ph.D.)
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4-H Shooting Education
The 2005 4-H Shooting Education Calendar of Events is now complete. Please share with your 4-H shooting education club members, leaders and instructors. A copy of this calendar and additional information about the events listed below will be posted on the 4-H Shooting Education website - www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/shootinged
- Instructor Certification Weekend
The first Instructor Certification for 2005 will be held February 25th - 27th at Airfield 4-H Center. Adult volunteers and teens ages 16 and up can be certified in archery, coordinator, muzzleloading, pistol, reloading, rifle, shotgun or advanced shotgun. For additional information, go to the website or contact Andrea Carson - acarson@vt.edu - at the Airfield 4-H Center.
The 2005 Virginia 4-H BB Gun and Air Rifle Match is set for Saturday, March 19th at Holiday Lake 4-H Center. Top teams will qualify to compete in the International BB Gun Championship Match in Kentucky in July.
Two camps are again planned for this summer. The first camp (for youth ages 9 to 12) will be held at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in June. The second camp (for youth ages 12 - 16) will be held at Holiday Lake 4-H Center in August. Regis-tration information will be available at a later date.
The date for the 2005 State 4-H Shoot has been set for the weekend of September 17th & 18th at Holiday Lake 4-H Center but details have not been finalized. If you have members, volunteers, or instructors who would like to share their thoughts and ideas in regards to the State 4-H Shoot, please encourage them to attend the VA 4-H Shooting Education Council meeting in January!
- Additional Instructor Certifications
Only one other Instructor Certification Weekend is on the calendar for October at Holiday Lake
4-H Center, but if you and/or your volunteers would like to host an additional Instructor Certification in your area, please e-mail me at jbaney@vt.edu
( Jinx Baney)
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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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CC! Introduces New School Based Program
Foundations for Life is a maxim-based essay program that helps prepare students for crucial tests, improves their reasoning and writing skills, and inspires them to reflect upon, express, and commit to profound and enduring truths that will guide them in making ethical and effective choices throughout life.
Why is the program called Foundations for Life? The Foundations for Life are the core values by which we live. They guide us in our decisions. They make us who we are and define our character. These values can include the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
CC! encourages all schools and organizations to hold local contests and to participate at the national level, but these contests are optional. Schools are free to use the FFL materials and ideas in their classroom as they see fit. While a contest with prizes can serve as a powerful motivating factor, some teachers may wish to simply assign the essay as practice in the writing process or preparation for the SAT, or to discuss quotations as a critical thinking exercise.
The 2005 National FFL Contest entries are due by March 15, 2005. The national office will communicate results by May 1 in order to accommodate end-of-year scheduling for events such as graduation.
Visit the following link to learn more: www.ffl-essays.org. At the site you can download the free materials or contact CC! to have them mailed to you. Consider informing schools in your area of this new opportunity.
(Joe Hunnings)
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You're Better Than That - a CC! Story by Michael Josephson
Todd was an angry nine-year-old being raised by his mom after his dad abandoned the family. Not knowing how to handle his anger, she sent him for the summer to live with his grandparents on a farm.
When Todd screamed at his grandmother, his granddad immediately pulled him outside where he showed him a two-by-four, a box of two-inch nails and a big hammer. He told Todd that every time he lost his temper he would be sent outside and that he couldn't return until he pounded a big two-inch nail all the way into the two-by-four.
After about a dozen trips to the "nail shed" Todd began to control his temper more and pound less. After a solid week of self-control he proudly announced that he had learned his lesson.
His grandma said, "Not yet," and she took him to the shed. She told him to pull out all the nails he had pounded in. After two hours Todd told his grandma he was finished.
She smiled and put her arm around him as they surveyed the bent nails and the holes in the two-by-four. Then she said: "Your temper may have helped you pound in those nails but it didn't change anything, did it? Pulling out the nails didn't do much good either. It's like saying you're sorry. Sorry doesn't fix the holes."
"Here's the thing, Todd. Anger makes holes that sorry can't fix. You can't do much about old holes, but you can stop making new ones. Remember, every time you do something mean and nasty you're putting a hole somewhere, in someone. That's what your dad did to you. Please don't do that to anyone else. You are better than that." Taken from the Commentaries of Michael Josephson (commentary@jiethics.org)
(Joe Hunnings)
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Virginia Council of Farmer Cooperatives Leadership Conference
Virginia Council of Farmer Cooperatives Leadership Conference at Graves Mountain Lodge will take place on April 1-3, 2005. This conference is designed for youth between the ages of 16-19. Cooperatives from across the state provide scholarships for the youth to attend. This is a great opportunity for our Senior 4-H members to attend another leadership conference focused on cooperative businesses. The registration deadline is March 15, 2005. Please read the
attached letter for more information.
I have participated for the last two years and attended the national event as one of the adults and found the weekend terrific for the kids. The weekend program was educational and yet blended fun and the beauty of the mountains at Graves Mountain. Should you have any questions about the weekend, registration or logistics, please feel free to call me (757) 294-5215 or the coordinator of the weekend, Mr. Hugh Harris at (804) 281-1452 or email hugh.harris@sscoop.com
(Billie Jean Elmer)
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Health and Nutrition from the Garden
Educational efforts are needed to address the overwhelming body of evidence that suggests childhood obesity is the next epidemic in the United States, leading to skyrocketing health care costs, preventable health problems, and unnecessary deaths. JMG Health and Nutrition from the Garden is one curriculum that might be used to address educational needs to aid in prevention of childhood obesity. Research suggests that making fruits and vegetables more available may enhance preferences, and thus consumption (Domel, et al 1993). There is no better convenience of availability for fruits and vegetables than directly from the garden. Results from the 1995 California Children's 5-A-Day Power Play evaluation study found that participants who responded positively to the question, "have you ever worked in a garden to grow fruits & vegetables?" reported consuming more servings of fruits & vegetables than those who had not gardened, 4.8 versus 3.9 for teens and 3.6 versus 2.8 for children (Sugerman et al, 2003; McCullum, 2004). Another benefit of using gardening to increase availability of fruits and vegetables is that they provide a relatively inexpensive source of fruits and vegetables (Twiss et al, 2003).
Copies of the JMG curriculum, "Health and Nutrition from the Garden" can be ordered from http://jmgkids.com/ For information on how to start a JMG club contact Joe Hunnings.
(Joe Hunnings)
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America in Bloom Competition
Revitalizing communities of all sizes from coast to coast -- America In Bloom (AIB) is organizing its fourth national beautification competition. AIB is a campaign and contest that promotes enhancing communities through beautification. How can your 4-H club or JMG group get involved? The first step would be to have a local community sign up for the 2005 contest. JMG'ers could do projects that support the efforts of the local community in the contest and play a role in greeting the AIB judges who visit their community and appraise their efforts. Perhaps a representative would also attend the national awards symposium as part of the delegation to represent the city.
Each year, the Junior Master Gardeners could plant AIB in more communities and show the grownup Master Gardeners how it's done! That would be cool. But the first step is going to city hall and getting the communities in the contest. The AIB website has the 10 steps for getting involved --- www.americainbloom.org.
(Joe Hunnings)
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4-H Project Explore: Discovering The Earth's Secrets
The Airfield 4-H Center in Wakefield, Virginia, will be hosting an earth science adventure weekend on March 25-26, 2005, for youth ages 9 to 13. Included in the two-day experience will be such activities as model rocket constructing and launching, an astronomy seminar and stargazing with telescopes, and workshops on zoology, botany, chemistry, and paleontology and guest facilitators presenting earth science topics.
This event will be a rewarding, hands-on experience for youth interested in science activities. Participants may register at a cost of $70.00 which includes all activities planned for both Friday and Saturday, March 25-26, 2005. All interested individuals should contact Airfield 4-H Center at (757) 899-4901 to request registration information. The registration deadline for participants is March 18, 2005. (See attached flyer/registration)
(Andrea Carson)
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Virginia 4-H Foundation Local Units and Clubs 2005 Mini-Grant Program
Request for Application Due Date: May 7, 2005
Greetings from the Virginia 4H Foundation!!! Attached please find an application for 4H minigrants which are due by May 7, 2005. This year we will be awarding 60 minigrants to 4H clubs and units...please do not submit more than two from your unit as we will try to distribute them equally around the state....many thanks for all you do for 4H !!!! Also, if you have not submitted your evaluation form for the last year please do so.
(Cindy Barnett)
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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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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)
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Websites
Clover Corner News.. Items of interest from the National 4-H level
National 4-H Website -State website plus other important information about 4-H
News of 4-H from across America
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