The Virginia 4-H Information Letter is produced monthly to disseminate important 4-H information. This is the on-line version.
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
The New Year of 2006 is upon us and my hope is that you have good health, time to spend with those who mean much to you, and success in the months to come. What a privilege to be alive at this time. We have so much for which to be thankful, including the opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
With the recent disasters that hit our sister states in the Gulf Coast area, we have been blessed that we have not had such catastrophic events in our Commonwealth. The grand total collected for Louisiana with the Clover Change Campaign is $1,605.90. Our 4-H Foundation will be sending a check to the Louisiana 4-H program in the near future. The money, along with that collected from the other 48 states, will directly benefit 4-H members and families. Several other 4-H clubs and counties throughout the Commonwealth have already sent monies to the disaster areas. Thanks for all you have done to help.
Our 4-H Specialist at Virginia State University, Dr. Jewel Hairston, was the successful candidate for the Southeast District Program Leader position, and began her new role on December 10, 2005. Thus, the 4-H Specialist position is vacant. Even though she will be a great asset to VCE in her new role, we will miss her greatly in the ranks of 4-H. Please wish her well in her new position. Hopefully, we will have a replacement for this position sometime this spring.
Details will be forthcoming on several upcoming 4-H events; however, here are some important dates for your information: Master 4-H Training, Skelton 4-H Center, March 21-24; Spring Conference of VAA4-HVL, Holiday Inn in Bristol, VA, March 18-19; New 4-H Agents Training, Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, April 18-21; State 4-H Congress, Virginia Tech, June 26-29; State 4-H Intermediate Congress, Virginia State University, July 26-28; Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum (SRLF) Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Georgia, October 5-8. Be sure to mark these important dates on your calendar.
The New Year marks the 100th anniversary of several significant events in the history of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Among these include the first African American agent employed in Virginia (and 2nd in the nation only by a few days with an earlier employment of T.M. Campbell in Texas) of John Baptist (J.B.) Pierce at Hampton Institute (our first 1890 land greant institution); the employment of Thomas O. (T.O.) Sandy at Virginia Tech, the first agricultural agent to work with white farmers, and known as the Father of Demonstration work in Virginia. More information will be forthcoming on other important events.
Best wishes for the New Year. I look forward to working with you as we make the best better for 4-H youth of our great state. Remember that 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
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Join us for 4-H Day with The Virginia Tech's Women's Basketball Team set for February 26, 2006. Please encourage your 4-H members and families to attend. Children under 18 at this event are free. Feel free to contact me with any questions kapatter@vt.edu . (Katie Lafon)
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Applications are due by March 15. There are many outstanding 4-H Extension Agents and Technicians and 4-H volunteers in our state. Take time to nominate them for state recognition. Go to the 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/volunteers.html Click on Award Applications to learn more about the awards and to retrieve the application forms.
Awards include
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An opportunity for high school students to experience many aspects of college life at Virginia Tech before moving away from home for the first time. We strive to provide youth with an opportunity to experience the atmosphere and academic choices that college life offers. Students will sit in on college classes, tour camps and town, learn what extra-curricular opportunities are available, and speak with current college students about their experiences. March 23-25, 2006 Cost $60. Lodging provided by Va Tech Collegiate 4-H members in dorm rooms and apartments. For more information and registration, click on Collegiate Host weekend from this website... http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/events/ Send Questions/comments to kapatter@vt.edu. (Kathleen Jamison)
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JUNE 26-29, 2006 COMPETITION DAY - June 27 Logon to the Congress website to review previous year's event and to keep current with plans for this year. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/congress/ (Joe Hunnings, Coordinator) (Katie Lafon, Event Planning))
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November 24-28, 2006 -- Atlanta Georgia
National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. For eighty years, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. The Congress provides youth, ages 14-19, a quality, educational, and cross-cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent, and caring citizens.
The program is built upon the Cooperative Extension System's belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation especially those affecting youth. Each year a National Design Team of Extension educators, 4-H youth, and 4-H adult volunteers analyze current youth issues and determine the most effective ways to address them. The program combines plenary sessions, seminars, discussion groups, and a service learning experience. The nation's most outstanding community leaders, speakers, and educators present the most current and timely information available.
The event begins each year on the day after Thanksgiving and lasts 5 exciting days in Atlanta. Tours, workshops, dances and meeting new friends from all over the United States fill out the week. (Cost is minimal to 4-H members. Transportation is provided at no cost) For more information on National 4-H Congress go to --http://www.national4-hcongress.com/
Encourage your outstanding senior 4-H members to apply by submitting resumes which highlight their development through 4-H experiences. Project work, leadership, service work and school and community experiences should all be included in a resume which delegates submit by APRIL 15, 2006. ( Katie Patterson)
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Attached is the registration form for upcoming training opportunities scheduled for the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/smithmt/directions.html. REMINDER: All new faculty, staff, and 4-H volunteers who are responsible for directing a Virginia 4-H camp are required to attend and complete the Master 4-H Camp Director Course. Agents who register for Dr. Bob Ditter's workshops are encouraged to bring volunteers. Please contact me if you have questions. The registration deadline is February 14.
Master 4-H Camp Director Course
The registration form and schedule-at-a-glance for the Master 4-H Camp Director Course are now available on the intranet.
Master 4-H Camp Director Training Course (February 21-24, 2006) Camping is widely recognized as a valuable method for teaching youth life skills, and 4-H camping is a primary delivery mode for 4-H programming in Virginia. The Virginia 4-H camping program, which is one of the largest in the nation, has served as a model for numerous states. This tract will help participants to develop the competencies needed to serve in a primary leadership role with 4-H Center and unit-based 4-H camps. The primary topics will include: an overview of 4-H camping, providing positive youth development through 4-H camping, 4-H camp program planning, implementation, and evaluation, budgeting for 4-H camp, 4-H camp volunteer management, 4-H camp promotion, "planning for the best and worst" at 4-H camp, and 4-H camp awards and recognition. In addition, participants will design and present their own 4-H day or resident camp and receive group feedback. Small and large group discussions will be coupled with lectures and activities to help participants to develop a 4-H camp "tool-box" of 4-H camping ideas and strategies. A complete notebook of training materials and the Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook will be provided.
Dr. Bob Ditter's Communication and Youth Behavior Management Workshops (Thursday, February 23, 2006) ("Can You Hear Me Now? Partnering with Parents for Better Outcomes" (1:00-2:30 PM); "What's Your Next Move with Campers?" (3:00-4:30 PM) "Bob Ditter is the most widely recognized consultant to the camping community and is renowned for his expertise in the field of child and adolescent development. As a former director of a day camp for emotionally disturbed children, he knows that camp directors are continuously challenged to deal with psychological issues that affect their campers, parents and staff." For more information about Dr. Bob Ditter, please visit: http://bobditter.com/about/ THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES LUNCH. (Barry Garst)
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Date: March 18-19, 2006 --- Location: Holiday Inn in Bristol, VA. An exciting program with lots of good workshops is being planned by volunteers in Southwest. The room rate is $60.00. You will need to secure a room reservation prior to Friday, March 3rd to receive the $60.00 rate. (Phone: (276) 466-4100 ) If you have had previous difficulty obtaining a room, please call again to make your reservation. We look forward to seeing you. For information and registration -- go to http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/volunteers.html#meet (Michelle Adcock, SW District Liaison)
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Date: May 17-19, 2006 Pre-conference: May 16, 2006 Location: Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Georgia Conference details: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/cyfar/announcement.html (Bob Meadows)
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Virginia will arrange for bus transportation to and from Rock Eagle again this year, if we have enough people wanting to ride. Our goal is to have 16 from each district representing Virginia at the 2006 SRLF event. Be sure to make plans to attend this event--mark your calendars now. More information on programs and registration will be included in future information letters.
The State of Tennessee will serve as host for the 2006 Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, near Eatonton, Georgia. The dates and themes are set and Tennessee is requesting that we begin promoting the forum dates and theme with volunteers and staff. The details are as follows:
2006 Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum
Theme: "4-H: Sounds Good to Me"
Dates: Thursday-Sunday, October 5-8, 2006
Location: Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton, Georgia
Tennessee is excited to have Kentucky 4-H to serve as the vice-chair state of the 2006 forum. As vice-chair, Kentucky will be in charge of the workshop and funshop selection process. Please look for information in the near future regarding educational sessions. (Robert Ray Meadows)
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension will be hosting a national Family Strengths Satellite Training via satellite on Thursday, April 20, 2006 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. CST. The goal of the training is to help those who work with families better understand family strengths perspective and gain hands-on tools that will help them increase these strengths in families. The program is built on the Family Strengths Research Model developed by John DeFrain and Nick Stinnett. The satellite will also debut Family Treasures, a book of best-practices for building family strengths. More information can be found on the UNL For Families website: http://unlforfamilies.unl.edu/ or contact, Kathleen Lodl at klodl@unl.edu. (Kathleen Jamison)
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Registration for the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University's 2006 annual conference, Enhancing Summer Learning in All Settings, is now available! Online registration may be accessed at http://www.summerlearning.org/events/conferenceRegister.html.
The conference is being held March 22-24, 2006 at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Registration is $350. Also, be sure to check out our half-day intensive training institute on exploring the components of effective summer programs. Registration for the institute is an additional $150; space is limited, so register early!
For more information and to see a list of our concurrent sessions and presenters, visit http://www.summerlearning.org/events/index.html. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (410) 516-7436 or ewheeler@jhu.edu. We are looking forward to an exciting and energizing conference! Emily Wheeler Development & Special Events Administrator, Center for Summer Learning . ewheeler@jhu.edu (Kathleen Jamison)
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Family camp, an annual event at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox, Virginia, will be held June 5 - 9, 2006. Family camp offers the chance for family members to bond with each other while at the same time experiencing their own level of independence in a safe environment. Participants (youth and adults) take three classes a day, one of which is specifically designated as a family activity. Classes offered include swimming, theatre arts, nature, canoeing, forestry, archery, and more. Afternoons and evenings are filled with special activities such as hikes, canoe trips, and campfires.
Family camp offers a variety of activities for all ages. Lodging is separated by family, with one family in each rustic cabin or bunkhouse room. Space is limited to 25 families. Registration is now underway and will continue until March 31. To receive registration information, please call your local Extension Office or contact Jennifer Bowen at (434) 392-4246 or Nate Mahanes at Holiday Lake 4-H Center at (434) 248-5444.
Family Camp, like all Virginia Cooperative Extension programs, is offered to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in Family Camp, please contact the camp office no later than two weeks prior to the date assistance is needed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 434-248-5444. For more information and registration click on http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/holiday/programs.html then click on "Family Camp" (Jennifer Bowen)
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This guide helps teens and adults work together to first learn and then teach others how to raise funds and become stewards of their organizations. It helps you figure out what your local needs are, design and implement fundraising ideas to meet those needs and decide how best to use the funds you raise. This guide helps you not only learn and teach about fundraising and philanthropy, it also helps you develop and teach life skills and leadership qualities. For more information email jamisonk@vt.edu (Kathleen Jamison)
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Check out the "Destination Success: Making Youth Organizations Work" brochure and pilot layout at the CCS website. Go to http://www.n4hccs.org click on 2006 products; scroll the matrix down to "Making Youth Organizations Work"; browse to decide if you are interested in the opportunity to pilot. If interested, make direct contact with the pilot coordinator for directions and commitments: heitstuman@wsu.edu
While at the website, look over the newly added information on other new products, some of which were offered as workshops in the 4-H Curriculum Teaser Tract at Inservice. If you decide to order materials from 4HCCS, remember to do it between April 1st and May 1st for 35% discount as a state member. You can order directly from your unit and still receive the discount. I'll send more information on the specials offered that month as they arrive. ( Katleen Jamison)
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This highly engaging, flexible (1-4 class periods), inquiry-based curriculum module was developed by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill as well as teachers and other educational consultants. Materials and lessons are adapted for use in a middle school science classroom, aligned with the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and are based on current research relevant to a life-science curriculum. All kits are FREE and include guided teacher instructions for implementation, data tables and background materials, a video with guided lab instruction and background on FAS, a CD-ROM with all hardcopy materials and a post-assessment game, color transparencies, brochures, and ordering information for an accompanying hands-on experiment involving varying concentration levels of ethanol and the growth and development of brine shrimp. All components are available for current download, and will soon be made available for shipment through Carolina Biological Supply Company. The complete curriculum can be accessed at http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Science/curriculum.html (This curriculum has been approved for after school use).. (Kathleen Jamison)
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Bullying. Peer pressure. Risky behaviors. New Take And Teach Resources from the University of Minnesota Extension Service are now available which will help professionals and volunteers who work with parents and caregivers of teens on these issues.
All the materials needed to facilitate a parent group or parent/teen group is on one CD. University of Minnesota Extension Family Relations staff have put together a lesson guide and background for each topic. Also included are parent handouts and activities, resource list, suggestions for group facilitation and presentation materials for small groups both and a more formal presentation for larger groups. Parent educators can facilitate this lesson, school, public health and human service staff, Extension educators and professionals and volunteers from faith and community based organizations.
To order on-line, go to http://www.parenting.umn.edu/ Order numbers and titles are:
Price is $25 per CD plus shipping, handling and tax. If you have questions or problems with ordering, call Extensions Distribution Center at 1 (800) 876-8636. (Kathleen Jamison)
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Materials are now available on line at http://www.dasc.vt.edu/youth/bowlmat.html Dates for this years quiz bowl that best fit schedules and maximize participation will be announced as soon as possible. (Dave Winston)
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This two day event will be held at the Southwest 4-H Center in Abingdon, VA. Participants will learn the basics and the art of showing cattle. Participants will be in groups that reflect their age and showing experience. Bring your own animal to get it ready for showing. If you don't have an animal, you can still come and have opportunity to work on the animals that are there. Novice as well as experienced showmen are welcome. The intent is to prepare exhibitors to show their animals. $35.00 early bird registration before March 20. All registrations are due by March 29. For more information contact Kelly Thomas at kthomas1@vt.edu. (Kelly Thomas)
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Open to all 4-H and FFA members between the ages of 9-19 in the Piedmont Region. Location is the Southside Livestock Market, Blackstone, VA ... Saturday, May 20.. There are shows for Lambs, Hogs, and Steers & Heifers. For more information contact Lori Puryear at lpuryear@vt.edu.
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Each unit office recently received a packet of information provided by the Va Beef Industry Council with materials applicable to youth ages 5-19. Materials are especially useful for educating youth in the interrelations of beef, beef byproducts, nutrition, food safety, and the environment. If you need more information or did not receive a packet in your office, contact Steven Umberger sumberger@vabeef.org.
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4-H'ers participating the the Beef Ambassador competition at State 4-H Congress will be awarded a $50 post Congress scholarship. Packets with information about this project and competitions were mailed to each unit office recently. For more information contact Debbie Snead.. dsnead@vt.edu.
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Information, rules, hotels and registration form for the Block and Bridle Livestock, Meats, and Stockman's Contests is now posted on the web. We have been hard at work getting these contests in order and believe that we will be putting on three strong contests again this year. We hope to see everyone there! Once again, if anyone tries to access the site and cannot, please send me an email and I can send you either an email copy or hard copy. website: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/livestock/index.html
Once this site opens up, scroll down to Block and Bridle Contest and open that heading. Individual documents are available.
NOTE 1: Once you open a document you may have to reload from the web to actually get the 2006 item. If you have used this website in the recent past, the 2005 items may be cached and thus those will be appearing rather than the 2006. Again, open the document, if 2005 info appears, then click the reload button to get the 2006 - it is there. MLW
NOTE 2: The extension computer server is being relocated (unplugged and moved) beginning Feb 3 through as late as Feb 14. Consequently, during this time the above link will not work. This information has also been posted on the Department of APSC server, which will be up during this time period. You can access this alternate site at http://www.apsc.vt.edu/Extension/Extension.cfm (Mark Wahlberg)
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Attached are the guidelines, schedule and entry forms for the Block and Bridle Horse Judging Contest on March 25th! This 2006 information will be posted on the 4-H Horse website shortly. The deadline for entry is March 8th! (Celeste Crisman)
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This is an excellent opportunity for all Virginia youth to express their artistic talent! Please go to the VHC website to download an entry form and to read the rules. The postmark deadline for entries is March 31, 2006. Go to www.virginiahorsecouncil.org and click on VIRGINIA YOUTH
Entries will be judged in various age categories and awards will be presented at the annual Virginia Horse Council Legislative Trail Ride in May of 2006. (Award recipients will be notified of time and location of the ride by mid April). Please take advantage of this excellent opportunity! (Celeste C. Crisman)
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A great resource for horse owners, HorseQuest.info , was developed by the Southern Regional Equine Extension Specialists as a web based scientific informational resource for horse owners as a part of the e-extension initiative. It has now gone to a national program. Please visit the site and browse around - you can browse information in 'Frequently Asked Questions', you can pose a question not answered by the above to 'Ask the Experts' and there are self study modules available for your use. The web address is http://www.horsequest.info (Celeste Crisman)
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Here is an excellent opportunity for clubs in our state to get some great equine education. The Equine Event East is March 17-19 in Chantilly, Virginia. The event organizers would like for 4-H to help promote the event by posting flyers or posters in businesses throughout the state. In exchange for your advertising efforts, the Equine Event group will give discounted entry to the event or for those clubs that can't go, they will make a donation to the club for your efforts. All they would need from you is a list of locations where you have placed the literature.
For those clubs in Northern Virginia (closer to Chantilly), they will give 4-H booth space at no charge for promoting 4-H.. They also would like for a club to volunteer to help run the clinic ring, specifically setting up or moving a few jumps in the demonstration ring. This would require an adult leader to supervise the group. Again the clubs will be compensated for their efforts. If your club is interested please contact Cathette Plumer at cathette@aol.com for more details. (Celeste Crismon)
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Virginia and North Carolina are combining efforts to sponsor the first annual VA/NC 4-H Leaders Equine Conference to be held March 30 - April 2 at W.E. Skelton 4-H Center at Smith Mountain Lake. This conference will be equine specific and will appeal to adults interested in becoming volunteer youth leaders or expanding their opportunities within the 4-H equine program. The conference is open to adult volunteers, both new and veteran, extension agents and FFA advisors interested in learning techniques to train youth on horse related events and activities. The conference will feature educators from Virginia Tech and North Carolina State University 4-H programs speaking on youth/ equine related topics. The registration form and itinerary can be found on the horse website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/index.html (celeste crismon)
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The Virginia Beach Red Baron Riders 4-H Club is hosting a hippology contest at the Kempsville Recreation Center in Virginia Beach on Saturday, February 25 at 1 pm. There will be a small entry fee of $5.00. This contest is open to anyone in the State. For more information contact LDawley@vbgov.com (Lindsay W. Dawley)
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Augusta County will host this competition on March 11 at Cool Breeze Stables in Fort Defiance. Registration materials will be available mid February. Please advertise the date and location to your horse folks so they can get it on their calendars. (Jenny Mercer)
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The date for the 2006 State Horse Judging contest has been set! The contest will be held on Saturday, April 15th at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington. We will be utilizing the Coliseum for classes and hope to be able to stay on the grounds for reasons and awards! More information and forms will be coming out in Jan/Feb. Look forward to seeing everyone there and hope that we can increase the number of 4-H teams and individuals participating! (Celeste Crisman)
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The Virginia Horse Center erroneously listed on their schedule of events calendar- Virginia 4-H Horse Judging Contest as a judging clinic for mid January, late January, early and late February. This is a mistake on their part - THE ONLY EVENT SCHEDULED AT THE HORSE CENTER IS THE STATE 4-H/FFA HORSE JUDGING CONTEST ON APRIL 15TH. We will be holding this year's contest in conjunction with FFA again, and hopefully from here on out, as it makes much more sense to combine resources and efforts! I apologize for any confusion and the Horse Center has corrected the error on their calendar! (Celeste Crisman)
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The application form for 2006 District Qualifying Clinics is now posted on the 4-H Horse website under District Qualifying Clinics heading. Please read guidelines carefully and submit the applications to Jenny Mercer by February 24th.
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September 14 - 17, 2006 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia! (Celeste Crisman)
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Date: July 26-30, 2006 Location: Raleigh NC More information will be up on the website soon! (Celeste Crisman)
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To be held inRoanoke, Va in August. Please forward to those interested in trail riding. Visit the SETC website for more details. (Celeste Crisman)
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http://eqrepro.vetmed.vt.edu is a web address for a Stallion Auction that Dr. John Dascanio organizes to raise funds for equine reproductive research at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. This auction provides an excellent opportunity to purchase stallion services (often at a greatly reduced rate) and to further the advancement of reproductive research in horses. There are already many impressive stallions listed and they will still accept additional stallion service donations. Please take a moment to review the site. (Celeste C. Crisman)
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Once you go to the racing scholarship website, please click on the Scholarship tab at the top for details. When you click on recipients you can see that they are from all over the U.S. but none from VA! Seniors getting ready for college should utilize this resource!
"The Race for Education" is a non-profit organization that offers scholarships to students with equine backgrounds or pursuing degrees/careers in the equine industry. It is primarily funded through contributions from Thoroughbred horse owners, but is open students from or with any equine background. The deadline to apply for the scholarships (which may cover tuition for a four-year degree!) are due on FEBRUARY 28.
The website for more information is:http://www.racingscholarships.com
Please encourage your students to apply for these scholarships and please pass this information along to anyone who might be interested. (Celeste Crisman)
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The 2006 Calendar of Events is on the 4-H Horse Website. Please send me complete information on events that you wish to have published on the site. The format of the website will change based on feedback. We will still have the Calendar of Events that will list all activities by date; however the forms and results for those events will be on links from the main web page. For example, district shows will be under the main page heading of "District Shows- Qualifying and Open". Click on that heading and each show is listed with forms, information and results going with that show. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/index.html (Celeste Crisman)
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Go to http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/index.html (Celeste Crisman)
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Thank you letters from the St. Tammany Parish 4-Hers thanking everyone for the generosity shown to them through the Katrina raffle at the State Horse Show have been posted on the 4-H Horse website under Stories of Success. Please visit the website and read the thank you letters meant for you all! http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/index.html (Celeste Crisman)
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The listserve is intended to keep volunteers and agents up to date on events, policies, educational opportunities. Go to this website to subscribe. http://info.ag.vt.edu/vce/4hlists/index.cfm?list=horse
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It is that time of year again. Please mark your calendars for March 3 if you can volunteer at the Virginia LifeSmarts competition in Richmond. In addition to content judges, we need timekeepers, scorekeepers, question readers, room monitors, runners, and registration help. I have attached this year's flyer with more information. We need the most help in the morning if you can't stay all day. If you are thinking about coaching a team next year, this is a great way to learn what the competition is all about. Please email me directly chayhoe@vt.edu if you are interested in helping. (Celia Ray Hayho)
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Youth Service America is providing mini grants for youth entrepreneurship (http://www.ysa.org/awards/award_grant.cfm#nowavailable. (Celia Hayhoe)
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You may find this manual of ice breakers interesting. Although aimed at students they will work for all age groups. http://www.nyib.org/source/icebreaker.asp (Celia Ray Hayhoe)
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CWF is a exciting educational fun event held in our Nation's Capitol for senior 4-H members. The week includes tours to the monuments, to the Smithsonian, to Capitol Hill, and more; workshops dealing with legislative process, government issues, etc; evening at the dinner theater; visiting legislators; meeting 4-H'ers from across the country; games and social events; and much more. Housing is at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase Maryland.
Virginia has been given 10 slots and partial scholarships. The cost for this program is $525. Some counties have Rotary, Ruritan Clubs or Civitan Clubs that are anxious to help sponsor delegates. The application process will be on a first come-first serve basis. The application deadline is March 31, 2006. Please encourage your teens to apply.
This program is also looking for a female and male chaperone. Contact me if you are interested.
Go to http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/events/ and click on Citizenship Washington Focus to learn more about the program and to get a registration form. For more information contact kapatter@vt.edu (Katie Lafon)
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Beginning the summer of 2006, American delegates will have the opportunity to spend one month in Finland through the 4-H Finland Program. This exchange is with the Finnish 4-H Federation and involves a month-long home-stay with a Finland 4-H family! (Joseph R. Hunning)
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IFYE Representative: Participants between the ages of 19-30 can experience life in another country first-hand by living with host families from 3 to 6 months.
IFYE Ambassador: For youth between the ages of 15-24, this program features a summer abroad.
Japanese Exchange: Youth between the ages of 13-18 will spend a month in Japan, departing Virginia in mid-July.
Hosting: Unable to travel at this time or past the age range? Then you can still participate by letting the world come to you. Host families are needed for periods of two to four weeks.
High School Exchange: There is also a high exchange for hosting delegates for the school year from Japan and former Soviet republics such as Azerbaijan, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Kazahkstan, Turjikistan, Ukraine, etc.
The deadline to apply as an outbound Representative or Ambassador is January 15 and for Japan is February 15. Host family applications are due by April 1. For more information, contact your unit Cooperative Extension Office or State Coordinator Dottie Nelson, P.O. Box 144, Bland, VA 24315, work 800-752-0673 or home 276-688-4028, or email dottieifye@yahoo.com. (Dottie Nelson)
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Consider a 4-H international experience this year! Information about hosting an international delegate for a month this summer will be shared at a later date.
This year's program dates are:
4 - Week Outbound Program to Japan - July 12 to August 10
7 - Week Nihongo Language Outbound Program to Japan - June 15 to August 10
4-H members planning to travel to Japan must complete and return all forms and $150 deposit by February 20. Send to Judy Ann Fray, PO Box 263, Madison VA 22727
Total cost of the 4-week exchange is $3040. The cost of the 7-week, Nihongo Language Program is $3865. The balance of the payment, minus any scholarship credit, will be due April 15, along with a copy of your passport. If you wish to apply for the Outbound Program, please contact Judy Ann for the forms today or go to http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/japanese.html to download them. If you have questions about any component of the program, please call Judy Ann at 1-866-948-4220 or email her at jafray@ns.gemlink.com today! (Joseph R. Hunnings)
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National 4-H Council needs winning photos from state and county fairs (2001 - 2006) to create the 2008 4-H Calendar. Thirteen photographs will be selected. These original photographs will be gallery mounted and framed and a brass plate engraved with the title and photographer's name will be attached. The winning photos will be on display at the National 4-H Conference Center from September 2006 through November 2006 and also posted on our web site www.4-hmall.org. A PDF version of the contest entry form can be found at http://www.4-hmall.org/4H_Mall/PhotoContest2008.asp The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2006.
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Register now for the Global Kids' Digital Media Initiative's Digital Media Essay Contest, supported by the MacArthur Foundation. The essays, based on personal experiences, will be 2-4 double-spaced typed pages. Youth can write about any aspect of digital media in their lives following standard guidelines. For more information, http://www.globalkids.org/olp/dmec/. Applications will be accepted through early March
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Please note the following Virginia 4-H Policy for 4-H Outdoor Adventure Leaders (passed by Leadership Council):
(Chris Smith)
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ESRI announces two grant options for the ESRI GIS Grant Program, designed for 4-H in cooperation with National 4-H Headquarters, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)/U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support its geospatial outreach, education, and community involvement efforts. The goal of this program is to foster and support the integration of geographic information system (GIS) software in 4-H clubs across America.
Grant categories include an introductory grant for 4-H clubs new to GIS and global positioning systems (GPS) and an intermediate grant for those 4-H clubs that received previous ESRI 4-H grants and completed the grant requirements.
Eligible Applicants: Any 4-H community or in-school clubs, 4-H Afterschool programs, 4-H special interest groups, 4-H school enrichment groups, 4-H camps, or similar 4-H units across America that meet regularly and is recognized as an authorized 4-H group within its state's 4-H program. Application Period: January 1-March 31, 2006 Go to http://www.esri.com/grants/esri/education.html (Jeff Kirwan)
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Workshop for adults and older teens
March 3-4, 2006 Holiday Lake 4-H Center
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 Virginia 4-H Natural Resources & Environmental Education (NREE) Curriculum Committee sponsors the workshop. Instructors: Dick Higgins, Staci England & Mike Clifford. The $44.00 fee covers registration, meals, lodging, and instructional materials.
For details and registration info, go to: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/gpsgis.html . Or contact Mike Clifford at: E-mail: mjc4h@vt.edu Phone: 804.561.5411 Home office: 11131 Amelia Springs Road, Jetersville, VA 23083 (Please share this information with volunteers. Thanks to 4-H volunteer and Extension Agent, emeritus, Mike Clifford for continuing to offer this excellent program! (Jeff Kirwan))
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Airfield 4-H Center February 25-26, 2006. For more information --http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/shootinged/instructor-factsheet.pdf (Andrea Carson)
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The Airfield 4-H Center near Wakefield, Virginia, will be hosting a 4-H/NRA Youth Shooting Sports Camp July 24-28, 2006. This special event is designed for youth ages 9-16. Scheduled events include archery, rifle, or shotgun instruction with 4-H, VDGIF, NRA, and/or NAA certified instructors, shooting safety education, an overview of shooting fundamentals and theory, marksmanship instruction, and a competitive shoot. Plus, afternoon and evening programs will include wildlife identification, orienteering, water olympics, campfires, swimming, canoeing, cross training, hiking, and fishing.
This weekend event will be a rewarding experience for all participants. The cost for the camp is $190 per participant, which includes meals, lodging, supplies, 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 July 10, 2006. 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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This premiere natural resources education experience for Virginia youth, ages 13 - 16, will be held June 19-24, 2006 in the 20,000 acre Buckingham/Appomattox State Forest. Selected campers receive a scholarship worth $200. For more information and a nomination form please see http://www.dof.virginia.gov/edu/camp.shtml.
Please consider nominating one or more youth to attend the camp. Many counties/cities were underrepresented last year, particularly the urban counties. This camp will appeal to any youth interested in the out of doors, regardless of where they live. Keep in mind the simple act of offering to nominate a young person will build his/her self-esteem.!
Nomination forms are available on the VDOF website www.dof.virginia.gov/edu/camp.shtml Nominations are due April 21, 2006. Campers will be notified of selection by May 12. Contact Ellen Powell at 434-220-9083 or ellen.powell@dof.virginia.gov (Jeffery Kirwan)
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Arbor Day in Virginia is celebrated the second Friday in April, Please note: Seedlings are provided through a cooperative arrangement with the Virginia Department of Forestry, and with funding from the US Forest Service and Neff Lumber Co., Harrisonburg, VA. Let me know if you need more information. jkirwan@vt.edu (Jeffrey L. Kirwan,)
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The 2006 state 4-H Forestry Judging Contest (seniors only) will be held in conjunction with the state FFA Forestry Judging Contest, April 28-29, 2006, in Southampton County. (Jeffrey L. Kirwan)
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The Virginia 4-H NREE grant provides up to $1,500 for projects that enhance wildlife habitat and understandings among Virginia youth. Last year, everyone who applied received at least partial funding! Applications were sent last week via e-mail from Barry Fox to 4-H Extension Agents. Let me know if you need a copy and I will e-mail it to you. Jkirwan@vt.edu (Jeff Kirwan)
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Another grant opportunity. Check it out at http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/index.html (Jeffrey L. Kirwan,)
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The Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps is a summer experience for youth aged 14 to 17. Under the guidance of adult leaders serving as mentors, role models, technical trainers and supervisors, crews of from ten to twelve members carry out a wide variety of conservation activities at our beautiful Virginia state parks.
Participants learn about the environment through fieldwork and service projects. They also learn teamwork, leadership and resource evaluation and build organizational and decision-making skills. Projects include restoration and preservation of wetlands, stream banks and other wildlife habitat, including that of endangered species; water quality testing, removal of non-native invasive plants, landscaping, mapping, surveying, and recycling.
Youth participants receive a program completion payment of $500.
For more information Gaston Rouse, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Wodbridge, VA. 22191-4504; Ph: (703) 670-0024; Email: vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov (Joseph R. Hunnings)
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Airfield 4-H Center, March 10-11, 2006 -- The 4-H Leadership Retreat is designed for 14-18 year olds, both 4-H'ers and non-4-H'ers, to learn more about being an effective leader. Participation in this event will be beneficial not only for 4-H club members, but also members of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, and those holding leadership positions in school offices. Teens will participate in exciting workshops that will further their skills as leaders of school, club, or social organizations. Participants will gain a full understanding of the roles and responsibilities of officers in an organization, how to effectively lead a meeting using proper parliamentary procedure, and also how to be a better communicator, team player, and citizen in their community, school, and/or club. More information and registration can be found at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/airfield/leadershipretreat.pdf (Sylvia Brooks)
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The Virginia Council of Farmer Cooperatives Leadership Conference at Graves Mountain Lodge will be held April 7-9, 2006. 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 27, 2006. Please read the attached letter for more information.
I have participated for the last four 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. Many of the cooperatives in Virginia have already made a financial commitment to this event and are waiting to be approached to sponsor an interested youth. 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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Shenandoah National Park is pleased to announce the release of a new curriculum supplement for elementary school teachers in Virginia. Good Character, Good Stewards: Caring for the World Around Us is designed to help teachers integrate character education with science, math, history, and English. This exciting new teaching resource can be found at http://www.nps.gov/shen/edcurric/ed_curric.htm (Glenda M. Snyder)
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In 2007, Virginia will mark the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The 18-month-long commemoration begins in May 2006 and will feature educational programs, cultural events, fairs, and various live and broadcast entertainment sponsored by Virginia and cities and towns across the commonwealth. See the America's 400th Anniversary website at www.americasanniversary.com for information about this salute to America's birthplace. Communities and citizens also will be improving their streets, parks, schools, businesses, and gardens as part of the commemoration. (Joe Hunnings)
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2006 Essay Topic is: "Honey Bees in Art and Culture" From the beginning of the relationship of honey bees and mankind, honey bees have been woven into art and culture. Essayists should examine the roles not only of honey bees but also of honey and beeswax in art and culture.
Length of Essay - 750-1000 words
General Rules:
Entries Due February 15, 2006
Send Essay's to Sandra Fisher Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center 25236 Hillman Hwy. Abingdon, VA 24210
If you have questions or need more information about this opportunity, please contact your local Extension Agent or Sandra at the above address or email safishe3@vt.edu. (Sandra Fisher)
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The Airfield 4-H Center in Wakefield, Virginia, will be hosting an earth science adventure weekend on March 24-25, 2006, for youth ages 9 to 13. The registration deadline for participants is March 17, 2006. (Andrea Johnson)
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Children's television network Nickelodeon will distribute more than $1 million from September 2005 to June 2006. The "Let's Just Play" Giveaway offers kids around the United States the opportunity to take action and enter for a chance to improve their school or community program's fitness resources. Maximum Award: $5000. Eligibility: Kids (6-15 years of age), partnering with teachers and other community-based leaders. Deadline: rolling, until May 31, 2006. For any information on these funds, please visit the following website http://www.nick.com/all_nick/everything_nick/
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The Christopher Columbus Awards Program combines science and technology with community problem-solving. Students work in teams with the help of an adult coach to identify an issue they care about and, using science and technology, work with experts, conduct research, and put their ideas to the test to develop an innovative solution. Maximum Award: $25,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to attend the program's National Championship Week. Eligibility: middle-school-age (sixth, seventh, and eighth grade) children; teams do not need to be affiliated with a school to enter. Deadline: February 13, 2006. For any information on these funds, please visit the following website http://www.christophercolumbusawards.com/
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In conjunction with National and Global Youth Service Day, April 21-23, 2006, Youth Service America, America's Promise, and Katrina's Kids are offering seventeen $1000 grants to young people (ages 5-25), to implement sustainable relief projects supporting the hurricane relief efforts in the Gulf Region. Projects will be launched on National and Global Youth Service Day, and must be youth created and led. Applications will be accepted through March 3, 2006.
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recognize the contributions young people from across the country have made to the hurricane relief efforts, and hope to further inspire youth to get involved in service. To apply, please visit www.ysa.org/awards and download an application. For more information about the Katrina's Kids Community Service Grants, please contact the Outreach Department at 202-296-2992, ext. 17 or email: myoung@ysa.org
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For thousands of children, Hurricane Katrina has created an especially urgent - and lasting - need. Many lost schools, homes, neighborhoods, and communities. They need your help. The partners of the America's Promise Alliance are committed to making a focused, coordinated and sustained effort to ensure that Katrina's Kids receive the Five Promises they need for the long term. By example, they are showing us the energy and purpose that we as the American community should bring to all of our young people, every day. To learn more, visit www.katrinaskidsusa.org
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A resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young people, ages 5-25, to serve locally, nationally, and globally. Founded in 1986, YSA's mission is to expand the impact of the youth service movement with communities, schools, corporations, and governments. YSA envisions a global culture of engaged youth who are committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership and achievement. To learn more, visit www.ysa.org
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A collaborative network that builds upon the collective power of communities and partners to help fulfill the Five Promises for every young person in America: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Effective Education, and Opportunities to Help Others. Today's young people face incredible challenges. But we believe that young people can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon. To learn more, visit www.americaspromise.org
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Editor: Billie Cline
Submissions to be included in the newsletter should be sent to:
Billie Cline
107 Hutcheson Hall
Virginia Tech (0419)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
e-mail: bcline@vt.edu
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