4-H Update

Volume 14, Number 11

Reminders:

• July 8:  National 4-H Congress application deadline extended
• July 15:  State Fair Teen Clerk application deadline extended

2010 National 4-H Congress Application Deadline Extended

Applications for county delegates planning to attend National 4-H Congress are due in the State 4-H office by July 8, 2010. Counties are to select their own delegates, as there is no further screening at the state level. A $75 non-refundable deposit is required, per person, when submitting your delegate submissions to the state office. For more information go to http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/nat_congress/

Applicants should check with school and/or employers prior to submitting their applications. The dates for this year’s trip are Nov. 26 – Nov. 30, in Atlanta, GA. We make no guarantees that late cancellation will be accepted without financial penalty.  Please call our office should you have any questions. – Ellen Butler

Colorado State Fair Teen Clerks

Requests for State Fair teen clerk applications have been slowly trickling into the State Office.  Given that, we have extended the deadline application to July 15.  Thanks very much for your recruiting efforts on our behalf.

Please click on the following link for an application: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/state_fair/packet/TeenClerkApplicationForm.pdf
- Sharie Harless

Horse Levels Training, Garfield County

On Wednesday evening, July 7, Garfield County will have a Rater’s Training introduction from 7-9pm; this is for adults who wish to become certified/re-certified to rate Levels 2-4 (reminder, raters must go through the Shadow process to rate 3 & 4). The second part of this Rater’s Training will take place on Thursday, from 9am until approximately 5pm, as we test and review the process with 4-H youth. (Note: for those who need to Shadow, we already have youth signed up to test for Level 3 in three disciplines, so this would be a good opportunity). The cost for this training for adults is $25. Please feel free to contact our office with questions about the venue, directions, etc.; please contact Dessa Watson at 970.878.9490 to sign up. Adults who need to Shadow, who also would like to confirm what disciplines/levels will be tested on Thursday, are welcome to call  970.625.3969 with their inquiries.

YOUTH wishing to take a riding test: Pre-enrollment is REQUIRED.  To sign up for a youth riding test, contact JEN at the Garfield County Extension Office 970.625.3969. Jen is the person handling sign-ups for youth Levels tests for July 7 and 8 at the Garfield County Fairgrounds. All riders must be signed up through her for testing, thank you!

Priority will be given to 3 and 4 and particularly those who plan to go to State Fair. Youth must have passed their written test; we will need confirmation of this from your county before the event. There will be no written tests administered on the July 7 or 8. Youth will be charged a testing fee of $15. You are most welcome to contact me with any questions, 970.625.3969 or coopext_garfield@mail.colostate.edu. – Ellen Butler

2010-2011 4-H Afterschool Mini-grants:  Creating After-School Slots for Youth

In 2010-2011 National 4-H Council is providing a minimum of 550 mini-grants totaling $250,000 funded by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund to county-based 4 H programs to increase access for youth currently not in after-school programs, or on the verge of leaving after-school programs due to a lack of funds. These 550 slots are for young people in kindergarten through 12th grade (ages five to eighteen).

FUNDING INFORMATION
•    550 mini-grants totaling $250,000 are available – the amount per slot will average $450
•    A 100% cash match is required
•    Grant checks will only be issued to 4-H Extension entities (Land-Grant Universities, 4-H Foundations, 4-H Councils, Extension Development Committees, etc.)
•    Grants that are approved for funding will be distributed in the following manner:

-    75% of the total approved amount will be sent within 14 days of receipt of a properly executed Grant Acceptance Agreement (see attached sample)
-    25% of the total approved amount will be sent upon submission and acceptance of the Interim Report due December 3, 2010

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS must:
•    Operate daily: Monday through Friday during the school year approximately August 18, 2010 – June 30, 2011 (funds cannot be used to support youth in summer programs)
•    Operate within twenty (20) miles of a JCPenney Store or unit (such as a Catalog Center)
•    Provide 100% cash match for the cost of each slot created or sustained
•    Be a 4-H/Extension after-school program or a partner with 4-H
•    Refill slots if initial recipient leaves the program (refilling slots should be tracked and submitted with interim and final reports)
•    Recognize JCPenney Afterschool Fund as the funder of these grants; donor logos can be found on the 4-H BrandNetwork at http://4-h.org/d/Pages/Layouts/brandnetwork.html
•    Use 4-H name and Clover emblem on all program-related promotional items
•    Recognize the JCPenney Afterschool Fund on a social networking site like Facebook and/or on their local county website and other appropriate locations

MINI-GRANT RECIPIENTS WILL USE THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:
- Application Deadline:  July 16, 2010 (6:00 pm ET).  Questions will be accepted up until 4:00pm
- Grant Project Implemented:  During the 2010-2011 school year.  Approximately August 18, 2010 through June 30, 2011.
- Interim Report due to National 4-H Council:  December 3, 2010
- Final Report due to National 4-H Council:  June 3, 2011

AWARD SELECTION
A 50 point scale will be used to select the winners.

•    All proposals MUST be submitted via National 4-H Council’s online portal at http://grants.4-H.org by Friday, July 16, 2010 by 6:00pm Eastern time.
•    Tips on writing a successful proposal can be viewed at: http://4-h.org/grants/applyforgrants.html
•    Winners will be notified via e-mail

- Willa Williams

Announcing ATV Safety Video Contest – $10,000 in Awards

The ATV Safety Institute (ASI) is sponsoring a “Do the Ride Thing” video contest from June 18 to September 6, 2010.  Youth ages 6-18 may enter for a chance to win up to $2,500 of the $10,000 in total prize money. The winning 30- and 60-second videos will be used as public service announcements (PSAs) by the ATV Safety Institute.

To enter, youth create a 30- or 60-second video/PSA including one or more of the Golden Rules of ATV Safety, upload it to the official ASI YouTube page, and complete an official entry form found on the ASI website. A maximum of two video entries per person or team is allowed. Visit http://www.atvsafety.org/ATV_PSA_Contest/index.html for official video content requirements, contest rules, and entry forms.

Three winners will be chosen in each age category: age 6-10, age 11-14, and age15-18. First place winners will earn $1,100, second place receives $800, and third place receives $600. All age categories are also eligible to win the $2,500 Grand Prize.

There are nearly ten million ATVs in use across the United States, being operated by more than 35 million Americans.  Many ATV owners share their ATVs and equipment, so it is essential that riders and non-riders alike understand the importance of safe and responsible use of ATVs.

Parental supervision is a key element to a child’s safety and children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times when operating an ATV. Nearly 90 percent of youth ATV-related injury incidents occur when a youth is operating an ATV manufactured and intended for use by an adult.  Parents hold the key to their children’s safety.

To learn the eight Golden Rules of ATV safety and enter the Do the Ride Thing video contest, visit the ATV Safety Institute website at www.ATVSafety.org. – Willa L. Williams

4-H Involvement in United We Serve

United We Serve: Let’s Read. Let’s Move. 4-H Involvement

Summer is a time for fun – but it is also the time when many youth lose what they learned during the school year and pick up unhealthy eating habits. The United We Serve Let’s Read. Let’s Move. initiative was just launched to help solve these challenges – watch this video of First Lady Michelle Obama launching Let’s Read. Let’s Move. at a service event with members of Congress.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZRwVqY5gnc

America’s youth are our nation’s greatest assets, and ensuring that they are on the path to success will require the work of all of us. United We Serve’s Let’s Read. Let’s Move. initiative needs your help. This is why 4-H is joining in the effort with United We Serve to fight childhood obesity and summer learning loss.  Recognized as a leader in positive youth development and community building, 4-H is being asked to participate in this summer’s United We Serve activities.

4-H National Headquarters asks two things of 4-H programs.   First, post related success stories at serve.gov/share. These stories will serve as a catalyst for other groups to get involved. Second, we ask that you promote some simple strategies to engage in this initiative through your communications channels.

These strategies will be distributed to mission mandate contacts in your state.   Examples include:
•    Identify local community gardens
o    Volunteer to deliver produce
o    Help at a farmer’s market
o    Help to maintain the gardens
o    Assist in harvest
•    Gleaning of Produce
o    Find a local organization that can use produce to serve those in need
o    Set up a process to get leftover produce to the organization from fairs, farmers markets, festivals, etc
o    Contact local produce farmers about gleaning their fields at the end of harvest
•    Take the The President’s Active Lifestyle Challenge.
o    Distribute The President’s Challenge to 4-H campers
o    Encourage children and parents to download and complete the challenge

Partnering 4-H Science Efforts and the President’s “United We Serve” Initiative

This summer, by participating in activities like community gardening, 4-H’ers can engage youth in the President’s United We Serve initiative- helping meet our national need for volunteers during tough economic times- while simultaneously fulfilling a top 4-H priority by cultivating young people’s appreciation for the sciences through hands-on activities.

Now is the perfect time to combine current 4-H efforts with the First Lady’s summer initiative called “Lets Read. Lets Move.”  One of the 3 priorities identified by the First Lady for this summer initiative is providing access to healthy, affordable foods for youth.  Volunteering in community gardens is not only a great opportunity to spark students’ interests in science ( a vital aspect to helping fulfill the 4-H campaign for “One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas”), but it also is a great way to positively contribute to your community.

How can you get involved?

•    Visit http://serve.gov/toolkits/comm-gardens/index.asp for a community gardening toolkit that can be used to start your own or to improve an existing one.
•    Learn more about USDA People’s Gardens at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=PEOPLES_GARDEN, of which there are now more than 400 across the country with at least one in every state. A USDA “People’s Garden” is simply  any garden which meets 3 criteria:

1) Is Collaborative  (between volunteers, neighbors, or organizations. Local partnerships can carry out the People’s Garden mission).
2) Benefits the Community (it can create public leisure or recreation space, provide grown produce to a local food bank, be a wildlife friendly landscape, etc.).
3) Incorporates Sustainable Practices (like  composting, capturing rainwater in rain barrels, etc.) .

-    Want to know if a People’s Garden one is located close to you? Check here: http://www.pubinfo.usda.gov/garden/Map_View.cfm
-    Already involved in a garden that meets the “People’s Garden” requirements? Email: collaborate@usda.gov

•    Lastly, be sure to report your stories to Serve.gov to let people across the country know about the important work 4-H’ers are doing this summer and to inspire and educate others who are also positively impacting their communities!

Partnering 4-H Citizenship Efforts with the President’s “United We Serve” Initiative

People involved in 4-H programs have long known about the personal and collective benefits of directly involving youth in programs to improve their communities. This summer presents a great opportunity for 4-H’ers to partner their volunteer and civic efforts with a national initiative called “United We Serve” which seeks to increase service activities across the country. One activity that fits well with the 4-H program is gleaning.

What is “gleaning”?

Gleaning is the process of going to places like nearby farms, farmers markets, or county and state fairs and collecting good food that would otherwise go to waste to instead be donated to a soup kitchen where it will be prepared and served to those in need. This simple act can help simultaneously address two important problems: while our nation produces enough food for all individuals, over 100 billion pounds of food are wasted in our country annually and nearly 50 million people in America were at risk of going hungry last year.

How can I get involved?

-    Visit the website of the Society of St. Andrew’s – one of the most prominent national gleaning organizations- to learn about local volunteer opportunities and the impact of gleaning.  http://www.endhunger.org/

-    Find a farmer’s market near you and contact their organizer to see if you can begin gleaning: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/farmersmarkets

-    Find a food bank near you which accepts fresh food donations from gardens and farms: http://www.ampleharvest.org/

-    Visit http://www.serve.gov/healthyfoods.asp for more information on the summer “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” national initiative and for a forthcoming toolkit on gleaning.

-    Lastly, be sure to report your stories to Serve.gov to let people across the country know about the important work 4-H’ers are doing this summer and to inspire and educate others who are also positively impacting their communities! – Ellen Butler

Healthy Living: Participating in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge

4-H Clubs can help to keep kids healthy and active by participating in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge. For detailed information on the Challenge, visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/the_challenge/active_lifestyle.aspx.

What is the President’s Active Lifestyle Challenge? The President’s Active Lifestyle Challenge is a “challenge for both children and adults to build healthy habits by committing to regular physical activity five days a week, for six weeks.” The Active Lifestyle program is ideal for 6-17 year-old children and adolescents striving to participate in 60 minutes of physical activity a day.  The Challenge offers four categories of awards for individuals based on amount of points earned by taking part in physical activities.

What are the steps involved in the Active Lifestyle program?  The Active Lifestyle Challenge is easy and fun. It consists of only four simple steps and can be tailored to activities that suit the group or individual’s needs.
•    Step One:  Choose an activity
•    Step Two:  Get active
•    Step Three:  Track your activity
•    Step Four:  Order your award!

Visit the website (http://www.presidentschallenge.org/the_challenge/active_lifestyle.aspx) for more details about each step.

What kind of activities count towards the Active Lifestyle Challenge?  When taking part in the Active Lifestyle Challenge, you’ll be surprised how much fun it actually is. Supported by the program are traditional activities such as cycling, aerobics, and organized sports, but also include innovative activities like sledding, fishing, and dancing.  For more ideas, there is a list on the website of almost 100 different activities in which you and others can participate. For more ideas on activities, visit the website of Up2Us, a national coalition of Sports-Based Youth Development organizations, at http://www.up2us.org/ or call 212.563.3031. – Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 14, Number 9

Reminders:

• June 18-20:  4-H Shooting Sports Family Campout, Victor, CO
• June 22-25: State 4-H Conference, CSU Campus
• June 26-July 2: Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Center

NRA Grant Applications

To everyone with 4H shooting sports responsibilities:

We just received the information below from the NRA Foundation.  Please be sure that this information gets out to those who need it.

In August of 2009 the NRA Foundation Grant application submission became an online-only process. This application is available for access on the NRA Foundation website (www.nrafoundation.org) and must be submitted electronically via the internet.

We are currently making improvements to the online grant application. Applications will be closed and the application form unavailable between June 1st and July 1, 2010.

Please return to the NRA Foundation website on July 1, 2010 to begin your application submission process. Previously saved applications must be redone in the new format to insure accurate submission of your proposal.

You will notice a new process in budget preparation – please follow directions closely to properly prepare your budget. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please contact the NRA with any additional questions at 1.800.554.9498. – Jim Hamilton, Shooting Sports Coordinator

2010 National Science Experiment

Announcing the 2010 National Science Experiment: 4-H2O

Join us on October 6 for the third annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, where youth across the nation examine one of the most important issues facing our nation today—water quality. These young scientists will discover and explore the powerful effects of carbon dioxide on our natural water sources in 4-H2O, the 2010 National Science Experiment.

Developed in conjunction with North Carolina Cooperative Extension and North Carolina A&T State University, the experiment is designed to spark an early youth interest in science—all part of 4-H’s bold goal to engage a million new young people in science, engineering, technology and applied math programs by 2013.

Resources Are Now Available Online

You can find everything you need to participate in 4-H National Youth Science Day online at www.4-H.org/NYSD. The site provides all the tools you will need to begin a comprehensive scientific exploration and plan an exciting science event in your community.

Current Online materials include:
•    an experiment facilitator’s guide
•    the youth experiment workbook
•    an experiment overview

Coming Soon:
•    event planning kits
•    promotional materials, including flyers, web banners and more
•    the 2010 4-H National Youth Science Day kit for purchase on the 4-H Mall
•    an interactive game that demonstrates the importance of water quality

New features, information and promotions will be added in the months and weeks leading up to October 6—so make sure to register online to receive the latest event updates.

We look forward to you joining us for the 2010 4-H National Youth Science Day! – Willa Williams, STEM Specialist

USA Science Festival Kavli Video Contest

National 4-H Council is partnering with the USA Science & Engineering Festival,

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103342672222&s=11042&e=001px2qhe5JHrHSOJqhbWC3wMh7Z3BNe2LBwm_W48wziS5b7YjE9Sjvl8vFkLS 8ZJYDH3G6ebJUMZFV9PW4ndk8n3Q344VqQTbqx2aLu8FFliQWDEfvb3BWJmCsZr1Iq0_f,

a national celebration of innovation in science held in Washington D.C. on October 23rd and 24th . The event is the country’s first national science festival and promises to be the ultimate multi-cultural, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary celebration of the sciences in the United States. The culmination of the Festival is a two-day Expo that will provide more than 500 science & engineering organizations from all over the United States the opportunity to present hands-on, fun science activities to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Through this partnership, National 4-H Council has been alerted to a great opportunity for 4-H’ers to showcase the innovative 4-H Science work taking place across the nation.   The Kavli Science Video Contest is looking for young people around the country to create and submit videos that answer the question “Why is science cool?”

Winning submissions will be creative, surprising, and “contagious” in terms of spreading youth enthusiasm about science to others. Videos might explore a specific scientific concept, demonstrate the wonders of nature, provide a glimpse into the future, show what scientific discovery has done for us in the past or simply explain why you think science is cool.

We are encouraging the entire 4-H system especially those that participated in the Films on video- SET in Urban Communities Kickoff and The Filmmaking Work Group to submit videos.

*   Who Can Enter – Individual students or groups from K-12 schools, home school networks, after-school programs, science clubs or any other organization the student is representing for the purpose of the Kavli Science Video Contest. All prize monies must go to an educational institution rather than an individual student.

*   Types of Videos Eligible – Videos should explain Why Science is Cool and may explore a scientific concept, provide a glimpse into the future or show us what scientific discovery has done for us in the past, or whatever else the inspires the entrant. USA Science & Engineering Festival videos must be 30-90 seconds in length, educational and suitable for general public screening.

*   Selection of Winners – Winning videos will be chosen by a distinguished panel of judges that includes Brian Schwartz, founder of Science & the Arts at the City University of New York Graduate Center and Sheri Potter, a founder of the Coalition on Public Understanding of Science (COPUS).

*   Deadlines and Prizes – The contest is open now and all entries must be submitted before midnight on July 15, 2010. First prize is $1,000 plus a $500 electronics gift certificate or HD Camcorder (valued up to $500) and a travel stipend to travel to Washington DC for the Expo. Second prize is $500, plus a $250 electronics gift certificate, third prize is $250, plus a $125 electronics gift certificate.The People’s Choice Award prize is $250.

Rules and a submission form can be found at:
http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2010festival/contests/kavli-science-video-contest
- Willa Williams, 4-H STEM Specialist

State 4-H Shooting Sports Family Campout

ATTENTION: Those with 4-H Shooting Sports Program responsibilities –

The time for the 2010 (23rd Annual) Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Family Campout is just around the corner! The camp will be held on June 18-20, 2010 at the Grainger Ranch near Victor, Colorado. Please pass this message along to any 4-H Shooters, Leaders or Families that might be interested. The direct link to the Campout Registration Materials is: http://www.co4hshooting.org/family_campout.html . The deadline for Registration is June 5 so get your forms in ASAP! Send your Registrations (and if you have questions about the camp) to Rick Romanin (rlromanin@netzero.net) or call 303.761.5651.

Please hurry to secure a spot for you and your family! This is always a fun event for everyone and very affordable for all the activities available!

4-H Million Trees Project Invitation to 4-H Afterschool

Below is information on the 4-H Million Trees Project.  Wouldn’t this be neat to tie in to a GPS/GIS project?

The 4-H Million Trees Project (4HMT) invites all 4-H Afterschool programs to become project participants.  Please forward this message to all 4-H Afterschool Leaders and Managers in your state.  The attached Flyer explains 4HMT and contains a link to the project website at www.4hmilliontrees.org.

Since the first trees were planted in Spring, 2008, over 30,000 4-H youth in 44 states and provinces have planted over 250,000 trees  Our goal is to involve all 6 million 4-H youth so they can become personally involved in the climate crisis. – Willa Williams, 4-H STEM Specialist

Upcoming Science Opportunities

Below are some opportunities that may be of interest to 4-H Science participants. These are not 4-H sponsored activities. This is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of organizations, programs, products or services by 4-H, NIFA or USDA.

•  Green Thumb Challenge
Green Education Foundation (GEF) has launched the “Green Thumb Challenge”, mobilizing schools and youth groups nationwide to plant 10,000 gardens in 2010 with the aim of connecting kids to the healthy benefits of gardening.  http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=22&Itemid=289

•  PBS Design Squad Trash to Treasure Contest

Turn your trash into treasure and be on TV! Recycle, reuse, and re-engineer everyday materials into an out-of-the box invention.
http://pbskids.org/designsquad/contest/index.html

•  National Conference on Science & Technology in Afterschool Time, Sept. 22 – 24, Universal City, CA
http://www.scienceafterschoolconference.org/

Thanks for supporting the 4-H Million Trees Project. – Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 26

Reminders

• October 1: ES237 enrollment data due, campus
• October 3:  Colorado 4-H Gala, Denver
• October 3-10: National 4-H Week
• October 16-18: Leaders Forum, Burlington

2009 Colorado State 4-H Leaders’ Forum

How can you pass up a conference with the theme “Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight.”  The date is October 16-17 and the place is Burlington Colorado.  This is just a gentle reminder that the registration deadline for the 2009 Colorado 4-H Leaders’ forum is October 1.

You also need to remember that this event is where agents and specialists conduct new curriculum training and provide updates to key volunteer leaders from across the state.  We have made a strong effort over the last three years to get the quality and the participation of this event up to where it needs to be and we need your continued support to make this year’s event even better.

So don’t hesitate to register and get the information out to your volunteers.  You can find event and registration information at: http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/LeadersForumBrochure.pdf.

See you there!- Jeff Goodwin, State 4-H Program Leader

Free Staff Development on Volunteerism!

Everyone Ready® is a volunteer management online training produced by Energize Inc. Susan Ellis, one of the icons of volunteer development is the CEO of Energize and has been a featured speaker at two National Extension Conferences on Volunteerism.  National 4-H Council, through a grant from Monsanto, has contracted with Energize Inc. to provide this program to all Extension staff for free regardless of title or program area for the next three years.

The purpose is to help equip Extension personnel to engage volunteers in creative and meaningful ways and to also help staff expand their volunteer delivery systems for 4-H and other Extension programs. Register to participate in Everyone Ready® at the following website http://4-h.org/resources/volunteerism.html and log in each month to access the variety of resources available. The topics are all related to fundamental principles of volunteer development. These principles can be applied as effectively with master gardeners and EFNEP volunteers as in the 4-H program.

These include Online Seminars (every other month) and Self-Instruction Guides (alternate months). New topics are introduced on the third Monday of each month. Launch date is Sept. 21, 2009. On this date you will be able to register for Everyone Ready® and be able to log into the initial seminar. Following are topics for the remainder of the year:

September:   Seminar- Building the Foundation for Volunteer Involvement
October:        Self-Instruction Guide – Focus on the Volunteer Program Manager: A Task Analysis of the Role and its Significant Issues
November:   Seminar – New Approaches to Recruitment
December:    Self-Instruction Guide – Pro Bono Service: Get Ready for the Highly Skilled Volunteer
- Dale Leidheiser

MetLife Foundation 4-H Afterschool Training Grant Funding Opportunity

On behalf of National 4-H Headquarters and the collaboration between National 4-H Council and the MetLife Foundation we are pleased to release the RFP for the 2010 MetLife Foundation 4-H Afterschool Training Grants. To review the RFP, application requirements (after the RFP under the Description component), and apply for funding, please visit our online portal at http://grants.4-h.org/ and click on Funding Opportunities. Applications for these grants must be submitted and approved by the State Leader or Program Administrator no later than November 20, 2009.

All applications for funding from National 4-H Council MUST be submitted by 4-H/Extension professionals. Applications submitted by non-4-H/Extension employees will not be considered for funding.

Approval from State Program Leaders MUST be received by the application deadline for any application submitted, per the emailed instructions the State Program Leader will receive once an application is submitted.

Questions about these grants can be directed to Gregg Tabachow at gtabachow@fourhcouncil.edu or 301.961.2869. – Gregg Tabachow,National Coordinator, 4-H Afterschool, National 4-H Council

National 4-H Week

National 4-H Week is right around the corner and we want to know what special activities you have planned for that week.  The Extension Community Relations department is gathering information to put together a press release.  Let us know what activities YOU have planned for your county!  Below is a link to download promotional materials.

The 2009 National 4-H Week promotional kits are now available!  This year’s National 4-H Week kit includes flyers, bookmark and certificate templates, newspaper and newsletter ads, a suggested proclamation, and a variety of media outreach materials for you to tailor for your community.  Please click on http://4-h.org/brandnetwork/4hweektoolkit.html to download the 2009 National 4-H week materials. – Ellen Butler

New Butterfly WINGS Curriculum Now Available

The new Project Butterfly WINGS curriculum has been added to the National 4-H Curriculum Collection. In Project Butterfly WINGS, youth explore the outdoors through guided inquiry, learn to identify the butterfly families and common butterflies, and contribute to science. Developed by the University of Florida, the curriculum is geared toward youth ages 9-13 and focuses on environmental science, citizen science, butterfly biology, identification, habitats and monitoring.

The curriculum consists of a Youth Project Guide, Facilitator’s Guide and interactive web site designed to encourage adolescent interest, understanding and long-term involvement in science. Leaders and youth without previous knowledge of butterflies can participate as the program transforms them from beginner to engaged citizen scientist.  Youth participate in authentic, hands-on, collaborative research as they collect information about the butterflies in their communities and enter the data they collect into the interactive WINGS web site. Scientists and the public use this information to further scientific knowledge and view the distribution and population trends of common butterfly species.

The Youth Guide (product #08392) and Facilitator’s Guide (product #08393) are each priced at $7.95 and can receive 35 percent discount if orders are placed by September 30. The books are just $5.17 with the special introductory discount and quantity discounts also apply. To order, visit the 4-H mall at www.4-Hmall.org/curriculum. – Connie Cecil

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 21

Reminders

• August 28 – Sept. 7:  Colorado State Fair, Pueblo
• September 7:  University Holiday, office closed
• September 12: Colorado 4-H Days with the CSU Rams, Fort Collins
• October 1: ES237 enrollment data due, campus
• October 3:  Colorado 4-H Gala, Denver
• October 3-10: National 4-H Week
• October 16-18: Leaders Forum, Burlington

Colorado 4-H Day with the CSU Rams

Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 12, 3:00 p.m. to join us for Colorado State 4-H Day with the CSU Rams! Held in conjunction with CSU Ag Day, 4-H Day with the Rams will offer discounted tickets at $30 per ticket which also includes a CSU t-shirt, soda, and hotdog or pretzel. Come enjoy great food, the CSU Rams football team, and support 4-H. A portion of ticket sales through this offer will benefit Colorado 4-H. In order to receive your free t-shirt and coupons, tickets must be reserved by September 1, 2009. Please contact the State 4-H Office at 970.491.1152, the State 4-H events office at 970.491.0246 or email Mike Macklin at mmacklin@rams.colostate.edu to order your tickets or if should you have questions.

For further information on CSU AG Day, please click on http://agday.agsci.colostate.edu/

Hope to see you there! - Ellen Butler

New 4-H SET Resources Created by You, for You!

National 4-H Council, National 4-H Headquarters, and University of Arizona 4-H, invited all 4-H professionals, staff and volunteers to produce their own digital film for front-line educators and volunteers to help better implement 4-H SET programs.  And you responded with excellent work! The six winning videos give us a range of activities facilitators can use with youth, content to help support our work in delivering science activities, and a step-by-step example of the scientific method. The video entries demonstrated imagination and creativity, and have provided a foundation for our bank of video training resources to improve SET professional development for 4-H educators and volunteers. View the 4-H SET Video Challenge Winners at http://4-h.org/staffresources/videochallenge – Ellen Butler

National 4-H Week

The 2009 National 4-H Week kit will be available at the end of August right here on the Brand Network. Realizing multiple events occur this time of year, this year’s theme will simply be “Celebrate 4-H.” National 4-H  will provide a more general kit with this theme in mind so you can tailor the materials for those events in your community. The kit will include flyers, bookmark and certificate templates, newspaper and newsletter ads, a suggested proclamation, and a variety of media outreach materials. If you need assistance in the meantime, please contact 4hmarketing@fourhcouncil.edu. – Ellen Butler

2009 Healthy Sprouts Awards – Supporting Awareness of Nutrition and Hunger

Statistics show that in many U.S. classrooms children who are overweight sit next to others who wonder where their next meal will come from. Many children don’t have balanced diets or get enough exercise. Research conducted at Texas A&M University supports the connection between kids’ food gardens and improved nutrition. Forward-thinking educators and parents agree that school gardens should be part of the solution to the diet- and exercise-related challenges children face, and they’ve worked hard to create youth garden programs that focus on nutrition and hunger issues.

To encourage the growth of these health-focused youth gardens, NGA  recognizes outstanding programs through the Healthy Sprouts Awards,  sponsored by Gardener’s Supply Company. These awards support school and  youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the issue of hunger in  the United States.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the 2009 Healthy Sprouts Awards, your school or organization must plan to garden in 2010 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. The selection of winners is based on the demonstrated relationship between the garden program and nutrition and hunger issues in the United States. This year we will present awards to 20 schools or organizations. Each program will receive:

* gift certificates towards the purchase of gardening materials from our sponsoring company, Gardener’s Supply Company. The top 5 will each receive a certificate valued at $500; 15 more will each receive a $200 gift certificate.  http://www.gardeners.com/
* NGA’s Eat a Rainbow Kit, chock full of engaging taste education and nutrition lessons  http://www.gardeningwithkids.org/21-5011.html
* 25 packets of seeds
* a literature package from NGA

Submission process: Applications are due by October 17, 2009.

When you click on the link below, a form will appear requiring you to submit your name and address. (See our privacy policy if you have questions about how we use the information.  http://kids.garden.org/privacy/) When you complete the form and click the submit button, you will be able to download the award application.

http://kids.garden.org/grantInquiry.php?grant=GR_HS09

Award Fulfillment: We will notify you about the status of your application by December 15, 2009. Awards will be distributed in January 2010.

Reporting requirement: Grant awardees will be required to submit a year-end impact report. This will be a short survey directly linked to the level and extent of implementation of the program information and description stated in the original application. These reports help NGA determine the overall impact of the Healthy Sprouts Award program, and assist us in gathering ongoing support for the program. Programs that do not complete the final report will not be eligible to apply for future awards. – Ellen Butler

YSSA Announces 2009/2010 Grant Program

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting our third National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. 4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support by October 14, 2009.  You are also encouraged to forward this invitation to county 4-H shooting sports program leaders for their review and application for support.  Go to www.youthshootingsa.com to complete your screen-fillable grant application.

A panel of select members of the shooting sports industry will review proposals submitted in response to this assessment and select the priority programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. The priority proposals identified by this panel will be announced in November, 2009.

The YSSA has provided product support for 74 priority youth shooting sports programs to date and has distributed $222,000 worth of equipment and supplies to address limitations to growth of these programs. Archery and firearm industry leaders are partnering with the YSSA in support of its objectives and our kids across the nation. Please be sure to inform Jim Hamilton, Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Program Coordinator, if you apply for this grant application.  Thanks! - Ellen Butler

Preparing Youth Workers to Create Science-rich Learning Opportunities for Youth.

Are you interested in increasing the science, engineering and technology learning opportunities for youth in your community?  Do you want to learn about an easy-to-use trainer guide that will help you train afterschool and out-of-school-time youth workers in your community to provide quality science, engineering and technology learning opportunities for youth?  Then make plans now to register for this training that takes place on Monday, September 14,   from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Tools of the Trade II: Inspiring Young Minds to be SET* Ready for Life (*science, engineering and technology) includes 14 sessions with 21 hours of lessons to teach staff and volunteers skills to provide quality science, engineering and technology learning opportunities for youth in afterschool settings.  The sessions include an understanding of science, engineering, and technology, experiential and inquiry learning, and SET abilities and National Science Education Standards.  Learning activities incorporate hands-on, experiential and inquiry learning opportunities with easy to obtain inexpensive resources.

Tools of the Trade II (TOT II) is an exciting new resource developed by educators at the University of California Cooperative Extension and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, aimed at increasing the quality of SET programming in afterschool settings.  The train-the-trainer curriculum provides details for trainers to increase the skills and comfort of youth development workers to provide quality learning opportunities for youth.  You can learn more about TOT II by participating in this free webinar sponsored by the CYFERnet Teen Editorial Board.

Presenters:

• Sharon Junge, Acting Director, Statewide 4-H Youth Development Program, University of California Cooperative Extension.  Sharon has worked for Cooperative Extension for 39 years and has over 20 years experience operating, managing and training staff for numerous afterschool program sites, 4-H program staff and 4-H volunteers in California.  She has written numerous curricula for staff training and youth development.

• Sue S. Manglallan, 4-H Youth and Family Development Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension. Sue has worked for Cooperative Extension for 30 years and has experience operating, managing and training staff for numerous afterschool program sites, 4-H program staff and 4-H volunteers in California.  She has written numerous curricula for staff training and youth development.

• Jackie Reilly, Associate Professor and Youth Development Specialist, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Jackie has worked for Cooperative Extension for 20 years and has operated and managed afterschool program sites, including providing training for staff and volunteers of youth development programs and early childhood educators. She has written curricula for youth development staff training and child care providers.

•Eric Killian, Associate Professor and Youth Development Specialist, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Eric has worked for Cooperative Extension for over 15 years providing numerous local, state, and national youth development opportunities and training for youth workers.  Eric’s work has included 4-H Military, youth worker research, and youth development curricula.

A limited number of connections are available, so register today! Register at:  http://cyfernet.ces.ncsu.edu/mn/training/user.php?r=88

If you have any questions about the training event, please contact:  Bill Evans, CYFERnet Teen Editor, evans@unr.nevada.edu

Wanted: Freshmen 4-H’ers Attending CSU!

Agents, please encourage your 4-H’ers who are attending CSU as freshmen to apply to be a 4-H Scholar. The Scholars promote the positive experiences they had in 4-H and spend up to 20 hours a month representing 4-H at key activities, speaking at public events, and meeting with stakeholders and donors. For their efforts, each Scholar receives training, public relations support materials, reimbursement for expenses, and a $1,500 annual stipend toward college expenses. The person selected is eligible to continue to serve as a Scholar throughout their college career – advancing with each grade level – as long as their grades and activity commitments are met. The freshmen applicants must be willing to make a four-year commitment. To apply, interested persons enrolled at Colorado State University must submit the following to Gary Small, 106 University Square, Fort Collins, CO 80523-4050 by Oct. 1, 2009.

•    Complete résumé that includes 4-H experiences, years in projects, leadership and speaking experiences and skills, community service activities, work-related experiences, awards and special recognitions.
•    A (draft) letter of thanks to the Colorado Farm Bureau thanking them for their contribution and funding support for the 4-H Scholars Program.
•    A short paragraph (100 words or less) explaining why they wish to become involved in the 4-H Scholars Program; a personal statement of desire for the Scholar position.
•    Individuals applying will make a 10-minute presentation before the selection committee on “the scope of 4-H today and what 4-H has meant to them.”

Please direct questions to Gary Small at 970.491.1537 or gary.small@colostate.edu. – Gary Small

Fall Forum!

It’s time to start thinking about the annual Fall Forum! It’s an event for 4-H Leaders and parents to receive training in a wide variety of topics. Learn about new projects and see old friends and take advantage of a great training opportunity. Each year it travels to a new 4-H district so that it rotates around the state. This year it will be held in Burlington, October 16 -18 with a variety of special activities including a visit to the historic Kit Carson Carousel! Click here to download the registration information: http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/LeadersForumBrochure.pdf.  The earlybird registration deadline is October1! – Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 18

Reminders

• July 7: National 4-H Congress applications due
• July 15: National 4-H Conference applications due, State 4-H Office

2009 National 4-H Congress Application Deadline Extended

Applications for county delegates planning to attend National 4-H Congress are due in the State 4-H office by July 8, 2009. Counties are to select their own delegates, as there is no further screening at the state level. For more information go to http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/nat_congress/

Applicants are to check with school and/or employers prior to submitting their applications. The dates for this year’s trip are Nov. 27 – Dec. 1, in Atlanta, GA. We make no guarantees that late cancellation will be accepted without financial penalty. Trip deposits will not be refunded. – Ellen Butler

Teen Clerk Application Deadline Extended to July 17

The deadline for Teen Clerk applications for the 2009 Colorado State Fair/Camp Tobin has been extended to July 17. Judging begins at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Friday, Aug. 21 at 5 pm.  Teen clerks must be 13 years or older prior to Dec. 31, 2008.  Their application must be signed by the county extension agent.  Applications can be foundon the State 4-H Website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/state_fair/packet/TeenClerkApplicationForm.pdf.  You can also receive an application via email or snail mail by contacting Sharie Harless at sharie.harless@colostate.edu.  Thanks! – Sharie Harless

4-H Entomology Project

In order to help stimulate interest and participation in the 4-H Entomology project, we have established a prototype web site.  It is located at:  http://4hentomologyco.bravehost.com/

This site contains information on 4-H entomology projects, provides links to activities and sources that can assist the project, and has features that can allow participants to pose questions or submit photographs for  identification.  There is also a feature that can allow 4-H members to discuss entomology topics among themselves.

The site is established and will be maintained during the summer by LK Hart, myself, and others with my lab.  At the end of the summer we will evaluate how it is working and, if it proves promising, will attempt to establish something more permanent in the future. In the interim, please check it out and spread the word to all who may be interested in entomology as a 4-H project. – Whitney Cranshaw, Professor/Extension Specialist, Entomology

Operation Military Kids Update

Operation: Military Kids Camps for August are coming up and we would like to invite any 4-H Clubs to help us at these camps. We will have a great time and this is a good way to support our troops by helping their families. Please contact me (shauna.woods@colostate.edu or 970.491.1807 or 970.988.6104) if your clubs or county is interested in helping. And, please share this with any military families in your area, including National Guard and Reserves.

Operation: Military Kids is offering a FREE camping experience for 50 girls from all branches of military families who have had a parent deployed in the past year, currently have a parent    deployed or anticipate deployment of a parent in the next six months on August 2-4, 2009.  Camps will be held at Girl Scout Sky High Ranch (Woodland Park CO) for girls ages 12 –18.  This 3-day residential camp experience normally costs $230/girl and both Operation: Military Kids and Girl Scouts of Colorado are underwriting the costs of camp. Please contact Linda Fuller at linda.j.fuller@hotmail.com for the necessary forms.  Time is running out – please contact ASAP.

YOUTH MOCK DEPLOYMENT for 100 military kids from all branches of the military at Buckley AFB in Aurora CO on Aug. 15 from 0700-1500 for youth ages 9-17.  Priority will be given to youth in military families who have experienced a loved one deployed in the past year, currently deployed or about to deploy in the next six months. Application and a $10 refundable deposit are required to register.  Please contact:

Shauna Woods, OMK State Coordinator, 970.491.1807; shauna.woods@colostate.edu
Linda Fuller, OMK Youth Program Specialist, 720.250.1188; Linda.fuller3@us.army.mil or linda.j.fuller@hotmail.com
Tom Cox, Youth Director at Buckley, 720.847.9992,  thomas.cox@buckley.af.mil
Wendy Clouse, Recreation Assistant, Youth Programs, 720.847.6378, wendy.clouse@buckley.af.mil

“Night Under a Middle Eastern Sky” at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Aug. 21 (Fri)- Aug. 22 (Sat) for military families from all branches of the military who have experienced deployment in the past year, have a loved one currently deployed or about to deploy in the next six months. OMK is working with the Museum on workshops, displays and a unique experience for you and your family.  We are excited about the Middle Eastern Sky at the planetarium, the IMAX Theatre Grand Canyon movie, numerous Museum displays and the Denver Zoo. Please contact Shauna Woods, OMK State Coordinator, 970.491.1807; shauna.woods@colostate.edu. Each family must fill out a registration form and submit a refundable $25 deposit to hold your place and checks will be returned to you on the second day.  - Shauna Woods, Colorado State University Extension – Operation: Military Kids

2009 CYFAR Conference

4-H had a major presence this year at the 2009 Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Conference held in Baltimore, Md. on May 18-21. There were over 60 workshops and presentations that focused on 4-H and youth. The keynote lecture given by Bonnie Braun, Ph.D., discussed the importance of family and positive communities. Braun was Virginia’s first female 4-H director, and in her 32-year Extension career she has focused on reducing barriers among individuals, families and communities.

“CYFAR provides a wonderful networking and professional development opportunity for 4-H and Extension professionals,” said Aggie Wright, program specialist at the National 4-H Council. “Through the 4-H Family Strengthening Lecture, high-quality research and its practical implications can be shared with the system in a creative setting. Many who were able to attend have said they were impacted both professionally and personally.”

After the lecture, the five winners of the 2008 4-H Families Count: Family Strengthening Award were recognized. For this award, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, through their partnership with National 4-H Council, honors 4-H Programs of Distinction with $15,000 each to further help build supportive communities using the 4-H program. – Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 10

Reminders:

• May 1: Blue Ribbon Enrollment Data due
• May 9: Catch-a-Calf breakfast, Denver
• May 15: IFYE Applications due
• June 13-20 Citizenship Washington Focus, Washington, DC
• June 23-26:  State 4-H Conference, CSU Campus, Fort Collins

Blue Ribbon Enrollment Data Due

May enrollment data is DUE soon – Friday, May 1! – MANDATORY (Gilpin County only send group enrollment data in October)

Remember – don’t worry if all enrollments are not entered by the May deadline.  This data collection is for internal purposes only, it is not sent to the National 4-H office.

1) You can send your data by regular mail (diskette, CD or Zip) or by email (WinZip). Instructions for sending data via diskette or zip can be found at: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/help/backup_youth.pdf.  If you are burning your data to a CD, be sure your CD is a “CD/RW” drive not “CD-ROM.” Also make sure that the CD burning software is installed.  Instructions for sending your data via WinZip are located at: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/help/winzip.pdf.  BE SURE WinZip is installed before you try this! (If not installed go to winzip.com and download the free trial — call the help desk @ 970.491.5351, if you need assistance).

2) Whether you email or use regular mail, EVERYONE must fill out and sign the Enrollment Verification Document: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/forms/enrollverification.doc.  The following methods are used to determine the accurate numbers that are provided to accounting. For Total 4-H Club Members — open Blue Ribbon — Select ES237 |ES237 Verification — Check Members and Cloverbuds (this includes New, Return, and Terminated Status.) Click Preview — when the report has generated go to the last page and that is the total club number, which you then multiply by 5 and list on the first line of the enrollment verification document.  Special Interest numbers are found by Selecting ES237 | ES237 Statistical Report. Click “Test-Group Data” under “Testing Report” and member/Leader Stats” under “Report” type, click “Preview.” When the report is generated, look at “Page 1”, “Total Column” (Line #4 – Youth Participating in 4-H Special Interest/Short-Term Programs).  The total number is listed on the second line of the enrollment verification document.  The only printed report I need is the “Enrollment Verification Document.”  DO NOT print any ES237 reports, I only need those for October.

****PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHECKS WITH THIS FORM – PLEASE WAIT UNTIL ACCOUNTING SENDS YOU AN INVOICE****

3) If you choose to send your data via email, please fax the enrollment verification form to 970.491.7932. If you are mailing your data please send to me at 4040 Campus Delivery; Fort Collins, CO 80523-4040. – Joy Bauder, Database Systems Coordinator

Fort Robinson Horse Camp

Mark your calendar for this popular training event!  The camp will be held at historic Fort Robinson in Nebraska from June 11-13.  The registration fee is $40 and is due to the UNL Extension by June 2.  More detailed informationcan be found at:

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/09HorseCampRegistration.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/09HorseCampProgram.pdf

Contact Scott Cotton at 308.432.3373 or scotton2@unl.edu for other questions you might have. - Ellen Butler

AED Center for Youth Development (CYD)

Announcing A National Call for Promising Practices in Afterschool!
April 6, 2009 through April 30, 2009

The AED Center for Youth Development in Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce the Spring 2009 call for promising practices in afterschool. This round of best practice submissions for promising practices, we are focusing on “THE AFTER-SCHOOL LINK TO LEARNING.”  The latest trend in after-school is to extend the school day with informal learning that ultimately also supports success in school. Do you have innovative practices that integrate both in- and out-of- school learning?

If your program embeds promising practices that, for example:  1) help youth strengthen learning by offering experiences to build skills that support school success; 2) offer techniques for teaching the practical use of math and science in afterschool; and 3) use art and drama to better acquire rich vocabulary–AED would like the opportunity to recognize your work through this promising practices submission process. AED is especially interested in practical, hands-on activities that result in skill-building. The link between afterschool and learning runs the whole range from informal skill development and hands-on activities, such as food preparation that also teaches math and reading skills to neighborhood and community service projects that are highly experiential and give youth the opportunity to demonstrate skills that they are learning in the afterschool hours.

AED is collecting these promising practices as part of the Promising Practices in Afterschool (PPAS) System funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.  For more information, please visit www.afterschool.org and click on “Submitting Practices” or read on for answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).  Practice submissions received after April 30, 2009 will not be reviewed until the next call for practices, so be sure to visit soon!

FAQs

What is the PPAS System? The PPAS System identifies the good things going on in afterschool and provides a lens through which practitioners can better understand the promising practices that lead to positive outcomes for children and youth.  Through this process, they will learn to be more intentional about their work.  The PPAS System can be an integral piece of training and planning for afterschool staff who are committed to improving the quality of their programs.

What is the difference between a practice, an activity, and a program? A practice is the underlying rationale or process for an activity.  An activity is the way a practice is carried out.  A program is a set of many activities.

What is a promising practice? Promising practices are the good things that underlie the activities that go on every day in after school programs. They have indicators or evidence of positive results, and key people-such as parents, children and youth, program staff, community members, and funders-have determined they are contributing to the quality of programming and the well-being of children, youth, families, and communities.

Promising practices in afterschool programs lead to positive social, emotional, cognitive, physical and cultural outcomes and are culturally, developmentally, age-, and gender-appropriate for the children and youth in the program.

Who can submit a practice? Anyone who is working in an afterschool program or an affiliated organization, such as an intermediary organization or government agency, that works with afterschool programs.

How do I submit a practice? Go to  the www.afterschool.org portal and click on *Promising Practices.*  Under the *Promising Practives in Afterschool (PPAS) Database* header, click on *create an account.*  Then complete the eight sections to submit your Promising Practice. The process will take approximately 1 1/2 hours to complete.

What do I do if I don’t have access to the Internet to complete the application? Please call 202.884.8715 or send an e-mail to PPAS@aed.org to request a hard copy of the application or to have an MS-Word version e-mailed to you.

Who decides whether my practice is promising or not? A panel of trained volunteer peer reviewers reviews all practice submissions using criteria developed by the PPAS Advisory Panel. Peer reviewers rate each practice as either “promising” or as an “aha!”

What’s in it for me and my program? There are many benefits to submitting a practice for review. Here are the top three: Benefit #3:  You will receive detailed feedback on your practice from a group of trained peer reviewers.  Benefit #2:  If your practice is recognized as promising, you will receive:  An electronic copy of the PPAS logo to use on your program*s website, newsletter, letterhead, and other communications tools!  An official letter of recognition that can be used to support your program*s funding efforts!  Also, your practice will be part of the PPAS database, featured on the website, www.afterschool.org. And the biggest benefit to you and your afterschool program:  Benefit #1:  You will be helping to build the field of afterschool by sharing your practice with other program directors around the country!

For more information, please call 202.884.8715 or send an email PPAS@aed.org.

4-H Update – January 23, 2009

Volume 14, Number 2

Reminders:

•  Jan. 23-25: Leadership Development Conference, Denver
•  Jan. 26: 4-H Day at the Capitol, Denver
•  March 6:  CWF applications due

4-H Hall of Fame

It’s time for nominations for the 4-H Hall of Fame. What is the HOF, you ask?! The 4-H Hall of Fame was a 4-H Centennial project of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents. In 2002 they honored the first laureates – volunteers, supporters, staff, pioneers – who made major contributions to 4-H at local, state and national levels.

What are the selection criteria?

1.  Citizenship as exemplified by participation in civic, community, state, regional and national public-service-related activities evidencing concern for the welfare of others, especially as they relate to 4-H.

2.  Leadership as exemplified by qualities of leadership and acceptance of leadership responsibilities in civic, community, professional and business related activities that directly or indirectly benefit 4-H.

3.  Career accomplishments as exemplified by accomplishments and success in his/her chosen career and as a mentor or role model.

4.  Character as exemplified by evidence of the influence of 4-H involvement (if a 4-H alumni or volunteer) in the nominee’s life and/or his or her commitment to 4-H.

5.  Any other information that would be beneficial for the selection committee to know.

6.  No more than one page in 12 point font.

Colorado has had two 4-H laureates selected: Paul Hoshiko and Cecil Staver. Who do you believe is worthy of a nomination into the HOF? Take a look at the HOF website to read about other laureates:  http://www.nae4ha.org/hof/

We’d like to have your nominations no later than February 13. ― Dale Leidheiser

Renewable Energy for Educators (4-H Agents Take Note!!)

June 22 – 25, Carbondale, CO

Sponsored by Solar Energy International, educators attending this seminar will learn about the impacts that our energy use has on the planet and how to best teach youth about solutions: energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. Each day will include a hands-on element that can be employed in the classroom. In addition, participants will walk away with practical knowledge that they can apply in their own lives. Integrating renewable energy education into youth development can provide an element of excitement for science education and hope for the future. Teachers who teach any age group will benefit greatly from this special workshop. This workshop has been designed to meet the 5th-9th grade Colorado Science Standards.

Receive two extended study credits through Mesa State College!! The cost of the credits is included in the tuition for this workshop. Each participant will receive:
•    Access to SEI’s renewable energy kits for use in the classroom
•    Curriculum and lesson plans on renewable energy and energy issues
•    A variety of teaching tools and materials to help engage students
•    Experience creating hands-on projects that can be implemented in the classroom

To register for this course please call SEI at 970.963.8855.  There is currently no on-line registration. ― Ellen Butler

WRLF Items Needed

We need your help to collect items that can be used for the WRLF participant goodie bags. You know the kind of things that show up: candy, pencils, pens, sticky pads, coupons, band aids, lip balm, etc. We’d like to have a variety of items from across the state that we can give away. Please contact me at 970.491.7881 or email dale.leidheiser@colostate.edu if you have questions.

Thanks for your help! ― Dale Leidheiser

Invitation to Colorado Youth Development Team Denver area meetings

We are busy analyzing the data from the great response we received from the positive youth development scan and planning for the 12 community meetings across the state. The Denver area meetings are quickly approaching! We hope you and your community, youth, and family partners can join us!

Our goals for these meetings are to learn about what is working best to support youth in various areas across the state and how the State and the Colorado Youth Development team can help support communities’ youth development work with regards to policy, funding, grant language, data collection, trainings, collaborations, networking, etc. We hope that you will join us for one of the two meetings in the Denver metro area:

1)  Thursday, January 29, 5:45-8:30 p.m. at the Global Village Academy, 403 S. Airport Unit A, Aurora, 80017
2)  Saturday, January 31, 12:30-3:00 p.m. at Mile High United Way, 2505 18th Street, Denver, 80211

Dinner/lunch will be provided as well as a $25 gift cards for youth and parent/caregiver participants, so please be sure that you and your partners RSVP to me at amy.engelman@state.co.us or call 303.692.2411. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you soon! ― Amy Engelman, Youth Development Specialist, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Child, Adolescent & School Health Unit PSD-CASH, A4 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO  80246 303.692.2411, amy.engelman@state.co.us