4-H Update

Volume 15, Number 10

Dates to Remember:

May 1:  4HOnline Youth Enrollment Data due
May 1-3: CAE4-HA, Albuquerque, NM
June 1:  Colorado 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament, Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club, Windsor
June 1:  Youth leadership and Citizenship applications due

Routt County 4-H Agent Position Opening

4-H Extension Agent, Routt County: Salary range $3,862 – $4,132 plus benefits.  Duties include: provide information on national and state 4-H programs to members, leaders and other county residents, assist with county 4-H projects and programs, oversee youth programs, assist youth and adult councils with club fund raising and community service projects, events, and activities, provide technical support for local 4-H projects and programs, train and coordinate training for youth members and adult leaders, assist with livestock projects.  A full job description is available upon request.  Applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or youth development with a Masters preferred, one to three years of experience in youth programs, community relations or agriculture.  Applicant must have the ability to: communicate effectively with youth and adults, handle and work with livestock, computer skills, and the ability to use multimedia in presentations.

A cover letter and the Routt County Application must be received before 3 pm, May 3, 2012.  You can access the Routt County application on our website.  Click on the Human Resources page: go to How to Apply: click on the Routt County Job Application.

Failure to submit all of the above paperwork will disqualify you from the application process.

Deliver to: Human Resources, Attn: 4-H Extension Agent, 136 6th Street, Steamboat Springs, CO; e-mail Georgian Kalow at gkalow@co.routt.co.us, or fax to 970-870-5362.  Applications can be mailed to PO Box 773598, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477-3598.  The application paperwork must be received on or before the deadline listed.   You may use any of the methods listed to apply for this position. Click on here for more information:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/RouttCounty4H.pdf

Routt County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, ROUTT COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES, P. O. Box 773598, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477,  970.870.5361      FAX: 970.870.5632
- Ellen Butler

4-H Enrollment Data Due on May 1

This is just a reminder that the May Deadline is coming soon!

To Verify your counts w/n 4HOnline go to: Enrollment | Search (Make sure the textbox is empty) Check the boxes “Youth”, “Active” and “Archived” – The Number “returned” is the number you will use for the attached form. (NOTE: Archived are members that PAID, but have since decided to withdraw from 4H but we still need to count them in the total)   The form can be downloaded at:

www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/forms/enrollverification.doc

Please provide the appropriate signature (s) and either email, fax or mail to me by May 1 (information listed below).

ALL INVOICES WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL -  DO NOT SEND MONEY UNTIL THE INVOICE ARRIVES!

Please feel free to contact me at 970.491.3887 or Email: joy.bauder@colostate.edu.
- Joy Bauder

4-H Build a Million Club

Michigan State University Extension has announced a new family and consumer economics curriculum, “4-H Build a Million Club”  funded by FINRA. (See the News Release attached.)   The  “4-H Build a Million Club” is posted on the eXtension.org website listed in the “Financial Security for All” Community of Practice.   Please share this press release and email announcement.   The eXtension.org website is available here:  http://www.extension.org/pages/61531/4-h-build-a-million

Join my4-h.org

I would like to welcome you to register for the just-launched my4-H site. In 5 simple steps, you’ll be using my4-H, giving you instant access to a slew of productivity, professional development, and collaboration tools and even resources and communities specific to Colorado and STEM! STEP 1 — Go here: https://www.my4-h.org/ and click on the orange button called Request Membership. STEP 2 — Fill out the registration form. On Page 3, make sure to check the box for any areas of interest. STEP 3 — Look out for an email with your OpenID login. Click on the link within the email to create your password. STEP 4 — Return to https://www.my4-h.org/ and login with your OpenID. (Note: This will take you to a page that appears to be for ACCESS Enrollment but will in fact take you to my4-H.) STEP 5 — Begin to explore my4-H! Update your profile with your picture and other details… post your first my4-H status… and more! Thanks!
- Claire Dixon, Front Range STEM Specialist

Invitation to Gear Tech 21 Camp Training – it’s not just for camp!

The Gear Tech 21 Camp Team would like to share an invitation to take part in our Gear Tech 21 Camp training that will be held May 29 and 30 in Akron ( 9 am to 4 pm).  We are holding three (3) Gear Tech camps in the Golden Plains this summer and are very pleased to have a trainer coming from UNL to do a two day face-to-face training with the staff and volunteers who will be running the camps. As you probably know, Gear Tech focuses on NXT robotics and geospatial technology. During the training,  we will be learning to do the projects that the kids will be doing – building and programming robots, learning how to use and do activities with GPS units and learning how to use on-line GIS to work with maps.  If you would like to learn more about using these technologies, we would love to have you attend the training with us.  There is a $25 charge for the training for anyone who will not be helping with a camp which goes to UNL.  Lunch is included. If you would like to become one of our camp volunteers, you can do the training for free!  Let me know if that sounds like fun.  It would be a great way to get familiar with the Gear Tech program so you can hold your own next year.

To register for the camp, they ask you first to take a little pre-survey and then you can fill in the registration.  If you do not already have a Gear Tech log-in, there are instructions below to sign up.  You will want that so you can look at the curriculum they provide.

I really learned the biggest part of what I know about robotics from the Gear Tech curriculum so can tell you for sure if you or some of your volunteers have been thinking about taking the plunge into the NXT robotics project, you would find this beneficial.  We will cover robotics the first day and the geospatial material the second day.

Below is all of the info you need to get signed up.  If you do decide to come, please send me an email telling me you registered as all of the registration materials go to UNL and we want to be sure we have enough lunches!

To sign up: The first step in registering for the workshop is to complete the GEAR-Tech-21 pre-survey:  http://tinyurl.com/GT21educatorpresurvey. The last page of the survey will take you to the UNL Marketplace for online registration.  If you need to get directly to the online registration:  http://marketplace.unl.edu/ne4h/geartech21/gear-tech-21-training-registration.html. The fee is $25 per person, and includes a printed copy of the GEAR-Tech-21 Helpers Guide and Youth Workbook.  Those who are assisting with GEAR-Tech-21 camps in 2012 may register for free by entering a coupon code provided to the lead camp coordinator.

Before the workshop: Create a user account on the GEAR-Tech-21 website:  http://www.geartech21.org. Please allow a day or two for account approval.  After your account is approved, you’re encouraged to start looking at the GEAR-Tech-21 activities and Helper Guides.

We would love to have you join us!

- Christy Fitzpatrick Northern Regional Extension Specialist

Wild Bug Fish Camp

Please click on these links for further information about Wild Bug Fish Camp! Save the date – June 25-28!

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/WBFC_Flyer_2012.pdf http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/WBFC_Brochure_2012.pdf

FLEX High School and Japanese Summer Inbound Promotions

For further information about recruitment releases for the FLEX high school (Future Leaders Exchange) and Japanese Summer Inbound (month-long) promotions, please click on the link below.

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/HostFamiliesNeeded.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/2012-FLEX-RecruitmentDescription.pdf

- Courtney Loflin

Ready! Set! ACTion!

Ready! Set! ACTion! is an AMAZING new project launching now for youth leadership groups across the state of Colorado.  Driven by youth organizers, who call themselves Coffee! and as a project of The Civic Canopy powered by Kaiser Permanente, this project is like no other.

What is it?  We are challenging youth to create a health ACTion-project and video of the change they are making around health.  Make an impact on your community and have a chance to receive a donation of up to $5,000 from Kaiser Permanente.

When is the next important date?  Registration deadline is June 30, 2012!

What is our website?  Go to www.readysetaction.org for more information on the project and to fill out a registration form.  Once you fill out a form you will be assigned a youth producer who can answer any of your questions about the project.

Why?  This youth driven initiative provides you with many exciting advantages: 1. Health and youth leadership resources 2. Technical video assistance 3. Youth leadership group connections 4. Blog opportunities 5. Camera access (if needed) 6. Health ACTion-project video premiere event in Spring of 2013! 7. The chance to receive a donation of up to $5,000 for your group

Groups have until March 2013 to complete the project but you must register by June 30, 2012 to be a part of this challenge!

We hope you register to share your amazing work with others through Ready! Set! ACTion!  Please share this opportunity with your youth leadership group and/or share with other groups as well.

Contact:  Ana Soler, Managing Director – The Civic Canopy Phone:  303.292.3144 Cell:  303.319.6022
Email:  ana@civiccanopy.org
- Ellen Butler

American Paint Horse Association 4-H Statewide

Get “CREDIT” For Your American Paint Horse

The PAC (Paint Alternative Competition) program awards credits to Paint Horses for achievements outside of APHA-approved events.  PAC is designed to give youth the opportunity to count their open show and 4-H accomplishments on their Paint Horse’s records, and achieve year end awards for their efforts. This is a great way to get started in the show arena, and gain experience without adding too much cost.  Members can get automatic recognition at any 4-H event, or use a PAC-approved event within the PAC show calendar for further credit.  Your Paint Horse must be enrolled each year ($25) and the owner must also be a member of the AjPHA or APHA.  Once enrolled, the exhibitor forms can be filled out, signed by the show secretary and sent in for automatic credit. For more information on the PAC program go to http://www.apha.com/pac/.  The American Junior Paint Horse Association is the youth component of the American Paint Horse Association. Anyone aged 18 & under (as of January 1st) with an interest in Paint Horses is invited to join the “j”. AjPHA members enjoy the same membership benefits as adult APHA members, and can participate in APHA-approved shows and programs. In addition, the AjPHA offers activities that don’t require a horse, including a youth leadership conference, art contest, photography contest, short story contest, and horse judging contest.  AjPHA offers something for everyone so come join us for some FUN, FRIENDS, and GREAT HORSES.  For more information and for details on how to join AjPHA, visit http://www.ajpha.com/.

In addition, AjPHA also sponsors several State 4-H Horse shows a year giving prizes and awards to all 4-H youth participating in their state competition.  For 2012 AjPHA will also be teaming up with local Paint Horse Clubs to add additional events during the shows as well as awards that will be specifically for Paint Horse exhibitors.
- Ellen Butler

Re-launching of StopBullying.Gov

We are excited to introduce you to a revitalized www.stopbullying.gov! Building on the momentum started a year ago by the Obama Administration and relaunched in partnership with the Department of Education, the new site emphasizes action steps individuals can take to prevent and stop bullying in their schools and communities. It also features easy-to-use tools and resources for community leaders, young people and families, including:

• How to recognize the warning signs and when to take action
• Tips to prevent bullying before it starts
• How to implement strategies for intervention
• Ways to share your community’s resources, policies or strategies to prevent and address bullying
• Information on bullying laws in your state

We hope the new site will help you share ideas and start discussions about the role you can play in preventing bullying in your community. Show your support on your own website with our widgets and badges and subscribe to email updates to find out about new content on the site. We also encourage you to consider submitting your materials for inclusion in our resource database.  You can also follow StopBullying.gov on Twitter or Facebook for more information on how to take action. Please also look for the yellow boxes at the bottom of most pages. This is our new user feedback tool, which you can use to tell us whether you found the page useful or not. You can also share your ideas for how to improve it. We hope you enjoy the new site, and look forward to hearing your feedback on how we can continue to support your work on bullying prevention and intervention.   Sincerely, The StopBullying.gov Editorial Board, with representation from:   U.S. Department of Education U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including:
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Health Resources and Services Administration
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

- Ellen Butler

Speak Now Media Toolkit Training

We hope this finds you well and enjoying the sunny skies! Thank you for your participation in the Speak Now Media Toolkit Training and for your excitement and willingness to assist the Division of Behavioral Health in disseminating the statewide social marketing campaign message “Speak Now! Talk with your kids about the dangers of teen drinking”.    Please let us know if you need the Speak Now Media Toolkit or posters in English and Spanish to display in your community.  You can contact me, sharon.liu1@state.co.us, Shadia, slemus@webbpr.com, or Andy, acohen@wepppr.com to have the toolkit and posters sent to you.  Please provide us with your address and the # of posters you need. Also, feel free to share this with others who may be interested in the Speak Now campaign. I have attached the 2012 Speak Now Communications Plan, Campaign Fact Sheet, and Tactical Action Plan worksheet.   The “Speak Now! Talk with your kids about the dangers of teen drinking.” statewide social marketing campaign will be launching on Monday, April 2, 2012. Be sure to check out the website at www.SpeakNowColorado.org or www.HableAhoraColorado.org

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/TacticalActionPlan.pdf http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/CommunicationsPlan-CPPS.pdf http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/CampaignFactSheet.pdf

- Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 14, Number 10

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

Colorado State Fair Teen Clerks

Requests for State Fair teen clerk applications have been slowly trickling into the State Office.  May this email serve as a gentle reminder that the teen clerk application deadline is July 1.  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

Robotics Showcase Exhibition at State Fair

There will be a Robotics Showcase Exhibition at this year’s Colorado State Fair on Sunday, August 29, 2010 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  Robots will be required to perform a task.  This year it is only an exhibition, not a contest.

Click on this link  http://www.ext.colostate.edu/4_h/robotics.docx for a copy of the judging sheet that will be used for the exhibition and next year for the contest.  The STEM specialists will use this judging sheet to provide feedback to participating youth.   In Robotics showcase there are seven areas to look at:  Technical Merit, Aesthetics, Task Utility, Entertainment Value, Presentation, Originality and Difficulty for Age of Participant. Please let your 4-H members know about this opportunity.  I will provide lodging at Camp Tobin at State Fair for all those 4-H members and families that are participating.  I will also provide lunch on Sunday for the participants. Please let me know the names of the 4-H members in your county who are going to participant in this event by July 30, 2010.
- Connie Cecil

School Gardening Best Practice Publication

This publication was developed by the Louisiana State University AgCenter 4-H Youth Development Program as part of a grant requirement from the Louisiana Learn and Serve Grant.  Because of your contributions this publication has a wealth of valuable school gardening advice and information that will be useful to all who read it. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/4_h/school-garden.pdf

In the next few months, the School Gardening Best Practices will be submitted to the America’s Learn and Serve National Service-Learning Clearinghouse website at:  http://www.servicelearning.org/ to be shared with a wide audience of educators, non-profits and gardeners. – Ellen Butler

2011 Western Regional Leaders Forum

The 2011 WRLF promotional DVD is now available for viewing through our website. Because it is created in HD It does take a few minutes to load, but it’s well worth the wait.  It can be found at: http://4h.wsu.edu/conferences/2011wrlf/2011WRLF.avi

View and enjoy! AHOY! – Pat BoyEs, Washington State 4-H Program Leader

4HOnline Training at State 4-H Conference

I will be conducting a 4HOnline Training for Agents/Coordinators next week at Conference.  We will be going over the Group Enrollment process for ES237.  If you have any Group Youth, Group Volunteer or Leader Information to enter please bring them along as this will be a hands on training and an opportunity for you to get a jump start on the data entry process.

Details as follows:
Workshop Date: Wednesday, June 23
When:  1:00 – 2:30 pm
Where:  Computer lab in the Morgan Library, Classroom 2.

Thanks and hope to see you then! – Joy Bauder, Database Systems Coordinator

2010 Colorado Operation Military Kids Camps

Please share with any military families. If you have 4-H youth who want to come and help us volunteer, please let me know! Thank you for your support of Operation: Military Kids! These camps are a lot of fun. Click on this link for a copy of the registration form:  http://www.ext.colostate.edu/4_h/camp-reg.doc. Upon receipt of your refundable $25 check you will receive an email confirmation with additional information on the camp of your choice.

All Camps are FREE for Military Families with:

•    A parent deployed in the last year, parent is currently deployed or about to deploy
•    Parent(s) must accompany their children
•    Selection is on a first-come, first served basis with a $25 refundable deposit and application received by Operation: Military Kids. Contact us at shauna.woods@colostate.edu 970.491.1807, or linda.fuller3@us.army.mil 720.250.1188.

Denver Zoo, Denver CO – “Bunk with the Beasts” Family Overnight Camp

• June 18-19 OR July 9-10, 2010
•  School age youth must be accompanied by a parent
• 6:00 pm-10:00 am the following day
•  Ages 6-18

Families participating will:
•    have full access to zoo exhibits
•    participate in special animal and behind-the-scenes zoo encounters
•    have dinner, snack and breakfast provided

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, CO Springs – “A Wild Night” Family Overnight Camp

•   July 16-17 OR July 31 –August 1, 2010
•   6:00 pm-8:00 am the following day
•   School age youth must be accompanied by a parent
•    School Age children, Kindergarten- 12th Grade

Families participating will:
•    have full access to zoo exhibits
•    participate in special animal and behind-the-scenes zoo encounters
•    have dinner, a snack and breakfast provided

Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver CO – “Under a Middle Eastern Sky”

•    August 13-14 OR September 17-18, 2010
•    6:00 pm-10:00 am the following day
•    School Age children, Kindergarten- 12th Grade
•    School age youth must be accompanied by a parent

Families participating will:
•    engage in interactive workshops and learn more about ancient Middle Eastern culture of Iraq and Afghanistan
•    view a comparison of the Middle Eastern and Colorado skies at the planetarium
•    attend the IMAX theater
•    have full access to museum exhibits with a visit to the Denver Zoo
•    have a snack and breakfast provided

Mock Deployment, Buckley AFB, Aurora CO

Fall 2010 tbd

Using the program created by 4-H Youth Development, University of Alaska Fairbanks and held at a local military installation, this is a special opportunity for Guard or Reserve military youth in Colorado who may not feel attached to the military as well as Active Duty military youth affected by deployment.  Military youth will receive orders, debriefings, go through health and wellness checks, learn about military culture, explore military equipment, eat MRE’s and develop a better understanding of their military parent’s deployment experience.

- Shauna Woods, Program Coordinator and Military Liaison, CSU

4-H Update

Volume 14, Number 6

Reminders:

• April 13-15: CAE4-HA, Cripple Creek
• May 1: 4-H OnLine Youth Enrollment data due, Joy Bauder
• May 15: IFYE host applications due, State 4-H Office

ES237 Information Needed!

This is just a reminder that the May 3rd deadline is just around the corner!  The good news for all is that the only documentation I need from you is to fill out the form below, get the appropriate signature (s) and either email, fax or mail to me by May 3 (information listed below).  I will double check the totals within 4HOnline and then provide the information to the CSU Extension accounting office for invoicing.  PLEASE DO NOT SEND MONEY UNTIL THE INVOICE ARRIVES!

Additionally there are still a few remaining counties that haven’t begun entering any data into 4HOnline, please don’t delay!  4HOnline will be the only mechanism for the final ES237 reports that are processed in October.

Please click on these links: http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/enrollverification.doc, http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/enrollverification.pdf

ATTENTION: those with 4-H Shooting Sports Responsibilities

Several 4-H Shooting Opportunities have been posted to the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports web site. Please pass this along to those members or families who may be interested.

-    2010 Douglas County Fun Shoot (4/25/2010)
-    2010 Flagler Lake YHEC Event (5/1-2/2010)
-    2010 Weld County Shotgun Invitational (5/22/2010)
-    2010 Weld County All Event Invitational (6/5/2010)

Here’s a direct link to flyers and information on all shoots:

http://www.co4hshooting.org/shooting_opportunities.html

A reminder … we are looking for dedicated 4-H Leaders who are willing to serve on the State 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team. We need Leaders willing to give their time to train other volunteers in 4-H Shooting Sports disciplines. With the National 4-H Shooting Sports training coming to Grand Junction in May, this is a perfect opportunity to join our Training Team! Interested? Contact Jim Hamilton (jim.hamilton@colostate.edu) at 719.846.7403. – Perry Brewer

2010 4-H National Science Experiment

On behalf of 4-H National Headquarters at NIFA, USDA, National 4-H Council and the entire 4-H SET Management Team, we are pleased to announce that North Carolina A&T has been selected as the leading university for this year’s National Science Experiment which focuses on water quality and climate change.

Using a three-tiered experiment model, the experiment engages youth of all ages to learn at the simplest level how carbon dioxide can affect aquatic animals, plants and other living organisms in lakes, streams, rivers and oceans. These activities help facilitators lead discussions to help youth better understand climate change. Using worksheets and online guides, the experiment will help youth take the activities and connect back to their lives by measuring their own carbon footprint, their family’s footprint, and estimate energy savings by looking at gas and electric bills.

Visit 4-H.org to find the full news release about this year’s experiment. We look forward to sharing the final experiment materials with the 4-H community in late May.  – Willa Williams

2010 Wild Bug Fish Camp and YHEC Information

Here’s what you’ve been waiting for – information on the 2010 Wild Bug Fish Camp! – The Wild Bug Fish Camp is designed to allow leaders and members to participate together in a learning experience focusing on natural resources and the environment. http://www.4hfishing.org/2010_wbf_camp.html

Do you enjoy hunting, shooting or just being outdoors? Would you like the opportunity to enhance your skills and learn more about hunting methods, game species, hunter ethics and safety? Then think about attending the 2010 Flagler YHEC Event.  http://www.co4hshooting.org/shooting_opportunities.html – Perry Brewer

4-H International Exchange Programs 2010

4-H/Japanese Summer Exchange
Japanese exchange students have 100 percent medical coverage and may participate in host family vacations. Teens from hosting families in Colorado are subsequently eligible to participate in an exchange program to Japan during any of the following summers until they are 21 years old.

Inbound -Host families are needed for approximately 75 Japanese boys and girls, ages 12-21. Japanese teens from the Labo and Lex organizations arrive in Colorado on July 21 and join host families on July 23 after orientation by 4-H staff. Teens from the Utrek program arrive in Colorado on July 21, joining their host families on July 25 after orientation and a camp in the mountains. Both groups return to Denver on August 18 and depart for Japan on August 19.

Outbound-The outbound exchange involves a family that acts as a host for a Japanese youth. This enables their son or daughter, ages 12-19, to apply to be a delegate to Japan for a four-week (July 7 – August 5) or eight-week (June 10 – August 5) homestay experience. Travel expenses are assumed by the traveler. (Application due 2-1-10)

4-H/Japanese High School Exchange
Inbound-Colorado will host 10 Labo, Lex, and Utrek Japanese high school exchange students, ages 15-18. These participants stay with host families and will attend Colorado high schools from July 2010 through mid-June 2011. They are proficient in English and will attend an additional intensive English language class before arriving in Colorado.  Families who host a high school delegate are eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship toward the cost of sending their son or daughter to Japan for four or eight weeks.

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)
Inbound-Host families are needed for FLEX students, ages 15-18. This program is funded by the U.S. State Department to instill democratic principles in exchange participants from the New Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union. FLEX participants come from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Colorado will host 10 participants  who will stay with host families and attend high school August 2010 through mid-June 2011.

International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE)
Inbound- IFYE delegates, ages 19-30, stay two to three weeks with several host families during their three-month stay in Colorado. IFYE’s come from many regions of the world: Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Australia, Asia and Africa. They share information about their country, culture and the IFYE program with various community groups and travel throughout Colorado during their visit. IFYEs generally arrive in Colorado mid-June or mid-September.

International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE)
Outbound-IFYE delegates, ages 19-30, visit a foreign country for three or six months. The countries are located in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Australia, Asia and Africa. Six-month delegates leave the United States in late June and return in early December. Three-month delegates return in early September. The delegate lives and works with host families and gains a unique perspective about another culture. When delegates return, they travel throughout Colorado to share their experiences and broaden international awareness. The Colorado 4-H Foundation offers two full scholarships each year for IFYE representatives, (personal spending money excluded).

Click on these links for further information:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/HostFamiliesNeeded-JapaneseSummer2010.pdf,

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/FLEX-RecruitmentRelease-2010.pdf

- Courtney Loflin, State Program Coordinator, courtney.loflin@colostate.edu, (970) 491-2711

New Everyone Ready Seminar

A new volunteer development seminar is now available: Bridging the Gap between Volunteers and zrmployees: Keys to Effective Partnership. One of the universal challenges in volunteer development is assuring that employees and volunteers who work together on a daily basis are enthusiastic and supportive of each other. This seminar examines the root causes of possible tension, analyzes the employee perspective, and discusses ways to improve attitudes and practices throughout the organization. Log in now! – Dale Leidheiser

Colorado Dairy Goat Association Award Available

The Colorado Dairy Goat Association(CDGA) has allotted a small amount of money to be divided across all of the Colorado counties that have 4H members enrolled in dairy goats.  In order to qualify for a small (but hopefully helpful) monetary award, you must 1) respond with the number of kids enrolled in the dairy goat project in your county and 2) give an estimate of the number of dairy goats you expect to have at your county’s fair!  Even if you only have one member entered, please respond to this opportunity.

There only request is that the award only be used within the DAIRY GOAT project! We would like to have your response by May 1.  Please include the contact name that the check should be issued to and the address you would like to have it mailed to. Thanks for all you do for your 4H members! – Greg Larson - vl.larson@juno.com

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 24

Reminders

• September 15: Survey instruments and data collection due, campus
• 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

4H Enrollment Information for Members and Volunteers

As you may or may not know by now, we are transitioning to a new online 4-H enrollment system called 4HOnline beginning October 1, 2009.

All county offices will be ‘starting’ fresh and to do that they need your assistance.  The biggest change you will notice as 4-H members and families is that when a county staff member enters/updates your enrollment information the 4hOnline system will automatically email the account that was provided on the enrollment form.  So don’t be alarmed when you receive an email from “4HOnline ….. Congratulations you have been enrolled in 4-H.” This is not ‘junk’ mail so please do not delete!  If your email address has changed be sure to provide your county office with all your current information on the new enrollment forms that will be provided.  If you do not have an email account there is no need to worry, you will still receive all the important information via regular mail. Questions?  Please contact your local county Extension office.  Thanks! – Joy Bauder, 4-H Enrollment coordinator

Best in Show Pet Treats

THIS FALL, COLORADO 4-H IS GOING TO THE DOGS…AND CATS…AND HORSES TOO!  Please register your county’s participation at http://www.pettreats4youth.com/training/colorado.htm. But don’t wait, the registration deadline is around the corner – September 15!

Register now -  even if you have just a few clubs who want to participate or if you are planning on ordering  cases for a simple Direct Sale before the holidays.  All pet treats will be shipped into Colorado the week of Nov. 16 – perfect timing for holiday gift giving and pre-holiday Direct Sales.  Did you know that 75 percent of pet owners purchase a gift for them for Christmas?  Best In Show Pet Treats will combine small county orders with neighboring counties to avoid shipping charges.  Our goal is to grow a product sale that helps keep Colorado 4-H strong at every level.  Call 1.877.805.0452 if you need additional information.  Click on this link to view their flyer:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/4H-ColoradoFlyer.pdf – Ellen Butler

Reminder – 2009 Survey Instruments and Data Collection due to the 4-H State office

The 2009 survey instruments and instructions are now posted on our 4-H website.  They are listed under Agent Resources (Outcome Measurements) and also in the Research / Impact section.  The URL to take you directly there is:  http://www.colorado4h.org/research_impact/index.shtml

You can collect data at your county fair, training events, annual recognition program or any other opportunity that might arise where members and leaders gather.  This data will be very helpful in documenting the relevance of the 4-H program in Colorado.  These instruments will also make it easier for you to complete your annual work team contribution reports in the 4-H CCA.   If you have any questions about this process just let me know.

Thanks in advance for your help on this very important project. – Ellen Butler

2010 WRLF Information:  BLAZING TRAILS TO NEW MEXICO

New Mexico looks forward to being your host for the 2010 Western Regional Leaders’ Forum (WRLF) in Albuquerque, March 11-14.  All 4-H leaders, teens and staff from the 13 western states, 2 Canadian provinces and the Pacific Territories are invited. The event is capped at 400 participants, so don’t delay in registering. The full-time registration includes Thursday evening appetizers and four meals, hospitality room, workshops, speakers, commercial exhibits, entertainment and activities.  On Friday and Saturday there will be 64 workshops on a diverse range of topics.  Some of the workshop titles are:

•  Magic of Leadership
•  Sciencetriffic 4-H Projects
•  Are you a 4-H Pig or Chicken?
•  Internet Use in 4-H Activities
•  Introduction to Boondoggle Delights
•  4-H Working Ranch Horse Program
•  Are you Smarter than a 4-Her?
•  4-H on a Shoestring
•  Ready? S.E.T. Lego!

Full time registration:
Early Bird: (postmarked by December 15, 2009)   $200.00
Regular:      (postmarked by January 15, 2010)       $250.00
Late:             (postmarked by February 15, 2010)     $300.00

Part time registration:
Thursday, March 11 – includes Taste of New Mexico and Share Fair
Friday, March 12 – includes opening ceremony, workshops, lunch with entertainment, silent auction, commercial exhibits and evening variety show
Saturday, March 13 – includes workshops, lunch with entertainment, silent auction, commercial exhibits and awards dinner with entertainment
Sunday, March 14 – includes brunch and closing program with speaker

Thursday, March 11          $50.00
Friday, March 12                $75.00
Saturday, March 13           $100.00
Sunday, March 14              $40.00

On-line registration is available now. For further information and registration go to http://nm4h.nmsu.edu and then  click on “details” under the WRLF logo.

There are also fun evening teen activities for senior 4-H members who register for the Forum:
-  Thursday March 11:  Chips and Salsa Workshop with movie  $5.00
-  Friday March 12:  Hot Air Balloon Museum with pizza  $15.00
-  Saturday March 13:  New Mexico Arts & Crafts $5.00

Come and be involved in Blazing Trails – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow at the 2010 Western Regional Leaders’ Forum, March 11-14, in Albuquerque, New Mexico and join us in “The Land of Enchantment.”  – Ellen Butler

Blue Ribbon Reminder of October Data – DUE Soon! – PLEASE READ!!!

County Directors/Agents, if you are receiving this message in place of your Administrative Support, please PRINT this out and give to him/her ASAP!

Using the current Blue Ribbon Youth Enrollment ES237 & Youth Data is Due by Thursday, October 1, 2009 (or earlier if you wish!) All enrollment drops and project completions will need to be complete before sending your final report to the state office.  If your county fair is later in September or early October, please contact me ASAP and I’ll be happy to give you an extension but you must contact me!  My final report is due to the National 4-H Office on November 1, no later!

1)  BACKUP YOUR Youth files BEFORE YOU begin this process!!! (http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/help/backup_youth.pdf)

2) Did you enter all of your Group Youth Enrollments, Volunteer and Leader Information?  These are to capture youth that are NOT enrolled in the Blue Ribbon database.  **Special Note:  When entering the Group Enrollments – DO NOT Check the box “Group Activity Less than 6 hours” – if you do they will not print out on the final ES237 report.**  I know you and other staff “reach” the youth in the community, let’s be sure to count them!  Remember under the Group Youth Enrollment there is a $1/person fee for each youth under the Special Interest/Short Term interest category only.

3)  A complete step by step ES237 process go to: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/ — Click on “ES237 in a Nutshell” and print off these instructions.

4) Whether you email or use regular mail, EVERYONE will need to fill out & sign the following form — ****PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHECKS WITH THIS FORM – PLEASE WAIT UNTIL ACCOUNTING SENDS YOUR INVOICE, IF NEEDED (Your account should be up to date, but any final billing will be from the CE Accounting Office ONLY**** http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/forms/enrollverification.doc –

The following methods are used to find the accurate numbers to provide to Accounting.  For Enrollments — Open Blue Ribbon — Select ES237 | ES237 Verification — Check Members and Cloverbuds (this report includes ALL New, Return, and Terminated Members  — Click Preview — when the report is generated go to the last page and that is the total community club number which is multiplied by  5.  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, Click “OK” when message appears.  When report is generated look on the 1st Page under Line #2, under the total column that is the number used which is multiplied by 1. You do not need to include these reports with your final ES237 report.  I will be double checking all totals upon arrival, if there are any discrepancies I will contact you directly.

5)  Don’t forget to Email, mail or fax me your Data, “Complete” Final ES237 Report and Enrollment Verification Sheet!

6)  **NEW Enrollment Forms, 2009 “Tentative” Project are forthcoming.**

7)  Once I have received and approved your final report I will contact you on the next phase of moving to 4HOnline.

Thanks!  Joy Bauder, Database Systems Coordinator

Colorado Trends in Volunteerism!

The economic downturn has resulted in more Colorado residents volunteering their time to maintain existing skills, learn new ones and contribute to their communities. Last year there were 127,000 more volunteers than in 2007! Our Colorado volunteer rate is 33.3% of the population, well above the national rate of 26.4% and ranks us 17th in the country.

People who are out of work are contacting agencies and looking for something to do or to increase their networking efforts. Some are responding to President Obama’s “Call to Service,” volunteering initiative. The report shows that 26.8% of Colorado volunteers are African-American, contrasted with 18.8% nationwide.

What does this mean for 4-H? One word – opportunity. While we have relied upon existing volunteers to bring other volunteers into our program, we have marketing opportunities that have been untapped. We know that increasing numbers of volunteers are exploring opportunities on-line. One of the biggest, and best, volunteer opportunity web sites is “Volunteer Match.”

I just did a quick search on Volunteer Match for “Colorado” and “Youth Development” and came up with 104 matches. Only one was for an Extension related position! Now’s the time to think about volunteer needs for your county program in the next year. Need a web-master, book- keeper, newsletter editor, fund-raiser, board member, dog leader, lightning photography, science, engineering, technology . . . ? Log in to Volunteer Match and see what can happen by making your volunteer opportunities more visible to more people on the web!

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 19

Reminders

• July 31: National 4-H Conference applications due, State 4-H Office
• August 28 – Sept. 7:  Colorado State Fair, Pueblo

County and State ES237 Information Now Available on our Website!

Thanks to Joy Bauder and the IT department’s office support staff we now have county and state ES237 information available to all of you on our website.  We can now view county enrollment history from up to five years ago and also Colorado ES237 reports dating back to 1999. This is great information for us to have at our fingertips.

Click on http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/County_Reports/county-stats.html for county enrollment information and http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/es237_reports/es237.html for Colorado State ES237 numbers. The site path is through Enrollment and Reporting and then 4-H Youth Enrollment.

Please call if you have questions. – Ellen Butler

Extension Agents and 4-H Volunteer Leaders Invited to the Colorado 4-H Gala

This special invitation is being extended to all Extension agents and 4-H volunteer leaders to attend the 2009 Colorado 4-H Gala.  The Gala will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009, 6:15 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  The two-fold purpose of the Gala is to 1) promote and support the Science, Engineering and Technology aspects of the Colorado 4-H program and 2) to help expand the 4-H organized club program in Denver County.

The State 4-H office and the Colorado 4-H Foundation are extending a special offer to agents and 4-H leaders.  Buy one ticket for $200, and you can bring a guest for free! To take advantage of this great offer please contact Bill Gargan, Colorado 4-H Foundation assistant, at 970.491.2768 by Sept. 1. It will be a great night with a very exciting program with many movers and shakers in attendance.  We hope to see you there! – Ellen Butler

2009 Survey Instruments

The 2009 survey instruments and instructions are now posted on our 4-H website.  They are listed under Agent Resources (Outcome Measurements) and also in the Research / Impact section.  The URL to take you directly there is: http://www.colorado4h.org/research_impact/index.shtml

You can collect data at your county fair, training events, annual recognition program or any other opportunity that might arise where members and leaders gather.  This data will be very helpful in documenting the relevance of the 4-H program in Colorado.  Please call if you have any questions. – Ellen Butler

4-H Flag Heads Into Space Aboard Shuttle Endeavor

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2009 – The National 4-H flag was carried into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour yesterday as part of the STS-127 mission.  The flag, featuring the familiar 4-H clover, was originally scheduled to head into space earlier this year, but was delayed a record five times before finally lifting off this week.

“The inclusion of the 4-H flag on this mission reflects the commitment 4-H has to building young leaders in science, engineering and technology,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “As the global economy expands, these leaders will strengthen the United States’ global competitiveness and leadership in these fields.”

4-H promotes positive youth development, facilitates learning and engages youth in the work of the land-grant universities and USDA to enhance their quality of life. Nearly 7 million youth, ages 5-19, participate in 4-H youth development experiences in all 50 states, territories and military installations worldwide.

Azeem Ahmed, 17, who is an avid space enthusiast and 4-H member from Alabama and President of the Alabama 4-H Council, made the original request to NASA to have the flag flown with a future space shuttle mission.

“4-H is more than green and white – it is a collage,” Ahmed said. “It is agriculture and it’s also healthy living, leadership and citizenship and science, engineering and technology. Science, engineering and technology is one of the missions of 4-H, and by flying a 4-H flag into space, I hope we shine a new light on 4-H.”

Ahmed has been a 4-H member for seven years. He has participated in a variety of leadership and science, engineer and technology programs on the state and national level and wants people to see 4-H as he and thousands of other youth do.

The 4-H Youth Development Program began at the start of the 20th century to help rural youth gain technical and leadership skills. More than 100 years later, the organization continues to promote positive youth development in the areas of citizenship; healthy living and science; engineering; and technology. According to a two-year study in New York, young people who participate in 4-H clubs do better in school; are more motivated to help others; develop skills in leadership, public speaking, self-esteem, communication and planning; and making lasting friendships.

National 4-H Headquarters, along with its private partner National 4-H Council, has set the goal of preparing one million new young people to excel in science, engineering and technology (SET) by 2013. National 4-H Headquarters seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of the land-grant universities and USDA to enhance their quality of life.

More information is available at www.national4-hheadquarters.gov. Information on the SET initiative can be found at 4-h.org/programs_mission_mandates/set.html.

National 4-H Headquarters is a unit within USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov. – Ellen Butler

Announcing the 2009 National Science Experiment: Biofuel Blast!

On 4-H National Youth Science Day, October 7th, young people across the nation will get a chance to examine one of the most important issues facing our nation today—energy. Youth will discover, learn and have a blast exploring alternative fuels through Biofuel Blast, the National Science Experiment.

Developed in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension and Wisconsin 4-H, the experiment is designed to spark an early interest in the sciences—all part of 4-H’s bold goal to engage a million new young people in science, engineering and technology programs by 2013.

You can find everything you need to participate in 4-H National Youth Science Day online at www.4-H.org/NYSD. The site has lots of useful information, including the experiment facilitator’s guide, interactive tools, event planning kits and much more. Plus, new features, information and promotions will be added in the months and weeks leading up to October 7th—so make sure to register to receive event updates today. – Ellen Butler

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

Value of Volunteer Time

The new value of volunteer time is $20.25 per hour as established by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last year’s value was $19.51.

The Volunteer Research, Knowledge and Competency study found that the average 4-H leader volunteered 128 hours per year on our behalf. Use these two figures to find the value of volunteer time in your county!

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.