4-H Update

Volume 15, Number 11

Dates to Remember:

• May 28:  University Holiday, offices closed
• June 1:  Colorado 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament, Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club, Windsor
• June 1:  Youth leadership and Citizenship applications due
• June 19-21:  State 4-H Conference, Colorado State University Campus
• June 23 – 30:  Citizenship-Washington Focus, National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD
• July 4:  University Holiday, offices closed

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED – 4-H JAPANESE EXCHANGE – 2012

Host families are needed for 65 inbound Japanese boys and girls, ages 12-21, coming to Colorado through the 2012 inbound Colorado-Japan Teen Exchange.  Hosting dates are July 23 – August 18 OR July 25 – August 18.

This program is coordinated through Colorado State University and has been running since 1975.

Host families do not need to be a member of 4-H and may reside in urban, suburban, or rural settings throughout Colorado.  They may share a room with their host sibling.  Matches are made on the basis of same sex and close in age, as well as some common interests.  Note:  Host siblings may be as young as nine to match with a 12 year old Japanese participant.

All participants are 100 percent medically covered with 4-H insurance and may participate in host family vacations, camping trips, youth camps.  They are expected to become part of the family, including attending church, helping with household chores, follow house rules, and participate in other aspects of US daily life.  The program covers costs for the exchange.  Each participant has his/her own spending money.

Japanese participants will attend an orientation in Denver before going to host families and a debriefing in Denver before returning to Japan. Orientation for host families is done in Denver on the same day as delegate pickup.   Carpools are planned to transport delegates to homes if host families are not able to attend orientation or pick up their exchange student.  A complete orientation packet including program information, culture information, and complete application of the delegate they are hosting will be mailed to host families.

Host siblings have the option of traveling to Japan to participate in a four or eight-week exchange while staying with Japanese host families and learning Japanese culture.

THE GREATEST SUCCESS OCCURS WHEN FAMILIES TREAT THE DELEGATES AS A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, RATHER THAN A “GUEST.”

Please contact Courtney Loflin, 4-H International Programs, Colorado State University, 970.491.2711, or email courtney.loflin@colostate.edu

- Ellen Butler

2012 Inbound IFYEs to Colorado – Hosting Opportunity

The Colorado 4-H Foundation (former 4-H Youth Fund) was initially established in 1952 to support two programs – IFYE (International Four-H Youth Exchange) and CWF (Citizenship Washington Focus).  Colorado began participating in the IFYE program in 1951, although the program was developed in 1948 as a post-war peace effort involving 4-H farm youth from around the world.  Currently, IFYE participants come from countries on every continent.  Colorado’s IFYE program is the strongest in the United States.

Austria – Franz Winkler  (male – age 29) – June 18 – July 7.  Speaks German and  English.  Hobbies are biking, running, playing football, skiing, cross country skiing, concerts, theater, choir, traditional Austrian dance, and Landjugen (4-H) activities.  His parents own a farm (grassland, grain, corn, forest).  He attended an agricultural school and finished as a skilled worker, followed by studying the occupation as a joiner and finished also as a skilled worker.  (No allergies/ nonsmoker)

Austria – Christine Dumfart  (female -  age 21) – July 9 – August 16.  Speaks German and English.  Hobbies are clarinet, friends, sports, running, biking, hiking, skiing, climbing, and Landjugen (4-H) activities.  She is interested in nature, sightseeing.  Her parents own a farm with livestock and hay.  She attends polytechnic school.  (No allergies/nonsmoker)

Finland – Annina Kirsti Marjatta (female – age 28) – June 18 – July 30.  Speaks Finnish, English, Swedish.  Hobbies are handicrafts, travelling, childcare, nature, 4-H, sheep, goats, flowers, horseback riding.  She has lived her entire life in the middle of the forest.  She is a teacher at a vocational school.  (No allergies/nonsmoker)

Germany – Maximilian Schulze Esking (male – age 24) – June 18 – July 23, July 29 – September 10.  Speaks German and English.  Hobbies are squash, soccer, badminton, piano, friends, playing poker.  He is interested in the American way of farming, especially large units of livestock and crop land.  He grew up on a family pig farm.  They also grew wheat, corn, barley.  He finished his agricultural apprenticeship in 2009 and is current studying agriculture, finishing in 2015.  (No allergies/nonsmoker)
Note:  Maximilian will attend IFYE conference in Nebraska on July 24-28.

Greece – Vladimiros Topalidis (male – age 17) June  18 – July 30.   Speaks Greek and English.  Hobbies are reading, friends, skiing, soccer, basketball, painting, studying, biking, dancing, cooking, music.  He would like to make new friends, see national parks, go mountain biking, rock climbing, and visit ghost towns and ancient ruins.   Father is a farmer raising peaches, apricots, wheat.  He is a student at the American Farm School where he has attended animal and gardening workshops (including milking cows, gathering eggs, engineering, painting and hydraulics classes).   (No allergies/nonsmoker)

Switzerland –Margrit Stalder  (female age 24 – June 18 – September 10.  Speaks German, French, and English.  Hobbies are music, skiing, mountain biking, rifle shooting riding horses, walking, and skiing.  Other areas of interest are farming and agriculture.  Parents operate a farm with milk cows.  She is currently a retail assistant and hopes to take over her parents’ farm in the future.  (No allergies/nonsmoker)

Taiwan – Ya-Lan Cheng (female age 35) – June 18 – July 23.    Speaks Taiwanese, Mandarin, and English.  Hobbies are music, reading, handicrafts, sewing, singing.  Other areas of interest are agriculture, crop production methods, teaching methods, 4-H clubs.   She lived for five years on a small mango farm.  She is currently a teacher.  (No allergies/ nonsmoker)

Inbound IFYEs from Austria, Finland, Germany, Greece,  Switzerland, and Taiwan will attend National IFYE Orientation in Wichita, Kansas, prior to arriving in Colorado.  They will also attend State 4-H Conference at CSU June 19-21.  (With the exception of Christine who arrives July 9)

IFYEs generally stay with a host family for two-three weeks.  The goal is for these exchange participants to learn about everyday life in the United States by participating in the homestay experience.  All delegates have medical insurance and personal spending money.

Please contact Courtney Loflin at the State 4-H Office for more information regarding these IFYEs,  970.491.2711
Courtney.loflin@colostate.edu

- Ellen Butler

State 4-H Conference

4-H to the Xtreme!

The 2012 Colorado State 4-H Conference will be held June 19-21. State 4-H Conference provides great training and an opportunity for 4-H members, leaders, and Extension agents to strengthen their leadership skills. It also hosts the following state contests including: Livestock Bowl, Livestock Judging, Consumer Choices, Consumer Bowl, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology, Horse Demonstration and Public Speaking, Prepared Speech, Impromptu Speech, and Parliamentary Procedure. We look forward to your participation!

Registration
State 4-H Conference information will be available on the web at http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/stateconference. Registration is $70 per person and for those participating in contests, there is an additional $20 entry fee per contest. For your convenience, we have provided a participant registration form and parent letter for your use; just add your registration deadline and payment information. Please share this information, along with a copy of the workshop descriptions and tentative schedule, with those interested in attending conference. There is also an informational piece to share with parents that you can edit and print on letterhead.

Registration instructions and online registration will be available through 4-H Online May 3 through May 31. Registrations entered after May 31 will be charged a $20 late fee per participant. Online registration will end on June 6 at 12:00 Midnight. Changes can be made directly with Melissa Oliver via email at melissa.oliver@colostate.edu, or by phone, 970.213.0899, after June 6.  Cancellations between May 31 and June 6 will incur a cancellation penalty of a minimum of $20 up to the full registration dependent on what numbers have been turned in and guaranteed.  NO refund will be given for cancellations after June 6.

Payment
Payment for the entire amount is due by June 6. Please use Extension, county government, 4-H leader or youth council checks when paying your registration. Personal checks will not be accepted as it places the entire conference at risk of paying City of Fort Collins taxes. Please make your check payable to the Colorado 4-H Foundation and have it postmarked by June 6. Upon arrival on June 23, we will calculate for additional billing or refunds as necessary.

Please mail to: State 4-H Events Office, ATTN: Melissa Oliver

Rocky Mountain Camps Open to Military Kids Ages 13-17!

Please help us fill our Rocky Mt. Adventure Camps! $25 registration fee for military youth ages 13-17. Go to http://www.active.com/military-camp/golden-co/rocky-mountain-adventure-camp-colorado-state-university-military-youth
Rocky Mountain Adventure Camp 2012-Buses pick up at Fort Carson, The Academy and Buckley AFB.

May 29-Jun 01 RMAC Pingree Camp 1-
Jun 05-Jun 08 RMAC Pingree Camp 2
Jun 19-Jun 22 RMAC Pingree Camp 3
Jul 09-Jul 12 RMAC Pingree Camp 4
Jul 17-Jul 20 RMAC Pingree Camp 5

We have just added 13 year olds so please help us spread the word. Contact Amy Quinn amy.quinn@colostate.edu with any questions.

- Shauna Vail Woods, Operation: Military Kids Program Coordinator – Colorado Military Liaison

Exciting News: Daniels Scholarship Moves to Open Application Process

We are excited to announce that, starting in fall 2012, students will no longer need a nomination to apply for the Daniels Scholarship. A new “open application process” will allow students to initiate the scholarship application themselves, rather than the process beginning with a nomination from a Referral Agency.

While the new approach will provide greater access to students interested in applying for the Daniels Scholarship, we will still rely on the assistance of high schools, youth serving agencies, and college prep providers to share the opportunity to apply with viable candidates and provide recommendations for their scholarship applications.

“We are grateful for the input we received from hundreds of referral agency representatives who responded to the survey sent after the close of the recent application process,” explained Kristin Todd, senior vice president for Scholarships. “The complexity of the application process was a common theme, but we also heard from a number of respondents that many of their students struggled with the nomination and recommendation process,” she explained.

The Daniels Fund listened carefully to these concerns and believes that the open application will streamline the process to make it easier for students to complete and submit their application, as well as confirm that their recommenders have submitted their information.

Students will have access to the 2012-2013 online scholarship application via the Daniels Fund website. The students and all student- identified recommenders will also have access to an online portal to monitor progress during the scholarship application process.

As in past years, the scholarship application will launch in early September and close in late November.

As always, please contact your regional representative should you have questions about the Daniels Fund scholarship.

- Ellen Butler

Invitation to 4-H Members to the CSRN GPS Day Event, June 9, 2012

On behalf of the Colorado Spatial Reference Network, CSRN, (www.csrn.us) a chapter of the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado, PLSC, I would like to extend an invitation to 4-H members in Colorado to the CSRN GPS Day Event to be held on June 9, 2012, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Utah Park, 1800 S Peoria St, Aurora, CO 80012.

The event is free and open to youth and adults to learn about Global Positioning Satellites, GPS, Geographic Information Systems, GIS, Land Surveying, Geocaching, and Geodesy.  There will be professionals who work with GPS, GIS, Land Surveying, Geocaching, and Geodesy volunteering to share their knowledge to those that attend this event.

Click on these links for further information.

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/CSRN-GPS-Day-SaveTheDate.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/CSRN-GPS-Day-Program.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/CSRN-GPS-Day-EventSummary.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/CSRN-GPS-Day-SiteMap.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/CSRN-GPS-Day-CertificateOfCompletion.pdf

The CSRN would like to have this posted as an activity for 4-H members to attend.  This is open to any age group interested in GPS and the ways it is used.

- Ellen Butler

Awards for State 4-H Conference

I just wanted to remind all of you about the two awards that the Colorado State 4-H Officer Team sponsors.  The 4-H Senate Raleigh Brooks Outstanding Leader Award and the 4-H Senate Mile High Outstanding Youth Leader Award.  The applications for the these awards can be found on the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/councils/senate/Forms/forms.php

These two awards are given during the banquet at State Conference.  Please look them over and please recognize your outstanding leaders and 4-H members.

Awards Nomination Forms
•    4-H Senate Raleigh Brooks Outstanding Adult Leader Award
•    4-H Senate Mile High Outstanding Youth Leader Award

- Connie Cecil

4-H Foundation Scholarships Awarded

The Colorado 4-H Foundation Scholarship Committee has completed its assessment of the scholarship applications, and the winners of this year’s scholarships have been selected.  This year we received a total of 92 applications for all the various scholarships.

Those receiving scholarships are:

1st Choice After School Kare ($1,000) (new scholarship this year) – Kelly Buchanan (Boulder)

Colorado Agricultural Development Authority ($1,000 each)
- Taylor Hett (Weld)
- Tyler Konieczka (Jefferson)
- Derek Schroder (Baca)
- Kortnee Spelts (Yuma)
- Emily Wellman (Moffat)

Bill and Barbara Holthaus Scholarship ($1,000 each)
- Conner Gerken (Morgan)
- Abbey Pizel (Rio Grande)
- Thomas Price (El Paso)

Kimberling Family Scholarship ($1,000) (increased from $500 to $1,000 for this year since extra funds were available)
- Nikki Buhrdorf (Delta)

Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply Scholarship ($1,000) (five scholarships awarded this year rather than just one as in previous years)
- Natalie Curtiss (Boulder)
- Karisa Fuerniss (Larimer)
- Kasey Miles (Delta)
- Brandon Morgan (Montrose)
- Ayla Newman (Morgan)

Portouw Photography Scholarship ($300)
- Katie Server (Boulder)

Audrey Sandstead Scholarship ($400)
- Kaitlin Williams (Jefferson)

Howard E. and Marjory M. Smith Scholarship ($1,000)
- Mallory Hoots (Routt)

- Bill Gargan, Colorado 4-H Foundation

NIFA Partnership Awards

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recognizes there are many outstanding contributions that our partners in the land-grant universities and other cooperating institutions and organizations have achieved.  To recognize these achievements, the Partnership Awards Program was established in 2007.

NIFA invites all land-grant universities and cooperating institutions and organizations supported by NIFA to submit nominations for the 2012 NIFA Partnership Awards Program.  This program recognizes outstanding contributions, aligned with NIFA strategic goals, in support of the USDA mission.  Awards for this year will recognize excellence in:
•         Mission Integration of Research, Education, and Extension
•         Multistate Efforts
•         Innovative Programs and Projects
•         Effective and Efficient Use of Resources
•         Program Improvement through Global Engagement

Nominations can be submitted for individuals or teams of up to 35 members.  Each institution may submit up to two nominations (combined total across all categories), meaning the entire institution including research, education, and extension functions.

Specific instructions and other information regarding this awards program are attached (2011 NIFA partnership criteria.doc).  Nominations must be submitted via the NIFA Partnership Awards Nomination Form, also attached (2012 NIFA partnership Nom-form.doc).  All signed nomination forms must be submitted by July 13, 2012, via email using scanned files that have been saved as .pdf or .jpg files to Chevon Gibson at Chevon.Gibson@ars.usda.gov according to instructions in the attached guidelines.

Winning nominations will be recognized at the NIFA Day of Appreciation tentatively scheduled for October.  NIFA will pay travel expenses for one person from each winning nomination, whether it is an individual or team award.

Nominations should include only individuals or teams who have performed truly distinguished service.  We ask that Deans, Directors, and Administrators thoroughly review each submission for validity of accomplishments before signing his or her approval on the nomination form.

We have many excellent examples of success in these categories across our partnership, and NIFA looks forward to recognizing great accomplishments in October.

- Chavonda Jacobs-Young , Ph.D., Acting Director
National Institute of Food and Agriculture

USDA Childhood Obesity Challenge Area RFA Released

Hello everyone-Please see the following for the release of the USDA childhood obesity challenge area RFA: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2012news/04091_obesity_rfa.html

Please note the application deadline of June 5 and focus area of adolescents ages 15-19.

Suzanne Le Menestrel
National Program Leader, Youth Development Research
4-H National Headquarters, Division of Youth & 4-H
Institute of Youth, Family & Community, NIFA, USDA
Phone:   (202) 720-2297
slemenestrel@nifa.usda.gov
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/youthdevelopment4h.cfm

4-H Update

 Dates to Remember:

* November 7-10:  Extension Forum, CSU Campus
* November 11-13: Colorado Leadership Camp (CLC), Glenwood Springs
* November 24-25: University holidays, offices closed
* November 25-29: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA
* December 1:  Catch-a-Calf applications due to Erin VanPeer, Adams County Extension 4-H Agent

4-H Scholars program

Each year the 4-H Foundation selects one CSU Freshman student who was an active 4-H member to serve as a Scholar for the next 4 years.  The students serve as ambassadors for the State 4-H program by speaking at events, visiting donors and helping out at State 4-H Activities.  Colorado Farm Bureau provides each student a $750 stipend each semester for their work.

Applications for this program are due in the Colorado 4-H Foundation office by November 1, 2011.  If you have 4-H members or past members attending CSU, please share this information with them.  More Scholars program information and  the application requirements can be found at the following website http://www.colorado4hfoundation.org

Thank you for spreading the word. – Gary Small, Executive Director, Colorado 4-H Foundation

Officer Training

The Colorado State University Collegiate 4-H Club would like to offer you their services to counties across the state again this year. The collegiate club presents workshops on many different aspects of 4-H including officer trainings, ice breaker workshops, youth-adult partnerships, leadership training and much more. We are looking for groups to work with during our fall and spring semesters. In order to make the workshops feasible for our club we will be charging a mileage fee of $0.50 per mile with a minimum fee of $100. If you are interested, or would like more information about what the club does as well as the materials we present, please email the club at colostate4h@yahoo.com. We look forward to working with you! – Ellen Butler

Collegiate 4-H Shadow Program

The Collegiate 4-H Shadow Program, November 10-12, 2011, is for high school sophomores to seniors who are interested in seeing what college life is like in a safe setting.  Participants will attend class with a Collegiate 4-H member, get a tour of the CSU campus and the CSU Veterinary Hospital, and see all that CSU has to offer.  Participants will arrive Thursday, Nov. 10, in the evening, participate in icebreakers and get-to-know-you games, spend the night with one of the Collegiate 4-H members, and attend classes, tours and information sessions on Friday. On Saturday participants will have the choice of attending a CSU football game or just heading home.  The only cost for participants will be meals and any extra spending money as all other activities will be free.  If interested please call the State 4-H office at 970.491.1152 or email ellen.butler@colostate.edu. You may also e-mail  colostate4h@yahoo.com or call Anna Ball, CSU Collegiate president, at 970.903.7499.

Thanks! – Anna Ball, CSU Collegiate 4-H President

WRLF Update

WRLF is right around the corner – January 12-15 in Cheyenne, WY.  Early bird registration is available for $225 until November 1.  Registratoin will close on December 15, 2011.  For further information and the WRLF website please click on  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/2012-WRLF-Newsletter-8.pdf – Ellen Butler

National After School Science Directory

Looking for a way to promote your 4-H Science Programs? The National After School Science Directory is a searchable database designed to increase access to high-quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education beyond the classroom for youth and families across the nation. The Directory houses thousands of STEM opportunities, submitted by science centers, museums, schools and other youth-serving organizations. The National After School Science Directory was developed in partnership with Time Warner Cable as part of its philanthropic initiative Connect a Million Minds. http://www.afterschoolscience.org/join/signup.php?type=directory

IFYE Application Deadline Extended to November 1, 2011

The deadline for IFYE applications has been extended to November 1, 2011.  Please promote this in your county and let me know if you have anyone interested. Thanks so much. – Courtney Loflin, State Coordinator – 4-H International Programs

2012 Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Program, Hunting/Outdoor Skills Qualifier Event

ATTENTION: Those with 4-H Shooting Sports Responsibilities …

Please pass the email (below) from Doug Laes (Mesa County 4-H Shooting Sports Leader) along to all your 4-H Shooting Sports members, leaders and families who may be interested.

Let me point out that this event IS the State qualifier for the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Hunting/Outdoor Skills discipline. Senior 4-H Shooting Sports members attending this event will be in the running to be invited to represent Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports in the Hunting/Outdoor Skills contests at the 2012 4-H National Invitational Shoot in Grand Island, Nebraska in June of 2012.

Jim Hamilton, State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator has indicated that in order to be considered for invitation to represent our state at Grand Island, senior members attending this qualifier event need to be enrolled in a 4-H Shooting Sports Project discipline but not necessarily in the 4-H Hunting/Outdoor Skills discipline. Additionally, to be considered for invitation, Senior members need to be at least 14 years old and not older than 18 years old when attending the National Invitational in June of 2012.

I would like to stress again that this event in Fruita, Colorado, IS the qualifying event to fill slots for the Colorado 4-H Hunting/Outdoor Skills team representing us at the 2012 4-H National Invitational.

If you have any questions regarding this event or the qualification process please contact Jim Hamilton at jim.hamilton@colostate.edu (719.846.7403) or Doug Laes at dougl3@msn.com (970.210.7100).

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/2011-YHEC-Shooter-Information-Packet.doc

*** The entry fee to attend YHEC on Oct 8 & 9 has been reduced to $20 per person and we will accept entries up to the start of the event. Remember this event is focused on youth however if adults want to compete there will be a group for them. We will be having our last planning meeting at 7 pm on Oct 4 in the Jockey building if you would like to help.

Please pass this information to anyone who might be interested in helping or competing. – Doug Laes

2012 4-H Youth In Action Award

We are pleased to announce National 4-H Council is now accepting applications for the annual Youth in Action award, to be presented at the 4-H Legacy Awards Gala in New York City on April 17, 2012!  This award recognizes an outstanding young person from your 4-H program who is realizing 4-H’s vision for youth driving positive change in their communities.

The 4-H Youth in Action award is open to 4-H youth and alumni ages 14-19, and applicants should have lead a project, service or event that:

•    Identified a problem in their community,
•    included 4-H as part of the solution, and
•    made an impact in resolving the issue.

If you know of an outstanding 4-H member that fits this criteria, we are accepting your nominations online at the 4-H.org Legacy Awards Gala Website.  Once you have nominated a 4-H youth, please encourage them to apply for this distinguished award.  Both the nominations and applications can be submitted here: http://www.4-h.org/get-involved/sponsor/4-h-legacy-awards-gala/youth-in-action-awards/

Application Requirements
In a 3 minute or less video, the nominee should address the following questions/statements:
(Note: File size should not exceed 50MB or 3 minutes.)
•     What problem did you or your community face?
•     What was the solution to the problem, and how was 4-H involved?
•     What impact did the resolution have on your community?
•     How has 4-H impacted your life?
•     Name any adversities or challenges that your 4-H experience has helped you overcome?

Application deadline is Nov. 1.  Please visit the 4-H Legacy Awards Gala Website for complete award information and application rules.

Questions? We’re happy to help!  Please email Kyle Jones at kjones@4-H.org.

 

CYFAR SCP 2012 RFA Announcement

NIFA is pleased to announce the availability of funding for the new FY 2012 Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Sustainable Community Projects; the RFA is now available.

Proposals are due on or before December 1, 2011 at 11:59 pm.

The Request for Application (RFA) is available on Grants.gov. You can access each of the pages and see the RFA using the dedicated links below:

NIFA Funding Opportunity Page:
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/childrenyouthfamiliessustainablecommunityprojects.cfm. This page includes links to the request for applications (RFA), the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide, the application package, and abstracts of funded projects.

Grants.gov Synopsis Page:
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=3JDGTYcRgrGcY991YJ0mvmrMf1nTl1c7tySSQtYLmBHsyK5lJk47!1368593367?oppId=128373&mode=VIEW. This page includes a synopsis of the funding opportunity, a link to the full announcement (RFA) and the application package.

Grants.gov Application Package:
http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/UpdateOffer?id=83470.  This page links to the application instructions and the application package.

Please share this announcement with your networks.

Information about the CYFAR Program can be found here:  http://www.nifa.usda.gov/nea/family/cyfar/cyfar.html

Bonita Williams, Ph.D.
National Program Leader, Vulnerable Populations
Division of Youth and 4-H

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Office: 202.720.3566
Fax: 202.720.9366
www.nifa.usda.gov
bwilliams@nifa.usda.gov

4-H Update

Volume 15, Number 3

Dates to Remember:

* April 1:  State Scholarship applications due
* April 2-7: National 4-H Conference, National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD
* April 12-14: CAE4-HA, Glenwood Springs
* April 14-17: National 4-H Collegiate Conference, Atlanta, GA
* May 1:  4HOnline Youth Enrollment data due

Rodeo China Announcement!

The Colorado 4-H program has been asked to take part in an effort to introduce the people of China to the culture of the American West through the art and science of rodeo. In October 2011, an eight-day PRCA rodeo will be held in Beijing, China, at the Bird’s Nest (site of the 2008 Olympic Games).

The Colorado 4-H Program, Colorado FFA, and the National Little Britches Rodeo Association (NLBRA) have been asked to provide youth to travel to China to teach Chinese youth in this effort. The youth component of this project will directly involve American youth teaching rodeo events and livestock handling principles to approximately 3,000 Chinese youth.

Twenty-five Colorado 4-H members will be selected to travel to China on this expense-paid opportunity. 4-H members must be 15 years-of-age or older as of October 1, 2011, to participate in this unique event. Ten adult chaperons will also be selected to assist and travel with the Colorado 4-H Rodeo China team. We are seeking 4-H members and chaperons with the following characteristics:
•    Ability to work well in teams
•    Interest and/or experience in working with diverse cultures
•    Hard working with a positive attitude
•    Rodeo and/or livestock experience

Applications are due to the Colorado State 4-H Office by May 15, 2011. The Colorado 4-H Rodeo China team selections will be announced on June 23, during the 2011 Colorado State 4-H Conference being held on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins.

Additional information and applications for 4-H members and chaperons can be found at: http://www.colorado4h.org/rodeochina

Rodeo China has a website with basic information at:  www.rodeochina.com

For more information contact Jeff Goodwin at 970.491.6422.
- Ellen Butler

4-H Night at the Nuggets

4-H Nights at the Nuggets is Saturday, April 9.  Please be sure to go to the website below to order your tickets. The Nuggets are on a winning streak right now, so this would be a great time to see them!

Remember, this is a contest for the 4-H Districts and that is the only way that we can make your tickets count.  This is what the count looks like so far:  District 11- 22 tickets, District 3- 6 tickets, District 13- 4 tickets.  So get out there and promote your district and make your ticket sales count!

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/4hNightNuggets.pdf
- Connie Cecil

2011 4-H Japanese Exchange

Below is  a program description for the one-month inbound Japanese exchange. In spite of the recent disaster in Japan, they are still planning to send a delegation to Colorado.  Please promote this program in your county.  This is one important way we can support the people of Japan in the aftermath of the tragedies which have occurred in the last week.

March 18, 2011: 4-H/JAPANESE EXCHANGE – HOST FAMILIES NEEDED – ONE MONTH

Japanese families need our support more than ever this year in the wake of the recent tragedies which have occurred in Japan.  All three Japanese organizations have reported that they are sending exchangees to the United States during the summer of 2011.

Host families are needed for 65 inbound Japanese boys and girls, ages 12-21, coming to Colorado through the 2011 inbound Colorado-Japan Teen Exchange.  Hosting dates are July 23 – August 18.

This program is coordinated through Colorado State University and has been running since 1975.

Host families do not need to be a member of 4-H and may reside in urban, suburban, or rural settings throughout Colorado.  They may share a room with their host sibling.  Matches are made on the basis of same sex and close in age, as well as some common interests.  Note:  Host siblings may be as young as nine to match with a 12 year old Japanese participant.

All participants are 100 percent medically covered with 4-H insurance and may participate in host family vacations, camping trips, youth camps.  They are expected to become part of the family, including attending church, helping with household chores, following house rules, and participating in other aspects of US daily life.  The program covers costs for the exchange.  Each participant has his/her own spending money.

Japanese participants will attend an orientation in Denver before going to host families and a debriefing in Denver before returning to Japan. Carpools are planned to transport delegates to homes if host families are not able to pick up or return their exchange student.  Orientation for host families is done in Denver.  In addition, there will be a host family orientation in the Montrose/Grand Junction/Delta area.

Host siblings have the option of traveling to Japan to participate in a four or seven-week exchange while staying with Japanese host families and learning Japanese culture.

THE GREATEST SUCCESS OCCURS WHEN FAMILIES TREAT THE DELEGATES AS A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, RATHER THAN A “GUEST.”
Courtney Loflin, E-mail:  Courtney.loflin@colostate.edu, or call 970.491.2711.

- Ellen Butler

Save Money Shopping and Raise Funds for 4-H

Yes, this can be done with the My Shopping Genie computer program.  The Colorado 4-H Foundation is partnering with My Net Universe to offer this opportunity for Colorado 4-H families and friends.

To use the program go to the Colorado 4-H Foundation web site http://www.co4hfoundation.colostate.edu/shopping.shtml and follow the directions for installing the program.  After the program is installed, each time a search engine (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc) is used the 4-H Foundation Logo will appear in the lower left hand corner.  Several store names and the words compare, map and deals are also displayed.  Each time a store names or the word “compare” are clicked the best item prices are displayed and the 4-H Foundation receives a small donation.

For more information contact Gary Small at (970)491-1537 or gary.small@colostate.edu Thank you for supporting the Colorado 4-H program.
- Gary Small

4-H Foundation Scholarship Applications due April 1

The Colorado 4-H Foundation 2011 scholarship application forms must be emailed to bill.gargan@colostate.edu by April 1.  Supporting documents (letters of recommendation and grade transcripts) can be emailed to the same address or sent to: Colorado 4-H Foundation, 4040 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-4040.

Each year the Foundation awards 12 scholarships worth over $10,000 to help Colorado 4-H members continue their educations.  Three scholarships are available for any field of study and any institution of higher learning, while others specify majors and schools. Please go to the following website address http://www.co4hfoundation.colostate.edu/scholarships.shtml to see the specific criteria for each scholarship.  For more information contact Bill Gargan at 970.491.2768, bill.gargan@colostate.edu or Gary Small at 970.491.1537, gary.small@colostate.edu.
- Gary Small

Logan County 4-H Position Available

Logan County Extension Office (county-funded position) is seeking to hire a full-time 4-H/youth professional.  Horticulture background and experience desirable.  Apply by April 1, 2011.  To see the full job description and obtain an application go to www.logancountyco.gov.

Click on this link for the position announcement:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/YouthHorticulturePosition.pdf�
- Ellen Butler

Livestock for Small Acres Webinar Series Free!

Handling Cattle and Other Livestock Webinar March 28, 2011 Noon-1:00 pm MST

Join Temple Grandin, the most influential autistic person in the world, as she discusses animal behavior and handling techniques.  Temple’s professional training  as an animal scientist and her history as a person with autism, gives her a unique perspective on understanding animal behavior.  She will talk about what frightens and distracts animals, offer pointers on fixing small or large handling facilities, how to be safe with bulls, and discuss her insight on animal behavior.  Presented by Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor of Animal Science at CSU, and author of many books including, “Animals In Translation.”

Small Scale Cattle Production Webinar
May 18, 2011
Noon-1:00 pm MST

This introductory course is geared toward small-scale operations and homesteaders. Learn about the various options for beef and dairy production.  We will discuss pros and cons, costs, management needs, challenges, marketing, and more.  Presented by Jason Ahola, CSU Animal Science Associate Professor .

Raising Sheep and Goats Webinar
August 11, 2011
Noon-1:00 pm MST

Basic goat and sheep management will be discussed in this webinar geared for landowners who just started or who are interested in getting started with raising sheep or goats.  Participants will learn about feed and nutrition, health concerns, daily care, costs, housing, and products that sheep and goats produce.  Dr. Nancy Irlbeck, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for College of Agricultural Sciences at CSU, will present this webinar.

Webinars on Pigs, Poultry and Chickens, and Llamas and Alpacas will be announced soon!

Please click on this link for further information:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/LivestockWebinarSeriesFlyer.pdf

For more information and to register for a webinar contact Jennifer Cook at 303.659.7004 ext.3 or email jennifer.cook@colostate.edu.
- Ellen Butler

National 4-H Dairy Conference

Below are two links for initial information regarding the 2011 National 4-H Dairy Conference (NDC).  We would like as many people as possible to be aware of, and have the chance to participate in, this educational, hands-on experience.

Please note that the first response is for a projected number of participants and for the contact information for your state/province contact person.

Information on the National 4-H Dairy Conference can also be found on-line at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/events/dairyconf/index.cfm.

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/National4hDairyConferece-57th.pdf

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/National4hDairyConferece-Form.doc

Due to scheduling conflicts,  the materials were not sent out in February.  Thus, the response deadline has been extended to April 15, 2011. I apologize for any inconvenience this later mailing may cause you. For further information please contact Peter J. Nordin, 608-262-0575, or email peter.nordin@ces.uwex.edu
- Ellen Butler

2011 Arbor Day Poster Contest 2011

Please click on the links provided below for more information on the 2011 Arbor Day Poster Contest!

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/2011-PosterContestMediaRelease.pdf

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/2011-COArborDayPosterContestRules.pdf

- Ellen Butler

4-H Update (Vol 14, #14)

Volume 14, Number 14

Dates to Remember:

* Aug. 27 – Sept. 6: Colorado State Fair, Pueblo
* Sept. 5: University holidays, offices closed
* Oct. 1: 4-H Scholar applications due, 4-H Foundation
* Oct. 3-9: National 4-H Week
* Oct. 8: Centennial Celebration, Denver

Colorado Conference on Volunteerism

September 16 & 17, 2010 at the Fort Collins Marriott. Visit www.ccov2010.org to register online and for details about the workshop sessions, field experiences, keynote speakers, scholarships and much more! Space is Limited! – Dale Leidheiser

2011 Western Regional 4-H Leaders Forum

Registration is now open for the 2011 WRLF, “Cruising to 4-H Excellence” from May 7 – 14, 2011. This will be a unique forum as it will be a cruise from Seattle through the inland passage into Canadian and Alaskan waters prior to returning to Seattle. There are many options for cabins and on-shore excursions that will influence your total registration fee. Go to their website for additional information on WRLF! http://4h.wsu.edu/conferences/2011wrlf/registration.html - Dale Leidheiser

2011 WRLF Workshop Proposals

There’s plenty of time to submit workshop proposals for the 2011 WRLF – they will be received through November 5! There’s a writable PDF form on their website to submit your proposal. Be sure to follow the instructions on saving it and e-mailing to their contact! http://4h.wsu.edu/conferences/2011wrlf/rfp.html – Dale Leidheiser

Shooting Sports Update

ATTENTION: All with 4-H Shooting Sports responsibilities …

The results from the first weekend contests of the 2010 Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Contest is now available on-line at the State 4-H Shooting Sports web site! Use the direct link below to access the results files. All files are in Adobe PDF format.

Direct link: http://www.co4hshooting.org/ss_contest/2010_contest_results.html
SS Blog link: http://co4hshooting.blogspot.com/2010/08/2010-first-weekend-shoot-results-posted.html

If you have any questions on the files or need them in a different format, please let me know. If you have questions on the results themselves, contact Jeramy McNeely at 719.767.5716 or email jeramy.mcneely@colostate.edu.

Squad lists for the Shotgun events for the State 4-H Shoot for the weekend of 9/4-6/2010 are now posted to the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports web site. The files are in Adobe PDF format. Please pass this information along to participating shooters, coaches and families. If you have any questions on the forms themselves or if you need them in a different format, please let me know. If you have questions on squad times, please contact Jeramy McNeely  at 719.767.5716  or email jeramy.mcneely@colostate.edu or your department superintendent.

Direct link to shotgun squad pages: http://www.co4hshooting.org/ss_contest/2010_contest_squad_lists.html

State 4-H Contest pages: http://www.co4hshooting.org/ss_contest/index.html
State 4-H Shooting Sports web site: http://www.co4hshooting.org/
State 4-H Shooting Sports blog site: http://co4hshooting.blogspot.com/
Thank you! – Perry Brewer

Register your GEAR-Tech-21 Club for 2010

GEAR-Tech-21 Club Leaders, Parents, Educators, and Supporters, it is time to register GEAR-Tech-21 clubs for the school year! Remember, this is the curriculum that we will be using for Robotics and Robotics will be a state project this year.  So please go and sign up.

If your group is going to be using the GEAR-Tech-21 curriculum this year, please register your club with the project using the form at http://4hset.unl.edu/4hdrupal/node/538
Thank you to the groups who have already signed up for this year.

Why Register as a GEAR-Tech-21 Club?
•    Get valuable data about your group’s learning by having them participate in the Research Evaluation Surveys.
•    Get a cool GEAR-Tech-21 gift after submitting your group’s pre-surveys and a club roster.
•    Receive a digital copy of the full GEAR-Tech-21 curriculum to load onto your club’s computers.
•    Be the first to find out about new GT21 activities.

Is your group just getting started?  Follow these steps to start a GEAR-Tech-21 club:
1.        Create a user account for the GEAR-Tech-21 website and begin exploring the resources available.
2.        Start forming your club:
•    Find adult volunteers, youth participants, and a meeting location.
•    If your group is not already affiliated with 4-H, follow the steps to become a 4-H Club.
•    Submit GEAR-Tech-21 Club Registration Form
3.        Borrow or purchase equipment needed for GEAR-Tech-21 activities.
•    Use the equipment list to determine what you already have available to your club.
•    GEAR-Tech-21 has a limited amount of equipment available for clubs to borrow for a small rental fee.
4.        Attend online and, if possible, in person training (recommended)
5.        Youth (and, if possible, adults) attend a GEAR-Tech-21 Summer Camp (recommended)
6.        Start meeting as a club

After getting organized, all clubs are requested to have their members participate in the Research Evaluation Surveys.  The surveys will be mailed to you after you register your club.  If you submit the surveys along with a club roster, the club leaders will receive a cool GEAR-Tech-21 gift!

We are here to help you at every step of the way.  Please contact us if you have any questions, you would like to arrange for training, or we can assist you in starting a club. – Willa Williams

2010 Exhibit Results and Fashion Revue Results

Below is the link to the 2010 Colorado State Fair Exhibit and Fashion Revue results.  It is also linked on the home page of the 4-H website.  Thanks!  – Connie Cecil

http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/state_fair/results/2010/index.shtml

Best Bones Forever

Overview of Best Bones Forever!
Best Bones Forever! is a national bone health campaign for girls ages 9-14 and their parents. Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH), the goal of Best Bones Forever!  is to encourage girls to eat foods with calcium and vitamin D and to get enough physical activity to build strong bones. The campaign materials and Web sites for girls (www.bestbonesforever.gov) and their parents (www.bestbonesforever.gov/parents) emphasize key bone-building behaviors. The campaign focuses on friendship (girls and their BFFs building strong bones together), and it includes a message of urgency for girls and their parents that conveys the importance of building strong bones between the ages of 9 and 18: “Older than 9? Now’s your time!” Campaign materials include a journal, magnets, posters, and book covers for girls and a booklet (in English and Spanish) for parents.

Best Bones Forever! has free campaign materials for girls and parents (some of which are used by boys as well). These materials can be distributed by 4-H at state and county fairs and events using the partner code: BBF4H914.  Materials can be ordered at www.bestbonesforever.gov/materials. We are currently out of a few of our materials but are reprinting in time for back to school. Also, we recommend allowing 3-4 weeks for shipment.

2010 CWF Recap

I’m proud to share that 4-H’s premier summer national conference, Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), finished its final week at the 4-H National Youth Conference Center here in our nation’s capital just a few weeks ago. Nearly 1500 young people from 28 states traveled to the Center to experience the living classroom of Washington, DC. While participating in CWF, 4-H’ers improve their understanding of their civic and social responsibilities in order to become better citizens and leaders and exchanged ideas, practiced respect, and formed friendships with other 4-H youth from across the country!

At the end of each week, 4-H’ers reflected on what they learned while in Washington, DC and how this week had changed them. I wanted to take a moment to share that impact with you here:

• “I’ve entered another realm of 4-H and discovered a higher meaning of it. This trip will stick with me forever.”

• “I have a greater appreciation for the diversity of our country.”

• “This program has helped me realize that it’s ok to voice your opinion even if it’s different from others.”

• “CWF has been the highlight of my 4-H Career.”

• “It made me realize that being a good leader is so much more than just being a good person.”

• “I didn’t have the faintest idea what a good citizen was before I came here, and now I know it’s what I strive to be.”

• “What I enjoyed the most about CWF was the fact that I got to interact with people from different communities with different backgrounds than my own.”

• “CWF increased my confidence as a leader as well as my ability to make a difference.”

If you haven’t already, take a moment to learn more about CWF at www.citizenshipwashingtonfocus.org. I’d like to encourage you to share the great news of this program throughout your states. Registration is already open for the 2011 CWF program and preferred weeks often fill up fast. Feel free to contact Molly Young, Director of Youth Opportunities (myoung@4HCenter.org) with any questions about how 4-H’ers from your state can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thank you, Don Floyd, President, National 4-H

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 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

4-H Truck Raffle Headed to Park County

The Rocky Mountain Ford Stores have donated a 2009 Ford XLT F150 4×4 pickup truck and it will be making its way around the County Fairs, starting with Park on July 16th. Come see the truck, buy raffle tickets, and you just may be the lucky winner! All proceeds help support 4-H programming in the local counties, through the State 4-H Foundation.

See you at the Fair!

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 13

Reminders:

• June 1: National 4-H Conference applications due, State 4-H Office
• June 1: Outstanding Volunteer Leader award applications due, State 4-H Office
• June 5: Paul Hoshiko Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, Windsor, CO
• June 13-21: Citizenship Washington Focus, Washington, DC
• June 23-26: State 4-H Conference, CSU Campus
• July 1:  National 4-H Congress applications due, State 4-H Office

2009 Colorado 4-H Foundation Scholarship Recipients

On behalf of the Colorado State 4-H Foundation Scholarship Committee, we are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 4-H scholarships:

Colorado Agricultural Development Authority 4-H Youth Scholarship (five $1000 scholarships)
•  Virginia Baker – Larimer County
•  Haydn Christensen – Rio Grande County
•  Ryan Dreitz – Morgan County
•  Jessica Hartman – Pueblo County
•  Garrett Liss – Elbert County

Bill & Barbara Holthaus Family 4-H Scholarship (three  $1000 scholarships)
•  Peter Ambrose – Park County
•  Collene Kiefer – Larimer County
•  Traci Schlegel – Eagle County

Kimberling Family 4-H Scholarship ($500 scholarship)
•  Jami Reed – Delta  County

Portouw Photography Scholarship ($300 scholarship)
•  Courtney Tracy – Douglas County

Audrey Sandstead Scholarship ($400 scholarship)
•  Traci Schlegel – Eagle County

Howard E. and Marjory M. Smith 4-H Scholarship ($1000 scholarship)
•  Kalli Fox – Garfield County

Congratulations to all of you!  – Gary Small, Colorado 4-H Foundation

Camp Tobin, Colorado State Fair

Camp Tobin at the Colorado State Fair is a great resource for families who want to experience the fair but don’t want to blow their whole budget on an expensive hotel and eating out.

Camp Tobin dorms are the cheapest in town –$5 per person per night.  Health forms are required for all youth 19 and under.  A deposit of $10 is required per person, family or group and is collected at check-in.  This deposit will be refunded at check-out.  Camp Tobin dorms are equipped with mattresses on bunk beds.  You will need to provide bedding (sleeping bag), pillow, towels and personal items.  All youth must have an adult from their county with them and supervising them during their stay.  No youth reservations will be accepted without adult supervision being provided by the county, club or parent.

Camp Tobin will have a new cook this year – Pat Peru, from Otero County.  We are very excited to have Pat on board and know that she will do an excellent job serving great meals during your stay at state fair.

Meals will be provided from Aug. 19 – Aug. 23, Aug. 28 – Aug. 30 and Sept. 5 – Sept. 7.  Meals include breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Children 4 and under may eat from a parent’s plate. Child discount applies to youth ages 5-10 and adult prices are for 11 and older. Below is a breakdown of meal  costs:

•  Breakfast    Child $6.25   Adult $7.25
•  Lunch         Child $6.75   Adult $7.75
•  Dinner        Child $7.25   Adult $8.25

This is the best deal in town so come and stay with us during this year’s Colorado State Fair! Registration will go live around the middle of July. For more information about Camp Tobin please click on:  http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/state_fair/packet/index.shtml.

Also, Teen Clerk applications are due July 1; this is a change from previous years. Applications and information for teen clerks and adult volunteers can be found at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/state_fair/packet/index.shtml.

Please call or email if you have questions! – Connie Cecil

2009 National 4-H Congress Applications due July 1

Applications for county delegates planning to attend National 4-H Congress are due in the State 4-H office by July 1, 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

Nick Offers Grants and Features 4-H Million Trees Project On-Air

Nickelodeon is offering grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to 10 Green Teams—extraordinary youth across the nation that are helping to make smart, eco-friendly changes in their home, school and community. This initiative is a part of the “Big Green Help,” an environmental awareness campaign and kid-led movement that provides information and tools to help explain climate change to young people, and connects them to energy-saving and earth-friendly activities in their everyday lives.

This is a great opportunity for 4-H’ers that are currently engaging in environmental projects. Youth can register their projects online and through the end of the year. Details about “The Big Green Help” and the grants are available online at www.4-h.org.

Also, Laura Webber, who conceived the 4-H Million Trees community service project with her Belmont, California 4-H Club, will be featured in a 20-second profile airing on the network on Earth Day. As a part of their “Big Green Help” initiative, Nickelodeon will highlight youth who make a huge impact on the environment. To learn more about these grants and the 4-H Million Trees Project profile airing on Earth Day, visit www.4-H.org or contact Nancy Cole (ncole@fourhcouncil.edu) at National 4-H Council. – Ellen Butler

Announcing 4-H’s New Online Grants Management Portal!

National 4-H Council is pleased to announce their new grants portal! This portal will be a one-stop resource, housing a wide variety of funding opportunities and related forms (applications, reports, etc.).  The site can be found at http://grants.4-H.org.  You will need to register to begin using the system and to review the benefits this new software provides. Click on this link for a brief instructional guide on how to register and apply for grants: http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/HowtoRegAndApplyFor4hFundingOpp.pdf

Grants and award information will continue to be available on our program Web pages (http://4-h.org/programs_mission_mandates.html), but this new system will be the primary resource for all funding opportunities.

Additionally, the first grant to utilize this new system has been posted – The Wal-Mart Foundation Healthy Living Youth Grants. More programs and opportunities will be listed soon, so be sure to log in for those updates.

This new portal will make learning and applying for funding opportunities, submitting reports, and receiving information from National 4-H Council much easier.

In the meantime, if you have any questions concerning the new portal, you can email 4HGrants@fourhcouncil.edu.

Please feel free to share this information with those in your state that may be interested in applying for 4-H grants and awards. – Ellen Butler

OMK Camp Announcement!

Operation: Military Kids is offering a camping experience for girls from 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 camps Tomahawk (Bailey CO) for girls ages 7 – 11 and Sky High Ranch (Woodland Park CO) for girls ages 12 –18.  This 3-day resident camp experience normally costs $230/girl and both Operation: Military Kids and Girl Scouts of Colorado are underwriting most of the costs of camp so that families need only pay $85.  Can’t afford $85?  Please see below for scholarship options.

Great opportunities and new experiences await girls at resident camp.  And when you’re spending time with other girls from military families, sharing this new experience while acknowledging the unique bonds you share as a daughter in military family, you can anticipate lifetime memories and adventures.  Military Family Life Consultants will be available to any campers during the camp.

In addition to the traditional camp experiences of hiking, outdoor cooking, watchable wildlife and sleeping in rustic settings, participants will learn more about their parent’s deployment, increase their awareness and understanding of military life and share these experiences in a supportive atmosphere with girls from similar backgrounds.  Girls from military families will learn independence, self-confidence and leadership skills while gaining an appreciation of nature.

Please contact Shauna Woods at shauna.woods@colostate.edu or Linda Fuller at linda.j.fuller@hotmail.com for the necessary forms.  Resident camps require the following items which MUST be received by the Girl Scouts of Colorado camp registrar by July 3, 2009, in order to complete your daughter’s camp registration.  We regret that the failure to submit fees and/or forms by July 3, 2009, will result in your daughter being dropped from this camp session to make room for a girl on the waiting list.

Here are the items:

•  The fee balance (if any)
•  Immunization Form (must be on the enclosed form or must contain all of the information on this form with a proper signature)
•  Camper Information Form
•  Release of Liability Form

Mail the above to:
Girl Scouts of Colorado
Attn: Registration Department
PO Box 9407
Denver, CO 80209-0407

For more information:

•    Questions about camp fees or forms?  Please call the Girl Scouts of Colorado camp registrar, 303-778-8774. Our Military Kids Program, different from Operation: Military Kids, can assist with the fees but you must apply to them individually at www.ourmilitarykids.org.
•    Questions about the Camp sponsored by Operation: Military Kids (OMK)?  Please contact Shauna Woods, OMK State Coordinator, shauna.woods@colostate.edu, 970-491-1807, or, Linda Fuller, OMK Youth Program Specialist, linda.fuller3@us.army.mil, 720-250-1188.

ADDITIONAL FORMS:

•    Registration form OMK 2009
•    Health form OMK 2009
•    Camper letter 2009 – for either Tomahawk Ranch or Sky High Ranch

- Shauna Woods, State 4-H- Operation: Military Kids

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 12

Reminders

• May 15: IFYE host applications due, State 4-H Office
• June 1: National 4-H Conference applications due, State 4-H Office
• June 1: Outstanding Volunteer Leader award applications due, State 4-H Office
• June 5: Paul Hoshiko Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, Windsor, CO
• June 13-21: Citizenship Washington Focus, Washington, DC
• June 23-26: State 4-H Conference, CSU Campus

Host Families Needed – 4-H Japanese Exchange

Host families are needed for 65 inbound Japanese boys and girls, ages 12-21, traveling to Colorado through the 2009 inbound Colorado-Japan Teen Exchange. Hosting dates are July 23 – Aug.18.

This program is coordinated through Colorado State University and has been running since 1975.

Host families do not need to be a member of 4-H and may reside in urban, suburban, or rural settings throughout Colorado. They may share a room with their host sibling. Matches are made on the basis of same sex and close in age, as well as some common interests. Note:  Host siblings may be as young as nine to match with a 12-year-old Japanese participant.

All participants are 100 percent medically covered with 4-H insurance and may participate in host family vacations, camping trips, and youth camps. They are expected to become part of the family, including attending church, helping with household chores, following house rules, and participating in other aspects of US daily life. The program covers costs for the exchange. Each participant has his/her own spending money.

Japanese participants will attend an orientation in Denver before going to host families and a debriefing in Denver before returning to Japan. Carpools are planned to transport delegates to homes if host families are not able to pick up or return their exchange student. Orientation for host families is done in Denver. In addition, there will be a host family orientation in the Montrose/Grand Junction/Delta area.

Host siblings have the option of traveling to Japan to participate in a four or seven-week exchange while staying with Japanese host families and learning Japanese culture.

Experience shows that the greatest success occurs when families treat the delegates as a member of the family, rather than a guest. For further information please contact me at 970.491.2711 or courtney.loflin@colostate.edu. — Courtney Loflin

Grand Champion Senior Clothing Award

The Grand Champion Senior Clothing Construction exhibitor will be presented with a Baby Lock Decorator’s Choice sewing machine during the Colorado State Fair 4-H Fashion Revue, Saturday, August 22, 2009, at Sangre De Cristo Arts and Conference Center, Pueblo, Colorado.  The recipient must be present to accept this generous donation.  Please advise senior clothing construction members that if their garment goes to State Fair and is selected as the Grand Champion Clothing Construction exhibit, they must attend the State 4-H Fashion Revue to receive their award.

The Baby Lock Decorator’s Choice is sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing Machine Company and Sprinkles Sewing Center of Pueblo.  This sewing machine offers a non-stick foot, adjustable zipper/piping foot and 11 other feet, the Decorator’s Choice will give you the versatility to express your own personal style.  This sewing machine is valued at $1,399.  Special appreciation to Jerry and Kathy Binfet, Sprinkles Sewing Center, for their continuous support of the 4-H clothing construction projects!  – Connie Cecil

Check Out the New 4-H Page on Facebook!

On March 31, with a goal to create a more prominent presence on Facebook, National 4-H Council created a 4-H page on Facebook. In four days, the 4-H page fan base increased to more than 5,500 fans. Within a couple of weeks, the membership grew to more than 30,000 4-H fans! With significantly more fans than Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, BGCA, and FFA combined; 4-H is one of the top 130 non-profits on Facebook, based on fan size.

Jess Falkenthal, Educational Technology Specialist at National 4-H Council, was able to secure a meeting with Andrew Bosworth, a Software Design Engineer at Facebook, who just happened to be a California 4-H alumni. He was also invented the News Feed feature in 2006. Through this partnership, the page was able to get a vanity URL, facebook.com/4-h, making it even easier for fans to get to the page.

Through creating discussions, idea and advice sharing, participating in contests and of course posting 4-H memories in photos or videos, 4-H fans will be able to connect with other 4-H fans. In the coming months, National 4-H Council will continue to work with Andrew and Facebook finding better ways to market 4-H on Facebook and making more features available for 4-H fans.

Click on the button below to become a fan. If a fan already, use the “Suggest to Friends” button under the big clover to show everyone how awesome 4-H is by inviting all your 4-H friends. – Ellen Butler

Rabbit School

You are all invited to attend the first, of what we hope will be many more rabbit schools in Colorado on June 20, 2009 in Loveland at the Ranch.  This school is sponsored by Rocky Mountain High Shows (RMHS), our state rabbit breeders association (chartered by the American Rabbit Breeders Association or ARBA).  We also have had the support of various feed vendors in this effort.  Please check out the enclosed registration application and make plans to attend this event.

There is a limit to the first 150 who apply due to local fire code constraints for the facility.  Responses are due back to Terrie Hersh no later than June 6.  Emailed applications will be accepted with application fees collected on the day of the school.  Please click on the following link for registration information: http://www.colorado4h.org/countyevents/09/larimer-rmhs-rabbit.pdf

Any questions, please feel free to contact me Marie Adams, Small Animal Coordinator, Colorado State Fair, marie.adams@ag.state.co.us, 719.404.2035 or 719.404.2027.  – Ellen Butler

Toolkit Sale for 4H Partners

Toolkit Special for 4-H Partners

The Innovation Center is proud of our history with National 4-H Council. As an organization birthed as a division of 4-H we have, over the years, remained true to the ideals of leadership and citizenship in all of our work, be it with community organizations, government institutions, or individuals.

We continue to work closely with our partners in Cooperative Extension across the nation and still very much value the opportunity to provide 4-H member organizations with resources to advance their work. For over 10 years, we have provided 4-H offices across the United States our toolkits to inform and guide their work in communities and with young people. It is with this unique relationship in mind that we now offer all 4-H clubs and extension service offices a special opportunity to purchase our toolkits and resources and share them with your constituents.

All 4-H clubs and extension service offices who wish to buy at least ten of any and all of the Innovation Center’s award winning toolkits will receive a reduced bulk rate of 30% off the listed price. It is our hope to encourage local distribution of our toolkits; if you would like to add our toolkits to your catalog of for-sale materials we would be happy to work with you to receive a portion of the profits.

Our toolkits offer practical tips, activities and tools on all manners of youth and community development work – from recruiting a community leadership team to creating and executing a plan of action to evaluating your efforts. Browse our toolkits and all of our resources on our website: http://theinnovationcenter.org/catalog/toolkits/resources

We hope you’ll take advantage of this great opportunity to share these invaluable resources with your community. Please contact me with any orders or questions – we are happy to work with you to create a package of resources that best meets your community’s needs. – Lisa Maholchic (lmaholchic@theinnovationcenter.org, 301.270.1700 ext 109)

President’s Environmental Youth Awards

I wanted to make all of you aware of the annual President’s Environmental Youth Awards initiated by the White House and awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency. I attended the awards luncheon yesterday to see two 4-Hers, middle school students from California, receive one of the 10 national awards. Youth receive a Presidential plaque as well as a trip to Washington, DC to receive their awards.  For more information about the awards, please visit http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/index.html.  The applications are due December 31. To see a description of the 4-Hers’ project, click on http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/peya2008.html and then Region 9 http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/peya2008.html#9. Congratulations to Clay and Chance ontheir award!  – Suzanne Le Menestrel, National Program Leader, Youth Development Research Acting Director, Youth Development 4-H National Headquarters Families, 4-H, and Nutrition Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, USDA

4-H Alumni Find Success in Music Career

Collin Stoddard (keys) and Jason Barton (lead vocals), 4-H alumni, along with Chris Lockwood (guitar) comprise INO Records’ trio 33Miles. Stoddard was active in the 4-H equine program all four years in high school in Colorado Springs, CO in El Paso County. Barton was in 4-H for six years in junior and high school. He was involved in art, music photography and was also president of the chapter for a year.

Since their debut in 2007, these well-respected newcomers celebrated one of the highest-selling freshman albums of 2007 with their Gospel Music Award Dove nomination for New Artist of the Year. Journalists have also taken notice, calling these humble guys “a talented and devoted group of performers who possess some amazing gifts for music” (InFuze Magazine).

33Miles performed over 130 concerts last year alone, continuing to build new fans across the country. They also traveled to Guatemala during the summer of 2008 to support their partnership with Food for the Hungry. In addition, they have made tremendous impact on the radio charts garnering three consecutive radio hits, two of which broke in the Top 10. 33Miles’ sophomore project One Life debuted on the Billboard Top 2007. Their first single “One Life to Love” was selected as the iTunes ® Discovery Download and Napster ® featured a playlist from the band last year. – Ellen Butler

Win Prizes! Create a 4-H SET Video!

National 4-H Council, National 4-H Headquarters, and University of Arizona 4-H Youth Development, invite all 4-H professionals, staff and volunteers to produce their own digital video for front-line educators and volunteers to better implement SET programs.

The purpose of this contest is to build a vault of films to show great 4-H facilitation in practice. These films should help others know what great learning looks like. As the saying goes–A picture is worth a thousand words. They are looking for bold, creative, and exciting videos to help educate facilitators about how to implement SET, in particular The Power of the Wind.

Video entries will be accepted between May 8 – June 19.

Here are the basics:

Who can enter? – Any 4-H educator, volunteer, staff member or specialist
Format? – 3-5 minute digital video that can be posted to the internet
Prizes? – Will be Amazon.com gift certificates and include:

2 – $1,000 prizes
2 – $500 prizes
2 – $400 prizes
What? The video must help facilitators better implement SET and be in one of these categories:

SET Content
SET Experiential Learning
SET Hands-On Learning
Science Inquiry
SET Process (Abilities)
SET Content – specific to the new The Power of the Wind curriculum (extra points!)

To learn more and submit a video, visit http://4-h.org/set/videochallenge.html.

If you have questions, contact: Pam Garza – pgarza@fourhcouncil.edu or Kirk Astroth – kastroth@cals.arizona.edu.

Start filming today and use the great new videos to help you with your filmmaking — http://projects.4-hcurriculum.org/curriculum/filmmaking/.  – Ellen Butler

4-H Expands Science, Engineering, and Technology Program with $1 Million from Noyce Foundation

The Noyce Foundation has awarded the National 4-H Council nearly $1.1 million in new grant funding to expand 4-H’s Science, Engineering, and Technology (4-H SET) programming. This gift will support 4-H’s ambitious goal to engage one million new youth in science and technology fields by 2013. The Noyce Foundation has provided 4-H with more than $2.1 million in funding for SET programming since 2006.

The new donation will contribute to three critical areas – boosting 4-H SET programming in urban communities, improving science-based training for 4-H professionals, and creating a system to evaluate 4-H SET’s long-term impact.

“National 4-H Council is dedicated to building America’s next generation of great thinkers,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council President and CEO. “This generous Noyce Foundation grant will help broaden the reach of 4-H science, engineering, and technology programming, push more innovative activities to young people, and encourage 4-H youth to pursue education and careers in science and technology.”

To deliver high-quality 4-H SET programming to more urban youth, a 4-H SET “Urban Programming Team” will work to engage new partners, build staff capacity, and identify best strategies for reaching out to new audiences. Staffing 4-H programs with enthusiastic, well-trained volunteers is also a high priority of this initiative. To augment the scientific training of new and existing 4-H volunteers and build new curriculum, the organization is partnering with rocketry, engineering, and biotechnology organizations. Finally, rounding out the grant’s overall strategy, a 4-H SET evaluation system will be developed to track the program’s positive impact at the state and county level.

“Encouraging young people to enjoy learning about science, engineering, and technology to gain greater confidence, knowledge and skills is our utmost priority,” said Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of the Noyce Foundation. “4-H, with its broad, nationwide reach, and comprehensive, professional approach has been a strong partner in setting the pace to develop solid programming for the out-of-  school time field and to build a more technologically and scientifically competent future American workforce.” – Ellen Butler

4-H and Discovery Team Up for Second Year on Science Competition

National 4-H Council is pleased to announce Discovery Communications and 4-H are teaming up for the second year to bring more science, engineering and technology opportunities to millions of America’s young people.

4-H’ers have a great opportunity to participate in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the premiere middle school science competition in the nation. This competition is for students in fifth through eighth grades and is designed to encourage a passion for science, and to promote the importance of science communication. Discovery Education and 3M are, like 4-H, committed to engaging America’s youth in science, engineering and technology education.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase 4-H youth and your state! For full entry details and more on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, please visit http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/.

In the summer, semifinalists will be chosen from 50 states and the District of Columbia. In October, ten finalists will win an all expenses paid trip to New York, NY, to compete in a series of challenges. Head Judge Steve Jacobs, science educator, creator of “Jake’s Attic” and founder of Faraday Studios will select the winner at the final event! The top young scientist will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds!

The deadline for entry is May 20, 2009 which is quickly approaching, but hopefully many 4-H’ers will be able to enter before the deadline. Some may be able to adapt their current science, engineering and technology projects– if they relate to one of the competition’s four topics! Please share this email with your county and local 4-H professionals and volunteers. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Cole with National 4-H Council at ncole@fourhcouncil.edu or Discovery at YSC@Discovery.com. – Ellen Butler

Ford Test Drives Provide Funds for 4-H

April is 4-H month at your local Ford Store!

 A letter was sent to each Colorado 4-H family offering a special test drive offer. Please take your letter to a Ford dealer and test drive a new car or truck by April 30th. Each family will receive $25 and an additional $20 will be donated to your County 4-H program.

To see a copy of the envelop the letter came in please open this link http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2009/TestDriveLetter.pdf )