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 (Vol 14, #13)

Volume 14, Number 13

Reminders:

•  July 30: National 4-H Conference applications due
•  August 18:  State Fair exhibit check-in
•  August 27 – September 6:  Colorado State Fair

Help Needed to Display Exhibits at State Fair

It is that time of year again to ask for your help at state fair with 4-H project display.  There is a new requirement asked of us from the State 4-H office this year. All of our volunteer help must be an enrolled 4-H leader, 4-H member or staff.  This is to protect all of us with the insurance requirements.

Saturday, August 21, 2010
As in past years we will meet at 11:00 a.m. in the dining hall for introductions, registration and questions. Lunch wiill be at noon and then we can begin display.

For your generous help you will be provided with the following: lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday; a bed frame with a covered mattress in Camp Tobin; hot and cold water and
credentials for entry to the fair will be provided to those who plan on returning after fair opens.

If you plan to help with display and attend State 4-H Fashion Revue that evening we need to know this so that adjustments can be made where necessary. We will also work on Sunday August 22, 2010 for those who didn’t finish or just want to help the rest of us finish. You may email or call any of the people below for questions or to confirm your help.  Once you are confirmed through one of us, we will make sure you have a bed, meals and credentials if needed.

Mike Grett:   grettgrouch2@kaycee.net;  cell 970.319.5694; home 970.323.5185

Lois Helgeland:  LHelgeland@mesa.net; cell 970.216.8891; home 970.874.7101

Maureen Bergenfeld:  Maureen_bergenfeld@yahoo.com; cell 719.651.2028; home 719.522.0347

As always, if you know of someone who can help us and they meet the requirements, please have them contact us or send us their information.  Thanks for all of your time and help!
- Mike, Lois and Maureen

National 4-H Conference Deadline Extended!

This is just a friendly little reminder that the application deadline for National 4-H Conference has come and gone.  And, we have not received any applications!  On that note, we are going to extend the deadline until July 30.  Here is the link for conference information:  http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/nat_conf/natconf_information.pdf. You can also get an application form in the Event and Opportunities section of our website. The 2011 dates for National 4-H Conference are April 2-7.

As you all know, we conduct interviews during state fair.  If your nominee is unable to be at state fair during that time frame, we will conduct a telephone interview.

Please call me if you have any questions.- Ellen Butler

CYFAR Competency & Capacity Building Virtual Summit

Evidence-based Practices and Strategies for Working with Vulnerable Populations

September 14, 15 & 16, 2010
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. EDT each day

Join us in a Virtual Summit to build our capacity to work with vulnerable populations in today’s world.  We will come together as experts and colleagues to learn more about key issues and research impacting our work, discuss effective practices and models, and identify ways to collaborate and continue the effort to advance our field and practice.

The Summit focus areas are:
-  Growing Up Poor – Implications & Outcomes
-  Economic Stress for Youth and Families
-  Inclusive Programming – Reaching Out to the Whole Community
-  Evidence-Based Strategies and Practices for Working With Vulnerable Populations

Registration is now open at: http://www.cyfernet.org/vs2010/registration/

For more information, visit our website:  http://www.cyfernet.org/vs2010/

Questions?  cyf@umn.edu
- Willa Williams

2010 National Science Day Experiment Kits Now Available!

Experiment kits for 4-H2O, the National Science Experiment, are available for pre-order online beginning on July 7th!  The experiment kit has everything you’ll need to complete the first two tiers of this year’s experiment, providing enough materials for up to15 youth.

Each kit includes:

*   One experiment facilitator’s guide
*   Five youth workbooks
*   A bottle of Bromothymol Blue solution
*   Plastic cups and straws
*   An eyedropper
*   A roll of plastic wrap
*   Antacid tablets
*   Sealable plastic bags

http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/594/0/ The 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) experiment kit can be purchased for $22 on the National 4-H Mall http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/993/0/. Additional printed copies of the facilitator guide and youth workbooks are also available for sale for $1 each. Kits will begin shipping on August 2, 2010.

Click here to place your kit orders now!http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/993/0/

What’s New? Ask the Expert
Need to know more about the significance of water quality? Go to the “About Water Quality” tab on the 4-H National Youth Science Day web site and you’ll find our new “Ask the Expert” section, featuring a fascinating Q&A with North Carolina A&T State University scientist Dr. Stephanie Luster-Teasley http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/986/0/.

Continue to Explore Water Quality
4-H National Youth Science Day is just one day of fun and scientific exploration. Continue the learning all year round by visiting our new “Resources” tab http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/987/0/ to:

*   Learn how you can obtain algae for the extended third part of this year’s experiment,
*   Find out how you can purchase the brand new 4-H curriculum “There’s No New Water” or
*   Visit NYSD partner web sites that offer exciting scientific activities to explore.

What’s Coming Up Next?

Over the coming months, several new features will be added to the 4-H National Youth Science Day web site. Stay tuned for our animated How-To Video, materials you can use to plan your local NYSD event, template press materials and an exciting online learning game, created for 4-H by IBM.

To learn more go to www.4-H.org/NYSD http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/954/0/

http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/969/0/

http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/558/0/ http://4hlists.org/t/4178665/1340814/988/0/
- Ellen Butler

Mini-grant to implement Operation Frontline’s cooking-based nutrition training for child care providers:

Eating Smart from the Start

Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline is proud to present Eating Smart from the Start, a hands-on, cooking-based education program for child care providers serving low-income preschool children.  This professional training program is specially designed to empower providers to plan, prepare, and serve healthy meals and create a healthy food environment for the kids in their care.  Each of its five modules offer child care providers hands-on practice in the kitchen, interactive discussions on ways to make healthy choices about food served to kids, and strategies to promote positive attitudes about food among kids.  This opportunity is ideal for organizations that are looking to initiate or expand the training they provide to child care providers.

Eating Smart from the Start is currently offered only through Operation Frontline’s existing program partners.  Now, Operation Frontline is seeking to pilot the program with agencies outside of our traditional partnerships, with the goal of evaluating the feasibility of forming new relationships with agencies who would implement only this particular curriculum out of our suite of seven cooking-based curricula.  Selected pilot partners will receive instructor and participant manuals, branded incentives to provide to course graduates, a $1,500 grant to cover incremental costs of the course, and an average of 8 hours of training and technical assistance.  In addition, pilot partners will be able to provide fun, hands-on nutrition training for child care providers in their area, using an evidence-based curriculum launched by the nationally recognized Operation Frontline program.  It is our intention that agencies will continue to implement the program following the pilot period if desired.

Please see the attached application that includes a FAQs section and instructions for applicants.  Completed applications are to be submitted, through Share Our Strength’s Cybergrants no later than July 19th, 2010.

If you have any questions regarding the application, please submit them by email to Leigh Ann Edwards at laedwards@strength.org

Biosecurity at Fairs

It soon will be fair time and those of us at CSU Veterinary Extension wanted to remind those of you involved with fair about the importance of understanding proper biosecurity measures. Posted on our website ( http://veterinaryextension.colostate.edu/index.shtml )on the left hand column under Biosecurity for Farms is a manual reviewing these measures. The direct link is http://coloradodisasterhelp.colostate.edu/prefair/intro.html. Please circulate this email to the appropriate people in your office.

Good luck and have fun at the fairs.

Ragan Adams, MS, DVM, Coordinator, Veterinary Extension
radams@colostate.edu, 970.217.2051

4-H Update

Volume 14, Number 11

Reminders:

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

2010 National 4-H Congress Application Deadline Extended

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

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

Colorado State Fair Teen Clerks

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

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

Horse Levels Training, Garfield County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Willa Williams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4-H Involvement in United We Serve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can you get involved?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is “gleaning”?

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

How can I get involved?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4-H Update

Reminders:

• May 15: IFYE host applications due, State 4-H Office
• June 4:  4-H Golf Tournament, Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club, Windsor
• June 22-25:  State 4-H Conference, CSU Campus, Fort Collins
• June 26 – July 2:  Citizenship Washington Focus, Washington, DC

4-H Scholarship Winners Announced

The winners of the 2010 Colorado 4-H Foundation Scholarships are now listed on the Foundation website at http://www.co4hfoundation.colostate.edu/scholarships.shtml

You will notice a new scholarship from Murdochs Ranch and Home Supply for $1,000 was added this year.  Murdoch’s believe strongly in college scholarships and asked us to establish one using funds from their annual donation to the 4-H program.  Every 4-H member who submitted an application from a county where a Murdochs Store is located or lives in  an adjacent county were considered for the scholarship.  This will be an ongoing scholarship which will be listed in next year’s application materials.

This year’s applicant pool was the  largest (54) and most qualified in the Foundation’s history.   Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the members who applied.- Gary Small

2010 National 4-H WHEP Invitational

Below are links for the announcement letter and draft agenda for the 2010 National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program Invitational. This year’s event will be in Los Alamos, New Mexico July 25-29.  Please forward this information on to the appropriate contact person or persons in your state that are involved in WHEP. For more information please visit http://www.whep.org/

http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2010/2010-WHEP-AnnouncementLetter-MSU.pdf

http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2010/DraftAgenda.pdf
- Jeff Goodwin

Lightning Photography Wanted!

As I was driving home last night I was reminded by all the lightning flashing around me that this is the season for thunderstorms and now is the time to get out and take some pictures for the Lightning Photography contest that we are again offering this year.  Remember, these photos have the potential to be part of our traveling exhibit and the 2011 exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. All of the information you’ll need is on our website.  Here’s the link:  http://colorado4h.org/project_resources/erecords/activities/lightning/index.shtml#overview

Counties must submit their lightning photos at state fair check-in on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. – Ellen Butler

Camp Rocky

Outdoor Environmental Adventure for Youth
Register by June 25, 2010; Program runs July 4 – 10, 2010

Camp Rocky is an outdoor educational opportunity for youth ages 14 through 19 who are looking for an outdoors adventure. Camp Rocky, sponsored by the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts (CACD), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service and other partners, will be held July 4-10, 2010 in a mountain setting above Colorado Springs near Divide at the foot of Pikes Peak. The camp provides a great opportunity for teens who enjoy the outdoors and are interested in learning more about Colorado’s natural resources. The program is entering its 48th year! Click on these links for further information:  http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2010/2010-CampRockyFlyer.doc
http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2010/2010-CampRockyBrochure.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2010/2010-CampRockyProgramPressRelease.pdf
- Ellen Butler

Colorado Youth Advisory Council

The Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) is taking applications for membership on next year’s Council.   COYAC was created in 2008 by the Colorado General Assembly to advise the legislature on policy issues from a youth perspective.  The Council is made up of 40 members-one from each state senate district (35) and five (5) at-large members to help maintain geographic and cultural diversity.  It offers an extraordinary opportunity for youth to not only learn about the policy-making process from the inside, but to carry forward the perspectives of their peers from around the state to influence and improve policy in Colorado.  While previous leadership experience is of value, COYAC strives to be a diverse group that includes both traditional and non-traditional leaders.  Most importantly, it needs to be a body that is credible in the eyes of youth from all walks of life and backgrounds.

We hope you will help us increase COYAC’s ability to represent the youth of the state, and to improve the policies developed by the legislature, by passing this information on to youth who would be interested and able to serve on the Council.  The time commitment is manageable-only 4 in-person meetings per year, but we really need youth who are willing to stay engaged in between meetings by phone, texts, email, and the web.  If you  or someone you know would make a good representative, the application is available online at www.coyac.org.  The deadline is this Friday, May 21, but in the case of seats not filled by that time, we will extend the deadline as needed to fill the Council.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bill Fulton at 720-331-4210 (cell) or by email at bill@civiccanopy.org
- Ellen Butler

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 14, Number 4

Reminders:

• March 20-25: National 4-H Conference, National 4-H Conference Center
• April 5-6: STEM regional Open Forums, CSU Campus
• April 13-15: CAE4-HA, Cripple Creek
• May 1: 4-H OnLine Youth Enrollment data due, Joy Bauder, CSU Campus
• May 15:  IFYE host applications due, State 4-H Office

Livestock Field Days

With the first livestock field day this Saturday, we wanted to send out a reminder with the links to each of the flyers.  Please share this with the Livestock members and leaders in your counties.  Thanks for your help with this!

Swine Field Day (March 13 – Morgan County Fairgrounds) – http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/Adams/4h/pdf/2010swinefieldday.pdf

Sheep and Goat Field Day (March 20 – Adams County Fairgrounds) – http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/Adams/4h/pdf/2010SheepandGoatFieldDay.pdf

Beef Field Day (March 27 – Morgan County Fairgrounds) – http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/Adams/4h/pdf/2010beeffieldday.pdf

- Julia Hurdelbrink, Adams County Extension 4-H Agent

Consumer Choices – Consumer Bowl Contests – Adams County Judging Extravaganza

Below is a link for information on the Consumer Choices contest that will be held on Saturday, April 3, in Adams County.  Please pass this information onto your members that may be interested in participating.  We will be doing Consumer Choices as well as Consumer Bowl.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/JudgingExtravaganzaInfo-ConsChoices2010.pdf

Thanks for your help in promoting this contest! – Julia Hurdelbrink, Adams County 4-H Agent

Livestock Contest at Adams County Judging Extravaganza

Below is a link for information on the 2010 Adams County Livestock judging contest that will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2010.  Please pass this information onto your livestock judging members and coaches.  If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Sterkel at 303.637.8107 or at jsterkel@co.adams.co.us.

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/2010-JudgingExtravaganza-Livestock.pdf

Thanks for your help!- Julia Hurdelbrink, Adams County Extension 4-H Agent

4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Invitational

The 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Invitational is a 4-H National Headquarters approved event started in 2007 as a comprehensive knowledge contest about the livestock industry. The Invitational is conducted as part of the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Stock Show held the end of September in Omaha, Nebraska.

The purpose of the Invitational is to serve as a reward and goal for 4-H youths who have excelled in similar events at the state level. A group of Extension faculty and staff as well as industry professionals serve on the National Committee.

The 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Invitational is open to all states to send a team as long as the 4-Hers participating meet the Quiz Bowl Invitational and 4-H National guidelines for eligibility. Several states have asked for an expansion of the Invitational to allow more teams and a wider range of participant ages from states. To meet these requests, the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest has been developed to be held in conjunction with the 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Invitational. This will allow states to send additional teams of youth, allowing them an opportunity to gain more experience prior to participating in the 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Invitational. This contest, the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl, is open to youth, ages 10 to 18.

All of these contests are conducted in a professional, developmentally appropriate manner. Each state makes their own determination on how to select respective teams for the Invitational and Ak-Sar-Ben Contests.

Please contact Mr. Steve Pritchard, Quiz Bowl Superintendent, at 402.395.2158 or spritchard1@unl.edu to request more information. We look forward to having your state represented in Omaha this September.

MetLife Afterschool Innovator Award

The Afterschool Alliance and MetLife Foundation are partnering to develop and disseminate a series of Issue Briefs that address topics related to middle school youth and afterschool programs. Nominate a program by April 23, 2010 for a chance to receive a MetLife Afterschool Innovator Award and be highlighted in one of our Issue Briefs.  Awardees will be recognized in the related Issue Brief and in the final compendium.  Awards will be given out by the Afterschool Alliance in conjunction with the 2010 Lights On Afterschool and each recipient will receive an award of $5,000 to be used to continue or improve upon the highlighted program.

We need your help in finding programs that are:

Providing multiple benefits to middle school students:
•    Nominate an exemplary middle school program that is providing benefits to middle school students, including helping them succeed academically in middle school, providing opportunities for service and preparing them for success in high school.

Promoting health and wellness for pre-teens and teens:
•    Nominate an innovative afterschool program that provides a place for middle school youth to be physically active, while teaching them to make positive choices for themselves.

Preparing middle school youth for college and careers:
•    Nominate an afterschool program that better prepares middle school youth for high school, college and careers, while keeping them on track and engaged in middle school.

Merging middle school programs and STEM learning:
•    Nominate a middle school afterschool program that incorporates/features STEM activities, giving students time to develop an interest in science, inspiring them to learn STEM skills and even explore STEM careers.

Your knowledge of the field is critical in helping us identify these potentially lesser known, yet highly effective, programs and the individuals running them.  Take a moment to make the nomination yourself or to point candidates in our direction. Our online nomination form can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/metlife2010 and additional details are available online at http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/metLife.cfm.  If you have any questions please contact Willa Williams, Colorado State 4-H STEM Specialist, at 970.491.0893 or email willa.williams@colostate.edu.
- Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 14, Number 2

Reminders:

• February 5:  Youth Fest early bird registration deadline
• March 5:  Citizenship Washington Focus applications due
• April 13-15: CAE4-HA, Cripple Creek

Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Program Update

Attention: Those with 4-H Shooting Sports Responsibilities!  We now have a couple of new postings to the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports web site & Blog:

1. 2010 Shooting Sports Leader Certification Workshops Registration forms are now available!  http://www.co4hshooting.org/article12212005.html

2. 2010 Shooting Sports Family Campout registration and information brochure now posted!  http://www.co4hshooting.org/family_campout.html

If you have any questions or need more information on these items, please contact Jim Hamilton (jim.hamilton@colostate.edu) (719. 846.7403) or Rick Romanin (rlromanin@netzero.net) (303. 761.5651).

Other information is available at the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Web site (http://www.co4hshooting.org/) and on the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Blog site (http://co4hshooting.blogspot.com/). – Perry Brewer

2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest

Reminder: Colorado Deadline is March 5, 2010.

2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest
Trees are Terrific…and Energy Wise!

Join over 63,000 fifth grade classrooms in learning about the importance of trees in our world!

Don’t miss out on this engaging and impactful opportunity to teach fifth grade students about the important role trees play in the production and conservation of energy! Download your free 2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest materials at http://www.arborday.org/kids/postercontest/index.cfm and help foster the next generation of tree stewards.

For more information contact:
Donna Davis, Coordinator
208 Santa Fe Avenue, Suite #21
La Junta, CO  81050
Phone: 719-384-9087
Email: dodavis@lamar.colostate.edu

4-H Million Trees Project for Afterschool Programs

Below  is information on the 4-H Million Trees Project; an Invitation and Memorandum to all the U.S. 4-H Afterschool programs. They are very interested in getting the word out to all 4-H youth in this project, especially the Afterschool programs which represent a large part of the 4-H movement. Therefore, this opportunity is intended for the millions of 4-H Afterschoolers so they can learn about global climate change and do their part in the climate crisis.

4-H Afterschool programs to join with thousands of 4-H youth to plant trees to slow global climate change.  Kids love this SET service-learning project because they can get dirty while learning about the importance of trees in the climate crisis, energy management, erosion control, habitat creation, and more.

Please visit www.4hmilliontrees.org and learn about 4HMT, complete the secure online form, and join the project.

All 4-H Afterschool Leaders & Managers
FROM:    Tom Webber, Project Leader, 4HMT
RE:        Invitation to join the 4-H Million Trees Project

What is the 4-H Million Trees Project?

The 4-H Million Trees Project (4HMT) is an international youth-founded and led service-learning project to inspire 4-H youth to plant 1 million trees to slow global climate change.  Since the first tree was planted in March, 2008, over 25,000 4-H youth in 42 states and provinces have planted over 70,000 trees.

Who can participate in 4HMT?

All 4-Hers are invited to join with thousands of their peers and become project participants.  All 4-H Afterschool programs are invited to join.  Please check the project website at www.4hmilliontrees.org to learn about the project, view the videos, and fill out the secure online registration form.

Tell me about the trees.

All 4-H units and clubs have the discretion to choose tree species, the number of trees in their planting project, and planting location.  Youth are encouraged to conduct research about these issues so they can plan their tree planting events.  We always encourage species that are native to the area, and locally adapted.  Cooperative Extension experts in each county can help.

What about the cost?

Each club or unit is responsible for the cost of the trees and tree planting.  Creative funding methods are encouraged, such as fundraisers, grant proposals, and more.  4HMT has arranged a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation whereby 4-Hers can obtain 12 bareroot saplings with a special $12 annual membership.  To take advantage of this opportunity, click www.arborday.org/4h.

Please contact us with question.  Thanks for supporting the 4-H Million Trees Project where we believe that “Every day is a good day to plant a tree.”

www.4hmilliontrees.org

Please pass this information on to those within your state that may be interested. If there are any questions, please contact Tom Webber at 4hmilliontrees@gmail.com.

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 Youth Fund offers two full scholarships each year for IFYE representatives, (personal spending money excluded).

Other 4-H International Programs (Application due 2-1-2010)

Outbound-
Australia (ages 16-19)
June 16 – July 15

Costa Rica (ages 15-18)
June 19 – July 17

Norway (ages 16-19)
June 30– August 2

Mexico (ages 15-18)
July 3 – 25

Participants travel to the host country as a group, accompanied by adult group leaders. After arrival they stay with a host family. The traveler is responsible for all program expenses.
Courtnye Loflin, State Program Coordinator, courtney.loflin@colostate.edu, (970) 491-2711.  – Courtney Loflin

CWF Program Assistants

Do you know a 4-H’er who has a passion for government, history, political science, working with youth, public speaking, or leadership? If so, encourage them to apply for the position of Program Assistant (PA) at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center! Application deadlines are approaching soon and we want to give 4-H alumni and Collegiate 4-Hers an opportunity to make a difference during their spring or summer semester. Our PAs will be touching the lives of thousands of high school-aged students from all over the United States while working for the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) program in Washington, DC.

CWF gives 4-Hers the opportunity to strengthen their communication, leadership, and other citizenship skills on a national level. Nearly 2,000 young people exchange ideas, practice respect, and form friendships with other youth from diverse backgrounds throughout the summer. Through hands-on activities, simulations, and tours of various monuments and memorials, participants figure out what citizenship means to them and develop action plans to make a difference in their home communities. As a CWF Program Assistant, these 4-H leaders will create, develop, and facilitate curriculum to be used during the 2010 program.

We are looking for individuals with at least a high school diploma (preferably some college experience) and a passion for youth development, hospitality, teaching, history, politics, or leadership. If you know a college student looking for credit towards graduation, National 4-H Council will happily work with the student and the school to make this possible. Listed below is the link for information and application materials.

Citizenship Washington Focus Program Assistant: Applications due January 18, 2010. http://www.citizenshipwashingtonfocus.org/programassistant.aspx

For more information please contact: Molly Young, Director, Youth Opportunities, myoung@4HCenter.org, 301.961.2812; or Freeman Thompson, Coordinator, Youth Opportunities, fthompson@4HCenter.org, 301.961.2917.  – Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 31

Reminders:Preview

• November 26-27: University holidays, offices closed
• November 27-Dec. 2: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA
• Dec.23-25: University holidays, offices closed
• Dec. 31: University holiday, offices closed

National Western Stock Show Catch-a-Calf Program – Deadline Extended!

We need your help with the Catch-a-Calf program!  At this time there is a total of 10 applicants for the National Western Catch-A-Calf program for this coming year.  Normally we can take 40 youth in the program each year. Considering that two of these individuals have the opportunity to advance into the Junior Livestock Sale, this is a huge deal for these youth.  I am requesting one last push from each of you to get more applicants from your respective counties for the Catch-A-Calf program.

The application and information is currently online at the National Western Stock Show at http://www.nationalwestern.com/nwss/livestock/jr/jrupdates.php.  At this time the Dec. 1 deadline will be extended to Dec. 21.  By extending this deadline your members will have to understand the late notice as to when they will be assigned their catch times the weekend of Jan. 16-17, 2010.  Below are links for an invitation letter as well as the application itself. There is also a link for this year’s Exhibitor book, which explains the chance to advance onto the Junior Livestock Auction.

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/2010-CatchACalfApplication.pdf

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/LivestockPremiumBook.pdf

http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/youthfest/individualReg.pdf

If you have any question, please feel free to give me a call at 970.244.1837 work or email Dinah.Peebles@mesacounty.us – Dinah Peebles

Western Region 4-H Leader’s Forum!

Registration is open for WRLF 2010! Please help advertise this regional 4-H event occurring March 11-14, 2010 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Come to the Land of Enchantment.  The website address is http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/ and then click on “Details” under the WRLF 2010 logo or you may go directly to the WRLF homepage at http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/wrlf2010/. The Early Bird deadline is just one month away!  Click on these links for an article and graphic you may want to use for newsletters or other promo efforts. Please edit as needed.- Dale Leidheiser

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/2010-WRLF.jpg
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/BlazingTrailsToNewMexico.pdf

2010 National 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshops

The National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee is pleased to announce that West Virginia and Colorado will be hosting 2010 National 4-H Shooting Sports Workshops.

Dates and Locations:

West Virginia – May 3-8, 2010 – Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp, Near Weston, WV
COLORADO – May 10-15, 2010 – Grand Junction, CO

These workshops are designed to prepare adult volunteers to teach other adult volunteers through state workshops. This is an excellent opportunity to expand or improve your state training team.  Workshop participants share ideas and information about their state 4-H Shooting Sports programs while enhancing skills for teaching adults and volunteers in the use of the national curriculum.

In order for a participant to attend a National 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop, he/she must meet the following guidelines:

1.    Have state level certification in the discipline in which they are enrolling.
2.    Have a minimum level of experience in the discipline to be determined by each discipline instructor(s).
3.    Have interest in 4-H and youth development.
4.    Endorse the train-the trainer concept in basic shooting skills.
5.    Must have previous experience teaching youth and/or adults in your respective state.
6.    Have current 4-H Volunteer status or Extension Faculty status in their state.
7.    Must be recommended by the respective State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator.

We look forward to your state’s participation in the 2010 National 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop – EAST OR WEST.  For questions about program content, please contact Conrad Arnold, National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee, Extension Educator 4-H,at 410.228.8800; or email carnold@umd.edu. – Ellen Butler

Two Ways to Give to 4-H On-line

Now it’s even easier to support 4-H in-state and nationally!

The Colorado 4-H Foundation has an online giving page that you can access at https://advancing.colostate.edu/Modules/giving_a.asp?4H/YOUTHFUND/GIVE. Donations can be made to the Colorado 4-H Youth Development Fund ( general fund) , Outstanding Leader Awards, 4-H Livestock Judging program, Western Regional 4-H Roundup, International 4-H Youth Exchange, National 4-H Conference, National 4-H Congress, 4-H Scholars Program, Citizenship Washington Focus, 4-H Wheat Awards, and the Hoshiko Memorial 4-H Golf Tournament.

National 4-H Council also offers online giving.  National 4-H Council is pleased to announce the launch of the new, national online giving platform at http://donate.4-h.org.  Thirty seven states – including Colorado – are registered to receive unrestricted donations through the new site. In addition, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan and Washington have partnered with Council to test county-designated giving. Council looks forward to expanding the County giving option nationwide at the conclusion of our six month pilot.

You can promote donations to your 4-H program by using the new online giving toolkit http://4-h.org/resources/brandnetwork/toolkits/onlinegiving.html. Resources include flyers, banner ads, an email signature and newsletter article to help you make the most of this opportunity in your community.  We’ll be expanding the toolkit in the months ahead, so be sure to visit  the 4-H Brand Network for updates: http://4-h.org/d/Pages/Layouts/brandnetwork.html – Ellen Butler

4-H Bird Photo Contest

Do you photograph birds?  If so, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection (APHSI) invites you to enter your best poultry or pet bird photos in the: BIOSECURITY FOR BIRDS  Calendar photo contest

APHIS is interested in photos of all kinds of birds – including poultry, game birds, wild birds, shorebirds, and pet birds.  Photos should show the bird(s) in a clean environment and without people in the photo. People of all ages are encouraged to enter their photos.  Photos should accurately reflect the subject matter. The main image should not be digitally altered beyond removing dust, cropping, cleaning up the background, and/or making reasonable adjustments to exposure, color, contrast, etc. All photos will be credited with the photographer’s name. Maximum of three (3) photos per person will be accepted. Deadline for submitting contest entries is Jan. 31, 2010. Winners will be notified via e-mail by Feb. 28, 2010. The winning photo(s) will be featured in the 2011 Biosecurity for Birds calendar and the Biosecurity for Birds website (http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov) and may be featured as screensavers.

Entries can be submitted through the official online entry form:  http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.  Please contact Trudy Dunham, University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development,  612.624.8181 or dunha003@umn.edu should you have further questions. – Ellen Butler

Military Extension Internship Program Application Deadline Extended

Through the new partnership between the Cooperative Extension System and the Department of Defense, we have the opportunity to place approx 35 interns (or recent graduates) for the spring semester, 2010 and the applications have been slow coming in. We have extended the deadline for spring placements and will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis. Those students who have contacted us indicate they did so after a trusted professor or extension employee contacted them directly and encouraged them to apply.

A new initiative and partnership between the Cooperative Extension System and the Department of Defense  has provided the funding for a national, military childcare/youth development internship program. Through this initiative, students and recent graduates will have the opportunity to develop professional skills in childcare and youth development through practical work experience with military children, youth, and families.  Interns’ compensation will include travel to and from the internship site and housing for the duration of the placement. Interns will be placed on military installations across the United States.

The Military Extension Internship Program will continue to accept applications for its inaugural term through Dec. 7 for placements beginning Jan. 11, 2010. More information and application materials can be found at www.extension.purdue.edu/military, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Application materials for Summer 2010 internships will be available after Dec. 21. For further information please contact Renee McKee, at rmckee@purdue.edu or call 765.494.8422. – Shauna Woods, OMK Coordinator

National Western Stock Show Group Sales Ticket Offer

For the friends of Colorado 4-H Group Discount Pricing for the 2010 National Western Stock Show – January 9-24, 2010.

All Colorado 4-H employees, families and invited guests are eligible for discounted prices on reserve seating at  the National Western Stock Show. The prices offered are unavailable to the general public and tickets purchased  through this special offer are free of all service charges, an additional savings of $3.75 per ticket, plus $2.25 per order if reserving without this agreement. (Tickets must be purchased through Group Services. Discounts are not  available at the Stock Show Box Office.)  Additional Events Available at Group Rates. Call 303.295.2979 for details. Order through Jan. 23, 2010 – Orders are subject to availability. http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/4h-GroupSalesForm2010.pdf, http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/4h-GroupSalesForm2010.doc
- Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 23

Reminders:

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

Blue Ribbon Reminder  – data due October ! – PLEASE READ!!!

County Directors/agents, if you are receiving this message in place of your administrative support, please PRINT and share this with them ASAP!

Using the current Blue Ribbon Youth Enrollment system, ES237 and Youth Data is due by Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009 (or earlier if you wish!)

All enrollment drops and project completions will need to be completed before sending your final report to the state office.  If your county fair is later in September or early October, please contact me ASAP and I’ll be happy to give you an extension — but you must contact me!  My final report is due to the National 4-H Office on Nov. 1, no later!

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

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

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

4) Whether you email or use regular mail, EVERYONE will need to fill out and sign the following form — ****PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHECKS WITH THIS FORM – PLEASE WAIT UNTIL ACCOUNTING SENDS YOUR INVOICE, IF NEEDED (Your account should be up to date, but any final billing will be from the CE Accounting Office ONLY****

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ye/forms/enrollverification.doc –

The following methods are used to find the accurate numbers to provide to Accounting.  For Enrollments — Open Blue Ribbon — Select ES237 | ES237 Verification — Check Members and Cloverbuds (this report includes ALL New, Return, and Terminated Members  — Click Preview — when the report is generated go to the last page and that is the total community club number which is multiplied by 5.  Special Interest numbers are found by Selecting ES237 | ES237 Statistical Report  — Click “Test-Group Data” under “Testing Report” and “Member/Leader Stats” under “Report” Type, click Preview, Click “OK” when message appears.  When report is generated look on the 1st Page under Line #2, under the total column that is the number used which is multiplied by 1.

You do not need to include these reports with your final ES237 report.  I will be double checking all totals upon arrival, if there are any discrepancies I will contact you directly.

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

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

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

Thanks! – Joy Bauder, Database Systems Coordinator

2009 Survey Instruments and Data Collection

Just a quick reminder that we need the surveys you collected by September 15!

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

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

These instruments will also make it easier for you to complete your annual work team contribution reports in the 4-H CCA.   If you have any questions about this process just let me know. Thanks in advance for your help on this very important project. – Ellen Butler

Announcing 2009 JCPASF FIRST FLL and FTC Robotics Team Mini-Grant Winners

Congratulations to Janice Dixon and the Logan/Morgan County Robotics Club! In particular, Janice would also like to recognize Adam Goss, Morgan County summer intern and CSU Collegiate 4-H member, for writing this grant.

On behalf of 4-H SET Leadership at National 4-H Headquarters and National 4-H Council in collaboration with the JCPenney Afterschool Fund (JCPASF) we are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2009 JCPASF FIRST Robotics FLL and FTC Team Mini-Grants.

Funded by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, these grants will help create and support 4-H JCPASF FIRST Robotics Teams as follows: five existing FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Teams, 19 new FLL Teams, four existing FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Teams and four new FTC Teams. These 4-H Teams will each build a robot and then participate in at least one FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST LEGO League event as appropriate. These grants align with the priorities set forth by the National 4-H SET Leadership Team and will provide support to advance each state’s 4-H SET plans.

Congratulations! – Ellen Butler

Judges Training Opportunity

Please save the date for judge’s training that will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 26, with the help of many Front Range Agents. Learn the skills to become a 4-H judge and/or learn what judges look for in evaluating 4-H projects. Here are the specifics:

Date:    Saturday, September 26
Time:    9 a.m.—3:15 p.m.
Where:    Douglas County Fairgrounds, Castle Rock, CO
Cost:    $20 (includes lunch)

The two hour training includes sessions on judging 4-H Foods, clothing construction, performing arts, heritage arts, cake decorating, Decorate Your Duds, and photography. The $20 registration includes lunch.  You may register by calling 720-733-6940 or by mailing the registration form to the Douglas County Extension Office, 410 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock, CO  80104.  Please click on the following links for further information. – Ellen Butler

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/JudgeTrainFlyer.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/JudgesTraining09.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/MapToFairgrounds.jpg

Shooting Sports Update

1.    The 2010 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop Host Application has a Nov. 1 deadline.  We will only consider those applications received before the deadline.  Please note:  We won’t schedule any workshops from May 1-17, 2010.  We have a bid submitted to host the National 4-H Shooting Sports workshop during that time line.  Please click here to host a workshop: http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/2010-SS-HostApplication.pdf

2.    2009 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop Registration form.  There is only one remaining 2009 4-H Shooting Sports leader training workshop.  It will be in Park County (Fairplay, Colorado) from Oct.  2-4.   Registration forms must be sent to Kurt Jones, Extension Agent in Park County, by Sept. 25, 2009.  Please click on http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/2009-SS-FallRegistration.pdf to download this registration.

Please call (970.491.1144) or email me (susan.cuckler@colostate.edu) if you have any questions. – Susan M. Cuckler

Collegiate 4-H Shadow Program

The collegiate 4-H Shadow Program, October 8-10, 2009, 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, visit with the admissions office, get a tour of CSU, and see all that CSU has to offer.  They will arrive Thursday, Oct. 8 ,in the evening, participate in icebreakers and get to know you games, spend the night with one of the collegiate 4-H members, attend classes, tours and information sessions on Friday. On Friday evening we will attend the CSU homecoming bonfire and festivities, and then 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 fill out the registration form – http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/4H-ShadowProgramRegistration.doc – along with a health form and code of conduct form. Here’s a flyer for your office:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/ShadowWeekendFlyer.pdf.   If you have any questions feel free to e-mail colostate4h@yahoo.com or call 719.760.0765. Thanks! – Autumn Sheridan, CSU Collegiate 4-H President

Best in Show Pet Treats

This fall, Colorado 4-H is going to the dogs….and cats….and horses too! Please register your County’s participation at http://www.pettreats4youth.com/training/colorado.htm

Go ahead and register even if you have just a few clubs who want to participate or if you are planning on ordering cases for a simple Direct Sale before the holidays.  All pet treats will be shipped into Colorado the week of Nov. 16th – perfect timing for holiday gift giving and pre-holiday Direct Sales.  Did you know that 75% of pet owners purchase a gift for them for Christmas?  Best In Show Pet Treats will combine small County orders with neighboring counties to avoid shipping charges.  Our goal is to grow a product sale that helps keep Colorado 4-H strong at every level.  Call 1-877-805-0452 if you need additional information or click here:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/registration_co.htm

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 22

Reminders

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

Colorado 4-H Day with the CSU Rams

Tell all your friends and mark your calendar for Saturday, September 12, 3:00 p.m. to join us for Colorado State 4-H Day with the CSU Rams! Held in conjunction with CSU Ag Day, 4-H Day with the Rams will offer discounted tickets at $30 per ticket which also includes a CSU t-shirt, soda, and hotdog or pretzel. Come enjoy great food, the CSU Rams football team, and support 4-H. A portion of ticket sales through this offer will benefit Colorado 4-H. In order to receive your free t-shirt and coupons, tickets must be reserved by September 1, 2009. Click here to order your tickets: http://www.colorado4h.org/news/09/Colorado4-H-CSU-Rams.pdf

Please contact the State 4-H Office at 970.491.1152, the State 4-H events office at 970.491.0246 or email Mike Macklin at mmacklin@rams.colostate.edu should you have questions.

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

Hope to see you there! – Ellen Butler

Colorado Leadership Camp

Colorado Leadership Camp will be held November 20-22, 2009 in Glenwood Springs at the Ramada Inn.  The cost of the Camp is $110 which includes lodging for two nights, breakfast each morning, dinner on Friday night and lunch on Saturday.   The camp is for 4-H members in the 7,8 and 9th grades.  Look for more information regarding CLC in the near future. – Connie Cecil

Colorado Youth Development Team September Trainings

It may be State Fair time, but it’s also time to start looking ahead at some opportunities coming your way! Following are a variety of training opportunities available at a number of locations around the state.  These trainings are sponsored by Assets for Colorado Youth, one of our long term collaborators of 4-H. Please click on the links below which provide additional information.  – Dale Leidheiser

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/CYDT-LarimerCounty.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/CYDT-WeldCounty.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/CYDT-DenverMetro.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/CYDT-ColoradoSprings.pdf

Announcing the 2009 HOOKED ON HYDROPONICS AWARDS

Sponsored by The Grow Store and Presented by The National Gardening Association
Applications are due, Sept. 18, 2009

When children and teens explore how to grow plants hydroponically (without soil), fruitful questions bloom, and these questions can lead to active investigations and problem solving. These studies may even lead to classroom business opportunities or fuel student career interests. Not least among the benefits is the joy students experience harvesting a crop of their own incredible edibles or bounteous blossoms!

Who Is Eligible?
The Hooked on Hydroponics Award is open to schools and youth organizations in the United States planning to engage in a hydroponics project with at least 15 children between the ages of 6 and 18 during the 2010 school year.You must verify that your facility can accommodate the equipment in the award packages available for your age group.

How To Apply?
When you click on this link http://kids.garden.org/grantInquiry.php?grant=GR_HOH09 you will be directed to a web page with a secure form requiring you to submit your name and address. When you complete the form and click the submit button, you will be able to download the award application. – Ellen Butler

Best in Show Pet Treats

THIS FALL, COLORADO 4-H IS GOING TO THE DOGS…AND CATS…AND HORSES TOO! Please register your county’s participation at http://www.pettreats4youth.com/training/colorado.htm

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

Northern Colorado Birding Fair

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 26! This is a free day of fun and learning for kids and their families.  Click here for further information http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/09NCBF-SaveTheDate.pdf – Ellen Butler