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

Garfield County 4-H: Learning by doing

An interesting article was recently printed in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent that talks about Extension, 4-H, and the Garfield County Fair.  We felt that it was worth mentioning, so please do take a moment to check out the article, which is linked below.

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120405/VALLEYNEWS/120409948/1083&ParentProfile=1074

Thank you!

4H Update

Volume 15, Number 9

Dates to Remember:

March 24-29: National 4-H Conference, Washington, DC
April 1:  State scholarship applications due
May 1:  4HOnline Youth Enrollment Data due
May 1-3: CAE4-HA, Albuquerque, NM
June 1:  Colorado 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament, Pelican Lakes GOlf & Country Club, Windsor
June 1:  Youth leadership and Citizenship applications due

National 4-H Congress Update

We wanted to remind you all that the process for National 4-H Congress delegate selection has changed.  Beginning this year, delegates will now be selected by earning Grand Champions status at state fair in 14 different project areas.  Click o this link to see a list of the project areas http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/National4hCongress.pdf.  A 4-H member may attend National Congress only once.  If a 4-H member is a selected as a Grand Champion more than once throughout their 4-H career, they can still only attend Congress one time.  The Reserve Grand Champion will not be moved up to fill the position if a member decides not to attend Congress or has been selected as a Grand Champion in more than one project area.
- Connie Cecil

International 4-H Youth Exchange Reporting

Please click on this link to read a brief promotional piece regarding a great opportunity to have our IFYE delegates provide an educational experience in your counties to a variety of audiences.  The three reporting IFYEs still have several time slots available.  Please promote this and let me know if you have any questions.  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/IFYE-ReportingPromotion.pdf
- Courtney Loflin

4-H Robotics

Looking for a one-page hand out to describe 4-H robotics? The attached flyer, created by Kyle Jones at National 4-H Council is just that! You might even recognize Colorado’s guest celebrity! Check it out!  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/4hRobotics.pdf
- Ellen Butler

$10,000 AND $25,000 Grants Available to Rural School Districts through America’s Farmers Grown Rural Education

Statistics show that the United States ranks only 25th in math scores and 21st in science compared to 30 industrialized nations. These facts show that education is strongly in need of support. To help, Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is launching America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education℠ to aid rural school districts by providing $10,000 and $25,000 grants in 1,245 counties across 39 states.

“We believe our rural communities are the heart of America,” said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. “We want to help strengthen local communities and education systems, especially in the areas of science and/or math. A strong science and math education helps build a foundation for many careers in agriculture, but also will help our students to be more competitive with those in larger cities and other nations.”

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education gives farmers the opportunity to nominate a public school district in their rural community to compete for a grant. Nominated school district administrators can then submit an application for either a $10,000 or $25,000 grant to support a science and/or math educational program by April 30, 2012. School districts that apply for a $10,000 grant will compete against other school districts that are located in the USDA-appointed Crop Reporting District (CRD); except that CRDs with fewer than five eligible school districts will compete against each other for a single grant. A school district that applies for a $25,000 grant will compete against schools that are located in its state or designated region.

The Monsanto Fund will award 199 grants this year. There will be 177 $10,000 grants and 22 grants of $25,000 awarded. Visit growruraleducation.com to see a complete list of eligible states and regions. Overall, the Monsanto Fund will donate more than $2.3 million to school districts in 39 states through this program.

Grants will be awarded based on merit, need and community support. The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Advisory Council will select the winning grant application. This group is made up of 26 farmer leaders from across the country, who are passionate about both farming and rural education. The council members are actively engaged in their local communities through various leadership positions, such as a member of the local School Board, an active Farm Bureau leader or a member of an educational organization or committee within various organizations. The council is responsible for reviewing the top grant applications to select the winning school. These individuals are passionate about both agriculture and education, which is essential when choosing the best grant.

The program started with a successful pilot in Illinois and Minnesota, in which farmers were given the opportunity to nominate a public school district in 165 eligible counties in those two states. The Monsanto Fund awarded more than $266,000 to local schools in 16 CRDs through the pilot.

The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program is part of a broad commitment by Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow their youth. Visit www.growruraleducation.com for additional information and to view a complete list of winning school districts.

About Monsanto Fund The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work.  Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.
- Ellen Butler

Announcing the Toyota Innovation Awardees

This year three 4-H National Youth Science Day events earned the top award for their creativity, their ability to build momentum around a Wired for Wind event and their commitment to community impact. These submissions were selected from more than 700 events nationwide and more than 100 submissions overall.

$4,000 Creativity Award Winner University of Illinois Extension, Unit 19 – On Oct. 5, 2011, 75 fourth graders from Cumberland Elementary School visited Lake Land College campus where they spent three hours conducting the Wired for Wind experiment, led by Lake Land College technology division instructors. This community event invited partnerships from University of Illinois Extension, Unit 19, Lake Land College, Cumberland Elementary School, University of Illinois Extension, State 4-H Office and First Neighbor Bank.Read more

$3,000 Revolution of Responsibility Award Winner Harris County 4-H Family Science Night, Houston, Texas – 4-H National Youth Science Day inspired Harris County to form new 4-H Science partnerships that would build capacity for reaching youth audiences with exciting projects in science, engineering and technology. In September, Texas AgriLife Extension and Harris County 4-H Urban Youth Development (UYD) partnered with Alief Independent School District After School Program (ASP) to bring the Wired For Wind experiment to diverse youth audiences. Extension staff secured $1,500.00 in grant funds for the project from Texas 4-H Science Liaison, Matt Tarpley in support of a “family science night” event.

$3,000 Media and Promotion Award Winner WSU Colville Reservation-Ferry County 4-H – Intending to build a buzz about their 4-H Super Science Saturday event, Colville Reservation Extension 4-H initiated their promotion plan by sending press releases to four local newspapers. But, they didn’t stop there. They didn’t stop there: posters were printed in advance of the event and posted in local businesses and community bulletin boards. Handbills were sent home with students at area schools, an ad was displayed on the Ferry County Extension website and an email announcement was sent out to Colville Tribes employees across the reservation.

Stay tuned, we’ll announce the 2012 National Science Experiment in April! Can’t get enough of 4-H National Youth Science Day? Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/4-h for updates about 4-H science, scholarship opportunities and more.
- Ellen Butler

Dodgeball Tournament at State 4-H Conference

Please let all of your 4-H members know that we are going to have a District Dodge Ball Tournament at State Conference.  It is going to be a blast!!!!!  Click on this link for more information about the tournament. http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/stateconference/2012/DistrictDodgeBallTournament.pdf

Even the agents and leaders get to have a team.  So anyone who is going to State Conference and would like to be on the adult team –just let me know.    The tournament will be on Wednesday afternoon from 3:45 to 5:00pm.  So what do you say?!  Let’s have a great turn out for this great fun event.
- Connie Cecil

Great Opportunity for Young Women who will be in the 11th or 12th grade in 2012-2013

Vital Voices and ANN INC., the parent company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, have teamed up in a groundbreaking partnership, the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative. Together, they are working to train and empower young women in the U.S. to invest in their communities and begin their journey as the next generation of leaders.

ANNpower Fellows will be invited to attend the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum, a three-day leadership training program in Washington, DC from June 4-6, 2012. The Forum’s curriculum will be based on the Vital Voices Leadership Model, and the girls will be mentored by 12 global women leaders who are part of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network, which includes some of the most influential women from around the world. After completing the curriculum, the 50 ANNpower Fellows will be challenged to go back to their communities and create a project that will affect change at the local level. They will also be eligible later in the year to win project grants to put their ideas into action.

This is a unique opportunity for young women who are committed to reshaping the world for positive change to meet their peers from across the United States and be mentored by distinguished leaders. We invite you to share this information with outstanding rising high school juniors and seniors who you believe will be the next generation of global trailblazers. The application is available online here http://www.vitalvoices.org/annpower and you can read about the inaugural class of ANNpower Fellows here http://vitalvoices.org/annpower-2011. Please direct any questions to mailto:LaurenWollack@vitalvoices.org.

Applicant Eligibility:

*         Applicants must be enrolled in high school in the United States or Puerto Rico

*         Applicants must be enrolled in 11th or 12th grade for the 2012-2013 academic year

*         Applications must be received by March 31, 2012 at 5:00pm EST.

Daphna Kapnik Program Coordinator, Global Leadership Network Vital Voices Global Partnership

Web Conference:  A Focus on Building Military Family Resilience

The Family Development concentration of eXtension’s Military Families Learning Community invites you to participate in an interactive 60-minute web conference focused on resilience among military families.   Mark your calendars and plan to participate!  No registration is needed.

Balancing Work and Family:  A Focus on Building Military Family Resilience

Thursday, April 5 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (EDT)

Angela Wiley, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Applied Family Studies and Extension Specialist University of Illinois

Commander David Allen Shirk United States Navy Chaplain Camp Johnson, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

• Attend this 60-minute web conference focused on work-life challenges facing military families • Learn about strategies that build on the strengths of military families that can effectively manage work-family issues • Share your experiences and ideas through this interactive session

No registration is needed To attend link to http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/milfam a few minutes before 11:00 a.m. (EDT)

Angela Wiley, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Human and Community Development and Extension Specialist in Family Life Education at the University of Illinois. Dr. Wiley’s research focuses on work life management, child care and promoting family resilience. She is interested in identifying how family strengths influence family resilience during stressful periods. Her research has been published in Family Relations and in Child Development.  Dr. Wiley has developed a curriculum to help people balance work and their personal lives.  She is currently conducting an evaluation of this curriculum focused on couple well-being.

Commander Shirk is currently assigned as the Officer in Charge, Chaplain and Religious Program Specialist Expeditionary Training Course at Camp Johnson.  He holds a Master’s of Divinity, M.A. in Child Development and Family Relation and B.S. in Business Administration, and is ordained by the Baptist General Conference. While based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Commander Shirk served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Individual Augmentation with 82nd Airborne Division.

To avoid technical difficulties, please test your connection prior to April 5 at:  http://bit.ly/MFLNAdobeTest

Suggested reading to prepare for the web conference:

Drummet, A. R. (2003). Military families under stress: Implications for family life education. Family Relations, 52(3), 279-287. http://reachmilitaryfamilies.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/upload_material/Drummet,%20et%20al.%202003.pdf

- Shauna Woods

WFCO Girl’s Leadership Council Launch – Opportunity for Sophomore Girls

Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success

We would like to alert you to a new publication from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Youth team. “Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success” is a curriculum specifically designed for youth service professionals working with young people ages 14 to 24. The document was field-tested in seven career development youth programs across the country serving all youth, including youth with disabilities.   The basic structure of the publication was created through a lens of Universal Design, with a focus on providing flexible, hands-on, engaging activities that focus on six key skill areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism.   The curriculum is available in both English and Spanish on the ODEP website. The Office of Disability Employment Policy invites you to use this curriculum, forward it to your colleagues and/or membership base, and provide us with your feedback. Check this out:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2012/GirlsLeadershipCouncilFlyer.pdf  – Jennifer Kemp

Seeking Submissions for Directory of Successful Urban 4-H Programs

NAE4-HA Directory of Successful Urban 4-H Programs The Urban Programming Task Force of the NAE4-HA programs committee is coordinating the sharing of ideas through the Directory of Successful Urban 4-H Programs. The purpose of the directory is to provide 4-H professionals across the country ideas about successful 4-H programs in the urban environment—without having to “reinvent the wheel.” We plan to add more examples of these successful programs to this directory on an annual basis. The call for submissions to the directory is made twice a year. Directory Submission Forms are due: March 15th and August 15th.   New submissions have not been sought for the Directory since 2008, as we worked to move the directory onto the NAE4-HA website.  The Urban Programming Taskforce is excited to once again start collecting submissions.  The Directory of Successful Urban 4-H Programs can be found on the NAE4-HA website at: http://nae4ha.com/urbanprograms.htm  To reach the Directory from the NAE4-HA home page…highlight “Committees” on the left side bar, then scroll down and click on “Research, Evaluation & Programs Team.”  On the Research, Evaluation & Programs Team page, scroll down to Urban Programming and select the Directory of Successful Urban Programs.  We know you do good work in Urban Environments.  Please consider submitting your good work into the Directory of Successful Urban 4-H Programs.  For more information about the directory or the submission process, contact Paul Henderson at West Virginia State University Extension Service at henderpm@wvstateu.edu or by phone at 304.550.4210.
- Ellen Butler

4-H Update

Volume 15, Number 6

Dates to Remember:

* Colorado State Fair – August 26 – Sept. 5
* Colorado 4-H Leaders’ Forum, Glenwood Springs, Sept.30 – Oct. 1

Camp Tobin

I want to let all of you know that CAMP TOBIN registration is open and ready for 4-H members and families to sign up.  Click here to register:  https://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/camptobin/reg/index.asp

Please let your families know about this great opportunity to come and stay at State Fair for a very economical price of $5 a night.  We will also have the cafeteria open on the weekends with great home cooked meals –the ones that your mother or grandmother cooked. Pleaes help us spread the work about CAMP TOBIN and what a great place it is to stay for a great price! In these times of economic stress, CAMP TOBIN is a way for the whole family to come and experience the fair and not put a financial burden on the family budget.�
-  Connie Cecil 

4-H Shooting Sports Update

The summer is well and truly upon us! Fairs either are going strong or soon will be and we are all looking forward to another excellent State 4-H Shooting Sports Contest!

You have recently received instructions on how to enter your State Shoot contestants. I hope the process is working well with all of you. I would like to remind you that the entry deadline for the State Shoot Contest is MONDAY AUGUST 1, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. After that time you will NOT be able to make entries or changes to entries.

If you need to make additions or changes to your county’s contest entries after the registration deadline, you will need to contact Jeramy McNeely, Overall State Shoot Superintendent. Jeramy has indicated to me that he would want all changes in written format and emailed to him for documentation. He will then pass on your changes for processing. His email address is jeramy.mcneely@colostate.edu . His office phone number is 719. 767.5716.

I would like to remind you that any changes or additions made after the deadline is subject to late fees. I would HIGHLY suggest that if you know NOW that you are going to be late getting in your county entries that you contact Jeramy NOW to make arrangements and to save yourself late fees!

As always, if you have questions on the registration process, please let me know and I will try to work with you on it! (perry.brewer@colostate.edu, 719.349.1358 – cell. Please remember that if you go to Darrin Goodman or Joy Bauder with questions on the registration system, they are on duty during the work week and may not feel inclined to be available during the weekends!

Thank you for your time! Have a great summer!
- Perry Brewer

China Radio International

Hey Everyone -

A major press hit this week on China Radio International heard by millions in China as well as distributed internationally. The link to listen to the interview of Richard Tucker where you can also send other people is below.  

http://english.cri.cn/7146/2011/07/12/2702s647914.htm
(best viewed in IE)

4-H Day at the Rockies

Colorado 4-H Day at the Rockies! Come out for an evening at the ballpark and help support Colorado 4-H.  It’s the Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals on Saturday, August 6, 2011- 6:10pm. Prices are $27 for lower level – normally $38.  $5 of each ticket purchased will benefit 4-H!
To purchase tickets visit: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=corockies&o=1219443&g=493
SPECIAL PROMO CODE: 4HDAY

But hurry!  This promo ends on August 1!

2011 Fall Leaders Forum

While summer is a busy time for everyone, I wanted to send this brief promo about the Fall Forum to include in your next newsletter.

It’s time to start thinking about the annual Fall Forum! This annual event is for 4-H Leaders and parents to receive training in a wide variety of topics. Learn about new projects and see old friends and take advantage of a great training opportunity. Each year it travels to a new 4-H district so that it rotates around the state. This year it will be held in Glenwood Springs, September 30 – October 1 with a variety of special activities! Registration will be $25. Complete information and registration details will be available later in the summer!

4-H Update

Volume 15, Number 4

Dates to Remember:

* May 30: University holiday, offices closed
* June 3: Colorado 4-H Foundation 16th Annual Paul Hoshiko Golf Tournament, Windsor, CO
* June 15: National 4-H Conference applications due, State 4-H Office
* June 15: National 4-H Congress recommendations due, State 4-H Office
* June 15:  Youth Leadership and Citizenship applications due, State 4-H Office
* June 17:  Shooting Sports Family Camp, Victor, CO
* June 20-24: State 4-H Conference, CSU Campus, Fort Collins
* June 25 – July 2: Citizenship Washington Focus, Washington, DC

Daniels Fund Scholarship awardees announced!

We are excited to announce this year’s class of Daniels Scholars. As a community-based scholarship program, the Daniels Fund works closely with over 600 Referral Agencies that nominated some 2050 candidates this year. We sincerely wish that we could have provided scholarships to each one of these outstanding young people, but this simply is not possible.

A complete list of all scholarship recipients is posted on the Daniels Fund website, http://www.danielsfund.org/. 

Thank you for all that you do to help encourage and support students applying for the Daniels Scholarship. We are grateful to you for helping us further Bill Daniels’ mission of ‘making life better…one individual at a time.’

Congratulations to you all! – Ellen Butler

Colten Karl Rohleder, Elbert County
Eleanor Marie Stewart, Phillips County
Jordan John Sharpe, Baca County
Lexie Kate Hoskins, Otero County

2011 4-H Japanese Exchange

Below is  a program description for the one-month inbound Japanese exchange.  Japan is planning to send the planned 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.

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.

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED – 4-H/FLEX EXCHANGE (10 MONTHS) – 2011-2012

Host families are needed for FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) students. 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 (now called Eurasia): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.  Colorado will host five participants, ages 15-18, who will stay with host families and attend high school August 2011 through mid- June 2012.

These delegates are proficient in English, have excellent grades, and speak a minimum of three languages.
They are excited to learn about the United States and share their culture.  Colorado schools have been very receptive to this program due to the high quality of the delegate applications.  55,000 youth apply from these Eurasian countries every year.  1,200 youth are chosen annually to spend 10 months in the United States. 

Since 1993, several thousand students from the NIS have spent one academic year attending schools and living with host families throughout the U.S.  Students are recruited based on English ability, personality factors, social skills, academic achievement and leadership potential.  Prospective students participate in an open, merit-based competition in their home countries and are interviewed by Americans who live in the NIS and work for the American Council of Teachers of Russian.  All students have an extensive orientation to life in America and pursue a full course of study while they are here.  Each country has its own language, culture, history and traditions.  Students and staff where exchange students attend school benefit from learning more about these countries and peoples who were relatively isolated from the rest of the world for nearly 70 years. 

Delegates receive $125/month for personal expenses.  Host families receive $300 initially to assist with “startup” costs.

They are expected to be part of the family:  sharing their culture, learning about the US culture, following house rules, getting good grades in school, helping with household chores, etc.

To review the applications of the delegates available, please contact me for further information.

2011 INBOUND IFYES TO COLORADO – HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

Austria, Daniela Allram, age 19 – July 11 – August 22.  Speaks German, English, and French.  Hobbies are photography, cooking, volunteer fire fighter, and Landjugen (4-H) activities.  Other areas of interest are arts, information technology, and biology.  Father owns a transport company, and mother is an office worker.  She is current attending a higher vocational school.

Germany, Charlotte Schweikart, age 19 – June 20 – September 10.  Speaks German, English, and some French.  Hobbies are friends, yoga, badminton, card and board games, music, reading, and skiing.  Other areas of interest are learning about American culture/people, as well as agriculture in the US.   She is a youth group advisor.   Parents own a winery/30-acre vineyard.  She graduated from school in March and expects to attend a university.

Greece, Katerina  Arzoglou, age 18 – July 12 – August 18.  Speaks Greek and English.  Hobbies are camping, swimming, dancing, walking reading, pets.  Other areas of interest are youth development, agriculture, environment, recreation, culture, horses, landscaping, production of various plants, and animal production.   Father is a plant producer, and mother is a salesperson.  She is currently attending the American Farm School in Greece.

Switzerland, Karin Bartsch, age 20 – June 20 – September 10.  Speaks German and English.  Hobbies are 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.

Taiwan, You-Ren Fang (Joyce), age 22.  Speaks Chinese and English.  Hobbies are jazz, classical music, reading.  Other areas of interest are agriculture, agriculture economics and policy, environment, youth development.  She is a 4-H club leader/consultant.  Parents are business owners.  She is currently studying bio-industry communication/development at National Taiwan University.

Inbound IFYEs from Germany, 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 20-24.

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 me at the State 4-H Office for more information regarding these IFYEs; 970-491-2711, Courtney.loflin@colostate.edu
- Courtney Loflin, Colorado 4-H International Programs Coordinator

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

Broomfield County 4-H member Selected for Mongolian Exchange Trip! 

Caitlin Lanzavecchia will be traveling to Mongolia this summer on a Wyoming exchange trip. Selections were based on a written application and also through an interview process. Please read below for further information.

Thirty youth will visit Mongolia through Wyoming 4-H leadership program.

Wyoming State 4-H specialists will shepherd 30 youth and five adult chaperones from eight states to Mongolia this summer in a leadership partnership with the Mongolian 4-H Youth Organization.

Enhancing Global Perspectives in Youth is funded by a $267,434 grant from the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service. The Mongolian group is in the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.

The group will leave June 16 and return July 15.

“The program will provide an opportunity for students to experience firsthand knowledge of foreign cultures and to collaborate on solving global natural resource and environmental issues,” said Warren Crawford, youth development specialist with Wyoming 4-H.  

Kim Reaman, state 4-H volunteer management specialist, will also accompany the group.

 “This type of experience can be life changing and start a young person down the path to being an involved, global citizen,” she said. “My first international experience was through the International 4-H Youth Exchange to Jamaica. I have had a heart for international programs and the effect they have on a young person’s life ever since. ”

Youth were selected through an application and interview process from the 13-state western region of the land-grant universities Cooperative Extension Service. The finalists selected are from Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Reaman and Crawford traveled to Mongolia last September, paid for by the UW College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Global Perspectives program, to provide technical assistance and training for the newly established Mongolian 4-H program.  While in Mongolia, they had many opportunities to develop and lay the groundwork for this exchange program.

“For most of the stay, the students will live with a Mongolian host family and experience the Mongolian way of life,” said Crawford. “While we are there, we will be learning about environmental issues such as renewable energy, water quality and land restoration and reclamation.”

Youth will also participate in community service projects in and around the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

Participants and their hometowns are:

Alaska – Mariah McCoy, Chugiak; Kira O’Donoghue, Fairbanks; Peter Stortz, adult chaperone, Palmer
Arizona – Christine Mackey, Anik Regan, Tucson
Colorado – Caitlin Lanzavecchia, Broomfield
Idaho – Molly Myers, Boise; Jeannine Sampo and Killian Sampo, Lowman
Oregon – Emily Cackler, Buxton; Nicholas Morales, Medford; Erynne van Zee, Michael Boggess, Samuel Greydanus, Corvallis; Jaden Bales, Imbler; Shelby Worthing, Prineville; Zachary Lauritzen, adult chaperone, Corvallis
Utah – Alexis Schmid, Sandy; Jenessa Gosar, Manila; Z. Quinn Chandler, Ogden; Alicia Christensen, adult chaperone, Salt Lake City
Washington – Miranda Bean, Ridgefield
Wyoming – Jed Christensen, Alta; Melanie Whitmore, Bear River; Wyatt Slagowski, Farson; Rebel Rauterkus, Freedom; Elizabeth Barlow, Gillette; Jessica Grant, Glenrock; Alanna Elder, Rebecca Garner, Laramie; Kristy Armstrong, Lyman; Thomas Shaffer, Pinedale; Zachery Anderson, Thermopolis; Kelly Barlow, adult chaperone, Gillette; Erin Sinclair, adult chaperone, Cheyenne

Congratulations Caitlin!
- Ellen Butler

Award Applications Due

I just wanted to remind all of you about the two awards that the State 4-H Officer sponsor and present at State Conference.  The State 4-H Officer Team is proud to announce that the Outstanding 4-H Leader Award will now be known as the Raleigh Brooks Outstanding Leader Award.  Raleigh will present this award at State Conference.  The outstanding youth award is now the Mile High Outstanding
4-H Youth Leader Award. 

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/4-HSenateOutstandingAdultLeaderNominationForm.doc
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/4-HSenateOutstandingAdultLeaderNominationForm.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/4-HSenateOutstandingYouthLeaderNominationForm.doc
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/4-HSenateOutstandingYouthLeaderNominationForm.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/MileHighAwardPoster.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/WantedPoster-RaleighBrooks.pdf

There are two posters advertising these awards.  The nomination forms are due back to that state 4-H office by June 1^st.

Please honor those hard working volunteer 4-H adult and youth leaders in your county by nominating them for these two awards.
- Connie Cecil

 4-H Social Media Training

Social Media Training – Webinar Series
Join National 4-H Council for its premiere 4-H Social Media webinar series on Wednesdays in May and June.

These interactive and instructive 45-minute tutorials will help you develop social media strategies that create platforms that are engaging, interactive, safe and effective. Built for those who are new to social media, as well as advanced users, this series will help you harness the power of Facebook and Twitter to communicate with a variety of audiences. You’ll learn how to generate content, build community, increase participation and how to do it all in a safe manner for youth and adults alike.

To attend, RSVP to individual sessions in the social media webinar series; we will reply with instructions on how to join the webinar. 

Questions? Contact Ashley Lusk at 4Hmarketing@4-H.org 

- Basic Users

Content Generation- Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 2PM  EST
Generating content can be easy when you use the incredible resources of the 4-H Community. Learn how to build an editorial calendar, schedule your updates in advance using tools like Hootsuite, and how to use eXtension to collect general content for your social media outlets.

- Advanced Users

Online Safety Best Practices-  - Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 2 PM  EST
The best way to build a 4-H network is to create a secure online community for both adults and youth. Social media experts will provide you with an outline of best practices for adult volunteers who may be interacting with youth online, as well as a series of recommended privacy settings to keep youth and adults safe on your pages.

Measuring your Impact- Wednesday,  June 15, 2011, 2 PM  EST
Make sure your efforts are generating the maximum impact. Discover a series of free metric systems including Facebook Insights, Hootsuite and more.

- Connie Cecil

Rocky Mountain Adventure Camp for Military Teens 14-18 FREE!

Attached is a newly revised brochure for the five Rocky Mountain Camps for military teens ages 14-18. This is a $450 experience and free to military teens. Transportation is provided too. This camp is for youth who have a family member active duty, retired National Guard and Reserves or someone in their family who are military, like a brother, sister or uncle. We need your help in getting the word out to the youth as soon as possible – we are not filled up yet!!!  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/RockyMountainAdventureCampBrochure.pdf

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

4-H Conference Center DC Tours Accepted by NASSP

Big News! Our Wonders of Washington (WOW) http://www.wowwashington.org/trip/? DC tour program has been accepted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for the National Advisory List of Student Contests and Activities for 2011-2012.

The purpose of the National Advisory List is to provide information regarding a wide variety of student program opportunities. The Committee reviews all programs based on NASSP developed standards in the following areas: educational, financial, organizational, promotional, adjudication and awards. Programs that, in the opinion of the Committee, meet the guidelines are placed on the National Advisory List.

For over 15 years the WOW program has helped students experience the living classroom of Washington DC while also taking the burden of trip planning off teachers and administrators. Combining DC tours with educational workshops, WOW brings history and government to life for students in grades 6-12.  For more information on the program visit the Wonders of Washington homepage or contact a member of our sales team!

- The Sales & Planning Team, National 4-H Youth Conference Center

2011 National Science Experiment

Announcing the 2011 National Science Experiment: Wired for Wind!

4-H National Headquarters and National 4-H Council are pleased to reveal that the 2011 National Science Experiment is Wired for Wind, an in-depth look at renewable energy technologies in the form of wind-power. Developed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension program, this three-tiered experiment will help 4-H young people to enhance their science, engineering, technology and applied math skills by allowing them to:

• Design, build and test two different wind turbine models,
• Experiment with variables by examining three different blade pitch angles to determine the effect of pitch on rotor speed,
• Relate their scientific experiences back to their own lives by determining how their communities can harness the power of wind and create a more sustainable and clean energy system, and
• Determine the best location for a potential wind farm in their state or local area by calculating wind power and studying wind data and maps.

This year, 4-H National Youth Science Day will take place on October 5, 2011. On this day, hundreds of thousands of young people across the United States and the world will simultaneously become scientists for a day as they connect important scientific lessons to civic engagement.

4-H youth are a living, breathing, culture-changing movement for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing the country forward to successfully face the challenges of the future. Participation in 4-H National Youth Science Day is meant to help spark an early passion for science, engineering and math and to encourage young people to consider these paths of study and future careers.

To learn more about 4-H National Youth Science Day, how you can participate locally or to download program materials, go to www.4-H.org/NYSD

4-H Update

Volume 15, Number 4

Dates to Remember:

* April 12-14: CAE4-HA, Glenwood Springs
* April 14-17: National 4-H Collegiate Conference, Atlanta, GA
* May 1:  4HOnline Youth Enrollment data due
* May 7-14: Western Regional Leaders Forum, Seattle, WA
* May 15:  Host families applications due, State 4-H Office
* May 30:  University holiday, offices closed

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 or jeff.goodwin@colostate.edu

Please call if you have questions!

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

Arbor Day Poster Contest 2011

Please click on the links provided for more information about 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

100,000 4-H Members Expected to Complete the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making a significant commitment to participating in the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award challenge, aiming to have 100,000 4-H members complete the challenge by September 2011. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke today to 300 children and adults at the 2011 National 4-H Conference in Chevy Chase, Md. He recognized the positive influence 4-H membership and programs have in communities throughout the country and encouraged all attendees to make healthy choices.

“Healthy living has been a fundamental principle of 4-H as members ‘pledge their health to better living,’” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA has long been committed to nutrition and healthy living, and I’m looking forward to seeing many 4-H’ers helping us meet – or exceed – our goal. As tomorrow’s leaders, 4-H members have an important role to play in winning the future, starting with a commitment to healthy living.”

4-H strives to equip young people with the knowledge and skills for healthy living that will prepare them physically, emotionally and socially to meet the challenges of the 21st century. 4-H initially committed to this goal during the November 29, 2010, roll-out of the Let’s Move! Faith and Communities Initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama.

4-H is making this goal a top priority. National 4-H Council and Kraft Foods are offering incentives for each county that sponsors 4-H to encourage local young people to pursue the award. Additionally, during April and May, employees from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the parent organization to 4-H National Headquarters, will participate with 4-H members, families and volunteers.

The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award recognizes those who log their recommended physical activity for six consecutive weeks, five days a week (60 minutes for kids, 30 minutes for adults). More information about the program and how to get involved is available at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/natl4-H. Let’s Move! is the First Lady’s initiative to solve the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation. Let’s Move! Faith and Communities is designed to support local efforts and highlight accomplishments in communities across the country. The program looks to work with community leaders, learn from what they are doing in neighborhoods, and share those efforts as broadly as possible.

4-H National Headquarters seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage young people with the efforts of USDA and the land-grant universities to enhance quality of life. Nearly 6 million young people, ages 5-19, participate in 4-H youth development programs in all 50 states, territories and military installations worldwide.  More information is available at www.national4-hheadquarters.gov.      

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov.

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/4H-PALA-FAQ.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/GroupAdminSheet.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/Million-PALA-ChallengeCertificate.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/PALA-SimpleFlyer.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/PALA-ChallengeInternational.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/PALA-ChallengeOutside.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/PALA-KraftPromotionReport.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/ParticipantInfoSheet.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/TheMillionPALAChallengeFAQ.pdf

- Ellen Butler

2011 Cowboy Camp 

Every year young horse enthusiasts travel to Fort Collins, Colorado to spend five days at the Colorado State University (CSU) Summer Youth Horsemanship Camp.  The camp is designed to be both an educational and fun experience for youth.  English and Western disciplines are available and are taught by CSU faculty and students.  Each day the campers will experience a combination of riding lessons and lectures on topics such as safety, grooming, nutrition, and horse behavior.  Ice-breakers and additional interactive activities, like swimming and crafts, are also included in the camp.

Two sessions are offered every June (Session One: June 13-18 , 2011 & Session Two: June 19-24, 2011).  Most campers  (restricted to ages 10-15) overnight at the CSU dormitories supervised by counselors.   Meals, transportation, and horse boarding are included for overnight campers. An additional day camp has been made available to campers aged 10-18 who would prefer to drive in each day and make their own accommodation arrangements.  Campers are encouraged to bring their own horses and approximately six CSU horses are available to lease.  Campers should have previous horse experience before attending this camp.

Detailed camp information, including logistics and payment details, are available at www.csuequine.com.  Inquiries and registration forms can be sent to megan.grieve@colostate.edu.   We’re looking forward to another great camp this year… One filled with great horses, good kids, and a ton of memories!

Click on http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/2011-CowboyCamp.pdf for further information.

4-H Judging Contests

Elbert County’s Eastern Slope Judging Contests are coming up.
Please forward the entry forms to your judging team coaches.

Eastern Slope Judging Contests

• Livestock Judging Contest on May 7

• Horse Judging Contest on May 14

• Rabbit Judging Contest on June 18

Click on these links for further information:

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/2011-ES-RabbitEntryForms.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/2011-ES-HorseJudgingEntry.pdf
http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2011/2011-ES-LivestockEntry.pdf

4-H Update (Vol 14, #15)

Volume 14, Number 15

Dates to Remember:

* Sept. 27-30: Annual Forum, CSU Fort Collins, Campus
* Oct. 1: IFYE Applications due State 4-H Office
* Oct. 2-9: National 4-H Week
* Oct. 8: 4-H Centennial Celebration, Denver Athletic Club
* Oct. 9: 4-H Leaders Forum, The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds, Loveland, CO
* Oct. 24-29: NAE4-HA, Phoenix, AZ
* Nov. 26-30: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA

2010-11 Project List

The long awaited updated 2010-11 Project List is now available at: http://www.colorado4h.org/enroll/index.shtml

You  will notice that there are two new projects listed:  Robotics and Scrapbooking.  Also please note there are changes to the Quilting projects that now has Units available. For enrollment purposes for Quilting, the 4-H member will enroll in Quilting and then by looking at the requirements of each unit can decide which unit they want to enter in the fair.  The first unit is  for the beginner quilter with simple exhibits of small quilts, pillow shams, two placemats or table runner or wall hanging or unlined bag.  The second unit the 4-H member needs to demonstrate at least three skills learned and the exhibit must be quilted, and the units progress on, just to give you a little idea about the changes.  Curriculum will be available for the two new projects and also for the Quilting project.

There will be changes to the state fair exhibit requirements, project guide and scores sheets to reflect these new projects.  However, these changes will be made after the post state fair meeting.

Also for you information, Child Development manuals have be revised, Horseless Horse Units 1 and 2 have been revised, as well as the Quilting manual and we are finishing up the Model Rocketry and Leathercraft manuals. Thanks!  – Connie Cecil

Retinal Scanning Training

We will be holding a retinal scanning training and brush up session on October 1, 2010 starting at 9:00am  to 2:00 pm with a lunch break at ARDEC.  We will be doing cattle and sheep at ARDEC and we are currently looking for a place in the afternoon to hold the goat training, since ARDEC currently does not have a goat herd.  If you have any question drop me a note, also if you wouldn’t mind would you drop me an RSVP by September 24, 2010. You can call 970.491.6642 or email me at brett.kirch@colostate.edu.  Thank you for your valuable time. Brett Kirch DVM, PhD, Youth Extension Specialist – Equine/Livestock

Colorado 4-H Leaders Forum

Registration is now available for the Colorado 4-H Leader’s Forum, October 9, from 9-5 at the McKee 4-H Youth and Community  Building at the Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Center just off I-25 and Crossroads Boulevard, just north of Loveland.

Go to www.larimer.org/ext, click on the 4-H link.  The registration is available on the home page and under What’s Rockin.

Registration for this wonderful day of training is only $10, so encourage as many people to participate as possible. I also have information on hotels who are offering a special rate for this event.  That will also be up on the website very soon. – Kathy Wolfe, Larimer County Extension 4-H Agent

People’s Garden School Pilot Program

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has just announced the availability of $1 million for a people’s Garden School Pilot Program.

Purpose:
To teach students involved in the gardens about agriculture production practices, diet and nutrition; contribute produce to supplement food provided at eligible schools, student households, local food banks or senior center nutrition programs; and conduct an evaluation of  funded projects to learn more about the impacts of school gardens.

Funding:
This grant offering will be awarded as a cooperative agreement between the award recipient and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) which means FNS will have involvement in carrying out the activities of the People’s Garden School Pilot Program. The grants will be awarded to develop and run community gardens at eligible high poverty schools – defined as public schools with 50 percent or more students eligible for free and reduced price meals, Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769(g)(3).

Who May Apply:
Public or private non-profit organizations are eligible to apply, including but not limited to the following: • Community-based organizations • Faith-based organizations • Colleges and universities • Government organizations • Gardening, horticultural and agricultural organizations • End hunger organizations

Scope: The authorizing legislation for this pilot program specifies that school gardens are to be developed in at least three States and no more than five States that fall into three groupings of population size. One State must rank in the top 15 most populous States. One State must rank in the 16th to 30th largest States, and at least one State must be among the lowest populated States.  (For reference see: http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/rankings.html -0r- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_population)

Applications Due: November 8th by 5:00 pm EST

more information: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/outreach/grants/garden.htm

To view the announcement: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=56501

- Ellen Butler

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

President Barack Obama has issued Proclamation 8554 designating September 2010 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and encouraging all Americans to take action by learning about and engaging in activities that promote healthy eating and greater physical activity by all of our nation’s children.  The proclamation appeared in the Federal Register (75 FR 54757, September 8, 2010).

The text of the Presidential proclamation follows; the proclamation was signed on September 1, 2010.

Proclamation 8554–National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2010

Presidential Documents

Proclamation 8554 of September 1, 2010

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a
Nation is to safeguard the health and well-being of our
children. We now face a national childhood obesity
crisis, with nearly one in every three of America’s
children being overweight or obese. There are concrete
steps we can take right away as concerned parents,
caregivers, educators, loved ones, and a Nation to
ensure that our children are able to live full and
active lives. During National Childhood Obesity
Awareness Month, I urge all Americans to take action to
meet our national goal of solving the problem of
childhood obesity within a generation.

Childhood obesity has been a growing problem for
decades. While it has afflicted children across our
country, certain Americans have been disproportionately
affected. Particular racial and ethnic groups are more
severely impacted, as are certain regions of the
country. In addition, obesity can be influenced by a
number of environmental and behavioral factors,
including unhealthy eating patterns and too little
physical activity at home and at school.

We must do more to halt and reverse this epidemic, as
obesity can lead to severe and chronic health problems
during childhood, adolescence and adulthood, including
heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Not only
does excess weight adversely affect our children’s
well-being, but its associated health risks also impose
great costs on families, our health care system, and
our economy. Each year, nearly $150 billion are spent
to treat obesity-related medical conditions. This is
not the future to which we want to consign our
children, and it is a burden our health care system
cannot bear.

Earlier this year, the First Lady announced “Let’s
Move!”–an initiative to combat childhood obesity at
every stage of a child’s life. As President, I created
a Task Force on Childhood Obesity to marshal the
combined resources of the Federal Government to develop
interagency solutions and make recommendations on how
to respond to this crisis. The Task Force produced a
report containing a comprehensive set of
recommendations that will put our country on track for
solving this pressing health issue and preventing it
from threatening future generations.

The report outlines broad strategies to address
childhood obesity, including providing healthier food
in schools, ensuring access to healthy affordable food,
increasing opportunities for physical activity,
empowering parents and caregivers with better
information about making healthy choices, and giving
children a healthy start in life. I invite all
Americans to visit LetsMove.gov to learn more about
these recommendations and find additional information
and resources on how to help children eat healthy and
stay active.

The new landmark health care law, the Affordable Care
Act (ACA), includes a number of important tools for
fighting and reversing the rise of childhood obesity.
All new health insurance plans will be required to
cover both screenings for childhood obesity and
counseling on nutrition and sustained weight loss,
without charging any out of pocket costs. The ACA also
requires large restaurant and vending machine operators to
provide visible nutritional information about the
products they sell, enabling all Americans to make more
informed choices about the foods they eat. As part of
my Administration’s comprehensive approach to combating
this epidemic, the ACA includes millions in new funds
to implement prevention activities nationwide that
support recommendations of the Task Force on Childhood
Obesity.

Our history shows that when we are united in our
convictions, we can safeguard the health and safety of
America’s children for generations to come. When waves
of American children were stricken with polio and
disabled for life, we developed a nationwide
immunization program that eradicated this crippling
disease from our shores within a matter of decades.
When we discovered that children were going to school
hungry because their families could not afford
nutritious meals, we created the National School Lunch
Program. Today, this program feeds more than 30 million
American children, often at little or no charge. When
we work together, we can overcome any obstacle and
protect our Nation’s most precious resource–our
children. As we take steps to turn around the epidemic
of childhood obesity, I am confident that we will solve
this problem together, and that we will solve it in a
generation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim September 2010 as
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. I encourage
all Americans to take action by learning about and
engaging in activities that promote healthy eating and
greater physical activity by all of our Nation’s
children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

- 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 10

Reminders:

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

Colorado State Fair Teen Clerks

Requests for State Fair teen clerk applications have been slowly trickling into the State Office.  May this email serve as a gentle reminder that the teen clerk application deadline is July 1.  Thanks very much for your recruiting efforts on our behalf.

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

Robotics Showcase Exhibition at State Fair

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

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

School Gardening Best Practice Publication

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

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

2011 Western Regional Leaders Forum

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

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

4HOnline Training at State 4-H Conference

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

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

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

2010 Colorado Operation Military Kids Camps

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

All Camps are FREE for Military Families with:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mock Deployment, Buckley AFB, Aurora CO

Fall 2010 tbd

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

- Shauna Woods, Program Coordinator and Military Liaison, CSU

4-H Update

Volume 14, Number 9

Reminders:

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

NRA Grant Applications

To everyone with 4H shooting sports responsibilities:

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

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

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

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

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

2010 National Science Experiment

Announcing the 2010 National Science Experiment: 4-H2O

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

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

Resources Are Now Available Online

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

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

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

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

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

USA Science Festival Kavli Video Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State 4-H Shooting Sports Family Campout

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Science Opportunities

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

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

•  PBS Design Squad Trash to Treasure Contest

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

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

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