4-H Update

January 7, 2011 by Leave a comment

Volume 15, Number 1

Dates to Remember:

* Jan. 17: University Holiday, offices closed
* Jan. 19: 4-H Day at the National Western Stock Show, Denver
* Jan 29-30: Leadership Development Conference, Denver
* Jan 31: 4-H Day at the Capitol, Denver
* Feb. 11-13: Youth Fest

Water Rockets, Straw Rockets, and Bicycles – STEM and State Fair

You may have noticed we have a few new entries at the State Fair this year.  Here are just a few tips to get you ready.

First, there are many ways to launch bottle rockets.  Some rocket launchers can cost almost $100 and some you can build at home.  The most cost effective and easiest I have used, that require no anchors, are the Aquapods.  http://www.theaquapod.com/ These are the launchers I will use at the State Fair.

For straw rockets, Pitsco(LEGO) has cornered the market with their $169 straw rocket launchers http://www.legoeducation.us/store/detail.aspx?ID=786&bhcp=1.  However, you can build your own launcher for about $10.  One person was kind enough to post a great guide online.  I have attached the PDF to this e-mail.  All of the items can be purchased a hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes) except for the brass tubing.  You can find this at a hobby store (Hobbytown USA).

Finally, the bicycle contest.  When you look at the skills riding course, don’t use cones!  I prefer to use old tennis balls cut in half, these can be donated by your local tennis club.  A great source of information is the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org

These three events and nine other 4-H programs will be highlighted through skill-a-thon stations and STEM kits at a training on the Sunday morning of Leadership Development Conference. – Willa L. Williams

2011 Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Certifications

ATTENTION: All those with shooting sports responsibilities …

The 2011 slate of Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leader certification trainings have been set. Use the link below to access the dates and locations. (Please see the article below for registration materials!)  http://www.co4hshooting.org/article12212005.html

The 2011 applications and information for the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program is now available on the State 4-H Shooting Sports Web Site. Use the link below to access application forms and program information. Deadline for applying for an ambassadorship is JANUARY 14, 2011.
http://www.co4hshooting.org/ss_ambassador_program.html

Please pass this information on to those individuals and families who may be interested. Thank you!
– Ellen Butler

4-H Shooting Sports Leader Certification Registration Form Available

ATTENTION: Those with 4-H Shooting Sports Responsibilities …

The registration form for the 2011 slate of 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Certification training opportunities is now available on the Colorado 4-H SS web site and Blog. Please pass this information on to those individuals or families who may be interested. Access the information as follows:

http://www.co4hshooting.org

or … http://co4hshooting.blogspot.com/

Or by following the direct link below:
http://www.co4hshooting.org/article12212005.html

If you have any questions on accessing the form, please let me know. If you have questions on the training schedule or locations, please contact Jim Hamilton jim.hamilton@colostate.edu or Rick Romanin rlromanin@netzero.net

- Perry Brewer

2011 YHEC and 4-H Shooting Sports Hunting/Outdoor Skills Challenge Contest Information

ATTENTION: Those with 4-H Shooting Sports responsibilities …

Please pass the information below on to those individuals and families who may be interested. If you have questions on the event or have problems with the documents, please let me know!

Information for the 2011 YHEC and 4-H Hunting/Outdoor Skills Challenge Event contest is now available. The event will be held on May 7 – 8, 2011 at the Flagler Lake Wildlife Area at Flagler, Colorado. The YHEC portion of the challenge event will be the Colorado state qualifier for the National YHEC Challenge to be held in the summer. New this year is the addition of the 4-H Shooting Sports Hunting/Outdoor Skills contest. This contest will be the qualifying event for participating senior 4-H contestants for the 4-H National Invitational Shoot to be held this summer in Texas.

Use the link below to access the detailed contest information and registration materials.
http://www.co4hshooting.org/shooting_opportunities.html

Links to the information is also available on the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Blog.
http://co4hshooting.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your time! - Perry Brewer

International 4-H Update – IFYE Reporting

Participants in the International Four-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) enhance the 4-H program through educational international, cross-cultural experiences that enable young people to improve their leadership and communication skills, while increasing their international awareness and understanding.

2010 IFYE Representatives Kelly Moyer (Rio Blanco County to Germany) and Shane Sheridan  (Elbert County to Austria/Switzerland) are available to share their international experiences through PowerPoint presentations at schools (language, history, geography classes, general assemblies), service organizations, churches, 4-H clubs, etc., starting mid-January through April 2011.

Kelly (22 years) is the daughter of Gary and Betty Lou Moyer of Meeker, Colorado.  Kelly  graduated from Colorado State University in May 2010 with a B.S. in Agricultural Business and a B.A. in Communication Studies.   She is a 9-year Colorado 4-H member.

Shane Sheridan  (29 years) is the son of Tim and Mary Ann Sheridan of Simla, Colorado.  Shane graduated from Colorado State University in May/December 2005 with a B.A. in Technical Journalism and a B.A. in Performing Arts.  He is an 11-year Colorado 4-H member and a 10-year Collegiate 4-H member.

Please contact Courtney Loflin at the State 4-H office to schedule Kelly or Shane.
Phone:  970-491-2711
E-mail:  Courtney.Loflin@Colostate.Edu

- Ellen Butler

Tony Grampsas Youth Services Request for Applications

The Request for Applications (RFA) for the Tony Grampsas Youth Services (TGYS) Program has been released.  Deadline for submission is 3:00 p.m. on January 31, 2011.  The RFA  can be found at www.tgys.org, along with the required attachments.  Any questions regarding this RFA should be submitted, by email, to Alan Frosh at alan.frosh@state.co.us by January 21, 2011.  All questions and responses will be posted on www.tgys.org by Friday of the week the question is submitted.

The Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program was established in 1994 to provide state funding for effective, community-based programs that target children, youth and their families with programs and services that prevent youth crime and violence and child abuse and neglect. TGYS has traditionally funded grants ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 per agency.  The TGYS Program has a statewide focus, and, typically, qualified organizations from a vast majority of Colorado counties receive TGYS funding.

The framework of this RFA is based upon the Uniform Minimum Standards (UMS).  The UMS are a set of principles that guide the development, implementation and evaluation of prevention and intervention programs and services for children and youth.  Principally, the TGYS Program expects each applicant to critically assess its target population and the problems/needs of this population based on current data (individual-, community-, or district-level data).  The applicant should then determine which factors contribute to the problems/needs based on existing research. The strategies, services and activities of the program or programs for which TGYS funding is requested should be based on evidence that demonstrates an impact on the identified problems/needs by addressing the contributing factors. The goals and outcomes of the program or programs for which TGYS funding is requested should reflect the ultimate impact that the applicant intends to have on the problems/needs by working with the target population.

The RFP deadline is approaching quickly.  Please let me know if you are interested. - Willa Williams

Announcing 2011 MetLife Foundation Afterschool Grants

On behalf of 4-H National Headquarters and the collaboration between National 4-H Council and the MetLife Foundation we are pleased to release the RFP for the MetLife Foundation 4-H Afterschool Training Grants. To review the RFP, application requirements (under the Description component after the RFP) and apply for funding, please visit our online portal at http://grants.4-h.org/ and click Funding Opportunities.

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

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

Please note—the required number of after-school providers has changed from previous years (from 550 to 350) and applicants are now permitted to combine training in civic engagement and other content areas in order to train the minimum number of after-school providers.

Questions about these grants can be directed to Gregg Tabachow, at gtabachow@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-2869.

Application for 2011-12 National 4-H GIS/GPS Leadership Team

Attention 4-H GIS/GPS Friends:

We are pleased to announce the application for the 2011-2012 National 4-H GIS/GPS Leadership Team. State/LGU 4-H programs are invited to submit an application for a team of teen (age 14 or older) and adult GIS/GPS leaders for this national 4-H leadership opportunity to continue the forward movement of the 4-H community mapping.

Responsibilities, requirements and other details are included in the application http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2011/gglead11app.doc. Participation includes attendance at the 2011 ESRI International GIS Conference in San Diego in July. Teams are responsible for securing their own funding for this trip.

Application deadline is February 1, 2011. State 4-H Leader signature is required with the application. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. We look forward to another great national team in 2011-2012.

Please let me know if any youth are interested in this team! - Willa Williams

4-H Blog Post from Penny Noyce (Noyce Foundation)

Do the words “4-H” http://www.4-h.org/ conjure visions of kids with cows and baking contests? That was my vision five or six years ago, when the 4-H council began talking to the Noyce Foundation about their work in non-formal science education. It turns out that since the beginning, 4-H kids have been learning and sharing science, from animal science to food safety to the myriad projects they’re involved in today: rocketry, geocaching, robotics, hydroponic gardening, monitoring water quality https://site.4-h.org/nysd/, wind power http://online.4-hcurriculum.org/curriculum/wind/, and much more.

4-H is the largest youth organization in the country. They have an outreach agent in every county in the country, and each land grant university has a 4-H office that works on curriculum http://www.4-h.org/resource-library/curriculum/ coordination, and evaluation. Six million kids a year participate in 4-H clubs, camps, in-school and after-school programs. With a careful blend of youth development, mentoring, and content, 4-H prepares kids to be leaders in their communities. Longitudinal research http://www.4-h.org/about/youth-development-research/ confirms that the program increases positive outcomes for kids.

Now 4-H has taken on its Million Minds challenge. The goal is to get one million new kids involved in science programs, to engage them, improve their attitudes toward science and increase their knowledge, so that many more of them will choose science careers, from forestry to renewable energy to mechanical engineering.

At the national 4-H science leadership conference I just attended, I met state and county agents from all over the country working on curriculum, professional development plans for their volunteers, evaluation, and fund development. Asked to say a few words about why the Noyce Foundation supports 4-H science, I referred to five key strengths of 4-H: Their visionary and distributed leadership; their firm principles of positive youth development; their willingness to partner with other youth and science organizations; their unrivaled reach and scale; and the incredible dedication of their staff and volunteers.

There are a lot more 4-H graduates serving out there as leaders in our country than most of us realize. I just learned yesterday that Drew Faust, president of Harvard, raised large animals with 4-H as a girl. So to all of you involved in 4-H, now or in the past, I salute you. You do great work.
http://windowviewblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/4-h-science.html
- Willa L. Williams

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4-H Update (Vol 14, #18)

November 19, 2010 by Leave a comment

Volume 14, Number 18

Dates to Remember:
* Nov. 25-26: Univeristy holidays, offices closed
* Nov. 26-30: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA
* Dec. 1:  Catch-A-Calf applications due
* Dec. 13:  Colorado 4-H Board meeting, CSU
* Dec. 22-24: University holidays, offices closed
* Dec. 31: University holiday, offices closed

IRS Update – Information needed for 4-H Tax Exempt Status

We have been responding to changes in the tax exempt status of 4-H organizations for the past three years. We now have to plan for the end of the national 4-H IRS Group Exemption Number (GEN) and must collect current information on 4-H clubs and affiliated organizations. Our present plan is for the Colorado 4-H Foundation to pursue tax exempt status under 501(c)(3) regulations and apply for a group exemption number for our clubs and affiliates.

What does “tax exempt status” mean? It means that groups do not have to pay FEDERAL income tax. It also means that donors to organizations that are listed as tax exempt may claim their donation as a charitable contribution and claim a deduction on their federal income tax. It has nothing to do with sales tax exemptions.

What groups qualify to be on the new Colorado 4-H GEN and how?

  1. Recognized 4-H “entities” who have charters. Chartered organizations are those that we (CSU Extension, 4-H Youth Development) accept responsibility for and who are accountable and compliant with all our policies. These include all of our 4-H clubs, Collegiate 4-H, county 4-H councils, junior leader clubs, etc. If any of these groups are not chartered in your county they should be.
  2. Affiliated organizations may be included which a) provide support to 4-H, b) are under our control and supervision, c) are not separately organized (such as foundations with their own 501(c)(3) status), and d) have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Extension. These would include CAE4-HA, Colorado 4-H Leader’s Council, county 4-H foundations which are not separately organized, county 4-H events, etc.

The bottom line: every organization on our group list needs to be chartered or have an MOU with Extension. No charter or no MOU = no listing under the new GEN.

What groups should not be included on the new GEN?

1.         Organizations currently listed that appear to be county fair livestock sale committees.

2.         “Organizations” that appear to be no more than a checking account for a particular purpose.

3.         Separately organized county 4-H foundations with their own 501(c)(3) status. However, these separately organized groups should still have an MOU with Extension if they use the 4-H name and emblem.

There have been sale committees inappropriately listed on the GEN in the past. Why is this a problem? Sale committees are (or should be) part of county fair management and under control of county government, and not a part of 4-H. They are not under our control. The money spent on purchasing livestock is NOT a charitable contribution to 4-H and is not tax deductible for the purchaser.

What is the Excel spreadsheet all about?

This spreadsheet http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2010/ListOfAll4hClubAffilates-EXCEL-TEMPLATE.xls is for you to fill out and return to our office with current information on 4-H clubs and affiliated organizations that should be included under the state GEN. This will become the statewide list that the IRS will use to transfer and list everyone appropriately. Accuracy is critical! Please check and recheck all of your entries. Following are instructions on each field in the spreadsheet:

- The Employer Identification Number (EIN) should be unique for each group. It should not be a Social Security number from a volunteer.

- The Chapter Name should be the same as on the groups’ original charter. Please check the spelling and include the entire name of the group without abbreviations. If it is the “Cortez 4-H Club” list it that way not just as “Cortez.”

- Care Of Name. There are two options. Some counties have already changed these names to those of an extension agent to facilitate required annual IRS reporting requirements. County offices take responsibility for filing the annual e-Postcard that acknowledges any change in the status of the group by the filing deadline. This assures an additional level of oversight of clubs and the IRS filing deadlines are met. The second option is to use the organizational leader’s name and address. If the second option is used, they will receive any communications from the IRS. Changes in club leadership will need to be communicated with the IRS with the 990-N e-Postcard.

-  Address, City, State, and Zip. This should align with the Care of Name.

-  Tax Home Choice and Name of Entity. We will fill in these columns.

The deadline for submitting the Excel spreadsheet is February 1, 2011. Please e-mail the spreadsheet to ellen.butler@colostate.edu�
Click on this link to view a sample MOU to adapt and use with affiliated 4-H organizations.   http://www.colorado4h.org/blog/docs/2010/SampleMOU.pdf
Please call with your questions. – Dale Leidheiser

National Web Spotlight – ENOR

We are pleased to inform you that 4-H National Headquarters has selected the Eagle’s Nest / Owl’s Roost  as the November Program Spotlight  for the Programs of Distinction home page (http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm). The Programs of Distinction web page has a special section that highlights one program each month. Your program has been selected to be this month’s “Program Spotlight”. Please check out the web page to see your program spotlighted.

Congratulations on this achievement and the overall success of your program.

2011 ESRI GIS Software Grants

The 2011 ESRI GIS Grants for 4-H (U.S.) are now available.  The application period is Oct 1—Dec 1, 2010.  You will need a letter of support from Jeff Goodwin or myself if you wish to apply, so give us plenty of lead time for the letters.  I would encourage counties to apply for these software grants.  The regional specialists do have GPS receivers that can be used to collect data and we can provide additional training resources.  This program fits into our 4-H geospatial curriculum and GEAR TECH 21.  Applications can be downloaded at www.esri.com/4-h

  • Getting Started with GIS and GPS
    This 2011 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H is for 4-H clubs not already familiar with GPS or GIS technologies that want to begin introducing spatial literacy to youth at a basic level.
  • ArcGIS Grant
    This 2011 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H is for 4-H clubs with adults and youth members comfortable with technology who are now ready to learn and do more with ArcGIS software and GPS technology. The grant now includes software and curriculum that was previously included in the two separate Introduction to GIS and Intermediate GIS grants.
  • State or Regional ArcGIS 4-H Educator Train the Trainer Grant
    This 2011 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H is for 4-H adults who are implementing a statewide or region wide GIS training program for adult 4-H educators with the specific intent that the trained educators will then introduce GIS technology to 4-H youth at the local level beginning with the 2011/2012 4-H enrollment year.

Note:  You will need a letter of support from Jeff Goodwin or myself.  You will also need a list of previous Colorado grantees, they are listed below.  You will also be asked some questions about the state plan of action.

Gunnison County 4-H Program
Douglas County 4-H Program
Cheyenne, Kiowa and Kit Carson County 4-H Programs
Routt County 4-H, Community Mapping Team
Archuleta County 4-H, Community Mapping Team
Boulder County 4-H, Community Mapping Team
Montezuma County 4-H, Community Mapping Team
Washington County 4-H Community Mapping Team
Bent County 4-H
La Plata County 4-H

GEAR-Tech-21 Mini-grants to Host Robotics and GPS/GIS Camps in 2011

GEAR-Tech-21 is announcing mini-grants to host robotics and GPS/GIS camps in 2011.  This is your chance to get GEAR-Tech-21 started in your area or to continue an existing club program.

In order to receive a grant, your site must host a GEAR-Tech-21 summer camp that includes robotics, GPS, and GIS activities for at least 10 youth participants.  Extension staff, teachers, summer programs, and resident camps have held camps in the past.  Camp programs must include at least 20 hours of content-based activities and can have many different schedules, from a one-week, full-day overnight or day camp to two-week, half-day programs or camp activities spread out over the whole summer.  Some 2010 camps were held during spring break or fall break; GEAR-Tech-21 camps can take place anytime during the year.  Sites will provide their own leaders for the camps, who will coordinate and teach all aspects.  GEAR-Tech-21 will provide training for camp staff and assist in finding equipment, software and other resources.

Camp funding is limited to participant costs, like food and supplies, and cannot be used for staff or equipment.  The 2011 grants will cover up to $75 per participant for Year 1 camps and up to $100 for year 2 camps.

In order to complete GIS activities during camp, sites need access to either Google Earth or ArcMap software.  While Google Earth is free, a reliable Internet connection is required.  Camps who do not have Internet access during their programs need to apply for the grant from ESRI to receive ArcMap software.  More information about the ESRI grants is available here: http://4hset.unl.edu/4hdrupal/node/664

Camps will submit program proposals for review beginning December 1. The application period will remain open until the all of the available funding has been allocated.  Find out the program requirements and apply for the grants here:  http://4hset.unl.edu/4hdrupal/node/165

You are welcome to share this request for proposals with anyone who might be interested in hosting a camp.  Please do not hesitate to ask if you have questions.  Contact Kathy Morgan, Project Manager at kmorgan3@unl.edu or 402.472.5027.
- Willa L. Williams

National 4-H History Preservation Program

Here is the second issue of the National 4-H History Preservation Program newsletter which gives you a bit of their own history.  http://n4h.convio.net/site/DocServer/Nov_2010_Newsletter.pdf?docID=441 This nationwide movement to preserve history has been expanding rapidly over the past few months through many programs and activities on the internet and at various conferences and meetings.  This month we’re happy to share information from two states as well as to update you on the work of the team at the national level.

You’ll note in this issue that we’ve added a new display at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center to highlight some of the significant 4-H History of the past 10 years.  We invite you to come by and visit this new “Contemporary 4-H History” exhibit.  If you can’t make it to the Washington DC area, why not plan to celebrate your own Contemporary   4-H History.

The team continues to seek your assistance in identifying people in your state who can serve as contacts with the national team and those who are already working to preserve 4-H History at the local, county or state level.  They would like to help you publicize these efforts across the country through the national website.  Please do not hesitate to send them your comments or questions at: Info@4-HHistoryPreservation.com.
-Ellen Butler

Peer Reviewers Needed

Programs of Distinction (POD) is pleased to announce:
• New presentations have been posted on the website to help staff in learning about and developing manuscripts.
o http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm

• The call for a new team of Peer Reviewers is now open. This is a great professional development opportunity. Applications will be accepted through the end of November.
o http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod_review.htm

• Each month a different program is being showcased on the website.
o http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm

Amy McCune, 4-H National Headquarters
Phone: 202-720-2920; Fax: 202-720-9366
Email: amccune@nifa.usda.gov

ESRI 2011 Education User Conference Call for Papers is Open

The ESRI 2011 Education User Conference Call for Papers is open and abstracts can be submitted at www.esri.com/educ.  There will be a link on the front page and also a link under the “Get Involved” tab.

The deadline for the Education User conference abstracts/proposals is January 14, 2011 and will not be extended.

The Education User conference is July 9-12, 2011 in San Diego – Willa Williams

2011 Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC)

Take the National Rocketry Challenge
It’s time to form your own rocket team and learn to launch. Registration is now open for the 2011 Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC), the world’s largest rocket contest challenging participants to compete for $60,000 in prizes and scholarships. Participation is limited to the first 750 teams who register by November 30.

4-H has always done well in this event and had five TARC teams make it to the finals this year, three from Hart County, KY one from Cottage Grove, MN and one from Jefferson County, TX. The Kentucky team finished in18th place nationally.

This year’s challenge is to design, build and fly a model rocket containing a raw egg that reaches an altitude of 750 feet, stays aloft for 40 to 45 seconds, and returns the egg unbroken on a parachute. The team’s qualification entry flight must be launched by April 4, 2011.

Students in grades 7-12 in any U.S. school or non-profit youth organization are eligible to compete. About 7,000 students from across the country take part in the contest each year, and since TARC’s first contest in 2003 almost 50,000 students have taken the challenge.

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) sponsors the contest with the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), the Defense Department, NASA, and AIA member companies. NAR is a 4-H partner and specifically invites 4-H groups to try rocketry and get into TARC.

The rocket contest gives future engineers the opportunity to demonstrate their math and science skills by designing a real aerospace product. To download the TARC Handbook, Rules and registration form to get started with your 4-H Rocketry Team, visit Team America Rocketry Challenge. http://www.rocketcontest.org/

American Youth Leadership Program with Mongolia

Enhancing Global Perspectives:  American Youth Leadership Program with Mongolia
June 15 to July 14, 2011
Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
Applications due January 15, 2011
http://4-h.uwyo.edu/Mongolia.asp

Do you like to travel? Are you interested in learning about other cultures? Are you curious about global environmental issues? Would you like to see another part of the world with minimal out of pocket expenses? Apply for the Enhancing Global Perspectives American Youth Leadership Program with Mongolia!  This exchange is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and will be administered by the University of Wyoming 4-H Program.  Youth who are 15-17 years old by June1 and have at least one semester of high school left following the trip are eligible to apply.  There are also opportunities for adult participants to chaperone.

American and Mongolian youth will participate in all of the activities throughout the four week exchange, June 15 to July 14, 2011.  The exchange will include in-depth cultural training in Ulaanbaatar which will focus on language training in English and Mongolian, cultural differences and teambuilding.  A two week host family stay will include community service activities and educational programs around water quality, land reclamation and renewable resources common to both the Western U.S. and Mongolia. Time will also be scheduled to visit cultural sites, such as museums, temples and participate in cultural events.  The final week will be spent in a ger tourist camp in the country side.

Participant expenses will be minimal and include the cost of passport photos, transportation to regional airport for the pre-trip orientation May 20-22 and the exchange trip, spending money for souvenirs, modest host family gift, two books and a child’s horse helmet for the Mongolian 4-H Youth Organization.  All other expenses will be covered by the U.S. Department of State grant.

For more information and to access the application materials, please visit the web site:  http://4-h.uwyo.edu/Mongolia.asp.  Applications are due by January 15, 2011.  By February 1, applicants will be contacted to schedule a web based interview to be completed in February. Questions about the American Youth Leadership Program can be directed to University of Wyoming 4-H specialists Warren Crawford (crawford@uwyo.edu) or Kim Reaman (kreaman@uwyo.edu).
- Courtney Loflin

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4-H Update (Vol 14, #15)

September 17, 2010 by Leave a comment

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

Filed under 4-H Update, Info for County Agents, Project Resources, State Events, Uncategorized, Volunteer Tagged with , , , ,

4-H Update (Vol 14, #13)

July 23, 2010 by Leave a comment

Volume 14, Number 13

Reminders:

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

Help Needed to Display Exhibits at State Fair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National 4-H Conference Deadline Extended!

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

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

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

CYFAR Competency & Capacity Building Virtual Summit

Evidence-based Practices and Strategies for Working with Vulnerable Populations

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

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

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

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

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

Questions?  cyf@umn.edu
- Willa Williams

2010 National Science Day Experiment Kits Now Available!

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

Each kit includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s Coming Up Next?

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

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

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

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

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

Eating Smart from the Start

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

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

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

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

Biosecurity at Fairs

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

Good luck and have fun at the fairs.

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

Filed under 4-H Update, County Events, Info for County Agents, Project Resources Tagged with , , , , ,

4-H Update

May 20, 2010 by Leave a comment

Reminders:

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

4-H Scholarship Winners Announced

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

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

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

2010 National 4-H WHEP Invitational

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

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

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

Lightning Photography Wanted!

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

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

Camp Rocky

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

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

Colorado Youth Advisory Council

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

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

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

Filed under 4-H Update, County Events, Info for County Agents, Project Resources, State Events, Uncategorized Tagged with , , , ,

4-H Update

April 16, 2010 by Leave a comment

Volume 14, Number 6

Reminders:

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

ES237 Information Needed!

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

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

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

ATTENTION: those with 4-H Shooting Sports Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

2010 4-H National Science Experiment

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

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

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

2010 Wild Bug Fish Camp and YHEC Information

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

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

4-H International Exchange Programs 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Everyone Ready Seminar

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

Colorado Dairy Goat Association Award Available

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

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

Filed under 4-H Foundation, 4-H Military Clubs, 4-H Truck Giveaway, 4-H Update, County Events, Enrollment, Info for County Agents, Policies, Project Resources, Uncategorized

4-H Update

February 12, 2010 by Leave a comment

Volume 14, Number 3

Reminders:

• March 5:  Citizenship Washington Focus applications due
• March 11-14:  Western Region Leaders’ Forum, Albuquerque, NM
• March 20-25:  National 4-H Conference, National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD
• April 13-15: CAE4-HA, Cripple Creek
• May 3: 4HOnline enrollment due

IRS e-Postcard Filing Reminder!

It’s time for 4-H affiliated organizations who operate on an October 1 – September 30 year to file their e-Postcard. They are due by the 15th day of the 4th month following the end of their fiscal year. That date is February 15. There are still problems (with no resolution in sight) with 4-H clubs that have started in the past two years. The “certification” process we went through does not include clubs started since the summer of 2008.Clubs formed since that time will not be able to complete the process since the IRS will not recognize the club as part of the Group Exemption Number (GEN) 2704.

So, what should they do? They should still try to file (and subsequently fail). They should keep documentation (any IRS communications, screen captures, etc.) of their attempt as proof should there be any issues. This is the current advice from National 4-H Headquarters who is still working with the IRS to work out issues with the 4-H  GEN. Please let me know if you have questions. – Dale Leidheiser

Background Check Update

There are several additions to the Background Check web sites:

•    CSU Legal Counsel has approved a form to use with volunteers who may be restricted to driving their own children. Please fill in the appropriate enrollment year and have volunteers sign it.
•    There is a link for a hardcopy of the background request form to use with volunteers who don’t have an e-mail address.
•    The FAQ page attempts to answer common questions people have about the background check process and procedures.

Use either the 4-H or Extension sites to conduct your checks! http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/bgcheck/index.html; http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/bgcheck/extbgcheck.html
-  Dale Leidheiser

Join the Colorado 4-H STEMtv Team

Be on the cutting edge and join the Colorado 4-H STEMtv Team!  This team consists of 30 youth throughout the state who are interested in developing leadership skills through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) knowledge.  Workshops, tours, and service learning opportunities empower youth who have an interest in STEM related projects.  Team members can learn, teach, volunteer, and report STEM news from their respective counties and regions.

The Colorado 4-H STEMtv Team workshops are open to 4-H members (13-19 years of age) who are interested in science, technology, engineering and math.   Team members must re-apply every year.   Applications are being accepted for youth members and adult volunteers.  E-mail Willa Williams, 4-H Youth Development Specialist STEM and K-12,  for an application at willa.williams@colostate.edu.  – Willa Williams

Cloverbud Update

There has been some discussion about what types of activities Cloverbuds can participate in, so I have included a link on the Cloverbud National 4-H Policy for all of you to take a look at:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/fs-cloverbuds.pdf.  Below are three  paragraphs from the policy that address the items of activity-focused vs. project-focused and the difference between Cloverbud members and regular members of 4-H.  This should be helpful when enrolling members on the new 4hOnline system since you can’t enter a Cloverbud in a project.  – Connie Cecil

“The overall purpose of the 4-H Cloverbuds program is to foster the development of life skills that are essential for the cognitive, social, emotional and physical maturation of Kindergarten through 3rd graders by providing a unique educational opportunity. Children in these grades are a distinct audience for 4-H, with unique learning characteristics and developmental needs that are different from older children and youth served through 4-H membership. As a result, the 4-H Cloverbuds program is designed with specific educational objectives and program policies focused on the kindergarten-3rd grade child.

4-H Cloverbuds programs are activity-focused and not project-focused and built on cooperative learning, rather than competitive activities. 4-H Cloverbuds members participate in occasional, non-competitive, sampler-type, age-appropriate, properly supervised events or activities sponsored or conducted by 4-H groups. 4-H Cloverbuds members do not participate in the ongoing, planned series of activities, whether it is a 4-H Shooting Sports program (e.g. archery, air gun, hunting, etc.), science project, an animal project (e.g. raising of cows, sheep) or any of the project areas of 4-H.

The primary difference between a 4-H Cloverbuds activity and a 4-H project is that a Cloverbuds member engages in varied activities which focus on developing a specific skill or concept utilized in completing the activity rather than focusing on a long-term planned course of study in a specific project (subject) area. As a result, 4-H Cloverbuds members should not have ongoing projects, of any kind – including animal projects – nor should they participate as competitive exhibitors with animals – large or small, because within the 4-H program, exhibits are intended to showcase the culmination of a long-term project.”

2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest

Reminder: Colorado deadline is March 5, 2010.

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

Join over 63,000 fifth grade classrooms in learning about the importance of trees in our world!  Don’t miss out on this engaging and impactful opportunity to teach fifth grade students about the important role trees play in the production and conservation of energy! Download your free 2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest materials http://www.arborday.org/kids/postercontest/index.cfm and help foster the next generation of tree stewards.

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

4-H Shooting Sports Update

The State 4-H Shooting Sports Contest web site has new updates available. These updates include a new 2010 Contest Rule Book Supplement which clarifies some rules in the 2009/2010 Contest Rule Book. YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT THE SUPPLEMENT! We have also posted a summary of the 2009 contest which includes some handy information on the contest numbers. Also posted are the new dates and locations for the 2010 State 4-H Shooting Sports Contest. Use the following link to access the SS Contest web site, http://www.co4hshooting.org/ss_contest/index.html.

If you have any questions please contact Jeramy McNeely, contest superintendent, at 719.767-5716 or jeramy.mcneely@colostate.edu. – Perry Brewer

Livestock Field Day & Fiber Fun Fest

We welcome any and all counties who would like to participate in these two events being hosted in Larimer County.  Pre-registration is required for both events and all information, including online registration, can be found at www.larimer.org/ext. Click on “4-H/Youth” and scroll down to find links for both “Fiber Fun Fest” and “Livestock Field Day” or click on http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/YouthLvstkFieldDay.pdf

http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2010/FFF-Flyer-2010.pdf

Fiber Fun Fest will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, at The Ranch (Thomas McKee 4-H Building) and is open to adults, youth and the public. Livestock Field Day will be held Saturday, March 6, (pre-registration ends Feb. 19th). Field Day has a $10 registration fee, offers MQA, and will be held at the Embassy Suites (morning sessions) and The Ranch – Livestock Pavilion (afternoon live-animal demonstrations). Field Day is for 4-H youth only.

Space is limited for both events, so sign up soon! – Wendy Woerner, Larimer County 4-H Agent

Filed under 4-H Update, Info for County Agents, Project Resources, State Events, Uncategorized, Volunteer Tagged with , , , , , ,

4-H Update

October 2, 2009 by Leave a comment

Volume 13, Number 27

Reminders:

• October 3:  Colorado 4-H Gala, Denver
• October 3-10: National 4-H Week
• October 16-18: Leaders Forum, Burlington
• November26-27: University holiday, offices closed
• November 27-Dec. 2: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA

IFYE Reporting

Participants in the International Four-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) enhance the 4-H program through educational international, cross-cultural experiences that enable young people to improve their leadership and communication skills, while increasing their international awareness and understanding.

2009 IFYE Representatives Susan Kasza (Bent County to Scotland/England) and Alanna Weber (Kiowa County to Switzerland) are available to share their international experiences through PowerPoint presentations at schools (language, history, geography classes, general assemblies), service organizations, churches, 4-H clubs, etc., starting mid-January through April, 2010.

Susan, (23 years) is the daughter of Joe and Kaye Kasza of McClave, Colorado.  Kaye is a 4-H agent in Bent County.  Susan graduated in May of 2009 with a B.S. in Animal Science and Biological Science.  She is an 11-year Colorado 4-H member.

Alanna Weber (20 years) is the daughter of Robert and Peg Weber of Sheridan Lake, Colorado.  Alanna is a student at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs majoring in Business.  She is a 9-year Colorado 4-H member.

Please contact at the State 4-H office to schedule a program with Susan or Alanna. You can call 970.491.2711 or E-mail me at Courtney.Loflin@Colostate.Edu. – Courtney Loflin

Results Gadget Available Friday

The Biofuel Blast Experiment Results Survey & Quiz will be available online tomorrow for youth to enter their experiment results and showcase their knowledge. Thanks to generous support from John Deere, a $400 award will be presented to one county from each state (and one U.S. territory) with the highest number of individual Biofuel Blast results survey submissions before October 30th, 2009. The awards can be used toward the implementation and promotion of science, engineering and technology programs in your county. After youth complete the experiment, make sure they fill in in their results at www.4-H.org/NYSD so your county can compete for the award!

In addition, of those who submit their results through the Biofuel Blast experiment survey, five youth names will be randomly selected to receive a 32GB third generation iPod touch. The five youth will also be able to designate a 4-H club, school classroom, or youth organization to receive a Fuel Cell Car Experiment kit. Click here https://www.4-h.org/NYSD/results_rules.php for official drawing rules. – Ellen Butler

Geography and Technology Workshops

Learning about geographic information technologies is extremely timely for today’s classrooms.  Spatial relationships are analyzed using maps in digital form within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment, combining data from other maps, charts, and databases.  GIS, Remote Sensing, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) constitute part of the geotechnology industry, which is one of three key industries identified by the United States Department of Labor for the 21st Century.  Introducing your students to the basics of geospatial technologies provides them with a powerful decision-making toolkit.

Introduction to Geospatial Technology
Saturday, October 3, 2009, Fort Collins
Saturday, November 7, 2009, Grand Junction
Saturday, January 30, 2010, Highlands Ranch
Saturday, March 6, 2010, Pagosa Springs

Do you have a grasp of geographic information technologies, but are looking to increase your knowledge of how to incorporate them into the classroom?  Consider attending the intermediate level geospatial technology workshop, planned for June 2010 at Colorado Northwestern Community College, Intermediate Geospatial Technology, June 2010, Rangely

For more information, or to reserve a place in any of the geospatial technology workshops, email coga@uccs.edu. – Ellen Butler

Filed under 4-H Update, International, Project Resources, Uncategorized Tagged with , ,

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