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 (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

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

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 25

Reminders

• October 1: ES237 enrollment data due, campus
• October 3:  Colorado 4-H Gala, Denver
• October 3-10: National 4-H Week
• October 16-18: Leaders Forum, Burlington

4-H Zooms Into National 4-H Week

National 4-H Week will take off with a speedy start on October 4th, as the 4-H emblem makes its debut appearance in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The well-known national icon will be featured on the ‘TV panel’ of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon at Kansas Speedway that day.  The placement of the 4-H clover on the No. 24 Chevrolet was made possible through a generous donation by DuPont, sponsor of both the No. 24 team and of 4-H.

“The appearance of the 4-H emblem on Jeff Gordon’s car in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is a wonderful salute to 4-H by DuPont, and an amazing way for us to begin National 4-H Week,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council.  “Now, millions of current 4-H’ers, 4-H alumni and racing fans alike can watch with excitement as the clover takes to the track for the first time.”

The Kansas event is the third in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and the 1.5-mile track is the site of two of Gordon’s 82 career victories in NASCAR’s premier division. “4-H has been a leader among youth development organizations, enriching the lives of millions of young people for more than100 years,” said Jeff Gordon.  “It is an honor to have such an iconic emblem featured on the DuPont Chevrolet and to provide such an exciting way to help the nation kick-off National 4-H Week.”

National 4-H Week is the annual celebration for the 100-year old youth development organization. The highlight of the week includes the highly anticipated, 4-H National Youth Science Day, which brings together millions of youth to participate in the National Science Experiment.  This year’s experiment, Biofuel Blast, will introduce youth to alternative energy. DuPont is a premier sponsor of 4-H National Youth Science Day – https://www.4-h.org/NYSD/ – and the Biofuel Blast National Science Experiment.

“Research into biofuels and bio-based materials is an important area for our company, and we are proud to sponsor 4-H in their extraordinary effort to help young people understand one of the most important issues facing our nation today,” said James C. Borel, group vice president, DuPont Agriculture. – Ellen Butler

Reminder:  Background Checks for Extension Volunteers FAQ’s

Colorado State University implemented a background checking policy effective October 1, 2008. This policy includes all new faculty, staff, and volunteers working on behalf of the university.

What information do I need to collect from a volunteer to do a background check?
Two things: their legal name and e-mail address. The rest of the information is submitted by the volunteer.

Send a message to background_checks@colostate.edu with the following information:
There are only two pieces of information you need to collect: the volunteers’ legal name and their e-mail address.  That information will be added to the body of the e-mail. The subject line of the e-mail should read: Title (use Master Gardener, 4-H Leader, etc.)  Background Check. A copy of that e-mail should be sent to dale.leidheiser@colostate.edu. The body of the email will look like this:

Jonathan Doe
jdoe@yahoo.com
Volunteer
Motor Vehicle Check Requested? Yes
Start Date: 12/25/09
Your County
Agent Name
agent.name@colostate.edu
Agent telephone number

Should I wait and submit a batch of volunteer names all at once?
It is best to submit a request when a volunteer turns in their application rather than waiting for a number of volunteers to submit applications. It’s best for the volunteer because you can enroll them faster. It’s best for Human Resources to not be slammed with a bunch all at once.

What if a volunteer doesn’t have an e-mail address?
The volunteer will need to complete a paper form (located near the bottom of this page: http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/background/ )and send the originals to:

HRS Background Check
Howes Business Center, Suite 213
555 S. Howes Street
Fort Collins, CO   80523

Copies of the completed forms should not be kept by Extension offices.

Do we need to collect Social Security numbers of volunteers for the background check?
No. The paper form requires a SS number, but you’re not keeping a copy for your office.  So, you’re not gathering,or keeping, their SS number. We have no need to collect, store or transmit any sensitive information of that nature.

What happens after the e-mail or paper form goes to CSU Human Resources?
The potential volunteer receives an e-mail from the University with a hotlink to the screening company, HireRight. The volunteer logs in to a secure site, enters their social security number, answers some questions about where they’ve lived, etc. and logs off. The CSU IT people have confidence in the security and confidentiality of the HireRight system. Be sure to alert potential volunteers that they’ll be receiving the e-mail and to respond to it

HireRight then conducts a national criminal history and driving record background check. They share results with Human Resources. If there is questionable information, Dale Leidheiser gets a call (as the contact for Extension) from Human Resources and consults about the nature, recency, and severity of the criminal activity and motor vehicle violations. A determination is made to approve or deny the volunteer application. The county receives an email from Human Resources approving, denying, or having a qualification for the individual as a volunteer.

A typical example of a qualification in 4-H relates to the driving record. Volunteers often drive members to a variety of club, county, district and state 4-H events and activities. An individual with a record of speeding, unsafe vehicle, or other moving violations may be restricted to driving their own children and not any other 4-H members.

More information about the policy is located at http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/background/ The updated policy document is located at: http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/background/Policy.pdf. Please contact Dale Leidheiser at 970.491.7881 with additional questions. - Ellen Butler

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. The Colorado deadline is March 5, 2010.

For more information please contact Donna Davis, Coordinator, 208 Santa Fe Avenue, Suite #21, La Junta, CO  81050, Phone: 719.384.9087; Email: dodavis@lamar.colostate.edu.  – Ellen Butler

Receive $400 for your County 4-H Program

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 between October 1 and October 30, 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 that they go to www.4-H.org/NYSD to fill out the survey 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 one of the pictured Fuel Cell Car Experiment kits. Click here for official drawing rules.  https://www.4-h.org/NYSD/results_rules.php

Ask the Expert

Dr. Bruce E. Dale, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University, will be taking questions from youth and adults interested in learning more about biofuels. He is a leader of the recently established Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) who work to develop cellulosic ethanol and other bioenergy sources. University of Wisconsin Extension worked closely with the GLBRC to develop this year’s National Science Experiment – Biofuel Blast!

Click here https://www.4-h.org/NYSD/join_the_discussion.php to learn how you can submit questions for consideration. Answers will be posted before 4-H National Youth Science Day, October 7, 2009. – Ellen Butler

Judges Training Opportunity

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

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

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

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

Shooting Sports Update Reminder

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

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

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

Collegiate 4-H Shadow Program

The collegiate 4-H Shadow Program, October 8-10, 2009, is for high school sophomores to seniors who are interested in seeing what college life is like in a safe setting.  Participants will attend class with a collegiate 4-H member, visit with the admissions office, get a tour of CSU, and see all that CSU has to offer.  They will arrive Thursday, Oct. 8 ,in the evening, participate in icebreakers and get to know you games, spend the night with one of the collegiate 4-H members, attend classes, tours and information sessions on Friday. On Friday evening we will attend the CSU homecoming bonfire and festivities, and then Saturday participants will have the choice of attending a CSU football game or just heading home.  The only cost for participants will be meals and any extra spending money as all other activities will be free.  If interested please fill out the registration form – http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/4H-ShadowProgramRegistration.doc – along with a health form and code of conduct form. Here’s a flyer for your office:  http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/ShadowWeekendFlyer.pdf.   If you have any questions feel free to e-mail colostate4h@yahoo.com or call 719.760.0765. Thanks! – Autumn Sheridan, CSU Collegiate 4-H President

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 22

Reminders

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

Colorado 4-H Day with the CSU Rams

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

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

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

Hope to see you there! – Ellen Butler

Colorado Leadership Camp

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

Colorado Youth Development Team September Trainings

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

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

Announcing the 2009 HOOKED ON HYDROPONICS AWARDS

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

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

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

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

Best in Show Pet Treats

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

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

Northern Colorado Birding Fair

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

Western Regional 4-H Leader’s Forum (WRLF)!

The New Mexico 4-H program is sponsoring the 2010 WLRF from March 10 – 14, 2010! It will be held in the Albuquerque Hyatt Regency Hotel. The WRLF website is up and running with a lot of valuable information already posted. Registration will be available on September 1. Take a look now, bookmark it and go back again soon!

4-H Update

Volume 13, Number 20

Reminders:

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

State Fair Reminders

1. Entry deadline for all online 4-H exhibits for State Fair is midnight, Aug. 17!!!!
2. Superintendents and teens clerks must be at State Fair no later than 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19.  Camp Tobin will be open for those of you wanting to stay Tuesday, Aug. 18.
3. Exhibit check-in is from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
4. Remember that the Fashion Revue contest fee goes to the Colorado 4-H Foundation all the other contest fees go to Camp Tobin.

New at the Colorado State Fair this year will be:

4-H Activities at the Natural Resource Building.  In this building there will be:

-  Archery 3D Range
-  Air Rifle Target Practice
-  4-H Fun with Science
-  Power of Wind Exhibit
-  Lightning Photography Exhibit

The 4-H truck will also be in the building and raffle tickets will be sold during this time.  The Natural Resource Building will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. everyday during state fair.  So if you would like to help with this effort by either selling raffle tickets or helping with the science experiments,  please let us know by contacting either Jeff Goodwin at Jeff.goodwin@colostate.edu, Ellen Butler at Ellen.Butler@colostate.edu or me at Connie.Cecil@colostate.edu. If you have any questions about anything, please let me know.  Thanks! – Connie Cecil

Wanted: Freshmen 4-H’ers Attending CSU!

Agents, please encourage your 4-H’ers who are attending CSU as freshmen to apply to be a 4-H Scholar. The Scholars promote the positive experiences they had in 4-H and spend up to 20 hours a month representing 4-H at key activities, speaking at public events, and meeting with stakeholders and donors. For their efforts, each Scholar receives training, public relations support materials, reimbursement for expenses, and a $1,500 annual stipend toward college expenses. The person selected is eligible to continue to serve as a Scholar throughout their college career – advancing with each grade level – as long as their grades and activity commitments are met. The freshmen applicants must be willing to make a four-year commitment.

To apply, interested persons enrolled at Colorado State University must submit the following to Gary Small, 106 University Square, Fort Collins, CO 80523-4050 by Oct. 1, 2009.

•    Complete résumé that includes 4-H experiences, years in projects, leadership and speaking experiences and skills, community service activities, work-related experiences, awards and special recognitions.
•    A (draft) letter of thanks to the Colorado Farm Bureau thanking them for their contribution and funding support for the 4-H Scholars Program.
•    A short paragraph (100 words or less) explaining why they wish to become involved in the 4-H Scholars Program; a personal statement of desire for the Scholar position.
•    Individuals applying will make a 10-minute presentation before the selection committee on “the scope of 4-H today and what 4-H has meant to them.”
Please direct questions to Gary Small at 970.491.1537 or Gary.small@colostate.edu. – Gary Small

Raise Funds With the 2010 4-H Wall Calendar

4-H clubs and members now have the opportunity to sell 2010 wall calendars to help support their local 4-H. Many other groups like swimming clubs and mustang clubs have successfully raised funds through this creative initiative. The 12×12 calendar has several colorful images that highlight the many sides and faces of 4-H. 4-H members and clubs may purchase the calendars at 50 percent off the suggested retail price of $13.99 and can receive an extra discount if orders are placed by Aug. 15. The calendars are ready to ship immediately by Time Factory Publishing, the officially licensed source of the 2010 4-H Wall Calendar.

CALL or email NOW to get your club involved in this great fundraising opportunity, contact Shawn Dickensheets at sdickensheets@tfpublishing.com or 317.290.1333 extension 24. - Ellen Butler

Attention!  GIS Educators and Students

The ESRI Southwest User Group Conference (SWUG) will be held in Pueblo CO, Oct. 19-23, 2009.    There will be ESRI pre-conference training, ESRI workshops, user presentations and sessions, and social activities that will take advantage of the pleasant Fall evenings in Pueblo.  www.swug2009.org

This is a wonderful opportunity for GIS professionals, educators, researchers, and students to participate in an outstanding ESRI conference at a very affordable local price, the best registration prices expire Aug. 15.  Abstracts are being accepted until Aug. 15 at www.swug2009.org .  In addition there will be both a map and web contest in conjunction with this annual conference.   Please encourage educators and students with outstanding applications to do a presentation and submit their maps for the contests. – Ellen Butler

Fall Forum!

It’s time to start thinking about the annual Fall Forum! It’s an event 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 Burlington, Oct. 16 -18, with a variety of special activities including a visit to the historic Kit Carson Carousel! Click here to download the promotional brochure http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/2009-LeaderForum.pdf. Additional information will be released at State Fair time.  The registration deadline is Oct. 1! – Ellen Butler

Citizenship Washington Focus – 50 Years of Citizenship

This year Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) reached 50 years of encouraging citizenship and leadership to 4-H’ers. Each week of this seven-session conference features delegations of diverse 4-H youth from across the United States. Youth attend events such as Nightview – a tour of the famous Washington D.C. monuments and memorials at night, Capitol Hill Day – a meet and greet with their district congressperson, and Cultural Heritage Night – a little slice of the cultural life found here in Washington. All events are lead by college-aged Program Assistants (PA’s) trained in facilitating and leading which make CWF such a beloved and exciting conference.Delegates also participate in workshops and committees. They learn the process of writing a bill, which later would be debated and voted on in the congressional session put on by one of the committee groups. Other committees focus on communications and public relations, healthy living, youth in governance, and event planning. These activities encourage teamwork and problem solving while supporting the theme of citizenship and leadership.

One big change to the program this year is rather than having keynote speakers from outside organizations talk to the delegates about citizenship, the PA’s delivered these speeches, proving to be highly successful. Molly Young, Director of Youth Opportunities, said “the PA’s were in the same position as the delegates just a few years prior. So their stories and advice about citizenship and leadership seem to be very real to the delegates.” Every Monday of the weekly schedule, two of the PA’s would give their speech focusing on the importance of citizenship and how it has influenced their lives. “Our Program Assistants are some of the most articulate and interesting young adults I have ever met,” said Young.

CWF began on May 21, and finished after seven weeks on July 18. To find out more about the program and become a part of this great experience, click on http://www.citizenshipwashingtonfocus.org/ -Ellen Butler

Colorado Trends in Volunteerism!

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

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

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

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

A Model for Managing Controversial Issues for County Fairs

I know many of you can’t relate to controversial issues at county fairs! But, there are some fairs where a little conflict and controversy rear their ugly heads. What do you do when that happens? If you’re prepared, you can keep your own emotions, defensiveness and fear under better control. Here is a publication from Minnesota that can help you prepare for what you hope won’t happen!

Fall Forum!

It’s time to start thinking about the annual Fall Forum! It’s an event 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 Burlington, October 16 -18 with a variety of special activities including a visit to the historic Kit Carson Carousel! Click here to download the promotional brochure. Additional information will be released at State Fair time and the registration deadline is October 1!