4-H News:

Doors to Citizenship Washington Focus Open for Young People in 4-H

(Chevy Chase, MD) The National 4-H Youth Conference Center is in full-swing for the summer with the first week of 4 H's Citizenship Washington Focus Program underway. Over the course of the next seven weeks, more than 1,800 young people from across America will be learning about our nation's government and putting leadership into action.

Under the dedicated leadership of ten Program Assistants and two Staff Assistants, Citizenship Washington Focus, known to many as CWF, gives young people both in and out of 4-H a chance to interact with peers and learn how to become even better leaders in their communities. Each week-long session is packed with workshops and assemblies focused on giving young people the resources to make a bigger impact in their clubs, communities, country and world. During their stay, they are being given the opportunities to check out historical sights in our nation's capital, interact with other youth from across America, exchange ideas and create life-long friendships.

This summer, Citizenship Washington Focus will focus on the Youth in Governance initiative which will be introduced to all delegates throughout workshops and meetings. They will be trained on the concepts of Youth in Governance and leave with a plan to return home and implement Youth in Governance in their communities by giving young people a voice at all levels of the decision-making process. 4-H's Youth in Governance initiative strengthens communities by creating opportunities for young people to practice leadership in action.

Also new this year, the 2005 delegates will relax and laugh with performances by the Capitol Steps a nationally-known political comedy troupe. Along with the new additions come the traditions of meeting with political figures, attending workshops, touring our nation's historic sites and much, much more.

With seven consecutive week-long sessions, CWF is the largest ongoing national conference for young people in 4-H. As National 4-H Council Staff Assistants, Stacy Carrell and Adam Cassady are leading the ten Program Assistants to ensure that the CWF youth delegates are given the best experiences possible. Both 4-H alumni from Indiana, Stacy and Adam have been working with the National 4-H Youth Conference Center staff for over a year planning the 2005 Citizenship Washington Focus Program. During the month of May, Cassady and Carrell trained the ten Program Assistants. Now that training is over and CWF has begun, the Program Assistants are busy making sure every delegate is enjoying an educational, safe and fun stay in Washington, DC and are doing a great job at it! To learn more about Citizenship Washington Focus, visit www.cwf.n4h.org.

Thanks to a generous donation from 4-H alumnus Mr. Harold A. Poling, the Citizenship Washington Focus Program is even better. The Program Assistants, also known this year as Poling Fellows, are being given opportunities unique from past years. During their stay at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, the Poling Fellows are taking extra time to meet with National 4-H Council staff to reflect on their experiences and work to enhance the Citizenship Washington Focus program for years to come. For more information on how you can continue to change the lives of young people who attend Citizenship Washington Focus, contact Carolyn Fernandez, Director of Development, at cfernandez@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-2983.

The 2005 Citizenship Washington Focus Program will no doubt be a success for all involved. Take a moment to get to know those who are making it all happen! The 2005 Program Assistants, or Poling Fellows, are:

Laura Allen Centennial, Colorado: Laura, a junior at the University of Colorado at Boulder, is double-majoring in political science and geography. She is a past Citizenship Washington Focus youth delegate and is happy to be staying at her national 4-H home and leading the CWF delegates.

Erin Kay Biebuyck Bloomfield Hills, Michigan: Erin is entering her final year at Michigan State University. She has enjoyed joining the other nine Poling Fellows to learn and share knowledge of American government with the National 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus youth delegates.

Machael Allison Curtis Sabina, Ohio: With 14 years of 4-H experiences, Machael, 22, is excited to work with 4-H at the national level. She is entering her senior year at The Ohio State University with a major in sociology.

Dan Determan Early, Iowa: Dan, 19, is currently a freshman at Iowa State University. Having grown up in 4-H, it is no surprise that he is thrilled to give back to the 4 H community as a 2005 Poling Fellow.

Mark Godfrey Liberty, Missouri: A freshman at Yale University, Mark has enjoyed his time so far in leading young people in the 4-H movement as a Poling Fellow. He attended Citizenship Washington Focus two summers ago and believes that it gave him the opportunity to learn how to follow, as well as lead.

Robbie Jones Athens, Georgia: Robbie has been in 4-H for 17 years. He is going into his third year at the University of Georgia as an animal and dairy science major. Robbie was a National 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus youth delegate during the summer of 2000 and is enthusiastic about giving back to the program this year.

Ashley Markham Evansville, Indiana: A junior at the University of Southern Indiana, Ashley is majoring in secondary social science education. She has been involved with 4 H for 12 years and knows that being a Poling Fellow will give her the ability to inspire others to continue their participation in 4-H into their adult lives.

Emily Sidle Arlington, Ohio: Entering her senior year at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, Emily is busy with a public relations and organization communication major and marketing minor. She is having a blast staying at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center once again, as she was a 2002 National 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus youth delegate.

Ellen Stanley Wilmington, North Carolina: A freshman at the University of North Carolina, Ellen is an international studies major and Spanish minor. With 12 years of experience in 4-H, Ellen is excited to be in Washington, DC for the summer and leading young people in 4-H.

Mariah Yates Monroe City, Missouri: Mariah is currently attending the University of Missouri in Columbia and majoring in agricultural education leadership and communication. Mariah believes that being a Poling Fellow will be an opportune time to put teamwork into action.


The 2005 Summer 4-H Program Assistants join with Mr. George Brown, member of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees and Vice President, Business Development for L. Robert Kimball & Associates. Top row (L to R): Godfrey, Allen, Sidle, Stanley, Determan and Jones. Bottom row (L to R): Biebyuck, Markham, Carolyn Lash, Spring Program Assistant, Cassady, Brown, Carrell, Curtis, Yates and Nate Allen, Spring Program Assistant.
Return to top

National 4-H Week 2005 Connects with the 4-H Community

This year's National 4-H Week will be from Sunday, October 2 though Saturday October 8, 2005. National 4-H Week welcomes all to connect and celebrate with the 4-H community where young people across America are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

All media and marketing communications resources specifically for National 4-H Week will be available to state leaders, county educators and clubs by August 1, 2005. You will be able to find those materials on the 4-H Media and Marketing Communications Resources page on www.4husa.org (link at the top of the left column). Until then, check out the site for photos, news releases and marketing materials with the 4-H message! Updates will continue to be available throughout future issues of Clover Corner News.

Two national events will be going on during National 4-H Week. The National 4-H Youth Directions Council/John Deere Leaders Academy will kick off a new year for the National 4-H Youth Directions Council with trainings in Youth in Governance from September 30 to October 3, 2005. On October 3, 2005 4-H Laureates from across America will be honored at the National 4-H Hall of Fame ceremony. Both events will be hosted at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD. Stay tuned to Clover Corner News for more news on these exciting national events!

If you have any questions, contact Allyson McMahan, marketing communications coordinator, National 4-H Council at amcmahan@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-2915.
Return to top

76th National 4-H Conference, March 25-30, 2006

Save the Date! The 76th National 4-H Conference will be March 25-30, 2006. Delegations may plan to arrive Saturday, March 25, for touring and pre-conference activities; the conference will formally open at 1 pm Sunday, March 26. Capitol Hill Day will be Wednesday, March 29. Most delegations will travel home after breakfast on Thursday, March 30.

Interested in attending the National 4-H Conference? National 4-H Headquarters at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extends an invitation, on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture, to Land-Grant Colleges and Universities to send a delegation to the National 4-H Conference. Each state has their own processes for identifying and selecting delegates. To learn more about becoming a delegate, contact your State 4-H Program Office. Need help? Visit www.4HUSA.org. For more information about the National 4-H Conference, visit http://4hconf.4-h.org/.
Return to top

Good Vibrations at the JCPenney Afterschool Fund Gala

With entertainment by The Beach Boys and a record-setting amount of $3.4 million raised to support after-school programming, the 4th Annual JCPenney Afterschool Fund Benefit in Dallas on May 24 was a great success. National 4-H Council President and CEO Don Floyd, Jr., 4-H Afterschool Director Eddie Locklear and Media Relations Director Gwyn Donohue attended the gala, along with three members of the Council's Board of Trustees, Natalie Cheng, Kent Baker and Gary Davis. Ms. Cheng is interning at JCPenney this summer, and Mr. Baker is president of Jacuzzi, whose bath division headquarters are in Dallas. Mr. Davis is the Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Administrative Officer for JCPenney and Chairman of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. He is also the immediate past chair of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees.

Besides The Beach Boys' concert, the highlight of the evening was a surprise appearance by LeAnn Rimes. Following her opening performance, Ms. Rimes was honored with the Fund's first-ever Ambassador Award for her generous efforts in support of the after-school cause. Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb and the National Football League were also singled out as JCPenney Afterschool Fund Ambassadors. The NFL partners with JCPenney Afterschool on the "Take a Player to School" initiative through which school-age children can enter for the chance to bring an NFL player to school. Later this summer, JCPenney stores will carry NFL team wrist bands and all net profits and royalties will support the JCPenney Afterschool Fund.

In addition to the music and awards presentations, the Benefit featured video segments profiling a youth member from each of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund partners: 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA and Junior Achievement. The 4-H piece highlighted Ashley Buford, a 4-H teen from Cordele, Georgia, who organized a project to control the mosquito population and the spread of West Nile virus in her county. Ashley's segment demonstrated that, through 4-H Afterschool programs, youth not only have things to do after school but are inspired to give back to their community. Don Floyd also addressed the audience about the impact of 4-H Afterschool programming. Click here to see Ashley's video.

Left to right: Natalie Cheng, Don Floyd and Gwyn Donohue at the Gala, which raised over $3.4 million for the JCPenney Afterschool Fund.
Return to top

Get on the 2006 Supply Catalog Source Book Mailing List

4-H Supply Service is working hard to produce the 2006 4-H Source Book. To ensure that everyone that needs a Source Book gets one, we are asking for you to now provide the addresses of everyone you would like to be included in our initial mailing this August.

You can have copies of the 2006 4-H Source Book sent directly to households on your mailing list and/or sent in bulk to your offices.

Please visit http://custom.4-hmall.org/catalogue/sourcebook.asp to submit your catalog requests online now or get more information.
Return to top

Summer Fun on goCyberCamp

Have your kids begin their summer canoeing online at goCyberCamp!

Canoe for Bugs is an interactive activity where kids navigate a lake by selecting the most effective canoe paddle strokes! It's a great way to learn about canoeing before getting into one!

You can continue the fun by engaging kids with any of these hands-on activities:
Paddling a Canoe: Learn to paddle a canoe forward & backward.
Paddle Power: Explore the potential & kinetic energy of a paddle.
Sink Proof: Experiment with what makes something float and sink.
Save Your Boat from Sinking: Discover water displacement when boating.
Canoe Trivia: Play a trivia game about good canoeing practices!

Background information about canoeing and more ideas on creating a "summer fun" program with goCyberCamp are available at the Caregiver Club. You can access this and other themed program ideas as a Caregiver on goCyberCamp. Register for a Caregiver login and password at www.gocybercamp.org.

For more information, please contact Swetal Sindhvad at sindh001@umn.edu or 612-625-9771.

The National Cooperative Extension System and the National 4-H Youth Development Program developed goCyberCamp with a grant funded by AT&T Family Care Development Fund, a joint project of AT&T, the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Return to top

Resources and Opportunities:

National Competition on 100 Best Communities for Young People

The America's Promise Alliance in partnership with Capital One Financial Corporation is launching a national initiative to name the "100 Best Communities for Young People."

The "100 Best" initiative is an important part of the America's Promise Alliance renewed commitment to help every child in America realize his or her full potential. The winning communities will be announced this fall.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, July 29, 2005. For more information on how to apply, visit www.americaspromise.org.
Return to top

National Conference on Volunteering and Service

The National Conference on Volunteering and Service will be happening on August 4-6, 2005 in Washington, DC. With workshops, exhibits and speakers, the conference will be full of educational and useful resources. All registration forms must be received by Wednesday, July 6, 2005. For more information or to register, visit www.volunteeringandservice.org. The conference will be convened by the Points of Light Foundation and the Corporation for National & Community Service.
Return to top

Picture Perfect Potato Calendar Art Contest Looking for Young Potato Lovers

Syngenta is awarding $6,000 in prizes to 12 winners who illustrate how they incorporate potatoes into a healthy lifestyle. Syngenta Crop Protection invites children of potato industry families to participate in its national Picture Perfect Potato Calendar Art Contest. The work of 12 talented potato lovers will be chosen and featured in Syngenta's 2006 Spud Solutions Calendar. Winners will also receive a $500 scholarship.

Young potato lovers are asked to submit art that illustrates how they incorporate potatoes into a healthy lifestyle. Children are encouraged to be creative and express themselves using any of the following: crayon, marker, pencil, photography, mosaic, paint, sculpture, short story or poem.

All entries must be received by July 1, 2005. For more information and entry forms, please visit http://potatoes.farmassist.com.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology.
Return to top

Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation Online Course

This 10-week on-line course entitled "Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation," will be offered this fall (September 12-November 18th, 2005) through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The course is designed to assist environmental educators and natural resource professionals in evaluating their education programs.

For more information, please visit www.eetap.org and click on Online EE Courses or contact Angela Arkin at Angela.Arkin@uwsp.edu for a registration form. Please act quickly the preference registration deadline for the fall course is August 12, 2005.
Return to top

Fundamentals of Environmental Education Online Course

A 10-week online course about the fundamentals of environmental education will be offered this fall (September 12 - November 18, 2005). The course is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. Participants may obtain three undergraduate or graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. All students, regardless of location, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. The course is also offered at a reduced cost for those who are not interested in obtaining college credit.

For more information, please visit www.eetap.org and click on Online EE Courses or contact Angela Arkin at Angela.Arkin@uwsp.edu for a registration form. Please act quickly the preference registration deadline for the fall course is August 12, 2005.
Return to top