4-H News:

“Open Call” for New 4HUSA.org Web Crew Members

Overview: The “4HUSA Web Crew” was created in 2004 to redesign, supervise, manage and market the Web site —www.4husa.org—as a site for, by and about the young people of 4-H across the country. The purpose of the site is two-fold: marketing to enhance and more accurately reflect the national image of 4-H; and the creation of an interactive online community for 4-H members. The site embodies the message, “4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.” It features timely and interactive elements and demonstrates the size, diversity and value of the 4-H adventure. It is a “one-stop” Web site for 4-H.

Eligibility/Criteria: Candidates for the Web Crew may be nominated or self-nominated. State 4-H leader and/or county 4-H agent recommendation or statement of support for nominees is required. Candidates will be 4-H members/young alumni (14+ years old) with demonstrated expertise in Web site content, design and management. A selection committee of current 4HUSA Web Crew members and advisors will choose the new members.

We are currently looking for members who specialize in specific areas such as journalist, writing, reporting, content management, graphic design, multimedia development, game development, website supervision and networking with 4-H staff and members. If you don't have experience with one of these areas, we are also looking for hard-working 4-Hers who have demonstrated self-initiative, leadership and teamwork and are capable of quickly gaining skill in news content and technical fields.

Please write us a letter explaining what you can personally bring to the Web site, along with ideas for the future. What skills do you have that will enhance 4HUSA.org? What experience do you currently have with Web design and maintenance?

Responsibilities: The length of this assignment will be 12 months. Members must accept the responsibility of time-sensitive and demanding assignments. Applicants must be willing to devote their time and talents accordingly. Members are responsible for completing a variety of assignments, some of which may require writing copy text and starting with simple tasks. Members of the Web Crew will conduct their assignments through phone conferences, virtual meetings and instant messaging. New members will be working alongside current members as soon as they have an orientation by existing members.

Timing: Web Crew member selection will be ongoing based on current team needs and applications received.

What to Do: Send your letter to Gretchen Hilburger at ghilburger@fourhcouncil.edu. Have your state 4-H leader and/or county 4-H agent send a recommendation or statement of support to the same e-mail address. Any questions can be directed to Gretchen at 301-961-2829.
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National 4-H Week – Marketing Materials Coming Soon!

National 4-H Week will be here before we know it! This year National 4-H Week will be from October 2 – 8, 2005. National 4-H Week welcomes all to connect 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 on August 1, 2005. Those materials will be 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!

If you have any questions, contact Allyson McMahan, marketing communications coordinator, National 4-H Council at amcmahan@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-2915.
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Help! Give Us 4-H Fantastic Fair Facts!

National 4-H Council's marketing team wants to promote 4-H fairs across the country. And, we know the news media loves zany, different (or, even oddball) news "nuggets" or facts. So, we are compiling a list of "4-H Fantastic Fair Facts" that we can use to generate news media coverage. We need your help!

For example, how many 4-H youth attend 4-H fairs each year? How many gallons of soda pop are consumed in one day? How many pies, bunnies, chickens and livestock are shown by 4-Hers? What is the most AMAZING thing you've ever heard about a 4-H fair? What are you most proud of?

We want to know all the facts - fun, frivolous, factual. The more unique, the better! E-mail fantastic fair facts to apatel@fourhcouncil.edu.
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Cape Cod 4-H Campers Welcome Council

4-H Camp Farley, located in Mashpee, MA, hosted National 4-H Council staffer Gwyn Donohue for a visit when she vacationed in Cape Cod recently. Executive Director Mike Campbell welcomed Gwyn to the 32-acre facility that sits on the shores of Mashpee-Wakeby Lake. She met campers and counselors, and took photographs as campers rode horses, kayaked, swam and participated in team-building exercises.

4-H Camp Farley enables campers—95 percent of whom are not 4-H members—to experience 4-H values through hands-on, esteem-building activities and programs designed around 4-H’s Life Skills Model. Throughout the summer, more than 150 campers ages of 6-15 enjoy the camp’s activities each week during day and overnight programs. “Campers choose from six adventure tracks: survivor, where they learn outdoor living skills, aquatics, recreation, arts and crafts, american idol, which features performance skills, and ropes,” said Summer Camp Director Joyce Oberthal.

Forty staff members guide the campers, “Our team is both dedicated—80 percent return for multiple years—and diverse—one-third are from foreign countries,” said Campbell. Over the past 16 years, camp counselors have come from 25 different countries, which are represented by a flag display outside the dining hall.

One of five 4-H camps in Massachusetts, 4-H Camp Farley began in 1934. It is named after the first Massachusetts 4-H state leader, George L. Farley, who led the state’s 4-H program from 1916-1941. For more information on 4-H Camp Farley visit www.campfarley.com.

Campers at 4-H Camp Farley on Cape Cod participate in life-skill building and recreational activities.
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Congratulations to National 4-H Council/Surdna Grant Recipients

National 4-H Council and the Surdna Foundation extend hearty congratulations to Lisa Lauxman and Amy Adamcin of Arizona, Steven Henness and Leanna Baumer of Missouri, and Kirk Astroth and Carlie Widhalm of Montana on their successful grant proposals. As of July 1, these three states are considered pilot sites for organizational change in youth in governance. They will be testing state-level initiatives to increase youth voice, influence and participation in decision-making. For questions about the Surdna Foundation grants, contact Karen Blaney at kblaney@fourhcouncil.edu.
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Texas Teens Assist Tsunami Victims in Sri Lanka

4-H youth from across Texas have contributed $12,000 to tsunami victims from Sri Lanka, one of countries hardest hit by the December 26th tsunami disaster. Throughout the months after the tsunami, the youth raised the funds by passing the hat at 4-H meetings, holding car washes, selling hand-made bracelets and conducting bake sales and soliciting donations from local businesses.

The funds raised went to the tsunami relief effort through Mercy Ships to construct three new fishing boats to replace some of those destroyed in the villages in Sri Lanka. Many fishermen returned to the seashore after the tsunami to find their homes and lives destroyed, including their fishing boats. Now, with the boats to replace those washed away in the sea, the entire village will benefit from the fish caught.

The three boats were delivered on July 2 to those in Sri Lanka who survived the tsunami but lost their livelihood. Bakirasa Selva, Prakash Kalirasa and Thuraisamy Inpathas are the proud new owners of the brand-new boats. A special ceremony was held with the Mercy Ships Pacific Asia Director Soo-Lin Lee making the official presentation.

“This donation was made possible from the hard work of thousands of teenagers from 4-H Club in Texas who washed cars, sold cakes and bracelets to purchase these boats, engines and nets,” Lee said. “Although you may be living in a small village in Sri Lanka, these donations demonstrate that we all live in the global village called planet Earth.”

Many 4-H clubs across America came together for the tsunami victims and a number of groups have emailed Clover Corner News telling of their hard work. Thanks to the North Harford 4-H Club from Harford County, MD, the Town and Country Critters 4-H Club of Culpepper, VA, the NuHope 4-H Club of Missoula, MT, and the Ohio 4-H members for your hard work!

Prakash Kalirasa checks out his new boat donated to tsunami victims by Texas 4-H..
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4-H Member Dana Sly Satisfies Vegan Hunger

Good Luck Clover 4-H club member Dana Sly really knows how to satisfy stomachs. An expert baker, Dana successfully developed a vegan form of cornbread for her 4-H fair project. But her cornbread went further than the fair. Inspired by her parents who don’t eat animal products for health reasons, Dana decided to bake vegan treats. A vegan is one who consumes no animal or dairy foods, only plant products.

A sixth grader and first year 4-H member, Dana is already vice president of 12 youth in her Sioux City, IA, 4-H club. Her club leader first met Dana in the school cafeteria. “She marches to her own drum, but I saw 4-H in her. I’ve seen so much self-confidence and growth,” says Leader Cheryl Zobyl of Dana. Cheryl and co-club leader Pam Mason run the club, allowing members to choose independent projects of interest.

“I wanted to be able to make my parents something because it would add something more personal to my project. Plus, I love baking cookies, brownies or something sugary and fun to put in your lunchbox,” Dana said.

Dana was systematic with her project. The day she invented the recipe began with an unsuccessful first batch. She persisted and 12 different cornbreads later, she set them around the kitchen to be tasted by her 24 testers. They rated their favorites on forms using a scale of one to five, with five being the best by taste and texture. They also chose their favorite overall. The winning cornbread won by a landslide!

From her role as vice president and her success with her cornbread project, the 12-year-old has learned responsibility and leadership skills which she credits to 4-H, as well as the importance of sticking with a project. “Doing a project so big took a lot of energy and I had to stay committed once I started,” the young chef expresses about her project.

Her cornbread came out deliciously, but that was just the beginning. She documented the results with the help of her parents, submitted it to the state fair and was even recruited by America’s Test Kitchen’s Chef’s Illustrated magazine to travel to Boston for an afternoon of cooking with their experts. Dana got a full fledged tour of the kitchen, baked her cornbread recipe with one of the chefs and even interviewed the main chef Christopher Kimball. Dana was also featured in the June/July issue of Cook’s Country magazine.

Dana’s plans for next year’s project are to carry out a pepper taste test and examine which spices season food the best. To find out more about 4-H programs, visit 4HUSA.ORG. You may find your very own 4-H project to develop!

Dana Sly works hard to create her new vegan cornbread recipe.
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2005 NRCS Youth Environmental Awards Program Announced

Grant Purpose: To support recognition and replication of innovative conservation and environmental stewardship programs and practices throughout the 4-H system.

Funded provided by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Awards of $7,500
Application Deadline: August 29, 2005
Awards will be announced September 16, 2005

Through the generous support of the NRCS, National 4-H Council will recognize three on-going (not new) exemplary programs through the NRCS Youth Environmental Awards Program with awards of $7,500 each. One staff member from each of the three programs chosen will be sponsored to attend the 2005 National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) Conference in Seattle, WA, October 30-November 3 (http://nae4ha.wsu.edu). If attending NAE4-HA is absolutely not possible, attending one of the 4-H regional volunteer leader forums to conduct a program workshop/seminar will be the alternative choice. Recipients will receive the first $5,000 check at NAE4-HA.

The NRCS Youth Environmental Awards encourages outreach and replication during the NAE4-HA conference. Award recipients will manage an exhibit that will display the three programs’ materials and allow award recipients to discuss their program with interested individuals. Applicants must have conducted the program that they are applying to receive the award for between June 1, 2004-August 19, 2005, and have undergone at least one cycle of outcome measurement (evaluation cycle).

In addition to national recognition and monetary support, award recipients must also conduct two additional workshops to disseminate program information at conferences and/or symposiums at the state, regional, and/or national level. These workshops enable 4-H’s most successful programs to share and promote best practices, furthering their reach. The remaining $2,500 will be distributed when the recipients have successfully conducted the required seminars and workshops and have turned in their document of best practices of the program and lessons learned in an educational format. The primary requirement of award recipients is to be available and willing to educate others about their successful programs.

Projects will be selected through a competitive process and must be based on scientific principles; meet the standards established by the 4-H Programs of Distinction (Visit http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm for full information.); have strong leadership support from paid and volunteer staff; incorporate youth-adult partnerships; and provide youth leadership opportunities.

The application form follows the standards outlined by the 4-H Programs of Distinction awards. In this initial year because the criteria used to select the NRCS awards is based upon the Programs of Distinction criteria, the three programs awarded the NRCS award will automatically become 4-H Programs of Distinction. However, the three recipients are required to submit the 4 H Programs of Distinction application after being selected.

To be eligible for awards, programs must address one of the following issues: water resources, soil resources, atmospheric resources, grazing land and forestry or wildlife habitat. Programs must demonstrate achievement of short and medium outcomes and impacts which lead to long term outcomes and impacts. They must support the uniqueness of the 4-H system including a connection with a land-grant university system and a youth/adult partnership in implementing the program. Only programs (Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff) that are authorized to use the 4-H Name and Emblem by National 4-H Headquarters at USDA are eligible to apply for this award.

Each project will be evaluated to help cultivate best practices for youth programs in science, engineering, and technology. These best practices and lessons learned will be shared throughout the system in an effort to continue to develop 4-H professionals in environmental education. The awards will ultimately assist in the development of a knowledge base for youth programs in science, engineering, and technology that will serve as a resource for professional development.

All applications must be signed by the state 4-H program leader and received at National 4-H Council by 5 p.m. on August 29, 2005. To obtain the application and information on the awards program, e-mail Sheila Chaconas, at schaconas@fourhcouncil.edu.
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4-H Youth Are Hard at Work for Fun at West Point
Written by Dr. Bruce Keith at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York

4-H means fun at West Point. But 4-H also refers to structured opportunities that allow members to enhance their intellectual development. During the past four years, 4-H members from West Point Youth Services Program at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, have learned about wood-working, stained glass, rocketry, aerospace and quilting. Many of these projects were designed within the club, either by adult leaders or youth themselves.

Beyond the design aspects of the projects, members have learned valuable skills that will aid them throughout their lives. Members have completed three wood-working projects in four years, including a tool box, bird house and bookends. While each of these projects was designed by an adult club leader, the members were able to modify the designs to reflect their own personal interests. These projects taught about distinctions between hard and soft woods, cutting procedures and tool use, sanding techniques, when and why to use sanding sealer and finishing techniques. Similarly, they completed three stained glass projects in four years. Initially these projects were designed by a club leader, but more recently, the members designed their projects on paper then cut glass themselves in a manner consistent with the design specifications. In addition to knowledge on glass-cutting techniques, the youth learned about solder, soldering irons and the use of foil edging. Rocketry and quilting taught them other valuable skills, including knowledge of rocket propellants and trajectories, as well as the selection of fabric, patterns and stitching techniques. The completion of each project required about 10-15 hours of individual work.

These projects teach youth values such as dedication, commitment, patience and attention to detail. Mistakes are learning experiences. As one adult leader always reminded the children, “The beauty of the individual project is to be found in its imperfections.” While that may be true, our members have fared well in competitive contests. During the past four years, club members have shown collectively upwards of 80 projects at the county fair and 20 at the New York State Fair, resulting in many blue ribbons and considerable recognition at both levels of competition. More important than the ribbon is the increased confidence and self-esteem evident in the children that has developed along with the recognition.

4-H also means opportunities for communication. Participation at public presentations at the county and district levels is encouraged but not required; nonetheless, every club member is asked to select a date during the year when he or she conveys information on a topic of interest to other club members in a formal presentation style. Following the presentations, club members discuss openly what they liked and didn’t like about the presentation. This affords club members an opportunity to understand the elements of a good presentation, improve their communication styles and build confidence.

Members of the club have also participated in the New York 4-H/Japanese Exchange Program by hosting students from Japan for four-week stays during the summer. One of our club members even traveled to Japan as an American delegate. Additionally, 4-H members and their families throughout the eastern and central counties of New York have provided enthusiastic support for this program during the past four years. Since 2001, New York families have hosted 35 Japanese students while five 4-Hers have immersed themselves in the Japanese culture. This experience provides children with long-lasting international experiences while developing their global awareness, self-confidence and communication skills.

A recent entrant into the West Point 4-H family is the horse club. While this club has only been operating a few months, nearly 20 members participate regularly in horsemanship. The club focuses on helping the youth improve their knowledge and awareness of horses and supports them in their riding goals. Some of the members are advanced riders who have competed previously; others are beginners with a passion to compete. We are expecting this club to produce values and outcomes comparable to the traditional club.

We are having fun in 4-H at West Point. And along the way, we are learning many valuable skills and values that will carry each of us further in our various endeavors.

A 4-H member takes her horse on a stroll during her West Point 4-H club time.
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Highlighting Today’s 4-H: Making Quilts Give 4-H Members More than Just Sewing Skills

Below is a letter written by 4-H Member, Kristin Bechstein. She is a member of the Wood County, Ohio 4-H Program. Her club’s quilts will be on display at the Wood County 4-H Fair from August 2-8, 2005.

4-H is a wonderful opportunity that everyone should be able to experience. I have been involved with Wood County 4-H for eight remarkable years. In those eight years, I have experienced many new things and I have had the chance to become a better person because of 4-H. My advisors have always encouraged me to get involved and challenge myself in many ways, whether it be taking another project or taking charge of the club booth at the fair. 4-H has helped me learn numerous things from doing laundry to public speaking to being a better leader. I keep pretty busy as a member of two 4-H clubs—the Wood County Junior Fair Board and the Food, Fashion and Family Board—and Junior Leadership, but I enjoy every minute of it.

Out of my last eight years in 4-H, the one thing that has been the most self-satisfying is making quilts to donate to the patients of the Northwest Ohio Hospice Center. I decided to get involved with this service project because helping other people gives me a great sense of accomplishment, and I know that the recipients and their family would treasure the quilt that I made. After receiving a grant from the Ohio 4-H Foundation and having the fabric donated to us by a 4-H mom, the county extension office set up the program which they offered to all 4-H members. Quilting was fairly new to me, as well as many of the other members, when we started this project. We have all been learning new things and the Wood County master clothing volunteers have helped us along the way. One highlight of this project was our appearance on a kids’ TV show called “ZOOM.” On “ZOOM,” we were featured in a segment called “Zoom into Action” that features people and organizations that are benefiting their community with a service project. It was very exciting for us to get the chance to be featured on this show. Making these quilts has helped me meet new people and realize that learning a new skill not only benefits me but also other people. When we are done, we will be able to donate 25 quilts to the hospice center.

In the next few years of my 4-H career I would love to make this an annual project and get many more people involved. This involvement would make it possible for more people to receive quilts and allow them to have something to help them through their stay at the hospice centers.

Learn more about 4-H today where young people across America are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills, visit www.4husa.org.

Sisters Erin and Kristin Bechstein work on their hospice quilts.
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South Dakota Hosting National 4-H Camping Institute

South Dakota, home of Mt. Rushmore, is excited to be the host for the 2006 National 4-H Camping Institute. Plans are underway to make sure all attendees have a Monumental Experience. The National 4-H Camping Institute will be held February 17-21, 2006 at the Cedar Canyon Wesleyan Camp in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills.

At this time, South Dakota 4-H is looking for workshop proposals from individuals interested in sharing their camping knowledge with the camping enthusiasts attending. Please take the time to visit the South Dakota 4-H Website at http://4h.sdstate.edu and go to the National Camping Institute link to fill out the call for proposals and return it to the address on the form.

For more information contact LaDonna McKnight at 605-673-4971 or mcknight.ladonna@ces.sdstate.edu. South Dakota is looking forward to seeing you in the beautiful Black Hills in February!
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NFL Wristbands Benefit JCPenney Afterschool Fund

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL? What better way to show your spirit than to sport your favorite NFL team's official wrist bands during the upcoming season? JCPenney is the exclusive retailer of the official NFL wrist bands that are sure to be the hit of the summer. Each set sells for $2.99 and includes two wrist bands in the team's home and away colors. All net profits from the sale of the wrist bands and NFL royalties go to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, which provides support to after-school programs such as 4-H Afterschool.

JCPenney also has a special opportunity for kids between the ages of 6-13. This summer the Take A Player To School Sweepstakes presented by the NFL and JCPenney Afterschool will give 33 lucky kids the chance to take an NFL player to school! The sweepstakes kicks off in JCPenney Stores across the nation on July 24 and will run through September 22. To enter the Take A Player To School Sweepstakes, visit any JCPenney Store or log onto www.NFLyouthfootball.com for a complete set of rules.
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4-H in the Headlines:

This Edition's Top 4-H Headlines

As always, young people in 4-H are making headlines in newspapers across the country! Check out 4HUSA.org to read the following stories and more!
California: White Turkey Shines
Georgia: Operation 4-H: Helping kids cope with soldier-parents’ absence
Indiana: County fair still belongs to the kids
Montana: 4-H youth pop the top on community service
New Jersey: Russian counselors teach ... and learn
Pennsylvania: 4-H “Walkin’ the Dog” Program Raises $75,000 For Charities
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Resources and Opportunities:

The Pew Charitable Trusts Announce 35 New Grants

The Pew Charitable Trusts serves the public interest by providing information, advancing policy solutions and supporting civic life. Based in Philadelphia, with an office in Washington, DC, the Trusts will invest $204 million in fiscal year 2006 to provide organizations and citizens with fact-based research and practical solutions for challenging issues. The Pew Charitable Trusts recently announced that they are offering 35 new grants. For more information on these grants, click here.
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National Service-Learning Conference Call for Presenters

The 17th annual National Service-Learning Conference is happening March 22-25, 2006. It will be held in Philadelphia, PA, with more than 2,700 youth from more than 40 countries. The conference aims to connect young participants with leaders from service-learning areas through interactive workshops and other hands-on activities and events.

The theme of the Conference is “We, the People…” The National Youth Leadership Council is looking for proposals for workshops that deal with creative ideas for service-learning and education. The proposals must fall into one of the three categories: sharing our knowledge, creating new insights and strengthening the movement. All proposals are due by September 26, 2005. To find out more on the guidelines, rules and mailing address call 1-800-366-6952 or visit www.nylc.org.
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“Helping Hands for America’s Lands”

The 12th annual National Public Lands Day—the biggest hands-on volunteer effort devoted to enhancing public lands across the country—is September 24, 2005.

For every three acres of land in the United States, there is one acre of public land or more than 600 million acres of land enjoyed by the public. That’s why National Public Lands Day is geared towards cleaning and beautifying this land. Volunteers in the past have cleaned up areas cluttered with trash, created hiking and walking trails, built bridges and planted trees. These efforts have helped to improve and protect our beautiful natural resources and the wildlife that inhabits these areas.

In addition to helping to preserve and enhance our nation’s land in September, the 4th annual photo contest is open to all volunteers. Take pictures of other volunteers and the land you are working to further beautify to show what the experience means to you! The contest has two age groups: Group A is 17 and younger and Group B is 18 and above. All photographs taken need to be postmarked by November 1.

Visit www.publiclandsday.org to get involved in National Public Lands Day and the photography contest.
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ASI 2005 Photo Contest

The American Sheep Industry Association is conducting a photography contest open to anyone who wishes to submit pictures. The photograph should be of sheep or goats, and are further split into four categories: action – activities such as feeding, showing, sheering and other types of sheep or goat related actions; scenic – pictures of these animals without any people in it; people and sheep – photos with people with sheep or goats; and an open category – any subject matter that does not fit in the other groups. The photographs will be judged based on “clarity, composition, content and appeal.”

All pictures need to be submitted by August 8, 2005. An award of $1,000 will be given to the winners in each of the four categories. Grand prize winners will receive $125; first runners-up are awarded $75 and second runners-up get $50.

To find out more about the contest rules and how to summit your photographs, visit www.sheepusa.org.
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