Focus on Youth

News for OCES staff working with youth.

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

oklahoma4h.okstate.edu

April, 2006

The lack of rain and the hot dry winds remind us that it will soon be time for Roundup, camps and the many other events of the summer!   It seems like just last week we were preparing for the spring livestock shows! 

We know that there are no slow times of year for our Extension staff, so once again I want to tell you how valuable you are in helping develop leaders of today and the future.  We were very impressed by the youth who attended 4-H Day at the Capitol.  They represented the 4-H program well and did a great job of meeting their local legislators and sharing the value of 4-H to them personally.  Please encourage them to follow up with notes of thanks to their legislators and to those who helped make the day possible.

Roundup will soon be here, and we want to see as many eligible youth as possible attend.  As you select your delegates, please try to include every teen who meets the age/grade requirements that you possibly can.  We would love to see this event continue to grow and to involve as many youth from as many walks of life as possible.

The University will be asking us to all develop some plans for increased diversity, and obviously Roundup would be a good place to see this diversity in 4-H.  I know you are trying to do this, and I commend you for your efforts!

Keep up the great work that you do!

Sincerely,

Charles Cox

Teen volunteers needed at Sam Noble Museum of Natural History

Teens with an interest in natural history can make the most of their summer by applying for the teen volunteer program at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. The program provides an opportunity for teens to learn about the work of the museum, get a more thorough understanding of Oklahoma's history and ecology, and receive valuable experience working with the public in the museum's galleries and Discovery Room. This year's Teen Volunteers also will have an opportunity to work in the special exhibition "A T. rex Named Sue." Applications are now being accepted for this summer. The six-week program is open to teens ages 13 to15 who have completed sixth grade. Training will begin on June 5. The Teen Volunteer program is sponsored by The Robert S. and Eloise C. Bowers Foundation.

The teen volunteer training program will provide general information in areas of paleontology, ecology and Oklahoma's Native American heritage. It will prepare teens to work in the Discovery Room and operate the museum "Gallery Carts," which feature hands-on informational activities for museum visitors. Teen volunteers also will have an opportunity to learn about behind-the-scenes work in the museum's collections and laboratories. The training will take place from 10 a.m. to noon each day from June 5 through 9. After training is complete, the teen volunteers will be expected to serve a minimum of 5 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday, from June 12 through July 14. Teen volunteers who wish to continue volunteering in the museum after the program finishes can apply for approval to do so.

Teens interested in applying for the program can contact the volunteer office at 325-1652 to request an application form.  Applicants will be interviewed by museum staff members, and 20 applicants will be accepted. Applications are due in the volunteer office by May 1.

Speak up and take the National 4-H Technology Survey

National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters want to know what you think about technology and how you use technology in 4-H. Your ideas and opinions will help the national leadership of 4-H to improve the technology resources that they provide to the 4-H community. It’s your chance to speak up and tell National 4-H Headquarters and National 4-H Council what you're looking for!

The survey is open to 4-H members of all ages, including youth, volunteers, and staff! The results will help National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters to make critical decisions about their future use of technology to enhance the 4-H experience.

Complete your survey today!

www.4-Hsurvey.com

New computer curriculum

The revised version of the CCS computer curriculum, Computer Power Unlimited is seeking programs to pilot the revised curriculum this spring. 

If you are interested in serving as a pilot site, please contact Mike Wallace at Washington State University Extension --- mwallace@co.skagit.wa.us

Thanks for any support you can provide in the updating and enhancing of technology curriculum in 4-H!!

Jeff Sallee

National Technology Conference

This summer we are planning to attend the National Technology Conference. See the attached promotional flyer. Currently, we are planning to attend the conference and the post GIS conference. The plan is to take a van this will limit us to 8 youth and 2 adults. The day following the conference will offer two opportunities to attend technology post-conferences. I will be assisting with a post conference about GPS/GIS. If our youth choose this conference they will have the opportunity to teach youth from across the nation. A second post conference opportunity will also be available; this conference is about computer labs. The price will be $300 for the conference, $100 for the post conference and $50 for the van. If you have youth who are interested in attending please let me know. I will need them to submit a one page essay describing what they would like to do with the information once they return from the conference. They will have a choice of 15 science and technology tracks to attend (see workshop descriptions) plus the GIS post conference. If you are interested in attending call or send an email.

Jeff Sallee

NASA rolls out new "Kids Club"

NASA has created a new online ‘Kids' Club’ serving up games, activities and plenty of action for future explorers. The new site will feature animated, colorful, entertaining and educational activities for children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Interactive games include exploring and learning about space, building and launching rockets, exploring Mars, keeping airplanes on schedule and helping a comet travel through the solar system. The site is located on the Web at: www.nasa.gov/kidsclub

The Kids’ Club site serves a dual purpose. Children can play the games at home for their pure entertainment value. Educators can use the activities as a fun way to reach students in the classroom, the library, during after school programs or anywhere children and computers are together.

NASA’s education programs motivate and engage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The programs support activities in the nation’s schools and distribute information through instructional and outreach products. For information about other NASA education programs on the Web, visit: www.education.nasa.gov

Jeff Sallee

"Retro-Poncho" pattern available

A new “practice” project has been added to the Fabric and Fashion Project.  The 1970’s Poncho Pattern used in the 4-H clothing project has been revised.  This project sheet is intended for teaching subject matter and developing skills.  It can be used by an individual or as a sewing class project.

There will not be a “Poncho” category as a State Fair exhibit.  If a 4-H member wants to exhibit their poncho, they will need to locate an appropriate category or possibly enter it in open class youth.

Karla Knoepfli

A Bag of Tricks in 2006

The State 4-H Volunteer Conference program and enrollment form are now posted at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/volun/eduopp.htm.

The early bird enrollment fee of $30 and enrollment form are due on or before July 1.  The fee includes the Awards luncheon, breaks, facility fees and materials.  Any enrollment fees and forms not postmarked by July 1 will be responsible for the full enrollment fee of $40.  Charter Club leaders will be receiving a copy of the conference schedule and an enrollment form by mail.

The 4-H Volunteer Leadership Board welcomes you to take part in the 2006 State Leadership Development Conference in July.   The conference gives you an opportunity to continue your education as a 4-H Volunteer.  It is important as we work with our young people and promote 4-H, that we have the knowledge and skills to direct the youth and help develop confidence in them self.

Our conference theme this year is "Bag of Tricks in 2006".  We hope the workshops provide you with several "Tricks" to take back to your county and clubs.  We have attempted to provide workshops for the first time volunteer, as well as the Extension educator and veteran volunteers who already possess a Bags of Tricks of their own.

During the Saturday luncheon we will recognize volunteers who have been selected by their county for Volunteer of the Year and Life-Time Service awards.  

Have a great time learning, sharing, making new friends, and having fun.  I am confident you will find the time well spent.  I look forward to seeing you in Stillwater, July 22, 2006, where you will surely bring home a "Bag of Tricks".

Lola Thompson, State 4-H Volunteer Board President

4-H Publications

Nos.607 & 158--Progressive Horse Skills Ldr & Dairy Goat Member Manual are available to order by phone 744-8887 or email <Rosalyn.Weston@okstate.edu> at no charge.

Langston University Coop Ext 4-H also has several goat fact sheets by phone (405)466-3836-ext.14 or emailing: <dwilson@luressext.com>

Nos. 728 & 729—Swine Breeds & Dairy Breeds Wall Posters ($2.00 ea.) are available by calling 744-8887.  These wall posters are very informative as a school enrichment project and in county and state arenas for contests.  Beef Breeds are accessible on the 4-H website link by opening OSU Ani Sci —this link provides a complete history with each breed.

Nos. 60 & 355—Exhibit Stall Cards and Pigeon Manuals are shelved and available to order at no charge.  The exhibit stall card contains exhibitor name and county on stall for fairs and other events.  The pigeon manual contains historical information, caring for, showing, racing, and keeping production records & other records on domesticated pigeons.

No. 609—Basic Swine Project Manual ($1.00 ea.) is an excellent manual for young 4-Hers starting a swine project.  The manual contains information on history, preparing, selecting, caring, showing, farrowing, health, and swine glossary. This manual is easy to read plus has diagrams & graphics.

Oklahoma Counties can obtain all material in 4-H projects for county and state fairs on 4-H website, POD/OSUExtra, & small quantity of shelved manuals.  At this time, please call 744-8887 for events, activities, and contest cards shelved at University Mailing Services unless otherwise noted in the Jan-June, 2006 literature order form. Another updated order form will be sent to counties/districts July, 2006. Gradually more literature and event supplies will be accessible on the 4-H website.

Currently on 4-H website are the:  Policy & Procedure FS, 4-H Enrollment Card, Team Certification Form, Cloverbud Enrollment card, Introduction & History to 4-H “Friends”, Civil Rights Card & Charter, Leadership Development (President’s Guidelines w/officer guide information along with parliamentary procedures), Secretary, Treasurer’s Record Books, Herbarium, Wildlife Food & Cover, Wildflower, Horticulture ID cards, Geology Labels, Self-Determined Wildlife Exhibit Guidelines for fairs (ldrs. & members), Oklahoma Report Form, Key Club Application, 4-H Participation Certificates (members & ldrs), 

Gradually more literature will be available (ex. Personal Development Manuals, traditional 4-H County Project Report Form, 4-H Dog material). Please be sure to take time to access and bookmark all the information available now and in the future, including links and other sites, through the 4-H website and POD/OSUExtra.

Rosalyn Weston, (405)744-8887, FAX: (405)744-6522