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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. March, 2006 Dear Extension Educators,
What a busy time of year you are experiencing! I know that many of you have been very actively involved in youth livestock activities and many other county contests. Hats off to each of you for providing leadership and support to very visible and important 4-H activities in your counties. Youth livestock continues to be highly valued by many of our clientele groups, and this project has tremendous teaching and learning potential – to teach good things and bad. Unfortunately this spring there has been a great deal of rumor and valid concern about ethics in showing livestock. To this end, Rusty is working to form some new committees and work groups to address some of the issues we have been, and will be facing in youth livestock projects and the potential impact on the red meat industry. As he seeks volunteers to serve on various committees or as he asks for input, please share your thoughts and lend your support! Thanks go to the many of you who have responded to my recent inquiry about the 4HCCS. We do not have any surplus funds to use to buy into this system, as we have received no printing dollars the past two years. However, I do plan to use your comments as partial justification for seeking new funds and staff support for curriculum development. As we work to provide you with more resources and better materials, you will also have to be committed to sharing them with your volunteers, parents and members. Even the very best material is useless if it is not used and marketed. That will be up to you. I know you are up to the challenge! Recently the technology team has begun conducting “Cooperative Conversations” on Friday mornings. These will be good tools for sharing information and ideas while also getting your input. We will send out notices via e-mail when there will be special 4-H session on Centra Symposia so you can participate. Please test this system as you have time to do so, as it will be used more in the future for CES meetings and in-service training, thus saving your precious travel dollars. Again, thanks for all of your hard work. You are making a difference in the lives of youth everyday! Sincerely,
Charles Cox Interim Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development
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2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards - Oklahoma Honorees and Distinguished FinalistsOne high school student and one middle-level student in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia were recently named state honorees in the 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. These honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C., in May, 2006, for four days of recognition events. Kylie Stowers, a 4-H member from Norman was one of the two Oklahoma winners. Another 4-H member, Matthew Taylor of Ada, was recognized as a Distinguished Finalist. Kenna Baker of El Reno, and Dustin Green of Holdenville received Certificates of Excellence. Kylie, 14, a member of the Cleveland County 4-H and an eighth-grader at Noble Middle School in Noble, taught approximately 150 children to avoid the temptation of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, as an instructor in the "4-H Life Rocks" program. “There is so much peer pressure on kids my age to start using drugs and alcohol just so you’ll be in the cool group,” said Kylie. “By getting involved in the "Life Rocks" program, I hope I can help other kids make healthy lifestyle choices that will be beneficial to them in the future.” Matthew, 15, a member of Pontotoc County 4-H and a sophomore at Ada High School, organized the cleanup and restoration of his town’s Glenwood Park to make it a safe place for children to play. Matthew obtained a grant for the project, promoted it throughout his community, recruited 82 volunteers, ordered supplies, and supervised the work. Other Oklahoma 4-H members who submitted applications included: Alana Duffle, Chickasha; Caitlin Hudson, OKC; Stacie Price, Altus; Makenna Rogers, McAlester; and Alea Sharp, Stillwater. |
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Southern Region Volunteer Leader Forum Workshop ProposalsSRVLF is soliciting workshop and funshop proposals for the 2006 conference. Rock Eagle will be held October 5-8, 2006, in Eatonton, Georgia. The “Request for Proposals” (RFP) is posted at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/volun/eduopp.htm. Workshop proposals are due by email on March 24, 2006, no later than 8 am. The mission of the Southern Region Volunteer Leader Forum is to increase the capacity of volunteer and salaried staff to contribute to the achievement of the mission of 4-H youth development and the Cooperative Extension system as a whole. The primary purpose of the forum is to educate and prepare participants to share what they learned back home. Participants benefit from the experiential learning activities which require them to discuss, use and apply what they learn. The ultimate application is for individuals and teams to teach others. SRVLF is an excellent opportunity to meet adult volunteers from 13 southern states, Puerto Rico, Grenada, and the Virgin Islands and to share our expertise across state lines. |
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Discovery Unlimited“Life Unlimited” is the message of Discovery Unlimited 2006. The objective of this year’s conference will be to focus programming on important life skills for young people, looking forward to travel opportunities and developing leadership capabilities. A conference schedule/flyer can be viewed and downloaded online. General information, registration materials and a letter for chaperones can be accessed from the Oklahoma 4-H web site under “ Event and Activities/Discovery Unlimited." Included within the general information is a web address for Saints Groves Camp, where directions to the camp can be obtained. The cost is $35 for each chaperone and delegate. The fee includes meals, lodging, T-shirt, educational materials and entertainment. There must be one adult chaperone for every five delegates, and the chaperone(s) must be certified 4-H Volunteers. A suggested deadline of March 20th is recommended for collecting fees and RAM/Code of Conduct form at the county level. County registration is due in the State 4-H office on or before March 27th. This deadline is firm, as adequate time is needed to notify counties who submit alternates. Each county is responsible for determining how their county delegates and alternates are selected. Please encourage your “tweeners” to attend "Discovery Unlimited" April 21 & 22 at Saints Groves Camp in Stillwater. It is critical that our organization focus on these young people if we intend to maintain enrollment and increase participation of the 13-19 year olds. 4-H members who were 11-12 years old as of January 1, 2006, are eligible to participate. Emily Gregory, Committee Chair |
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Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Volunteer AwardsEach county may submit one nominee for each of the two awards: Volunteer of the Year (less than 10 years of experience) and Lifetime Volunteer Awards (an accumulation of 10 or more years of experience). County’s nominee(s) will be recognized at the state awards luncheon on July 22nd as part of the State Leadership Development conference. The State Volunteer Board would like to have every county represented and honoring a volunteer. The application form and guidelines for 2006 District and State volunteer awards are available at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/awards/recogn.htm. As a reminder – section 2 of the application requires that the nominee write a simple essay addressing four different subjects. Please provide volunteers adequate time to prepare the essay. Applications for county nominees are due to district office by April 15th. |
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4-H Dime Drop Funds DueOn behalf of the State 4-H Officers, we thank Oklahoma 4-H for joining with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) to help build a house for a low-income family. The timeline for collecting money concludes May 7th, and funds need to be received in the state 4-H office by May 17th. Send one check or money order, payable to “4-H Dime Drop,” and mail to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. Our team looks forward to presenting Oklahoma 4-H’s contribution to HFH. Carrie Highfill, Service Project Chair and N.W. Dist. State Vice President |
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What on Earth? Objects ID Day at Sam Noble MuseumFrom 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 23, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is offering participants a chance to identify specimens and artifacts at "What on Earth? Objcects ID Day." This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the environment, wildlife, history and nature. See flyer for details. |
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National Technology ConferenceThis 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. I have submitted a proposal to teach a session during the post conference. If accepted this will give our youth a chance to teach to a group of 4-H members from across the nation. 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. |
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2006 Oklahoma State 4-H Horse Photography ContestThis contest is open to any Oklahoma 4-H member enrolled in any 4-H project area in his or her home county by May 1, 2006. Class age is determined as of January 1, 2006. Entry Deadline: All entries must be submitted to the Cotton County OSU Cooperative Extension Center office prior to May 26, 2006 (301 N. Broadway, Courthouse, Walters, OK 73572, Attn: Sandra Pinkerman). Entries may be mailed or delivered but must be in place by that date. All photographs will be available for release at 1 pm the last day of the State 4-H Horse Show or will be returned to the district 4-H program specialist after the show. Complete details are attached, along with a photo release form. Sam Pinkerman, State Horse Council |
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2006 Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp Applicants SoughtThe 50th Annual Oklahoma Youth Forestry & Wildlife Camp takes place June 5-10 at Oklahoma’s Beavers Bend State Park, and applications are being taken now. The camp is geared to youth, ages 11 (entering 6th grade) to 14 years old who enjoy learning in the outdoors and have expressed a desire to learn more about conservation, wildlife or forestry. Older youth may also have an opportunity to participate in the camp. Camp counselors ages 17 to 19 are being sought for the weeklong learning experience. Counselors should be mature, responsible young adults with an interest in outdoor careers such as forestry or wildlife and have the ability to guide younger youth throughout the camp. Camper and Camp Counselor applications will be accepted until April 1, 2006 and can be obtained by logging on to www.whatisforestry.org, or by calling (405) 522-6158. Camper applications must be accompanied by a letter of reference from a teacher, counselor, principal, or club leader that has personal knowledge of the camper’s interest and conduct. The registration fee for campers is $175 and covers all costs including meals, transportation at camp, field trips, and workshops. Gina Lagaly, (405) 823-0353m Fax: 1-800-866-7930
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Scholarships, Premium Money and Trophies/Plaques Up for Grabs for 4-H Youth Planting and Managing WheatThe
Oklahoma Junior 4-H Wheat Quality Improvement Program and Show is open
to all enrolled 4-H members who have planted five or more acres of any
variety of hard red or white winter wheat. Planting certified or registered
seed is recommended. Entry
forms and details are attached.
The eight top winners will share $8000 in scholarships. The top 25 entries
share over $1000 in additional premium money, based on their visual and
baking placing. |
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Last Call for Ambassador ApplicationsAll new ambassador applications must be postmarked by March 21st. If you are assisting any potential ambassadors, please make sure they are using the newest application forms. Forms are available on the state 4-H web site, under the Leadership tab and then the Ambassador tab. All application materials must be mailed to Barbara Hatfield. You can tell you have the right application packet if it has Barbara’s mailing address on it. Please let me know if you have any questions about this year’s application process. |
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4-H PublicationsOklahoma counties and districts received two light green copies through pouch mail of the Oklahoma 4-H County Publication and Website Form (Jan 1, 2006, through June 30, 2006). This form provides counties information on literature available to order stored on the University Mailing shelf, what is available on the 4-H website, and what is available through POD. This form will be updated July, 2006. Most items on the shelf are available to counties only as supply is limited. The counties can then distribute to county entities. Prices have been lowered on several projects. No. 104—County Project Report Form (counties can develop own form) will be on the 4-H website “Literature Online” as soon as possible. Some counties like the traditional form and a small supply is shelved. At this time, a few forms can be mailed per request and counties just duplicate per need. Also, counties can add the traditional form on their county website and/or link traditional form to 4-H website No. 117—Animal Science Volunteer Ldr Manual CD can be ordered at no cost to Oklahoma Counties. This CD has information on Animal Science plus Sheep manual prepared by Iowa Cooperative 4-H. No. 424—Let’s Compare Dairy Goats & Cows FS is available on POD and 4-H Literature Online “Dairy Projects”. Nos. 540, 545—Breeds of Horse Quiz Gram, and Breeds of Swine Quiz Gram Fact Sheets are available on POD and 4-H website “Literature Online.” These fact sheets are very popular with 4-Hers in learning the different breeds. Communication Tips and Topics (Beg, Adv.) on public speaking and demonstration ideas are available on 4-H website Literature Online by opening “Briefs Project.” Rosalyn Weston, (405)744-8887, FAX: (405)744-6522 |
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