Focus on Youth

News for OCES staff working with youth.

oklahoma4h.okstate.edu

April, 2011

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

Table of Contents

• Roundup 2011

• Roundup Workshops Needed

• STEM Institute

• Applications Now Accepted for Free Summer Academies on College Campuses

• FilmFest 4-H

• PBS SciGirls

• Vote for your favorite 4-H Robotics Video!

• Discovery Unlimited - 4-H in the Key...Unlock your potential!

• State Parent-Volunteer Conference

• Scholarships - 4-H Parent-Volunteer Conference

• Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Volunteer Awards - Due April 15th

• National Volunteer Week

• 4-H - It's a Natural

• OSU Green Hats

Clover Corner News

Roundup Workshops Needed

The Roundup committee is looking for quality, hands-on workshops for 4-H Roundup. Workshops are needed on both July 27th and 28th in the afternoon. (See application for times.) Our goal is to offer the highest quality educational program possible. We are looking for persons to present educational workshops to youth, ages 13-19. The workshops need to be hands-on, motivational, upbeat and age-appropriate.

Attached is a workshop application form. Please consider teaching one, or if you know of someone who does a quality workshop, please forward the form to them. Or send me their contact information and I will try to recruit them. Suggestions for workshops are greatly appreciated.

Tracy Beck

STEM Institute

This summer you have an exciting opportunity to incorporate science and technology into community service. This year's institute will include tracks on precision agriculture, iGreen (environmental and water conservation), alternative energy, digital photography, videography, robotics, as well as Geospatial Technology.

The institute will be held June 1-2, here at OSU. Cost varies, depending on the options you select - $25 if you stay off campus, or $60 if you stay in the dorm suites.

I will be looking for teams of youth and adults willing to partner and address a community need or increase awareness of a community issue, using technology. The steps in this program are simple:

• Find a group of teenage youth interested in community issues.
• Attend the institute.
• Let them select a project.
• Learn about the issue by partnering with a local organization.
• Create a project using technology, a video, a series of photos, or a group of maps that will teach others what you have learned.
• Present some educational programs to the public, 4-H clubs, or anyone showing what you have discovered.
• Include the technology/media in all you do. They will be interested.

If you explore Lego Robotics you will return home to start a robotics club to compete in the Lego Robotics competition (small robots, not the big ones), then present educational programs about what you have learned.

Attached is the registration form and a flyer for your use.

Contact me if you have questions.

Jeff Sallee

Applications Now Accepted for Free Summer Academies on College Campuses

Middle and high school students can spend time at an Oklahoma college or university this summer and experience life on campus while discovering the worlds of aeronautics, engineering, environmental conservation, forensic science and much more at the free 2011 Summer Academies in Math, Science and Technology. Academy descriptions and contact information are available at www.okhighered.org/summer-academies. Students can also get information from their school counselors or by calling (800) 858-1840.

Cameron University, Lawton

• Science Detectives Summer Academy, May 31-June 4 (Grades 9-10)
• NanoExplorers: A High School Summer Science Academy, June 12-24 (Grades 10-12)

East Central University

• Coding Theory, Competitive Strategies, Risk Analysis and Other Mathematical Pursuits, June 6-10 (Grades 10-11)

Langston University, Langston

• An Intensive Academy in Math, Science, and Technology for Grades 10-12, June 5-18 (Grades 10-12)

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Miami

• Valuing Tradition: Applying Indigenous Stewardship in Ecology, June 21-25 (Grades 9-12)

Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow

• Get Green for Blue: Outdoor Investigations to Connect Water to You, June 6-10 (Grades 8-10)
• Science at the Zoo, June 20-24 (Grades 8-10)

Northern Oklahoma College, Enid

• CSI: Northern Summer Academy, July 11-14 (Grades 9-12)

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

• Exploring Quantitative Analysis: A Basic Introduction, June 5-18 (Grades 9-10)
• Camp T.U.R.F. (Tomorrow's Undergraduates Realizing the Future), June 12-24 (Grades 10-12)
• Fired-Up About Research Science and Engineering, July 17-22 (Grades 10-12)
• Smart Cars Summer Academy, July 10-15 (Grades 11-12)

Oral Roberts University, Tulsa

• A Hands-On Program in Mathematics and Science, June 20-24 (Grades 8-9)

Seminole State College

• Peek Into Engineering (PIE), July 24-29 (Grades 9-12)

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford

• SSMA: Summer Science and Mathematics Academy at SWOSU, July 11-22 (Grades 11-12)

Tulsa Community College

• Math and Science in Health (MASH), Session I: June 13-17, Session II:  June 20-24 (Grades 10-12)

University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond

• Exploring Chemistry, Session I: June 6-10, Session II: June 13-17 (Grades 9-11)

University of Oklahoma, Biological Station at Lake Texoma

• Field Studies in Multidisciplinary Biology, Session I: June 5-17, Session II:  June 19-July 1 (Grades 9-12)

University of Oklahoma, Norman

• Sky High: An Exploration of Aeronautics From the Basics and Beyond, July 18-29 (Grades 8-9)
• Going Green: Partnering Five Architecture Disciplines, June 26-July 1 (Grades 11-12)
• Bridges to College Math, Science and Engineering, Session I: July 17-22, Session II: July 24-29 (Grades 11-12)

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City

• Exploring Math and Science Academy (EMSA) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), June 6-17 (Grade 9)

The University of Tulsa

• Summer Engineering Academy at The University of Tulsa for Precollege Students, June 20-24 (Grades 8-11)

View entire release at http://www.okhighered.org/news-center/summer-academies-2011.shtml  

Jeff Sallee

FilmFest 4-H

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This is a great opportunity for anyone, ages 11-18, interested in learning, having fun and networking with others who share their interest in the film industry. Filmmakers may submit their work to be considered for screening, while others may come just to rub elbows with professionals in the industry and learn exciting new things. Four-H professionals and volunteers may decide to attend for many of the same reasons, and families may wish to take advantage of the conference rates to enjoy a great vacation!

WHAT WILL WE DO THERE?

Registered festivalgoers will be free to take in film screenings, attend the professional workshops, network with other youth/professionals who share their filmmaking interests, and enjoy the attractions of Branson at their own pace. A FilmFest 4-H itinerary and schedule of opportunities will be available prior to the event, along with information and discount coupons for area attractions.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

• Film Submissions: The submission form has been posted to the website in fillable pdf format, at http://4h.missouri.edu/go/events/filmfest/submissions.htm.  As indicated on the web site, early submission deadline is April 1, and anyone submitting a film by April 1 may do so with no submission fee! The final deadline for film submissions is June 1, and the submission fee is $15.

• Registration Fee: The registration fee for FilmFest 4-H is being held to $66 for 4-H members in honor of Route 66 which stretches through many of our states. This fee will include an event pass to all FilmFest workshops and events, along with some special discounts to area attractions that the whole family can enjoy. The registration fee for non-4-H'ers is $76, with the additional $10 applied to their home state's 4-H registration fee, should they wish to join.

• Lodging: The Stone Castle Hotel will be offering a FilmFest lodging rate of under $100 per room. As policies vary from state to state, festivalgoers will arrange their own lodging. The final room rates and other details will be worked out in the next two weeks. Once the rate is announced, groups may book their lodging by calling 1-800-677-6906 or visiting http://www.bransonsettleinn.com/. The Stone Castle Hotel is just down the road from the Presley Theatre, in close proximity to several entertainment options, and has a variety of room types to fit several different group sizes!

   Stone Castle Hotel

• Venue: Our film screening venue will be the inimitable Presley Theatre, just down the road from the Stone Castle Inn. Made available to us by Mayor Presley herself, this venue was the original country music theatre in Branson over 40 years ago. Once an isolated stretch of asphalt, the area is now a glittering mecca of entertainment that FilmFest attendees will have fun exploring.

Let us know of your interest. We could put together a group to travel.

Jeff Sallee

PBS SciGirls

The purpose of PBS SciGirls television show is to change the way girls (upper elementary and middle school age) think about STEM.

• SciGirls has a social network website, where kids can upload science and engineering projects they've worked on.
• SciGirls offers several "Outreach Activities," such as:
  • SciGirl 7 (20 page booklet), which teaches how to engage girls in stem
  • Four Activity Guides featuring engineering, technology, going green and living healthy topics. These guides are accessible via www.pbs.org/teachers/scigirls
  • "Brain STEM," a board game that is great for after school programs
  • Resources in Spanish, such as booklets, handouts, etc.

Trainings on Gender Equity and Hands-on-Science are free of charge. The funding for these trainings end in early October for rural communities.

For more information, please contact Lisa at  lregalla@tpt.org

Jeff Sallee

Vote for your favorite 4-H Robotics Video!

Visit the 4-H Robotics Contest page . The video submissions will be put to a community vote on the 4-H Facebook page, and the club/team with the most votes will receive $1,000, with second and third prize winners each receiving $500.

For National 4-H Council's 4-H Robotics Contest Official Rules visit: http://www.4-h.org/4-h-robotics-video-contest/

Jeff Sallee

Discovery Unlimited - 4-H in the Key...Unlock your potential!

DU is May 20-21, 2011, at Jacob's Ladder, near Chandler. The purpose of Discover Unlimited is to help retain the membership of our "tweeners" in the Oklahoma 4-H program. Registration will be $35 and will include housing, food, educational supplies and a T-shirt. All youth must register through their county Extension offices - no exceptions.

County registration and ALL health forms are due to the state office on or before April 13. No exceptions.

Conference information, forms, and art are posted at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/discovery.htm.

Friday evening's speaker is Jered Davidson, 2005 State President. Workshops will include "4-H: Rockin' Your Health;" "Travels Make for Friendships;" and "4-H Projects can Broaden Life's Experiences."

Karla Knoepfli

State Parent-Volunteer Conference

"4-H: The Green Promise" is the theme of the 2011 State Parent-Volunteer Conference. The conference is scheduled for July 9, in Stillwater. The conference objectives are: "Educate" Through project work we teach youth how to think rather than what to think. How are we preparing youth to understand that there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer but choices to be made based on known and unknown factors? "Create" Creativity is the production of original ideas that are made useful. How are we training youth to generate ideas and develop creative solutions through project work? "Innovate" Innovation is the successful combination of new useful ideas. What opportunities are we providing youth to demonstrate their mastery of problem solving? The early bird enrollment fee of $30 and enrollment form are due on or before June 17. Anyone sending enrollment postmarked after June 17th will be responsible for the full enrollment fee of $40. Conference registration and program will be posted May 1 at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/volun/eduopp.htm. During the luncheon, Oklahoma 4-H will recognize volunteers who have been selected by their counties for Volunteer of the Year and Life-Time Service awards and will announce the district and state award recipients. The conference will include door prizes, as well as a silent and live auction. Proceeds from the live auction will go towards the endowment of a Volunteer Development Scholarship with the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. Conference Service Project - 1000 Steps for a Cure for Cancer. Per each $1 donation an individual's name will be placed on "one" foot/step closer to a cure. All funds raised will stay in Oklahoma. Donna Dollins, State Volunteer Board President

Scholarships - 4-H Parent-Volunteer Conference

Oklahoma 4-H received a grant from National 4-H Council, in partnership with Monsanto, to underwrite our State Parent-Volunteer Conference for a fourth year.

"Four-H is supported nationwide by a dedicated network of volunteers who know the value of strong, positive youth development. Partners like Monsanto make it possible for 4-H to continue to build and sustain our volunteer base and ensure that even more youth enjoy fulfilling 4-H experiences," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and chief executive officer, National 4-H Council.

"Monsanto has a long-standing tradition of providing support for 4-H," noted Jim Tobin, director, biotech business development, Monsanto, who presented the $500,000 training award to 4-H. "Many company employees were 4-H member, and tell us that they credit 4-H for many of the skills they use today to do their jobs - a real credit to the 4-H volunteer leaders who assisted them in their learning process."

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For additional information, please visit www.monsanto.com.

Our funding will be used for Langston University and Oklahoma State University to enhance our volunteer certification process by encouraging new volunteers to attend the conference. Up to 100 $30 scholarships would be awarded to "certified 4-H adult volunteers" applying to attend the conference for the first time.

To be eligible for the scholarships the volunteers must already be certified - paper work, screening and orientation completed prior to making application. The volunteer must complete the scholarship form and have it signed by the county educator/university representative prior to submitting the scholarship application. Scholarships will be dated as they are received in the state 4-H office.

If awarded a scholarship the volunteer is expected to do a presentation at their local club for parents/volunteers or at a county Parent-Volunteer Association meeting. Scholarships will not be awarded in counties where the 2010 reporting process was not fulfilled.

County educators please be sure volunteers making application are committed to attending and returning home to share their experiences. We want all scholarships to be used the day of the conference. Anyone who chooses not to make use of his/her scholarship will need to notify the state office one week prior to the conference so alternates can be notified.

Karla Knoepfli

Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Volunteer Awards - Due April 15th

Additional Information in November 2009 and February 2010 Focus on YOUth

The application form and guidelines for 2011 District and State volunteer awards are available at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/awards/recogn.htm .

Nominations submitted to the district 4-H office must be received electronically no later than 5 pm on or before April 15, 2011. A nomination includes: volunteer's vita/resume, three letters of recommendations and an electronic photograph.

SPECIAL NOTE - The 2011 selection committee asked that the following be shared with county educators - "Please do not complete the vita for the volunteer. It is obvious when it is and is not the work of the individual. The information on the Vita needs to be thoughts, philosophy and words of the volunteer."  For those counties nominating a modest or humble volunteer who will not "toot their own horn," it is suggested that you work one-on-one with the individual to record answers for each question on the vita.

Karla Knoepfli

National Volunteer Week

For more than two decades, Points of Light Institute has equipped nonprofit organizations to celebrate National Volunteer Week, providing visibility, thematic focus and resources to enable them to commemorate this signature week of volunteer recognition.

Through programs such as the President's Volunteer Service Award, Daily Point of Light Award and the Extra Mile - Points of Light Volunteer Pathway, Points of Light Institute recognizes volunteers and the tremendous impact they are making on our country's most critical challenges year-round.

• To learn more about these recognition programs and how to nominate volunteers for awards, click here.
• To tell us about the impact volunteers are having in your community or through your organization, click here.

http://www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/signatureevents/nvw

Karla Knoepfli

The Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Forum will be held October 6-9, 2011, at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, just outside Little Rock. In keeping with the conference theme, we are seeking workshops and funshops which focus on "4-H: It's a Natural."  It's a Natural could include positive youth development, resilient youth, stronger families, etc. 
Volunteers and Extension Educators are needed to instruct workshops which will enhance the volunteer's skills for guiding youth in individual project areas or in the development of Generosity, Mastery, Independence and Belonging through the national initiatives of Science, Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Citizenship.

Forum focus areas: 1) Healthy Living, 2) Science, Engineering and Technology; 3) Environmental/Outdoors and 4) Youth Development.
The proposal and instructions can be downloaded at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/volun/eduopp.htm. The forum does not provide any funding for travel or registration, for presenters. Applications are due May 6.

Karla Knoepfli

OSU Green Hats

The State 4-H Leadership Council thanks all counties who supported the 2011 cap sales. All profits go toward a 4-H Foundation Endowment being established for State Council Uniforms.

A few extra hats were ordered for those not able to place a pre-order. Purchases can be made through the state 4-H office while quantities last.

Karla Knoepfli