Focus on Youth
News for OCES staff working with youth.
January, 2011
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.
Table of Contents
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2011 Oklahoma State 4-H Companion Animal Photography Contest
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Volunteers needed for Oklahoma National Guard Yellow Ribbon events
Dear Educators and Volunteers,
As another year draws to a close, we want to again stop and say "Thanks" for all the wonderful things you are doing for the youth of Oklahoma. Last year over 150,000 young people were reached with programs from 4-H. Some were members of community clubs, and some were involved in various other educational experiences. Hopefully, in every case they felt that the volunteers, 4-H peers and staff members cared for them and they were made to feel valued, included and safe.
A growing body of research shows that kids who feel safe, valued and connected to caring adults are more likely to be positive about life, engaged in school and emotionally healthy. They are also less likely to participate in destructive or delinquent behavior. This research, although it seems based upon common sense, has led to a dramatic shift in thinking about youth policy - from viewing some youth based on their risk factors or deficits versus viewing all youth as having certain strengths, assets and protective factors to build upon.
Organizaitons, institutions and governments are being challenged to think of youth issues more from the Positive Youth Development (PYD) theory and to begin to think of young people as an audience to be involved and included and not necessarily "fixed." To that end, in the future you will be hearing more and more about this theory as we work with children, youth and families in our state.
In the year ahead, I challenge us all to be more strategic in the things we do for youth and families in Oklahoma. Let's try to be more intentional in making sure that we serve, educate, manage and lead our audiences in ways that make them feel safe, valued and connected.
On behalf of the state 4-H staff, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa, or whatever you want to enjoy! We look forward to working with you all in the year ahead!
Charles Cox
Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development
4-H Legacy Awards - Oklahoman to be Recognized!
Ashlan Wilson of Hughes County has been selected as a runner-up for the 2011 Youth in Action Award. On March 30, 2011, she will attend 4-H Legacy Awards at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, NY. The affair will be a special evening of celebration, paying tribute to outstanding individuals and corporations for their work on behalf of the 4-H youth development movement.
4-H Pet Fun Day - Feb 5, 2011
The Amazing Small Animal Project (ASAP) teen group has been working
hard this fall preparing for the first-ever 4-H Pet Fun Day. The
purpose of this event is to provide 4-H youth the opportunity to come
together to have fun with and show off their pets.
Activities of the day will include but are not limited to:
- A contest for the best 4-H Companion Animal display
- Dog Quiz Bowl competition
- Hamster Races
- Intro to 4-H Dog Obedience and Agility
- Includes instructional workshop and a beginner fun contest
- Introduction to Rabbit Showing and Showmanship
- Practice rabbits will be on available for a hands-on workshop.
- Pet Photo Contest
- Pet Fun Show including categories such as the best dog trick, best non-dog trick, dog that looks most like owner and many more
- Fun and Games including, pet Bingo, treat walk and dog tic-tac-toe
Registration will be from 9 - 9:30am, February 5th, at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Super Duty Arena. The event is expected to last until mid-afternoon, so pack a lunch and bring some snacks for both you and your pet. Cloverbuds are invited but will have special restrictions. For a complete listing of rules and requirements, including animal health requirements, log on to http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/animal.htm or contact Steve, (405) 744-8886.
4-H Pet Fun Day Educational Display Contest
Displays for the Pet 4-H Fun Day will be accepted at registration from 9-9:30 am and will judged throughout the day. Displays will not be released until the end of the show.
- Educational display should focus on one of the following:
- 1) Animal Health and/or Nutrition
- 2) Good Husbandry and/or Grooming
- 3) Training and/or showing
- 4) Service and/or Citizenship.
- Space for the booth is 3 feet deep and 4 feet wide (with sides extended
for display). Back can be 4 feet high. There will be no
solid dividers between booths, use lightweight materials for ease in
transporting. Display must be free-standing. Models, photographs,
posters or other means for display may be used. Display may be
prepared by an individual or group from a county. Criteria for
judging will be
- (1) effectiveness of the message
- (2) appropriateness to the theme
- (3) interest and attractiveness to the public.
- EXHIBIT MUST PROMINENTLY DISPLAY A 4-H CLOVER OR MENTION 4-H. When using the official clover with H's, the tail should curve to the right and the words 18U.S.C. 707 must appear under the lower right leaflet, except if hand drawn clovers.
- Information: The back of each display must have an "information box" containing the age category, exhibitor's name, age, district and county.
- Categories:
- 1. Cloverbuds (ages 5-8) no placing, participation entry only
- 2. Jr (ages 9-13)
- 3. Sr (ages 14-19)
For more information about the display contest or 4-H Pet Fun Day log on to http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/animal.htm or contact Steve, (405)744-8886.
2011 Oklahoma State 4-H Companion Animal Photography Contest
The Amazing Small Animal Project (ASAP) Teen Council has been working to put together a great 4-H Pet Fun Day. As part of this event, they are hosting a 4-H Companion Animal Photography Contest. Any 4-H member may participate, regardless of their involvement in the companion animal project. If the member is attending the 4-H Pet Fun Day they may bring their photography exhibit with them. If they are not attending the fun day they may mail their entry to the State 4-H Office.
Entry Deadline: Entries must either be received in the state 4-H office (Attn: Gloria Baum, 205 4-H YD, Stillwater, OK 74078) by Feb 1, 2011, or brought to the 4-H Pet Fun Day registration in Tulsa on February 5, 201,1 before 9:30 am. Entries may be mailed or delivered but must be in place by the listed dates. All photographs will be available for release at the close of the 4-H Pet Fun Day or will be returned to the district 4-H office after the show.
Eligibility: This contest is open to any Oklahoma 4-H member who is enrolled in any 4-H project area in his or her home county. Cloverbuds are welcome to participate but will not be eligible for placing.
Judging: Photos will be judged and displayed at the 4-H Pet Fun Day.
For a complete set of rules and photo releases go to http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/animal.htm or contact Steve, (405)744-8886.
Volunteers needed for Oklahoma National Guard Yellow Ribbon events
I want to thank everyone for supporting our military folks and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The Oklahoma National Guard deployments are well under way and hero packs are flying out the door. Yellow Ribbon is a program designed to prepare service-members and their families for deployment. OKNG is in need of volunteers to work with youth at the Yellow Ribbon Events (link file: YellowRibbonEvents) and provided is a list of upcoming events. Please let your 4-Her's know of this opportunity. If someone is interested please let me or Pamela Reeds pamela.reeds@us.army.mil of OKNG know.
We are in need of clubs or counties who would like to take on the Hero Pack project by seeking donations and preparing Hero Packs for units in their Pre-Deployment phase. Recently we have given out 350 bags at pre-deployment phased events and we still need to prepare more. We anticipate a desire for 1,000+ hero packs as the units deploy. If there are any questions please let me know.
Thank you!
Child and Adolescent Development
The Child and Adolescent Development listserv provides an online place for land grant university system faculty and educators to share their work in the area of child and adolescent development research, education, and extension. The listserv is a venue for exchanging information about ongoing and new studies, evidence-based programs, program evaluations, and Extension education and training opportunities. The listserv also provides a venue to share information about funding opportunities, meetings/conferences, and new collaborations and partnerships at local, state and federal levels.
To contribute to the Child and Adolescent Development listserv information exchange, email your message to: cad@lyris.nifa.usda.gov.
If you would like to subscribe to the listserv send the following information to Stephanie Blake:
- Full Name:
- Job Title:
- Areas of Expertise (e.g., early child care, nutrition and health, physical activity, child abuse and neglect, food security, after school programs, parenting,...; If applicable, please list also Population of Interest, such as military, rural/urban, low-income, immigrants, refugees, ...):
- Institution:
- Department:
- Address:
- City:
- State:
- Zip:
- Office Phone:
- Fax Number:
- Email:
- Web Address:
Mike Klumpp Scholarship Fund
Mike Klumpp, Associate Professor in the Arkansas 4-H Youth Development Department and former state specialist with Oklahoma 4-H is retiring. Mike is a dedicated professional who has given his heart to youth development and CES. In recognition of his service the Arkansas 4-H Department will recognize him with a reception on December 17th. In lieu of a retirement gift, Mike has requested a scholarship fund be set up in his name.
People interested in donating can do so by writing a check to "The Mike Klumpp Scholarship Fund." You may mail your donation to the Cooperative Extension Service Federal Credit Union, 2301 S. University Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72204.
Arkansas State 4-H Staff
National Volunteer Week - National Points of Light Institute
April 17 - 23, 2011
April 15 - 21, 2012
April 21 - 27, 2013
National Volunteer Week reflects the power that volunteers have to inspire by example. Volunteers both encourage those they help and motivate others to serve! Twenty three million more Americans are volunteering today than in 1989, according to research by Points of Lights. They report volunteering has increased by one-third over the past 20 years. Baby boomers and older Americans are 40 percent more likely to volunteer than their peers in 1989.
What can this mean for 4-H? Expand your recruitment pool beyond the parents of our 4-H members. Look to those whose children are grown who have time, talents and experiences which will benefit the 4-H program and the youth we serve.
Find out how you, too, can participate in the week's many offerings. Discover how simple it is to nominate volunteers for awards, including the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Reminder: State Record Books Update
State 4-H Record Books are due May 2, 2011. Interviews will take place June 13, 2011. For 2011, please take note of the following:
- There are no changes to the Oklahoma Report Form, but PDF versions are being created.
- The State 4-H Goat Project is available again for 2011.
- News Information Sheets are being revised and will be submitted electronically rather than with the record books.
- National Conference applicants will interview on June 13 with the other record book finalists.
- PDF versions of the Oklahoma Report Form will be available on the website beginning in January.
- A record book in-service is being planned for increased judge orientation and familiarity with state record books.
Questions may be addressed to Jessica Stewart at 405-744-7960 or through e-mail at Jessica.stewart@okstate.edu.
2011 OSU Horse Judging School
OSU will host the 2011 OSU Horse Judging School on Saturday, February 19th, at the OSU Animal Science Arena in Stillwater. The cost for attending is $5 for all ages (youth or adult). Attached is a brochure describing the event. If you need more information, contact Dr. Dave Freeman at david.freeman@okstate.edu or 405-744-6058.
Nominees for National Conference - 2012
Four-H members who will be freshmen, sophomores or juniors in high school on September 1 of the year of nomination are eligible. If the delegate of choice is a high school senior on September 1 of the year in which he or she is selected, he or she will be expected to complete up to a two-year commitment to the program. He/she is encouraged to reside in Oklahoma during that time.
We seek individuals who are actively involved in identifying and addressing
community/school/organization needs and issues through civic engagement. They
have leared to demonstrate leadership qualities through the organized
efforts which involve others (youth-voice, community leaders, government/social-service
agencies, businesses, schools, etc.) in significant roles and opportunities.
Please consider nominating individuals who may not be actively pursuing
multiple goals in 4-H, school, sports, other youth-serving organization,
faith based groups, etc. It is recognized
that we have members who gain and regularly share their talents and skills
in the name of 4-H but are not interested in pursuing recognition through
record-keeping or other competitive venues.
To be given consideration as an Oklahoma delegate, the individual must be nominated by an Extension educator, club leader, 4-H volunteer, district 4-H program specialist, or state 4-H staff person. It is expected that the adult making the nomination has seen exemplary self-responsibility and mastery of the life skills necessary for the expectations and duties as outlined.
NEW: Letters of nomination are due in the state 4-H office on March 1st. Nominees will be notified that their names have been submitted, and applications will be attached. If the nominee is interested in pursuing the application process, the package will be due at the time of state record books. Interviews and presentations will be done in conjunction with record book interviews.
Southern Region Volunteer Forum October 6-9, 2011, in Arkansas
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 of 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.
Attached is a copy of the Proposal
Request and Instructions for completing
the proposal.
Discovery Unlimited May 20-21, 2011
Discovery Unlimited will be May 20 and 21. Registration is due March 25. We are in discussion with management at a new site located in central Oklahoma.
The purpose of Discover Unlimited is to help retain the membership of our "tweeners" in the Oklahoma 4-H program. 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.
Workshops and speakers will focus on what 4-H offers teens in the way of leadership, travel and friendship. Please help our planning team promote this program with youth 11-12 years of age.
Registration will be approximately $35-40 and will include housing, food, educational supplies and a T-shirt. All youth must register through their county Extension office, no exceptions. County registration is due to the state 4-H office on or before March 25th.
All forms and a tentative conference schedule will be posted by February 4 at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/discovery.htm. Registration will be due on or before March 25th.
Kendra Rash, Discovery Unlimited Chair
4-H Legacy Awards - Oklahoman to be Recognized
Ashlan Wilson of Hughes County has been selected as a runner-up for the 2011 Youth in Action Award. On March 30, 201,1 she will attend 4-H Legacy Awards at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, NY. The affair will be a special evening of celebration, paying tribute to outstanding individuals and corporations for their work on behalf of the 4-H youth development movement.
Insurance for 4-H Events and Groups
From time to time staff are confused as to what kind of insurance is needed to reduce liability for 4-H and other Extension audiences. Generally it is a good idea to insure groups at events, activities and when traveling. This is best done with one of the three plans outlined below. Note that the benefits from this plan do cover a variety of illnesses, and you can take out coverage for several events at once so you don't have to remember to do it each time there is a new event.
Local clubs can insure against accidents that may occur at a local club meeting or activity of the club with the Annual Group Plan. Note that this plan does not cover illnesses, and the coverage provided under the plan in some areas is less than that provided under the event or daily coverage.
A prudent way to deal with this is to assume the philosophy that more coverage is better. In other words you can cover club members under the annual plan then add a small fee to events with registrations to budget annually some funds to cover events.
Table of Benefits |
Plan 1 |
Plan 2 |
Plan 3 |
For expense incurred within 52 weeks of the date of Accident for Medical and Surgical Treatment, X-Ray Examinations, Hospital Confinement and Ambulance Expense, up to a maximum of... |
$1,000 |
$2,000 |
$3,000 |
Dental Services incurred within 52 weeks of the Accident, Involving Sound, Natural Teeth, up to a maximum of... |
$300 |
$400 |
$500 |
Medical and Hospital Expense for Illness having its inception on the day or days this policy is in force, up to a maximum of... |
None |
$500 |
$1,000 |
For Medical Expenses from these specified diseases: Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Scarlet Fever, Smallpox, Tetanus, Cerebrospinal Meningitis, Typhoid Fever, Leukemia, or Primary Encephalitis, up to a maximum of ... |
None |
$3,000 |
$3,500 |
For losses within 100 days of the accident which result in the loss of life... |
$2,000 |
$2,500 |
$3,000 |
For losses within 100 days of the accident which cause loss of both hands, or both feet, or the total sight of both eyes or one hand and one foot... |
$3,000 |
$6,000 |
$7,500 |
For losses within 100 days of the accident which cause the loss of one hand or one foot or sight of one eye... |
$1,000 |
$1,500 |
$2,500 |
This Policy does not cover eyeglass replacement, suicide, aviation accidents, pre-existing conditions, hernia in any form, loss resulting from pregnancy, staff covered under worker's compensation, loss covered under medicare. |
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The maximum benefits payable for accident involving horses or winter sports will be those shown under Plan 1 REGARDLESS of the plan selected. |
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This insurance covers travel to and from the sponsored activity. It is required that such group be accompanied by an adult leader. The enroute day or part of a day must be included in insurance policy. |
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Issued under Master Policy Number 717 on file with the Director of Extension Service, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, as trustee for all insured members and adult leaders in the United States and its possessions. |
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Table of Benefits |
$1.00 Regular Member / Year |
For expense incurred within 52 weeks of the date of Accident for Medical and Surgical Treatment, X-Ray Examinations, Hospital Confinement and Ambulance Expense, up to a maximum of... |
$2,500 |
Dental Services incurred within 52 weeks of the Accident, Involving Sound, Natural Teeth, up to a maximum of... |
$500 |
For losses within 100 days of the accident which result in the loss of life... |
$5,000 |
For losses within 100 days of the accident which result in the loss of one hand, foot, arm, leg... |
$5,000 |
For losses within 100 days of the accident which cause loss of both hands, or both feet, or the total sight of both eyes or one hand and one foot... |
$10,000 |
For losses within 100 days of the accident which cause the loss of sight of one eye... |
$3,000 |
This policy does not cover Illness, eyeglass replacement, suicide, aviation accidents, hernia in any form, staff employees covered under worker's compensation, loss covered under Medicare, injuries sustained while downhill skiing, tobagganing, bobsledding, or snow tubing. |
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Put your group's safety first -- Make sure your programs are age-appropriate and in compliance with your State's guidelines. (does not cover Oklahoma 4-H Cloverbuds if they are involved in competitions or high risk activities.) |
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To learn more, to apply or to download forms see: http://www.americanincomelife.com/FourHCoop.aspx
No endorsement of American Income Life is made through this information. Other vendors, including local vendors, may be able to provide comparable insurance for 4-H events.