4-H Tip Sheet December 2007
 
 

View the Entire Kansas 4-H Calendar

 

Deadlines:

Dec 3 CWF Delegate & Chaperone Applications Due
Dec 31 Order deadline for Photo Display Racks
Jan 15 4-H International Exchanges Chaperone Applications due
Jan 15 Third Annual SpaceTech Educators' Workshop Registration due
Jan 16-22 Late Registration for Third Annual SpaceTech Educators' Workshop
Feb 1 Kansas 4-H Ambassador Workshop Registration Due
Feb 23 Landon Center on Aging Calendar photos due
Dog Judge's Certification Training
Dog Judge's Certification Training will be held January 26-27, 2008 in Garden City at the 4-H Building. The Dog Care and Training Action Team has suggested re-certification for any judge that has taken training before 2002. This training is also suggested for county 4-H dog leaders, parents and older youth (14 and older) to help them understand the judges view and the criteria they use. Look for online registration information in early December.
Adams
Important 2008 4-H Shooting Sports Dates
I would like to make sure that those Extension Units with Certified 4-H Shooting Sports programs were aware of two Spring dates that are now firm. The Spring 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop will be held Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds 4-H Encampment Building. The Workshop will begin with check-in between 6-7 PM on Friday and the Opening Session beginning at 7 PM. The Workshop should conclude around 2 PM on Sunday. The date and location has also been set for the Spring 4-H Shooting Sports Match. It will be in Great Bend at the ExpoCenter on Saturday, April 12. Remember, this year it will only include BB, Air Rifle, and Air Pistol. Archery has been moved to a Fall Match. More information regarding registration will be posted in early January, but this should help you begin planning for your local training sessions and qualifying matches.
GERHARD
 

Kansas 4-H Ambassador Workshop
The Kansas 4-H Ambassador Action Team invites all County/District 4-H Ambassadors and their advisors to the 2008 Kansas 4-H Ambassador Workshop, starting Friday evening February 22nd, and running through Saturday afternoon February 23rd at Rock Springs 4-H Center. The 2008 theme is “4-H Pieces It All Together”, and the conference will build upon last year’s successful conference.   

Some of the workshop sessions that will be offered include:  “Colors IQ,” “Leadership Styles,” “Cool Things to Do with Kids,” “How to Present Yourself Positively While Interviewing with the Media,” “Web Site Design 101” “County/District Planning Session,” “Adult 4-H Advisors - So What Do I Do Now?”, and “Adult 4-H Advisors Question and Answer Session”. Participants will be able to choose three different sessions on Saturday morning.  Participants will also attend two sessions on Saturday afternoon.

Registration cost will be $75.00 and is due by February 1.  Late registration will cost $85.00 and will be accepted from February 2-7, 2008.  The Kansas 4-H web site registration system will be used.  Local Extension units determine who may attend this workshop.  For final details and forms, visit the Kansas 4-H website in mid-December:  http://www.kansas4-h.org/Events/Ambassador/ or call Deryl Waldren at 785-462-6281 or e-mail him at:  dwaldren@ksu.edu.  
Waldren
 

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 4-H VIP FAQ
Do you have a question about 4-H VIP or anything connected with 4-H VIP? Want to find the answer quickly? Check https://intranet.oznet.ksu.edu/4-h/Volunteers/4HVIPFAQ.pdf, for the 4-H VIP FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document . http://www.kansas4-h.org/Volunteer/VIP/ It is a great resource for VIP, check it out.
Buchele
 
Volunteer Development Training Opportunity, April 3, Iowa.
Steve McCurley an internationally-known trainer and speaker in the field of effective volunteer involvement will be presenting to Iowa Extension. Steve is one of the guru’s in the field of Volunteer Development. Kansas has been invited to send folks to his presentation.

Steve McCurley is currently a partner in VM Systems, a management consulting firm specializing in helping organizations improve their utilization of volunteers. He has served as a consultant on volunteer program development to the American Association of Retired Persons, the National Association of Partners in Education, the US Tennis Association, Special Olympics International, the National Park Service, the Points of Light Foundation and other groups. He is a member of the national board of Women in Community Service, the board of the Volunteer Center of Olympia, WA, and is on the Advisory Board for the Virtual Volunteering Project of the University of Texas. In collaboration with Susan Ellis, he is the co-founder of e-Volunteerism.

Please contact me for more information, rbuchele@ksu.edu.
Buchele
 
VIP Annual Renewal
Kansas 4-H policy is that 4-H Volunteers annually renew their volunteer commitment. They do this by filling out and returning the 4-H VIP Annual Renewal Form. This form is available from Distribution, it is 4H953, it is also available on the web for download from the publications library, http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/4h_y2/4H953.pdf It is available on our State 4-H Web site in the VIP Resources section as well, http://www.kansas4-h.org/Volunteer/VIP/4H953%20Annual%20renewal%20revised.pdf .

The form asks volunteers to confirm their contact information, the role(s) they will be volunteering for this year, update their legal involvement information and recommit to the Volunteer Code of Ethics. There are many advantages to the 4-H program in having Volunteers renew annually. The information gained from the Renewal process will help manage the 4-H Program more effectively. If you have any questions, please contact your Area 4-H Specialist or contact me.
Buchele
 
4-H VIP Orientation Information
The start of the new 4-H year gives us the opportunity to refocus and recommit to the VIP process for bringing new volunteers onboard. Key in this process is the orientation. The orientation is where volunteers learn what Kansas 4-H is about, how we work with youth and the outcomes of the 4-H experience.

Orientation may be offered in a meeting, using the Orientation CD or online. Orientation meeting resources are available to you at the VIP Resources page of the state 4-H web site http://www.kansas4-h.org/Volunteer/VIP/ Contact the State 4-H Office to order the CD. Local units determine which options they will offer their volunteer.

To register a volunteer for the 4-H VIP Online Orientation class through K-State Online, the local Extension Unit needs to send an emailks4-hvip.ksu.edu to ks4-hvip@ksu.edu. Place VIP Orientation in the Subject line and include in the body the following information about the volunteer:

  • Name
  • E-mail address
  • County or District
    •

    After receiving the volunteer’s name and email, a temporary eID and password will be created, the volunteer will be added to the class roster and an e-mail will be sent to the volunteer and the local Extension Office. The email will contain the newly created eID and password for the volunteer to use to sign in to K-State Online and directions on how to take the class.
    Buchele
     
    4-H Journal
    Check out the November/December issue of the Kansas 4-H Journal. The theme is 4-H Volunteer Leaders.
    Buchele
     
    Risk Management Planning
    Accidents happen no matter how well events, conferences and day camps are planned. As an Extension Professional you’ve become accustom to surprises...both good and bad! Planning for these surprises is risk management, a logical process for preventing bad situations. Yet there are those surprises that are unavoidable accidents...scraped knees at camp, an unpredictable horse at District Horse Show, or a fall during a dance performance at 4-H Club Days. Taking action for these unavoidable accidents is key...How? One option is to provide accidental insurance coverage for 4-H members and volunteers from American Income Life, Special Activities Coverage. The costs are minimal but the benefits out weigh the risks. American Income Life is easy to use...check out the web site at www.americanincomelife.com. Care enough to eliminate worry if an accident happens!
    Van Horn
     
    New Guidelines for Basic Entomology at Local Level
    The Entomology group suggests the following changes for beginner collection boxes due to the scarcity of cigar boxes. This change will be included in the next revision of 4H829 4-H Entomology: Collecting and Exhibiting.

    Basic Entomology Collections:
    This class is for the very young 4-Hers that are just getting started making an insect collection. Participants should display 15 to 30 insects representing a minimum of 6 orders. These collections are to be exhibited in small cardboard or plastic boxes (1 or two boxes with a total display area no more than 130 square inches). Boxes can be homemade by placing a layer of polystyrene foam in the bottom of a shoebox, school box, or storage container or can be purchased from a biological supply company. For the exhibit, the boxes should be covered with a piece of plastic wrap or acrylic glass taped across the top of the box.
    Adams
     
    STRENGTHENING 4-H CLUB TRAINING, DECEMBER 11
    Do you need new resources to train your club leaders? Please join us as we focus on providing resources to strengthen 4-H clubs. The purpose of the training is to strengthen your capacity to work with volunteer adults and youth to develop and support strong, effective clubs. The first of two training sessions is Tuesday, December 11, at Pottorf Hall in Manhattan. The session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:15 p.m.

    Participants will receive a notebook of resources and ideas to share with your club leaders. Cost to attend is $25 which includes materials and lunch.
    Online registration is now available. For more information go to http://www.kansas4-h.org/Events/Strengthening4-HClubs.htm or contact your Area 4-H Specialist.
    Mack/Buchele/Hinshaw/Waldren
     
    CHARACTERCOUNTS!
    Responsibility in 4-H: Choosing Positive Attitudes ~ An attitude is an outlook on life, a state of mind that affects the way we interpret facts and events. Positive or good attitudes that produce better relationships and more productive work habits include:
    • Trustfulness
    • Optimism
    • Cheerfulness
    • Enthusiasm
    • Hopefulness
    • Generosity

    Negative or bad attitudes are all forms of prejudice that distort perceptions and often produce unwise and self-defeating choices. They include:
    • Cynicism
    • Defeatism
    • Suspiciousness
    • Pessimism
    • Hopelessness
    • Selfishness
    “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” - John Homer Miller
    GERHARD
     
    What is 4-H Afterschool?
    • For young people...4-H Afterschool provides opportunities to participate in fun, exciting programs while developing valuable skills with lifelong benefits.
    • For parents and family members...4-H Afterschool creates safe, healthy, enriching environments that enhance young people’s social, emotional, physical, and academic success.
    • For volunteers...4-H Afterschool offers an opportunity to share a special skill with young people.
    • For youth-serving organizations...4-H Afterschool offers extensive resources to help train staff, implement sound youth development practices, create new after-school programs, and strengthen existing programs.
    • For communities...4-H Afterschool is a partner that builds unique, customized programs around the diverse interests and needs of youth.

    4-H Afterschool is being done throughout Kansas. If you are coordinating, contributing, or interested in 4-H Afterschool, please contact me. We’re looking for enthused, energetic, passionate professionals to serve on a 4-H Afterschool Task Force. Excited? Contact Pam!
    Van Horn
     

     

     

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    		 Kansas 4-H Curriculum Action Team
    The Kansas 4-H Curriculum Action Team is still looking for volunteers, teens and agents that are interested in helping monitor and select or develop 4-H materials to meet the needs of the Kansas 4- H program. In addition they will be working closely with national groups to help coordinate the development and priority of national materials. Deadline for nominations was Nov.1st, but we still need applications! Any questions, contact Jim Adams.
    Adams
     
    National 4-H Curriculum Team
    A National 4-H Curriculum Team has been established to monitor and maintain national 4-H curriculum and materials. This group of State 4-H Leaders, National 4-H Council representatives and National USDA 4- H staff has formed three workgroups to get the process established.  The three workgroups are:

    National Database Directory, chaired by Nancy Schaff, 4-H Council, will create a national database of available 4-H materials.

    Priorities Workgroup, chaired by Nancy Valentine, USDA 4-H, will create the process for determining national 4-H curriculum priorities and piloting the first call for proposals.

    Quality Review, chaired by Suzanne LeMenestrel, USDA 4-H, will clarify the standards and develop a review process for National 4-H Educational materials.
    Adams
     
    Curriculum Guide
    The Kansas 4-H Project Curriculum Guide is now on the State 4-H Website (www.Kansas4-h.org) listed under "What's Hot". This document was developed by the 4-H Curriculum Taskforce in response to the agent survey indicating a desire for a single curriculum resource for each 4-H project area. The listing is considered to be the most current material available. Additional information about state awards and events and other supplemental project material are in the August issue of the Kansas 4-H Journal (Project Selection Guide).
    Adams
     
    KANSAS 4-H PROGRAM RALLY - JANUARY 10-11, 2008
    It is now time to register for the State 4-H Program Rally, January 10-11, 2008 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. Registration will be through the Kansas 4-H Online Registration System. All staff who work with the 4-H Youth Development Programs are encouraged to attend.

    The Program Rally will begin at 8:30 a.m. on January 10 and conclude at 11:30 a.m. on January 11. Housing will be available for those who need to come in early on January 9.
    Beth Hinshaw and Beth Hecht
     

    Third Annual SpaceTech Educators’ Workshop
    The Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team announces its third annual SpaceTech Educators’ Workshop scheduled for Saturday, February 9, at the K-State Salina campus, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. This workshop is geared towards Extension staff, community 4-H club leaders, project leaders, teens from 13-19-years old, and educators working with 4-H and other youth programs.   No youths 12 years-old and younger will be accepted in 2008. This is a change from 2007.  One goal of the training is to have participants teach back skills learned to 4-H youths.  The in-depth workshops to be covered will be aviation, basic and advanced; robotics, basic and advanced; rocketry, basic and advanced; and astronomy, basic and advanced.  Full descriptions of the workshops will be posted on the website.

    The cost to attend the day training is $55.00 and is due on January 15, 2008.  A late registration of $65.00 will be accepted from January 16-22, 2008.  The Kansas 4-H web site registration system will be used beginning in mid-December.  Visit:  www.kansas4-H.org.  The fee covers two in-depth sessions, lunch, and breaks.  Participants who are registered by the deadline will receive a set 4-H CCS or other 4-H approved materials as part of the registration fee for their two sessions.  For questions please contact Deryl Waldren at the K-State Research and Extension Office in Colby at 785-462-6281 or e-mail:  dwaldren@ksu.edu. 
    Waldren
     
    State 4-H Award Opportunities Mailing
    This is a "heads up" notice that the annual information letter regarding 2008 state 4-H award opportunities was shipped in the weekly mailing from KSRE Distribution on Thursday, November 22. This packet includes VERY IMPORTANT and TIMELY information regarding area screening and state judging of KAA’s; State 4-H Scholarship applications; State 4-H Alumni nominations, and State 4-H Family of the Year nominations. Be on the look out for this document! It can help serve as a roadmap on this recognition adventure Kansas 4-H takes each winter. You may receive calls regarding information it contains before the holidays and certainly afterwards as due dates approach. All due dates in the mailing are absolute state deadlines. Of course, local Extension units may set earlier dates to accommodate local processing and transferral to the State 4-H Office. Please direct questions regarding Area Screening to your Area 4-H Specialists. Otherwise, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail (ggerhard@ksu.edu) or phone (785-532-0747). GERHARD
     
    4-H Participation Forms
     The new 4-H year is underway...Enrollment Forms along with the Kansas 4-H Participation Forms are coming into the Extension Offices. Take a moment to review the youth forms for completeness to avoid risks later. Important information needed.
    • Date of birth and age.
    • Primary Emergency Contact, the parent or guardian.
    • County/District where the 4-Her is enrolled.
    • Home Address the 4-Her’s primary mailing address.
    • E-mail optional but used for activity coordination.
    • Alternate Emergency Contact someone other than the primary emergency contact with a phone number.
    • Family Doctor along with the phone number.
    • Health Insurance Company, Policy number, name of insured and relationship with the participant. (Please note if insurance is unavailable complete the space with N/A.)
    • Health History important for activity coordinators and health care providers to be aware of serious or special medical issues and diagnose problems. Include any medications currently being taken. Tetanus date required.
    • Publicity Release checked only if parent refuses to allow their child’s voice or image to be recorded (includes camp photos).
    • Survey and Evaluation Release checked only if parent refuses to allow their child to be involved with any program evaluation.
    • Youth Code of Conduct is required for all 4-H members to read and sign this section to participate.
    • Verification must be signed by the parent or guardian for youth to participate.

    Participants and parents are responsible for completing the Kansas 4-H Participation Form in its entirety. The K-State University Attorney’s Office has indicated that "failure to complete this form in its entirety will result in the person being ineligible to participate in 4-H activities".
    Van Horn
     
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    Chaperone Opportunities for 4-H International Exchanges

    For 2008 all Kansas Outbound Exchanges for 4-H members will be organized through the States' 4-H International Exchange Programs, a new name for the collaboration of states that conduct 4-H exchanges formerly known as the International Programs Committee (IPC). 
     

    As reported in previous Tip Sheet articles, we are selecting participants for exchanges to Australia, Finland, Japan, and Norway on December 7-8 at interviews in Manhattan.  The final arrangements for an exchange with Costa Rica’s 4-S program are to be negotiated in late November, so that destination may yet be added for 2008.  Any Kansas 4-H’er who wishes to participate in any of these exchanges should already have an application on file, but we will work with late applicants during November.  (There are also opportunities for 4-H alumni and staff up to age 25 for individuals in the IFYE Representative Program.)  See the World Citizenship web page for details.

     

    The dates for the group exchanges for 4-H’ers are as follows:

                Australia:  June 16-July 17

                Finland:  June 13 or 14-July 15

                Japan with Nihongo:  June 12-August 7

                Japan 4-Week:  July 9-August 7

                Norway:  June 30- August 4

                Costa Rica*:  Mid June-Mid July

     

                *still tentative to be finalized in late November

     

    Chaperones are being sought for all of the trips listed above.  Extension staff and volunteers are eligible.  The cost to chaperones is $500.  Selection will be made by the Exchange Program and give weight to experience working with teens, international travel experience and previous work with 4-H exchanges.   The minimum age is 25.  All applicants must complete an application and essay, supply confidential references and participate in an interview here in Kansas.  A criminal background check must be authorized and will be conducted by the Exchange Program.  Chaperones' applications are posted on the Kansas 4-H World Citizenship web page www.Kansas4-H.org/worldcitizenship and are due to Mary Kay Munson no later than January 15.  Anyone interested in applying as a chaperone should contact Mary Kay at 785-238-3631 or via email (munsonm@nqks.com).
    Munson

     
    New Interstate 4-H Exchange Link
    Please note that the Interstate 4-H Exchange database website has changed from www.4-H.org/exchanges to:  http://exchanges.ces.ncsu.edu/. The 4-H Exchange database brings together 4-H members and leaders across the country.   Ads for current exchanges are posted on the site which explains each planned exchange.  
    Waldren
     
    Host Family Applications for 2008 International Exchanges
    Early in 2008 applications are needed from families wishing to host a 4-H member from Finland. These teens are 15-18 and speak good English. They stay with one family from June 16 to July 13. Though the deadline for applications is a little later, we recommend submitting applications by January 15 to have the best chance of hosting a Finn since numbers are low and applicants are sought nation wide. Australia and Norway will be only outbound programs in 2008.

    Host families for Japanese students for the 2008-09 school year are also needed by January 15 in order to request a good match. We have committed to host two Japanese High School students who will arrive July 30- and stay until mid June for 2008-9. They have completed a one-month exchange to the U.S. in previous years and must meet language standards before they arrive.

    Hosting Japanese in Kansas will be during the period of July 23 to August 18. Kansas organizes hosting through county coordinators. If there is interest in hosting Japanese who are 12-16, contact Rose Scott, state Japanese Inbound Coordinator at 785-632-6117 or via email.

    Host family for IFYE Representatives over 19 from throughout the world will be accepted. Host family applications and information are found on the Kansas 4-H web site at this link: www.Kansas4-H.org/worldcitizenship. Mary Kay Munson may be contacted with questions on any hosting interest at 785-238-3631 or via email (munsonm@nqks.com).
    Munson
     

    District 4-H Land Judging Results
    Congratulations to 4-H teams from Cheynne and Bourbon counties who recently won district land judging contests and are now eligible to participate in the National contest in Oklahoma City May 5-7, 2008.
    The Northwest District top five contestants were:
    1. Caleb Keltz, CN
    2. Craig Busse, CN
    3. Liz Leiker, TR
    4. Tyler Windholz, TR
    5. Heath Anthpolz, CN
    Southeast District team from Bourbon county was Bethany Ericson, Jessica Schaaf, Cassie Schwalm and Cheyenne Wiley.
    Adams
     
    Troubleshooting 4-H Club Programs
    Throughout its hundred years of existence, 4-H Youth Development has been credited as a valuable learning environment for youth to build skills for becoming successful adults. The 4-H club has been essential in providing learning opportunities for youth to gain self-confidence, discover life-long learning and meet new friends, however for all the benefits the 4-H Club offers getting members to attend can become a challenge. So, how can you encourage members to participate?

    Situation and Possible Solutions

    • Members not interested in the club program or activity: may not understand the goal or purpose; experience not age appropriate for members’ age, needs or interest.
      Possible Solution: Involve all members in setting goals and planning programs and activities.
      Possible Solution: Keep lines of communication open.
       
    • Members may feel insecure.
      Possible Solution: Let younger members or inexperienced members serve on a committee where they can gain experiences before given a big assignment.
      Possible Solution: Promote a friendly, helpful group spirit–no one laughs or ridicules a person who “goofs”.
       
    • Aggressive members my not allow others a chance to participate.
      Possible Solution: Encourage a club goal that “everyone participates”.
       
    • Members many not know how to participate.
      Possible Solution: Teach members how to perform the role or assignment if they don’t know how.
       
    • Meeting schedule may be in conflict with other activities/commitments.
      Possible Solution: Change meeting time to meet needs of group
       
    • Members may be forgetful.
      Possible Solution:  Distribute club calendars to all members.
      Possible Solution:  Use reminder phone calls or e-mails (can be assigned to a member or parent)
       

    Source: University of Minnesota, Troubleshooting 4-H Club Programs, Gathering Wisdom from 4-H Youth Development Clubs
    Van Horn
     

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    		 Photo Display Racks reorder
    There is a one time order opportunity to order photography display racks like the ones used at State Fair. Order information was available at State Fair. Several Extension Units have preordered, but we have not yet reached the number needed to complete the order. The cost is around $500 and the order deadline is Dec. 31, 2007. Please contact me for more information.
    Buchele
     
    Wichita Garden Show 4-H Photography Extravaganza
    The annual 4-H Photography Extravaganza will be March 7th and 8th at the Wichita Garden Show. Brochures are available from the Garden Show Office, 316-946-0883, or email: wichitagardenshow@sbcglobal.net. We will also put the brochure on our Photo Action Team web site.

    A great slate of activities are planned for participants including; youth photography workshops, the chance to meet with a photography judge to have two photos critiqued, the Photography Judging Contest, adult workshops (including a mini judging contest) and the very special opportunity to take photos of the Garden Show exhibits after all others have left the show late the evening of March 7th . Participants can then enter their four best photos in the Garden Show photography contest.

    Save the date, let everyone know (they don't have to be enrolled in the photography project to participate) and plan to be there March 7th and 8th. Otte/Buchele
     
    Photography Opportunity
    4-H has been invited to participate in the Landon Center on Aging (KU Medical Center) Images of Aging photography contest. The theme of the contest is "Working Past Retirement". Winning photos will receive cash prizes and be used on the Center on Aging Calendar and website. Photos are due Feb. 23. Here is the link to the rules for the contest: http://www2.kumc.edu/coa/Photo_Contest/center_on_aging_photo_contest.htm

    Follow this link to see photos from previous contests, http://www2.kumc.edu/coa/
    Buchele
     
    4-H Key Award Sponsorship
    Kansas 4-H would like to acknowledge and thank the combined Farm Credit Associations of Kansas for their sponsorship of the Kansas 4-H Key Award program across the entire state. Many Extension units enjoy great partnerships with local Farm Credit offices in support of their local programs. In addition to all of that fantastic support, you may not be aware that beneath the combined umbrella of the six Farm Credit Associations in our state comes support for the Kansas 4-H Key Award. The Kansas 4-H Key Award is that special recognition only about 1% of our members elect to pursue to completion. Key Award recipients demonstrate citizenship, leadership, and community engagement by embracing the full measure of the 4-H experience. The Farm Credit Associations of Kansas include:
    • Farm Credit Services of Central Kansas
    • Farm Credit of Ness City
    • Farm Credit of Southwest Kansas
    • Farm Credit of Western Kansas, ACA
    • Frontier Farm Credit
    • High Plains Farm Credit
    The next time you see your local Farm Credit representative, I’d encourage you to offer an extra “Thanks!” for their support of the 4-H Key Awards to deserving youth across the sunflower state.
    GERHARD