4-H Tip Sheet April 2008
 

 

Deadlines:

Mar 14 Fort Hays Judging Contest Registrations Due
Mar 20 Put the Fun back in the 4-H Profession Registrations Due
Mar 20 Multi-County Photography Workshop registration Due
Mar 31 State 4-H Spring Match Registrations Due
Apr 1 Photo Adventure Camp Registrations Due
Apr 1 KSF Entry collection ideas Due
Apr 4 Basic 4-H Operations Training Registrations Due
Apr 15 Strengthening Clubs Registrations Due
4-H Million Trees Invitation (PDF)
Are your 4-H clubs and groups looking for a community service that will have a positive impact not only on their communities but also on the world, then take a close look at this opportunity! Ironically, a news release titled "Kansans Can Plant Trees to Right Inherited Imbalance in Nature" was issued from KSRE on March 10, which is the same day I received information on the 4-H Million Trees project, www.4hmilliontrees.org. 

Please review the following information and share it with your 4-H clubs, groups, and leaders. Check out their website. Read the news release. You'll find a wealth of information about this exciting project and opportunity! In addition to the Arbor Day Foundation trees, you will also want to encourage your 4-H'ers to consider ordering trees from the Kansas Forest Service -- they run about $17- 25 for 25 trees (of one type) and they would have trees selected for our area.
McNally
 
Strengthening Clubs I - Scott City
Strengthening Clubs I training coming up April 22nd at Scott City. This is a great training for new Agents to build a foundation for supporting strong 4-H Clubs. This training will also be of great value to experienced Agents who want a refresher in supporting clubs. Cost is $25 and includes program materials and notebook, lunch and snacks. Register on line at www.Kansas4-H.org by April 15, 2008. The information flyer is at: http://4-h.k-state.edu/Events/Strengthening4-HClubs.htm
Buchele/Hinshaw/Mack/Waldren/Van Horn
 
Strengthening Clubs II - McPherson
Tuesday, May 6 9:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., McPherson County Extension, 600 W Woodside.  The training will focus on creating the 4-H Club meeting as a place where members, leaders and parents are excited about learning!  Strengthening Clubs II digs deeper into ideas of building a strong club leadership structure, involving all ages of membership, and learning to mentor club officers.  Enhance your knowledge and skills for Training and Support the local volunteers.  Cost is $25, which includes lunch, snacks and materials.  Registration online at www.kansas4-h.org.  Previous participation in Strengthening Clubs I is required.  Contact Rod Buchele, Deryl Waldren or Pam Van Horn for more information.
Van Horn
 
Camp 4-H Camp Preparation
Check out the 4-H Camping Web page for ideas. Great clip art is available for promoting camps. Be sure to let Pam know if camp group is using the Camp Theme. Camping Web page located at http://www.kansas4-h.org/Camping/
Van Horn
 
Camp Promotions
The Kansas 4-H Journal’s Camping Issue is out in circulation! Please utilize the issue to help in promoting camp throughout your Extension Unit. Many thanks extended to the Camp Action Team for their efforts in putting together a terrific piece. Special thanks to Robyn Dienes for coordinating efforts in collecting articles. Remember to take recognitions during this 2008 camping season as the CAT will be asking for picture for the 2009 Camping Issue.
Van Horn
 
Camp Counselor Recognition
The Camp Counselor Recognition Information is on the Web. Farm Bureau is again sponsoring this recognition. Camp Groups need to send a list of camp counselors to the State 4-H Office by July 15 for counselor to be recognized. The certificates will be in the State Fair packets. http://www.kansas4-h.org/Camping/Counselor/default.htm
Van Horn
 
Building Strong 4-H Clubs
We mentioned at the Strengthening 4-H Club Trainings that resources can be used in many ways. As an example, below is an article for your newsletter.

Ask Rod Buchele, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, SW Area what he considers to be the most important ingredient in a strong 4-H club and he'll tell you "FUN!" "The club experience has to be fun for all members, if it isn't, the educational part won't happen," he said.  The 4-H club is the foundation of the Kansas 4-H Youth Development
Program. Quite simply the club meeting is where the action is. It's where learning takes place.

Strong, effective clubs don't just happen. Leadership must come from members and adult volunteers.  "We build strong clubs by training and supporting the officers and then letting them run the meetings," said Buchele.  He explained, "Adults need to understand that youth leadership skills are developed by practice, but the process is sometimes messy and rarely efficient and that is ok. Youth learn leadership by leading. It is the 4-H Learn by Doing method."
4-H allows youth to build their skills learning to work as a team.  The club team is youth and adults working in partnership to accomplish the goals the club has set. Buchele said that strong clubs have a strong partnership between youth and adults. Youth need to have a say in their club and feel valued. The meetings belong to the members. They should take
ownership and give leadership to club functions.

Another trait is that they have a high percentage of attendance at meetings, activities and events. Families need to be involved. "To make this happen there needs to be a high level of communication between all club families," he said.  "If we look at the four H's of 4-H," he explained, "strong clubs: practice learning and thinking - Head; care for members and families - Heart; do cool stuff - Hands; and promote healthy behaviors - Health."
Mack/Buchele/Hinshaw/Van Horn
 
Risk Management Sources

Risk Management Handbook, K-State Research and Extension, 2006. Web Address: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/misc2/riskmgmt.pdf or found on Intranet/Staff page; click on Employee Resources under staff resources; click Risk Management under helpful links.

American Income Life: Accident Insurance
1) Special Activities Coverage for Accident or Illness, individual events
2) Accident Insurance 4-H Club Members, one full year
3) www.AmericanIncomeLife.com
Van Horn
 

Horticulture Judging
A big thank you to all Extension Units that had young people take part in the Horticulture Judging Contest during the Wichita Garden Show.  The contest went well and we had an abundance of good help from agents and volunteers.  Results can be found on the web:  http://www.kansas4h.org/Events/WGS/WichitaGardenShow.htm

The State Horticulture Judging Contest will be Saturday August 23, 2008 on the K-State Campus.  More information will be available this summer. 
Hinshaw/Neier
 
Health Rocks! Health Rocks at HealthFest – April 18-19
The 4th Annual HealthFest is an opportunity for teens and adults to learn health promotion skills, be physically active and have fun in the great outdoors of the Rock Springs 4-H Center!

This year, HealthFest! will feature the National 4-H Council's "Health Rocks" health promotion leadership program which equips teens, with adult partners, to teach others to make healthy lifestyle choices. Health Rocks training is fun, active, and informative. So, bring one or teams of 2-3 teens, with an adult partner, and be trained to train others in Health Rocks.

Health Rocks begins Friday, April 18 at 4pm and ends 2pm on Saturday, April 19. Overnight stay, meals and materials will cost not more than $80/person (includes materials, meals, lodging and refreshments).

HealthFest! also features workshops for Extension personnel, Board members and PRIDE communities. Topics covered this year include:

a) Positive marketing for small towns with Ron Wilson and Linda Craghead , and
b) The health impact of our friends, family and co-workers with Dr. Jared Anderson, K-State School of Family Studies and Human Services.
EVERYONE GET ACTIVE!
HealthFest! has physical activity in the midst of learning. Everyone is encouraged to GET ACTIVE during HealthFest and outdoor time is planned for all celebrants with direction from Dr. Gayle Doll, K-State Center on Aging.

Contact the KS 4-H Office to register for Health Rocks training and the 4th Annual HealthFest!

For more information, contact:
Elaine Johannes, 785-532-7720, ejohanne@ksu.edu
Carol Fink, 785-532-5800, cfink@ksu.edu
Johannes
 

Entrepreneur in Family Consumer Science
Join the 4-H FCS Action team for a day of fun and learning on Saturday, May 31, 2008 in Lindsborg, KS. This years educational tour includes learning about owning your own business as a Bed and Breakfast, bakery and deli shop, unique gifts, flour mill or find out the benefits of eating and selling buffalo.

A brochure has been developed for you to send out to your 4-H’ers. These small businesses are excited about 4-H’ers coming to learn about the important features of their business. Space is limited to the first 50 people to accommodate the size of the businesses. Registration deadline is May 15th, cost is $15.

Contact Berny Unruh or Carol Fink for further questions.
Fink
 
Learning To Lie
According to the Youth Today magazine and a report from the Feb. 11 issue of the New York magazine, the following article:
When a 3-year old fibs, parents typically assume the child is too young to understand that lying is wrong and will "outgrow" such fantasy. However, according to researchers at Pennsylvania State and McGill universities, nearly all children lie with greater frequency as they age, and lying becomes a fluid part of each child's day by about age 7. The article explores the theory that children learn to lie by hearing their parents tell white lies, and by being encouraged to be tactful and avoid conflict -- even at the expense of the truth.
By the time children reach teens, lying is endemic. In a recent study, 98 percent of teens reported lying to their parents. Feb.11, www.nymag.com.  Another reason to use CHARACTERCOUNTS! in your 4-H program.
Adams
 
World Citizenship

Host Families for 4-H Exchanges
Kansas 4-H has just received notification from WorldWise Exchange Services that we’ve had families selected to host Jose Antonio Solorzano and Leftali Fernandez, 4-S members in Costa Rica, in June-July.  The families selected are the Burch Family in River Valley (Clay) and Spence Family in Reno.   At this writing we are holding out hope that one more Kansas family for a Costa Rican might be accepted.  Families not selected for the Costa Ricans will be offered other alternatives to host Japanese or one of the IFYE’s described below.  The Finnish 4H Federation did not find exchangees to send to the U.S. this summer.

We also need hosts for IFYE (International 4-H Youth Exchange) Representatives in their 20’s from Norway and Germany.  Please let families know that they can apply to host Janne Berget, an active 4H alumna in Norway, for a two-to-three week period between June 23 and September 9.  Janne is a university student who grew up in rural Norway.  She was a Norske 4H member from 1996 to 2004 and has been an alumni leader since.  She works out and loves playing all sorts of ball, hiking in the mountains and 4H activities.  She is interested in learning about 4-H here and our agriculture, as well as making friends and experiencing a new culture.  She says she understands English well and hopes to expand her vocabulary in Kansas.

We also need at least two more families for Christine Trautvetter, an IFYE Representative from Germany, for 2-3 week periods between September 19 and December 9.  Christine is a 23-year-old animal science graduate (probably from a technical college) and is now working for a very large dairy.  She loves her work with animals and has won milking competitions in her county and home state of Thuringen.  She also enjoys riding her horse. She’s studied English five years and says she is flexible and open to new things.  We’d like to identify 4-H families where she can be involved with animals (especially dairies) and other aspects of agriculture.  She is a member of Landjugend (rural youth) in Germany.

If you can identify potential families for either of these young women, contact Mary Kay Munson, munsonm@nqks.com or 785-238-3631.  Siblings of their age in the home are not required, so they may be placed with couples or families with younger children.  Applications are available on the World Citizenship page of the state 4-H web site, www.Kansas4-H.org/worldcitizenship.  Also contact Mary Kay if you know of a potential host for a male Japanese high school student for the 2008-9 school year.  Rose Scott is now working with coordinators in six counties/districts to recruit and screen hosts for the one-month Japanese Exchange in July-August.  For information on the summer Japanese Exchange, e-mail Rose at rose@threeriversinc.org.
Munson/Scott
 

2008 Kansas 4-H International Delegates Oriented
The 2008 Kansas International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) Orientation was held in Salina, Kansas, on February 29 and March 1, and the annual IFYE spring get together was held Saturday evening, March 1.  Over 35 participated in the annual orientation and get together.  Seven teens and young adults were oriented before their upcoming 4-H international exchange in summer 2008. 

IFYE Representative Program (2 months)
Genna Gehrt – Germany (Wabaunsee) 

Outbound 4-H International Exchange Delegates (4 weeks)
Shayla Lowry – Australia (Geary)
Bonnie Murphy – Australia (Oklahoma 4-H)
Shelbie Smith – Australia (Edwards)
Stuart Hensleigh – Costa Rica (Meadowlark #7 – Oskaloosa)
Lindsay Kallenbach – Finland (Stevens)
Samantha Baumann – Finland (Osage) 

Kansas 4-H/Japanese Exchange Program (7 weeks)
Kathleen Wilson – Japan (Geary) 

Four teens and young adults gave presentations about their 2007 Kansas 4-H International experiences:  Emily Schneider (Central Kansas #3 – Salina), IFYE Representative to Austria and Germany; Martha Schneider (Central Kansas #3 – Salina), IFYE Representative to Norway and Sweden; Rhys Young (Central Kansas #3 – Salina), Japan; and Shannon Layne (Morris), Japan.

Special thanks to those who helped organize and train at the orientation and spring get together:  Mary Kay Munson, Marj Loyd, Pat Quinn, Alison Guthrie, and Jennifer Pfortmiller.  Saline County also provided host families on Friday evening for the 2007 and 2008 exchangees.  Thanks go to:  Joseph and Mary Bernhardt, Tina and Mark LeValley, Eric and Bonnie Anderson, Pam Schneider, and Stephen and Karen Young. 
Waldren/Munson
 

IFYEs Available to Give Presentations
In December 2007, Martha Schneider (Central Kansas #3 – Salina), IFYE Representative to Norway and Sweden and Emily Schneider (Central Kansas #3 – Salina), IFYE Representative to Austria and Germany returned home to Kansas after living abroad six months with host families.  Both are excited about their experiences, and are willing to give presentations to 4-H clubs, civic groups, school groups, etc.  Emily and Martha have put together a PowerPoint travelogue, and share their experiences and time abroad in an engaging and dynamic presentation.  To arrange a presentation, e-mail Martha at mes3@ksu.edu, or e-mail Emily at eschneid@ksu.edu. 
Waldren
 
Encouraging Children Ages 5 and 6
Working with youth ages 5 and 6 can be very rewarding as adults can assist in the child’s development as they guide youth in educational activities. Adults can enrich the child’s learning experiences by asking the 5 and 6 year olds about their ideas, responding to their questions, engaging them in dialogue and challenging their thinking.

A few suggestions include:
Physical Development
Plan activities that use large motor skills throwing balls, running, and jumping. Introduce fine motor skills one at a time such as cutting with scissors or new activities like jump roping. During meetings plan lots of physical activities. Encourage creativity rather than perfectionism.
Cognitive Development
When giving instruction to 5 and 6 year olds show them while you explain. Don’t expect them to read instructions. Plan a series of small activities with physical exercise between activities and avoid one long intense session. Build the learning activity on concrete objects so they can visualize. Finally, keep the activities simple without lots of pencil activities.
Emotional Development
Provide lots of encouragement! Avoid criticism. Encourage opportunities for adult interaction and let the 5 and 6 year olds help with “adult-like” way such as setting up an activity. Stick with the schedule.
Social Development
Help with developing friendships through sharing, taking turns, following rules and building trust. Organize activities that involve two to three children at one time. Utilize activities that focus on the family. Maintain a high adult/child ratio. Encourage imaginary play that involves real-life situations. At all times, avoid activities that selection a “best person”.

Using these ideas promotes healthy development of 5 and 6 year olds.
Source: K-3 Youth in 4-H: Guidelines for Programming, CYFERnet.
Van Horn
 
Citizenship In Action
Over 120 4-Hers from across Kansas traveled to Topeka over President’s Day weekend for the Citizenship In Action legislative conference. CIA is sponsored by Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council and provides a great opportunity for youth to learn more about their role in Kansas government through hands-on experience. Delegates attended Sunday evening activities at the capitol which included tours with Rep. Josh Svaty and Rep. Eber Phelps, a workshop led by Sen. Karin Brownlee, and Citizenship Roundtables facilitated by 2007 National 4-H Conference Delegates. The program also included a formal dinner featuring an address by Sen. Pat Apple. On Monday the 4-Hers visited with their legislators, attended house and senate sessions, and enjoyed a special welcome from Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh. For information about Citizenship In Action 2009, please visit www.Kansas4-H.org.
Oram/Allison-Gallimore
 
.Curriculum Corner Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) from National.
These questions can also be found at: www.4-hcurriculum.org (Curriculum Updates)
National 4-H Curriculum Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Will there be a pre-press period in 2008?
Yes. The pre-press period for 2008 will be April 1st - 25th.
The curriculum catalog will be combined with the spring Supply Service catalog and will be mailed and also available online, in early March. (Kansas order form will be available as soon as possible after national catalog is posted.)

2. Will there be a price increase on the curriculum products?
No. The price for curriculum will remain the same for the 2008 pre-press period. The discount of pre-press sales will remain at 35%.

3. Will printed material continue to be available for sale?
Yes. Although we are exploring a combination of curriculum distribution options, printed books will continue to be sold.

4. Will we continue to have individual project materials?
Yes. Individual project materials are instrumental to 4-H youth programming and will not be eliminated from the curriculum materials.

5. Will all new products be SET materials?
No. Although the SET mission mandate is highly visible, we recognize the balance needed to support the other two mission mandate areas.

6. What new products will be available?
Released in last quarter of 2007:  Photography (revised); ATV Leader's Guide (revised)
Products expected to be released in 2008: Computer Power Unlimited (new); Destination Success (new); Embryology (revised); Exploring Your Environment (revised); Food, Culture and Reading (new); Reading Makes Cents (new); The Power of the Wind (new); Descriptions will be in catalog
Adams
 
Afterschool Opportunities
Want to find out more about afterschool opportunities? Checkout http://www.Kansasenrichment.net for a one-stop resource for afterschool policies, grants, technical assistance and more. Sign-up for the electronic newsletter.

Interested in serving on an 4-H Afterschool Task Force? Please contact Pam. 785-532-5800 or pvnahorn@ksu.edu
Van Horn
 
KANSAS 4-H PORTFOLIO PREMIERS: Introduction to the KAP
Audience: Extension Agents, Program Assistants and Certified Master 4-H Volunteers (with 4-H Recognition Assignments only!)
Time: 9:30 AM-3:00 PM
Cost: $20 which includes lunch.
Purpose: In accordance with the Kansas 4-H Strategic Plan, this training will teach Extension Agents, Assistants, and selected Certified Master 4-H Volunteers the process and tools 4-H youth will use to apply for state 4-H project awards using the Kansas 4-H Award Portfolio. Participants will review the Kansas 4-H Award Portfolio that will be put into place during the 2008-2009 4-H program year.
1. Participants will understand where to find Kansas 4-H Award Portfolio help on the web.
2. Participants will understand the link between lifeskill development and the Kansas 4-H Award Portfolio process.
3. Participants will learn standardized terminology and be directed to samples that their 4-H volunteers, families and members can use to complete applications.

Dates and Locations: Date Location

  • 4/10/2008 Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, KS
  • 4/29/2008 Clover Room, Pottorf Hall, CICO Park, Manhattan, KS
  • 4/30/2008 Eureka, KS
  • 5/02/2008 Carpenter Building, Fairgrounds, Scott City, KS
    •

    Contact: Gary W. Gerhard (ggerhard@ksu.edu) or (785) 532-0747.
    Registration:     Use the 4-H On-line Registration System. Registration closes April 1, 2008, for the April 10th session in Hutchinson. Registration closes April 15, 2008, for the April 29th, 30th, and May 2nd sessions.
    Gerhard
     
    Photography 4-H Camera Corps
    4-H Camera Corps is for 4-Hers who have shown at State Fair and now want to explore photography further. It is sponsored by Nationwide Agribusiness. Once a month 4-H Camera Corps members pick out their four best shots and send them to be considered for selection for the 2010 calendar. Photos may be used for other displays to promote 4-H and communities. Camera Corp members will be eligible for a $50 scholarship to Photo Adventure Camp. Full information and application is on the web, at the Southwest Area Office 4-H page, http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/swao/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=19 , look under 4-H Forms on the right side of the page or contact one of the Photography Action Team members. Also, try checking the Photography Action Team web site: http://www.kansas4-h.org/actionteamPhotography/

    The application is April 15, 2008.
    Buchele
     
    Photo Adventure Camp 2008
    "Haul Your Freight to Photo Camp 2008", June 20-23, 2008, Rock Springs 4-H Center

    Photo Adventure Camp is a fantastic opportunity to develop photography skills and is unique in the 4-H world. No other state has a Photo Adventure Camp like Kansas. Camp is for youth 13 -16 years old and is an intense photography experience. Adults may attend, parents are encouraged to attend with their child. Cost for Photo Adventure Camp will be $150. Camp will be all digital, no film will be processed. Campers may shoot film to take home for processing. Full information (including scholarships available) about camp is on the web at: 

    http://4-h.k-state.edu/Events/Photo/PhotoAdventureCamp.htm Registrations are due April 1, 2008. Camp will be cancelled if registration is less than 25 youth campers by April 1.
    Buchele
     
    Digital Photography Contest
    The 4 H programs in Illinois and northeast Missouri are inviting all youth, ages 8-18 years old to produce their own digital photography, digital audio, digital video or mixed media production that demonstrates your abilities with digital media of all kinds. Top entries may be used in various promotional products throughout the region and prizes will be awarded. Select your own theme and message. Show the world your imagination and creativity! Click on this link: http://extension.missouri.edu/4hdmc/
    Buchele
     
    Wichita Garden Show Photography Judging
    Results for the Photography Judging contest are on the Photography Action Team web site: http://www.kansas4-h.org/actionteamPhotography/
    Buchele
     

    Campference – What’s the 4-H Buzz About?
    The Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council is excited to promote Campference!  This event is focused on youth ages 12- 14, and will be held June 8-11, 2008, at Rock Springs 4-H Center.

    Participants will experience the feel of a conference, while enjoying the “camp” activities Rock Springs 4-H Center has to offer.  This is a great transitional opportunity, as these tweens go from being a camper to attending educational conferences.  Campference will feature workshops about opportunities in the 4-H program, and activities to energize youth while learning leadership skills and how to better interact with others.

    The cost for Campference is $170. Registrations are due May 1 in local Extension Offices.  Registration and detailed information are now on the web at:  http://www.Kansas4-H.org/Events/Campference/
    Hinshaw/Maass/Oram/Youth Council Campference Committee Members
     
    AYD Tools from the Youth Development PFT

    Two weeks ago the Youth Development Program Focus Team sponsored the KS Advancing Youth Development (AYD) Institute featuring Jutta Dotterweich and Kay Tefler of Cornell University. Jutta and Kay taught two courses during the Institute, one course being the NY State’s (revised) Advancing Youth Development curriculum. The graduates of the course agreed that the youth development concepts, principles and practices covered in AYD should be shared with KSRE youth development professionals.

    So, each month in the 4-H Tip Sheet the Youth Development PFT will report PYD (positive youth development) tools to share through your newsletters, website, “elevator” talks and viral marketing.

    April PYD Tool:
    Even though the field of youth development is relatively young, there’s building agreement that positive youth development is more than the prevention of problems or the promotion of achievement.

    Positive youth development includes those outcomes that result from the beliefs, behaviors, knowledge, attributes and skills that result in a healthy and productive adolescence and adulthood.

    Consider this - most employers want to hire workers who have done more than not taken drugs, dropped out of school or just had good achievement test scores and college prep-grades. Employers are looking for workers who demonstrate competence, confidence, character, and connection so they can make contributions benefiting the employer. Those 5 C’s are the result of intentional efforts that support positive youth development.  Add PYD to your toolkit.

    Next month, youth development professional competencies.

    For more information, contact:
    Elaine Johannes ejohanne@ksu.edu 
    Beth Hecht bhecht@ksu.edu
    Johannes
     

    Model Rocketry Resources Available
    You may have seen the notice on the 4-H SET web page, but in case you missed it, through 4-H’s partnership with the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), 4-H is able to make NAR resources available to 4-H volunteers free of charge.  This is a new extra resource that may be of use to county 4-H programs.  The materials include the NAR Member Guidebook and two CD’s on model rocket building and flying.  Please let interested individuals know these materials are available.  To receive them, 4-H Volunteers should send their name, e-mail address and mailing address to: GetSETInfo@fourhcouncil.edu.  More information about NAR can be found at: http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/nar.aspx.

    Here is some general information about the National Association of Rocketry.  The NAR is a nationwide network of local clubs with experienced rocketeers available to provide advice and launch sites for your flights. They welcome beginners and students who want to enjoy rocketry and learn to fly rockets safely. Many adult NAR members are "mentors" and assist individuals or schools in their local area, including 4-H.  However, there are limited clubs in Kansas to contact. To view the current list of NAR mentors in Kansas, visit: www.nar.org/tarcmentors.pdf, or to find a NAR section nearest you, visit:  www.nar.org/NARseclist.php.

    In addition, the Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team works to assist counties with advice and tips on rocket launches, as well as answering general questions about the rocketry project.  To contact the 4-H SpaceTech Action Team with your rocketry questions, contact Deryl Waldren at dwaldren@ksu.edu or call, 785-462-6281. 
    Waldren
     
    CHARACTERCOUNTS! CHARACTERCOUNTS! 201: Intermediate Training focusing on Ethical Decision Making
    When:     Wednesday, May 14, 2008
    Where:     K-State Research & Extension-McPherson County Office
    Time:     9:30 AM-3:30 PM
    Cost:     $20 which includes lunch. (Additional CC! resources will be available to purchase separately.)
    Purpose:     This workshop takes Extension personnel, volunteers, and community partners beyond acquaintance with the Six Pillars of Character to help youth and adults make ethical decisions. Participants will understand the fundamentals of ethical decision making and practice using the Six Pillar language to promote better decision making into their day-to-day 4-H work and personal lives.
    Pre-Requisite:     A basic CHARACTER COUNTS! or QUALITY COUNTS! workshop and familiarity with the Six Pillars of Character as set forth by the Josephson Institute of Ethics.
    Contact:     Gary W. Gerhard (ggerhard@ksu.edu) or (785) 532-0747.
    Registration:     Use the 4-H On-line Registration System. Registration closes May 1, 2008. Space is limited to 50. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
    Gerhard
     
    CHARACTERCOUNTS! ~THE GOLDEN RULE AS A RULE OF INVESTMENT
    One of the oldest and wisest ethical standards goes under the name the Golden Rule. "Treat others the way you would like to be treated." Versions of this profoundly simple rule can be found in the writings of Confucius and Aristotle as well as the scriptures of virtually every major religion.

    If you don’t want to be lied to, yelled at, or treated unfairly, don’t lie, yell or be unfair to others. It’s a terrific rule to teach the basics of good character and most parents want to teach it to their children. But sometimes, without realizing it, parents twist the meaning of Golden Rule and treat it as a rule of investment: "Do unto others so they will do unto you." Thus, we might hear a parent tell a "Share your toys with Jackie and she will share hers with you." Mom often uses the same logic: "I’ll pick up Lisa for ballet this time and when I need help Lisa’s mom will pick up my child."

    But what happens when Jackie doesn’t share her toys or Lisa’s mom doesn’t return the favor? Does this justify a different rule next time like: "Do unto others as they have done unto you?" You see, when we concentrate on the personal benefits of virtue we can’t help falling into a pattern of situational ethics. We are honest, kind and respectful only to people who treat us well.

    The Golden Rule establishes our moral obligation to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair and caring not because it guarantees that people will treat us right but because it is right. Character is not about others actions toward us; it is about our actions toward them.

    - a commentary by Michael Josephson, Josephson Institute of Ethics.
    Gerhard
     

    ESRI GIS Grants for 4-H Clubs Application Deadline Extended to March 31, and GIS/GPS links
    The 2008 ESRI GIS Grant for U.S. 4-H Programs will be accepting applications for ESRI GIS software until March 31, 2008.  You may download the 4-H Grant guidelines and the 4-H Grant application from     http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/4-h/grants.html.  Visit www.esri.com/grants or www.esri.com/4-H for general information.   

    The US Department of Labor has identified Geospatial technologies as one of the top three emerging technologies in the US.   Geospatial technologies involve a number of components but the three most prominent are Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Satellite imagery/Remote Sensing (RS).   It is not uncommon to use all three of these individual technologies in one project.  The increasing use and demand of digital information related to a specific geography is evolving into a new discipline and science known as Geoinformation Science.   

    A small group of 4-H Extension educators and volunteer leaders began introducing their 4-H youth to GIS and GPS technologies in 2004.  The 4-H Geospatial curriculum was released in fall 2006; it is now available through the National 4-H Curriculum source.   4-H youth have used GIS technology to help identify and solve problems in their local communities ranging from health issues to environmental concerns.

    GIS Technology is used in almost every industry needing an efficient way to analyze large amounts of data as a way to help solve a problem.  GIS is heavily used in scientific research of the environment, civil engineering design, landscape plans, and is used by most government agencies working with social and population issues.  In addition to the spatial display of data attributes in the form of a map, GIS provides a robust integration of data, statistics, charting, and graphing technologies. 4-H youth around the country have used GIS technology to research community problems and issues: identifying, mapping, and monitoring invasive weeds in their community, conducting tree inventories with their local park officials, investigating water quality, etc.

    The ESRI GIS Program for 4-H (U.S.) was established to support national 4-H efforts aimed at bringing GIS and other geospatial technologies to young people and qualified adults involved with U.S. 4-H clubs and related state and national coordinating organizations. It has been created in cooperation with the National 4-H Headquarters, the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    The grant provides GIS software for youth members and club adults, additional written curriculum and ESRI Virtual Campus classes. 4-H clubs applying for the GIS grant are expected to create a small Community Atlas Project, complete a service learning project in their community using GIS technology, and host or attend a GIS Day event.  The three requirements are expected to be done by August 31 2009. 

    Applying for a 2008 grant will provide enough time for adults to become comfortable with the GIS software and implement it for summer 2008 and 2009 summer camps, or the 2008-2009 4-H project year.   Fair judging guidelines for 2009 have been developed by 4-H educators and National Geographic has agreed to facilitate judging and will provide Fair ribbons for those groups wanting to add a mapping competition to their local or state fair.   4-H educators will find additional GIS learning experiences at the 2008 CYFAR conference, the 2008 Galaxy III conference, and many other regional conferences.

    Links to visit:
    4-H GIS links: www.esri.com/4-H (check out the 4-H map)
    ESRI Community Atlas Program: www.esri.com/communityatlas (McLean County 4-H in KY earned the model CAP designation)
    4-H Alert, Evacuate, Shelter GIS links: www.crn4h.org
    Check out many industries that use GIS at: www.esri.com/industries and look for demo movies.
    Geographic Information Science link: http://www.up.ac.za/academic/geog/gi_science.html
    4-H Geospatial (Exploring Spaces, Going Places) curriculum: http://www.4-hcurriculum.org
    Geospatial Information Workforce (pilot in Denver metro with good information): www.giwis.org
    GIS Lesson database: www.esri.com/arclessons
    US government on-line National Atlas: www.nationalatlas.gov

    For more information, contact Deryl Waldren at 785-462-6281 or e-mail dwaldren@ksu.edu.
    Waldren
     
    Important 4-H Records/KAA Taskforce Update
    The Kansas 4-H Records/KAA Taskforce wishes to express its thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas with us about our draft materials on the Kansas 4-H Awards Portfolio and revised 4-H Permanent Record. Please note that every message was shared with the entire taskforce and consideration taken on the input provided. Your comments have resulted in edits, items to be included in instructions, and even the timeline. Please note that as a result of your input, we have concluded that it would be best for Kansas 4-H that the official implementation of the KAP will be in the October 1, 2008-September 30, 2009 4-H year. The KAP will be required for state project awards in 2010. This is one year later than our original recommendation. This will allow local Extension Units adequate time to train volunteers, parents, and members in the state system. Introduction of the KAP will still be held for agents at "4-H Profile Premiers" in April and May of 2008. Additional information will be forthcoming this week and in the next Tip Sheet regarding these "Premiers."
    Gerhard
     
    Volunteering National Volunteer Week - April 27 through May 3, 2008
    The 2008 National Volunteer Week is fast approaching. This special week offers opportunities to thank some of America’s most valuable assets — our volunteers — and to recognize the myriad of ways they improve our communities. National Volunteer Week reflects the power that volunteers have to "inspire by example" — volunteers both encourage those they help and motivate others to serve! Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, National Volunteer Week is about thanking one of America's most valuable assets – our volunteers – and calling the public's attention to all that they do to improve our communities.
    For more information: http://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/nvw/
    Buchele
     
    Volunteer Development
    Something to think about, excerpted from 77 Ways to Recognize Volunteers by Dr. Bill Wittich © 2003, Knowledge Transfer Publications. Found in the Energize, Inc. Online Bookstore at http://www.energizeinc.com/store/5-209-E-1.

    "Don't Recognize Volunteers. That's right, don't recognize your volunteers, only recognize individuals. You should not recognize everyone the same or even recognize everyone who volunteers. Certainly you appreciate all those volunteers, but recognition is done one by one. Each volunteer who does a specific task should be recognized for that task. It's our job to thank each volunteer by name and by telling them why you are thanking them."
    Buchele
     
    Another way to recognize volunteers (individuals who volunteer)
    The President's Volunteer Service Award:
    * The most prestigious volunteer Award currently associated with the White House.
    * Last year during National Volunteer Week, more than 20,000 volunteers received this prestigious Award.
    * Join nearly 6,000 organizations that have partnered with the Award program and bestow presidential recognition on your volunteers by presenting them with the President's Volunteer Service Award this National Volunteer Week.
    * Award recipients receive a signed letter from the President of the United States, a personalized certificate, and an official lapel pin.
    * Visit the official website to learn how you can give the Award to your volunteers. http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/
    There is a small supply cost associated with this award and it will take some time for the order to be processed.
    Buchele
     
    Kansas Extension Conference on Volunteerism
    November 4 - 5, 2008 will be the Kansas Extension Conference on Volunteerism sponsored by the Volunteer Development Program Focus Team. The focus will be on Foundations of Volunteer Management and Next Generations Volunteers. Hold the dates and be sure it is on your professional development plan. See you at Rock Springs, November 4th.
    Buchele
     
    Kansas Extension Conference on Volunteerism - Call for proposals
    The call for proposals for seminars, workshops and poster sessions for the Kansas Extension Conference on Volunteerism will soon be issued. Now is the time to be thinking about what you would like to present at this conference. Presentation theme areas are Foundations of Volunteer Management, Next Generations Volunteers and Successful Volunteer Development Strategies and Tools. Presentations from all Extension Program areas will be requested.
    Buchele
     
    Kansas 4-H Volunteers Forum
    Hold the dates, November 21 through 23, Rock Springs 4-H Center. The focus of the 2008 Forum is strengthening 4-H Clubs.
    Buchele
     
    North Central Regional 4-H Volunteer Forum November 6 - 8, 2008, Columbus, Ohio
    The North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Forum (NCRVF) is held annually, and involves 4-H staff and volunteers from the 12 states in the North Central Region (including Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) and the Canadian Province of Manitoba.

    The Forum features concurrent educational workshops and tours, hands-on activities, and keynote speakers. A unique feature of the NCRVF is the networking, sharing, and exchange of information that takes place among the volunteers attending.

    The full program and registration booklet for the 08 NCRVF is expected to be available in April 2008 once all the presenters have been confirmed. The web site is: http://www.ohio4h.org/ncrvf/
    Buchele
     
    VIP Tips
    I have been writing the VIP Tips article for over two years now and am getting the feeling that I am repeating myself. If so, I apologize. VIP is an important step in the Kansas 4-H commitment to a safe learning environment. It is important. It does take some time and as with all prevention efforts, we may never know what (bad) did not happen as a result of our efforts. We just need know VIP is important and self reinforce that what we do is valuable and important and feel proud of our accomplishments. Several agents have recently shared with pride that they are "up to date" with the VIP process in their county. I know they felt great about their accomplishment and so do I. I congratulate you all. WAY TO GO!!!!

    If VIP is not up to date in your Extension Unit, the best time to start is now and the best way to start is to start. If you wish help, please contact your Area 4-H Specialist.
    Buchele
     

    State 4-H Program Rally
    The results are in and the January State 4-H Program Rally was a true success.  Thanks to everyone that provided feedback about timing of the event.  We heard you and we will hold the next State 4-H Program Rally, December 11-12, 2008 with a possible pre-conference on December 10.  For now, please hold the dates and be watching for additional information in the coming months. 
    Hinshaw
     
    Shooting Sports 4-H Shooting Sports Calendar
    Please add the following dates and locations to your calendar related to 4-H Shooting Sports in the coming months:
    * WHAT: Spring 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors Workshop
    * WHERE: Kansas State Fairgrounds (Hutchinson)
    * WHEN: Friday-Sunday, March 28-30, 2008
    * REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSED
    * WHAT: State 4-H Spring Match (BB, Air Rifle, Air Pistol)
    * WHERE: Great Bend Expo, (Great Bend)
    * WHEN: Saturday, April 12. 2008
    * REGISTRATIONS DUE: Monday, March 31, 2008, 5 PM, State 4-H Office (No Exception)
    Strong
     
    Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports Spring Match, April 12, 2008, Expogrounds, Great Bend, Kansas
    The Spring Match for Air Rifle, Air Pistol and BB Gun will be April 12, 2008 at the Expogrounds in Great Bend. To compete all participants must have shot at an approved state qualifying shoot and received a minimum score of 350 for Air Rifle, 100 for Air Pistol or 275 for BB Gun.

    Registration forms are due to the State 4-H Office by 5 PM Monday, March 31, 2008 (No Exceptions!). If you have any doubt about US mail reaching us by that day and time, please fax your registration to (785) 532-5981 before 5 PM. The Complete information and registration forms may be found at the Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports homepage: http://www.Kansas4-H.org/ShootingSports/Default.htm. Hard copies were mailed to all local 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinators.
    Strong
     
    State Qualifying Shoots
    Any Extension Unit that is wanting to send shooters to the state match will need to make sure that the shooters have attended an approved state qualifying match. To find a list of approved qualifiers please check the Local Matches link on the Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports Homepage: http://www.Kansas4-H.org/ShootingSports/Default.htm

    Information is also available on the Shooting Sports Homepage if you are interested in hosting a state qualifier.
    Strong