4-H Tip Sheet March 2008
 

View the Entire Kansas 4-H Calendar

 

Deadlines:

Feb 20 Strengthening Clubs Registrations Due
Feb 25 Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop Registrations Due
Feb 23 Landon Center on Aging Calendar photos Due
Mar 6 FNP-JMG Workshops Registrations Due
Mar 7 KAA, Scholarship, Alumni, & Family of the Year Applications deadline 5:00 P.M.
Mar 7 Open Rally Obedience Workshop & Show Registrations Due
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
Extension Professionals...you’re invited to..
How do we Grow 4-H?
Wednesday, April 23
Highland Hotel and Convention Center
3017 W. 10th

Great Bend, Kansas
9:30 a.m Gathering
10:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
Registration on-line, coming soon.
Call Highland Hotel, 620-792-2431 of 1-866-212-7122 for hotel reservations. A block of rooms for April 22 will be held until April 1. $60 per room (no matter the number of occupants).
Van Horn
 
*2008 FNP Junior Master Gardener “Health and Nutrition from the Garden” Workshops*

Two FNP Junior Master Gardener “Health and Nutrition from the Garden” workshops will be offered by the Department of 4-H Youth Development.  Participants will gain hands-on experience with the Junior Master Gardener “Health and Nutrition from the Garden” curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on youth gardening programs that teach nutrition. Dates and locations for the FNP JMG workshops are:

· Tuesday, March 11, Rm 2024 Throckmorton Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
· Thursday, March 13, Bison Room, Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, 7001 W. 21st St. No, Wichita, KS

Workshops will begin with registration at 9:30 am, opening remarks at 10:00 am, and conclude at 3:00 pm. The $20 registration fee includes lunch, materials and a notebook. Register online at www.Kansas4-h.org. Click on the green “Register for 4-H events” button. Make checks payable to 4-H Youth Development. Family Nutrition Program staff can bill their FNP account. Registration deadline for the workshops is March 6, 2008.

For more information contact Evelyn Neier, Kansas JMG Coordinator, at 316-722-0932 or eneier@ksu.edu
Neier
Strengthening Clubs II
Strengthening Clubs II scheduled for Thursday, April 24, McPherson County Extension, 600 Woodside has been postponed until Tuesday, May 6, 9:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m., McPherson County Extension, 600 W. Woodside. The focus will remain to make 4-H Club meetings 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 supporting the local volunteers. Cost is $25 which includes lunch, snacks and materials. Registration may be found at https://4hyp-ts.oznet.ksu.edu/wconnect/ace/home.htm. Previous participation in Strengthening Clubs I is required. Contact Rod Buchele, Deryl Waldren or Pam Van Horn for more information.
Van Horn
 
KAA's 4-H RECORDS/KAA TASKFORCE EFFORTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT
The report and draft products of the 4-H Records/KAA Taskforce are now posted on the web. We are anxious to receive thoughts and opinions from staff with 4-H Youth Development responsibilities, especially of those working in county/districts. The items can be found at
http://www.kansas4-h.org/Agents/.  Click on "4-H Records/KAA Taskforce Draft Documents." You will prompted to enter your EID and password. Please send your thoughts to Gary Gerhard at ggerhard@ksu.edu and they will be distributed to the entire taskforce. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the taskforce, the names of whom are printed on our report. Local Extension Unit personnel will be notified via the counties listserv when new items are posted. We will be taking comments through February 29.
Gerhard

 
KAA, SCHOLARSHIP, ALUMNI, & FAMILY OF THE YEAR APPLICATIONS DEADLINE
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MARCH 7, and set your alarms for 5 PM! That’s the deadline for receiving in the State 4-H Office all Kansas 4-H Award Applications (KAAs), Kansas 4-H Scholarship Applications, Kansas 4-H Family of the Year applications, and Kansas 4-H Alumni Award applications that will be considered for state honors. KAAs must pre-qualify through Area KAA Screenings. All other applications may be submitted directly from the Extension unit. Please feel free to contact me or Mary Gehrt at the State 4-H Office if you have further questions.
Gerhard

 

Campference
The Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council is excited to introduce the 3rd ever 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. Campference will feature workshops about opportunities in the 4-H program and activities to energize youth that will help them learn leadership skills and how to better interact with others.

More information will be available in March, and a note will go over the counties listserv when the information is posted.
Hinshaw/Maass/Kansas Youth Council Campference Committee 
 

KAE4-HA Spring Meeting - Putting the FUN Back into the 4-H Profession
On April 8-9, join Extension Professionals from across the state with the objective of “Putting the FUN Back into the 4-H Profession.” The annual KAE4-HA Spring Meeting will be held in Hutchinson at the Grand Prairie Hotel and ALL Extension Professionals are welcome to join us. The cost will be only $60 for KAE4-HA members and new staff hired since the last conference. Non-members are encouraged to join us as well, with registration at only $70. Registration is due March 20.

Dr. Jeff Goodwin, Colorado State 4-H Program Leader, will be our guest speaker. He will be presenting programs on: How to be a Jedi County Agent, Are You Smarter Than a 4-H Member? and The Two Commandments of 4-H (Extension) Work. In addition, on Wednesday afternoon, he will present a program on “Effective Livestock Quality Programs.”

For more information and the registration form, please visit http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/kae4ha/prof%20dev.htm.
Maass
 
Strengthening Clubs I - Scott City
Just a quick reminder of the 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. The information flyer is at: http://4-h.k-state.edu/Events/Strengthening4-HClubs.htm
Buchele/Hinshaw/Mack/Waldren/Van Horn
 
World Citizenship
 

Hosting Opportunities for IFYE’s and Japanese this Summer
Kansas 4-H has made commitments to Norway and Germany to host their exchangees in summer and fall 2008.  The Norwegian is Janne Berget who has been active in Norske 4H and is now a college student.  She was very active in their camping program and held 4H leadership positions.  She is an active leader now as an alumna.  Janne likes sports, especially indoor bandy (hockey in a gym) and volleyball.  She is interested in farming.  We will know more about her soon.  Janne will arrive on June 23 and will have a new host family every 2-3 weeks until the first part of September. 

Our German will arrive in time for State Fair and will have host families in 2-3 week intervals from September through November.  The assignment is not yet complete, but it is likely we will get a young lady who is interested in cattle, dairy and beef, as well as other farm experiences.  Anyone interested in hosting an IFYE  can find the Host Family Application on the 4-H web site at www.Kansas4-H.org/worldcitizenship.   Contact Mary Kay Munson at 785-238-3631 or munsonm@nqks.org for information.  Placements will be made on a first come basis after applications are approved following In Home Interviews and reference checks.   IFYE’s can be placed anywhere in the state.  It is possible Kansas will be hosting additional IFYE’s not yet confirmed.  One application will give a family the opportunity to state their preference regarding dates and exchangee to host.

In addition, three families in Reno, Rooks and Clay Counties have been submitted to host teens from Costa Rica and Finland who will be matched with exchangees by representatives of the States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs.  We can submit additional applications for these teens until March 1 or when they are all placed.  Contact Mary Kay for information.

Kansas 4-H plans to host 35 teens and chaperones who represent Labo and LEX in Japan.  The following counties/districts are coordinating host families:  Phillips/Rooks, River Valley, Central Kansas, Morris, Lyon, Butler, Leavenworth, Franklin and Miami.  Counties with interested families that are close to these may be able to host under the coordination of one of these groups.  Placements will begin the weekend of March 8-9 when the coordinators will have orientation.  Contact Rose Scott, the state Japan Inbound Corrdinator, at 785-388-2009 or rose@threeriversinc.org for information.
Munson/Scott
 

IFYE Association Gathering in Salina
The Kansas IFYE Association Get Together will be held in conjunction with the Orientation for 2008 Outbound delegates at the Trinity Methodist Church, 901 E. Neal Avenue, Salina, beginning with displays and visiting at 4 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., followed by a send off ceremony for 2008 delegates and presentations by those who traveled in 2007.  Reservations for the catered Brookville Hotel Chicken meal ($15) are due to Alison Guthrie (620-357-8473 or alisonguthrie@gmail.com) by February 21. Alison’s address is 622 Benton Street, Jetmore, KS 67854
Munson
 

Discovery Days…It’s What You Do!
What do you do to get kids excited about their future and build their aspirations?  You invite them to Discovery Days and tell them “It’s what you do!”  Tell the kids in your county (13-18 years old) to hold the dates of Tuesday, June 3 through Friday, June 6, 2008 to come the K-State campus in Manhattan.

Quick Facts: 

  • The cost will be $160 per person.
  • Due to shortages of male chaperones at several recent events, Discovery Days will require a male chaperone for every 15 male delegates.
  • Discovery Days and the state FFA convention are at different times for 2008 and 2009.  Now is the time to hook kids who have had conflicts in the past.
  • You can invite new kids that haven’t been in 4-H!  Lots of teens would love to come to K-State to meet new friends from across the state and learn about what’s being offered!

Details will be posted on the web soon!  We’re still trying to finalize a sufficient number of class spaces to offer a good options for delegates.  Notifications will be sent to agents via the county listserv as well as youth and volunteers who have indicated an interest in Discovery Days through on-line registration.
Wiebers
 

4-H Afterschool
4-H Afterschool is an exciting delivery methods for Kansas 4-H. If you are coordinating or contributing to an on-going afterschool educational program, I would like to know. Please summarize your involvement and send me an e-mail Also, we’re looking for enthused, energetic, passionate professionals to serve on a 4-H Afterschool Task Force. Excited? Contact Pam!
Van Horn
 
2008 Kansas Youth Leadership Council
The 2008 Kansas Youth Leadership Council is geared and ready to provide their next activity, Citizenship in Action. This is a great chance for delegates to meet their legislators and learn about their state government. The council has been working on CIA to make it better than last year.

Two veteran representatives that need to be thanked are Molly Allison-Gallimore of Johnson County and Anthony Seiler of Sedgwick County. They are co-chairs of the council’s Citizenship in Action committee. They have worked through out the year on CIA and their work is greatly appreciated. Also, the council would like to thank the new representatives who have been working diligently to better Kansas 4-H.

The council isn’t just working on CIA, but we are still contacting out “partner” counties. As explained in the last tidbit from Shane Oram, representatives are setting their goals high to be a medium between the state council and their counties. We encourage our representatives to go to their county council meetings and events.

As the council’s vice president, it is my job to keep the door open to new ideas and new opportunities for Kansas 4-H’ers. After all, the council was created on an idea set forth by national conference delegates only a few years ago. New ideas can change the world we live in, and most times for the better. If you have a new idea or concern, the council will always be willing to listen.
Andrew Dempewolf, Decatur County, Vice President- K4-HYLC
Oram
 
Photography Multi-County Photography Workshop
The Shawnee County 4-H Photography Group will be sponsoring a Multi-County Photography Workshop and Photography Judging Contest, April 6, 2008 at the Auburn Community Center. The Photo Judging Contest starts at 11:30 am and the Workshops start at 1:00 pm. A food concession will be available. Cost is $1.00 for the judging contest and $5.00 for the workshops.

Information is available at: http://4-h.k-state.edu/Events/Photo/2008/Multi-CoPhotoWrkshp4-08.pdf

Registration is due March 20th.
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
 
Photo Adventure Camp 2008
Please help promote this very outstanding opportunity for youth. Thanks.

"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 one else has Photo Adventure Camp. Camp is for youth 13 -16 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.

Scholarships for first time campers, $50, (limit of 5), parent/child combo discount of $50.00 off the parent registration (limit of 5), children of deployed servicemen/women can attend camp for scholarship price ($75.00-proof of deployment required-no limit) Full information and registration will be up on www.kansas4-H.org soon, look for it under "What’s Hot". To see the flyer right away, use this link: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/swao/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=19 and click on Photo Adventure Camp under 4-H Forms.

Registration due by April 1, 2008. Camp will be cancelled if less than 25 youth are registered by April 1, 2008.
Buchele
 

Photo Judging Test Resources
With the introduction of new 4-H Photography curriculum (from National 4-H Council) the sources of the questions for the tests of photography knowledge for 4-H Photography Judging will change also. Test questions can come from all three publications; Focus on Photography (Book 1), Controlling the Image (Book 2), and Mastering Photography (Book 3) as well as the Kodak New Pocket Guide to Digital Photography (digital resource added last year).
Buchele
 
4-H Camera Corps
Kansas 4-H will again be offering the 4-H Camera Corp experience. Camera Corps photographers will take photos of the world around them and send their four best photos in monthly . All Camera Corps photos will be submitted for possible publication in a sponsored calendar. In addition Camera Corp members will be eligible for a special scholarship to Photo Adventure Camp or Discovery Days. Applications will be available at the Garden Show or at Kansas4-H.org after the Garden Show.
Buchele
 
Fair Judges List
If you'd like a copy of the 2007 Fair Judges list from the NE Program Area go to http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/neao/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=19 The list is pass word protected so enter your eid then password to see the link.
Mack

 
Kansas 4-H'ers Wanted to Join Health Rocks Training Teams!
Kansas has just been awarded a National 4-H Council grant to implement the nationally recognized healthy lifestyles program Health Rocks, and 4-H teens are invited to become trained members of local youth-and-adult Health Rocks delivery teams.

Kansas youth (ages 14-18) and adults supporting their involvement are invited to attend an up-coming train-the-trainer session that will prepare them to provide health awareness and health promotion training to local groups of school-age children and middle-schoolers.

After attending a Health Rocks training, youth-and-adult teams will understand how to:
* Reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug use
* Take control of healthy choices
* Make decisions based on solid information
* Build enduring youth/adult partnerships to address healthy lifestyle choices

The Health Rocks curriculum is divided into six chapters:
* Keeping Kids Healthy
* Oh the Pressure
* The Media Speak
* You Choose!
* STRESS: Strategies to Reduce Every Single Struggle
* Commitment to Care

and has a number of marketing items (e.g., ball-caps, bags, stress-balls, etc. ) that help school-age youth who receive local training remember the Health Rocks message of healthy living.

Health Rocks training, conducted by team members from Kansas 4-H, Kansas SADD, National Guard affiliates, Operation Military Kids and the K-State School of Family Studies and Human Services will be held:

- April 18-19, 2008 (Friday from 2pm to Saturday at 2pm) during Extension's Annual HealthFest at the Rock Springs 4-H Conference Center. Fees for lodging, food and materials will be reimbursed to those youth-and-adult teams that complete the Health Rocks training and agree to conduct local training throughout the year.

- June 3-6, 2008 during Extension's Annual Discovery Days at Kansas State University, Manhattan. This 5 hour training, which is part of a Healthy Lifestyle "track" of classes in Discovery Days, will include the content covered during April's HealthFest, but will lack an opportunity to "teach back" a module of Health Rocks to the rest of the class. Partial reimbursement of Discovery Days cost is available as they deliver Health Rocks training in their local communities throughout the year.

Kansas SADD chapters, National Guard Family Readiness Groups and Operation Military Kids summer camps will also be offering local Health Rocks training, so join the group, learn a lot and have SOME FUN!!

For more information about Health Rocks trainings throughout the year and/or to register for HealthFest (April 18-19) or Discovery Days (June 3-6) training sessions, contact: Elaine Johannes <ejohanne@ksu.edu>, 785-532-7720 or Carol Fink <cfink@ksu.edu>, 785-532-5800.
Johannes/Fink
 

Order Name Tag Holders Now
We are now accepting orders for the zipper pouch name tag holders that can be used for camps, conferences, and other events.  The cost will be $1.50 each.  Please e-mail your order, including your name, group name, and number of name tags to KS4HReg@ksu.edu by April 1.  Pick up availability is anticipated for May 15.
Wiebers
 

WICHITA GARDEN SHOW CONTESTS
Information for the Wichita Garden Show 4-H Events is available on the 4-H Website under “What’s Hot”. Photography Events begin Friday evening (March 7), and continue on Saturday (March 8). The Horticulture Judging Contest will be held on Saturday, March 8.  Registrations are due February 15.  Registrations received after Feb 15 will not receive the discounted ticket price. 
Neier
 

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 DUE: Monday, February 25, 2008
     
  • 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

Strong
 

Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop, March 28-30, 2008,
Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, Kansas

The dates for the Spring, 2008 Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop are March 28, 29 and 30 at Hutchinson, Kansas. Again this Spring, a Jr. Apprentice Certification Workshop is being offered for those youth who were 14 through 18 years old before January 1, 2008, and have participated in and completed at least one year in the Shooting Sports project.

The workshop starts on Friday evening at 6 pm and concludes on Sunday afternoon at approximately 2 pm. Check-in is from 6 to 7 pm on Friday. Only full time participants will be allowed. The cost is $190.00 which covers refreshments at breaks, project material handouts, and meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Participants will be responsible for their own dinner on Friday night. The registration fee for a Junior Apprentice will be $95.00. Registrations are due in the State 4-H Office by 5 PM on Monday, February 25, 2008.

Since this is the only Certification Workshop this year, we do not have any limits on the number of entries that we will be accepting in each discipline. Complete information and registration forms may be found at the Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports homepage: http://www.Kansas4- H.org/ShootingSports/Default.htm .
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.  Complete information and registration forms may be found at the Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports homepage: http://www.Kansas4- H.org/ShootingSports/Default.htm
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
 

Basic 4-H Operations Training
Basic 4-H Operations Training will be held April 14 & 15 in Manhattan. We invite you to attend this training where we share critical information for handling 4-H managerial issues that may and often do arise.

Basic 4-H Operations training begins at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 14 and goes through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 at the International Grains Program Building, 1980 Kimball Avenue . This training is part of the New Agent Training Cycle, but anyone in the system that would like a refresher course is welcome.

Topics to be addressed include:
4-H Financial Management, VIP, Accountability to the 4-H mission, Learning through Events, Risk Management, Program Planning, Program Management and more.

Cost to attend is $20 payable to the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Please contact Diane Mack dmack@ksu.edu by April 4 if you plan to attend.
Mack/Hinshaw
 

Kansas 4-H SpaceTech News
As most of you already know, the 2008 Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Educators’ Workshop sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team was cancelled for 2008.  The event had been scheduled for February 9th in Salina.  Unfortunately, only 18 persons registered for the one-day training, and that was not enough of a nucleus to offer the eight different workshops scheduled.  The action team felt it was in the best interest of the Kansas 4-H program to cancel this year’s event.  It regrets any inconvenience this may cause you, your registrants and families, and to your county/district 4-H programs.  Your registration fee(s) should have already been refunded to you. For a couple of counties, a refund check has been authorized, and should be arriving in the near future.  

The Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team beginning in fall 2008 is looking at offering more regionalized trainings for multi-county teams or district teams.  For the 2008-09 program year, this may mean trying to schedule one training per area.  It will also depend where the requests come from.  These details must be worked out. 

For example, the XYZ District or two-to-five counties (or perhaps even more counties) in an area might desire a rocketry, robotics or another type of training.  The SpaceTech Action Team is willing to travel to the training location and present the training for a guaranteed number of participants.  It might be 10-15 per workshop.  The district or counties would also have to pay a gas stipend, and pay for photocopying of materials and for the purchasing of workshop materials needed.  It might also be possible to offer two workshops, if there were enough participants.  The counties and districts would advertise and recruit participants based on that local area’s needs and family and school schedules.

Currently the SpaceTech Action Team emphasizes robotics, rocketry, aviation, astronomy and GPS, GIS/Technology projects.  If you have specific training needs and ideas on how to make an area, multi-county and or district training happen, please call Deryl with details at 785-462-6281, or e-mail him at dwaldren@ksu.edu. 
Waldren
 

Camp Preparation
4-H Camping Season is approaching. Recruitment for camp counselors is in full swing...here’s a check list to aid in the process.
1) Camp Counselor candidates complete an application.
2) Camp Counselor candidate complete an interview.
3) Camp Counselor candidate has submitted a VIP application.
4) Camp Counselor candidate complete VIP orientation. (Camp counselor training meets VIP requirements for camp counselor role only.
5) Selected Camp Counselor complete a camp counselor contract and 4-H Participation Form.
Van Horn

 
4-H and Open Rally Obedience Workshop and Show
March 15, 2008 at Pottorf Hall, Manhattan

Sponsored by the 4-H Dog Care and Training Action Team. Come, learn and participate in the next division to be added to future 4-H state shows (2009??). Check for registration details on the Dog Care and Training website (http://www.kansas4-h.org/Projects/DogCareTraining/default.htm). Immediately following the show, the Action Team will have their spring meeting (approximately 12pm).
Adams
 
 
Curriculum Corner CURRICULUM CORNER:

We are still looking for a few good people that would have an interest in determining the future curriculum for Kansas 4-H. We are forming a new Action Team for Curriculum Development! We could use 1 agent, 2 adult volunteers and 3 teens.

Current goals for the team include:
* Develop a Kansas 4-H Curriculum long-range plan
* Utilize current Action Teams to review current materials
* Develop Curriculum training for agents and volunteer leaders (In cooperation with other Action Teams when possible)
* Review Kansas Leader Notebooks for Science, Engineering & Technology (SET) lessons
* Determine new curriculum needs in cooperation with other Action Teams

National Curriculum Update ---
1. Pre-press order form for next fall will be coming in March. This will be at reduced rates and taken from your county allocation. Other orders may be made any time from the 4-H Mall (
www.4-hmall.org). All orders via the 4-H Mall benefit our Kansas 4-H program as each state receives ten percent of sales returned to the State.
2. Watch for new materials coming with March pre-press order form. Some titles include: "Computer Power Unlimited", "Food, Culture and Reading" plus an Alternative Energy Study and Environmental Science.
3. A new National 4-H Materials Directory is to be launched on April 1, 2008. Check it out at:
www.4-hdirectory.org
All county, area and state staff will be able to submit materials to be shared.

Dog Care and Training Project Materials update:
1. On the April Distribution Order form -- discard old copies
* S46 Kansas 4-H Dog Show Rule Book
* S124 Kansas 4-H Agility Dog Show Rule Book
* S82 Kansas 4-H Dog Show Judge's Guidelines
2. Newly formatted Dog Show Scoresheets are on the Dog Care and Training Web page for you to download and use for your spring and summer shows. The Showmanship includes the Intermediate division. All are easier to read and copy and have a 1/08 date in lower left corner.
Adams
 

Kansas State Fair Exhibitor Handbook Edits for 2008 now Available
Edits to the Kansas State Fair Exhibitor Handbook 4-H sections have been submitted to the State Fair office.  To see all the edits as submitted, you may view and download the documents from the state fair web section of the Kansas4-H.org web site.
Wiebers

Cloverbuds and Traditional 4-H?
At a loss of how to describe the differences of 4-H Cloverbuds and 4-H Club programs? Here’s a quick look on how the programs differ.

 

Cloverbuds

Club Program

Learning

Activity Centered

Project Centered

Instruction

Leader Directed

Individual, Leader

Recognition

Participation

Achievement

Goals

Participation

Competition Achievement

Resource

Activity Manual

Project Manual

Van Horn
 

Fort Hays Judging Contest  is March 29 in Hays
The contest information for all 6 contests - Crops, Entomology, Horticulture, Life Skills, Livestock & Photography - is posted on the Ellis Co. Extension website - 4-H/Youth - 4-H Events.

Please encourage your 4-H members to come and join the fun and learning.

New in 2008 - Following the livestock judging contest, there will be a short workshop on selection, caring for and showing livestock project animals. Watch for more information on this event in the near future.

Also held in conjunction with this workshop - a "walking" Project Leader Workshop for parents at Albertson Hall during the judging contest. Participants get to take part in "hands on" activities that are quick and easy for them to take back and share with their local 4-H club members.

4-H Fair Judge's Training is set for Saturday, March 29, on FHSU campus in Hays. Topics include judging basics, clothing, fashion revue, small animals/pets, horticulture, photography, poster, notebook/display, and foods judging. To get involved, register with the Ellis Co. Extension Office by Friday, March 14. More information will soon be available on the Ellis Co. Extension website.

This event is sponsored by the Northwest 4-H Advisory.
Schlichting
 
KSRE Youth Development Program Focus Team Hosts First Annual KS Advancing Youth Development Institute 
The nationally recognized Advancing Youth Development (AYD) training will be presented by Jutta Dotterweich and Kay Telfer from Cornell University at the KS Advancing Youth Development Institute Feb. 25-29, Rock Springs 4-H Center.
 
AYD, an interactive, applied course in positive youth development for front-line youth workers will be presented (Feb. 25-27). A second course, "Strengthening Organizational Youth Development", which helps organizational leaders, board members and administrative staff learn how positive youth development principles can influence and strengthen their organizational policies and practices will be presented  Feb. 28-29 also at Rock Springs.
 
Scholarships are available to KSRE personnel to reduce the cost for both courses from $400 to $250. But there are only 30 slots available for scholarships so immediate registration is encouraged. Participants may also choose to attend one of the two courses at separate course rates.
 
Variable graduate credit is also available through the K-State Division of Continuing Education for participants attending the complete, 24 contact hour AYD Institute. 
 
Online registration is now available through KS 4-H Youth Development at: www.kansas4-H.org/register.  Or, contact Robin Curry, 4-H Administrative Assistant, 785- 532-5800 for registration information.
 
For more information about the KS AYD Institute, course content or sponsorship by the KSRE Youth Development Program Focus Team contact: Elaine Johannes
Johannes
Volunteering VIP Tip - VIP Review Committee (VIPRC)
One of the common questions that arises is "How do I get a VIPRC started?" (and sometimes "why do I need one?") The why is; the VIPRC provides the opportunity to make better quality decisions about who serves as a 4-H Volunteer, a good VIPRC can add information to the decision pool that the agent and program may not have access to and by the committee making the recommendation, it is a broader based decision.

So how to get started? "First Who, then What". The VIPRC should consist of three to five individuals who represent a broad knowledge base of human resources, law enforcement and child protection, as well as have an understanding of the nature of Extension programs. In addition to these three to five individuals, Extension staff members who have responsibility for youth programs should serve on the committee.

"How do I get a VIPRC started?" First generate a list of possible people to serve, (ask the 4-H YD PDC and/or Extension Board to help generate this list). From the list, select candidates to ask, then ask them. As you ask them to serve, outline what you are asking them to do, ie., meet to review applications of adults and youth to serve as 4-H Volunteers. Let them know this committee is an important step in ensuring quality 4-H Youth Development programs. They will need to participate in a training and sign a confidentiality statement. After the ask and commitment, set the first meeting (training and first reviews), as soon as possible to get things going. After they have met and reviewed several applications and you are comfortable with the process, the committee can do the reviews individually (this will help reduce the meetings required later).

For more information and assistance, see VIP FAQ at: https://intranet.oznet.ksu.edu/4-h/Volunteers/4HVIPFAQ.pdf This document is password protected.  http://www.Kansas4-H.org
Buchele
 

Volunteer Development Tip
From Susan Ellis from Energize Volunteer Management Update (a monthly e-mail newsletter)

Although it is very common to talk about "recruiting and retaining" volunteers, "retention" is an awkward category that does not stand alone. Retention is an outcome, not a task. In other words, you can set aside three hours to supervise volunteers or to write a volunteer handbook. But you can't "do" retention. It is the result of the accumulated actions necessary for solid volunteer management.

When volunteers are recruited honestly, have meaningful work to do, receive orientation and training, get supervisory attention and feedback, and feel recognized, they'll be satisfied enough to want to remain engaged. (Providing, of course, that external or personal circumstances don't interfere.)
Buchele
 

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.
Buchele
 
Kansas Association of 4-H Volunteers
Publicity and Promotion Consultant Wanted

The Kansas Association of 4-H Volunteers is recruiting for a "Consultant" to do Publicity and Promotion for the Volunteer Association. This is a paid opportunity. The tasks for the consultant include maintaining the membership and mailing list, doing a quarterly newsletter and maintaining the Association website. This can be done from most anywhere with internet access and would be great for a college or grad student or home based person. First screening will start March 1. Please help by letting folks know of this opportunity.

For the announcement follow this link: http://www.kansas4-h.org/Volunteer/Association/KA4-HVPandPConsultantannouncement.pdf

For more information on the Association, click here: http://www.kansas4-h.org/Volunteer/Association/
Buchele
 

Kansas Extension Conference on Volunteerism - Advance notice
Hold November 4 - 5, 2008 for 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. Dr. Jim Rutledge, former State 4-H Leader in Oregon will present the keynote his presentation will be on "Getting Agents and Volunteers on the Same Page". More information will be out soon, for now 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
Again, advanced notice. Very soon the call for proposals for seminars, workshops and poster sessions for the Kansas Extension Conference on Volunteerism will 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 asked for.
Buchele
 
CHARACTER COUNTS!~ EVERY GOOD DECISION STARTS WITH A STOP
Most of us are regularly confronted with choices that can have serious and lasting impact on our lives. What’s more, most really bad decisions- the one’s that mess up our lives - were made impulsively or without sufficient reflection. Thus, the wisdom of the oldest advice in the world: "Think ahead." The maxim telling us to count to three when we’re angry and to ten when we’re very angry is designed to prevent foolish and impulsive behavior. But anger is just one obstacle to good choices. Others are fatigue, frustration, impatience and ignorance.

We can improve our lives immeasurably if we can get in the habit of self-consciously stopping the momentum of thoughtless behavior. We must force ourselves to reflect on what we are about to do. Just like we teach our children to look both ways before they cross the street, we can and should instill the habit of looking ahead in making decisions. So each good decision starts with a stop. We must stop to sort our facts from rumors, to evaluate the evidence and devise alternatives so we can choose the most effective and ethical course of action. Stopping to think before we act also allows us to muster our moral will power to overcome temptations.

The "stop" is a break in the action that allows us to ask ourselves a few crucial questions that could set us on a better road: "Wait, what do I really want to accomplish here?"
"How will my decision affect others?"
"What are my alternatives?"
"What could go wrong?"
- a commentary by Michael Josephson, Josephson Institute of Ethics
.
Gerhard