4-H Tip Sheet December 2008
 

 

Deadlines:

Nov 17 Program Rally Registrations Due
Nov 17 Program Rally Apparel Order Due
Nov 17 Strengthening Clubs 1 and 2 Registration Due
Nov 21 National Western Stock Show Catch a Calf Registrations Due
Dec 1 Camp Action Team Applications Due
Jan 15 AYDI Registration Due
Feb 2 Ambassador Workshop Registration Due
Mar 6 State 4-H Scholarships Due
April 6 Team America Rocketry Challenge Registrations Due
   
The House That 4-H Built
Earlier this week as a chaperone for the Kansas delegation to National 4-H Congress, I had one of those routine conference calls to prepare for the event. I came away excited to learn more about house that 4-H built.
 
Community service has always been a focus of 4-H youth development programs and will be part of this year's National Congress schedule, too. In addition to hands on community service, each delegate is asked to contribute $20 towards the Habit for Humanity 4-H house fund.  I was amazed to learn that nationally 4-H has raised funds to build one 4-H Habitat for Humanity House in 2006 and have collected almost $30,000 towards a second house. As a past chaperone for this  event in 2002, I recall helping collect the dimes as this project started. During the call, I realized that this project offers a wonderful opportunity for Kansas 4-Hers, volunteers and supporters to see the 4-H pledge in action- I pledge...my hands to larger service... to my club, my community, my country and my world. As a result, we have just challenged Atchison County 4-Hers to share a $1.00 in change at 4-H events this month to add to the National Congress collections. I realize that Thanksgiving is not far away and the Kansas delegation will be headed to Atlanta but I would encourage you to join me in spreading the word about the house that 4-H built as you make plans for the 2009 4-H year. The web link below shows the house:  http://www.national4-hcongress.com/communityservice/Habitat_House.pdf
 
Anyone wishing to donate to the funds this year may write a check to Arkansas Ag. Development Fund and send to our office by November 24.  The address is National 4-H Congress, % Atchison County Extension Office, PO 109, Effingham, KS 66023. Monies will be added to the Kansas delegation's collection; it is my understanding that last year Kansas was third in contributions.
Nielson
 
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 all 4-H members are required 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 entirely will result in the person being ineligible to participate in 4-H activities".
    VanHorn
     
    Risk Management Planning
    Accidents happen no matter how well events, conferences and day camps are planned. As an Extension Professional you are aware surprises happen...both good and bad! Planning for these surprises is risk management, a logical process for eliminating 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!
    VanHorn
     
    AMBASSADOR WORKSHOP

    2009 Kansas 4-H Ambassador Workshop.
    The Kansas 4-H Ambassador Action Team invites all County/District 4-H Ambassadors and their advisors to the 2009 Kansas 4-H Ambassador Workshop, starting Friday evening February 20th, and running through Saturday afternoon February 21st at Rock Springs 4-H Center. The 2009 theme is “Ambassadors – Lasso the Leadership within You!”, and the conference will build upon last year’s successful conference.   

    Some of the workshop sessions that will be offered include:  “True Colors,” “Cool Things to Do with Kids,” “Presenting Yourself Well and Interviewing with the Media,” “Noodles and More,“ “County/District Planning Session,” “Adult 4-H Advisors - So What Do I Do Now?”, and “Adult 4-H Advisors Question and Answer Session,” and a Technology Zoo. 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 Sunday, February 1.  Late registration will cost $85.00 and will be accepted from February 2-6, 2009.  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
     
    AYD
    Kansas Advancing Youth Development Institute available for Registration
    KS AYDI is a training for front line youth workers, volunteers, program mangers and supervisors who work with youth (ages 10-19). Modules from (revised) Advancing Youth Development by ACT for Youth, Cornell University and USDA’s Moving Ahead: Preparing the Youth Development Professional are blended into this dynamic training. Topics include positive youth development, youth engagement, youth culture, and youth worker competencies. Focus will be on application of principles and connecting with other participants. Share this message with other youth development professionals in your communities to come along with you for attend on their own. Trainers include: Dr. Gary Gerhard, Beth Hinshaw, Dr. Elaine Johannes and Diane Mack of K-State Research and Extension

    COST & REGISTRATION: Registration of $250* includes 3 nights stay at Rock Springs and 8 meals (breakfast, Tuesday to lunch, Thursday), refreshments and materials. CEU certificate for 15 instructional hours is provided.
    * Youth Development PFT members pay a reduced $150.
    * Register by January 15 - enrollment is limited to 25.
    * Register on-line at: www.Kansas4-H.org, or
    * Submit the accompanying registration form with payment to:  KS AYDI (att: Robin Curry), KS 4-H Youth Development, 201 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-3404
    GERHARD
     
    CHARACTERCOUNTS!
    CHARACTERCOUNTS! It’s Not Easy
    Let’s be honest. Ethics is not for wimps. It’s not easy being a good person. 

    It’s not easy to be honest when it might be costly, to play fair when others cheat, or to keep inconvenient promises.
    It’s not easy to stand up for our beliefs and still respect differing viewpoints.
    It’s not easy to control powerful impulses, to be accountable for our attitudes and actions, to tackle unpleasant tasks, or to sacrifice the now for later.
    It’s not easy to bear criticism and learn from it without getting angry, to take advice, and to admit error.
    It’s not easy to feel genuine remorse and apologize sincerely or to accept an apology graciously and truly forgive.
    It’s not easy to stop feeling like a victim, to resist cynicism, and to make the best of every situation.
    It’s not easy to be consistently kind, to think of others first, to judge generously, and to give the benefit of the doubt.
    It’s not easy to be grateful or to give without concern for reward or gratitude.
    It’s not easy to fail and still keep trying, to learn from failure, to risk failing again, to start over, to lose with grace, or to be glad of another’s success.
    It’s not easy to look at ourselves honestly and be accountable, to avoid excuses and rationalizations, or to resist temptations.

    No, being a person of character is not easy. That’s why it’s such a lofty goal and an admirable achievement.  (Michael Josephson, November 5, 2008)
    GERHARD
     
    CURRICULUM CORNER
    Robotics Curriculum Discontinued -- Continue to use what you have!
    The following National Curriculum pieces have been discontinued due to specific Lego platform that has been eliminated by the manufacturer:
    The publications in our Kansas system are:
    4H949 Robotics 1 - Robotics Explorer
    4H950 Robotics 2 - Robotics Probe
    4H951 Helpers Guide, Robotics Coach
    National 4-H Headquarters and National 4-H Council are working to fill this void.
    Adams
     
    DOG JUDGE'S CERTIFICATION TRAINING
    Dog Judge's Certification Training
    Dog Judge's Certification Training will be held January 31-Feb.1, 2009 at Johnson County Fairgrounds in Gardner, Kansas. 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
     
    HORTICULTURE
    NEW HORTICULTURE JUDGING PLANT AND PUBLICATION LISTS
    Every few years revisions are made to the plant identification score card and publication list used for the Kansas 4-H horticulture judging contests. These revisions are made to help 4-Hers keep abreast of industry trends and extension recommendations.
     
    The new id score card and plant publication list are available on the state 4-H web site under the heading “What’s Hot”, and will be used for all contests from this time forward. The plant identification score card that was distributed at the State 4-H Horticulture Contest in August contained a few errors that have been corrected. Please advise your coaches and 4-Hers to begin using these lists immediately.
    KANSAS 4-H AWARDS
    2009 Kansas 4-H Awards Letter
    Please be on the lookout for your 2009 Kansas 4-H Awards Letter that will be going out this week to your units. It will include the details about Area KAA Screenings, State KAA Judging, Scholarships, Alumni and Family of the Year Recognition. You can find all of the information from the "Awards" button in the left column of the Kansas 4-H Home webpage. The pre-October 1, 2008 version of the Permanent Record may be found from the "Records Keeping" button in the same place on the web. Please remember, for area and state we are using the KAA and pre-October 1, 2008 version of the Permanent Record. Neither the KAP nor the revised-October 1, 2008 version of the Permanent Record will be accepted at area screenings or state judging. Also, please be sure to use the Revised 2009 Kansas 4-H Scholarship Form, available ONLY from the "Awards" website for STATE 4-H scholarships due on March 6.
    GERHARD
     
    Kansas State 4-H Scholarship Form is New in 2009
    The application for the 2009 Kansas State 4-H Scholarships is new! You can find it at:     http://www.Kansas4-H.org/Awards/Default.htm

    It’s important to use the revised form since the application requires different responses, although it is the same length and the standard requirements of 4-H participation, achievement through 4-H in leadership and citizenship, and efforts at school and in the community remain the same. Reminders will be sent to Agents repeatedly to help you remind students to use the new application. Please dispose of all old state 4-H scholarship forms you may in files. While self-explanatory, a brief instruction sheet will be posted along with the new form on the KS 4-H Awards webpage and evaluation/comment/ranking forms for evaluators.
    GERHARD
     
    PROGRAM RALLY
    Kansas 4-H Program Rally
    The Kansas 4-H Program Rally, December 11-12, 2008 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. You have seen it in the Tip Sheet and in the Tuesday letter and now it is time to register.

    1. The Rally will start on Thursday, December 11 with registration at 8:30 a.m. and the Rally will begin at 9 a.m. Registration will be in Heritage Hall on the upper level. Registration is available through the 4-H Online system. The program will include Dr. Barbara Stone from National 4-H Council, workshops, updates on the Kansas 4-H Program, an opportunity to network with colleagues across the state and some fun. You can see the current agenda here:     http://www.kansas4- h.org/Events/ProgramRally/2008.2/PRagendadraft.pdf

    2. We are also offering lodging December 10, and breakfast on December 11 if that will be convenient for you. Sign up for this option when you register for the Program Rally. Please register by November 17, 2008.
    Rally Registration Dec 11-12 (includes overnight and 3 meals) $60
    Early Arrival Overnight on the 10th and breakfast on the 11th $27
    Once you register for any of these options you will get a bill back by e-mail. We ask that you or your Extension Council pay from that invoice, by December 5 and of course send your Kansas 4-H Participation Form in too! The Rally is being sponsored this year by the State 4-H Youth Development Department and Farm Credit Associations of Kansas.

    3. We will have a County Fair Idea Display and we need you to bring your fair books, marketing ideas, award ideas, display ideas or anything else you want to share. Tara Solomon will be working with this display so contact her with questions. (    tsolomon@ksu.edu)

    4. Do you have other things to share? We will have a display area again this year, and Action Team Displays, Program Ideas and more are welcome. If you would like some space, please contact Aliesa Woods (awoods@ksu.edu) or Melinda Daily (mdaily@ksu.edu). Be sure to share with them what your display will be about, as there will be a printed piece for all participants detailing what will be found in the display area. On Thursday evening we will have specific time for Rally participants to view displays and we hope people can be there to share information with participants. There will be other times through out the Rally that people could view the displays as well. Space would be about half of an 8ft table.

    5. We will have our Technology Petting Zoo again this year with our experts from IET, so bring questions and ideas.

    6. We will end on Friday with a Youth Development Celebration. We invite every local office to submit 5-7 photos that represent 4-H Youth Development. Make sure you have signed photo release for any youth in the photos, prior to submitting them. Photos need to be e-mailed to Rod Buchele (    rbuchele@ksu.edu) by November 17, 2008.

    7. We have selected some new KSRE and Kansas 4-H Apparel and items that we are making available as a group order again this year. So if it is time to improve you wardrobes, or purchase some holiday items here is your chance to get in on a group order. The catalog/order page is available at this website:     http://www.kansas4-h.org/Events/ProgramRally/2008.2/Oct.4- HFlyer.pdf
    Orders are due in the State 4-H Office on November 17, 2008, and items should be picked up at the Program Rally.

    See the Strengthening Clubs article about a Pre Rally Professional Development Opportunity.
    Hinshaw/Daily
     
    SET
    4-H SET: The Kids’ Science Challenge
    The Kids’ Science Challenge is a nationwide competition for 3rd to 6th graders. Kids are encouraged to learn about four fun scientific fields and then submit a question, problem, or experiment to be solved, working together with a scientist or engineer. 4-H clubs, school enrichment classrooms, afterschool and military groups can enter. The scientific fields are: flavor science, water quality, skateboard engineering, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Youth studying foods and nutrition may find interest in the flavor science field and those in natural resources may want to further explore water science. SETI may be of interest to our SpaceTech members. Individuals or groups of kids may want to explore skateboards as a self-determined project. Winners will receive a trip to visit the scientists to work collaboratively on their question, problem or experiment, and will be featured on Pulse of the Planet radio programs and podcasts. (www.pulseplanet.com) The Kids’ Science Challenge is providing a variety of educational resources to encourage kids to learn about the scientific fields, to help them in preparing an entry for the competition. The web site, at www.kidsciencechallenge.com, includes scientific backgrounds, downloadable science projects, lesson plans for classroom or after-school use, fun videos and educational games. At www.imbee.com kids can sign up to join a group to discuss their ideas online, and at Whyville.net they can participate in live chats with the scientists and engineers. Links are provided on the Kids’ Science Challenge web site. The first 1000 kids to enter the competition will receive free science activity kits (a portion of these have been set aside for 4-H applicants). These hands-on kits include a fingerboard skateboard, water test strips, flavor tasting strips, and a CD with a secret coded message from "aliens." Complete instructions are included. As a special incentive to 4-H group leaders, the mentors for the next ten team entries (as of November 6, 2008) to the competition will receive a free Hach water testing kit for additional science learning activities, and each kid on the teams will receive an individual bonus prize! If you would like to receive brochures or postcards to distribute, just contact them and let them know how many you need. Electronic versions of the brochures, as well as a complete prize list, are also available at http://www.kidsciencechallenge.com/html/press.php For help in setting up a Kids’ Science Challenge team, or for additional information, contact info@kidsciencechallenge.com
    GERHARD
     
    4-H SET: NASA Adventures in Rocket Science
    This resource is a K-12 Educators/Mentors guide that can be used to supplement your 4-H aerospace/rocketry programs. The guide contains 25 activities designed for informal education venues. You can download the PDF at:  http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Adventures_in_Rocket_Science.html
    GERHARD
     
    4-H SET: National Youth Science Experiment
    Thanks to all who helped young people have a fantastically positive experience with science by participating in the National Youth Science Experiment in the month of October. National 4-H Headquarters estimates more than 50 million people were aware of the activities across the country. Most of the national media was limited to just a few very large markets (Washington, DC to Boston and Denver, the home of Steve Spangler). 546 individuals and groups from around the world reported on-line about their experiences. Two thirds of these were NOT current 4-H members. We know that many, many, more actually did the experiment. Young people reported having fun and learning. See for yourself by going to www.4-H.org and follow the buttons to "4-H NYSD Results." Special recognition to the 36 Kansas reports in the international database from the following Extension Units: Leavenworth County (16); Cheyenne County (11); Ellis County (6); McPherson County (2); and Cowley (1). Appreciate the time of Agents and Program Assistants who got the word out. 4-H will sponsor NYSD and a NY Science Experiment again in 2009. The plans are to have the information to us much earlier than was provided this year.
    GERHARD
     
    SHOOTING SPORTS
    4-H Shooting Sports: Spring Instructor Workshop
    Planning ahead? The State 4-H Shooting Sports Spring Instructor Workshop will be held at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, headquartered in the Encampment Building, March 27-29, 2009. All disciplines will be offered regardless of numbers. Individuals may only participate in one discipline track per workshop. "Coordinator" is considered a separate discipline track. In addition there will be sessions for Rifle (including BB guns, Air Rifles, and Small Bore Rifles); Pistol (including Air and Small Bore); Shotgun, Archery, Muzzle loading, and Hunting Skills (note: this is not hunter safety, but skills related to hunting such as habitat, calling, and tracking). The program will begin at 7 PM and conclude at 2 PM on Sunday. Complete information and registration materials will be available in January 2009.
    GERHARD
     
    STRENGTHENING CLUBS 1 and 2
    Strengthening Clubs 1 or 2 -- Pre Rally Opportunity
    We will be offering Strengthening 4-H Clubs 1 and Strengthening Clubs 2 as a Pre Rally Professional Development opportunity on December 10 at Rock Springs.  You need to have already participated in SC 1 to enroll in SC 2. Any staff member or Key Volunteer is welcome on SC 1.  Registration for each workshop will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the workshop will begin at 9:30 a.m.  Registration is available for either of these workshops through the 4-H Online system.  If it would be convenient for you to have an over night stay on the 9th, that is available as well. When you sign up for the SC1 or SC2 through the 4-H system, you will see this lodging option.  If you have questions about SC1 contact Diane Mack (dmack@ksu.edu ) or Beth Hinshaw (bhinshaw@ksu.edu ).  For questions about SC2, contact Pam Van Horn (pvanhorn@ksu.edu ), Deryl Waldren (dwaldren@ksu.edu ) or Rod Buchele (rbuchele@ksu.edu ).  Please register by November 17. 
     
    SC1 or SC2 Registration for Dec 10 (fees, materials and lunch) $25
    Early Arrival for SC 1 or SC2 (overnight on the 9th) $23

    Once you register for any of these options you will get a bill back by e-mail. We ask that you or your Extension Council pay from that invoice, by December 5 and of course send your Kansas 4-H Participation Form in too!   
    Hinshaw/Mack/Buchele/VanHorn/Waldren
     
    WORLD CITIZENSHIP

    Counties/Districts Still Needed for 2009 Kansas 4-H Japanese Exchange
    This summer inbound program which Kansas has conducted with LABO and LEX in Japan since 1977 is still seeking counties to participate in 2009.  Kansas has committed to hosting 25 youth and adult chaperones for the 2009 summer inbound program.  Participating counties will host a small group of young Japanese teens who are highly motivated to become a member of their Kansas host family and to learn English.  The Japanese will arrive in counties about July 21, 2009, and stay with one family each for around 3 ½ weeks. There’s still time for your county/unit to get involved.  Participating counties/units must locate a volunteer coordinator who then manages the recruitment and screening of five to six host families, and organizes local activities during the stay.  Training, resource materials and some expense money are available for the coordinators and agents.  Extension agents oversee the program and may be as active as they wish in its conduct.  If you think your county might be interested, or to find out more details about your county/district hosting Japanese youth from 12-18 years-old in 2009, contact Rose Scott: rose@threeriversinc.org, or call Rose at 785-388-2009 or 785-565-3197 (cell).   
     Waldren and Scott
     

    2009 International Exchange Interviews and First Orientation December 5-6
    Prospective Kansas International Exchange participants, teenaged 4-H’ers, alumni 10-25 and chaperones, are required to participate in interviews which are scheduled December 5-6 in Manhattan.  At the time of this writing twelve applicants have been identified.  If local offices know of any potential applicants who have not yet submitted their applications, please ask them to contact Mary Kay Munson at 785-238-3631.  They will need to work with us to get their materials in as soon as possible.  Application form and information about available exchanges is found at the state 4-H web site http://www.kansas4-H.org/worldcitizenship. 
    Munson