4-H Public Speaking Contest

Transcription

1 Washington County 7303 Sharpsburg Pike Boonsboro, Maryland TEL FAX H News & Views 4-H Public Speaking Contest On Saturday, March 29 th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the University of Maryland Extension Office- Washington County, all 4-H members will have the opportunity to demonstrate their speaking skills at the H Public Speaking Contest. Contestants will have the opportunity to participate in four different speech categories: Radio Spot (a 30 second 4-H Promo), Extemporaneous (a speech written the night of the contest from three topic choices), Prepared (a speech prepared prior to the contest on a topic of your choosing) and Interpretative (a memorized and dramatically presented written work such as a poem). Additional information regarding length of each speech and important presentation tips is available on our website or by contacting Amy Simmons at simmons@umd.edu or Registration is required for this event. Registration forms are available on our website or by contacting Amy Simmons. Registration deadline is Monday, March 24 th. A Preparatory Session is scheduled for Sunday, March 16 th from 2:00-4:00 at the University of Maryland Extension Office-Washington County for all interested contestants. Topics to be covered include: An overview of the Public Speaking contest The importance of Public Speaking General Tips for Public Speaking Specific information and/or assistance for each speech categories Registration is required for the event. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 12th by contacting Amy Simmons. All participants will receive awards and recognition. First place winners in all age groups for each category will have the opportunity to compete at the Maryland State Communication Contest during Maryland Day in College Park on April 26 th. Local Governments U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.

2 Page 2 Our Growing 4-H Family Each year our Washington County 4-H Family grows as new club members join and new UME volunteers are trained. It is a great feeling to see new faces in our midst, especially ones that are excited to be a part of the family. Although it is sad to say goodbye to 4-H family members when they age out of the program, choose not to stay enrolled or move on to greener pastures, we hope their experience in the program has allowed them to develop life skills that will benefit them in the future. The 4-H Program said goodbye to one 4-H Team member in December, when our Program Assistant, Shannon Uzelac, took a position with NIH. She is now working as an animal caretaker. She is still a part of the 4-H Family as a volunteer and through her involvement with the Chewsville 4-H Club. She will be missed, but we are glad she is not gone from the fold. In March, the 4-H Team will be welcoming two new members. We hope that when you meet these new members and work with them through 4-H Outreach, School Enrichment and the Camping programs, you will make them feel at home and a part of the Washington County 4-H Family. Both come to us with positive energy and a passion for working with youth and will make a great addition to our 4-H Team. On March 4th, Stephanie Alphee began working with the 4-H Program for one year as a Americorp VISTA volunteer. She is from New York and will be making the transition to Washington County. Her position is designed to develop partnerships and promote Afterschool STEM programming in all three counties in Western Maryland. She will be housed at the University of Maryland Extension Office-Washington County, but will be working with the 4-H Educators in Garrett, Allegany and Washington County. On March 17 th, Hannah House will begin working with the 4-H Program as a part-time Program Assistant. Many of you may already know Hannah as she grew up in the Washington County 4-H Program and is a Huyetts Club graduate. She comes to us while attending graduate school at Hood College and will be assisting with Outreach, School Enrichment and Camp programs bringing high quality youth development experiences to all youth in Washington County. Be sure to welcome our new 4-H Team members the next time you stop in the office!

3 Page 3 Teen and Adult Leaders For Summer 2014 Camps Camp Staff training began March 2 nd, If you are a teen between the ages of and you would like to earn Student Service Learning Hours and develop leadership skills, this opportunity may be right up your alley. If you are an adult and would like to help shape and mold the lives of teens as they develop leadership skills and campers in a hands-on week of STEM activity, we want YOU! All leaders will be trained in the different aspects of camping including youth development, program planning, leadership and risk management. Trainings are listed below and will be held at the University of Maryland Extension Office- Washington County unless otherwise noted: Sunday, March 2, 2014 (3) 1:00-4:00 Session 1 Sunday, March 23, 2014 (3) 1:00-4:00 Session 2 Sunday, April 13, 2014 (3) 1:00-4:00 Session 3 Sunday, May 18, 2014 (3) 1:00-4:00 Session 4 Sunday, June 8, 2014 (3) 1:00-4:00 Session 5 Tuesday, June 17, 2014 (5) 10:00-3:00 Session 6 Sunday, June 22, 2014(6) 11:00-5:00 Session 7 If you are interested, but have not applied please contact Jamie Kenton at either jkenton@umd.edu or to discuss your participation.

4 Page 4 Spring H Recognition Night Saturday, April 12th 6:30-10:00 p.m. Agricultural Education Center- Multi Purpose Building 4-H News & Views RSVP Today to attend this AMAZING event! Contact Amy Simmons at or simmons@umd.edu to make sure you are included in the food count and are entered to win a door prize. Theme: We are a 4-H Family Program: Opening festivities, dinner and social time followed by the formal award ceremony and recognition. Club Involvement: Select a family style game or activity to present during the opening festivities. Create a 4-H Club Family display or photo to share with the whole Washington County 4-H family. Create 4-H Club Characters with the scarecrows provided by the 4-H Team- dress them up to represent your club and bring them to Recognition Night to put on display. They will become the property of the 4-H club and can be used as a promotional tool for your clubs during all of your club activities and events. Participation Contests: This year, each attendee will have the opportunity to participate in any number of basket raffles. Attendees will receive tickets for RSVP ing, registering upon arrival, as well as, volunteering to assist with activities, participating in the costume contest and for other event related activities. Each ticket can be used for a chance to win one of several baskets or certificates arranged by the 4-H Team. The more tickets you earn, the greater your chance of winning! Costume Contest: This year we encourage all that attend to show your family pride by dressing alike (club or family) or show your creativity by dressing like your favorite Hollywood or historical family. Prizes will be awarded for all that participate. Pictures: If you have pictures of your 4-H er, club activity/event or field trip and you would like it included in the 2014 Washington County Recognition Night Slideshow, send them to Jamie Kenton by March 31st, Send them either via at jkenton@umd.edu or send a photo to the University of Maryland Extension Office- Washington County at 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD to be scanned and included. If you choose to send a picture and wish to have it returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your picture(s).

5 Page 5 Recognition Night Silent Auction This year at Recognition Night, Saturday, April 12 th, we will be organizing a fiscally intriguing incentive to all interested 4-H Clubs. Read on to learn more! We ask that any 4-H member, leader, family member or friend of a club create a basket or bring a donation for the silent auction. Each item you or anyone associated with your club brings, will earn your club a chance at splitting the proceeds from the silent auction. Bring items that both adults and children would bid on, such as a work of art for an adult to bid on, a basketball that a youth would bid on or a basket of cookies that anyone would bid on. Check in with the silent auctioneer at Recognition Night to identify ONE club that you would like to give the chance to split the proceeds from the silent auction. The more items you bring, the more options there are to bid on and the greater the chance the club of your choice has to split the proceeds from the silent auction. (Bring your wallet or checkbook and bid BIG!) All proceeds from the silent auction will be split evenly between two lucky clubs based on those entered into the lottery. Every silent auction item you or a club member, family member, leader or friend of your club donates to the silent auction is another chance for your club to split the proceeds from the silent auction. Items may be brought to Recognition Night on Saturday, April 12 th, or dropped off at the University of Maryland Extension Office-Washington County prior to April 12 th. Be sure to identify the club you wish to enter into the lottery for the item you donate. Only one club may be entered per item. Please contact a member of the 4-H Team at if you have any questions. Be sure to come out and bid BIG! 2014 Washington County Horse Bowl Team The following 4-H members will be representing Washington County and their clubs at the 2014 Maryland State Horse Bowl Competition scheduled for Saturday, March 15 th at the Plant Science Building, room 1140 at the University of Maryland in College Park: Megan Leisinger, Bits N- Bridles 4-H Club Catie Sprankle, Bits N- Bridles 4-H Club Kristen Shives, Bits N- Bridles 4-H Club Lilli Sutton from Saddles & Spurs 4-H Club Good luck ladies!

6 Page 6 Promote your 4-H Club and the Ag Expo and Fair March 14-16, 2014 at Valley Mall Fashion Review Friday, March 6:30 pm, contact Angie Koontz at (301) if you are interested or for more information Weird Cake Contest Friday, March pm, contact Carolyn Etzler-Doyle at (240) for more information Much, much more! Create a display to promote your 4-H club or your projects For additional information, contact Katie Long at katiesquilts@hotmail.com or (301) Ag Expo and Fair The 2014 Ag Expo and Fair countdown is on! Only 4 months to fair fun again returns to Washington County. This year s fair is scheduled from July 19-26, Here are some important dates to keep in mind for animal projects you may want to show at the Ag Expo and Fair this year: 2014 Market Animal and Commercial Tag In and Weigh In Dates NEW FOR 2014 Market and Commercial Animal Tag In. 4-H members MUST submit re-enrollment or new member paperwork along with Livestock Registration Forms prior to tag in dates. March 29, am- 10:30 am 1 st Year Dairy Steers *Paperwork due March 24, 2014 in order to tag and weigh 1 st Year Dairy Steers. May 9, :30pm- 7:30 pm Market Lambs and Goats, Commercial Sheep and Goats *Paperwork due May 5, 2014 in order to tag and weigh Market Lambs and Goats, Commercial Sheep and Goats. June 7, :30 am 12pm Market Swine *Paperwork due June 2, 2014 in order to tag and weigh Market Swine.

7 Page 7 UME Volunteer Training Opportunities For more information or to register for any of these webinar trainings, please visit the AGNR Calendar at March, 25 th, :00-8:00 - Liabilities Surrounding Animal Projects and Events April 29 th, :00-8:00 - Club Activities to Support Animal Projects May 27 th, :00-8:00 - Volunteers Roles in Clubs Search under 4-H by month to register for each session. Open House at the Rural Heritage Museum The Washington County 4-H Program will be presenting Children s Activities at the Rural Heritage Museum s Open House on Saturday, April 5 th from 1:00-4:00 PM. We encourage you to attend the event from 10:00-4:00 to take in all the sites, participate in all of the activities and/ or help out with the 4-H program s hands on kids activities. If you would like to help out presenting some exciting hands on activities at the 4-H Table during this event, please contact Jamie Kenton at jkenton@umd.edu or Save the Date! MARYLAND DAY Saturday, April 26 th, 2014 University of Maryland, College Park Be there! Save the Date! Wills Fair Saturday, May 17 th, 2014 Howard County Fairgrounds Information to follow via and Facebook. Don t be left out! Contact the 4-H Team if you are not receiving 4-H Program s and/or newsletters.

8 Page 8 April is Month of the Military Child! Across the country different activities are going on to show appreciation and support for all military children. To celebrate and highlight the military child and life, the Washington County 4-H Program will be collaborating with the MD National Guard Child & Youth Program to provide a number of programs and activities for 4-H and Military Youth alike. A Day in the Garden- will be held on Saturday, April 12 th. We will be celebrating Earth Day with A Day in the Garden. Youth are invited to visit the Children s Gardens at the Agricultural Education Center from 1:00-3:00 to participate in the All About Seeds program presented by the Master Gardeners of Washington County, plant a military themed garden and create garden projects to take home. RSVP to participate with Jamie Kenton at jkenton@umd.edu or by Monday, April 7 th. Spring Break Day Camp- will be three individual day programs that will offer participants a variety of activities designed around the daily topic. Each day will start at 9:00 and end at 3:00 and will cost $10 per participant per day. Please visit our website at: washington-county/4-h-youth/camping-program for a camp flyer and/or registration form or contact Amy Simmons at simmons@umd.edu or for a hard copy. Rural Heritage Museum There is much to be experienced and learned at the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum. Located at 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, right next to the University of Maryland Extension Office- Washington County. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-4:00 and they have a great line up of activities scheduled throughout Check out their upcoming events, such as their Spring Open House on April 5-6 and monthly Children s Garden activities by visiting their website at If you are looking to complete Student Service Learning hours, contact Erin Overdorff at eoverdorff@washcomd.net or to learn about the opportunities available at the museum.

9 Page 9 Send in your club pictures and news by May 15th for inclusion in the Summer Newsletter. The Sunlight 4-H Club delivered food to the Hope Center at the Hagerstown Rescue Mission in December. Members of the Greensburg 4-H Club participated in the Hagerstown Mummers Parade in October What a great way to share 4-H with the community! Congratulations to all those that showed and sold at the Spring Swine Show on Saturday, February 22, You all are super stars and should be proud of your accomplishments. It was a pleasure to work with you and all those who put the show together. ~Jamie Kenton

10 Page 10 Spring Paper Clover Campaign Coming April 23-May to a Tractor Supply near you The Paper Clover Campaign is a unique fundraising opportunity, because your county can raise funds for whatever the county needs the most with no restrictions. It is also an opportunity to promote your club, give back to the community, reach new and potential club members and a chance to win TSC gift cards! What you can do: Create a club display (story board, project board, scarecrows)- to set up in TSC and promote your club. Be sure to include: club information, pictures, stories and a way to contact your club for additional information or to join! Schedule a Bake sale at TSC. Remember to complete a fundraising form with the 4-H Program at the University of Maryland Extension and get a health permit if you are making and selling your own baked goods. Be sure to create signage to include: club and contact information. Schedule an Activity Table at TSC. Do a craft, science experiment or hands on activity to promote your club projects and focus. Contact the 4-H Team at the University of Maryland Extension Office to see if there are any supplies you can use for your activity. Be sure to create signage to include: club and contact information. Schedule a day for your club to participate in a Help a Customer Day event. Spend the day assisting at TSC, bag items, carry customer items to their car. Be sure to create signage to include: club and contact information. No matter what you do or when you do it, be sure to: Wear your club 4-H T-shirts To schedule a club day at TSC: Pick a day, either a weekday or weekend Call Scott Disney at TSC to schedule your club at Club Incentive: Besides promoting your club and 4-H, remember that all club members that participate in an in-store event are entered to win TSC Gift Cards.

11 Page 11 University of Maryland Volunteers The 4-H Team is always looking for a few good adult volunteers. If you are a parent that attends every 4-H Club meeting your child is a member of this could be you! If you are a family/community member with a special interest in archery, sewing, robotics, etc. this could be you! If you know of someone who would make a GREAT volunteer and asset to the 4-H Youth Development Program this could be them! The process is easy. Simply complete and return the application, we send out reference letters and conduct a simple background check. You will go through a short on-line training followed by an interview and then all of the time you help out at your child s 4-H Club meetings or other 4-H Events will help grow our 4-H Program and enrich our 4-H Family! University of Maryland Volunteers have the opportunity to attend a variety of trainings, are eligible for scholarship money for specific conferences and awards on both the county and state level. Time commitment can fit your schedule and your expertise most likely aligns with any number of 4-H projects and/or clubs. For additional information or forms, please contact Amy Simmons at simmons@umd.edu or to start your journey to a rewarding volunteer experience! Youth Volunteerism There are always opportunities for youth to assist the 4-H Program provide outreach, school enrichment, camping or club programming while promoting your club and your passion for 4-H. Many of these opportunities allow youth to develop leadership skills while assisting others to complete an activity and learn about 4-H. Whether you want to earn Student Service Learning hours or share your passion for 4-H, check out the Youth Volunteerism flyer on our website Copies are also available in our office or can be sent to you by calling a member of the 4-H Team. Make the Best Better by lending a helping hand!

12 Page 12 Maryland 4-H Volunteer Association All 4-H Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Association. The purpose of this organization shall be to develop and support volunteers to serve the needs of 4-H volunteers and members throughout the state. In keeping with this purpose, it is the intention of the organization: To support the delivery of information, service, and human and economic resources available to volunteers as provided by the 4-H program. Provide means for Maryland 4-H volunteers to exchange mutually beneficial 4-H experiences and ideas. Assist in providing training opportunities for Maryland 4-H volunteers. Serve as mentors to new 4-H volunteers and/or new clubs. This association was instrumental in organizing the Volunteer Forum in Ocean City this last November. If you are interested in learning more about this association, please contact: Dr. Lisa Dennis, University of Maryland Extension, 2135 Richard Henson Center, Princess Anne, MD or Summer Programming Project Explorations! S.T.E.M. Day Camp Will be again offered this summer for a week long 4-H camping experience. It will be held Monday-Friday, June 23-27, 2014 from 8:00-5:00 PM located at the Multi-Purpose Building at the Agricultural Education Center on Sharpsburg Pike. This camp will provide youth with daily group and choice activities ranging from engineering a simple robot, environmental education games, creating healthy snacks, designing nature crafts and MUCH MORE! Educational activities will include professional presenters, visits to the Rural Heritage Museum and Western Maryland Research and Education Center, as well as, a mid week adventure experience. All programming is designed to enhance participants interest in science, tweak their technological skills, engage in the engineering process and multiply their problem solving/mathematical abilities. The camp is open to youth ages Campers must have completed kindergarten to participate. Registration information will be available on our website by mid-march or by contacting Amy Simmons at or simmons@umd.edu. *Check out our Science on the Farm day programs scheduled in a variety of locations around Washington County by visiting our website at:

13 Page 13 4-H Record Books Congratulations to all who completed your 2013 Project Record Books. Thank you to all who attended the 2013 Record Book Rallies which provide club members time and assistance in completing this annual requirement. Please remember that Record Books serve many purposes as a part of the 4-H Program. It is a picture of who you are as a 4-H er and represents your work ethic, as well as, your goals. They allow the 4-H Team to recognize your achievements, demonstrates the completion of your project and what you learned, is a requirement for showing at the Ag Expo and Fair and should assist in developing the life skills of goal setting, record keeping, and marketable skills to name a few. Now that your 2013 Record Book has been put to bed, why not start 2014 s? It is never too soon to start preparing for your 2014 Record Book. Some tips to make your 2014 Record Book experience a little easier: Make sure your 2013 story, essay and/or resume is saved on a computer or thumb drive in a safe place to allow you to easily access and modify it for Make sure the project records completed for 2013 are saved on a computer or thumb drive in a safe place to allow you to easily access and modify it for Start keeping track of your project information and activities when you start working on them. Record them in a calendar, which are available at the University of Maryland Extension Office- Washington County if you need one! Start completing your Summary Record now! Put it in a folder and take it with you to your club meetings. Check off your attendance each month and add activities and information as you do them. Complete your 2014 Title Page in April and put it in your Record Book Cover when you get it back after Recognition Night. Review the judge s comments when you receive your record book after Recognition Night. Identify things you should continue doing that you scored well on and things you can change to improve your score for next year. Start your Project Record sheets in the summer when you know what you are going to show at the fair. You can put information in as you go. (Project Record Sheets should be updated and available by June 1 st for the 2014 year- please access at our website: Make sure someone is taking pictures at the fair to add a personal dimension to your record book in your supplemental section. Start working on completing project records, story, essay and/or resume in September. Portion out a day each month to work on it a little bit at a time to save the stress of cramming it in in January. Attend the Record Book Rallies to dedicate time to completing your Record Book in the company of other 4-H members and with the assistance of the 4-H Team. Record Book Rallies are open to all and are not required. They are especially helpful for those completing their record book for the first time, but it is a great place to interact with other 4-H family members and see what they are doing!

14 Washington County 4-H Washington County Agricultural Education Center 7303 Sharpsburg Pike Boonsboro, MD Phone: Fax: Sincerely, Jamie Kenton Extension Educator The 4-H Team Amy Simmons Admin. Assistant To Make the Best Better Visit us on the web at: extension.umd.edu/washington-county March 16: March 29: March 29: April 5: April 12: April 15-17: April 23-May 4: April 26: May 9: May 17: June 7: June 23-27: July 19-26: Important Dates Public Speaking Prep Session Public Speaking Contest 1st year Dairy Steer Tag In RHM Open House 4-H Recognition Night Spring Break Day Camp Tractor Supply Clover Campaign Maryland Day Lamb & Goat Tag In Wills Fair Market Swine Tag In Project Explorations! STEM Camp Ag Expo & Fair Communications Reminders Newsletter Deadlines- Please send any club information, articles, pictures or club highlights to Amy Simmons at by the following dates: May 15- Summer Issue August 15- Fall Issue November 15- Winter Issue February 15- Spring Issue Also contact Amy if you are NOT receiving the newsletter. We send it via , but can also send it via the Postal Service upon request. Don t miss out on all the information that is fit to print! Facebook page- To become a member, friend Jamie Kenton or Amy Simmons on Facebook and they will invite you to join this closed group. You must be a member of the group to post. Club Fundraising Reminders Reminder to ALL 4-H Clubs. Any money the club raises under the 4-H name must be used for 4-H educational materials, educational project materials or activities. Example: If the club wants to raise money for the Humane Society they must state Proceeds to Benefit Humane Society of Washington County. Otherwise the money must be used for the 4-H club. If a club is planning a fundraiser, the club needs to fill out and submit a pre-approval form at least one month prior to the fundraiser. These forms can be found in section 14 of the Leaders Resources Notebook. Any questions contact Jamie Kenton at either jkenton@umd.edu or