Table of Contents. Contact Information... Page 1. General 4-H Information Page 2. Who s Who In 4-H.. Page 3. 4-H Enrollment.Page 4

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1 Randolph County

2 Table of Contents Contact Information.... Page 1 General 4-H Information Page 2 Who s Who In 4-H.. Page 3 4-H Enrollment.Page 4 What is a 4-H Project Page 5 4-H Fair Project Judging. Page 7 Keeping 4-H Costs Low.. Page 8 4-H Clubs....Page 9 What Should Parents Expect From 4-H Club Leaders. Page 11 Top 10 Things Every 4-H Parent Should Know... Page 12 Ten Commandments For Parents...Page 15 Do s and Don ts of Being a 4-H Parent. Page 16 Parent s 4-H Pledge.. Page 17 An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution

3 Contact Information Whenever you have questions concerning 4-H, feel free to contact us. We are here to make 4-H a great experience for your family! Randolph County Extension Office 4-H Staff Jennifer Hartzler Extension Educator HHS/4-H Youth Development Dan Kirtley Extension Educator ANR/CED/Assoc. 4-H Youth Development Joanie Thornburg 4-H Program Assistant Location: 4-H Fairgrounds 1885 S US Hwy 27 Winchester, IN Office Hours: Monday Friday from 8am 4pm Contact Info: Phone or FAX Website: 1

4 General 4-H Info 4-H Mission Statement: To assist youth and adults in their development by conducting handson educational programs using the knowledge base of Purdue University, other land grant universities, and the United States Department of Agriculture 4-H Motto: To Make The Best Better 4-H Emblem The 4-H emblem is the four-leaf clover with the letter H on each leaf. The H stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H Colors The 4-H Colors are green and white. Green symbolizes nature s most common color, represents life, springtime, and youth. White symbolizes purity. 4-H Pledge I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world. 2

5 Who s Who in 4-H 4-H Members Any child currently in grades 3 through 12 who fills out an enrollment form and meets the club requirements. Club Leader Project Leader Junior Leader An adult volunteer who is responsible for the organizational aspects of the club. An adult volunteer who is responsible for the conduct of a project club. These leaders tend to hold regular workshops and provide project assistance. 4-H member who is in grades 7 through 12 and enrolled in the Junior Leader program. The Junior Leader enrollment year runs from September to August. The group meets on a monthly basis, performs community service activities, donates to and sponsors various activities, and helps coordinate the 4-H Fair. COUNTY LEVEL 4-H Club, Inc. 4-H Club, Inc. is the policy-making organization for Randolph County 4-H. They meet five times during the 4-H year January, April, June, September, November. There are forty-two members on the board. Members include two representatives from each of the eleven townships, 4-H leaders, Junior Leaders, Farm Bureau, Extension Homemakers, County Council, and Chambers of Commerce. Extension Staff STATE LEVEL Purdue University Work out of the Randolph County Extension Office and are responsible for carrying out the county 4-H program. The 4-H program is headed by two Extension Educators and one 4-H Program Assistant. Purdue is the land-grant institution in Indiana that has the responsibility for taking research-based education to the people in all ninety-two counties in Indiana. The 4-H program is part of that directive in the Youth Development & Agricultural Education Department. State 4-H Program Based at Purdue University and has the responsibility for 4-H Leader programming at the State Level. State Specialist They are based at Purdue University and have the responsibility for the 4-H program on a statewide basis. Each one works with a specific part of the 4-H program. They are under the direction of the State 4-H Program Leader. 3

6 4-H Enrollment 4-H Enrollment Year A new 4-H year begins January 1 of each year and ends December 31 of that same year. Age for Membership 4-H membership is open to all boys and girls in grades kindergarten through 12. Those in grades K, 1, and 2 may participate in the Mini 4-H program. This program allows younger children to get oriented with 4-H and participate in special activities. Those in grades 3 through 12 may participate in the traditional 4-H program. Enrollment Fees There is a $1.00 enrollment fee for each Mini 4-H member. There is a $15.00 State 4-H Program Fee*, plus a $5.00 county fee for each 4-H member. These fees are based per child and not per project. Enrollment deadline is March 1 st. Youth are not considered enrolled in 4-H for the year until they have met the following requirements: filled out an enrollment form (online or hard copy), paid the enrollment fee, have required signatures on enrollment form. Ways to Enroll in 4-H Attend a County Enrollment Night (held in February) Come to the Extension Office Mail form and fee to Extension Office Enroll online at: Forms can also be picked up at your school or from a 4-H Leader * The maximum number of youth a family pays a state fee for is three (3), or $ However, each child must pay the $5.00 county fee, regardless of family size. 4

7 What is a 4-H Project? 4-H Projects When signing up for 4-H, youth choose their learning areas of interest, which are known as projects. The 4-H Project is a series of learning experiences for 4-H members. By completing a project, members learn to make decisions, be responsible, and develop initiative and appreciation. 4-H members must take at least one project each year and complete the records for that project. A member is encouraged to exhibit at the 4-H fair as part of their project completion. The project is the core of the 4-H member s experience. The project is the center of many activities in which members will find satisfaction in expanding their project work. The learning experiences one obtains through 4-H projects could even lead to career/vocational possibilities. Most projects are divided by grade level, while others are divided by the number of years in that project. The grade level is determined by the grade a 4-H member is in at the time of enrollment into the 4-H program. Once enrolled, it may be possible to add or drop projects. Please contact the Extension Office to get this done. Project Selection Parents or guardians can help members choose a project realistic to the family s lifestyle and interests by considering these points: Space Cost Skill Time Project Manuals and Record Sheets Most projects have manuals that give detailed information for that project. They contain activities and information on how to complete projects. There are also record sheets for each project*. These may be located in the manual, or as a separate sheet. 4-H members need to have these completed and brought with them to the 4-H fair project judging. Manuals and record sheets are given to 4-H members when they enroll in 4-H at the Extension Office. *Projects that do not use a record sheet Aerospace, Bicycle, Computer, Small Engines, Soil & Water Conservation, Strawberry, Tractor, Vet Science, Woodworking 5

8 What is a 4-H Project? Projects Offered in Randolph County Aerospace Aquatic Science Arts & Crafts Beekeeping Bicycle Cake Decorating Child Development Computer Computer Arts Consumer Clothing Crops Dog Obedience Dog Agility Electric Entomology (Insects) Floriculture Foods Forestry Gardening Genealogy Geology Gift Wrapping Health Home Environment Junior Leaders Personality Petroleum Power Photography Plant Science Pocket Pets Rand. Co. Heritage Reading Recycling Scrapbooking Sewing Small Engines Shooting Sports Soil & Water Conservation Sport Fishing Strawberry Veterinary Science Weather Weeds Wildlife Woodworking Livestock: --Alpaca --Beef --Boer Goat --Dairy --Dairy Beef --Dairy Goat --Horse & Pony --Pigeons --Poultry --Ornamental Goat --Rabbits --Sheep --Swine --Waterfowl What Can I Do in That Project? What is Entomology? What is Genealogy? To find more information on a specific project, please feel free to contact the Extension Office or ask your 4-H Leaders. We will gladly provide you with all the information you need to understand and successfully complete your project! 4-H Fairbook The 4-H Fairbook is given to each 4-H family at the time they enroll in 4-H. The fairbook contains project guidelines and requirements, 4-H Fair project judging schedule, as well as the 4-H fair schedule. Make sure you have one of these books before completing your projects. They may be picked up at the Extension Office. 6

9 4-H Fair Project Judging Fair Judging Once a project is complete, it is brought to the 4-H Fair to be judged. Please check the fairbook to get dates and times of when each project is judged. The judging of a project is another way to offer 4-H members the opportunity to learn about their project and share what they have learned. To have your project judged at the fair, bring it on the scheduled day and time. Each project will receive an exhibitor s tag when it is checked-in. Judging is generally done on a firstcome, first-serve basis, unless otherwise preferred by the judge. Randolph County uses an open-type judging, in which projects are judged in the presence of the 4-H member. A judge will interact with the 4-H member and give them feedback on their project. Project judges are individuals with experience and/or expertise in that project. Remember that a judge s decision is their own opinion about a project. Ribbons Once a 4-H project is judged, a ribbon is awarded to that project. Ribbons are awarded on the basis of whether project requirements were met, appearance, and/or 4-H er knowledge of their project. Randolph County gives blue awards, blue, red, and white ribbons. Livestock projects receive placing ribbons. **Keep in mind it is not important what ribbon is placed on a project, but rather what was learned from completing that project. Awards Night After project judging is completed, champions within each project are also chosen. Champion, Reserve Champion, and State Fair awards for all non-livestock projects are given out on the Sunday evening of the 4-H Fair to honor those 4-H members that especially excelled in their project areas. 7

10 Keeping 4-H Costs Low When choosing what 4-H projects to enroll in, cost is one of the items that goes into consideration. You may need to keep in mind that some projects will require more resources than others. Below is a list of suggestions on how you may be able to keep the cost of completing a 4-H project to a minimum. This is by no means a complete list, as there may be lots of different ways to save. Do not create something new for 4-H. Many school projects can double with 4- H projects, as long as they were created within the current school year. Use digital photos for the photography project. This way, you can print only the ones you will use. Reuse the back of an old project poster for this year s 4-H project. Cover your posters with a poster sleeve. These can be purchased from the Extension Office for $1.00. *All posters require a clear covering. Pair up with another family to purchase supplies. Sometimes, things like crafts or sewing supplies could be shared. Utilize public libraries for computer use. If you want to participate in an animal project but do not have the animal, look into doing a poster project for that species. Use recycled materials when possible. Participate in projects where YOU are the exhibit. For example, action demonstrations, public speaking, or Junior Leaders. Attend camps and workshops most are available at little or no cost to all families in Randolph County. Plan ahead all year and catch sales on the items you will need. Choose projects that will have a use after they are completed. For example, the gardening project can offer lots of tasty food to enjoy. Some retailers may even offer 4-H members a discount on items purchased for their projects. 8

11 4-H Clubs When youth join 4-H, they also join a 4-H Community Club. Being a part of a club allows members to ask questions, socialize with other youth, and expand their 4-H experience. In Randolph County, members typically join the club which corresponds with their respective school, but this is not required. There are also project clubs and workshops that offer additional help with certain projects. Project clubs are those that members can join along with being a part of a community club. Project workshops are designed for members in those projects to receive additional instruction on their project. Members are notified of workshop schedules before each upcoming workshop. Workshops and club attendance is not required, but highly recommended. 4-H Project Workshops & Leaders Cake Decorating Joyce Caylor Electric Jim Jackson Scrapbook Fannie Bogue Photography John Beals Alpaca Tractor Don Calhoun Poultry Bill Redwine 4-H Project Clubs & Leaders Dog Obedience Sherri Bickel Dog Agility Sherri Bickel Horse & Pony Jeff Hutchens Junior Leaders Joanie Thornburg & Jennifer Hartzler Rabbit Tammy Sofronko Shooting Sports Brent Headland

12 4-H Community Clubs & Leaders Deerfield Lucky Clovers Donna Bickel 9270 N US Hwy 27 Ridgeville, IN Deb Homan 9502 N Camden St Ridgeville, IN Deerfield Trailblazers Tammy Sofronko 4985 W St Rd 28 Ridgeville, IN Missie Runkle 200 S Evans St. Winchester, IN Monroe Central Challengers Gordon Jackson E 350 N Parker City, IN Terry Shaffer W 875 N Albany, IN Monroe Central 4-H Traditions Marie Jackson E 350 N Parker City, IN Monroe Central Modern Achievers Marie Jackson E 350 N Parker City, IN Monroe Central Showmen Jim Weiler 415 N SR 227 Union City, IN Randolph Southern Grand Champions Chris Robinson 1331 Woodland Trail Richmond, IN Beth Randall 7088 N 650 W Ridgeville, IN Randolph Southern Rebel Succeeders Chris Robinson 1331 Woodland Trail Richmond, IN Beth Randall 7088 N 650 W Ridgeville, IN Union Achievers Cindy Shamy S 1200 W Losantville, IN Lisa Compton PO Box 1 Losantville, IN Rebecca Bennett 4090 W 400 S Winchester, IN Union Blue Ribbon Cindy Shamy S 1200 W Losantville, IN Lisa Compton PO Box 1 Losantville, IN Rebecca Bennett 4090 W 400 S Winchester, IN Union City Buckskins Katelynn Harshman 603 N. Walnut Union City, IN Union City Lucky Charms Winchester 4-H Club Pat & Greg Neville 501 Maple St. Winchester, IN Diana Greene 1321 N 375 W Winchester, IN Winchester White River Blue Ribbon Mike & Karla Reed 4503 S 500 E Winchester, IN

13 What Should Parents Expect from 4-H Club Leaders Parents SHOULD expect 4-H Club Leaders to Be able to find answers to 4-H related questions Distribute necessary 4-H paperwork in a timely manner Be courteous, helpful, and display a positive attitude. Treat all 4-H members and their families with respect. Publish and distribute the 4-H club meeting schedule in a timely manner Help 4-H club officers and Junior Leaders plan creative meetings and activities Be prepared for and help 4-H Club officers run an orderly meeting. Help member develop their own leadership skills. Encourage all 4-H ers to do/be their best Be a model for 4-H members to aspire to Assist members in learning what is available to them through 4-H Help make 4-H a fun, educational experience Parents SHOULD NOT expect 4-H Club Leaders to Do the work for the members. The members must do a little work, too! Be babysitters for their children Track down 4-H members to deliver needed information or to sign their 4-H record sheets Have extra copies of every record sheet/manual that members have lost or may need Know everything about every project and activity in the 4-H program Be perfect. 4-H leaders are human, too we all make mistakes. 11

14 Top 10 Things Every 4-H Parent Should Know 1. What is 4-H? Largest non-formal youth serving organization in the country Volunteer-led organization that reaches youth through a variety of programs in both rural and urban settings Provides fun, educational opportunities at the local, state, national, and international levels 4-H programs are hands-on, age-appropriate, and university-based 2. Who s Who in 4-H Partners at each level: o 4-H Members Officers, Junior Leaders o 4-H Families o Adult Volunteers Leaders Resource persons Advisors Policy-makers Committee members o Local county government; local donors, supporters, boards o State Land-grant institution; state legislature Purdue University is the land grant university of Indiana Provides research-based information for 4-H o Federal - USDA 3. The Nuts & Bolts of 4-H Where can you find answers to your 4-H related questions? o 4-H Fairbook o 4-H Project Manuals o State Fair 4-H/FFA Handbook o Adult Volunteer Leader o County Extension Office General 4-H Guidelines and Procedures o Grades 3-12 (K-2 for Mini 4-H) o Enroll in 4-H annually $20.00 enrollment fee per child (grades 3-12) o Enroll in 4-H projects annually o Attend club and project meetings, workshops, and activities o Complete projects, including record sheets, by stated date and time o Exhibit projects at County 4-H Fair 12

15 4. 4-H is a Family Affair! 4-H can be a great way for parents and children to work together through interest in mutual activities Parents are encouraged to be positively involved in 4-H activities Message from a 4-H alumnus: 4-H is a family thing. Because 4-H invites families to become involved is probably why people learn responsibility. 5. Life skills are skills for life! 4-H teaches life skills through 4-H projects, meetings, activities, etc H Alumni Study: What life skills did 4-H alumni develop in whole or in part as a result of 4-H participation? o Sense of responsibility o Self-confidence/worth o Leadership o Ability to relate to others o Personal goal development 6. Reading is FUNdamental Emphasize to members the importance of carefully reading o 4-H project manuals o 4-H fairbook guidelines o Record books o 4-H newsletters 7. 4-H Opportunities are knocking County Project Workshops 4-H Trips (info on how to sign up is sent to you in January/February) o 4-H Camp o 4-H Round-Up o Science Workshops o State 4-H Junior Leader Conference o State Fair Youth Leadership Conference o Citizenship-Washington Focus o State Fair Achievement Trip o International Exchange 4-H/FFA Career Development Events (Judging Contests) o Animal sciences o Forestry o Entomology o Crops o Horticulture o Soils o Wildlife 13

16 Scholarships & Awards (check Extension Office for application deadlines) o 4-H Foundation Scholarships o State 4-H Club Scholarships o 4-H Accomplishment Scholarships o Farm Bureau Tenure Award o Key Club Award o Many County Level Scholarships 8. There is no such thing as a dumb question Ask!... o Your 4-H leader o Other parents o Experienced 4-H members o Extension office staff members If they don t know the answer, they can find it for you, or direct you to another source It is better to have asked, than to be left in the dark! 9. Procrastinate NOT!!! 4-H will be stressful if members wait until the last minute to complete their 4-H projects and/or records Teach children effective time management skills throughout the 4-H year o Help them work a little at a time and avoid the last-minute rush at the end of the summer! H = FUN Members have fun while they o Complete their projects o Participate in club meetings and activities o Meet new friends o Attend 4-H trips o Learn! 14

17 Ten Commandments for Parents 1. Thou shalt not feed, train, and care for the animal, for thou art trying to teach the child responsibility. 2. Thou shalt forgive a child for making mistakes in the show ring, for thou hath made mistakes too. 3. Thou shalt not get mad when thy child forgets items in the show box, for one day thou may forget the show box. 4. Thou shalt help the show management for they are doing a job that thou would not want to do 5. Thou shalt see that thy child is on time for all show activities for thou would not want to wait on another 6. Thou shalt be sure that thy child has the animals entered and the registration papers in order by the designated time. 7. Thou shalt teach the child that winning a blue ribbon is a desirable goal, but making friends along the way is a more worthy goal. 8. Thou shalt not complain about the judge for it is their opinion that has been sought. 9. Thou shalt remember that livestock projects are teaching projects, not necessarily money-making projects. 10. Thou shalt remember that the livestock project is a family project that shall be enjoyed and supported by the entire family. (Written for livestock projects, but applicable to all projects!) 15

18 Do s and Don ts of Being a 4-H Parent DO S Do take time to learn about 4-H, what it stands for and how it operates Do advise your son or daughter in selecting 4-H projects. Help them select a project they are interested in, have the ability to accomplish and is one for which you can help furnish needed materials, facilities, financing and guidance Do show your interest and enthusiasm for the 4-H projects selected. Find out what is suggested for members to do and learn. Encourage your child to work on the project and record keeping all year long, and not to wait until the last minute. Do encourage your child to participate in county and state events, such as public presentations, camp, fair, workshops and other activities. Do keep the purpose of the 4-H project in perspective. Realize that a project is simply a teaching tool and a method for involving boys and girls in a worthwhile activity. Above all, remember that your child is more important than the 4-H project. Do give encouragement when your 4-H er succeeds and even more when he/she fails. Judging and awards are not final exams. Whatever ratings are given or scores received, help your child to see progress made, things that have been learned, and goals that have been reached. Do keep in mind that the most important goal of 4-H is personal growth of the individual. Do volunteer to share your hobbies and talents with 4-H members Do be tactful with 4-H volunteers, educators, judges, and your child Do remember that 4-H volunteers and judges are often volunteering their own time for the benefit of your child; don t forget to show them your appreciation Do ask questions! DON TS Don t do your child s project for them, even though you may be able to do it faster, better, simpler and with much less mess Don t discourage a child s enthusiasm by providing too much corrective influence or criticism Don t let the desire to win overpower your child s ability to learn. Do keep in mind that the 4-H experience should be an educational one Don t schedule family vacations which conflict with your child s 4-H schedule Don t re-live your childhood experiences through your child Don t view your child as an extension of yourself. Don t view his/her success or failure as a reflection of your ability or worth Don t assume your child is always right (or always wrong) 16

19 Parent s 4-H Pledge I pledge my HEAD to give my child the information I can, to help him/her see things clearly and to make wise decisions HEART to encourage and support my child no matter whether he/she has successes or disappointments HANDS to help my child s club; if I cannot be a volunteer, I can help in many equally important ways HEALTH to keep my child strong and well for a better world through 4-H, for my child s club, our community, our country, and our world I pledge my Parent s Anti-4-H Pledge HEAD to force my ideas on others whether they are welcome or not HEART to meet my needs over the needs of others HANDS to do the work for my kids so they will be a positive reflection of me HEALTH to self-righteous living because I know what is best for my club, my community, my country, and my world 17

20 Just For Fun Can you find all the words? This word search puzzle features words that are expressive of the 4-H program. The words can be found up, down, across, diagonally, and backwards. ACHIEVE HEART PROJECTS ACTIVITY LEADER SERVICE EXPERIENCE LEARN SKILLS FRIENDS MEETINGS SUCCEED HANDS MEMBERS TEACH HEAD OPPORTUNITY YOUTH HEALTH PARTICIPATE

21 Resources *Information appearing in this handbook was compiled from the following sources: Bouslog, L. (2005). 4-H Family Guide-Your Guide to 4-H In Sullivan County. Sullivan County Extension Service, Sullivan, IN. McKinley, S. (2006). I m a 4-H Parent Now What?, IP Video Presentation. Purdue University. Parents 4-H Pledge, source unknown. Parents Anit-4-H Pledge, source unknown. Powell, G. (1994). The Do s and Don ts of Being a 4-H Parent, New Jersey 4- H Leader Training Series. Rutgers University. Ten Commandments for 4-H Parents, source unknown. Updated February 2013

22 THERE'S A MORAL TO THIS STORY There once was a boy who won ribbons, mostly blue Came home from the fair with a big trophy, too. With a voice glad and proud he said to his Dad, " 'Tis the very best year that I've had." Said his very wise Dad, "Son, I'd like to hear, Why you think that this was such a very fine year." "Why, Dad you well know all the prizes I've won, How I've come out on top in most things I've done." "Just look at the ribbons that hang on my wall, and think of the money I've made since last fall. From premium checks and a big auction prize You can't help but think cash and ribbons are nice." But the man said, "My Son you're not thinking right, Blue ribbons, 'tis true are better than white; But ribbons will fade and trophies grow old, Money's soon spent and fame soon grows cold. The important things, Son, are not ribbons or pigs, And sometimes it's really the loser who wins; Now here are the things most important, it's true Your 4-H experience has accomplished for you. You've seen how a business meeting is run, This knowledge will help you in years to come. You've conquered the fear of addressing a crowd, You've learned how to stand up and talk nice and loud. "Patience you've learned in your projects, too, As well as your skills that will always help you You've learned the fine feeling it gives you to lend A glad helping hand to a stranger or friend. "You've learned to cooperate with majority rule, To give in with grace and not be a fool Who must always have his very own way, Be it in club work, in school, or at play. "You've learned how to lose without making a beef You know the judge judges to his best belief. You've learned how to win without boasting too loud. A kid can lose friends if he's overly proud. "These are the things most important to you. You'll remember and use them all your life through. They'll help you become a mighty fine man, They'll do more for you than a prize ever can." --anonymous author