4-H Newsletter. March COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL, CONSUMER & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Transcription

1 4-H Newsletter March 2018 Unit 21 Extension Offices: Clay Effingham Fayette Jasper COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL, CONSUMER & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES University of Illinois U.S. Department of Agriculture Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

2 Clay County 4-H Calendar of events (Dates are tentative and subject to change) University of Illinois Extension Staff in CLAY COUNTY 223 W Railroad St, Suite C Flora, IL Phone: FAX: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cathy Schnepper Office Support Associate Erin Maxwell Community Worker, SNAP-Ed Stacy Bare Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Dana Homann Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development Carl Baker County Extension Director Nick Flax Extension Educator, Horticulture Michelle Fombelle Extension Educator, SNAP-Ed Ken Larimore Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development March 8 Sewing Workshop 10 Chicken & Noodle Dinner Fundraiser, serving 4 to 7 p.m. April May June July 1 New Members Enrollment Due 1 Final Project Selection Due 4 Owen Henry Scholarship Due 5 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner 5 Leadership Council Meeting 6 p.m. 5 4-H Foundation Meeting 6:30 p.m. 5 Livestock Committee Meeting 7:30 p.m. 9 Geology Workshop 4:15-5:30 p.m. 12 Cupcake Decorating Workshop, 6-8 p.m. 15 New Member Night 16 Horse Camp Registration Forms Due 1 Swine/Horse/Dog Ownership Forms Due 3 5th Grade Conservation Day 3-6 Coon Hunt Fundraiser 24 Clay County Public Speaking Contest 31 Woodworking Workshop TBA Showmanship Workshop 1 Clay County 4-H Fair entries due Clay County 4-H Fair August 13 Clay County Show Day at Illinois State Fair Livestock Exhibitors ALL 4-H Members taking a livestock project are REQUIRED to complete a 4-H Livestock record for the following species: beef, dairy, swine, sheep, poultry, rabbit, goat, and horse. These records are inspected, along with other health documents at county 4-H fair check-in. 2

3 Clay County 4-H New 2018 State 4-H Public Speaking Contest The State Public Speaking Contest will be held on June 9, 2018 at the Richland Community College in Decatur, IL. This event is normally held during the Illinois State Fair but is being changed so there are fewer distractions for the youth participants as well for spacing for the public. With that being said, Clay County will be moving up the Public Speaking contest to May 24, 2018, instead of during the Fair in July. Please call the Extension Office to register for this contest by May 18, Chicken Noodle Dinner Information The Chicken Noodle Supper will be held on March 10, 2018 at the North Clay Unit 25 Elementary/Jr. High Commons Area in Louisville. Leaders will be giving 4-H members and families information at their next meeting. Here are just a few main bits of information about the Dinner: 1. Families are to bring one dessert per family, which can be dropped off at the school the day of the event. 2. There will be various different shifts starting from 8:30 a.m. to clean up the day of the event. Each club will be assigned a time shift. Leaders will have a sign-up sheet for their time frame. 3. Each club is responsible for creating a themed basket. Baskets must be dropped off by 3 p.m. at the school the day of the event. 4. The club with the most percentage of tickets sold will win a pizza party for their club during fair. Swine Exhibitors The National PQA has been discontinued. It has been replaced with the YQCA. Illinois is not requiring the new certification for state or county fairs. Although it will be required for kids showing at national shows. All Clay County 4-H members who are exhibiting swine will still be required to pick up the 4-H swine tags and ownership forms at the Clay County Office and have them turned in by May 1, You can find all other requirements for swine exhibits in the 2018 Clay County 4-H Handbook. Owen Henry Memorial Scholarship If you are currently a high school senior or college freshman or sophomore and a Clay County 4-H member you are eligible to apply for the Owen Henry Memorial Scholarship. Applications can be obtained online at under the 4-H Awards & Scholarship Applications. The Owen Henry Memorial Scholarship must be turned in to the Clay County 4-H Extension Office by April 4,

4 Clay County 4-H Help Needed For The Annual Coon Hunt Fundraiser Thursday May 3 Sunday May 6 Clay County Fair Grounds, Flora, IL The proceeds from this event goes to support the Clay County 4-H Foundation and 4-H programs in Clay County. For more information or volunteer sign-up, contact your 4-H leader or the Clay County Extension Office. Online ethics certification required for everyone taking 4-H animal projects All 4-H members enrolled in an animal project area are required to complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics course one time in order to stay enrolled in an animal project area. The certification must be done if you are enrolled in one of the following projects: beef, dairy, cats, dogs, goats, horses, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine. Members who do not complete the certification before the show will be removed from the project and not be allowed to show. Anyone who has already taken the certification is not required to retake the test. The local office has a list of those already certified. The website is located online at: This rule applies to 4-H members who exhibit live animals AND poster exhibits. 21st Annual 4-H Horse Camp The 21st Annual 4-H Horse Camp will be held June 7-10, 2018 at the Coon Creek Ridge Riders Camp. This camp is for youth ages and cost $50 for the weekend long camp. Applications can be found online at web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/clay4h/ under the Young Riders 4-H Horse Camp tab. Application and payment are due to Lori McAllister by April 16, You can mail applications and payment to: Lori McAllister 2934 Airport Lane Flora, IL NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. If you are a Clay County 4-H member you qualify to apply for the 4-H Foundation reimbursement, which will cover 1/2 of the registration cost for Horse Camp. Disbursement Forms can be picked up at the Clay County Extension Office.

5 Clay County 4-H If you would like to participate in the Marion County 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest call the Clay County Extension Office at

6 Effingham County 4-H University of Illinois Extension Staff in EFFINGHAM COUNTY 1209 Wenthe Drive Effingham, IL Phone: FAX: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jackie Hahn Office Support Associate Patti Logan Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Dana Homann Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development Carl Baker County Extension Director Nick Flax Extension Educator, Horticulture Michelle Fombelle Extension Educator, SNAP-Ed Ken Larimore Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development Effingham County 4-H Illinois Calendar of events (Dates are tentative and subject to change) March 4 4-H Skating Party 12 Blood Drive 15 4-H Small Engines/Lawn Mower/Tractor Safety School 24 4-H Barn Quilt Workshop 29 Livestock Nutrition Workshop for 4-H April May June July 10 Top Dog Meeting National Volunteer Week 24 Thank you dinner for our volunteers Be watching for more details 21 4-H Goat Clinic 28 Day of Service 1 Project enrollment deadline 1 4-H Sheep Weigh-in 5 4-H Dog Clinic 18 4-H Public Speaking Contest 19 4-H Cardinal Day 21 New Members Night 9 4-H Horse Clinic Be watching for more details 23 4-H Foods/Clothing Show Day 28-Aug 4 Effingham County 4-H Fair August 13 Effingham County Show Day at Illinois State Fair The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation scholarship applications are now available! Effingham County Community Foundation is pleased to announce that it has released online scholarship applications for the 2017 cycle. For more information and scholarships available visit 6

7 Effingham County 4-H Effingham County 4-H Small Engines/Lawn Mower/ Tractor Safety School The H Small Engines/Lawn Mower/Tractor Safety School will begin on March 15 and will run until Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the University of Illinois Extension office located at 1209 Wenthe Drive, Effingham, IL. The safety sessions are held each Thursday from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend the first meeting, you won't want to miss the next one on Thursday, March 15. Each year the University of Illinois Extension office in Effingham County offers this important program, which is designed to enhance safety awareness among youth working on small engines, operating lawn mowers, garden tractors and farm tractors. The program is geared toward both rural and urban youth. The 4-H program fee is $20. This program is free to those who have paid their yearly 4-H program fee in their 4-H club. Youth do not need to be a 4-H member or reside in Effingham County to attend. Everyone is welcome! Boer Goat Superintendent Needed Do you enjoy working with youth? The University of Illinois Extension office in Effingham is looking for a Boer Goat superintendent. The purpose of a livestock superintendent is to provide a positive learning experience for 4-H members and volunteers in the judging of livestock projects, and promoting a positive image of 4-H to the public within the scope of University of Illinois Extension guidelines. To apply contact Carl Baker at cdbaker@illinois.edu The Livestock superintendent job description can be web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/ downloads/73697.pdf The 4-H Small Engines/Lawn Mower/Tractor Safety school is sponsored by area implements dealers Buening Implement, Bahrns Equipment, Riechmann Bros. (Farina), Sloan Implement, Dittamore Implement and Alliance Tractor, LLC. (Mattoon). You can web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/? RegistrationID= H Skating Party Lit'l Bit Country 4-H Club is once again inviting all 4-H members from Effingham, Coles, Clay, Fayette and Jasper counties to a skating party from 5:30 PM to 8 PM, Sunday, March 4, at the Silver Star Skating Rink in Mattoon. The cost is $4 per skater (payable to Lit'l Bit Country), plus $1 rental for skates or inline skates (or bring your own at no cost). A snack bar is available and there is a play area for smaller kids. Be sure to invite your friends to come join the fun! Please register by March 1, Register at registration/?registrationid=

8 Effingham County 4-H 4-H Barn Quilt Workshop Stacey Zerrusen from the Effingham Art Guild will be at the University of Illinois Extension office in Effingham County to teach your child how to make your own Barn Quilt! Plan to come to the University of Illinois Extension office in Effingham County located at 1209 N. Wenthe Drive, Effingham, IL for a fun morning learning the history and how to create your very own Barn Quilt. The cost of the workshop is $35 to cover the cost of all materials. Please make check payable to Stacey Zerrusen. Your child will create their own masterpiece during the step by step instruction and one on one attention with Stacey. Top Dog Club to hold first meeting of the year Top Dog Club will hold their first meeting of the new year on April 10 th, This meeting will be at the Effingham County Fairgrounds in the 4-H Arena starting at 6pm. Please bring vaccinations records, rabies certificates, a well-fitting flat buckle collar or chain training collar, treats, water bowl and water, and a 4-6 foot leash for training. Please dress for the weather, as we will be meeting outside. At this meeting we will go over what to expect during classes, club rules, as well as what to bring to subsequent classes and will have our first training session. All dogs must have proof of vaccination for the following: bordatella, distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, parvovirus, para influenza, and must also have a current rabies certificate. Proof of vaccination and rabies certificate must be brought to the first meeting or dogs will not be allowed to practice that night. Please do not unload dogs from vehicles at the first meeting until vaccination papers have been turned in to a leader. If dogs are unable to attend the first night due to lack of current vaccination, 4-H members are still encouraged to attend the meeting for the informational portion. Members must be enrolled in 4-H with Top Dog Club through 4honline.com prior to attending any training sessions. Please contact Patti Logan at prior to April 10 th if you need assistance in enrolling in the Top Dog Club or if you have any questions. 8

9 Effingham County 4-H Project Enrollment Deadline In order to participate in any Effingham County 4-H show days, you must be enrolled in your 4-H projects by May 1, 2018! Effingham County 4-H Goat Clinic April 21, :30 AM - 12:00 PM Effingham County Fairgrounds Altamont, IL Quality Assurance Ethics Training - COMPLETE BY JULY 1, 2018! All 4-H members enrolled in an animal project area are required to complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics course one time in order to stay enrolled in an animal project area. You only have to take one time in your 4-H career. Click here for certification: qaec/ Sheep Weigh-In (Rate of Gain) May 1, :30 PM 6:30 PM Effingham County Fairgrounds Altamont, IL Horse & Dog Ownership/Lease Paper 4-H members who plan to exhibit dogs at the Effingham County Dog exhibition must complete the dog ownership/lease papers and provide them to the Extension office by May 1. Stop by the Extension office or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/ effingham4h/2038.html. 9

10 Fayette County 4-H University of Illinois Extension Staff in FAYETTE COUNTY 118 N. Sixth St. Vandalia, IL Phone: FAX: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Debbie Boley Office Support Assistant Jo Stine Community Worker, SNAP-Ed Sarah Luce Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Dana Homann Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development Carl Baker County Extension Director Nick Flax Extension Educator, Horticulture Michelle Fombelle Extension Educator, SNAP-Ed Ken Larimore Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development Calendar of events (Dates are tentative and subject to change) March 8... Leadership Council & Livestock Committee meeting Foundation Spaghetti Luncheon April 1... New Member Enrollment deadline 1... Project Selection deadline Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, details to be announced National Volunteer Week YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Vandalia National 4-H Day of Service May 1... Dog, Horse, & Swine Ownership Form deadline 5... Sheep & Goat Weigh In, Fayette County Fairgrounds Livestock Committee meeting H Day with the Cardinals TDB... Fayette County Public Presentation contest June H Fair Entries due 9... Illinois 4-H State Public Presentations contest Livestock Committee meeting July Fayette County 4-H Fair August Fayette County Show Day at Illinois State Fair Illinois 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame Induction Illinois 4-H State Dog Show Project Books Waiting on project books? Bulk orders are placed as needed and sent by mail to the office. We will distribute the publications to your leader. Be sure to pay your enrollment fee and for the books in order to receive your books! 10 Fayette County 4-H Find all the information here: Print the following online or pick up in the office! Livestock Record Books Swine, Horse, & Dog ownership forms Due May 1! Enrollment Forms

11 Fayette County 4-H Enroll Today! Returning 4-H members: LAST CALL! Sign up online at il.4honline.com Follow the 4-H Online Re-Enrollment Process at: New 4-H members: Enrollment deadline is April 1, 2018! Sign up online at il.4honline.com Follow the How to Enroll in Illinois 4-H at: Paper enrollment forms are available through the office. QAEC requirement All 4-H members enrolled in an animal project area are required to complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics course one time in order to stay enrolled in an animal project area. The certification must be done if you are enrolled in one of the following projects: beef, dairy, cats, dogs, goats, horses, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine. Members who don t complete the certification before the show will be removed from the project and not be allowed to show. Anyone who has already taken the certification does not need to retake the test. The website is located online at: Fayette County Fair Save the Date: July Requirements to show at the 4-H Fair: Members must attend at least 4 club meeting, events, or activities prior to July 1, 2018 to be eligible to participate in the 4-H fair and 4-H auction. Upcoming Meetings: Thursday, March 8 Leadership Council at 6 p.m. Livestock Committee at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend! Public Presentations project Do you want to compete in 4-H Public Speaking? This year the public presentations projects offers a unique opportunity because it is a separate contest. Youth may compete in the state public presentation contests and exhibit a project at the Illinois State Fair! Would you be interested in a Fayette County Master Showmanship contest? Exhibitors are judged on their handling of each of three species of animals; beef, sheep and swine, and also quizzed on their knowledge of animal husbandry and livestock production. One winner is named for each species and scores for all three species were tallied to determine the overall winner. The county winner, age 14-18, will move on to compete at the State Fair. All ages welcome, divided into 2-3 age groups. Let the office ( ) or Sarah Luce (sluce2@illinois.edu) know if you would participate! 11

12 Fayette County 4-H Livestock Exhibitors Your Help is Needed! ALL 4-H Members taking a livestock project are REQUIRED to complete a 4-H Livestock record for the following species: beef, dairy, swine, sheep, poultry, rabbit, goat, and horse. These records are inspected, along with other health documents at county 4-H fair check-in. 4-H Handbooks 2018 Fayette County 4-H Handbooks will be available online & in print soon! Leaders will pick up printed copies for their club. There will be one for each 4-H Family. Livestock Show Clinics: Country Depot South Central FS March 6 at 5 p.m. Call to RSVP The Equity, Effingham March 29 at 6 p.m. Call to RSVP Join Fayette County 4-H and the Fayette County Master Gardeners at the YMCA on April 21! 12

13 Fayette County 4-H 13

14 Jasper County 4-H Calendar of events University of Illinois Extension Staff in JASPER COUNTY 1401 Clayton Ave. Newton, IL Phone: FAX: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed 12 to 12:30 p.m. Sarah Clayton Office Support Assistant Katie Turkal Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Dana Homann Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development Carl Baker County Extension Director Nick Flax Extension Educator, Horticulture Michelle Fombelle Extension Educator, SNAP-Ed Ken Larimore Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development Jasper County Illinois 4-H (Dates are tentative and subject to change) FEDERATION MEETING MARCH 6 AFTERSCHOOL ADVENTURE MARCH 13 PQA TRAINING MARCH 13 JR. HIGH LOCK-IN MARCH H MEMORIAL CAMP EARLY REGISTRATION DUE MARCH 31 PQA TRAINING APRIL 10 WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD APRIL 19 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER APRIL 19 4TH GRADE SAFETY DAY APRIL 27 PROJECT SELECTIONS DUE MAY 1 FAIR ENTRIES DUE MAY 18 REGIONAL SHEEP & GOAT WEIGH-IN MAY 5 4-H DAY WITH THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS MAY 19 JASPER CO. 4-H SHOWS JUNE **JAPSER COUNTY FAIR** JUNE Quality Assurance and Ethics Course All 4-H members enrolled in an animal project area are required to complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics course one time in order to stay enrolled in an animal project area. The certification must be done if you are enrolled in one of the following projects: beef, dairy, cats, dogs, goats, horses, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine. Members who don t complete the certification before the show will be removed from the project and not be allowed to show. Anyone who has already taken the certification does not need to retake the test. The local office has a list of those already certified. The website is located online at: 14

15 Jasper County 4-H Jasper County 4-H Federation The Jasper County 4-H Federation is for all Jasper County 4-H members of high school age and older. The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sunrise Youth Center in Newton. Pizza will be served for everyone in attendance. Bring your calendars to make plans for any upcoming events you may be planning. The Jasper County 4-H Federation is open to ALL 4-H members currently in high school and older. You don t have to sign up or do anything special, simply come to the meetings to be a Federation Member. Upcoming Afterschool Adventures The Afterschool programs target 3rd-6th grade youth, but any 4-H member wishing to participate is welcome to participate, just remember it is geared for 3rd-6th. Register online or call the Extension office 2018 Jasper County 4-H Handbooks are available online! Leaders can pick up printed copies for their club. There will be one for each 4-H Family. The 4-H Ambassadors will be assisting with each of the programs as it fits into their schedules. Adult assistance is also needed so if there are any parents who are free to assist, just give us a call, we never turn down good volunteer assistance. Please note sessions are tentative and subject to change due to availability of volunteers. All programs are held afterschool at the Jasper County Extension Office, unless otherwise stated. Following are the scheduled sessions: March 13 Geology/ Dissolving Rocks April (TBA) Stomp Rockets May (TBA) Horticulture/ Gardening ALL 4-H Members taking a livestock project are REQUIRED to complete a 4-H Livestock record for the following species: beef, dairy, swine, sheep, poultry, rabbit, goat, and horse. These records are inspected, along with other health documents at county 4-H fair check-in. 15

16 Jasper County 4-H Jasper County Livestock Ownership Dates Beef/Dairy Beef/Dairy Feeder Calves Horse Dog Cat Small Pets Rabbits/Poultry Swine Sheep Goats April 30, current year April 30, current year April 30, current year April 30, current year April 30, Current year April 30, current year April 30, current year April 30, current year April 30, current year April 30, current year **In order to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair, exhibitors must follow state ownership guidelines. Guidelines are found on pages in the Jasper County 4-H Handbook.** Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Training March 10 Sunrise Youth Center & Community Building at 6:30 p.m.; RSVP by March 9 April 13 Sunrise Youth Center & Community Building at 6:30 p.m.; RSVP by April 12 To RSVP call Katie at the Jasper County Extension Office: 618/ Again this year, certification is being offered online. If you cannot make one of these sessions, you can complete the course and/or test online, by going to the following website. If you complete the certification online, please send an to turkal@illinois.edu indicating you have completed the training for our records. **PQA will only be offered online until June 1, ** 16

17 Jasper County 4-H What Happened in February?? 4-H Ambassador Training/Retreat The Jasper County 4-H Ambassadors and Jr. Ambassadors traveled to Champaign on February 19 to go to the Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space. They worked together to solve puzzles in escape rooms. They learned how to work as a team to complete a task. Everyone had a great time and hope to go back again in the future! Thank you Lisa Ochs, Lori Dion, and Sarah Luce for helping drive everyone up there! 4-H Shooting Sports On Thursday, February 22, a short meeting was held to see who may be interested in joining the Trailblazer s 4-H Club (Jasper County 4-H Shooting Sports special interest club). We are very excited with how many people came to the meeting or have called or ed the office. We plan to start having meetings again in late April and continue into the Fall. As of right now, we have instructors certified in Air Rifle and Shotgun. Mid-May is the next training for instructors. After the May training, we hope to also offer Rifle and Archery. Notices will be sent to keep everyone up-to-date with what is happening. If you were unable to attend the meeting, please call or the Extension office, and we ll add your name to our mailing list for the Trailblazer s 4-H Club. 4-H Mini Lock-in The 4-H Mini Lock-in for 3-6 graders was held on Friday, February 23 from 6-10 p.m. This year, we had a Carnival Theme and over 65 kids attended! Kids got to play many different carnival-type games and also got to make juggling balls with balloons and birdseed. Everyone worked together in teams to successfully complete each game. To go along with our theme, we had cotton candy, popcorn, and candy circus peanuts. Everyone had a great time and even got to enjoy some free-time before the night was over. Thank you to all the 4-H Ambassadors and parents who helped with our evening of fun! 17

18 BELONGING Unit 21 4-H News All young people want to belong and be members of groups. 4-H is an excellent group for young people to be part of. However, in order for young people to want to be part of our 4-H clubs, there are essential elements that need to be in place to create a strong feeling of belonging for the youth. These elements are: A positive relationship with a caring adult An inclusive environment A safe emotional and physical environment Being physically and emotionally safe in a welcoming environment leads to the social-emotional health of our youth, which is represented by HEALTH in the 4-H Pledge. A Positive Relationship with a Caring Adult is without a doubt one of the most important elements in 4-H clubs. Young people in clubs are directly impacted by relationships with caring adults. Adults can have an especially important impact. They can both reinforce positive skills learned in the family and help youth build new skills. Continued positive contact with caring adults creates a mentoring and supportive relationship that nurtures 4-H members as they grow and develop. Youth in your club feel respected and more comfortably interact with other members about their needs and interests when a positive relationship exists. Ways to foster a positive relationship with a caring adult are: Routinely include youth in decision-making processes Allow them to run meetings and make decisions in ways that are appropriate for their age and development. Acknowledge/greet every member Celebrate success such as birthdays, accomplishments at school, exhibiting 4-H projects, etc. Provide encouragement and praise Listen Get to know members likes, dislikes, favorite place to visit, favorite pets, etc. Let member know they were missed if he/she misses a club meeting Complement on a job well done! What other ways can you add to this list? These examples are good for older youth to practice with younger youth. Statistics show, we lose more youth during their first and second years of 4-H. Let s all do our part to make all members feel like they belong. By doing these simple things 4-H members develop a sense of ownership about for their club They feel stronger to try new things, tackle more difficult tasks and set higher goals for themselves and for their club. In the next newsletter we will look at creating an inclusive environment. 18 U of I Extension Clay, Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper County

19 Unit 21 Help celebrate the 4-H volunteers in your life! April is National Volunteer Week, and University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development program wants to thank the more than 12,000 4-H adult and youth volunteers who guide and support the nearly 200,000 4-H participants in Illinois. National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. By working together, communities can meet challenges and accomplish goals. Illinois 4-H volunteers are empowering and preparing youth for success as 4-H members provide service to others and their community. Today s 4-H youth are engaged in learning activities as they are practicing skills employers want; growing and distributing food to communities in need; stewarding the natural resources; making a difference in local, state, national, and global issues; and influencing positive choices for healthy living. None of that would be possible without our Volunteers. In Unit 21, there are approximately 250 volunteers who are inspiring youth involved in county and local 4-H club, events and activities. Stand up and be heard Compete in NEW Public Presentation Contest Three youth from each county will advance to the NEW State 4-H Public Presentation Contest June 9 in Decatur. All ages are eligible to compete in any of the four divisions: Formal Speech, Illustrated Speech, Original Works, Oral Interpretation. Youth may participate in this contest AND exhibit a project at the Illinois State Fair. All presentations must be 4 to 6 minutes in length. See the rules and scoresheets online at 4-H.illinois.edu. Click Member>Projects>Communications. Weigh in planned for state fair sheep & goats If you plan to exhibit sheep or goats at the Illinois State Fair, they must be tagged and weighed at one of the official locations. Please register by calling the number listed below if you plan to bring animals. The locations closest to us are: May 5 Coles County Fairgrounds, , 10:30 AM - Noon May 5 Fayette County Fairgrounds, , 11 AM 1 PM 19

20 Illinois 4-H Last Call for 2018 Legislative Connection Invitations! If you always wanted to speak about 4-H at the State Capitol, you have one more chance to get trained: 10 AM to 3 PM, Saturday, April 28 at the Montgomery County Extension office in Hillsboro. Speaking for Illinois 4-H teaches you to tell your story to legislators, donors, 4-H volunteers, and civic groups and show the impact 4-H makes on the world. Training is conducted by Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team members. Those who complete this training are invited to attend the May H Legislative Connection event at the state capitol in Springfield. Registration opens Monday, March 5 and closes Wednesday, April 18. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to our Speaking for Illinois 4-H page for more information and to register: go.illinois.edu/4hsfil4h. 4-H Shooting Sports Spring Adult Certification Training All 4-H shooting sports clubs must be led by adults who have completed the Illinois 4-H training and passed the certification test. Instructors are needed in all disciplines of pistol, shotgun, rifle, archery and wildlife, as well as coordinator positions. The spring training for those adults interested in joining the Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program as a volunteer leader is May at 4-H Memorial Camp near Monticello. Cost is $125, and registration is handled through the local office before May 1. Step up on National 4-H Day of Service 4-H members do service better than anyone else! Join us for National 4-H Day of Service on Saturday, April 28. If you are busy April 28, plan your service project for any time during April! 4-H members and clubs are encouraged to help their community in any of these 10 areas: Animal Science Camping College & Career Readiness Environment Food Access & Gardening Global Citizenship Health & Nutrition Leadership Shooting Sports STEM & Robotics The goal of National 4-H Day of Service is to encourage 4-H members in every county to make a positive difference. Service projects can be done by individuals or as an entire county 4-H program. No matter what the project, this will be a day to make a difference. Register & Enter Your Results for a chance to appear in the Illinois 4-H Clover! 1. Go to and register your event with National 4-H Council. 2. Go to go.illinois.edu/4hservice and find helpful resources. 3. Do your event and promote on social media using #thats4h and #TrueLeaders. for a chance at fun prizes for your club! 4. Go to go.illinois.edu/4hservice after your event and submit a report on what you did. 20

21 Illinois 4-H The best just got better Many new Academies are scheduled Registration is open for the BEST SUMMER CONFERENCE EVER! Illini Summer Academies lets you try out college life while you study with college professors and learn about possible careers! We have lots of new Academies this year, including Companion animal nutrition and pet food manufacturing Plant biology: Exploring life beneath our feet Game Design: Digital art, storytelling and fabrication at the Fab Lab Advanced Microbiology Work Hard/Play Hard: Careers in health sciences, sports and wellness. Returning Academies include aerospace, animal science, anthropology, electrical and computer engineering, human development and family studies, advance family studies, beekeeping, molecular and cellular biology, agricultural communications, theater hip hop dance, theater fashion design, and veterinary medicine. The conference is Sunday, June 24 through Thursday, June 28 and is open to ALL YOUTH who have completed 8 th grade and are at least 14 by Sept. 1, Check it go.illinois.edu/illini4h. If you are paying your entire registration fee, register go.illinois.edu/illini4h. If you are requesting a Trailblazer scholarship from the Illinois 4-H Foundation, go.illinois.edu/illini4hscholarship. Check the website to see if you qualify. If you are in 4-H and your county is providing you a partial scholarship, contact the Extension office for registration information. Sponsors which cover part of the cost of Illini Summer Academies include Illinois Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Services, Growmark, Women Changing the Face of Agriculture, H. Richard and Sarah McFarland Endowment for Youth Leadership, DuPont/Pioneer, Illinois 4-H Foundation, and the Human Development and Family Studies Department. Don t be chicken; compete at state 4-H poultry judging contest The Illinois 4-H State Poultry Judging Contest will be June 26. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the U of I Stock Pavilion in Champaign. Youth 8 to 13 (on Jan. 1, 2018) compete as juniors; youth 14 and older compete as seniors. The top winners will represent Illinois at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in November in Louisville, Ky. The contest will include three classes of past egg production hens, two classes ready-to-cook fowl or fryers, one class of ready-to-cook heavy fowl, one class of broken-out eggs, two classes of shell eggs candled, and two classes of exterior egg quality. Oral reasons will be on one of the egg production classes. The official resource is the National 4-H Poultry Judging Manual available from UNL Extension Marketplace, University of Nebraska. Copies of the manual and more information are available from Extension Poultry Specialist Dr. Ken Koelkebeck, kkoelkeb@illinois.edu. 21

22 Illinois 4-H Take the challenge and be ready4life Our mission in 4-H is to empower and prepare youth for successful futures. Now, we ve added an exhibit class that lets you show us what your future might be. Every project has a Ready4Life Challenge exhibit option. We created the challenge to encourage and recognize 4-H members who take their project to the next level by becoming experts on one or more of the careers related to the project or by starting a business using their project as the product, service, or tool of trade. Follow these steps: 1. Enroll in a project area you like 2. Prepare a physical/visual display representing your business, product, service, or career related to the project. 3. Be prepared to offer verbal or written explanation that shows your knowledge of the related career or business, historical and emerging trends, requirements for success in the field and an action plan for preparation that may include items such as an educational pathway plan, a resume, and/or business plan. Just so you know, the judging for this class is MORE about your knowledge of the career/business side of the project and LESS about the skill in the project itself. For example, if you enter the Woodworking Ready4Life Challenge class, a judge will focus in on your knowledge of the woodworking business (training opportunities, your business plan, a portfolio of designs, etc.). Sure, they ll want to see something you ve made, but that WON T be the focus of their judging of the project. Save the planet at 2018 State 4-H Robotics Contest Environmental health is one of the most important issues facing planet Earth. Our health is directly tied to the health of our planet. So, this year s State 4-H Robotics Competition is all about environmental health! The contest will be held April 21 at the Orr Building of the State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Get all the go.illinois.edu/4hrobotics. Your Envirobot will illuminate the many environmental challenges we face as we try to heal our planet. NEW this year (replacing the teamwork challenge): Each team will identify one environmental health issue and propose a potential solution or product to help mitigate the negative effect of the issue. Teams will have 15 minutes to present their solution to judges. BREAKING: See the Are you a graduate of University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences? Share your excitement for U of I with a child you know. Participants will enjoy the college experience living in a residence hall, eating in the dining facilities and participating in educational classes on the College of ACES campus. This program will give you an opportunity to relive and share your college days as well as create new memories with your little Illini. ACES Family Academies is geared for children ages 8-13 years. Mark your calendars for July 12-13, and register after March Illinois 4-H is proud to support the efforts of the ACES Alumni Association. 22

23 Illinois 4-H Exciting Changes for 4-H at 2018 Illinois State Fair Exhibit days for non-livestock 4-H projects will be Friday, Aug. 10 Monday, Aug. 13 in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Our day at the state fair will be Monday, August 14. Monday, August 13 Boone, Clark, Clay, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Kane, Kendall, Livingston, Logan, McLean, Menard, Ogle, Sangamon, and Woodford counties. NEW IN 2018 Volunteers will be celebrated all day long with a special gift. Check in anytime Aug at the information booth of the Orr Building. There will be no Clover Celebration. There will be no Fashion Revue during the State Fair. The State 4-H Public Presentation Contest will be held separate from the state fair on June 9. NEW CLASSES have been added: 360 Computer Science class added 360 Video class added to Videos Diversity and Cultural Awareness Project added 3-D Printing Print 2 levels 3-D Printing Design 2 levels UAV 2 options Visual Arts Fiber Non-Original Class for 8-10-year-olds ONLY All Clover Challenge projects have been eliminated. See if your challenge fits in the Ready4Life class instead! The Explore 4-H project will no longer be exhibited at state fair. Child Care is no longer a 4-H project. The Illinois 4-H Foundation will honor the 2018 Hall of Fame winners on Tuesday, Aug 14 in the Orr Building prior to the Sale of Champions festivities. DAILY SCHEDULE FOR STATE FAIR 4-H GENERAL PROJECT SHOW DROP OFF your exhibit anytime from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Orr Building. YOU WILL NOT NEED TO CHECK IN WITH ANYONE. CHECK THE BOARD to see what time you should be back for judging. Members must be present for conference judging. LEAVE YOUR EXHIBIT on display throughout the day. You cannot remove it before the release time at 3:30. PICK UP YOUR EXHIBIT from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. following the Clover Celebration. We hope all families will honor the 3:30 release time.pretty please. You are allowed to have someone else take your project home for you if you are not able to stay. Be sure to provide them your claim ticket. 23

24 Illinois 4-H Win $1,000! The Superior Young Producer Scholarship Program is offered by the Illinois State Fair to 4-H members in Beef, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, and Horses as an educational activity at the Illinois State Fair to promote youth development and personal growth. Three $1,000 scholarships will be provided in horses and three $1,000 scholarships will be provided in dairy. A total of nine $1,000 scholarships will be provided in a combined contest for beef, sheep, and swine contestants. As of this time, the only confirmed date is 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 25 for the horse contest. Help Illinois win $20,000 April 1 May 15, you can help Illinois win $20,000 just by raising your hand! We need every 4-H alum AND (NEW IN 2018) ANY ILLINOIS FRIEND OF 4-H to register online with National 4-H Council. The state with the most hands raised during this campaign wins $20,000. So, spread the word and tell all your friends tweet it, post it, chat it, snap it, it. you can even speak it aloud! Your vote counts even if you voted last year! We will provide you the EXACT website to register soon! We are a HUGE state. Let s WIN this year! Enter quilting contest The Decatur Quilters Guild is sponsoring a youth quilt contest, and Illinois 4-H members are encouraged to participate. Amazing prizes are available to youth in four age divisions. Learn more at Icanquiltnsew.com. The theme of the contest is Where in Zootopia is a 4-leaf clover. Quilts can be no larger than 50 x50 and no smaller than 24 x24. Registration opens April 15 and closes May 15. Each contestant must submit a 200-word initial report by May 31. This Progress Report Essay must be written by the contestant and explain their quilt construction plans and include a picture of them working on their quilt with their adult mentor, parent, or leader. Contestants will submit a 200 word Final Report Essay and photo of them holding their finished quilt no later than June 15, 2018 by to ICanQuiltnSew- IL@sewverysmooth.com. Learn more at the Extension office. Paper Clover Campaign returns in April Dates for the Spring Paper Clover Campaign, held in conjunction with Tractor Supply Stores and National 4-H Council, are April Money donated during the campaign STAYS in that local county. The campaign runs twice a year. Last fall, more than $981,000 was raised nationwide for 4-H. 4-H clubs are encouraged to have displays. Running list of state 4-H events: (Dates are tentative and subject to change) March 1 DEADLINE: Extension to ACES scholarship deadline March 1 Registration Opens for Illini Summer Academies March 1 DEADLINE: Project YES! Intern applications due March 1 DEADLINE 4-H Legacy of Leadership and 4-H Livestock Scholarship Applications March 9 10 Explore ACES, U of I March 9 Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference, Urbana March 17 State 4-H Awards Interviews, Champaign (by invitation only) March 23 DEADLINE: State 4-H Horse Speaking Contest March 24 Northwest Region Horse Bowl & Hippology Contest, Sycamore 24

25 Illinois 4-H April 1 May 15 National 4-H Raise Your Hand Contest to win $20,000 April 7 East Central/West Central Region Horse Bowl & Hippology Contest, Casey April 14 Sourthern Region Horse Bowl & Hippology Contest, SIUC, Carbondale April 7-11 National 4-H Conference (by invitation only) April National 4-H Tractor Supply Co. Paper Clover Campaign April National Volunteer Week April 18 DEADLINE: Speaking for Illinois 4-H Training Registration (April 28) April 21 State 4-H Robotics Competition, Springfield April 21 State 4-H Horse Hippology, David Kinley Hall, U of I, Champaign April 21 State 4-H Horse Speaking Contest, David Kinley Hall, U of I, Champaign April 22 State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest, Education Building, U of I, Champaign April Legislative Connection, Invitation Only, Springfield April 28 Speaking for Illinois 4-H Training, Hillsboro, IL April 28 National 4-H Day of Service April 28 State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, Black Hawk College, Galva April 28 State Fair Lamb/Goat Weighing & Tattooing, McLean County Fairgrounds April 30 May 1 Premier 20 Leadership Conference (by invitation only) May 1 DEADLINE: Horse Ownership/Lease Forms May 5 State Fair Lamb/Goat Weighing & Tattooing, Coles County Fairgrounds May 5 State Fair Lamb/Goat Weighing & Tattooing, Jefferson-Franklin County Fairgrounds May 5 State Fair Lamb/Goat Weighing & Tattooing, Fayette County Fairgrounds May 6-11 National 4-H Shooting Sports Training, Iowa 4-H Camp May 12 State Fair Lamb/Goat Weighing & Tattooing, Illinois State Fairgrounds May Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer Certification May Legislative Connection, Invitation Only, Springfield June 1 DEADLINE: Illinois State Fair Junior Horse Show Entries Due June H Memorial Camp Week #1, Monticello June 9 Illinois 4-H Public Presentation State Contest, Decatur June H Memorial Camp Week #2, Monticello June LEAD Conference, Jacksonville June 18 Illinois 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest June 15 DEADLINE: Application for Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team Interviews at the Illini Summer Academies June H Memorial Camp Week #3, Monticello June Illini Summer Academies June National 4-H Shoot June 26 Illinois 4-H State Poultry Judging Contest, Champaign, 9:30 a.m. July 1 DEADLINE: Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock Show Entries Due July H Memorial Camp Week #4, Monticello July ACES Family Academies July Illinois State Fair Junior Horse Show, Springfield August 1 DEADLINE: Application for Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team Interviews at the Illinois State Fair August Illinois 4-H General Project Show, Springfield August 13 Exhibit Day for Boone, Clark, Clay, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Kane, Kendall, Livingston, Logan, McLean, Menard, Ogle, Sangamon, and Woodford counties. August 14 Illinois 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame celebration August 25 Illinois 4-H State Dog Show, Granny Rose Canine Enrichment Center in Dixon 25

26 How strong is your 4-H family spirit? The Illinois 4-H Foundation welcomes nominations for the H Family Spirit Award. The Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award recognizes a family with at least three generations and at least 15 different family members (including in-laws) that have either been 4-H members, leaders, or volunteers with at least 100 cumulative years of 4-H membership or volunteerism represented within the family. Selection is based on the total number of family members with 4-H connections, the total number of years of 4-H involvement, the diversity of experiences and recognitions earned by the 4-H members, and the collective impact that family members have made as advocates of their county and state 4-H programs. On-line applications are available at: Nominations are due May 1. 26