The IT is Community Service!

The IT is Community Service! Dr. Chris Boleman, 4-H Program Director What is it that separates 4-H from other youth organizations? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself that? I am sure you have and I am confident we can make a long list of what makes 4-H unique. If we made that list, it would probably include leadership development, life long learning, life skill development, and hands on learning, just to name a few. Another one that comes to mind is COMMUNITY SERVICE. The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program is highly committed to community service. As a matter of fact, it is the basis of one day 4-H. Don t get me wrong. I know that community service in Texas 4-H is not a one day deal. For example, just earlier this month our 4-H youth stepped-up providing much needed resources to firefighters and those citizens affected by the recent wildfires across Texas. Community service is about giving and the underlying theme is the service and caring life skills that are developed for these youth s community, state, nation, and world. So, is community service the IT for Texas 4-H? Who knows, but I do know it is one of the best, most difference making things we do. Personally, I am extremely proud of what our youth do to help their communities. In closing, go out and make a difference on October 8th, Texas 4-H s one day in 365 days where we make an extra special effort to help those in need. one day 4-H is October 8th, what will you do?

one day 4-H October 8, 2011 YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING YOUR PROJECT ON-LINE AT THE ONE DAY 4-H WEBSITE IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2011 Make a Difference for Life During one day 4-H Dr. Toby Lepley, Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist The new 4-H year is underway with enrollment and 4-H club meetings beginning in August, so is the time for Texas 4-H members to plan how they can make a difference in the lives of those who are in their community. On October 8, 2011 every 4-H member in Texas is being challenged to step out into your community, county, and state to make a difference through the 3rd annual one day 4-H. This state-wide day of 4-H community service was created for the state largest youth development organization to give back and show our impact of how young people in Texas can, and are, making a difference for those that need a hand. It is easy to participate! Look around, determine a issue that your community is facing and then take on the challenge! It can be as easy as helping senior citizens with yard work and chores, to hosting a charity walk. Whatever the issue, Texas 4-H is up to the challenge! The great thing is you can do the activity with your friends, regardless if they are in 4-H or not! This is an opportunity for all 4-H members to show their leadership, recruit their friends, and feel good while making a positive difference. To get your one day 4-H project registered, visit the one day 4-H website at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/oneday by October 5, 2011. Then go and make a difference in your community on (or around) Saturday, October 8, 2011. After you finish, go back to the one day 4-H site and report your results. Who knows - your project may just get selected to receive a cash award for making a significant difference! For more information and to download the resource book, graphics, ads, and banners go to: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/oneday 2 BILLBOARDS ARE UP! HELP TEXAS 4-H THANK LAMAR ADVERTISING The 2011 billboards are going up around Texas so be on the look out for the six different designs. We are once again thankful to the sponsors and donors that helped provide the signs in 2011. One of them is Lamar Advertising for their partnership to conduct the public service campaign. We are asking all our 4-H families to write a letter of thanks to Lamar Advertising on a regular size piece of paper 8 1/2 X 11 and mail it to the Texas 4-H Office. We will scan it and place it into a digital book that will be shared with all the Lamar Offices in Texas. Please mail your thank you notes to: Texas 4-H Office, c/o Toby Lepley, 4180 State Highway 6 South, College Station, TX 77845. Also, don t forget to visit the Billboards Across Texas website and check out the list of this year s great sponsors!

NATIONAL 4-H WEEK DOODLE WINNER Clayton Eckhardt, 10 years old, attends 5th grade at Bill Brown Elementary School in Bulverde, Texas. He has been a member of the Sherwood 4-H club for the past three years and Smithson Valley FFA for one year. Clayton serves as Treasurer of his 4H club and takes pride in the many community service activities the club holds. He has shown lambs at fairs since he was six years old and has won Peewee showmanship many times. Clayton also competes through the 4-H with his woodworking, baking, cake decorating, horticulture, agriculture, photography and art projects. He recently won reserve champion with his fine wool lamb at the Comal County Fair. TEXAS 4-H THEME SONG WINNER Lauryn Hefte of Nueces County 4-H is the 2011 Texas 4-H Theme Song Competition winner. Her song entitled I Pledge Myself. Lauryn is a 16 year-old Junior at Calallen High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. She has been involved with Bluntzer 4-H in Nueces County for four years and is currently serving as 2nd Vice President. While being a member of Bluntzer 4-H, Lauryn serves her community by raising money for the Bastrop Fire Victims and fundraising for the local Volunteer Fire Department. She shows her Santa Gertrudis heifers at major shows such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, The State Fair of Texas, and the San Antonio Livestock Exposition. Lauryn is a member of the Nueces County 4-H Council and currently serves as Secretary. She competes in the Homemaking, Shop, Photography, and Breeding Heifer divisions of the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show. Lauryn has also competed in Texas State 4-H Roundup Share the Fun division, placing sixth, and participated in the 4-H Has Talent competition for two years. She continues to stay involved with Texas State 4-H by donating handmade items to the Texas 4-H Roundup Silent Auction. You can listen to Lauryn s song from the Texas 4-H and Youth Development website during National 4-H Week. 3

CHANGES IN ROUNDUP CONTEST As many of you may have already heard the 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup marks the first year to be held off the campus of Texas A&M University and on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock. This is an exciting change that will allow youth, adults, volunteers, and county Extension agents the opportunity to see Roundup on a new stage. In addition to the new location, numerous contest changes are also taking place. With ever-changing interests of youth across the state, it is important the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program maintain high quality relevant educational opportunities for its youth. In order to meet the opportunities for new and innovative competitive events, current contests should be evaluated annually for their educational benefit, participation, and cost to implement and manage. As a result, the following outlines changes that will be made effective for the 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup regarding educational presentations and other contests. The following contests are being discontinued from Texas 4-H Roundup effective September 1, 2011. Agronomy Educational Presentation Consumer Life Skills Educational Presentation Farm and Ranch Economics Educational Presentation Food and Nutrition Educational Presentation Horticulture Educational Presentation Housing and Home Environment Educational Presentation Meat Science Educational Presentation Shooting Sports Educational Presentation As a result of these contest closings there will be some additional contests included at the 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup. These include: Open Agriculture and Natural Resource Educational Presentation Open Family and Consumer Sciences Educational Presentation Invitational Swine Quiz Bowl Invitational Meats Identification Contest and Workshop Roundup 2012 June 11-15, 2012 Texas Tech University, Lubbock A complete list of all the contests will be provided in the 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup Rules and Guidelines which will be published, and sent out October 1st. This publication will include any new contests, contest changes, or contest discontinuations for 2012. For more information on contest changes for 2012 please contact Kyle Merten at 979-845-6533 or kjmerten@ag.tamu.edu or visit the Texas 4-H Roundup website at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/roundup/index.php. JOIN US ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS For the latest news between newsletters from the Texas 4-H and Youth Development join us on Facebook and Twitter. These two networks are our way of keeping you up to date and informed on the lastest news, information, and happenings from the state level. 4

DANCE WITH US: MOTION ACROSS CULTURES PHOTO CONTEST The State Department invites youth to enter the U.S. Department of State s Dance With Us: Motion Across Cultures Photo Contest! One U.S. and one international grand-prize winner will receive an ipad 2 tablet computer and 18 runners-up will each receive a T-shirt and postcards of the top 20 submissions. This contest celebrates the launch of the upcoming DanceMotion USA program, developed by the Department of State to acknowledge the significant role that dance plays in deepening cultural understanding. In 2012, four American dance companies will visit 14 countries, sharing their dances and learning about the dance traditions of other cultures. Entrants must be at least 14 years or older and registered for ExchangesConnect, the Department of State s international online community that connects potential, current, and former educational and cultural exchange program participants so that they can discuss application processes, programs, and living abroad. All entries must be uploaded to the ExchangesConnect website by October 25, 2011, and winners will be announced on November 17th. Check out ExchangesConnect to learn more, and submit your photo today! For mor infromation: http://connect.state.gov/page/ photo-contest?utm_source=septoct2011&utm_ medium=foodinst&utm_content=contestinfopage&utm_ campaign=photocontest HONEYBEE ESSAY CONTEST OPEN TO 4-HERS!! Kyle Merten, Extension Associate Interested in Honeybees and the art of producing honey? The Honeybee Essay Contest might be for you!! Visit the following link to learn more about a great opportunity to participate in both the state and national Honeybee Essay Contest. For more information and to download the complete rules, visit:http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/projects/science/beekeeping/ 2011-2012 4-H FOOD CHALLENGE MANUAL & RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE Courtney Dodd, Extension Program Specialist The 4-H Food Challenge manual has been updated for the 2011-2012 4-H year and is now posted online. The major changes are related to the contest resources, with MyPlate replacing MyPyramid. Agents, leaders and 4-H members are encouraged to review the current year s guideline to adequately prepare for the contest. To download the revised manual and find more information about the Food Challenge, click the link. http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/healthy_lifestyles/ FOOD CHALLENGE AT THE 2012 SAN ANTONIO LIVESTOCK SHOW Courtney Dodd, Extension Program Specialist The 4-H Food Challenge will be conducted at the 2012 San Antonio Livestock Show! The contest is set for Saturday, February 18, 2012. The 4-H Food Challenge guidelines will be followed, with the exception that for this contest youth will participate as individuals (not teams). Entry deadline is December 1, 2011 on the junior entry form. 4-H RECIPE RALLY Courtney Dodd, Extension Program Specialist Information on the 2012 4-H Recipe Rally is now posted online. The contest is open to intermediates and seniors, with the top three in each age division invited to participate in the 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup. The theme for the 2012 contest is Summer Snacks. Entry deadline is February 1, 2012. More information is available at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/healthy_lifestyles/ CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 4-H HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ADVISORY BOARD Courtney Dodd, Extension Program Specialist The Texas 4-H Healthy Lifestyles Advisory Board is pleased to announce a call for applications. Senior 4-H members, adult volunteers and County Extension Agents are welcome to serve on the committee, providing a vision for and leadership to the 4-H healthy lifestyles program. Applications are due to the state 4-H office by November 1, 2011. More information and the application can be found at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/leadershipops/healthy_lifestyles_board/ 5

SHARE-THE-FUN 2012! Laura Huebinger, Extension Program Specialist Do you have a talent to share with your fellow 4-H members? Singing? Dancing? Playing an instrument? Acting? Then sign up for Share-The-Fun! Guidelines have been released and you can plan on the same six categories as last year: Celebrate 4-H, Choreographed Routines, Musical/Instrumental, Solo/Band Performance, Poetry/ Prose, and Vocal. An entry can be an individual or in teams up to 9 4-H members. Check out the Texas 4-H Roundup webpage for the rules and more information! 2012 4-H VOLUNTEER CONFERENCE Courtney Dodd, Extension Program Specialist The dates for the 2012 4-H Volunteer Conference have been set! Mark your calendars and share the date with others for July 27th 29th in San Antonio. The conference will kick-off on Friday, July 27th, with workshops being offered throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, the 28th and 29th. As plans are finalized and details are set, more information will be provided on the volunteer conference webpage: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/volunteers/conference/volunteer_conference.php 2012 PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST RULES AND GUIDELINES RELEASED! The 2012 Texas 4-H Photography Rules have been released. Some of the highlights for the 2012 contest include: Theme Category is TRAINS. This theme allows 4-H members to take photos of all types of trains. The train theme includes both real and model trains. Photo subject must be either the engine or a train car. Photos of train accessories such as stations/ depots, signs, tracks, etc are not allowed. STORY BOARD has been added back as a category. Formatting of photos has been simplified. In 2012 all photos must be able to be printed at a 300 dpi at a 3 X 5 inch size. Max memory size of 1.5MB. Both entry form and uploading of photos will all be done on 4-H CONNECT. Time period for entry will be from April 1, 2012 to April 15, 2012. To download a copy of the rules, visit the website at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/photography/ Plans for future conference locations are 2013 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and 2014 in Lubbock. NEW TEXAS 4-H RECORD BOOK FORM RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED! Jodi McManus, Extension Program Specialist NEW 4-H Recordbook Forms will be available October 15, 2011 Online-forms can be found at http://4hreports.com (recommended) or paper forms can be downloaded from the Texas 4-H website Instructions and training videos will also be available Highlights: Different forms for each age group based on age appropriateness (Junior, Intermediate, Senior - progressive in nature) Added goal setting section for Juniors & Intermediates No more recordbook objectives No more captions on photos No more resume for Seniors Added Career Exploration section for Seniors What should YOU be doing NOW? Members should be setting goals for projects/project work for the current year Start taking pictures of project work and activities Keep journal/diary of project activities and summarize what was learned during these experiences 6

Christmas is just a few months away. Are you trying to think of a unique gift idea for your 4-H er? Then consider purchasing a new pair of the Anderson Bean 4-H Boots. Right now, the folks at National Ropers Supply (NRS) is offering a 10% discount for registered 4-H members, just use the code 10OFF4H at their online checkout using this link http://www.nrsworld.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=hp1057!anb&referrer=ratepoint CALLING ALL FASHIONISTAS! Darlene Locke, Conference Center Director The 4-H Conference Center seeks 4-H members with creative talents for apparel design. Specifically, we are looking for hot designs for t-shirts or other apparel items that can be marketed through the 4-H Center T-Shirt Shop. Submit your designs by November 4. The submissions will be judged by participants of Junior Leadership Retreat. 4-H members submitting winning designs will receive a finished product. For submission details, go to: http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu OCTOBERFEST Darlene Locke, Conference Center Director It s not too late to send the grandparents to camp! The 4-H Center annually conducts two week-long camps for adults, in October and April. Educational programs, arts and crafts, fellowship and lots of games and recreation will be what the camp is all abuot! The camp is very affordable and provides a safe and wholesome get away for the young at heart. Check out the details on the 4-H Center website under Schedule of Events, October 17-21. 2012 TEXAS 4-H OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Toby Lepley, Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist Please note that the 2012 Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarship Application will not be released until around November 15, 2011. If you will be a graduating senior and interesting in applying here is what you can be working on in the meantime to prepare for the application MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2012 Texas 4-H Congress July 15-18, 2012 Austin, Texas Ensure you have taken the SAT or ACT. Minimum requirements on scores are 1350 on SAT and 19 on ACT (scores must be from one test date) Begin working on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a free application and can be found at fafsa.gov. Please do not use one of the websites that charge, hence the word FREE!!! 7

Texas 4-H Conference Center Let s Go To 4-H Camp Up Coming Events: WHAT? Junior Leadership Retreat WHEN? November 11-13, 2011 Lake Brownwood WHO? Junior and Intermediate 4-H members HOW MUCH? $105 for youth and $70 for Adult Chaperones. WHAT S IT ABOUT? Go to the texas4hcenter.tamu.edu to register. Texas 4-H Council members will present workshops in Housing, Healthy Lifestyles, Online Record Keeping, Agricultural Products, and Outdoor Challenge. Adults attending will be treated to two outstanding workshops Public Speaking with Mrs. Jana Barrett, former state winner in the FFA Prepared Public Speaking competition and currently the Development Relations Coordinator for 4-H Friends and Alumni Association. Mrs. Laurinda Boyd, Kerr County Program Assistant will share her secrets for successful 4-H Club Management. Laurinda manages a very active county 4-H program. Kerr County features not only an active County Council but an equally active Junior Council! Come learn her secrets for recruitment and more importantly, retention. Don t miss it November 11-13. WARNING Attending 4-H Camp is a fun and exciting activity. You should be ready to learn, while having fun, creating new friendships, and making great memories. CAN YOU HANDLE IT? Check out the 4-H Center website for registration information texas4hcenter.tamu.edu Center Events for Your Calendar: Jan. 6-8, 2012 4-H Teen Retreat April 23-27, 2012 Spring Fling July 3-6, 2012 Horizons Camp July 9-11, 2012 County Camp I July 11-14, 2012 County Camp II July 22-25, 2012 Prime Time I July 23-25, 2012 Mission Possible July 25-28, 2012 Prime Time II 8

OPERATION BIT OF HOME DONATE NEW AND USED DVD S AND HELP THE MORALE, WELFARE, AND RELAXATION OF OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN SERVING IN OVERSEAS Join Texas 4-H in supporting Operation A Bit Of Home, a non-profit organization helping bring a little bit of home to deployed US Service members by establishing video lending libraries in Afghanistan and Iraq. Donate new or used DVDs and make a difference to men and women protecting our country (no children s movies please). Donations accepted at County Extension Offices through December 31, 2011. Please mail DVD s to either of the following addresses: OPERATION: A Bit of Home Attn: Ken Meyer 324 N. 10th St. Unit B Nolanville, TX 76559 Bell County Extension Office 1605 North Main, Rm 102 Belton, TX 76513 Please include 75 cents per disk to help with shipping costs. Throw a few extra quarters or dollars extra in the box! Tax deductible checks are always welcome and can be made out to Villa Park Rotary Club. 9

TO DOWNLOAD COMPLETE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE TEXAS 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE PROGRAMS, VISIT: http://texas4hfoundation.org/texas-4-h-alliances/ THANK YOU to both Stripes and Tractor Supply Co. for another great campaign to support the 4-H youth of Texas and America. Your support and generosity has truly provided many more opportunities for Texas youth! Eat a World s Greatest Hamburger and Support 4-H! Fuddruckers in Beaumont, College Station, Corpus Christi, Killeen, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Temple, and Waco are teaming up with Texas 4-H to support Texas 4-H on October 18, 2011 4-H Day at Fudds! Just drop your receipt into the box at the cash register. 15% of all receipts dropped will return back to the 4-H Scholarship Program and local 4-H Programs. Traveling Around? Save 15% for being a 4-H Supporter at LaQuinta LaQuinta Inns & Suites is proud to be a part of an Alliance Agreement with the Texas 4-H Program. Supporters can enjoy a 15% discount at any of the 700 plus locations. Visit LQ.com (code TX4H) or call 800-SLEEPLQ. Ask for the TX4H Youth Discount. Need a special piece of jewerly for the 4-H member in your house? Visit Lone Star Silversmith for the latest in unique 4-H jewerly and fashion. Pieces include money clips, pendants, tie tacks, bail pendants, as well as bracelets, rings, earrings, and a custom made knife. Ten percent of your purchase helps supports the Texas 4-H Program and its programs. Kick Up Your Heels In a New Pair of AB Texas 4-H Boots! Anderson Bean Boot Company proudly announces a new line of boots just for Texas 4-H! Visit them on-line and at Facebook to check-out the photos of the boots. Find your local AB retailer to order your pair today! A portion from each pair supports the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation. Friends & Alumni Association Announces Alliance Opportunity for ALL Counties! Jana Barrett, Coordinator - Texas 4-H Friends & Alumni My County doesn t have a TSC store, no problem. Stripes Convenient stores are not located in my County, no problem. Arlington is a bit of a far drive for my county to attend a Texas Rangers Baseball game, no problem. The Texas 4-H Friends & Alumni Association is here to assist all 254 Counties across Texas with raising funds for their local 4-H programs. All your county has to have are 4-H Alumni and Friends of 4-H within your county lines to be a part of this new fund raising endeavor!! Texas 4-H Friends & Alumni Association will be hosting Roundup Former 4-H ers and Supporters Across Texas membership drive. A significant portion of the funds raised through this campaign will be returned to the local 4-H Club or County 4-H Program by the Friends and Alumni Association. http://texas4hfriends.org/alumnialliance/ 10

September 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2011-2012 Texas 4-H Year September 16-24 Tri State Fair - Amarillo 30-Oct 23 State Fair of Texas - Dallas October 2 Texas 4-H Sunday 2-8 National 4-H Week 8 one day 4-H 17-21 Octoberfest Brownwood CALENDAR Revised: October 1, 2011 March 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 October 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 November 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 December 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 February 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 November 11-13 Junior Leadership Retreat - Brownwood 19 Texas 4-H Rabbit Extravaganza Gatesville 25-29 National 4-H Congress Atlanta, GA 25-29 Texas 4-H Leadership Conference D.C. January 5-14 Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo - Odessa 6-8 4-H Teen Retreat Brownwood 7-10 National Western Roundup Denver, CO. 13-Feb 4 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo - Fort Worth Feburary 9-26 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo - San Antonio 11-26 San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo - San Angelo 28-Mar 18 Houston Livestock & Rodeo - Houston March 9-18 Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show - Mercedes 9-24 Star of Texas Fair - Austin 24-29 National 4-H Conference Washington, D.C. April 15-20 National Volunteer Week 20-22 Shooting Sports Extravaganza Brownwood 23-27 Spring Fling Brownwood June 11-15 Texas 4-H Roundup Lubbock 12-13 State 4-H Rifle Match Levelland July 3-6 Horizons Camp - Brownwood 9-11 County Camp I Brownwood 11-14 County Camp II Brownwood 15-18 Texas 4-H Congress Austin 16-21 Shooting Sports Games San Antonio 21-28 50th Annual Texas 4-H Horse Show Abilene 22-25 Prime Time I Brownwood 23-25 Mission Possible - Brownwood 25-28 Prime Time II Brownwood 27-29 Texas 4-H Volunteer Conference - San Antonio August 1-3 TAE4-HA Annual Conference - Round Rock 15 Enrollment for 2012-2103 4-H Year Begins *All dates subject to change April 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 May 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 June 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 July 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 August 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31