Resources for Staff

Staff News & Notes - Week of 4.07.08

Dear Colleagues:

What a great day on April 4th!  Thanks to each of you that attended and participated in the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies!  We greatly appreciate your support on this important day!!

As you know, Keith Smith has an internal advisory committee that provides feedback to him on important issues and concerns within the organization.  Representatives of the internal advisory committee are selected based on input from administrative cabinet, and others.  During each meeting, individuals are asked to share successful or emerging programs and we wanted to share two exciting programs that Sally McClaskey shared that directly relate to the 4-H mission mandates.  Both programs have received funding from the Ohio 4-H Foundation.

Way Cool Waypoints -  This project is designed to introduce youth to GPS/GIS technology by using handheld GPS units at camps for geocaching activities. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt that uses GPS waypoints or positions to find caches of hidden surprises. The grant money provided funding for the purchase of seven GPS/GIS kits. Camps were selected as the recipients of the kits, based on an application and number of youth served. On April 11, representatives from the camps will attend a day-long training at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. From September-May, county educators and 4-H club advisors are encouraged to check out the kits to use the GPS units and GIS mapping software in their communities for youth-led service projects. Collaborators:  Sally McClaskey, Ed Werner, and Karen Gwilliams.

Who Kidnapped Brutus Buckeye: An Ohio 4-H CSI Adventure -  This program will bring middle school age youth (a group typically not targeted for state 4-H programs) to Ohio State for a three day hands-on camp exploring basic biotechnology skills, forensic science and career exploration. Youth will stay in a dorm on campus (introducing them to OSU as a potential university for their future) and be supervised by collegiate counselors and adult staff. Instructors include Dr. Bob Horton and Dr. Mark Craven, a researcher from Battelle. Dr. Craven has also assisted in partnering with the Metro School, where we hope to use their facilities for a session on DNA analysis and work with their students, who will assist as mentors.  Collaborators: Ron Sanderson & Sally McClaskey. This link will take you to the brochure and registration materials.

The two programs above are only examples of great things that are happening in the area of science, engineering, and technology!  We would encourage you to check out the information later in the newsletter about the “Who Kidnapped Brutus Buckeye: An Ohio 4-H CSI Adventure” program. If you would like more information about either, please contact Sally or any member of the planning teams.

Have a great week!

Ryan & Vicki
Interim Co-Assistant Directors
4-H Youth Development 

Congratulations to Jim Helt

This week, Jim Helt announced that he would be retiring from Ohio State University Extension….for the 2nd time, effective May 30th!  Jim has served in numerous leadership positions in 4-H and most recently was Development Officer for OSU Extension.  As you know, he spent a considerable amount of time raising money for the 4-H Youth Development movement.  Jim played a significant role in raising funds for the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, county endowments, named endowments, and annual gifts to The Ohio State University that support 4-H.  In the coming weeks, we look forward to celebrating Jim’s success and wishing him well as he prepares for the next chapter with his wife, Marlene, and their family.

Service Project Opportunity – Time Sensitive!

 

As you may already know, starting February 17, 2009, televisions will switch from analog reception to digital – meaning televisions that currently receive signals through antenna, or “rabbit ears,” will no longer work. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are working together to inform citizens of the switch from analog to digital and their options, including how to get a coupon for a converter box. The converter box will allow televisions with rabbit ears to receive the new digital signal without needing to purchase cable or a new television.

CSREES is working with NTIA and the FCC to educate Americans through extension; as part of this process, National 4-H Headquarters has created a Digital Television Transition service project for 4-Hers. The project included a workshop for 4-Hers at the National 4-H Conference and free FCC kits to be used at your local county and state fairs. The kits will include fact sheets and giveaway items, providing 4-Hers with an opportunity to interact with the public and help educate them on the transition. Attached is a brief summary of the partnership between 4-H, NTIA and the FCC.

If you would like to receive free FCC kits to distribute at your county or state fair this year, please notify Amanda Forquer by April 17, 2008 at forquer.13@cfaes.osu.edu with the following information:

• Date of your fair or program
• Number of kits needed
• Contact name and delivery address
• County
• Type of kit (see attached)

April 10 Newcomers Call:  Volunteer Training After Orientation

The April Newcomers Conference call will be presented via WebEx April 10, 10 a.m. to noon.  To participate in this call, you must REGISTER WITH VICKI BY APRIL 8 by sending her an email.  Details on logging into the WebEx will then be sent to you.  Kathy Blackford, Vicky Oboy, and Jeff Dick will be sharing their experiences with us.

Agenda for discussion:

1. The benefits of continual education of volunteers
2. How to conduct training in the county:  separate Volunteer Training's; in conjunction with Officers Training; best time of year to conduct training
3. Specific Lessons Used with Volunteers e.g. Club Treasury Management

 

Ideas being sought for the May Newcomers topic include things to share when you make club visits.  If you have ideas to share notify Vicki.  Don’t forget,  email schwartz.4@osu.edu if you want to participate April 10.

Workforce Preparation Podcast Available

Take advantage of this free teaching tool designed to help teens prepare for the workforce. This enhanced podcast helps teens understand how their 4-H experience is actually valuable work experience and how to market that experience to prospective employers.

Educators and volunteers have found success using this podcast as part of teen leadership trainings, officer trainings, advisor updates/trainings, teen/adult workshops, and club meetings. It can also be used as a link on your web page for advisors and teens.

To view the podcast, click on the following link: mms://streaming1.osu.edu/ag/miami_county/Workforce_Prep.wmv Contact Kim Catchpole for more information on how to use this exciting new tool.

National 4-H Volunteerism Update

As you may be aware, there is considerable work being done nationally to build strategies to support the future of volunteerism in the 4-H Youth Development program.  Some of you participated in focus group conference calls that were coordinated by Dr. Barbara Stone and Dr. Harriett Edwards.  Please find an update regarding 4-H volunteerism by reviewing this document.

Your Input Wanted - Risk Management Survey

The 4-H policy workgroup is interested in your feedback related to risk management and policy issues.  We would invite each of you to spend approximately 15 minutes to complete this brief questionnaire.  Please let Ryan Schmiesing know if you have any questions.

Questionnaire

Youth Pork Institute

Information related to the upcoming Youth Pork Institute may be found by accessing the documents below.  This is an excellent opportunity for young people in your county to enhance their knowledge in this field.

Overview
Application

4-H Dog Expo Location Change

Ohio 4-H Dog Expo, scheduled for Saturday, April 19 on the OSU Columbus Campus, will now be held at The Buckeye Ranch Equestrian Facility, 5665 Hoover Rd., Grove City.  The change in location is due to the Spring Football Game being held at Ohio Stadium that day. The Buckeye Ranch is about 15 minutes south of the OSU Campus.  We have held two previous Dog Expos there, and the facilities lend themselves well to our planned activities.  Information about the location change and directions are posted at: http://southcenters.osu.edu/4h/dog.  Pre-registration is due to Tracy Waite, waite.29@cfaes.osu.edu, by April 7; however, youth can register the day of Dog Expo as well.

National 4-H Directory

Scheduled for launch on April 1, 2008, the National 4-H Directory is a great way to get a comprehensive look at curriculum being offered by other states. Check out www.4-hdirectory.org, where you can search by keyword, grade, level, or more. Every state 4-H office is responsible for maintaining its own materials, which are listed here only if they have been written or revised in the last seven years. (That’s why not all Ohio 4-H materials are listed.) Prices listed are for direct and out-of-state customers only. Questions? Please contact Amanda Forquer at 614.292.6942 or forquer.13@cfaes.osu.edu.

Goat Resource Handbook . . . finally!

Special thanks to the authors and contributors who so generously shared their expertise on the new animal science resource handbooks and project and record books--goats, dogs, and llamas and alpacas. Please extend a sincere thank you to the advisors and 4-H youth in your counties who have been so patient. Now that they are all available for sale, we can look ahead to the next editions. No kidding, as the advisors and youth in your county use these new books, don't hesitate to pass on comments about improvements to Jane Wright (614.292.0909 or wright.646@cfaes.osu.edu)

Win Money For Your 4-H Program!  Attend the OSU Wooster Campus Scarlet, Gray & Green Fair

On April 22, 2008 the OSU Wooster Campus will host a Scarlet, Gray & Green Fair to promote and highlight environmental responsibility.  As a part of the fair, county 4-H programs will have the opportunity to win money to promote environmental programs/projects!  To learn more about how your county can win money, please see the flyer!

Promotional Flyer

4-H Space Adventure Camp - FULL!

Note: 4-H Space Adventure Camp is full and future requests will be placed on a waiting list.

4-H Space Adventure Camp is planned for June 10 – 12, 2008, at Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio.  The camp is designed for students who are currently in grades 5 – 7.  They do not need to be current 4-H members in your county program.  Participants will live on the Marietta College campus and explore the world of flight with the help of college faculty and trained 4-H camp counselors.  It’s three fun-filled days of rockets, computer simulations, hot air balloons and more.   The cost of $175 includes housing, meals, and all program materials.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.  Space is limited to 36 campers and is designed as a one-time experience.

Arts and The Sciences: 4-H Project Mini College

Hold the date!  May 3, 2008 is sure to be an exciting day at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center!!! Ohio 4-H will host the 4-H Project Mini College that will feature hands-on educational programs, tours, and expert speakers in a variety of subject matter, including photography, creative arts, communication & technology, and theater arts. We will have the registration brochure available next week; registration fees will be $10.00 per person and will include materials, tour transportation, and lunch.  For more information, please contact Patty House.

Promotional Flyer (color)

Promotional Flyer (black and white)

National Extension Volunteerism Conference

The 2009 National Extension Volunteerism Conference (NEVC) is scheduled for April 27 – 30, 2009.  The conference will be held at the General Butler State Resort Park in Northern Kentucky, 30 minutes from the Cincinnati airport and major amenities. 

Over the past decade, Extension professionals from the nation's Land-Grant University system have held a national conference for those that work directly with volunteers or administer complex volunteer management systems within the Cooperative Extension system.

The National Extension Volunteerism Conference (NEVC) is an opportunity for sharing and learning the latest research and trends in volunteerism, innovative ideas for reaching new volunteers, best practices for developing and keeping current volunteers, and strengthening volunteer management efforts.

NEVC welcomes anyone who has local, state or national responsibility for volunteer development; those interested in greater involvement of volunteers in extension programming or outreach education; and those who provide leadership for board development.  Professional staff and key volunteers are encouraged to attend NEVC as teams to build capacity and to apply volunteer competencies to Extension programs.

The NEVC planning committee will send out a call for proposals, preliminary agenda and registration information soon. 

Contact:  Barbara Stone, bstone@csrees.usda.gov

"Who Kidnapped Brutus Buckeye?"....An Ohio 4-H C.S.I. Adventure

Was it the Florida Gator on the fifty yard line or that Wolverine from Up North who committed the heinous crime at the Schott?!  Sixty inquiring 4-H sleuths from across Ohio will spend three days and two nights June 13-15, 2008 at the Ohio 4-H Center at the Ohio State University learning basic biotechnology and forensic crime skills, while solving this 4-H scarlet and gray whodunit.

 The Nationwide and Farm Bureau Ohio 4-H Center will serve as the hub of discovery and career exploration.  This is an opportunity for 4-H members from across Ohio to utilize their Ohio 4-H Center. This program targets sixty rising seventh, eighth and ninth grade 4-H members.

 In addition, since Ohio is ranked sixth in the nation for total employment in high tech industries, with $8.1 billion in research and development funding, this weekend experience will provide participants with exposure to future career and education opportunities within Ohio.

Send your youth to this one of a kind scarlet and gray whodunit! Be sure to register early (June 2 deadline) as space is limited to 60 4-H sleuths from across Ohio!

Go here for more information!

 For more information, please feel free to contact Sally McClaskey (740-670-5315) or Ron Sanderson (740-223-4040), co-whodunit directors.

Call for Proposals – Health Rocks

2008 Health Rocks!® Local Community Implementation Grants - Awards of up to $5,000 Each

Request for Proposals through MSU - Extension 4-H (click here)

Deadline:  May 1, 2008

Contacts:  Dr. Susan Holder at susanh@ext.msstate.edu or Dr. Rae Wilkinson at raew@ext.msstate.edu

Mississippi State University Extension 4-H (MSU-ES 4-H) is working with National 4-H Council to support implementation of the Health Rocks!® Healthy Life Program.  Organizations selected as community sites will receive a grant of up to $5,000 through MSU-ES (depending on youth reached), newly revised beginning level curriculum, training, and incentive items at no charge.

Selected community sites will send a team of three (two teens between the ages of 14 and 18, and one adult leader) to training at the C. A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Rock, Arkansas June 27-29, 2008.  Travel, meals and lodging will be arranged and paid by MSU-ES 4-H.  Implementation runs June 30, 2008-April 30, 2009.

Anyone interested in this program is encouraged to submit a proposal to MSU-ES 4-H.  Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. Central time, May 1, 2008.  Proposals may be e-mailed, faxed or mailed to the contact person listed in the RFP - not National 4-H Council.  Decisions will be announced on or before May 12, 2008.  Questions regarding the Request for Proposal are encouraged and should be submitted to Contacts listed above.

Health Rocks!® is a prevention and decision-making program, which also provides key health knowledge.  Curriculum is taught by teen/adult leadership teams that help youth learn skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, stress management, handling peer pressure, and effective communication.  Special emphasis is placed on tobacco use prevention.  The program also includes components that bring youth and adults together as partners in developing community strategies that prepare young people to make healthy lifestyle choices.  Developing life skills helps youth develop internal strength to resist risky behaviors.  Since its inception, the Health Rocks! healthy life program has been implemented in partnership with Mississippi State University Extension (MSU), which serves as the virtual training facility - providing training to youth/adult implementation teams, incentive support, personal and web-based technical assistance, and facilitating program evaluation and reporting.  To final out more about Health Rocks! go to http://msucares.com/4h_Youth/health_rocks/.

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

Be sure to check out the Ohio 4-H Calendar:

April
7 Pre-registration due for 4-H Dog Expo
9-12 National Service Learning Conference – Minneapolis, MN
12 State Horse Bowl Contest - OSU, Columbus
10-13 Equine Affaire – Ohio Expo Center
11 Buckeye Animal Science Experience “BASE” Day Registration due
19 Ohio 4-H Dog Expo – OSU, Columbus
21-22 Forging New Links Volunteer Conference – Columbus
25-28 National Youth Service Day (www.ysa.org/nysd/) TBA Registration and questions for Dairy Quiz Bowl due
26 Buckeye Animal Science Experience “BASE” Day
27-May 3 National Volunteer Week – Nationwide