Weekly 4-H Update
Communications >> 4-H Update >>Volume 12, Number 26....................................... August 15, 2008
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Attachments: (none for this week)
Reminders:
- Aug. 22 – Sept 1: Colorado State Fair, Pueblo
- Sept. 1: University holiday, offices closed
CWF Finishes Strong
It was a fun and exciting summer for Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF). The program ended on July 12 and left every 4-H'er with an unforgettable experience. Delegates from California to New Jersey, New Mexico to Michigan came to the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD, to show off their 4-H spirit while learning citizenship, leadership, and civic engagement in Washington DC.
This year, CWF incorporated a more in-depth curriculum, which focused on the development of being a citizen and what citizenship means to youth. Each 4-H'er experienced the "Citizenship Toolbox workshop" where they defined what citizenship means to them as an individual. Comparing the many definitions of citizenship helped youth gain a broader understanding of what citizenship meant to them. 4-H'ers also discussed issues such as high school drop-out rates and gun control with youth from across the nation, allowing them to hear diverse opinions and perspectives and to brainstorm solutions.
In Washington DC, delegates learned about monuments and memorials erected for historic figures and events in history-- such as the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument (the tallest standing structure in DC). Delegates also visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay respect to the fallen soldiers of America. Later, they had the chance to speak with representatives from Congress on Capitol Hill to see how America's legislative branch works and to discuss important issues in their district. Visiting these sites helps make history come alive for the CWF participants.
To find out how you and your state can get involved with CWF, log onto the CWF Website where you can find information about the CWF program, testimonials from past delegates, and pictures and videos of the conference itself.
CWF is a six-week summer youth conference for 4-H'ers ages 14 to 18 who are interested in citizenship and leadership while learning in the living classroom of Washington DC. Delegates from across the nation stay at the National 4-H Conference Center for a one-week period to immerse themselves in history, diversity, and culture, and to experience the Nation's Capital like never before.
By Craig Alameda - CWF Intern
― Ellen Butler
Healthy Sprouts Awards
Statistics show that in many U.S. classrooms you'll find children who are overweight sitting next to others wondering where their next meal will come from; many are not getting the right balance of nutrients in their diets or enough exercise. Research conducted at Texas A&M University supports the connection between kids' food gardens and improved nutrition. Could a school garden be part of the solution to the diet- and exercise-related challenges children face? Many forward-thinking educators and parents think so, and have worked to create youth garden programs that focus on nutrition and hunger issues.
As a way to encourage the growth of health-focused youth gardens, NGA recognizes outstanding programs via the Healthy Sprouts Awards, sponsored by Gardener’s Supply Company. These awards support school and youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the issue of hunger in the United States.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the 2008 Healthy Sprouts Awards, your school or organization must plan to garden in 2009 with at least 15 children between the ages of three and 18. The selection of winners is based on the demonstrated relationship between the garden program and nutrition and hunger issues in the United States.
This year we will present awards to 20 schools or organizations. Each program will receive:
- Gift certificates towards the purchase of gardening materials from our sponsoring company, Gardener's Supply Company. The top five will each receive a certificate valued at $500; 15 more will each receive a $200 gift certificate
- NGA's Eat a Rainbow Kit, chock full of engaging taste education and nutrition lessons
- 25 packets of seeds
- a literature package from NGA
- NGA Supporter benefits for one year
Reporting requirement: Grant awardees will be required to submit a year-end impact report. This will be a short survey directly linked to the level and extent of implementation of the program information and description stated in the original application. These reports help NGA determine the overall impact of the Healthy Sprouts Award program, and assist us in gathering ongoing support for the program. Programs that do not complete the final report will not be eligible to apply for future awards.
Applications must be postmarked no later than October 15, 2008. For more information please go to http://www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts.asp.
— Ellen Butler
Nebraska to Host National 2009 Youth Horse Leaders Symposium!
The 32nd Annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium, presented by the American Youth Horse Council (AYHC), will be held on March 27 through 29, 2009 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The University of Nebraska will host the event. The 2009 event will boast more than two-dozen internationally and nationally respected presenters assembled to share their keys to successful youth horse programming and horse management. Attendees will find resources, referrals, and networking to improve their ability to Help Connect Kids Through Horses. A weekend program for teen leaders is always a favorite bringing youth participating in many different horse disciplines and breed activities together to learn leadership skills and effective horsemanship techniques.
“The University of Nebraska is excited to be able to host the AYHC symposium and showcase beautiful downtown Lincoln and the Nebraska horse industry,” said Kathy Anderson, chair of the Symposium Committee and AYHC President. The symposium attracts a broad representation of youth horse leaders from breed associations, equine sport organizations, Cooperative Extension, universities, and the crucially important hands-on youth leaders from such groups as 4-H, U.S. Pony Club, National High School Rodeo, Future Farmers of America, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and more.
The Symposium will again include a variety of presentations including live horse demonstrations, roundtable sessions, and classroom presentations on a variety of topics. Additionally, kickoff reception, vendor booths, a silent auction and the Youth Leaders Celebration Awards Banquet allow attendees to have fun and interact throughout the weekend. A pre-conference tour will provide an excellent kickoff to the Symposium and offer participants an extra day of educational activities in Nebraska.
Make your plans to join the youth horse industry in Nebraska in 2009! The conference facilities of the Holiday Inn in downtown Lincoln coupled with the educational and networking opportunities offered by top notch presenters make this a must attend event! or more information go to: www.ayhc.com or call 800-TRY-AYHC or email info@ayhc.com.
― Ellen Butler
