The 4H Tip Sheet
A Monthly Newsletter
March 2014
IN THIS ISSUE...
DEADLINES
Feb 15 Host Applications due to Mary Kay Munson for Summer 4-H International Exchange Feb 15 Camp Corral Camp Counselor Applications due Feb 17 Deadline to submit a class for Discovery Days Feb 18 Judging of 4-H State Scholarships Feb 27 Spring Into Action: USDA APHIS Free Webinar and Twitter Chat for Poultry Producers Feb 28 Rock Springs online registration due for KS 4-H Environmental Engineering Camp
Mar 3 On-Line Registrations for Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop due Mar 3 KAP Finalists: KAP and 5 minute video submitted to the State 4-H Office by no later than 5PM CST Mar 3 Kansas 4-H Alumni Award Due Mar 7 Kansas Junior Sheep Producer Day early registration deadline Mar 14 Registrations due for Strengthening Clubs Training
Mar 15 K-State Animal Sciences Leadership Academy applications due Mar 15 Discovery Days Registration Opens Mar 15 FAST Academy Registration Opens Mar 17 Grow 4-H Grants (Spring-Summer Funding) - Due by 8 AM at State 4-H Office
April 1 KAP Winners will be notified April 15 Discovery Days Registration Closes April 15 Youth Council T-Shirt Designs due
May 1 Standard of Excellence - Key Award Finalists due to the State 4-H Office for National 4-H Congress Scholarship Drawing May 1 Kansas 4-H Resource Family Project and Camp Grant Deadline
May 1 Market Beef Nominations due May 1 Photo Adventure Camp Registration due May 1 Horse Snafflebit Applications due to Local Ext. Offices May 2 KFAC Summer Institute Applications due to KFAC Office
May 10 KSU Youth Horse Judging Camp Registration due May 15 Centennial Delegate - National 4-H Congress Due May 15 Images of Aging Photo Entries due
June 9 Science & Civics Camp Registration due to Rock Springs (will close early if full) June 9 Science & Civics Curriculum Training Registration Deadline
June 15 Commercial Heifer, Market/Commercial Swine, Market/Commercial Lamb, and Meat Goat/Commercial Doe Nominations due
July 3 Growing Green Garden Camp registrations due to Rock Springs (will close early if full) July 3 Growing Green Garden Curriculum Training Registration Deadline July 31 Current VIP Volunteer Screening process ends.
August 1 New Volunteer Screening process starts
4-H RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN HELPS TO INCREASE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS
Great News! The Kansas 4-H enrollment figures show an
increase in the total number of 4-H members across the state. This is the first
increase since 2009. Comparing local unit membership data from 2012 to 2013,
62% of units showed an increase in their enrollment numbers. We attribute the
increase in 4-H members to a number of factors, including the launch of the
Life’s Little Questions recruiting campaign, combined with additional efforts
from local units to reach young people and their parents at the beginning of
the school year.
The “Life’s Little Questions” 4-H recruitment campaign was
kicked off at the Kansas State Fair in 2011. The two key messages of the
campaign - 4-H is a network of families that grows great kids and
it’s for city and town folks too. The campaign encouraged interested families
to visit JoinKansas4-H.org and it worked! There was an increase in the number
of total inquiries in 2013. August continues to have the highest number
of inquiries which shows that parents are looking for information on youth
activities for their kids at the start of the new school year. The top units
that receive inquiries include Sedgwick, Johnson, Riley, Wyandotte and Butler
counties.
Thanks for your commitment to growing the 4-H program! We
are proud of the work each of you are doing to bring 4-H to more youth in
Kansas. We encourage you to continue to utilize the campaign to grow 4-H.
Stone
2014 VOLUNTEER SCREENING PROCESS: ACCESS PREPARATION
Kansas will be utilizing ACCESS 4-H Enrollment System to manage the new 2014 Volunteer Screening process and it’s important that we promote its success. The ACCESS entry method for this new process is still in development, but there are things Extension units can do in preparation: http://www.kansas4-h.org/doc16641.ashx. More details and resources regarding the volunteer screening process can be found at http://www.kansas4-h.org/p.aspx?tabid=487.
**Kansas will no longer be utilizing the VIP Certification participation. Also, do not add screening dates or volunteer approval information into the "Volunteer Qualifications" area in ACCESS.
Please contact Terry Williams at tewillia@ksu.edu if ACCESS assistance is needed. Contact Rod Buchele at rbuchele@ksu.edu for questions regarding volunteer status or 4-H policy. Buchele & Williams
KANSAS ACCESS WEBINAR: SAVING DATA ENTRY TIME
The National 4-H ACCESS Team is hosting a “Saving Data Entry
Time” webinar for Kansas Extension staff on Tuesday, February 25th
at 10am. The webinar will last approximately 30-45 minutes, which
includes time to answer any questions you may have.
Please register using the Google Doc form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eM4CHj4nKmZoA9MEcuX2O3L0PEisSAKUbQJnZYK8VVc/viewform.
Please register by Monday, February 24th. Williams
ROCK SPRINGS 4-H CENTER – ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING CAMP – MARCH 21-23, 2014
With an integration of science and engineering topics, campers will learn to improve the environment, and provide healthy water, air and land for humans and wildlife. Participants will design, create, build and test designs; concentrating in the areas of wind energy and water quality. Through a variety of hands-on activities, youth will construct wind powered devices, design dams, and study wildlife habitats. The Leadership Adventure Course, canoeing and a campfire will also be part of the recreation (weather permitting).
Camp is open to youth participants aged 9-11 and their adult chaperones. All youth campers must have a designated adult chaperone who is a parent, grandparent, 4-H volunteer, teacher and/or KSRE staff. Chaperones must be 21, may be responsible for a maximum of five youth and must be on site full-time. Chaperones will receive a Power of Wind Facilitator Guide and will have their own breakout sessions.
Register and provide payment at www.rocksprings.net by February 28, 2014, or until the registration closes due to being full. Registration is limited to 34 youth campers on a first-come, first serve basis. Cost is $160 for youth, and $170 for adult chaperone. This includes seven meals, two nights lodging at Rock Springs 4-H Center, snacks, workshop costs and support for the training team. Each participant will receive a Power of Wind curriculum guide.
For more information, contact Mandy Kern, mkern@rocksprings.net or 620-412-1725. Kearn
STRENGTHENING 4-H CLUBS TRAINING
Back by popular demand, we’re hosting Strengthening Clubs
I and Strengthening Clubs 1– Chapter 2 sessions this spring.
Strengthening 4-H
Clubs 1 on March 26 the Sedgwick County Extension Office
The purpose of this training is to strengthen Extension
staff’s capacity to work with volunteer adults and youth to develop and support
strong, effective 4-H Clubs. New staff and those who have never attended Strengthening Clubs
training are urged to attend. Past evaluations have shown the training to
be very valuable and useful.
Strengthening
Clubs 1, Chapter 2 on March 27 at the Sedgwick County Extension
Office
The purpose of this training is to strengthen your
capacity to work with volunteer adults and youth to develop and support strong,
effective 4-H Clubs. You will take home new resources and ideas to share with
4-H Club Leaders. If you attended Strengthening Club I training, this is
chapter 2 and if you haven’t attended it, you are welcome too. We will again
spend time on traits of a strong club and on how to build them. Topics include:
Essential Elements; Youth and Adult Partnerships, Getting input from members;
Keeping Youth in 4-H-Retention of members; and Club Management including
finances, elections and club leader succession plans.
Both trainings will start at 9:45 a.m. and conclude at
3:15 p.m. Area 4-H Youth Development Specialists Beth Hinshaw and Diane Mack
will facilitate the trainings. Cost is
$25 each day which includes materials and lunch. Make checks payable to the Kansas 4-H
Foundation. Please mail checks to the State 4-H Office, Attn: Mary
Please register online by March 14, 2014. Click
this link to register for one or both of these trainings
Hinshaw/Mack
KANSAS AWARD PORTFOLIO UPDATE
2014 Kansas Award Portfolio information, including
information about the preparation of the video file, has been posted at www.kansas4-H.org, Awards and Recognition,
KAP’s.
Each of the 135 4-H finalist (representing 169 KAPs) and their local
Extension office, has received a detailed e-mail letter outlining:
· Explaining the five-minute video presentation
process,
· A list of questions to cover in the video,
· Where to find instructions on the 4-H web page
· The timeline for the KAP submission, indicating that the video file on a jump drive or CD along
with the written KAP must be submitted on or before March 3, 2014.
State Judging
dates and locations are:
·
Manhattan,
Kansas Wheat Building, 1990 Kimball, Friday, March 14, 2014 – 9:00 a.m.
·
Ottawa,
Celebration Hall, 1737 S. Elm on Monday, March 17, 2014
– 9:00 a.m.
·
Wichita,
Sedgwick Co. Extension, 7001 W. 21st St. N on Tuesday, March
18, 2014 – 9:00 a.m.
·
Cimarron,
Gray County Fairgrounds, on Wednesday, March 19, 2014
– 9:00 a.m.
·
Stockton,
Rooks County 4-H Building on Thursday, March 20, 2014
– 9:00 a.m.
·
Manhattan,
Kansas Wheat Building, 1990 Kimball, Friday, March 21, 2014 – 9:00 a.m. –Back-up date subject to cancellation.
State winners will be announced around
April 1.
Keatley & Voorhees
SPRING INTO ACTION: MAINTAINING A HEALTHY (AND GROWING) POULTRY FLOCK
Free Webinar and Twitter Chat Offer Spring Advice on Backyard Poultry Thursday, February 27, 2014, 1 PM CST (Please share with those involved with poultry projects or production, both youth and adults!!!) With spring on its way, new poultry lovers may be thinking about starting a backyard flock or veteran poultry owners might want to add baby chicks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a free webinar and simultaneous Twitter chat with experts to help both groups acquire and grow a healthy flock. Called “Spring into Action: Maintaining a Healthy (and Growing) Flock,” the webinar and chat is an hour-long, online presentation by three poultry experts. They will share information and answer questions about introducing new birds to your flock, buying and raising healthy poultry and how to keep them free from disease and predators. The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 27 from 1-2 p.m. CST. To guarantee a place at the webinar, go to the Biosecurity For Birds’ website for the link. (http://communique.adobeconnect.com/healthybirds/event/login.html) To join the Twitter Chat use #Chickenchat2014. To submit advance questions visit Healthy Harry’s Facebook page. Hosting the webinar are: Andy Schneider, also known as “The Chicken Whisperer®,” a national radio personality who serves as the Biosecurity For Birds campaign spokesperson; Dr. Jo Anna Quinn, a veterinary medical officer and poultry health specialist with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); and Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, a Commander in the United States Public Health Service at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Twitter questions will be answered by an APHIS veterinarian expert in bird matters. This is event is part of Bird Health Awareness Week (BHAW), an annual observance promoted by the USDA’s Biosecurity For Birds campaign that helps support healthy practices for raising backyard birds. This year BHAW is being held from February 23 through March 1. Since spring ushers in chicks’ season, the time when baby chicks and other baby birds begin hatching from their shells, the 2014 Bird Health Awareness Week will focus on these new additions to the country’s backyard flocks. Bird lovers across the U.S. are invited to celebrate the week in their own way and let the USDA know what you are doing. For more information about Biosecurity For Birds and to send information about your Bird Health Awareness Week event, please visit the Biosecurity For Birds website, http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov
Approved and Participation Encouraged by: Scott Beyer, Ph.D Associate Professor, Animal Science & Industries (Poultry Science) Kansas State University
Gerhard
FORT HAYS JUDING & 4-H SPACETECH DAY - MARCH 22 IN HAYS
This year, we're combining several great 4-H activities into one action packed day! Fort
Hays Judging is March 22 in Hays. It is open to 4-H and FFA members
statewide. Contests on campus and the 4-H SpaceTech Day will get
underway at 10:00 a.m. The
judging contest information for all six contests - Crops, Entomology,
Horticulture, Life Skills, Livestock and Photography - is posted on the
Ellis County Extension website - 4-H/Youth - 4-H Events. Please
encourage your 4-H members to come and join the fun and learning. No
pre-registration is required for the judging contests. There is,
however, a $3/participant fee to cover the expenses of the event. 4-H
SpaceTech Day will include hands on experiences in robotics, rocketry,
GPS/GIS and Astronomy for youth and parents. It will be held at
Albertson
Hall during the judging contests and will conclude around 4 p.m.
Pre-registration is required for SpaceTech Day in order to have needed
supplies on hand. A link to the registration information for these two great events is found on the Ellis Co. 4-H main page. We appreciate your help in getting the word out to 4-H members about these educational opportunities. For more information please contact Susan Schlichting at sschlich@ksu.edu. Schlichting
FOSTER CHILDREN GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR 4-H PROJECTS AND CAMP
Kansas
4-H Youth Development, the Kansas 4-H Foundation and Saint Francis
Community Services are working together to provide funding opportunities
for children and families involved with foster care. The purpose of the
Kansas 4-H Resource Family Project and Camp Grant Programs is to
provide financial assistance for foster youth and their resource
families who want to participate in learning opportunities available
through 4-H.
Kansas 4-H is open to all youth ages 7 through
18 wanting to expand their learning opportunities. 4-H focuses on
developing confident, capable, caring, responsible citizens. 4-H offers a
wide range of project areas that youth may learn from, ranging from
agriculture to food and nutrition to aerospace and photography. Although
being involved in the local club can provide an opportunity for youth
to learn from each other and contribute to others through community
service projects, volunteers and family support are also important
elements of 4-H as volunteers and parents serve as club and project
leaders that guide and mentor youth. Through the Kansas 4-H Foundation,
$5,000 in grant funds are available to support foster care families and the
children in their care who are current or potential 4-H members.
Grants due May 1!
Family Project Grants
- Children must enroll as 4-H members through their local extension office.
- Eligible 4-H member can only apply for one 4-H project and one 4-H camp grant per year.
- Grant funds are for the purpose of starting or enhancing a 4-H project
during the 4-H year such as purchasing a camera, craft supplies,
clothing, feed, equipment, etc.
- Eligible 4-H member may request
funds for supplies and equipment needed for participating in a pet or
livestock project; however, funds are not available for the purchase of
pets or livestock.
- Grant funding cannot include meal expenses.
- Items and supplies purchased from grant funding for 4-H project become the property of the eligible 4-H member.
- Liability, maintenance and warranty of the items and supplies purchased become the responsibility of the eligible 4-H member.
- Grant application and instructions available on the Kansas 4-H Web site, www.kansas4-h.org/p.aspx?tabid=434 or by clicking here.
Van Horn
ROCK SPRINGS 4-H CENTER - SCIENCE & CIVICS CAMP - JULY 1-3, 2014
What happens when wildlife and people share a habitat? This camp for 15-17 year olds will explore the impact of human activities on habitats, environmental legislation, habitat exploration and designing, implementing and communicating environmental service projects. Campers will explore habitats with aerial photography by using a Phantom Quad Copter, analyze watersheds and complete stream analyses, and use GPS/GIS to map and survey wildlife areas. Campers will develop action proposals for completing an environmental service project in their home communities. If you have ever wanted to compete in the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation competition, envirothon, eco-meet or have an interest in wildlife management, habitat construction or environmental law – this camp is for you! Join us July 1-July 3 at WaShunGa camp ground at Rock Springs 4-H Center.
Register and view more information at www.rocksprings.net by June 9 or until the registration closes due to being full. Registration is limited to 50 campers on a first-come, first serve basis. Great for those in space tech, citizenship, energy management, self-determined and wildlife project areas. For more information contact Mandy Kern at mkern@rocksprings.net or 620-412-1725. Kearn
ROCK SPRINGS 4-H CENTER – SCIENCE & CIVICS CURRICULUM TRAINING – JUNE 30-JULY 3, 2014
- A unique professional development experience for K-12 educators, pre-service education majors, K-State Research and Extension Staff or informal educators - Participants will receive 1 day of training and then serve as activity leaders for the Science and Civics Camp for 15-17 year olds.
-
Gain
strategies, resources, and confidence to teach Environmental Education outdoors,
with an emphasis on awareness, democracy, habitat and social study principles
of wildlife.
Take
home Science and
Civics (a Project Wild curriculum) and a materials kit with resources
for teaching hundreds of hands-on activities
-
Discover
innovative ways to integrate natural resource, conservation, and
environmental education into your
curriculum & programs with ease - Teach students “How to Think, not What to
Think” and challenge experiential growth through a “Learning by Doing”
curriculum.
-
The
opportunity to team teach to youth during a residential environment camp and to
gain confidence through writing
lessons, practicing, presenting and debriefing with peers.
Facilitator
workshop includes Science and Civics curriculum guide AND professional
time leading activities at a residential camp. June 30 workshop
participants will be expected to facilitate at the Youth Camp June 1-3
(must be present from June 30 at 9am – July 3 2pm).
This
workshop is open to all K-12 Educators, pre-service education majors,
KSRE staff and nonformal educators. Educators will receive a certificate
for 40 hours. Pre-service teachers seeking professional hours for
graduation will receive 10 Professional Growth/Service to Profession
hours and 30 hours of Educational Service to Youth and Families
(including direct contact with diverse populations) hours.
Registration fee is $100, and includes 3 nights lodging 10 meals, 3 curriculum guides with training, and a materials kit. Register at http://www.kacee.org/workshop-schedule
For more information, email mkern@rocksprings.net or call 620-412-1725. Kearn
ROCK SPRINGS 4-H CENTER – GROWING GREEN – SUSTAINABLE GARDENING CAMP – JULY 25-27
Explore nature, learn where food comes from, and develop an appreciation for the environment. This two night camp for 12, 13 and 14 year olds will benefit gardeners of all abilities. Have insects invaded your squash plants? Learn how to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Do the frequent Kansas weather mood swings have you stumped? Measure and interpret weather and atmospheric data and discover how the climate plays a role in survival of garden plants. Join us July 25-27 at Rock Springs 4-H Center and take your garden to a whole new sustainable level and learn how to compost and collect rain water. Campers will also create their own recipe using fresh garden grown produce and receive resources on unique gardening practices.
Register and view more information at www.rocksprings.net by July 3 or until the registration closes due to being full. Registration is limited to 50 campers on a first-come, first serve basis. Great for those in plant science/crops, foods and nutrition, self-determined, health and wellness, citizenship and entomology project areas. For more information contact Mandy Kern at mkern@rocksprings.net or 620-412-1725. Kearn
ROCK SPRINGS 4-H CENTER – GROWING GREEN SUSTAINABLE GARDENING CURRICULUM TRAINING – JULY 24-27, 2014
-
A
unique professional development experience for K-12 educators, pre-service
education majors, K-State Research and Extension Staff or informal educators -
Participants will receive 1 day of training and then serve as activity leaders
for the Sustainable Gardening Camp for 12-14 year olds.
-
Gain
strategies, resources, and confidence to teach gardening and learn techniques
for starting a school or community garden
-
Learn
more about KACEE’s Kansas Green Schools Program and Garden Gate
Curriculum. Take home a materials kit
with resources for teaching dozens of hands-on activities
-
Discover
innovative ways to integrate natural resource, conservation, and
environmental education into your
curriculum & programs with ease - Teach students “How to Think, not What to
Think” and challenge experiential growth through a “Learning by Doing”
curriculum.
-
The
opportunity to team teach to youth during a residential environment camp and to
gain confidence through writing
lessons, practicing, presenting and debriefing with peers.
Facilitator workshop includes resources AND
professional time leading activities at a residential camp. July 24 workshop
participants will be expected to facilitate at the Youth Camp July 25-27
(must be present from July 24 at 9am – July 27 2pm).
This workshop is open to all K-12 Educators,
pre-service education majors, KSRE staff and nonformal
educators. Educators will receive a certificate for 40 hours. Pre-service
teachers seeking professional hours for graduation will receive 10 Professional
Growth/Service to Profession hours and 30 hours of Educational Service to Youth
and Families (including direct contact with diverse populations) hours.
Registration fee is $70, and includes 3 nights lodging 10 meals, 3
curriculum guides with training, and a materials kit. Register at http://www.kacee.org/workshop-schedule
For more information, email mkern@rocksprings.net or call 620-412-1725. Kearn
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE DELEGATES - NATIONAL 4-H CONGRESS
Standard of Excellence Delegates represent
all of the recipients of the Kansas 4-H Key Award during the previous 4-H
year.
Seven Congress Standard of
Excellence Delegates are randomly drawn from names sent to the State 4-H
Office. Each Extension Unit made up of
only one county may submit one name.
Extension Units (districts) made up of more than one county may send as
many names equal to the number of counties that comprise the district. (Note: The names may come from anywhere in
the District). Extension Units please select your name(s) in the following
manner:
STEP #1. Create a pool of names
consisting of ALL 4-H Key Award
winners in 2013 who meet the following criteria-
- Were presented the Kansas 4-H Key Award in
2013.
- Have never attended National 4-H Congress
before.
- Are enrolled in Kansas 4-H.
- Have a genuine desire to attend National 4-H
Congress.
- Are available to attend 2014 National 4-H
Congress in its entirety from Nov 28- Dec 2, 2014.
- Are at least 16 years old but not yet 19
years old before January 1, 2014.
- Willing to remain committed to attending
2014 National 4-H Congress once they accept the trip.
- Agree to the follow the prescribed code of
conduct, realizing failure to do so may result in the loss of privileges
during the event and/or in the future.
STEP #2. Randomly draw the name(s) from
your eligible pool, complete the attached form, and make sure that it arrives
at the State 4-H Office by close of business (5 PM), Wednesday, May 1, 2014.
Upon receipt of the nominees from local
Extension Units, all names will be placed in a pool, randomly drawn and
notified immediately as the state Standard of Excellence Delegates for 2014
National 4-H Congress. Keatley
2014 CENTENNIAL DELEGATES - NATIONAL 4-H CONGRESS
The Kansas 4-H
Centennial Delegates were added in 2002 when
national 4-H celebrated 4-H’s centennial year.
Kansas 4-H has permitted each Extension Unit to send one at-large
delegate to National 4-H Congress. These at-large positions are called
Centennial Delegates. Cost for the
Centennial delegate will be the full amount of approximately $1,150.00 (no registration grant
is offered). The selection criteria and
process for the 4-H Centennial Delegate is entirely up to the Extension
Unit. To be eligible, delegates MUST:
- Have never before attended National 4-H
Congress.
- Be enrolled in Kansas 4-H.
- Have a genuine desire to attend National 4-H
Congress.
- Be available to attend 2014 National 4-H
Congress in its entirety from Nov 28 - Dec 2, 2014.
- Be at least 14 years old but not yet 19
years old before January 1, 2014.
- Remain committed to attending 2014 National
4-H Congress once they accept the trip.
- Agree to the follow the prescribed code of
conduct, realizing failure to do so may result in the loss of privileges
during the event and/or in the future.
Participating Extension Units will need
to notify the State 4-H Office on or before May 15, 2014, along with providing
the non-refundable $100.00 deposit and nomination form for the delegate. To
help with planning, remember that the Standard of Excellence representatives to
Congress will be named immediately following the May 1 deadline and if their
name is not drawn, can be re-nominated as a Centennial delegate. Keatley
SHUTTERBUGS IN THE GARDEN
SATURDAY April 12, 2014, BOTANICA GARDENS, WICHITA SPONSORED BY: BOTANICA AND KANSAS 4-H PHOTO ACTION TEAM This event is for 4-H Photography members, Leaders, Junior leaders and Parents Cost of the event will be your admission price into Botanica. Registration will start at 9:00 am, Orientation will begin in the main meeting room at 9:15 am. First Session starts at 9:30. Sessions Repeated every 30 minutes with the last Session Starting at 12:30 Sessions being offered: Props and costumes, Water drops, bubbles and liquids, Portraits and Posing, Lighting, Getting ready for the Fair, Camera Questions. More information is at: http://www.kansas4-h.org/p.aspx?tabid=427 Buchele
SHUTTERBUGS IN THE GARDEN CITY ZOO
April 26, 2014, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm, Garden City Zoo Finnup Center for Conservation Education Cost: $5.00 per person, please preregister, see the flyer Six workshops wil be offered at sites around the zoo. Topics include: Costumes and Props, Frames, Bubbles, Kaleidoscopes, Mirrors, Making Photos Unique and a Camera Q and A Table Buchele
KANSAS FOUNDATION FOR AG. IN THE CLASSROOM
The
Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) is offering a 3
1/2-day summer institute in Manhattan, Kan., June 10-13, 2014. "Connecting
Your Classroom to Kansas Agriculture" is a professional development
opportunity with the option of one, two or three graduate level credits. The
participants will be exposed to many topics including plant science, food
science and biotechnology.
"Teachers
explore the diversity of agriculture through hands-on, standards-based
activities and lesson plans that focus on math, science, social studies and
reading," said Cathy Musick, KFAC executive director. "The institute
exposes teachers to various agricultural opportunities and provides them with a
variety of resources to use when preparing and presenting lesson plans to their
students."
The
2014 institute is open to all Kansas teachers at $50 for registration.
Participants will receive a $200 scholarship. The payment for optional credit
hours through Kansas State University will be the responsibility of the
participant. A stipend will be available for teachers to use for necessary
equipment and supplies to teach the lesson plans taught during the institute.
The $150 stipend will be awarded in two installments - one half upon completion
of the summer institute and the other half upon completion of a lesson plan
conducted in the teachers' classroom. Professional development hours will be
awarded by certificate from K-State Continuing Education based on 32 hours of
face time during the institute.
To
apply for the institute, simply visit this link. Application details are available on the KFAC website
at www.ksaglcassroom.org.
The application deadline is May 2, 2014. To learn more about KFAC summer
courses, visit the KFAC
website, visit KFAC on Facebook, or contact us at (785) 320-4350. Adams
2014 FILMFEST 4-H ANNOUNCED
The fourth FilmFest 4-H, a national film festival open to all 4-H members ages 11 and up is coming! FilmFest will be held in Branson, MO, from August 3-6, with most of the events happening on August 4-5. This event is sponsored by the National 4-H Communications and Expressive Arts Task force, Missouri’s 4-H Center for Youth Development, and the City of Branson.
Like any other national film festival, this event connects participants to professionals in the film
industry and celebrates the work of the filmmakers. The event includes film screenings, industry-related tours, and workshops lead by professionals in the film industry who have been attached to projects the youth recognize.
Most participants attending will be 4-H families, volunteers and youth who have an interest in filmmaking or the film industry. Participants must be ages 11-18 on January 1, 2014. The competition categories for 2014 include:
-Narrative – A film that tells a story. Can be based on fact or fiction.
-Animation – A film created by techniques that simulate movement from individual image.
-Documentary – A film that presents factual information about a person, event or process.
-4-H Promotional – A short file, PSA or service announcement meant to publicize 4-H programs.
-Music Video – A short film that accompanies a complete piece of original music or song.
-Voices of 4-H History – A historical perspective on 4-H. May be a narrative, documentary, animation, etc.
Film entries are due by July 1st. The maximum running time is 10 minutes. Youth interested in attending FilmFest 4-H should visit the event web site at http://4h.missouri.edu/filmfest or contact: Bradd Anderson, Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development, andersonb@missouri.edu, 573-884-0576. Waldren
PHOTO ACVENTURE CAMP 2014
Photos with Edge - Photo Adventure Camp 2014 June 14 – 17, 2014 at, Rock Springs 4-H Center. The Photo Camp Web Page is at: http://www.kansas4-h.org/p.aspx?tabid=437. Full information will be posted by March 1st. Photo Camp is for youth ages 13-16 and VIP registered adults. Camp fees are: $195 for youth and $215 for adults. Photo Adventure Campers will explore and learn by developing photography and life skills and having a lot of fun doing cool things. Campers will participate in one of three tracs: beginners, intermediate and Trac16. Registration
DEADLINE is MAY 1 for PHOTO ADVENTURE CAMP participants. Registration
will be open by March 15. Registration will be online by the 4-H Cvent
system, see the Photo Camp Information page for the link to the
registration page. Have fun learning and practicing new photography skills and techniques during Photo Adventure Camp 2014 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. Eat, sleep and experience different aspects of photography including composition and camera basics and learn creative tips and tricks from a variety of instructors with different photographic backgrounds. You’ll attend a variety of workshops and create several individual and group projects using some of the latest technology in our camp computer lab. Adult project leaders are also invited to attend. All will go home with lots of ideas and activities to share at your own photography project meetings. Buchele
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED FOR SUMMER 2014
Kansas expects to host nine or more short-term exchanges through the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) Program between June 22 and the beginning of State Fair. We have been contacted by as many different partner organizations who would like to send members to Kansas. They are in the process of selecting their exchangees who are 18 and older to stay with multiple families for 2-3 weeks each. Countries we are expecting to send representatives are: - Austria—Male age 18 who is from a crop farm and attends an agricultural school, will have two families between June 22 and August 1.
- England, Devon Country—Bio not yet available
- Germany—Male, from a vegetable farm and attending agricultural school will have four families between early July and September 5
- Greece—High School student at the American Farm School whose bio is not available now will have two families between early July and mid August.
- Northern Ireland—Biographical information and dates not yet available.
- Sweden—Female, 20, has been working since high school and plans to enter university this fall. She is active in Swedish 4H will have three host families between June 22 and about August 20.
- Switzerland—Male, agronomy student from the Italian sector, needs four farm host experiences between June 22 and September 5.
- Taiwan—Taiwan 4-H youth leader interested in learning about Kansas 4-H would like to attend 4-H activities while sharing family experiences, the exchangee is not yet selected for placement with four host families between June 22 and September 5.
- Wales—Female Welsh Young Farmer Club Representative will need host families between June 22 and August 3.
4-H families are urged to try this opportunity to learn about another country and make new friends. The exchangees are eager to learn about Kansas and experience some of the highlights of our state and it’s culture such as wheat harvest, the vast native grasslands of the flint hills, rodeos, water skiing, July 4th celebrations, baseball and football games, cooking together and picnics. They’ll speak English and have more in common than Kansans expect. Families do not have to have children of a specific age or gender, though we try to match those with common interests. Now is the time to apply. Applications and information about hosting can be found on the Kansas 4-H web site by clicking the link in “What’s Hot” or http://www.kansas4-h.org/p.aspx?tabid=586. Placement choices of the individual and dates are made on a first come basis. Contact Mary Kay Munson, 785-238-3631 or munson@ksbroadband for more information. Munson
SPRING INTO ACTION: MAINTAINING A HEALTHY POULTRY FLOCK
With spring on its way, new
poultry lovers may be thinking about starting a backyard flock or veteran
poultry owners might want to add baby chicks. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture is hosting a free webinar and simultaneous Twitter chat with
experts to help both groups acquire and grow a healthy flock. Again, this
is a free webinar and twitter chat offering Spring advice on backyard poultry called “Spring into Action: Maintaining a Healthy (and Growing) Flock,” the
webinar and chat is an hour-long, online presentation by three poultry experts.
They will share information and answer questions about introducing new birds to
your flock, buying and raising healthy poultry and how to keep them free from
disease and predators.
The webinar will take place on Thursday, February
27 from 1 – 2 p.m. CST. To guarantee a place at the webinar, go to the
Biosecurity For Birds’ website for the link. (http://communique.adobeconnect.com/healthybirds/event/login.html). To join the Twitter Chat use #Chickenchat2014. To submit advance
questions visit Healthy Harry’s Facebook page.
Hosting the webinar are: Andy Schneider, also known as “The Chicken
Whisperer®,” a national radio personality who serves as the Biosecurity For
Birds campaign spokesperson; Dr. Jo Anna Quinn, a veterinary medical officer
and poultry health specialist with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS); and Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, a Commander in the United
States Public Health Service at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Twitter questions will be answered by an APHIS veterinarian expert
in bird matters.
This event is part of Bird Health Awareness Week (BHAW), an annual observance
promoted by the USDA’s Biosecurity For Birds campaign that helps support
healthy practices for raising backyard birds. This year BHAW is being held from
February 23 through March 1. Since spring ushers in chicks’ season, the time when baby chicks and other baby
birds begin hatching from their shells, the 2014 Bird Health Awareness Week
will focus on these new additions to the country’s backyard flocks. Bird
lovers across the U.S. are invited to celebrate the week in their own way and
let the USDA know what you are doing.
For more information about
Biosecurity For Birds and to send information about your Bird Health Awareness
Week event, please visit the Biosecurity For Birds website, http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov
.
This webinar has been approved for 4-H poultry project
members, parents, project leaders, and other poultry producers by Dr.
Scott Beyer, Associate Professor and Poultry Specialist, Department of Animal
Sciences and Industries, Kansas State University. If you have further
questions, please do not hesitate to contact Gary W. Gerhard, Ph.D, State 4-H
Specialist at ggerhard@ksu.edu. Gerhard
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