The Kankakee County 4-H/Youth Foundation recently announced the awarding of $1,000 scholarships to eight individuals; four of whom are graduating high school seniors and four who are presently pursuing college degrees.

High school recipients are:

• Matthew Hogan, son of Daniel and Melinda Hogan, Buckingham
• Jill Jacobson, daughter of Steve and Cindy Jacobson, Beecher
• Chad O'Connor, son of Edward and Mary Beth O'Connor, Herscher
• Drew Wright, son of Duane and Kendra Wright, Herscher

College recipients are:

• Clayton Abbott, son of Gerald and Catherine Abbott, Momence
• Bradley Adams, son of Richard and Brenda Adams, Chebanse
• Tera Moritz, daughter of James and Sally Moritz, Piper City
• Laura Yohnka, daughter of Keith and Lisa Yohnka, Momence

All scholarship recipients were selected on the basis of academic excellence, involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, and participation in 4-H.

The power of wind is obvious when trash flies down the street after the lid on the garbage can is blown off in a strong gust. Wind, as an alternative energy source, is of great interest as the price of fossil fuels soar. 4-H members from KC-Hey and the Herscher Howlin' Homeschoolers participated in a special pilot program on wind energy. The Office for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign developed The Power of the Wind curriculum for 4-H and classroom use. New curricula for the 4-H program go through an evaluation process which includes being piloted by several groups. Evaluation of the educational value, accuracy, ease of use and appropriateness for the age group are all considered.

The initial pilot workshop held at the Kankakee County Extension Office included "Investigating a Sailboat" and "Toys that Use the Power of the Wind – Pinwheels". Youth participants informally applied the scientific method to develop their personal design for the boat hull, rigging and sails. Students selected their construction materials from a variety of styrofoam, paper cups, yarn, string, ribbon, straws, tape, glue, paper and cardboard. Drag, friction, sail area, and balance were considered when constructing their unique craft. An electric fan provided the wind and a smooth counter top was the running surface.

Some of the additional lessons include: "Using Wind Power to Lift a Load", "Work, Energy and Power", "Using Wind Power to Produce Electricity" and "Wind Turbines in Illinois". Participants were provided with a copy of the curriculum for further study on an individual basis. This topic is timely and filled with opportunities for interdisciplinary study.

Responsible husbandry practices and increased knowledge are the goal of the Pork Quality Assurance Program required of all State Fair Pork entrants. Each year 4-H members and others review their knowledge of feed labels, medication usage and withdrawl along with animal identification and record keeping. Fifteen 4-H members participated in this annual event on April 23, 2007. To "sweeten" the deal, participants enjoyed the chocolate milk residue demonstration which illustrated how medication residue diminishes over time. For most of the youth, drinking the milk was the best part of the program. The most impressive part of the evening was how experienced and knowledgeable even the youngest 4-Hers are about the care of their animals. These young people truly learn by doing.

Susan Crisp "took the reins" as Director of Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in March. She comes to Camp Shaw with a degree in Recreational Therapy from Western Carolina University. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Susan has served most recently as Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator for the Chattanooga Park District and Equestrian Director for Youth Camps in North Carolina.

Traditional summer youth camps will continue but with Susan's guidance and expertise, the Board of Directors for Camp Shaw plan to also expand offerings to groups wishing to rent the facilities. Come visit Camp Shaw and introduce yourself to Susan. Let her explain to you "something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a person."

- Beth LaPlante, Camp Board Treasurer

The Northern Illinois 4-H Camp Association is pleased to announce that we will have limited opportunities for trail riding as part of our youth camp, extreme camp, family camp, and rental group programs. All campers will have opportunities to visit and care for the horses (which will be housed on camp property) as part of our Nature/Barn Program. The camp has accepted its first donated horse – Sweet Pea – and the editor has already had her first ride on this sweet and gentle horse. (Thanks to Amy Skelton for her generous donation.) We expect to have additional horses on site by the beginning of the camping season. If you know of anyone interested in donating a horse to Camp Shaw (or donating feed or horse equipment), please contact camp at (815) 933-3011.

Camp Shaw Camp Director Susan Crisp states, "The value of creating relationships with horses is immense. Not only do campers get to learn a skill that brings them improved physical strength, better balance and improved coordination, they also get unconditional love and acceptance from one of the most giving creatures on earth. Riding at Camp Shaw starts a lifelong experience that improves our campers inside and out. There really issomething about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a kid".

One-hour riding opportunities will be available to campers at cost of $25/ride. There will be a very limited number of slots available and an additional parent waiver is required, so pre-registration is essential. If you have already registered for camp, please contact us at (815) 933-3011 if you would like to register for a slot.