Dear 4-H Organizational Leader:
It is hard to believe the summer is approaching quickly and many upcoming programs are upon us!
I hope each of you have had a great 4-H year so far with your 4-H club members and clubs!
This summer holds many county wide programs and community service activities, of which I hope you will encourage your members and families to participate in.
McLean County 4-H has partnered with the IL Make A Wish Foundation® to support a child with a life threatening disease by sponsoring a child's wish. This summer we area planning a Walk for Wishes to be held in June. We will be sending out pledge sheets for 4-H members and their families and friends to assist us to raise funds for this cause as a county-wide activity. We hope you will assist us with this outstanding effort!
Other community service includes the shoe collection, food pantry scavenger hunt, and the Back to School supply drive. You can read more about all of this in this edition of the leader mailing.
If you have any questions, please contact the Extension office staff for more information.
Sincerely,
Tina Veal
Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
McLean County
- Tina Veal
May
1 – 4-H Enrollment Deadline
1 – 4-H Memorial Camp Deadline
1 – Federation Board Applications Due
16 – 4-H Show Committee Meeting
22 – Federation Meeting – Bowling
June
1 – Food Pantry Scavenger Hunt Collection – 3-5pm
2 – Food Pantry Scavenger Hunt Collection –10-12pm
3 – Food Pantry Scavenger Hunt Collection – 9-11am
8 – Exploring the Arts in 4-H Camp – 12-2pm
15 –Exploring the Arts in 4-H Camp –12-2pm
17 – Walk for Wishes
18-22 – 4-H Memorial Camp, McLean
20 – 4-H Show Committee Meeting
22–Exploring the Arts in 4-H Camp – 12-2pm
23-25 – IL 4-H Leadership Convention
26 – 4-H Federation Meeting/Jr. Federation @ Grady's Family Fun Center
29 –Exploring the Arts in 4-H Camp -12-2pm
30 – FAIR ENTRIES DUE to Extension
CAMP CLOVER DATES TBA
July
1 – FAIR ENTRIES must be postmarked!
8 – Jr. Federation Car Wash
10 – Rabbit Tattoo
12 – Food Demo Clinic – 7pm
13- Exploring the Arts in 4-H Camp – 12-2pm
13 – Franklin Park Ice Cream Social
18 – Royalty Prelims
20 – Share the Fun
25 – Royalty Dinner
26 – Superintendent Dinner
29 – Fair Set Up Day
30 – Project Check in @ County Fair
August
1-6 – McLean County Fair
More dates to be announced!
Exploring the Arts in 4-H
Exploring the Arts in 4-H
Thursdays, June 8 - July 13
(except July 6)
12-2pm @ University of Illinois
Extension office
Youth ages 8-12 will have a palette of fun focusing on several different art themes for a five week period. They will learn basic skills and techniques from the visual arts areas through 4-H including paper, fiber, clay and metal - just to name a few! This hands-on class will help youth learn new skills and explore their creativity.
Workshop days include: June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29 and July 13. Sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and Bloomington Parks and Recreation. Registration accepted at the Bloomington Parks and Recreation office. Registration needed in advance. Cost: $36.
Looking for an adventure close to home this summer? Then look no further than Camp Clover - coming to a community near you! Camp Clover is an exciting, hands-on learning summer camp for youth ages eight to 12. Camp Clover is open to 4-H members and non-4-H'ers. You will learn more about your community and world, conduct experiments and experience food and nutrition by eating the snacks that you prepare!
Camp Clover sites to be announced soon. Watch for more information to come! Pre-registration is required. Teen and adult volunteers are also needed to help lead activities and assist in other ways during Camp Clover. To pre-register or volunteer, please call the University of Illinois Extension, McLean County office at 309-663-3806.
The University of Illinois received a grant again this year to host the 4-H Camp Clover program. Sites and staffing will be determined in the next few months. If you are interested in hosting a Camp Clover site in your community, contact Tina Veal for more information.
Federation Board Applications Being Accepted
The 4-H Federation is accepting applications for the 2005-2006 4-H year. If you are interested in serving on the McLean County 4-H Federation board, please contact Tina at the Extension office for an application. Applications are due by May 1. All applicants will participate in an interview process.
Reminder – All 4-H Enrollments are due to the Extension office by May 1st at 5pm or postmarked May 1. This includes enrollment for all 4-H youth, leaders and volunteers involved in the 4-H program.
This healthy lifestyles initiative continues in 2005-06. Clubs may enroll in Get Up and Move! as a club project this year. The materials from 2004-05 are available in print version by ordering through your local Extension office or download via the web. The 2005-06 materials are posted monthly on the 4-H web site at www.4-h.uiuc.edu/opps/move. Clubs will be asked to turn their Club Charts in to the State 4-H Office later this summer. Youth are encouraged to participate in 60 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. Healthy recipes for use at club meetings and at home are provided along with physical activity ideas.
North Central Volunteer Forum
The 2006 North Central Region Volunteer Forum will be held October 13-14 in Rochester, Minnesota, at the Kahler Grand Hotel. A new feature this year will be "Workshops on Wheels" related to 4-H projects such as woodworking, sports fishing, dairy, and horses. Registration materials will be available in late April.
4-H Leadership Convention Changing Directions
Youth and adults attending the 2006 Illinois 4-H Leadership Convention (ILC) will see a whole new look to the event...keeping in tune with the What Box? We're Throwing Out the Box! theme. ILC is scheduled for Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25 at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel.
The planning committee wanted new ideas and a new focus for workshops, so...
· Three specialized "tracks" of workshops will focus on youth and adult partnerships – Operation Military Kids Speak-Outs; Youth in Decision-Making Roles; and Seeking solutions to the Meth problems. Special scholarships will be available to youth and adult partners who register for any of these tracks. County teams will be responsible for going back to the county and providing training to others this fall. Be among the first in your area to be trained in these special topics.
· Other workshop sessions will focus on real-life skill-building – exploring different cultures, dinner etiquette, leadership styles, putting fun back into sports, interviews and portfolios, and MORE! Limited scholarships will also be available for youth attending the general conference.
· United States National Guard Units will be leading leadership and team-building games. A Saturday picnic will include outdoor sports activities. Team-building competitions are planned throughout the weekend.
· Registration for the event will be accepted either through your local Extension offices OR via the web (with credit card), starting in late April.
· The event will start with a late afternoon registration on Friday and conclude after lunch on Sunday. The full-time registration fee includes 6 meals, 2 night hotel stay, all program activities and special activity insurance. The Saturday part-time fee includes Saturday workshops and lunch, 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
Youth delegates must be 14-18 years of age as of September 1, 2006. Adult chaperones and/or "track" partners must be 21 years of age as of June 1, 2006. Registration materials and scholarship information will be available to local Extension offices by early April. Cost for full-registration is $175; Saturday only registration is $60. Registrations must be postmarked by May 17, 2006.
McLean County youth ages 8-16 will camp at 4-H Memorial Camp June 18-22nd in Monticello, IL. Camp Registration is $135 per camper and is due to the Extension office by May 1st. Space is limited!
4-H Memorial Camp hosts a mini camp for youth ages 8-12 years old to introduce camping to younger youth! This shorter version of 4-H Camp will be held June 4-6 th. Cost: $85 per person. Register direct with 4-H Memorial Camp by calling 217-762-2741.
Renewable Fuels Essay Contest
The McLean County Farm Bureau Member Services Committee is sponsoring an Essay Contest for 4-H Club Members with winners to be announced at the McLean County Fair. The Essay "How Renewable Fuels Make Out World A Better Place to Live", ties into the committees booth focus, E 85, and flex fuel vehicles.
There will be six age categories:
- 8-10 years old
- 11-12 years old
- 13-14 years old
- 15-16 years old
- 17-18 years old
Prizes will be awarded to each age category.
The essay should be typed and double spaced up to 2 pages maximum in length
Essays can be mailed to:
Essay Contest
McLean County Farm Bureau
2301 W. Market Street
Bloomington, IL 61704
Or email it to: Linda@mcfb.org
Deadline for all entries: Friday, June 2nd.
Imagine experiencing the simulation of "walking on air"...being aboard a shuttle going to Mars...living in a space station environment. You can do all this and more when you register for the 4-H Missions in Space program.
Youth who will be enrolled in 7th – 9th grades in the fall of 2006 can experience these simulated space missions, learn about shuttle operations, and be part of a shuttle mission team by attending the 4-H Missions in Space Weekend Camp, October 5-8, 2006, at the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. This trip is being offered through University of Illinois 4-H program.
The cost of this exciting experience is $325.00, which includes the Pathfinder program, housing in the Space Habitat, meals at the site, bus transportation, a T-shirt, and accommodations on October 5. The only additional costs are meals while traveling and any souvenirs that the participant may want to purchase. Fees can be paid in two payments, the first of $162.50 due on June 10, 2006 and the second payment of $162.50 due on July 28, 2006.
If you want to find out more information about the Pathfinder program and other exciting information about Space Camp, check out the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's website for space camp at www.spacecamp.com
Stop by the McLean County Extension office or phone 309-663-8306 for additional information and registration materials.
Don't delay–spaces are limited.
4-H Day with the Peoria Chiefs
Ticket Orders must be postmarked by May 18th!
4-H members, alumni, family and friends are invited to join us for 4-H Day with the Chiefs, Friday, June 2nd! The Peoria Chiefs will be playing the Fort Wayne Wizards in a 7:00pm game at O'Brien Stadium. Please come wearing your favorite 4-H t-shirt to show your 4-H spirit!
You could throw out the first pitch of the game! One lucky 4-H member will be selected for this honor! To be included, you must mark at the bottom of this form that you are interested in being in the drawing to throw out the first pitch and your form MUST be received by May 18th! You will need to be at the stadium by 6:15 p.m.
Be down on the field to say the 4-H Pledge and Pledge of Allegiance! If interested in being part of the Pledges, you must be one of the first 20 4-H members to return the ticket order form. You will also need to be able to be at the stadium by 6:15 p.m.
Win a prize for the club with the highest percentage of 4-H members in attendance! Encourage your fellow club members to come out to the game! The 4-H club with the highest percentage of 4-Her's in attendance will win a prize from the Peoria Chiefs!
Return the enclosed form (and check) to:
Judy Schumacher, University of Illinois Extension, 727 Sabrina Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611 For more information, call (309)694-7501 (ext. 229) or e-mail jlschuma@uiuc.edu
To find out more about the Peoria Chiefs, go to www.peoriachiefs.com
Japanese Exchange Programs: The Japanese High School Exchange program provides an opportunity for Japanese students to spend a year attending a U.S. high school. Three host families are needed for the 2006-07 school year. Japanese students arrive in late July and return mid-June.
The summer 4-H exchange program involves Japanese youth (ages 12-17) living with a family for a month beginning July 23. Families have opportunities to learn about Japanese life and culture and share their own culture. For more information about either of these opportunities, contact your local Extension Office.
4-H Hurricane Relief Survey
Across the nation, the 4-H movement has come together like never before to provide relief and support to states that were devastated by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Countless dollars, hours, and resources of all shapes and sizes have been contributed by 4-H'ers, their parents, volunteers, and staff. Not only have these efforts touched so many lives, but they are the untold story of how
4-H continues to live up to the H's of Head, Heart, Hand and Health!
Help us tell your story! An online survey is available on 4-HUSA.org to capture and catalog hurricane relief efforts of those in the 4-H program. Please visit http://www.4husa.org/HurricaneStory/ to complete the survey and share your story of how you have participated in hurricane relief efforts. Any and all relief efforts can be included - whether you made a personal donation, worked with your 4-H club to collect items for those in need or participated in a special project of support.
If your activities are part of a county-wide 4-H effort, work with your local 4-H staff to make sure that your contributions are included in the county survey report.
National 4-H Technology Conference
The 2006 National 4-H Technology Leadership Conference is set for July 24-27, 2006 at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The conference is open to 4-H members age 14-18 and their adult leaders. Cost is $300 for meals, lodging, and conference supplies. State Night Out is not included in this cost. There will also be an after-conference workshop on Beginning and Intermediate GIS for an additional fee of $100. Fifteen various focus areas will be available to explore. If 4-H members or adult leaders are interested in this event, more details are available at www.4hntc.4-h.org.
Contact your local Extension Office for registration and potential scholarship information
4-H CLOVER Evaluation Needed
4-H volunteers and members are encouraged to send feedback on The Illinois Clover to the State 4-H Office. An evaluation form is on page 62 of The Illinois Clover or you may submit information electronically at:
http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/projects/clovereval.html
You may also submit your email address to receive Illinois 4-H announcements (about 4 per year).
Photos Needed for the IL Clover
· Have a great photo of your 4-H'ers in action? Want others in Illinois to see activities that your 4-H club members participate in?
· Consider submitting a photograph for the 2006-07 edition of The Illinois Clover. Color or black & white photos for submission may be prints or electronic files (.tif or .jpg). Prints and disks will be returned.
· A signed photo release form (download from: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/staff/photo&videorel.doc) from each person in the photo must be on file at the local Extension office.
· Submit photographs to the local Extension office or Natalie Bosecker, State 4-H Office, 302 E. John St., Suite 1901, Champaign, IL 61820 or email: natalieb@uiuc.edu. Deadline is May 1.
4-H Stories Sought for the National 4-H Calendar
National 4-H Supply Service wants to hear about your favorite 4-H project and why it is meaningful. Your story could be used in the 2008 National 4-H Calendar. Sending in a submission may even get you a free gift certificate towards your next purchase of merchandise from the 4-H Source Book!
The 2008 calendar theme is "My Favorite 4-H Project ." It will be up to 4-H members, volunteers, parents, staff and partners to furnish the stories that will be featured. These personal testaments must tell the what, when, where, why, and how; so everyone can understand how 4-H projects are meaningful.
One story for each month will be featured in the calendar and the author will receive one $10 gift certificate towards a future purchase in the 4-H Source Book. Please limit your entry to 125 words due to the space restrictions of the calendar. Don't forget to include your contact information.
Please e-mail, fax or mail your stories to:
Maria Cascioli
National 4-H Supply Service
7100 Connecticut Avenue
Chevy Chase , MD 20815
mcascioli@fourhcouncil.edu
www.4-hmall.org
Phone: 301-961-2948
Fax: 301-961-2937
The submission deadline is April 30, 2006.
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