Dear 4-H Families,

It is sure hard to believe that summer is already here and the fair is right around the corner! As a result, this Hotline is PACKED full of important fair information and other terrific opportunities!

In an effort to save printing costs, 4-H families are asked to access this year's 4-H Faibook on-line at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/ogle/4hyouth.html.

Ogle County Office 421 W. Pines Road, Suite 10, Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: (815)732-2191 Fax: (815) 732-4007 Email: ogle_co@extension.uiuc.edu Debbie Moser – 4-H program leader Jodi Baumgartner - Community Worker Cathy Anderson - Secretary University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in any programs offered in this newsletter, please contact the Extension Office 815/732-2191.

When you are looking at your projects in the fair book, don't forget to also read the General Rules for Ogle County 4-H Fair beginning on page 3. For animal exhibits, please read the Animal Department Rules and Regulations beginning on page 5. Also, for general exhibits, check out the Exhibit Building Rules and Regulations beginning on page 40. If your family wants a full copy of the fairbook and cannot print one from home, you can purchase one in the Extension office for $6.

Once you've signed up for the fair, start plugging away at getting your exhibits done. The more you do early in the summer, the less hectic and stressful the weeks just before the fair will be. As with anything in life, do your best on your projects and be ready to learn from the experience. That's what 4-H is all about.

If this is your first fair, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions! It's no secret that all of the rules and schedules can be overwhelming! Get the answers you need to feel comfortable. The Extension staff, Fair Committee members, and 4-H Leaders are ALL more than happy to help you figure things out. Everyone wants you to have a FABULOUS time!

Finally, when the fair actually begins, HAVE FUN! The 4-H Fair is a time of celebration in 4-H. It is a place for you to show off what you've accomplished and what you've learned. It's also a place to celebrate your 4-H friendships (old and new) and to learn some amazing life lessons.

Best wishes for a fantastic fair experience,

Debbie Moser Jodi Baumgartner

Unit Educator Community Worker

4-H Youth Development 4-H Youth Development

Does concern over the current economy have you rethinking your summer vacation plans? Does your family like to learn about new cultures? If so, Illinois 4-H has an opportunity for you to consider. Families have an opportunity to experience a different culture this summer without leaving their home. University of Illinois 4-H Youth Development is currently recruiting host families for 50 Japanese youth and their adult chaperons for an American home stay July 23-August 20, 2009. Previous experience is not necessary as an orientation is provided for host families about the Japanese culture in preparation of the home stay. The 4-H Japanese Exchange program enhances international, cross-cultural understanding between the two cultures. This opportunity provides an avenue for families and youth to improve their communication skills, while increasing international awareness and understanding.

The 4-H Japanese Exchange program consists of youth who are learning to speak English in language acquisition programs. Like 4-H clubs, the Japanese programs (LEX and LABO) meet monthly to help youth become more fluent in English and base their activities around the family unit. Japanese youth ranging in age from 12-17, are placed in an American family with a host brother or sister. These international visitors are thrilled to be coming to the United States and look forward to learning from their new host brother/sister and their new family, while improving their ability to use the English language.

To obtain more information or a host family application packet contact Bill Million, U of I Extension State 4-H Office, 217-333-1256, or at wmillion@illinois.edu, or by contacting the Ogle County Extension Office at 732-2191.