Any youth who enrolls in a 4-H club/group, but fails to attend any meetings, tours, workshops, or other activities sponsored by the club/group cannot be viewed as a 4-H participant/member. Therefore, the youth is not eligible to take part in 4-H exhibitions, receive 4-H premiums, or other 4-H awards and recognitions including the Fur & Feather Sale and Livestock Auction.

For those of us growing up in 4-H families, we sometimes forget that not everyone knows as much about 4-H as we do. The special parts of 4-H that we know, understand, and act on can be very confusing to new families.As we go through another 4-H year, try to be conscious about those members of yourclub who may need a little extra information. Likewise, if you are a new person to the 4-H program, don't be afraid to ask questions at the club meetings, county activities, or at the Extension office. We're all in this together and everyone needs to be comfortable with our program.

Just a little reminder to 4-H clubs, don't forget that your club can purchase insurance coverage for $1 per member ($2 per member for horse clubs). This insurance will cover injuries that occur during 4-H related meetings and events.

For more information about insurance call the Extension office. All 4-H clubs are encouraged to get club insurance.

Remember - "Better Safe Than Sorry".

4-H parents are a very important part of the4-H program. Here are some tips for patents:

**Take an interest in 4-H. Encourage and support 4-H'ers and leaders.

**Serve as a "helper" to your child.

**Don't do the work for the child, but instead guide and assist them. Encourage record keeping.

**Read the 4-H mail that comes to your house. This will help you stay up-to-date on what's happening in your county.

**Share a hobby of interest with your child's club or give a talk about your job/career.

**Keep in mind that the most important goal of 4-H is personal growth of the young person, not winning the most blue ribbons.

**Phone the leader if there are any questions or problems, so the situation can be clarified.

**Celebrate your 4-H'er when they succeed and encourage them when they aren't as successful as planned.

**Make 4-H a family activity and have fun!!

Available to 15-18 year old 4-H members, Clover Challenge is an advanced study unit for state 4-H projects. This project unit is an option only after the 4-H member has successfully completed the other levels in a particular curriculum area. The advanced opportunities are open. You can use your imagination to explore beyond your current 4-H project books. Any Clover Challenge must relate to a current 4-H curriculum area. To assist members who enroll in Clover Challenge, a Clover Challenge Agreement can help the member design his/her project. Deadline for return of this form is: one copy in the Extension Office by July 1 and the second copy accompanies the 4-H'er to fair judging for that project. For more details and a copy of the Agreement, contact the Extension Office.

Anyone who has spent any amount of time in the Winnebago County 4-H Program knows how wonderful 4-H club leaders are, and how much time they put into their roles to be that good. Many are putting in a lot more time than you can imagine.

Moms and Dads...

please check with your leaders often to see if there is something you can do to help them out. You can help make their jobs more manageable and your 4-H club work even better than it already is simply by being involved and supportive. 4-H is a family affair; one that will do the most for you if you are involved as a FAMILY! We'll build a stronger program if we work together.

This is a reminder to all 4-H clubs and their leaders that the state requires all county 4-H volunteers and leaders to complete an application (volunteer screening form). These forms are required for all individuals who volunteer in any way to help with the 4-H program. The purpose of this screening process is to protect youth from individuals who may physically, sexually, or mentally abuse them. While it is the hope that the volunteers here in Winnebago County do not fit this category, for the safety of all youth, it is an important task to complete.

If a club has new leaders, volunteers, or active parents, please be sure that everyone has completed the necessary paperwork.The Extension Office will be reviewing volunteer files to check that forms can be found on all volunteers. In addition, all volunteers' files are updated every 5 years. If it is discovered that a form is not on file or is in need of an update, one will be mailed to the appropriate individual. These forms are a must when it comes to working with youth in the 4-H program. The office has all necessary forms, so stop by and pick some up if they are needed.

There is a new resource available to help you plan and improve your food demonstrations. This will be very beneficial to those planning on doing a Food Demonstration at the Food Demonstration Contest. Contact your leader or the Extension Office if you would like this resource.

DEFINITELY !!!

Please be sure to read your newsletter and respond to the deadlines that apply. We plan many workshops and activities and we count on deadlines to help assist getting ready for the event. There may not be enough supplies or places for you to sit if you do not respond to the deadline. It makes extra work for office staff if deadlines are not taken seriously. Be sure to sign up for all workshops, clinics, and activities before or by the deadline. Sometimes things are cancelled due to lack of interest. Only those who have registered can be notified of the cancellation. We would hate for you to travel all the way here to find out your event has been cancelled.

Be sure to turn in all information that is requested by the deadline. It is not fair to all parties involved if you do not obey deadlines. DEADLINES ARE SET FOR A REASON AND WILL BE ENFORCED!

BE AWARE OF THE NEW DEADLINE RULE !