Check out the 4-H ATV Website December 30, 2009

ATVs are increasingly popular among kids and adults of all ages.  They can be useful for work and fun to ride, but they can also be dangerous. Understanding the right way to safely ride the right-sized ATV for you is important before you ride. The 4-H ATV website is a place where you can learn about ATVs, watch videos about ATVs, find out what size ATV you should ride, and play games and take quizzes to help you find out how much you know about ATV safety.

Check out the site at http://www.atv-youth.org/

Winter Workshop Was Wonderful December 24, 2009

John and Dillon decorate sugar cookies in "A Christmas Story" shapes.

The whole group showing off their cookies and a couple of the blankets made during the workshop.

Brunswick County 4-Hers participated in a Winter Workshop at the Extension Office on a chilly Monday afternoon.  Nine kids rolled out sugar cookie dough and cut out “Christmas Story” shapes with 4-H Secretary, Gina Britton.  While the cookies baked, the kids become skilled at making No-Sew Fleece Blankets with Leslie Kammer, 4-H Program Assistant, and Blair Green, 4-H Agent. As they measured, cut and tied their blankets together, “A Christmas Story” played softly in the background.  Lastly, the 4-Hers eagerly decorated their own sugar cookies to take home and enjoy with their family.

Savannah cuts her fleece blanket.

A "leg lamp" creation.

2010 NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference December 23, 2009

“Go Green – We Did!”

The 2010 NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference will be February 5-7, 2010, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Conference Center in Research Triangle Park.

This is your opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars designed especially for 4-H volunteers and agents to create positive learning experiences for young people across the state.  Annually, more than 350 conference participants gain skills and knowledge to help make the best better!

Pre-conference sessions will be offered on Friday, February 5.  These three-hour sessions provide opportunities for intense topic investigation for focused learning.  Regular conference registration opens Friday afternoon with the evening featuring an entertainment showcase and a service project.

Saturday features more than 40 offerings of workshops in either 90-minute or 60-minute settings. Everything from preparing healthy snacks to managing behavior, from leather crafting to electric project work – there’s sure to be something for everyone!  A tentative list of sessions is included for your review. We wrap up the conference on Sunday morning with brunch and a great speaker.  It’s always a great training event!

Registration Fees:

Early Registration (through 1-22-10)                                $110

Pre-Conference Seminar (Feb. 5, 2010)                          $30

(Must register on or before 1-22-10)

Regular Registration (1-23-10 thru 1-29-10)                $125

Early Registration for Saturday Only                               $85

(Present through 1-22-10)

Registration for Saturday Only                                        $100

(1-23-10 thru 1-29-10)

Registration for Saturday Only Without Banquet          $70

(Present through 1-29-10)

Registration for Awards Luncheon Only                      $30

(Present through 1/29/10)

Registration for Awards Dinner Only                            $35

(Present through 1/29/10)

Registration On-Site (or After 1/29/10)                     $135

4-Hers to be on PBS December 16th! December 14, 2009

Melissa, Brian, and Owen Gold, members of Guilford County’s Northeast McLeansville 4-H Club, were interviewed for a PBS segment of “NC Now” on Entrepreneurship in honor of 4-H’s 100th Birthday.  Their segment is scheduled to air Wednesday, December 16th.  In this segment they talk about their “Candy Land Kids” business that raises money for 4-H and their college funds.  Check out your local PBS listing on December 16 to watch it.

Opportunities for Teens December 11, 2009

Ski Trip

Wayne County 4-H has planned a Jr. Leader ski retreat on January 16-18^th at Cragmont in Black Mountain. The retreat is open to youth in the 6^th grade or older.  All South East District 4-H’ers are invited to attend the retreat. We will be teaching a new Science curriculum, Team Building and a short prevention activity.  We have enclosed an agenda for you.

Cost for the retreat is $95.00 which includes lodging, skies and lift tickets along with dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday, and Monday breakfast.  Participants will be responsible for lunch on Saturday, dinner at the ski lodge on Sunday, and lunch on Monday on the way home.  A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $40 is due to Mrs. Blair by December 29^th.  The remaining balance of $55 is due January 5^th.

We will depart from the Brunswick County Center early morning on Saturday, January 16^th.    We will return in the evening on Monday, January 18^th.  We will be staying at Cragmont Assembly which is a church camp.  There will be other people staying at the camp so it is important that we represent 4-H well.  The phone number for Cragmont is (828) 669-7677 to be used only in an emergency.  We will be skiing Sunday afternoon and night at Cataloochee Ski Resort.

Space for this trip will be limited and on a first come first serve basis.

To help cover the cost of the ski trip, a Krispy Kreme fundraiser will take place on Dec. 21.  Youth should ask local businesses, friends, and family to commit to buying a dozen (or more!) for $5 for delivery on Monday morning.  Report your pre-sale numbers to the office on Friday the 18^th for your order to be placed. A form to keep track of your sales is available on the Krispy Kreme website by clicking on ‘Fundraisers” then fundraising forms.  We (Blair or myself) will pick up the doughnuts (and some extras for ‘on the spot’ sales) in Wilmington that morning.  A specific pickup time will be given when you order is placed on Friday.

Southeast District 4-H Youth Council

The Southeast District 4-H Youth Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in Duplin County from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The cost is $6.00 per person.  A lunch from Subway will be provided.  Any Brunswick County teen is eligible to attend.  Deadline to sign up is Friday December 18^th.  Payment can be made the day of the meeting.

County Council Hears from Carolina Canines

Justin Simmons, Perry Grosch, Kelsey Sanders, Rick Hairston, "Manna," Bryan Simmons

Members of the Brunswick County 4-H Council met on Tuesday December 8^th at the Cooperative Extension Office in Bolivia.  The pledges were led by President Justin Simmons.  Members discussed the upcoming Southeast District Council Meeting in Duplin County as well as a Jr. Leader Ski trip with Wayne County 4-H.  Council advisor and 4-H Program Assistant, Leslie Kammer, reminded members about completing 2010 enrollment forms, Outstanding 4-Her of the Year forms, and the 4-H Scholarship application.  Rick Hairston from Carolina Canines for Service was the guest speaker for the evening.  He talked about the multiple ways his organization supports people with disabilities by providing specially trained dogs and how the youth could help by volunteering to raise a foster puppy.  The council will vote for 2010 officers during the next meeting on January 12th at 5pm at the Cooperative Extension Office.  For information about joining the council or 4-H, contact Leslie Kammer at 910-253-2610 or leslie_wilson@ncsu.edu.

Let’s Say Thanks December 7, 2009

To show the country’s appreciation to the hundreds of thousands of troops stationed overseas, Xerox Corporation has developed a nationwide program aimed at saying “thank you” to our troops. Through the Let’s Say Thanks program, postcards designed by children from across the country are available at http://www.LetsSayThanks.com for people to select their favorite and write a personalized message to troops. Xerox prints the cards on its paper and equipment, and mails them in care packages to deployed troops through military support organization Give2TheTroops®.

Want to be in the 4-H Honor Club?? December 3, 2009

Membership in the North Carolina 4-H Honor Club is bestowed upon those 4-H’ers who have exhibited outstanding 4-H citizenship and leadership throughout their 4-H career. An Honor Club member continues to provide leadership and service to the total 4-H program throughout life.

1. In order to be eligible for membership, the applicant must have completed three or more years of 4-H club work and shall be at least 16 years of age and not more than 20 years of age on January 1 of the year of application.
2. The total number of applicants inducted into the NC 4-H Honor Club shall be limited to .05% of the current enrollment of North Carolina 4-H members.
3. A total of 300 Actual Points Scored will be required before an applicant will be considered for membership in the NC 4-H Honor Club. However, the accumulation of these points does NOT guarantee selection. To be considered for membership, the applicant must submit two copies of this application and a photograph of the 4-H’ers involved in a 4-H activity. A minimum of 5 points per category must be documented.

Click here to open an honor club application for 2010.

NC 4-H Honor Club applications are due to the Brunswick County Extension Office by January 10. We must record all applicants online, those not entered online will not be eligible for competition.

Should you need additional information, contact Brunswick County 4-H at 910-253-2610.

4-H Scholarship Opportunities December 2, 2009

Now is the time to be thinking about applying for a 4-H scholarship. 4-H members who are seniors in High School may be eligible.

North Carolina 4-H scholarships are offered to encourage 4-H members to continue their education beyond high school. The following provisions apply to educational scholarships awarded in the North Carolina 4-H Program.

ELIGIBILITY: Current North Carolina 4-H members who are graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must have accumulated at least a minimum of 3 years of 4-H work. All Scholarships will be directly paid to the college or university. They will not be made payable to a 4-H’er nor his/her parents. Recipients must be full time students.

To access the scholarship application form, click here!

To read about scholarship guidelines, click here!

Scholarship forms are due into the Brunswick County 4-H Office by January 10. We will enter all information into the state database for scholarship consideration.

If you need more information, please contact us at 910-253-2610.

Travel Abroad or Become a Host Family! December 1, 2009

4-H International Exchange Program

Since 1972, States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs has provided opportunities for young people from different counties to participate in cross-cultural programs built around a “homestay” model.  Families welcome a young person from a different county to be part of their life for a month or a year…and beyond!

Whether you travel abroad or host an international visitor, you will develop cross-cultural awareness and positive communication skills that will last well beyond the exchange experience.

Youth Travel

4-H youth ages 13-19 can experience life in another country and culture through a homestay with a native host family.  Trips are approximately 4-8 weeks in June-July to Australia, Costa Rica, Japan, or Norway.  Costs vary from $2,000-$5,000 depending on the program.  This includes orientations, domestic and international airfare, adult chaperone escort, medical insurance and in-country expenses including an excursion or camp.

American Host Families

4-H families can open their home to an international visitor for four weeks during the summer or one school year.  This is a unique opportunity to welcome a delegate from Japan, Costa Rica, and Eurasia.

American Host Family FAQ

Q: Do we need to plan special activities?

A: Delegates come to experience everyday American life.  They don’t expect to be entertained, just welcomed and included in your normal activities.

Q: Will my delegate speak English?

A: Delegates’ English skills vary depending on the program, and you’ll be amazed how quickly they improve through language immersion!

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Delegates have health insurance and bring their own spending money.  Your main cost would be to provide meals.

Q: How old will my delegate be?

A: Ages range from 13-19 years old.

 

Visit the North Carolina 4-H International Exchange website for more information

Questions?

Contact Leslie Kammer at 910-253-2610 or leslie_wilson@ncsu.edu