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4-H STATE TEEN CONFERENCE |
Guys waiting for Style Revue to
begin. |
Henry County
Delegates from Henry County enjoyed a fun filled 4-H State Teen
Conference. From left to right: Jordan Campbell, Taylor McCleary,
Connor Toole, Sarah Lineman, Clint Diven, and Cathy Toole.
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Exciting leadership opportunities
exist for 4-H’ers
Our young people
are the future leaders and decision makers of the nation. 4-H offers
youth a prime opportunity to explore and engage in leadership roles. By
participating in a leadership role in organizations like 4-H, young
people have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication
and life skills that will aid them in making crucial future decisions.
Many leadership
experiences are geared toward older youth, but younger youth also have
the opportunity to become leaders early in their 4-H career.
Two of the most
prestigious leadership roles include becoming a delegate to either the
National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. or the National 4-H Congress
in Atlanta. At the National Teen 4-H Conference, youth join extension
professionals and adult volunteer leaders to discuss ways 4-H can better
serve young people on local and national levels. Recommendations from
the conference are shared with the Secretary of Agriculture, national
extension leaders and those involved with 4-H programming. Four
delegates from Kentucky are selected every year. During the National 4-H
Congress, delegates learn about cultural diversity and serving others
and their communities.
Many leadership
opportunities also exist at the state level including becoming a member of
the State 4-H Teen Council or a State 4-H Officer. State 4-H Teen Council is
comprised of youth from across the state. These young people learn about
leadership and communication as they serve as liaisons between local,
district and state 4-H programs. State 4-H officers serve as ambassadors for
Kentucky 4-H. 4-H members elect state officers each June during State Teen
Conference and those officers serve until the end of the next year’s
conference. 4-H officers serve in leadership roles in State 4-H Teen
Council, and past members often are invited to serve as advisors to the
following year’s council and officers.
Teens interested in
leadership opportunities in 4-H also can attend the 4-H Issues Conference
and the State 4-H Teen Conference. At the issues conference, young people
from across the state meet to discuss issues affecting young people and
their communities. Youth discuss ways in which they can have a positive
impact on community issues and develop plans that they will implement when
they return home. Young people who attend the 4-H Teen Conference can
participate in a wide range of activities designed to help improve their
leadership and communication abilities including workshops, tracks, tours,
college visits and issues seminars.
4-H has many clubs and
groups in which young people can assume leadership roles. Youth can get
their first taste of leadership roles beginning as a junior 4-H member by
becoming an officer of a county 4-H club or attending 4-H Summit. Summit is
a three-day, two-night event where sixth through eighth graders get to meet
their peers from across the state as well as State 4-H Teen Council members.
During Summit, participants learn about leadership opportunities that are
available to them when they become senior 4-H’ers.
4-H has many leadership
opportunities available for youth. For more information on how you can get
involved with these and other 4-H activities, contact your Henry Cooperative
Extension Service.
6/10/09
4-H
builds self-confidence in young people
Whether it’s
landing a dream job, delivering a presentation or implementing community
change, self-confidence is an extremely helpful personality trait for
youths desiring success. Developing self-confidence from an early age
helps young people exhibit more positive behaviors and can lead to
positive career and life choices. For years, 4-H has aided thousands of
young people in developing self-confidence through positive youth
development programming.
From speeches to
gardening, 4-H offers hundreds of programs, projects and club activities
that strive to build self-confidence in youth by building on their
strengths and assets. With so many opportunities, young people can find
an activity or program that is most suitable for their age, while also
revealing newfound interests and strengths for them to explore. For
instance, as 4-H’ers engage in project work, they develop a sense of
accomplishment in a job well done, and they learn to overcome challenges
using problem-solving skills.
4-H offers many
exciting leadership opportunities that help build self-confidence. Young
people often get their first taste of leadership through 4-H clubs that
boost confidence by allowing them to serve as officers. During their 4-H
career, young people may have opportunities to step into leadership roles on
community projects, serve as a youth representative on community advisory
boards, or petition local government officials about youth-related issues.
4-H also helps build
self-confidence by pairing young people with caring adults in a positive
environment. In 4-H, hundreds of extension personnel, adult volunteers and
peer mentors are committed to providing young people with the attention and
guidance required to help them achieve their goals. These relationships help
young people further build self-worth, which in turn allows them to become
more secure in themselves and their abilities.
For more information on
getting involved in 4-H programs in your area, contact the Henry Cooperative
Extension Service.
4/29/09
Go green with 4-H
As the month for
Earth Day and Arbor Day, April is filled with activities and events that
celebrate and call attention to the natural environment. Naturally, it
is a time when many people turn their focus to improving the environment
around them. While many environmental activities may seem more geared
toward adults, there are numerous ways young people can get involved and
live green, or more environmentally friendly. Now is a great time to
learn more about the natural environment and ways young people can help
preserve it.
4-H offers a number
of different programs that can increase environmental awareness in young
people. 4-H’ers can develop an appreciation of the natural world through
4-H environmental camps. In these camps, young people can learn about
the importance of conservation and preservation of nature through many
hands-on activities. They will have the opportunity to learn about many
different topics including insects, animals, birds, animal tracks,
hiking, soils and water.
4-H’ers can explore
many different aspects of the environment through various programs
including entomology, forestry, geology and water. Also, 4-H gardening
projects give youths a first-hand experience with locally produced foods
and sustainability.
In addition to 4-H
programs, there are several ways young people can live more environmentally
friendly at home and at school. Many of these steps are simple, easy
activities that can be implemented every day. Some of ideas for going green
are listed below:
• Turn off televisions,
video game consoles and computers when not in use.
• Walk, bike or carpool to school when possible.
• Conserve water by turning off the faucet while brushing teeth.
• Recycle paper, plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Young people can make a
lasting impact on their communities by practicing green living. Ask the
county 4-H agent about ongoing community projects in which young people may
be able to participate. Also, environmental events and activities from
across the state are listed on the University of Kentucky’s see blue. go
green Web site and the Environmental Education in Kentucky Web site. See
blue. go green is available at
http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/index.php, and
the Environmental Education Web site is located at
http://eeinkentucky.org/.
For more information on going green or 4-H environmental programs, projects,
camps and clubs, contact the Henry Cooperative Extension Service.
4/21/09
4-H
Communications Event Held
The Henry County
4-H Communication Event was held on April 2nd at the Henry County
Cooperative Extension Service at 7:00 pm. The event started off in the
dark with a power outage. Using what little light was available speeches
were given by Cameron Sanders on “Basketball”, Colt McQuire spoke on
“Foaling”, Meghan Owen on “Choosing a Pet” and Dillion Owen gave a
speech on “Chickens as Pets”. Each of the participants received a blue
and three were chosen to go on to the district event, they are : Colt
McQuire, Meghan Owen and Dillion Owen.
Just as a decision
was being made as to whether to cancel the rest of the evening or try
and wait out the electricity shortage, fortunately the power came back
on. The evening continued with the Variety Show Acts. In the Vocal
category Blake Owen sang “I’d Do Anything”, Renee Toole sang “Word of
God Speak”, and Lily Tipton san “Part of Your World”. All of the
participants received a blue with Lily being chosen as champion. In the
Instrumental category Noah Foree played “Mystery Movie” on the piano and
Sarah Foree played “Tarantella” on the piano. Both received blue ribbons
and Sarah was chosen as class champion in the junior division. Sara
Browning also played the piano and she received a blue and champion in
the senior division. In the Physical Skills category Cameron Sanders
displayed his basketball skills to music, Colt McQuire showed us how to
use a bullwhip, and Dustin Case-Love put on a Magic Show. Each
participant received a blue with Dustin being chosen as champion. The
two acts of the evening that were chosen to represent Henry County at
the district competition were Sara Browning and Lily Tipton.
Demonstrations were
given in several categories. In the Horse category Colt McQuire showed
everyone “How to Saddle a Horse”. Colt received a blue and champion. In the
General Purpose category Dustin Case-Love showed us “How to Perform Magic
Tricks”. Dustin received a blue and champion. In the Cooking category Lily
Tipton made “Momma’s Mud Pie”, and Jakob Beckely showed everyone “How to
Make an Omelet”. Both participants received blue ribbons with Lily being
chosen as champion.
Congratulations to all
of the 4-Hers for their hard work, it paid off. The 4-H Council has awarded
each participant a $10.00 gift certificate to attend 4-H Camp for each
performance of the evening. Good luck at District #3 competition!
4/15/09
Members of
the 4-H Horse club enjoyed a morning of riding and games at the
Fairgrounds. The club open to any new members. For
information on how to join, call the Extension Office at
845-2811.
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4/1/09
Kentucky 4-H Celebrates Its 100th Birthday
Kentucky 4-H turns 100
years old this month and to celebrate a statewide birthday party was
held this past Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington. The
birthday celebration was the kick-off to many activities and events
planned throughout the year. The day was crammed full of fun and
fellowship celebrating our past and looking to the future of the
nation’s oldest boys and girls club.
A special part of the
day was the recognition of volunteers throughout the state that were
inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Each county was asked to submit a
person for their commitment to the 4-H program in their county. In their
honor a beautiful handcrafted tree was made and a brass leaf with each
of the volunteers names engraved on it covered the tree. The tree will
be housed at the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Center in Jabez. Henry County
chose to recognize Carolyn Jeffries. Carolyn served as a leader while
Steve was the 4-H agent in the county and I was a 4-Her. I personally
want to thank Carolyn for her dedication since I benefitted first hand
from her efforts. She was my first 4-H leader while I was a 4th grader
at Pleasureville Elementary School and again at the Henry County Middle
School. She continues today as a strong ally of the 4-H program and
volunteers when called upon. The following is the biography that was
submitted to the state office. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much
as I did. I want to thank Steve Moore for writing the biography.
The Henry County Kentucky 4-H Hall of Fame Honoree
Carolyn Jeffries
It may be of note that
Kentucky 4-H Hall of Fame Honoree Carolyn Jeffries was not born and raised
here, yet has influenced Kentucky 4-H and Extension Programs in so many
ways. Carolyn became a 4-H member as a 4th and 5th grader at her elementary
school in El Paso, Texas, where she participated in cooking and sewing
projects. As a 6th grader, she moved to a school without 4-H, so she
organized a club and began the “can do” qualities of leadership she has
exhibited throughout her adult life as a 4-H leader, parent, and
grandparent.
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Carolyn’s Kentucky
connection came as she met and married then US Army soldier Larry
Jeffries as he was stationed in El Paso. In the late 60’s, both
moved back to Larry’s home county, Henry County, Kentucky, where
they became teachers in the public school system. Carolyn became the
organizational 4-H leader for Pleasureville Elementary, also serving
as the clothing, cooking, and variety show leader. She and Larry
also became involved in the Henry County 4-H Council at that time,
and helped that forward thinking council plan and raise funds to
build the Henry County 4-H Center at the Fairgrounds. This building
has been the venue for thousands of 4-H, Extension, and Civic
meetings over the past 39 years.
After moving to the
Henry County Middle School in 1971, Carolyn kept direct involvement
with youth for several years as an organizational 4-H Leader, also
leading the knitting, clothing, speech, demonstration, and Specialty
Act projects and activities. In addition, she helped with some show
stopping Variety Show Club Acts that advanced to State level, and
she became the ultimate leader a 4-H Camp Leader!
Carolyn and Larry raised 4
outstanding children with 4-H as a primary vehicle for developing
life skills. Rae Lynn, Janet, Keith, and Joy have remained in the
community and all are teachers and professionals devoted to
enhancing quality of life for youth through 4-H, Extension, Church,
and Civic Organizations. |
Carolyn
Jeffries was recognized at the 4-H Centennial celebration for
her service and dedication 4-H and was inducted into the 4-H
Hall of Fame.
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Extension and 4-H still
benefit from the lifelong devotion and leadership exhibited by this 4-H Hall
of Fame Honoree. Carolyn has served many years as a Henry County Extension
Council member, leading the council in projects such as WWII Remembrance,
100 Years of Education Program, and Second Wind Dreams which have garnered
statewide acclaim as County Extension Council of the Year and University of
Kentucky College of Agriculture Diversity Award Winner. She has served as
County Homemakers Council President, Area Extension Council Delegate, State
Extension Council Delegate, and recently was appointed to the Henry County
Extension District Board.
2/25/09
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4-H and Nickelodeon
Partner to Launch New Online Game
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National 4-H
Council has partnered with Nickelodeon's "Big Green Help" to
create a brand-new, interactive online game-- "Flip N'
Flow"--featuring the network's animated boy-genius Jimmy
Neutron. The game is in support of 4 H's Science, Engineering
and Technology communication campaign to spark youth interest in
science and prepare one million new young people for America's
technology workforce.
Nickelodeon's
"The Big Green Help" is a kid-led movement that provides
information and tools to help explain climate change to young
people, and connects them to energy-saving and earth-friendly
activities in their everyday lives.
The "Flip N'
Flow" game is available online at 4-H.org. Youth can play the
game and access materials to share with friends. Check out this
fun activity which gives youth and mentors the opportunity to
learn about water conservation and challenges them think about
steps they can take to participate in going green!
Questions can be
directed to Nancy Cole (301-961-2926) at National 4-H Council. |
Recycling Fun Facts
November is National
Recycling Month and I thought I would share some fun facts that were
sent to me.
*In 2006, Americans produced approximately 251 million tons of garbage,
and recycled 82 million tons of material.
- It takes 95 percent
less energy to make aluminum cans from recycled cans than to make
them from raw ore.
- In America, 100
million steel cans are used each day.
- The steel industry
recycles about 630 cans each second.
- Recycling glass
beverage containers can be used for roads, marbles, decorative tile,
and surfboards.
- Recycling one ton of
paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water.
- Recycling 5 plastic
soda bottles can produce enough fiber for one square foot of carpet.
- According to the
Kentucky Division of Waste Management, on average Kentuckians
produce approximately 6 pounds of garbage per person per day.
In Henry County you may take
your recyclable products to the Henry County Road Department on South
Property Road. The dumpsters are available seven days a week any time of the
day or night. The items that they are currently accepting are: any type of
paper products, plastic, and aluminum. They do not accept glass at this
time. The best part is that you do not have to sort the items. The recycling
center has conveyor belts that will do that for you, so feel free to mix the
allowable items into one bag. Let’s all do our part in recycling. Talk with
your family and come up with a plan that works for your lifestyle. As
consumers we can look for the chasing arrow symbol which means that the
product or packaging is recyclable.
11/26/08
Here are some things your might be interested in, remember to review the 4 H Notes Calendar below.
More 4H Links:
4HUSA.org
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4-H / Youth Development 
