Deadlines too important to miss

It is important all 4-H members check with their 4-H club leader to be sure they are enrolled in the correct 4-H projects they want to exhibit. You must make the changes with your 4-H club leader prior to May 1 so they can bring the changes to the Extension office by May 1.

4-Hers may enroll in 4-H all year long, but May 1 is the final deadline for 4-Hers to enroll and register for projects if they wish to show in the county 4-H exhibition this summer (note: Jasper County deadline was April 1).

Here's what happens after that.

May 1 Final day to make enrollments & project changes for summer shows. (April 1 for Jasper)

May 15 (or earlier if possible) Leaders will receive SHOW ENTRY FORMS for all members in their club.

May 15– June 15 Members must mark the specific entries they will be exhibiting at the County 4-H Exhibition using the SHOW ENTRY FORM provided. No email entries will be accepted.

June 15 Final day for leaders to submit show entries.

July 1 Leaders will receive show tags for members in their club to distribute as they believe best.

Now, there's always a possibility the office could have made a mistake when entering the data, so check your show tags IMMEDIATELY when you receive them and notify us so we can review your entry form and make necessary corrections. If you have ANY questions about the show entry process, please contact Judy or Patti for additional information.

Upcoming Events

Our county is part of a 4-county unit, including Clay, Effingham, Fayette and Jasper counties. 4-Hers are welcome to attend events in any county within the unit with permission by the sponsoring county.

April 2 CLAY COUNTY Robotics Club, 6 PM, HELLA, Flora

April 2 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Tractor Safety School, 7 PM, Effingham

April 3 CLAY COUNTY 4-H Leadership Council, 6:30 PM, Flora

April 5 FAYETTE COUNTY Cooking Club, 2:15 - 4 PM, Ramsey

April 9 JASPER COUNTY Ambassador Retreat to U of I, All day

April 9 FAYETTE COUNTY New to 4-H Meeting, 6 - 7 PM, Vandalia

April 9 CLAY COUNTY Coon Hunt Fundraiser Committee, 6 – 7 PM

April 9 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Tractor Safety School, 7 PM, Effingham

April 10 JASPER COUNTY Welcome to the Real World, All day, Newton HS

April 10 EFFINGHAM COUNTY ARC Meeting, 5:30 PM

April 10 JASPER COUNTY Coggins Testing Date, 5 PM, Newton Fairgrounds

April 12 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Award Committee, TBA, Effingham

April 14 ALL STATE Robotics Competition, Champaign

April 16 EFFINGHAM COUNTY 4-H Leadership Council, 5:30 PM, Effingham

April 16 CLAY COUNTY Robotics Club, 6 PM, HELLA, Flora

April 16 ALL COUNTIES Extension Foundations Training,

Provided by Illinois 4-H Foundation reps, 7 PM, Effingham

April 17 FAYETTE COUNTY Junior Leadership Training, 5:30 PM, Vandalia

April 17 FAYETTE COUNTY New Record & Award Training, 6:30 PM, Vandalia

April 19 FAYETTE COUNTY Cooking Club, 3:15 – 5 PM, Ramsey

April 19 EFFINGHAM Jr. Leader Training, 5:30 PM, Effingham

April 19 JASPER COUNTY 4-H Leadership Council, 6:30 PM, Newton

April 21 CLAY COUNTY Barrow Tag/Weigh In, 8 - 11 AM, Fairgrounds

April 21 FAYETTE COUNTY Swine/Sheep/Goat Weigh In, 9-11 AM, Fairgr.

April 21 ALL State Fair Sheep Tag/Weigh in, 1 PM, Brownstown Fairgrounds

April 22 CLAY COUNTY Shooting Sports Club, 2 PM, Bible Grove Sportsman

April 23 CLAY COUNTY Jr. Leader Training, 5:30 PM, Flora

April 26 FAYETTE COUNTY Cooking Club, 3:15 - 5 PM, Ramsey

April 27 CLAY COUNTY Conservation Day, Fairgrounds Park

April 30 CLAY COUNTY Robotics Club, 6 PM, HELLA, Flora

April 30 CLAY COUNTY Scholarship Applications Due

April 30 ALL PQA Final testing for Clay, Fayette & Jasper, 7 PM, Effingham

May 1 CLAY, EFFINGHAM, FAYETTE Enrollments & Project Selections Due

May 1 JASPER COUNTY Federation, 6:30 PM, Newton

May 3 FAYETTE COUNTY Cooking Club, 3:15 - 5 PM, Ramsey

May 3 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Livestock Committee, 5:30 – 7 PM, Effingham

May 3-6 CLAY COUNTY Coon Hunt Fundraiser for 4-H, Fairgrounds

May 4 JASPER COUNTY Safety Day, Newton

May 7 ALL Exhibits that Excel, 6 PM, Effingham

May 10 FAYETTE COUNTY Cooking Club, 3:15 - 5 PM, Ramsey

May 10 EFFINGHAM COUNTY 4-H Foundation Meeting, 5:30 PM, Effingham

May 10 FAYETTE COUNTY Livestock Meeting, 8 PM, Vandalia

May 12 ALL 4-H Day with the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis, MO

May 14 CLAY COUNTY Robotics Club, 6 PM, HELLA, Flora

May 14 FAYETTE COUNTY 4-H Leadership Council, 6:30 PM, Vandalia

May 21 JASPER COUNTY Ethics Training for First-time Exhibitors, 6:30 PM

May 31 JASPER COUNTY New Family 4-H Show Orientation, 7 PM, Newton Fairgrounds

June 1 CLAY COUNTY Show Enrollments Due

June 1 FAYETTE COUNTY Show Enrollments Due

June 2 ALL COUNTIES Goat Camp, 8 AM – 12 PM, Fayette County Fairgrounds, Brownstown

June 2 JASPER COUNTY Fairground Clean Up, TBA

June 2 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Foundation BBQ Fundraiser, TBA

June 4 JASPER COUNTY Show Enrollments Due

June 4 JASPER COUNTY Leader Meeting, 6:30 PM, Newton

June 5 JASPER COUNTY Camp Cloverbud

June 7-10 CLAY COUNTY & ALL Horse Camp, Flora

June 9 CLAY COUNTY Horse Show, TBA

June 11 CLAY COUNTY Robotics Club, 6 PM, HELLA, Flora

June 11 FAYETTE COUNTY New to 4-H Training, 6 PM, Vandalia

June 15 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Show Enrollments Due

June 15 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Deadline to request funds for camp/Illini Summer Academies

June 15 CLAY COUNTY General Show, 5-8 PM, TBA

June 16 CLAY COUNTY Food/Clothing Show, 1 – 3 PM, TBA

June 17-21 CLAY/FAYETTE COUNTY Summer Camp, Monticello

June 21 JASPER COUNTY General Project Show, Newton

June 22 JASPER COUNTY Horse Show, Newton

June 23 JASPER COUNTY Dog Show, Newton

June 23 FAYETTE COUNTY Fairground Cleanup, 9 AM, Brownstown

June 24 JASPER COUNTY Rabbit & Poultry Show, Newton

June 24-27 STATE Illini Summer Academies, Champaign

June 25 JASPER COUNTY Goat, Sheep, Master Showmanship, Newton

June 26 JASPER COUNTY Swine, Beef Shows, Newton

June 27 JASPER COUNTY Grandparent Day, Newton

June 28 JASPER COUNTY Auction, Newton

June 29 FAYETTE COUNTY General Project Show, 5-8 PM. Brownstown

June 30 FAYETTE COUNTY Food/Clothing Show, 1 – 4 PM, Brownstown

June 30 FAYETTE COUNTY Public Speaking Contest, 2 PM, Brownstown

June 30 FAYETTE COUNTY Show Awards Program & Family Picnic, 5 PM, Brownstown

July 1-3 STATE Mini Camp, Monticello

July 7 – 14 STATE Citizenship Washington Focus, DC

July 7 FAYETTE COUNTY Rabbit Show, 2 PM, Brownstown

July 7 FAYETTE COUNTY Goat Weigh in, 7 PM, Brownstown

July 7 FAYETTE COUNTY Exhibitor Meeting, 8 PM, Brownstown

July 8 FAYETTE COUNTY Livestock Check In, 11 AM, Brownstown

July 8 FAYETTE COUNTY Poultry Show 12 PM, Brownstown

July 8 FAYETTE COUNTY Weigh in, 1 PM, Brownstown

July 8 FAYETTE COUNTY Goat Show, 2 PM, Brownstown

July 9 FAYETTE COUNTY Sheep Show, 8 AM, Brownstown

July 9 FAYETTE COUNTY Beef/Steer Show 11 AM, Brownstown

July 10 FAYETTE COUNTY Swine Show, 8 AM, Brownstown

July 10 FAYETTE COUNTY Auction, 6 PM, Brownstown

July 11 FAYETTE COUNTY Dog Show, 2 PM, Brownstown

July 11 FAYETTE COUNTY Cat Show 5 PM, Brownstown

July 14 FAYETTE COUNTY Dairy Show, 9 AM, Brownstown

July 14-18 EFFINGHAM/JASPER COUNTY Summer Camp, Monticello

July 15 CLAY COUNTY Livestock Weigh In, 12 – 3 PM, Fairgrounds

July 15 CLAY COUNTY Exhibitor Meeting, 4 PM, Fairgrounds

July 15 CLAY COUNTY Swim Party, 6 PM, Fairgrounds

July 16 CLAY COUNTY Beef Show, 9 AM, Fairgrounds

July 16 CLAY COUNTY Rabbit Show, 2 PM, Fairgrounds

July 16 CLAY COUNTY Poultry Show, 3:30 PM, Fairgrounds

July 17 CLAY COUNTY Swine Show, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

July 17 CLAY COUNTY Sheep Show, 11 AM, Fairgrounds

July 17 CLAY COUNTY Goat Show, 1 PM, Fairgrounds

July 17 CLAY COUNTY Showmanship Sweepstakes, Fairgrounds

July 18 CLAY COUNTY Tractor Driving, 1 PM, Fairgrounds

July 18 CLAY COUNTY Barbecue, 4 – 7 PM, Fairgrounds

July 18 CLAY COUNTY Auction, 6:30 PM, Fairgrounds

July 21 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Food & Clothing Exhibition, 9:30-2 PM, Mall

July 31 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Dog Exhibition, 5 PM, (Check in 4:30 PM) Fairgrounds

August 3 EFFINGHAM COUNTY General Project Exhibition, 9 AM, Fairgrounds

August 3 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Beef Check In Deadline, 9 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Poultry Check In Blood Testing, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Horse Exhibition, 8:30 AM, (Check in 7:30 AM) Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Tractor Contest, TBA, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Swine Check in Deadline, 9 AM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Sheep Check In Deadline, 10 AM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Dairy/Meat Goat Check In Deadline, 10 AM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Swine Exhibitor Meeting, 12 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Sheep Weigh In, 1 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Goat Weigh In, 1 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Beef Weigh In, 1:30 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Swine Weigh In, 6 PM, Fairgrounds

August 5 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Beef Exhibition, 1:30 PM, Fairgrounds

August 6 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Swine Exhibition, 7:45 AM, Fairgrounds

August 6 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Poultry Exhibition, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 6 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Sheep Exhibition, 6 PM, Fairgrounds

August 6 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Rabbit Exhibition, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 6 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Cat Exhibition, 8:30 AM, Fairgrounds

August 7 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Dairy & Meat Goat Exhibition, 12:30 PM, Fair

August 7 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Rabbit Check in, 2 – 7 PM, Fairgrounds

August 8 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Dairy Cattle Check In Deadline, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 8 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Rabbit Exhibition, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 8 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Cat Exhibition, 8:30 AM, Fairgrounds

August 8 EFFINGHAM COUNTY 4-H Auction, 5:30 PM, Fairgrounds

August 9 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Pygmy Goat Check In Deadline, 10 AM, Fairgrounds

August 9 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Dairy Cattle Exhibition, 9:30 AM, Fairgrounds

August 9 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Pygmy Goat Exhibition, 12 PM, Fairgrounds

August 10 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Llama Exhibition, 9 AM, (Check in by 8:30), Fairgrounds

August 13 ALL UNIT 21 Exhibit Day at Illinois State Fair, Springfield

August 31 FAYETTE COUNTY Records/Award Applications Due

4-H Jr. Leadership has something for you

We've had great fun and learned a lot during the Junior Leadership Trainings we've been holding. More than 20 different kids have attended the trainings off and on. Our next meeting will be 5:30 PM, Thursday, April 19 at the Extension office in Effingham. Refreshments are always provided and there is no cost to attend. Our hope is members will take back what they learn at training and try it in their own club meetings. We hope the leaders are allowing time on their agendas for Leadership training from these junior 4-H members. Join us—even if you haven't come to any of the other meetings! Each meeting we start from scratch!

See all 4-H events at our ONLINE calendar!

You can now access immediate information about 4-H events in the unit at an online calendar. Access the calendar from our main website at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/

Check the exhibit rules

The 2012 Effingham County 4-H Handbook contains lots of helpful information, including the rules for exhibiting your 4-H projects this summer. You may request a hard copy from your leader or download the handbook at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/effingham4h/2032.html You'll find lots of cool stuff, too, including definitions of 4-H events, rules for members, the code for 4-H members to follow and information about winning 4-H awards.

Horse and Dog Ownership papers due May 1

If you plan to exhibit a horse or dog at the Effingham County 4-H Summer Exhibitions, you must complete the horse or dog ownership/lease application form by Tuesday, May 1. The form is available online at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/effingham4h/2032.html . To complete the form, you must also submit two color photos (one of each side of your horse or dog).

HOGS MUST BE TESTED BY JUNE 10

Health number must appear on June 15 show entry forms

Don't forget this rule change made by the Effingham County Livestock Committee. NEW RULE: All swine must be blood-tested by June 10. The veterinarian blood-test number must be noted on the 4-H show entry form which is due to the county Extension office by June 15. This rule was necessary to verify that all hogs are owned and personally cared for by the 4-H members by June 10. The next meeting of the livestock committee will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3 at the Extension Office.

4-H Leadership Council makes rules

The 4-H Leadership Council has final decision-making authority for the Effingham County 4-H Show. All final decisions for rules, exhibit requirements and deadlines are made by them. All clubs have been asked to have representatives on the Council. The next meeting of the 4-H Leadership Council is 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 16 at the Extension Office. If you have concerns about the program, you should attend. The council will be reviewing a new record-keeping system for members.

All 4-H livestock exhibitors must be certified

Exhibitors showing beef, dairy, goats, horses, poultry, sheep, or swine are required to complete the Quality Assurance and Ethics Certification to compete in the Effingham County 4-H livestock exhibitions. If you've already taken the certification and have your certification, you do not need to retest. The certification is only available online at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/ . You must complete the certification by June 30. PLEASE NOTE: All 4-Hers exhibiting livestock will be checked this year to verify they have taken the training.

The first six sections include: Introduction, Benefits, Purpose, Care, Medicine, and the Affidavit. After completing the first six sections, you'll choose training in a seventh section specific for the species you are exhibiting. (If you are showing more than one species, you get to choose which you wish to take.) You will want to print a certificate of completion that includes your printed name to verify certification.

Livestock health requirements posted for 4-H exhibition

Check the link below for all the livestock health rules for this summer's exhibition. A copy will also appear in the Handbook.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/downloads/42203.pdf

New Members sporting "Make Best Better" t-shirts

All first year 4-H members get a free 4-H t-shirt with the "Make the Best Better" design shown above. Do you have yours yet? Leaders, if you haven't picked up your club's shirts, yet, please do so as soon as possible. The shirts are only for first year full members. Additional shirts in a different color will be ordered for other members if at least 20 are pre-ordered. If you want a shirt, call Patti and give her your size. Cost will be $7.50/shirt. The shirts were provided by a grant from the Illinois 4-H Foundation. Please send a thank you note if you receive a shirt this year!

Effingham Foundation to award $3,000 in 4-H college scholarships

If you're a graduating high school senior or college freshmen and a member of Effingham County 4-H, it's your lucky year! The Foundation will be awarding ten $300 college scholarships this year. … Just think of it as their way of saying "THANKS FOR STICKING WITH 4-H." We know you have lots of other things you COULD be doing in high school, so to reward you for staying in 4-H throughout your career, the Effingham 4-H Foundation is offering this NEW SCHOLARSHIP.

The requirements include:

· Applicants must be a current member of an Effingham County 4-H Club and have been a 4-H member for at least five years.

· Scholarship applications may only be submitted in your senior year of high school or freshman year in college.

· College freshmen are eligible to apply if they did not receive a Foundation scholarship during their senior year in high school and are still an eligible 4-H member.

The application form and two letters of recommendation (one from a 4-H leader and one from a non-family member such as teacher, employer or other community leader) should be submitted to the Effingham Co. Extension office by May 1, 2012.

Download the application at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/effingham4h/2037.html

Cash available to Effingham County 4-H clubs with service projects

The Effingham County 4-H Foundation is awarding $50 cash prizes to clubs which demonstrate outstanding community service projects during the 2011-2012 4-H Club year (Sept. 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012). The application form is available at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/effingham4h/2052.html

Please submit this form to: Effingham County Extension, 1209 Wenthe Drive, Effingham, IL 62401 before July 1, 2012.

Save these dates NOW for this summer's Effingham County 4-H Exhibitions

Excitement is building for this year's 4-H Exhibitions. I hope everyone has begun to work on their 4-H projects. Be sure to check the exhibit rules posted on the website. The following dates will help you plan out your summer!

July 21 Food & Clothing Exhibition, 9:30-2 PM, Mall

July 31 Dog Exhibition, 5 PM, (Check in 4:30 PM) Fairgrounds

August 3 General Project Exhibition, 9 AM, Fairgrounds

August 3 Beef Check In Deadline, 9 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Poultry Check In Blood Testing, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Equine Exhibition, 8:30 AM, (Check in 7:30 AM) Fairgrounds

August 4 Tractor Contest, TBA, Fairgrounds

August 4 Swine Check in Deadline, 9 AM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Sheep Check In Deadline, 10 AM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Dairy/Meat Goat Check In Deadline, 10 AM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Swine Exhibitor Meeting, 12 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Sheep Weigh In, 1 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Goat Weigh In, 1 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Beef Weigh In, 1:30 PM, Fairgrounds

August 4 Swine Weigh In, 6 PM, Fairgrounds

August 5 Beef Exhibition, 1:30 PM, Fairgrounds

August 6 Swine Exhibition, 7:45 AM, Fairgrounds

August 6 Poultry Exhibition, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 6 Sheep Exhibition, 6 PM, Fairgrounds

August 6 Rabbit Exhibition, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 6 Cat Exhibition, 8:30 AM, Fairgrounds

August 7 Dairy & Meat Goat Exhibition, 12:30 PM, Fair

August 7 Rabbit Check in, 2 – 7 PM, Fairgrounds

August 8 Dairy Cattle Check In Deadline, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 8 Rabbit Exhibition, 8 AM, Fairgrounds

August 8 Cat Exhibition, 8:30 AM, Fairgrounds

August 8 4-H Auction, 5:30 PM, Fairgrounds

August 9 Pygmy Goat Check In Deadline, 10 AM, Fairgrounds

August 9 Dairy Cattle Exhibition, 9:30 AM, Fairgrounds

August 9 Pygmy Goat Exhibition, 12 PM, Fairgrounds

August 10 Llama Exhibition, 9 AM, (Check in by 8:30), Fairgrounds

August 13 Exhibit Day at Illinois State Fair, Springfield

This is a tentative list. All times are subject to change. Please check back each month to the newsletter for final times as show dates approach.

4-H BBQ gets facelift

Look for details next month, but for now, save June 2 for this year's BBQ fund-raiser. The money supports the work of the Effingham County 4-H Foundation which this year is sponsoring $12,500 in trips, scholarships and grants to members and clubs, in addition to giving a $10,000 agreement to Extension to continue the yearly work of the 4-H program. The money's being put to GREAT use! Do your part and plan to participate.

Effingham County 4-Her wins Key Award

Congratulations, Rachel Tillman!!! Rachel has been selected to receive one of this year's Illinois State 4-H Key Club Awards!! Only 11 members across the state were selected for this year's recognition! Rachel will receive her award at the 2012 Illini Summer Academies in Champaign on Tuesday, June 26. We're proud of all her 4-H work.

Learn to make EXHIBIT THAT EXCEL

If you have these questions, we encourage you to attend one of these informational meetings… we've combined our second New to 4-H topic with our final 4-H for Grownup series with ………………………………….

EXHIBITS that EXCEL

6 PM, Monday, April 9, Fayette County Extension Office

6 PM, Monday, May 7, Effingham County Extension Office

There's no need to pre-register… we'll plan for lots to attend this important topic. Feel free to attend if you're a brand new 4-H member or a long-time member who wants to get a better handle on how to improve your 4-H exhibit.

Is your family a candidate for the Illinois 4-H Foundation State Family Spirit Award?

Does your family have at least 3 generations of 4-H representation; 15 different family members (including in-laws) that have either been 4-H members, leaders, or volunteers; and 100 cumulative years of 4-H membership or volunteerism? If you answered yes, consider nominating your family for the 4-H Family Spirit Award! Applications are due by May 1, 2012. For more information or to apply online at: http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/awards/illinois_4h_family_spirit_award.

Illinois 4-H Foundation will honor adults in 4-H

Consider nominating someone from your county for one of these state awards

Illinois 4-H Alumni Award

Friend of 4-H Award

Leadership and Spirit Award

The 4-H Alumni Award recognizes an elite group of Illinois 4-H alumni for their outstanding career accomplishments and leadership in civic, community, and professional activities.

The Friend of 4-H Award is an annual recognition of a person or organization whose leadership, actions, and support have contributed to the improvement and promotion of the Illinois 4-H Youth Development Program.

The Larry Fisher Leadership and Spirit Award was created in 2001 to honor county 4-H or Extension foundation board members or other county fundraising volunteers who exemplify the spirit of "making the best better" for their county's 4-H or Extension fundraising efforts.

The deadline for all these awards is May 1. Contact the 4-H staff member in your county to suggest a nominee. Learn more about these awards at: http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/

Take your horse to overnight 4-H camp

All young people interested in horses are invited to participate in the Clay County Young Riders 4-H Club Horse Camp. The camp will be held June 7-10 at the Coon Creek Ridge Riders facility near Rt. 45. The Clay County 4-H Horse Show will be held at 3 PM June 9 as part of the activities. For more information or to request an application, contact Jacqueline Lueking at 618/662-2972 or Steve Lewis at 217/621-0917. There will be lots of hands-on activities, trail rides and games during the week. Come join the fun. Applications are available online at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/cat79_3598.html . Registrations are requested by May 1.

Pygmy goats for sale

Effingham County 4-H leader Jessica Lotz has several pygmy goats available. 4-Hers interested in purchasing a goat may email Jessica at jbartels03@hotmail.com or call 217-254-7275. She is willing to give 4-H members first pick at these goats.

Illini Summer Academies open for registration

Get ready for a shake -up at the 2012 Illini Summer Academies!! This opportunity offers teens the opportunity to explore the University of Illinois campus and potential degree programs and/or careers. University faculty and staff plan interactive learning sessions to provide delegates an overview of actual college classes required in various majors. Academies are open to ANY Illinois youth who is currently in 8th to 12th grade. They must be an incoming high school freshman to graduating senior this summer and must fall within the 14-18 age range as of September 1, 2011.

We're expanding the program by one day, starting on Sunday afternoon, June 24 and ending on Wednesday afternoon, June 27. Each academy will offer 15 hours of interactive activities and study in a specific field of interest. There will be 11 academies this summer; each with limited enrollment that will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

CHOOSE ONE OF THESE ACADEMIES TO STUDY

Aerospace Engineering Academy

Agricultural & Biological Engineering: Technical Systems Management

Art & Design

Bioengineering NEW!

Crop Sciences

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning NEW!

Leadership

Molecular & Cellular Biology NEW!

Physics

Veterinary Medicine Academy

Registration IS NOW OPEN!

Early Bird Fee Discount Until 4/15/2012

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm

ILLINI ACADEMIES SCHOLARSHIPS

EFFINGHAM COUNTY: The Foundation offers 20 $75 25%-fee scholarships. Download the application form at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/effingham4h/2037.html

JASPER COUNTY: The Foundation offers half-fee scholarships to ISA. Call the office to apply.

Fayette County 4-H member enters 'NO BULL' Video Challenge

Voting began April 1 for the NO BULL video challenge, and a Fayette County 4-H member has a video entered in the contest. David Zimmerman worked with a group of friends on a video which encourages teens to STAND UP AGAINST CYBER BULLYING. The Great American NO BULL Challenge gives teenagers the chance to compete for $25,000 in prizes and the opportunity to have their winning videos introduced to the world at an awards show.

You can view David's video online at: http://nobull.votigo.com/contests/showentry/1031736 . VOTING ONLY LASTS APRIL 1-15, so vote early and often! You will need to register to vote, but it's simple & quick. You can vote once per day. Paige Logan, Altamont, represents Illinois 4-H on the national NO BULL campaign committee.

Get the scoop at Goat Camp

Goat camp will be held 8 AM to Noon, June 2, at the Fayette County Fairgrounds located on Rt. 40 in Brownstown. Register by May 1 by calling your local Extension office or online at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6580

The workshop is FREE- to all 4H members in Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, and Clay counties

We will be covering the following areas:

· Showmanship

· Clipping for show

· Hoof Trimming

· Dress code for 4H showing

· Cost of showing

· Marketing your goats

Guest speakers will be Nancy Simpson & Barb Adams. We are encouraging everyone to bring your own goat for showmanship.

(note: Please were tennis shoes or boots for this event). For more information, contact Lynn Wolff at chef_wolff@yahoo.com .

Upcoming State Livestock Events

April 14– State 4-H Horse Hippology contest, State 4-H Horse Formal Speech contest, Illustrated Horse Talk and Team Demonstration at the

U of I David Kinley Hall

April 15 – State 4-H Horse Bowl contest, U of I Education Bldg.

May 5 – State 4-H Horse Judging contest, Black Hawk East College. Download the application at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/cat79_3598.html

June 18 – State 4-H Livestock Judging contest, U of I Stock Pavilion

If you are interested in competing in any of these events, contact the Extension office.

Thanks, Hoosier Energy

Thanks to Matt Jansen and Hoosier Energy for providing a great tour of the Holland Power Plant. Nearly 80 people from Effingham, Fayette and Jasper counties participated in the tour!

Illinois 4-H Foundation Reps will address concerns about local Extension Foundations, provide fundraising ideas at April 16 meeting

New laws from the Internal Revenue Service have had a big impact on how non-profit groups, including 4-H clubs, federations and foundations operate. One of these new laws tightened the requirements for groups raising funds to benefit the county 4-H programs and required these fundraising groups in all four counties (and across the state) to either house its funds with the University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) or become a legal 501c3 non-profit corporation. The final deadline for action was Dec. 31, and all our groups are now compliant with IRS rules and can once again raise funds to benefit 4-H.

To understand all the options still available to our groups, representatives from the Illinois 4-H Foundation and the Illinois 4-H office, as well as Dean West who represents Southern Illinois on the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board, will present an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, April 16 at the Extension Office in Effingham. The meeting is open to the public, and

4-H members, parents, leaders and Extension contributors, are encouraged to attend.

There were several questions and concerns raised in the last six months about the stability of funds placed in accounts outside our local banks. Other questions addressed how easily the funds would be available for reimbursement and distribution as needed by the Foundation boards. The state representative are prepared to answer all your questions, as well as provide some MUCH NEEDED ideas for fundraising.

We're asking EVERY Foundation board member, as well as anyone concerned for future funding of the 4-H program to attend this meeting.

As a courtesy to our presenters, please call your local office if you plan to attend. If you have questions prior to the meeting, please contact Rachelle Hollinshead, county director and fiscal agent for this unit's Extension program.

$1,000 Ag Scholarship Available; due April 15

Applications for the Murray Wise Associates Foundation have been extended to April 15 to allow agriculture students to apply and ensure that no scholarships go unclaimed. The scholarships were established to provide college scholarship funds for outstanding students pursuing degrees in agriculture or related subject areas.

Eligible applicants include high school seniors accepted for enrollment at an accredited college, university or community college in a course of study related to agriculture or agribusiness. Students already in college may also apply.

Awards are for a minimum of $1,000 per year and may be renewed yearly for up to four years provided certain conditions are met. Applicants are selected based on academic credentials, including class rank, grade point average and test scores. Demonstrated leadership qualities, especially in agriculture and community-based extracurricular activities, will also be considered. Individuals may download the application at murraywiseassociates.com/foundation or call 800-607-6888.

Get trained to help in 4-H Shooting Sports Clubs

The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports is the FASTEST growing group in Illinois 4-H. Illinois has just started its third year and we have 73 counties that are eligible for the program, with 351 adults trained to teach the program. More than 2,200 kids in Illinois are enrolled in shooting sports. Adults helping with 4-H shooting sports clubs must be certified through the University of Illinois' Shooting Sports Training Program. Adults must attend 15-18 hours of training conducted by National 4-H Shooting Sports instructors. The next training will be held May 18-20 at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. Registration fee is $115.00 Fee covers all meals, two nights lodging, curriculum manual, and all expendables. Register through your local county Extension office. Deadline is May 10.

Nominate the Next Farm Mom of the Year!

Monsanto is excited to announce its America's Farmers Mom of the Year 2012 program, designed to recognize the countless contributions that farm moms bring to their families, farms and communities. Beginning March 3, anyone can nominate their favorite farm mom. Five regional winners will be selected by American Agri-Women, and each will win a $5,000 cash prize from Monsanto. Online voting will determine the National Farm Mom of the Year and winner of an additional $2,500.

Anyone can nominate a farm mom – simply visit www.AmericasFarmers.com by Mother's Day (May 8) and tell us in 300 words or less how the mom you're nominating embodies the family farm way of life. Regional winners will be notified on May 13, and online voting will take place May 16 - 26. Your favorite farm mom could be this year's national winner! To nominate your mom go to: http://www.americasfarmers.com/farmmom/nominate.aspx

Another PQA training offered

Every youth exhibiting a swine project is required to take the Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) training and pass a test to make sure they understand the importance of raising pork which is safe and produced in a responsible way. The trainings have been held for Clay, Fayette and Jasper counties, but one final date has been added in case you missed your meeting. The last training will be:

The meeting will be held from 7 to 8 PM, APRIL 30, EFFINGHAM COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE. You must pre-register by calling the Jasper County Extension Office at 618-783-2521 by April 27. Effingham County dates have yet to be set, but any Effingham 4-Her is welcome to attend the April 30 training and get it done!

State fair sheep weigh in dates set

The closest location to have sheep tattooed and weighed for the Illinois State Fair competition is Fayette County Fairgrounds. The weigh-in will be 1 p.m., Saturday, April 21. Exhibitors will need to pay for the electronic ID tags on site. They should plan to bring along a check made out to the University of Illinois. Cost of the tags are $3 each. For information, call 618-322-9319

4-H Camp time is here ! Register at your local Extension office & save $$$$

Centrally located in Monticello, 4-H Memorial Camp is the perfect place for to enjoy the finest in summer camp life. Traditional and innovative programs, professional staff, and comfortable facilities await campers at 4-H Memorial. Operated by the University of Illinois Extension, summer youth camp is open to all kids ages 8 - 16 years. Following with the 4-H mission to foster positive youth development through a "learn-by-doing" philosophy, campers experience a five-day, four-night camp full of activities and learning. Swimming, boating, hiking, arts & crafts, fishing, singing, volleyball, softball, the list goes on and on!

Youth campers benefit from a summer camp experience in many ways, but most campers establish a greater sense of independence, responsibility, self-confidence, respect for others, and an increased appreciation for the natural environment. 4-H Memorial Camp is accredited through the strict standard of the American Camping Association and exceeds their requirements for the proper administration, personnel, program, health care, and aquatics of a residential camp.

Six summer youth camps will be operated between June 5 and July 23. Fees for attending the five day/four night camp are $175. A special camp for new or younger kids will be held July 1-3, 2012. Cost of this Mini-Camp Program is $120. REGISTER THROUGH THE LOCAL EXTENSION OFFICE. Scholarships are available to 4-H members in Jasper and Effingham Counties.

For more information, visit the camp website at http://4hmemorialcamp.extension.uiuc.edu.

IF YOU DON'T LIKE

Swimming

Boating

Hiking

Arts & Crafts

Fishing

Singing

Volleyball

Softball

Campfires

Zip lines

THEN YOU SHOULDN'T GO TO CAMP….. BUT

If you do,

we have just what you are looking for!

Youth living in Fayette & Clay counties are encouraged to attend week 3 of camp on June 17—21.

Youth living in Effingham and Jasper counties are encouraged to attend week 4 of camp on July 14—18.

SCHOLARSHIPS

EFFINGHAM COUNTY: The Foundation offers 12 $80 half-fee scholarships to camp. Download the application form at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/effingham4h/2037.html

JASPER COUNTY: The Foundation offers half-fee scholarships to camp. Call the office to apply.

4-H Mini-Camp for boys and girls ages 8-12 years.

Mini camp is July 1-3.

Are you new to 4-H Memorial Camp? Or, would you rather try a shorter version of our popular week long program? Get a taste of most everything offered at our regular week-long camp in a setting tailored for younger campers. 4-H Mini-Camp is open to all youth, but will focus on activities designed for kids 8-12 years of age. Swimming, boating, fishing, crafts, sports, games, songs, hikes, campfires, and lots more. Bring a friend and bunk together in a cool log cabin.

Mini Camp runs from July 1-3 and the cost is $120.00. Registration opens Feb. 1.