A Note from Dave

Greetings!

Happy New Year! The 4-H calendar is filling up fast. Read all about the trip and workshop opportunities listed throughout the newsletter. Also, please pay special attention to the DATES FOR the 2010 Will County 4-H Shows. There has been a big change in the show dates and projects exhibited.

I want to thank all of the 4-H leaders for ALL of the work they put into the 4-H program.

Have a great day!

Dave

New Schedule for 2010 Will County 4-H Project Shows

March 13 – Public Presentations – Will County Registration can be found at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/will/downloads/21056.pdf

April 24 – Spring Show (Animal Science, Animal Care, Interior Design, Intergenerational, Interior Design, Reading, Theatre Arts, Communications, Journalism, Visual Arts, Clothing and Textiles, Fashion Review, Consumer Education, Cake and Cookie Decorating, Photography, and Video) – Rules can be found at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/will/downloads/21090.pdf

June 26 – Horse Show – Rules can be found at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/will/downloads/21076.pdf

July 17 – Summer Show (Intercultural (club and individual), Leadership, Citizenship (club and individual), Child Development, Foods and Nutrition, Health, Aerospace, Computer Science, Electricity, Electronics, Geospatial, Robotics, Small Engines, Tractor, Woodworking, Natural Resources, Entomology, Forestry, Geology, Crops, Floriculture, Horticulture, Plant and Soil Science, Bicycle, and Welding) – Rules can be found at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/will/downloads/21091.pdf

July 17 –Dog Show - 6:00pm

Date still to be determined-Rabbit Show

August 25-29 - Livestock Show – Will County Fair at Peotone

Martin Luther King Holiday Extension Office Closed

Officer Training Scheduled for January 25, 2010

Officer Training

Come learn more about being a 4-H club officer at the officer training workshop being taught by Will County 4-H Federation on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Will County Extension Office.

Call the Extension Office at (815)727-9296 to make a reservation.

What Happens if Bad Weather Cancels a 4-H Activity?

In the case of bad weather on a scheduled 4-H activity or date, check the Will County Website at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/will

Will County 2010 4-H Calendar of Events

Livestock News

Steer Weigh-In

Steer weigh-in will be Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 7:00am-11:00am at the Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center. Call the Extension office at (815) 727-9296 to make a reservation.

2010 State Fair Livestock Ownership and Tattoo Dates

The 2010 Livestock Ownership and Tattoo Dates, as well as CHANGES for the 2010 Illinois State Fair Jr. Department Animal Shows are posted on our Will County Web Site. Here is the link: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/will/downloads/20872.pdf

Future Mandatory Meeting

Watch for more details, but there will be a mandatory meeting for all youth and parents wishing to sell animals in the 4-H Livestock Auction. The meetings will be in May.

Horticulture Judging Team....Are You Interested?

Do you have an interest in plants? Would you like to learn more about them? Are you thinking of a career in horticulture? Nancy Kuhajda, your Will County Master Gardener Coordinator and Program Coordinator is interested in finding out! She would like to know if there are 4-H'ers and leaders interested in forming a 4-H Horticulture Judging Team.

Did you know that several years ago, Illinois 4-H had a great 4-H Horticulture Juding Team? We would like to start that tradition up again! The National Junior Horticulture Association is a national program that helps young people develop skills in and obtain an understanding of horticulture. There are local, state and, for senior divisions, even a national competition. To learn more about what is involved, there is an awesome website that explains it all. Go to: http://www.njha.org/projects_hortid_general.html for more details. And call or email Nancy, if you are interested. (815-727-9296, Extension 225, e-mail: kuhajda@illinois.edu)

Northern Illinois Leadership Conference to be held March 13, 2010

Northern Illinois Leadership Conference

IL Jr Leadership Conference February 20 & 21 in Southern Illinois

Here's a weekend conference planned especially for Illinois Junior High 7th and 8th grade 4-H members! This event is full of fun, meeting new friends, workshops,fun, exploring and, did we mention, FUN?!?!?

This weekend to challenge junior high minds has been planned by young people not too much older than the delegates -- the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team. Exciting, hands-on workshops will be taught by YLT members, University of Illinois Extension staff, and others. Delegates will get to attend ALL six workshops offered, so they won't have to pick and choose among favor-ites! Here is a link to the brochure: http://my.extension.uiuc.edu/documents/8092311091109/JLC2010_brochure_final.pdf and here is a link to the online registration: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=3773

State Fair Day for Will County is Sunday, August 15, 2010

Will County 4-H exhibit day will be Sunday, August 15, 2010 for most 4-H projects. Geospatial, Electronics, and Welding projects will exhibit on Saturday, August 14, 2010. The Jr Department dorm will be open for livestock and junior show exhibitors and chaperones until Monday, August 16.

The Great Debate: Feb 12 & 13

The 4-H Great Debate is a conference for teens from across Illinois who converge in Springfield to debate bills and learn about the legislative process. The 4-H Great Debate is for all high school age youth who are interested in learning about how Illinois state government works.

During the two-day event, youth will:

• Learn about persuasive speaking

• Learn how to find information on the legislative process

• Develop an understanding of the legislative process

• Debate "mock" bills in the Illinois House of Representatives

• Meet people from other areas of the state

Besides all the work, participants will meet youth from across the state and enjoy games and music on Friday night.

This conference is open to high school age youth in Illinois. Lodging will be at Lake Springfield Christian Academy. Delegates will need to bring bedding, towels, and toiletries in addition to clothing.

Registration is now open! Download the registration packet by clicking here.

Get Ready for Summer! Camp Shaw Schedule Set

It's time to start thinking about summer camp again! In these tough economic times Camp Shaw is trying to do their part with a huge price rollback! We've tightened our belts and made some huge discounts available to those early birds who can't wait for camp to start! Youth Camp Fee: Can't Wait $200/ Early Bird $225/ Regular $250 and Extreme Camp Fee: Can't Wait $250/ Early Bird $275/ Regular $300. nall camp at 815-933-3011, check out the website at www.campshaw.org, or email director@campshaw.org.

YOUTH CAMP For youth ages 7-16

Session Dates: June 13 – 17 July 4 – 8 July 25 – 29

Five days/four nights of fun and adventure in the great outdoors! Over 140 activities from which to choose. Best of all, you'll enjoy these with lots of new friends. There's more to do than anyone can in five days, but you'll have fun trying. Check in Sunday 2-4PM and check out Thursday at 5PM.

Fee: Can't Wait $200/ Early Bird $225/ Regular $250

EXTREME CAMP For youth ages 7-16

Session Dates: June 20-26 June 27-July 3 July 11-17 July 18-24

SEVEN big days of Camp Shaw FUN! With extra days, you can do so many more activities and programs! Events not available at other sessions like movie night and story teller. Check in Sunday 2-4PM and check out Saturday 11AM.

Fee: Can't Wait $250/ Early Bird $275/ Regular $300

YOUTH CAMP OPTIONS For youth aged 12 or older by camp date

For Youth and Extreme Camp campers 12 years old by the time they attend camp, there are extra fee activities of ½ day Canoe Trip (must pass swim test) or 1 Hour Horseback Trail Ride. Spaces limited. Must sign up and pay with registration. Fee: $25 per Horseback Ride &/or $45 Canoe Trip

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING

CIT 1- For teens who have completed 9^th grade and up. Focus on leadership development and team building within the peer group. Also participate in youth camp programs. Same dates as Youth Camp.

Fee: Can't Wait $200/ Early Bird $225/ Regular $250

CIT 2 – For teens who have completed grades 10 – 12. Focus on skills necessary to be a camp counselor. Live in cabins with campers and assist counselors in cabin management. Same dates as Extreme Camp.

Fee: Can't Wait $250/ Early Bird $275/ Regular $300

FAMILY CAMP WEEKEND For families, friends, grandparents, reunions

Session Date: July 30 – Aug 1

Fun vacation weekend for the whole family! Enjoy quality time together in a natural setting. Activities in all program areas as well as evening programs and campfire. Each family group is assigned a cabin that accommodates up to 10 people. Invite others to fill your cabin and decrease your cost. Deposit of $75 holds your reservation. Pay balance at check in. Check in Friday 4-5 PM and check out Sunday 11AM.

Fee: $300 per cabin (Cabins hold up to 10 campers)

TO CONTACT CAMP

Call camp at 815-933-3011, check out the website at www.campshaw.org, or email director@campshaw.org.

DISCOUNTS

The Can't Wait Discount applies if your registration and fee are POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN APRIL 18^th

The Early Bird Discount applies if your registration and fee are POSTMARKED APRIL 19 to SEVEN DAYS BEFORE THE SESSION BEGINS.

The Sibling Discount applies after the first child is registered at full fee (less any early discounts, if applicable). Sibling discount on campers after the first for Youth Camp, CIT or Extreme Camp is $20.

Fundraiser for Camp Shaw Set for February 13, 2010

As many of you know 4H Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see is a not-for-profit children's recreational Camp located in Manteno that has served the northern Illinois region since the 1940's. Many people who camped here as children are now sending their children and grandchildren to enjoy the very same experiences all within a framework of safety and supervision.

As a 'not for profit' group we try to maintain low fees to allow children to take advantage of our programs. However, 63 years, along with changing needs and demands, have taken their toll on Camp Shaw. In order to enable the camp to provide our time-tested programs, as well as to provide expanded and new camping options, we need to repair, improve and modernize the camp.

To ensure that Camp Shaw is available for the next generation of campers, I'm asking you to support our "Have a heart, send a kid to camp!" fundraiser on February 13^th, 2010. It will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn located in Kankakee, IL and will offer a dinner, dance, and silent auction. Tickets purchased in advance are $75 per plate and are tax deductable. (Imagine that a tax deductable Valentine's Day date!)

We're also offering several options for businesses to help support Camp Shaw.

1) $600 - Business Table

a. Signage at table recognizing your business as an event sponsor

b. Community Banner recognizing your business as an event sponsor

c. Website acknowledgement at www.campshaw.org

d. ½ page ad in fundraiser program that night

e. Up to 8 place settings at your table

2) $250 - Full page ad in program

3) Donation of silent auction items

4) $75 - Individual ticket purchases

5) Donation of gift certificates

So come on out for a great dinner at the Hilton, bring your favorite date for dancing, and bid on some awesome items! With your support, children and families will have the opportunity to experience and to learn from the outdoors – and each other. For more information, contact, Tim Zydek, President Northern IL 4H Camp Association www.campshaw.org nica@campshaw.org 815.933.3011

2010 Citizenship Washington Focus

Just What is Citizenship Washington Focus?

Citizenship Washington Focus is a weeklong program that will provide you wtih many insights into the workings of our federal government. Through small group sessions at the National 4-H Center, you will learn about federal legislation, the political parties, the Bill of Rights, and how to make a positive impact in your community.

You'll have appointments to meet with some of our Illinois Congressmen and share information with them about 4-H

You will also have the opportunity to see a theater performance and tour various locations around Washington including: Arlington National Cemetery, FDR Memorial, Iwo Jima, Jefferson Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Mt. Vernon, Smithsonian, U.S. Capitol, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, and more!! It's a full week, but we know you'll treasure the experience forever.

Here is a link to the informational brochure:https://my-s.extension.uiuc.edu/documents/895091910091009/Brochure%202010.pdfhttps://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=3650

To register: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=3650

Speaking for Illinois 4-H

Help Your Local and State 4-H Program by Joining SFI4-H !

The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team has designed SFI4-H to train 4-H members in advanced public speaking skills and business etiquette to effectively promote the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. The ultimate goal is to offer a cadre of polished teen speakers across the state that are available to speak to civic groups, potential donors (county or state), and elected officials on the local, state, and federal level. Whether the topic be recruitment of potential 4-H volunteers, fund-raising, or budgets, we need 4-H members who are trained and qualified to share the 4-H vision and get the job done!

Current 4-H members ages 14-19 must have the approval of their local Extension office in order to participate in this program. Training will focus on increasing personal skills and presentation design and development. SFI4-H involves an initial one-day training and bi-annual teleconference follow-up training in order to continue on the SFI4-H roster.

Approved candidates must register on-line for training by Friday, February 26. Applications must be completed and forwarded to the State 4-H Office at that time. There is no cost for the training – only a commitment to work with your local Extension staff to set up presentations following the training. (Any adults attending training for youth support will be asked to cover the cost of lunch.)

SFI4-H SPRING TRAINING

SATURDAY, MARCH 6

9:30 A.M. Registration; 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Training

Livingston Co. Extension Office

1412 S. Locust, Pontiac, IL

To register: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=4009

Legislative Connection

Save the date of Tuesday, March 9, 2010 to go to Springfield and talk to legislators about the 4-H program. Details of who will be invited and details for the day are not available. We will get information out to you as soon as it is given to us.

Interested in Hosting a Youth from Japan?

LABO News

Interested in hosting a youth from Japan. Contact Jay and Vivian Mather at vivmth@aol.com for more information.