Authors

Cathy Blunier
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

Blog Archives

McLean County 4-H News

New information about 4-H events!

December 16, 2011

4-H Family Update - December 16, 2011

Happy Holidays to you and yours!!

I (Theresa) will be on maternity leave starting December 16-early March. In the interim please contact Kathy Weinzierl kweinzie@illinois.edu regarding any questions you may have about 4-H!

We are sad to share the news that Sandy McGhee will be retiring at the end of the month. Sandy has had a long career with Extension! Well wishes may be sent to smcghee@illinois.edu. If you have questions regarding programs that Sandy has coordinated, please contact Cathy Blunier, Youth Development Educator serving our tri-county unit at cblunier@illinois.edu.

Office Closure for Holidays

The McLean Extension Office will be closed from 5 pm on December 23 – 8 am on January 3.

These email updates will now come to you every 2 weeks. You can always get these updates on the web at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/eb148/

New! 4-H Program Fee/Club Challenge Update

There is a statewide $20 Program Fee assessed for each 4-Her and Cloverbud. In McLean County, the McLean County Extension Foundation offers support to cover $10 of that fee. 4-H members are responsible for the remaining $10. Many of our clubs work together by doing fundraisers to collect these funds. Check with your club leader to see how your club will be handling the Program Fee.In June, 4-H clubs will be assessed fees for the number of club members they have for the year. Funds raised through the program fee pay for things like project manuals, accident insurance, training for leaders, and state and regional programs and initiatives. If you have more questions about the fee please contact Cathy Blunier at cblunier@illinois.edu.

New! 4-H Learn & Fun Day Registration Open!

Sign your 4-Her and Cloverbuds up for 4-H Learn & Fun Day on January 28^th at Heartland Community College. We are excited to offer over 45 workshops for 4-Hers to explore! Registration is $10 for all participants and adult lunches are $5.

Volunteer opportunities exist! We are specifically looking for youth and adults to assist with Science Excited activities during the lunch period. ½ of participants will conduct short science experiments while the other ½ eat lunch and then they will switch. A great TEEN leadership opportunity for 4-Hers who aren't already presenting workshops! YouTube video training will be provided.

https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6198

New! Chicken Exhibitor Update

The McLean County 4-H Show Committee has approved that the young birds (such as pullets, and cockerels) may be hatched on December 1, 2011 or after. This also pertains to the waterfowl and miscellaneous poultry classes as well. This does not mean that birds have to be hatched in December, it is just an option. All exhibitors need to be aware of the maturity time of their specific breeds. Some birds take longer mature, so this will help those breeds. Other breeds will go through a molt near 1 year of age. This is something to consider when hatching birds for next year's show. Also, this rule change will only be for the McLean County Fair. Other shows may require the birds to be hatched during that year, so please read all of your rules for other shows, and do not expect them to be the same as McLean County's fair. Please contact the Extension Office if you have questions at 309-663-8306.

December Extension Newsletter Online

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/41021.pdf

Support Queen Lindsay – Recycle Electronics – Collection ends at the end of next week!!

Gold Star Clovers 4-H club is conducting a recycling fundraiser. There's nothing to buy. We are simply asking you to protect the environment by donating your used consumer electronics. Your used item(s) may be tax deductible and will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations. 100% of the proceeds will help fund McLean County Fair Queen Lindsay Brightwell's participation in the state pageant in January.

We are currently collecting the following items:

Cell Phones, Laptop Computers, Inkjet Cartridges, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, Digital Video Cameras, Handheld Game Systems, Radar Detectors , Electronic Book Readers, GPS Devices

Please drop off any items you would like to recycle to: U of I Extension office at 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington.

The collection has been extended through the end of December. We greatly appreciate your support!

For flier & tax information click here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40657.pdf

Illinois 4-H LCP Award

Open to 4-H members 17 and above by December 1. Applications must be submitted to the McLean Extension office by January 3 so that it can be at the State 4-H Office by January 4, 2012. Each county may submit two applications to the state level. The two-tier awards program includes plaques for the top ten scoring members and invitations to the 3-day intense Premier 20 Youth Leadership Conference in April. Application: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/launcher.cfm?ID=36326

New! Speaking for Illinois 4-H (S4IL4-H)

Interested in giving back to the Illinois 4-H program? Do you have members who want to share their experiences and benefits of 4-H with county board members and state legislators? We are seeking older 4-H members age 14-19 to SPEAK OUT for the 4-H program. Speaking for Illinois 4-H (SFI4-H) is an opportunity for advance training in public presentations, with focus on volunteer recruitment; speaking to civic groups; soliciting donations from local groups, businesses, or individuals; and getting the word out about 4-H to elected officials on the local, state, and federal level. We are currently looking to schedule two dates for the first half of 2012 – one in southwestern Illinois (early 2012) and one in the northeastern part of the state (April/May). Please check for dates and registration information to be posted soon http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sfi4h.cfm. The registration fee for training is $10 and includes lunch. Encourage your older 4-H members to join us!

McLean County 4-H Steer Weigh, February 4, 10 am

The date for steer weigh in has been set for February 4, at 10 am at Reel's Livestock Center in Goodfield.

McLean County 4-H Volunteer Orientation & Screening, 2/20/11

This 4-H Volunteer Orientation and Screening program registration is for parents, leaders, fair superintendents, 4-H leaders - any and all 4-H volunteers. Date: Monday, February 20, 2012 Time: 6:30-8:30 pm Location: Extension Office - 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington, Il

Why should a volunteer attend?

To explore the many varied opportunities available to 4-H Youth through county and state 4-H programs
To learn of how to lend your essential and invaluable support
To meet with other new volunteers who are willing to lend their time and effort to one of the largest youth development programs in McLean County
To secure and submit the required paperwork for volunteer screening

The U of I Extension State 4-H Office requires youth to be with screened volunteers at ALL times at 4-H events. Please help us ensure that all 4-H youth in McLean County are with caring adults who are concerned about their safety, and have been screened. The screening process involves a CANTS check (child abuse and neglect), a criminal background check, and personal references; the screening process is effective for five years (at the end of which the volunteer is assisted in submitting another set of papers for another five years).

2012 Jr. Leadership Conference

The 2012 Jr. Leadership Conference registration is up and running. The State 4-H Youth Leadership Team has a great program planned for 7th and 8th graders! Find the Clue to the Leader in U is the theme. Participants will search for the aspects of becoming a great teen leader, explore skills in forensic and food sciences, and find the actor in themselves. JLC is scheduled for February 25-26 at the Holiday Inn in Urbana. And they can bring a non-4-H friend along if they wish (in an effort to recruit them as members, of course)! Delegates will come away with new skills that they can use immediately in their 4-H projects and your club programming. Mixers, team-building, and just plain fun is being built in so they can meet new friends from across the state. Registration deadline is January 30, 2012. Promotional information, scholarship application, and registration info can be found on the Illinois 4-H website http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/juniorleadership.cfm. Payment and final paperwork must be postmarked by February 1. Cost of the weekend is $125 – that includes hotel, 3 meals, insurance, and all programming. A limited number of 4-H scholarships are available for 1st time 4-H attendees.

University of Illinois Extension 4-H Key Award

This state recognition is for older 4-H members and rewards those who exhibit outstanding 4-H leadership, community service, and service as a mentor. A member may receive this recognition once during their 4-H career.

Applicants must be 4-H members, 16 to 18 years of age by September 1 of the 4-H year in which they are applying. (Members must be 16-18 years of age by the previous September 1). Each Extension unit may submit a maximum of three applications for award consideration each year. A maximum of 30 4-H members will receive the Illinois 4-H Key Award annually. Awards are presented at the Illini Summer Academies in June. The McLean County deadline for this application is February 15 – not March 1!!! Application: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/launcher.cfm?ID=18255

Speaking Out for Illinois 4-H!!

Interested in giving back to the Illinois 4-H program? Do you have members who want to share their experiences and benefits of 4-H with county board members and state legislators? We are seeking older 4-H members age 14-19 to SPEAK OUT for the 4-H program. Speaking for Illinois 4-H (SFI4-H) is an opportunity for advance training in public presentations, with focus on volunteer recruitment; speaking to civic groups; soliciting donations from local groups, businesses, or individuals; and getting the word out about 4-H to elected officials on the local, state, and federal level. We are currently looking to schedule two dates for the first half of 2012 – one in southwestern Illinois (early 2012) and one in the northeastern part of the state (April/May). Please check for dates and registration information to be posted soon http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sfi4h.cfm. The

registration fee for training is $10 and includes lunch. Encourage your older 4-H members to join us!

2012 "Women Changing the Face of Agriculture" career fair event, sponsored by the Illinois Agri-Women!

The career fair is open to high school and college age female students with an interest in a career in Agriculture, as well as their teachers, school counselors, or group leaders/advisors. The event will be held March 9th, 2012, at the Hilton Garden-Inn Conference Center in Champaign, IL. We expect around 400 attendees, and over 100 female representatives from numerous agricultural-related businesses and groups to share information, network, and interact with students. Several community colleges and universities will also have representation at the event.

For more information and to register, please see our website at www.womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com

The Great American NO BULL Challenge

The Great American NO BULL Challenge is the first campaign to empower teens to take a stand against cyberbullying. Paige Logan, an Effingham County 4-H member is one of the National Campaign spokespeople. Paige credits the leadership skills she gained in 4-H with helping her deal with her own encounter with cyberbullying. Other Illinois 4-H teens can join this effort as they combine creativity with their technology skills to create a 3-5 minute video that lends their voice to ending cyberbullying! For more information, go to www.nobullchallenge.org for directions on how to get involved. Video's can be uploaded from January 15 – March 15, 2012. The public will have the opportunity to view and vote on the video that conveys the message best. Check out the website for contest rules, tips on making a video, and other ways to get involved in the Great American NO BULL Challenge. National 4-H is one of the official partners of the Great American NO BULL Challenge.

4-H Find Out Party/New Member Meeting, March 31, 10-11:30 am

Attention new 4-H families! We are excited about your first year in the McLean County 4-H Program.

Learn more about the 4-H program on March 31 from 10-11:30 am at the at the Extension Office, 402 N Hershey Rd. Bloomington. The program provide information to parents and youth regarding the 4-H project opportunities, the upcoming 4-H show/fair and what it takes to have a great 4-H experience! 4-Hers will complete several activities and learn more about 4-H! Register online so that enough volunteers and materials will be available:

https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6131

Dog Obedience/Agility Dates Set for 2012

Dog Check-In & Papers– April 2, 6-7 pm

Location: Interstate Center
Exact training times for beginner/advanced/agility: To Be Determined
Training Dates: 4/9, 4/16,4/23,4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18
Fee: $10 for 12 week class session
Must bring: Copy of current rabies vaccination for 4-H staff to keep.
Instructors: McLean County Fair Dog Superintendents

4th Annual State 4-H Robotics Competition

Please remind 4-H members interested in robotics that the 4th Annual State 4-H Robotics Competition that will be held April 21, 2012 at the University of Illinois campus in Champaign-Urbana. Free to all 4-H members, ages 9-14 for teams of at least three members. Details on the 2012 robotics team challenge will be released Feb. 1, 2012. Scholarships for winning teams! For information on last year's event, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/4hroboticschallenge.cfm.

FYI – McLean County has 4 robotics kits that may be available for check-out by teams that sign up through the office. If you have a team and will need a kit to borrow please check with Kathy Weinzierl kweinzie@illinois.edu for more information.

New! Illinois 4-H Legacy of Leadership Scholarship

The Illinois 4-H Legacy of Leadership Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, offers six, $1,000 scholarships each year. Currently enrolled 4-H members who are seniors in high school or already college age may apply. Five years of 4-H members are required. Applications are due March 1.

Illinois 4-H Legacy of Leadership Scholarship Application (Revised 11/2011)

New! Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship

The Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, offers $1,000 scholarships. Currently enrolled 4-H members who are seniors in high school or already college age may apply. Three years of 4-H enrollment in 4-H livestock projects and focus on an agricultural degree and career are required. Applications are due postmarked by March 1 of the year applying.

Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship Application (Revised 11/2011)

New! 2012 4-H Day with the Cardinals – Save the date!!!

After negotiations with the St. Louis Cardinals Organization a date has been set for Saturday, May 12th, with a 6:15 p.m. start time for the game. The World Series Champion Cardinals are facing the Braves that evening, and with a 6:15 start time, 4-H families should plan to arrive at Busch Stadium by 4:00-4:45 p.m. for the pre-game celebration! This is Mother's Day weekend. 4-H families planning to attend the 4-H promotional event should make hotel reservations immediately and plan a special weekend outing with Mom in St. Louis, MO! As a special note, 2012 is to be the 11th year for the annual 4-H event, and thanks to your help in spreading the word, 24,103 people have attended the event since the 4-H Centennial in 2002. That's an average of 2,410 annual attendees, and Illinois has had 12,385 participating baseball 4-H enthusiasts! The event has raised $45,750 through its $1 raffle program over the years! Let's work together to keep the party going in 2012!

Horse Clinics Dates Set for 2012

Save the date for 4-H Horse Clinics - June 7,14,21,28 and July 12 and 19 all Thursdays 5-9pm. More details to come later in the spring.

New! Quality Assurance & Ethics Certification

This program is no longer mandatory for State Fair exhibition. However, the website should be available February 1, 2012. All State Fair beef, sheep, swine, horse, dairy, meat goat and poultry exhibitors are encouraged but not required to complete QA&E Certification via this site.

New! Livestock Ownership Dates for Illinois State Fair

Livestock ownership dates for the Illinois State fair will be mailed to all past and current 4-H members enrolled in livestock projects in January/February. The information will also include McLean County exhibition ownership dates and deadlines. Please watch for this mailing.

Illinois 4-H License Plates

The Illinois 4-H Foundation working with the Illinois Secretary of State's Office had legislation signed to create a new Illinois 4-H License Plate. Now they must secure 1,500 commitments before production can begin. Help the Illinois 4-H Foundation secure commitments by filling out the Specialty License Plate Registration form found at www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu or from your local Extension office. Include a check for $25.00 made out to the Secretary of State. This is non-refundable and will go to the Illinois 4-H Program. Once 1,500 commitments have been made, production will begin. More information is available through your local Extension office.

Learn more about 4-H Shooting Sports

Meredith Martin, an eight-year 4-H member and a participant of 4-H Shooting Sports, is looking for ways to promote 4-H Shooting Sports in McLean county. She would like to visit your club meeting and give a 10 minute presentation about Shooting Sports and how to get involved. She will be contacting club leaders throughout the year to see if they are interested; but if you know you want her to come speak to your club, you can contact her at fnl85@Juno.com.

2nd Annual Illinois 4-H State Fair Online

It's not too early to remind members about the additional state judging opportunity that is made available through the 2nd Annual Illinois 4-H State Fair Online event. Members in all project areas are invited to make a video or map to share with a larger public to teach something they've learned in their 4-H project area. Entries are submitted online during the summer. Details on last year's event and entry examples can be viewed at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/4hstatefaironline/

New! Summer 2012 International Exchange Programs

While the State 4-H Office is no longer coordinating international 4-H youth exchanges, we still offer inbound and outbound opportunities through the States 4-H Exchange consortium (states4Hexchange.org).

So if you have 4-H'ers who may be interested in spending part of the summer in Japan, Australia or Norway, please point them to the information at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/international.cfm That's where they'll find application forms and the 2012 brochure with further details about the available programs.

4-H House Cooperative Sorority

Are you a female member of 4-H, interested in attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign next year? If so, 4-H House Cooperative Sorority could be the perfect home-away-from-home for you while attending college! 4-H House provides an economical, fun, relaxed living environment with other girls who, like you, have been active in 4-H related activities. If 4-H House sounds like it would be a great fit for you, do not hesitate to contact our Interviewing Chair, Hannah Henkel, at (217)344-4784 or by email at henkel1@illinois.edu. Also, check us out at www.4hhouse.com! We look forward to hearing from you!

Community Service Showcase

Help a Teacher & Practice your Sewing

Did you know that teachers have wish lists? There are many classroom items that are not brought by the students or provided through the district. http://www.teacherwishlist.com/ is a website that displays the lists for teachers in your area based on district or zip code. One such teacher who uses the site is Mrs. Estabrook an Art Teacher from Stevenson Elementary in Bloomington. She has an extensive list, but one thing that 4-Hers could really help her get are Art Smocks. Here is the pattern that is suggested: http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m3253-products-6966.php?page_id=908 The size should be Medium or Large so that it can be worn by 5^th graders as well as younger students. The simple pattern is a GREAT way for new or beginning sewing project members to practice making a pattern AND it's also a great Community Service activity for your club or family to partake in! If you like to sew, I encourage all of our 4-H sewing members to make an art smock and you can take get it to Mrs. Estabrook at Stevenson. Or, even better, ask your local teacher if they have a wish list and share this website and then help them get their wishes fulfilled!!

Club Tour Ideas

Breezy Bluff Riding Academy

We can show you several different types of riding, and breeds of horses, ponies, mule and donkey from their lesson barn. We can explain the reasons tack is designed as it is and offer you a picnic table for your refreshments. Club tour must be arranged in advance. Free tours (if riding is also added there would be a charge). For more information on the farm go to the website www.BreezyBluffRidingAcademy.com or email BettyB@Breezybluffridingacademy.com

Important! Enrollment Reminders

Please keep in mind that the 4-H Member/Leader Enrollment Form (aka WHITE SHEET) must be signed by the 4-Her, Parent and 4-H Leader. Also we MUST have a Project Enrollment Form (aka GREEN SHEET) turned in with the 4-H Member/Leader Enrollment Form for a 4-Her to be re-enrolled in the program. Remember, 4-Hers can add/drop projects ANYTIME between now and May 1. After May 1 they can no longer add projects for fair exhibition.

Here are links to the forms online:

White Sheet: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40629.pdf

Green Sheet: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40628.pdf

Save the dates:

January 28 – 4-H Learn & Fun Day @ HCC
February 18 – SIT – Students Involved in Technology Conference @ HCC
March 3 – 4-H Technology Academy @ HCC
March 26 – Oh, the Places You'll Go...in 4-H! 1^st Stop (Project Records) – Location change to the Extension Office.
April 26 – Oh, the Places You'll Go...in 4-H! 2^nd Stop (County/State Records) – Location change to the Extension Office.
New! May 12 – 4-H Day with the Cardinals
June 10-14 – McLean County Week @ 4-H Memorial Camp
August 1-5 – McLean County Fair & 4-H Show

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December 2, 2011

4-H Family Email - December 2, 2011

These email updates will now come to you every 2 weeks. The sender will change. Same message though! You can always get these updates on the web at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/eb148/

4-H Learn & Fun Day Update

Watch for 4-H Learn & Fun Day, SIT Conference (Students Involved with Technology) and 4-H Technology Academy information coming in early December! 4-H Learn & Fun Day registration deadline is January 11, 2012.

Attn: Aerospace 4-Hers! Top Gun Days Book Signing, Saturday - December 3, Prairie Aviation Museum

Join real-life TOPGUN Instructor Dave "BIO" Baranek as he flies F-14 Tomcats and helps Tom Cruise make the Blockbuster Movie TOP GUN!!! Topgun Days not only explains what it's like to be a Naval Flight Officer in the mighty Tomcat, it also offers the behind-the-scenes story of one of America's favorite movies. Strap yourself into a Navy fighter jet and feel the rush caused by roaring afterburners, supersonic shockwaves, and more.

Please plan to visit the museum on Saturday, December 3, for a unique opportunity to listen to and visit with Dave. Dave's book will make a great birthday or Christmas gift for your aviator and a collector's item because of your special dedication written and signed by Dave.

10:00 am - 10:30 am Talk and Q&A session
10:30 am - 12:00 pm Book signing
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Talk and Q&A session
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Book signing

Click here for flier and order form: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40947.pdf

New! 4-H Shooting Sports – Level 2 Air Rifle Workshop, December 10 at 11 am

All 4-Hers currently enrolled in shooting sports – air rifle and have completed the level 1 training are invited to participate in a level 2 training that will be held on December 10 at 11 am at the Interstate Center. The location is in the north part of the West Expo Building (where 4-H exhibits are). Registration must be completed online and there will be a $2 charge for materials. Limit of 10 participants. Register online today: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6184

Illinois 4-H Favorite Recipes though the Years

Before we know it, the holidays will be upon us! The holidays are a great time to bring food and family together, why not let 4-H inspire some of the tasty dishes? Consider purchasing a copy of Favorite Recipes of Illinois 4-H Through the Years for a friend or family member. With your purchase of the cookbook, you are supporting the 4-H Foods project area and volunteer training. Quantities are running out,so act fast! If you are interested in purchasing a cookbook, click here.

December Extension Newsletter Online

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/41021.pdf

Support Queen Lindsay – Recycle Electronics – Collection extended!!

We are currently collecting the following items:

Cell Phones, Laptop Computers, Inkjet Cartridges, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, Digital Video Cameras, Handheld Game Systems, Radar Detectors , Electronic Book Readers, GPS Devices

Please drop off any items you would like to recycle to: U of I Extension office at 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington.

The collection has been extended through the end of December. We greatly appreciate your support!

For flier & tax information click here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40657.pdf

Citizenship Washington Focus, July 7-14, 2012

Citizenship Washington Focus is a weeklong program that will provide you with many insights into the workings of our federal government. Through small group sessions at the National 4-H Center you'll 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 and University of Illinois Extension. Youth must be 14-18 years old. Minimum cost is $1120 per person. Brochure with more information: http://tiny.cc/uiepw Register online by December 15. Registration: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=5996

Illinois 4-H LCP Award

Open to 4-H members 17 and above by December 1. Applications must be submitted to the McLean Extension office by January 2 so that it can be at the State 4-H Office by January 4, 2012. Each county may submit two applications to the state level. The two-tier awards program includes plaques for the top ten scoring members and invitations to the 3-day intense Premier 20 Youth Leadership Conference in April. Application: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/launcher.cfm?ID=36326

4-H Volunteer Training Topics Offered Via Toll-Free Teleconference System in January – March

Illinois 4-H is offering six different volunteer training sessions via the Extension toll-free teleconferencing system. All 4-H volunteers are welcome to register and attend. Join with other volunteers from across the state for an evening of learning, idea sharing, and fun!

Positive Youth Development/BIGM – January 24

Communications within a 4-H Club – February 2

Behavior Management – February 8

Risk Management – February 13

Parental Involvement – February 28

Community Service – March 6

Sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will last one hour. Participants may listen toll-free from their own home phones. Registration information will be available from your local Extension office in early December. Print materials for the sessions will be mailed directly to volunteers once they have registered for a specific topic and date. There is no fee to register. Please contact Sheri Seibold at sseibold@illinois.edu or 217-333-0910 if you have additional questions. In addition, there are four online volunteer training courses that are available for

4-H leaders which can be accessed 24/7 on their own computer. These include Volunteer Orientation, Parliamentary Procedure, Program Planning, Public Presentations, and Working with Committees.

McLean County 4-H Steer Weigh, February 4, 10 am

The date for steer weigh in has been set for February 4, at 10 am at Reel's Livestock Center in Goodfield.

McLean County 4-H Volunteer Orientation & Screening, 2/20/11

Why should a volunteer attend?

To explore the many varied opportunities available to 4-H Youth through county and state 4-H programs
To learn of how to lend your essential and invaluable support
To meet with other new volunteers who are willing to lend their time and effort to one of the largest youth development programs in McLean County
To secure and submit the required paperwork for volunteer screening

Registration OPEN for 2012 Jr. Leadership Conference!

sciences, and find the actor in themselves. JLC is scheduled for February 25-26 at the Holiday Inn in Urbana. And they can bring a non-4-H friend along if they wish (in an effort to recruit them as members, of course)! Delegates will come away with new skills that they can use immediately in their 4-H projects and your club programming. Mixers, team-building, and just plain fun is being built in so they can meet new friends from across the state.

Registration deadline is January 30, 2012. Promotional information, scholarship application, and registration info can be found on the Illinois 4-H website http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/juniorleadership.cfm. Payment and final paperwork must be postmarked by February 1. Cost of the weekend is $125 – that includes hotel, 3 meals, insurance, and all programming. A limited number of 4-H scholarships are available for 1st time 4-H attendees.

University of Illinois Extension 4-H Key Award

Speaking Out for Illinois 4-H!!

Interested in giving back to the Illinois 4-H program? Do you have members who want to share their experiences and benefits of 4-H with county board members and state legislators? We are seeking older 4-H members age 14-19 to SPEAK OUT for the 4-H program. Speaking for Illinois 4-H (SFI4-H) is an opportunity for advance training in public presentations, with focus on volunteer recruitment; speaking to civic groups; soliciting donations from local groups, businesses, or individuals; and getting the word out about 4-H to elected officials on the local, state, and federal level. We are currently looking to schedule two dates for the first half of 2012 – one in southwestern Illinois (early 2012) and one in the northeastern part of the state (April/May). Please check for dates and registration information to be posted soon http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sfi4h.cfm. The

registration fee for training is $10 and includes lunch. Encourage your older 4-H members to join us!

2012 "Women Changing the Face of Agriculture" career fair event, sponsored by the Illinois Agri-Women!

For more information and to register, please see our website at www.womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com

The Great American NO BULL Challenge

4-H Find Out Party/New Member Meeting, March 31, 10-11:30 am

Attention new 4-H families! We are excited about your first year in the McLean County 4-H Program.

https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6131

Dog Obedience/Agility Dates Set for 2012

Dog Check-In & Papers– April 2, 6-7 pm

Location: Interstate Center
Exact training times for beginner/advanced/agility: To Be Determined
Training Dates: 4/9, 4/16,4/23,4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18
Fee: $10 for 12 week class session
Must bring: Copy of current rabies vaccination for 4-H staff to keep.
Instructors: McLean County Fair Dog Superintendents

4th Annual State 4-H Robotics Competition

FYI – McLean County has 4 robotics kits that will be available for check-out by teams that sign up through the office. If you have a team and will need a kit to borrow please check with Kathy Weinzierl kweinzie@illinois.edu for more information.

Horse Clinics Dates Set for 2012

Save the date for 4-H Horse Clinics - June 7,14,21,28 and July 12 and 19 all Thursdays 5-9pm. More details to come later in the spring.

Illinois 4-H License Plates

Learn more about 4-H Shooting Sports

2nd Annual Illinois 4-H State Fair Online

New! 4-H House Cooperative Sorority

Community Service Showcase

Help a Teacher & Practice your Sewing

Club Tour Ideas

Breezy Bluff Riding Academy

Important! Enrollment Reminders

Here are links to the forms online:

White Sheet: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40629.pdf

Green Sheet: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40628.pdf

Volunteer Training

This 4-H new volunteer course provides 4-H leaders with basic information about committees, advantages to utilizing committees within the 4-H club, types of committees, how to select and orient committees, committee reporting procedures and club action steps.Finally the course shares two videos that highlight examples of standing and special committees used by clubs. Ten tools to assist clubs in the effective use of committees are included in the related resources section of the course and on the Illinois 4-H web page. These can be downloaded and distributed by leaders. http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hc/

Save the dates:

January 28 – 4-H Learn & Fun Day @ HCC
February 18 – SIT – Students Involved in Technology Conference @ HCC
March 3 – 4-H Technology Academy @ HCC
New! March 26 – Oh, the Places You'll Go...in 4-H! 1^st Stop (Project Records) – Location change to the Extension Office.
New! April 26 – Oh, the Places You'll Go...in 4-H! 2^nd Stop (County/State Records) – Location change to the Extension Office.
June 10-14 – McLean County Week @ 4-H Memorial Camp
August 1-5 – McLean County Fair & 4-H Show

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4-H Family Update - December 16, 2011

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