Happy Friday 4-H Families!

New! Register for Technology Academy by February 17
All 4-H families should have received a mailing containing the workshop descriptions and registration form for 4-H Technology Academy which will be held Saturday, March 3 at Heartland Community College. Workshops fill up on a first-come, first-served basis so please register using the online registration if possible. Sending your form in the mail will delay your registration and you may not get into the workshop you wanted. To register online go to https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6442 At the top of that page, you can click on "class descriptions" to see a listing of all the class descriptions.

We are also looking for helping hands on that day. If you would like to volunteer, please register online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6443

New! Register for Level 2 Air Rifle Workshop – February 24
4-H members must attend Level 1 before they can attend Level 2. 4-H members typically attend Level 1 just once, but they are always welcome to attend a second time if they feel that would be helpful. 4-H members are encouraged to attend Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshops) as often as possible to improve their skills. Level 3 will be offered later in the year. Register for the February 24 workshop at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6450

Air Rifle workshops will be offered on the following dates:
February 24 - Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshop) at 7:00 pm
March 9 - Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshop) at 7:00 pm
May 5 - Introduction to Air Rifle (Level 1 workshop) at 9:00 am, Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshop) at 11:00 am
June 2 - Introduction to Air Rifle (Level 1 workshop) at 9:00 am, Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshop) at 11:00 am
July 7 - Introduction to Air Rifle (Level 1 workshop) at 9:00 am, Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshop) at 11:00 am
September 1 - Introduction to Air Rifle (Level 1 workshop) at 9:00 am, Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshop) at 11:00 am
October 6 - Introduction to Air Rifle (Level 1 workshop) at 9:00 am, Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshop) at 11:00 am
November 3 - Introduction to Air Rifle (Level 1 workshop) at 9:00 am, Beginner Air Rifle (Level 2 workshop) at 11:00 am

New! Exhibit Opportunities for Shooting Sports
4-H Shooting Sports is a GROUP project, and therefore, members enrolled in one of the Shooting Sports projects (Archery, Air Rifle, Shotgun) must participate in at least one county workshop in order to exhibit at the fair. There are no project manuals for Shooting Sports. Members gain knowledge and skills by participating in the workshops conducted by certified instructors. Exhibit opportunities being planned include Rifle Exhibit (poster), Shotgun Exhibit (poster), Archery Exhibit (poster), Rifle Match, Shotgun Match, and Archery Match. The Rifle, Shotgun and Archery Matches will be held prior to the Fair and exhibitors will be awarded placings based on performance. For the discipline they are enrolled in, exhibitors will be able to choose to enter in either the Exhibit or Match, or may choose to enter in both classes. BE SURE TO INCLUDE SHOOTING SPORTS ON YOUR 4-H ENROLLMENT FORM DUE MAY 1.

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.

New! Community Improvement Grants Available to 4-H Clubs
1^st Farm Credit Services is offering a total of 20 $250 grants to 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters in their service territory for projects that improve our communities. This grant it is to be used for Community Improvement Projects, which should bring a positive change and impact on the local community, involve youth development and education and better the places we live. Each club and chapter should explore their community's needs, and then find a way to help fulfill the need or improve upon the community. The service projects can range in scope from service projects, building improvements, service to others or other projects. If possible, involve other community organizations or members in your project. Applications are due by March 1, and awards will be announced and awarded in April. For more information and an application, go to https://www.1stfarmcredit.com/AboutUs/Pages/Community-Improvement-Grants.aspx

New! 2012 State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl – March 3
The State 4-H Dairy Quiz bowl contest will be held on Saturday, March 3 at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, Bloomington. The 4-H contest will be held in conjunction with the IL Jr. Holstein Association "Spring Thing" workshop. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the dairy bowl contest will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the test. All 4-H members interested in participating are invited to attend. Members do not need to be a dairy project member to be eligible. Teams will be made-up of 4 individuals per team and can be from one unit or will be assigned a team at the contest.

Contest registration deadline is February 15. For further information or questions contact Dave Fischer, retired Extension Educator via e-mail dfischer@illinois.edu or call 618-224-7951.

New! Fish Camp - May 12-13
Fishing at its best. This fun filled weekend event, for adults and children, is packed with fishing action and instructional workshops for the beginning or intermediate fishing enthusiast. Learn to catch fish in the camp's 16-acre fishing paradise. Campers will be given lessons on fishing tips, bait, knots, gear, boating, fish behavior, fisheries management, and caring for your catch. The cost is $49 per person. Pre-registration and payment is required and camp does fill up fast! To register, contact 4-H Memorial Camp at 217-762-2741 or send an email to Curt Sinclair at sinclair@illinois.edu.

New! 4-H Memorial Camp
June 10-14 will be McLean County's week at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. Registration forms are available at the Extension Office and online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/mclean4h/2120.html McLean County is allocated 80 registrations on a first come, first serve basis. If you are unable to attend during McLean County's week, you may register for another week by calling the camp office at 217-762-2741.

The full fee for 4-H Summer Camp for 2012 will be $175/camper. However, the fee for current year 4-Her's that register through their local Extension Office for their designated week will be discounted to $160/camper. 4-Her's that choose to attend camp outside their scheduled week (those that register directly with the 4-H Camp office) will be charged the full fee of $175. Any non-4-Her's that register either through the local Extension Office or register directly with the 4-H Camp office will be charged the full fee of $175. Fifteen dollar sibling discounts will again be continued for 2012.

New! The 4-H Great Debate
The 4-H Great Debate is a two-day conference held in Springfield, IL in the chambers of the Illinois House of Representatives. Teens sign up for a mock bill and research that bill prior to the conference. Once at the conference each participant works in a group to make final preparations for the debate of their bill and may also run for the office of Speaker of the House or Clerk of the House. Participants learn about the legislative process and how Illinois government works while debating in the House Chambers. During this mock legislative session teens will most likely sit in the seat of their own IL Representative, use his/her microphone and voting buttons and see themselves on the large video screen. Participants also meet and get to know youth from across the state through the games and music the evening before the debates.

The Great Debate is will be held March 23-24 and is open to high school 4-H members. To register, go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/greatdebate.cfm Registration deadline is March 1, but may fill up before then!

New! 3^rd Annual Horse Tack Auction planned for March 24
Let us help you get ready for the 2012 Show & Riding Season at the 4-H Horse Tack Auction on Saturday, March 24 at the McLean County Fairgrounds/Interstate Center. Doors Open at 9:00 a.m. Auction Begins at 10:00 a.m.

Donated and consigned items including tack and baked goods will also be auctioned off from area businesses and local supporters. Lunch will be available on the grounds. All Proceeds go to the McLean County 4-H Horse Program!

For more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/mclean4h/2116.html

New! 4-H Night with the Normal CornBelters
Mark Friday, June 15 on your calendar for 4-H Night with the CornBelters. Download a ticket order form at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/41837.pdf

NEW! GREEN Bloodlines in Your Family?
The Illinois 4-H Foundation welcomes nominations for the 2012 4-H Family Spirit Award which will be presented at the 4-H Family Picnic at the Illinois State Fair on August 11.

The Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award recognizes a family with at least three generations and at least 15 different family members (including in-laws) that have either been 4-H members, leaders, or volunteers with at least 100 cumulative years of 4-H membership or volunteerism represented within the family. Selection is based on the total number of family members with 4-H connections, the total number of years of 4-H involvement, the diversity of experiences and recognitions earned by the 4-H members, and the collective impact that family members have made as advocates of their county and state 4-H programs. On-line applications are available at: http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/awards/illinois_4h_family_spirit_award Nominations are due by May 1.

4-H Skating Party – March 10
All 4-H members from Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties are invited to the 4-H Skate and Glow Party on Saturday, March 10^th from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Skate-N-Place,1704 Morris Avenue,Bloomington. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $1. Bring a Glow Stick and come joins us for a fun and safe evening of skating.The University of Illinois Extension Office has reserved the entire facility JUST for Livingston, McLean, and Woodford County 4-H Members, Cloverbuds, Alumni and parents to skate.Each 4-H member may bring one non-4-H friend. Wear a 4-H shirt or your 4-H club shirt.

Money Week Writing Contest
Do you like to talk and write about money? Well, then we have a contest for you! The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and its partner organizations present the Money Smart Kid Essay Contest. Students in grades 6-8 are invited to answer the Money Smart Question with an essay of 500 words or less. Five finalists will be selected to attend the Money Smart Kick-Off Event in April, and one student will be named this year's Money Smart Kid. The winner will be a $2,000 scholarship sponsored by CEFCU, and the runner-ups will each receive recognition and prizes. Click http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/41460.pdf to learn more about this contest and a chance to win big money!

New! Clover Challenge
Looking for a project that is more advanced than the current 4-H project book? Clover Challenge may be for you! Available to 15-18 year old members, Clover Challenge is an advanced study for state 4-H projects. This project unit is an option only after the 4-H member has successfully completed the other levels in a particular curriculum area. It is also strongly recommended that a mentor work with the member to assist in exploring the advanced subject matter. To enroll, a Clover Challenge Agreement must be completed and attached to your 4-H enrollment form due May 1. You can download the form at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/mclean4h/2113.html The Clover Challenge Agreement will be reviewed by Extension Staff and Show Committee Members prior to approval.

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.

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.

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 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).

Sign up online here: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6050 Bottom of Form

 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

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 14, 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 in February. 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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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/

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!

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:

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.

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

August 9-19 – Illinois State Fair

August 10 – McLean County Exhibit Day at State Fair