Happy Thursday 4-H Families!

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

New! Oh, the Places You'll Go in 4-H! First Stop – Rescheduled for April 17, 6:30-8:00 pm
Originally planned for March 26, the First Stop is rescheduled for Tuesday, April 17. Please register online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6547

Hear testimonials from real McLean County 4-H members who have soared to new heights! Learn about the process to achieve more in 4-H & leave with the tools necessary to complete 4-H records.

See how the Standards of Excellence for members guides 4-Hers through their project work. Learn how to fill out the My 4-H Project Record & Standards of Excellence & Achievement Forms. Learn the difference between participation, leadership and community service.

Location Change: Program will be held at the Extension Office.

New! Archery Workshop Dates
The Archery workshop scheduled for Saturday, March 31 is full, but another will be offered on April 7. Be sure to register if you plan to participate! The workshops will be at Grace Church. The Level 1 Clinic will be from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. and Level 2 will be from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.Youth must participate in a Level 1Archery Clinic before they may attend a Level 2 Clinic.Register at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6650. In order to participate in the Archery Clinics, 4-Hers must be enrolled in Archery as a project.Any 4-Her enrolled in Archery must also attend at least one McLean County 4-H Archery Clinic in order to show at the fair. There is a $2 fee at each clinic to help cover the cost of supplies. If you have any questions please contact Amy Schlappi at 309-663-8270 or aschlapp@illinois.edu.

Future workshops are scheduled for:

Sat 4/21 Grace Church

Fri 4/27 Mini Expo building

Fri 5/11 Mini Expo building

Sat 5/12 Mini Expo building

New!/Corrected! PQA Testing/Training Dates Set
Youth Pork Quality Assurance Certification is required for any exhibitor showing junior barrows, open barrows, or Premiere barrows at the Illinois State Fair. Youth 8-19 years of age must be certified. Youth showing at the McLean County Fair are encouraged, but not required to complete the training.

Youth 12-14 years of age (Intermediate) and 15-18 years of age (Advanced) can certify/recertify by completing and passing an exam at the appropriate age level. To certify by exam, a minimum of 70 percent of the questions must be correctly answered. Once certified by exam, youth are not required to recertify in Youth PQA Plus until the next age level is reached. The youth producer's age is determined by the individual's age on January 1 of that year. A PQA exam session will be held on April 16 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Extension Office.

A training class will be offered on April 19 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Extension Office for youth ages 8-11 and any youth that does not certify by exam. Youth that attend the training class are certified for one year and then must recertify.

Online registration is available at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6600

If you are unable to attend on April 16 or 19, you may attend a training class in Livingston County on April 21. Please call the Livingston (815-842-1776) office to let them know you are planning to attend.

Online training is not available; training/testing must be done in person.

New! State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
The State 4-H Horse Judging Contest will be held at Black Hawk College – East Campus Horse Arena on Saturday, May 5. Registration and contest start time are still TBA. Mark your calendar and watch for more information to come.

New! Illinois Central College Livestock Judging Contest
ICC will be hosting a livestock judging contest on Saturday, April 21 at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds in Henry. For more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42460.pdf

New! Youth LEADS
Youth LEADS is a leadership and community development program for High School Classes of 2013 and 2014 in McLean County. This program is brought to you by the McLean County Community Compact and University of Illinois Extension.

Youth LEADS is a 4-H Leadership SPIN Club that focuses on developing future leaders and fostering an awareness and understanding of important issues within the community. The program provides a forum in which future leaders have the opportunity to interact with local community, business, and government leaders and develop important life skills outside of the classroom.

All sessions will be held from 9:00 to 12:00 in June, 2012. More details and a registration form are available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/mclean4h/3434.html

New! Congratulations Key Award Winners
Congratulations to Tyler Pascavis, Blair Phillips and Megan Schwenk for being selected as a 2012 Illinois State 4-H Key Club Award Winner. Special recognition for eleven state winners will be held during the 4-H Celebration Banquet at the Illini Summer Academies on June 26. Way to go!!

New! State 4-H Youth Leadership Team Looking for New Members
The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team is starting to recruit older Illinois 4-H members and recent 4-H alumni to apply and interview for the 2012-2014 term. They are looking for 4-H teens that have demonstrated leadership abilities and are willing to step forward and assist with programming on the statewide level.

Information regarding the Youth Leadership Team and their activities, along with the YLT application, is available on the Youth Leadership Team page of the 4-H website: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sylt.cfm. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by September 1, 2012 (and no older than 19 by that date) in order to apply. They will be interviewing to fill 3-8 positions on the team from teens from across the state.

Applications are due at two times during the summer, depending on when the member wants to interview. Interviews at the Illini Summer Academies require applications be sent to the State 4-H Office no later than June 15. For interviews during State Fair (August 10-14), applications are due by August 1.

New! Team MetalCow Wins the Rookie Inspiration Award
March 22 – 24, the McLean County 4-H Robotics Spin Club, Team MetalCow won the Rookie Inspiration trophy at the FIRST Midwestern Regional Competition. The judges selected the team based on their overall teamwork, "gracious professionalism," "cooperation," and robotic design and performance. The twelve-person team (with one 4-H'er from Woodford County) represented 4-H and McLean County very well! They are taking a couple of weeks off and then it's time to plan for year two. For information about this very cool opportunity, please contact the McLean County Extension Office.

4th Annual State 4-H Robotics Competition – April 14
Registration Deadline is April 1. The 4th Annual State 4-H Robotics Competition 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. More information can be found at 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.

2012 4-H Day with the Cardinals – Order Tickets by April 2
Illinois and Missouri 4-H members, parents, volunteers and alumni are gathering at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Saturday, May 12 for the 11^th annual 4-H Day with the Cardinals. The Cardinals are playing the Atlanta Braves in a 6:15 p.m. game. Tickets are $24 each which includes a t-shirt featuring the 4-H Clover on the back and Cardinals emblem on the front. Ticket orders are due April 2. More information and ticket order form is available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/cardinals.cfm

Quilt Workshop – April 28
We are so fortunate that members of The Hands All Around Quilt Guild (HAAQG) are willing to share their talents with 4-H members. They will be holding a workshop for 4-Hers who are doing Visual Arts - Quilting 1 projects this year. It will be on Saturday, April 28 at the Extension Office from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Assistance will be provided and questions will be answered as you hand piece a 9-Patch or 9-Patch variation, hand quilt and finish the item.

Even if you are not currently enrolled in Visual Arts-Quilting, you might check out this workshop and see if you like quilting. You will have until May 1 to enroll in the project!

A minimum of 4 participants will be required for this event. A supply list will be provided following registration. Please register by April 6. Register online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6611

Paper Clover Campaign
Again this year, TSC (Tractor Supply Company) will team up with 4-H for the Paper Clover fundraiser event. The fundraiser will run May 2-13. Mark the dates on your calendar, and watch for more information on how your club can get involved!

4-H Livestock Judging Contest
University of Illinois Extension McDonough County and WIU Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team will sponsor a 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Saturday, April 14 at the WIU Livestock Pavilion in Macomb. Download a flyer at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42293.pdf

State Fair Lamb and Goat Tattoo and Weigh-in Locations
These are the only locations that 4-H members can weigh sheep and goats that will possibly be shown at this year's state fair. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42295.pdf

Dog Obedience/Agility Dates Set for 2012
For more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42352.pdf

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

Location: Interstate Center

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

4-H Leader Update Scheduled for April 30
4-H Leaders, please note that there is a 4-H Leader Update scheduled for April 30 at 7:00 pm. The McLean County 4-H Calendar has the wrong time listed. The meeting will be at 7:00 pm, not 10:00 am as listed on the calendar. Registration will be coming soon.

Shooting Sports Training Opportunity for Volunteers
The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program will be holding its first adult certification training for the 2012 calendar year, May 18-20 at the 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello, Il. All 4-H Shooting Sports shooting activities must be directly supervised by an Illinois Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor. Certified Instructors must be a minimum age of 21 as of January 1 of the current year and must successfully complete an instructor training session administered by the State 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and demonstrate competency to instruct as determined through a written test, trainer observation and other screening used during the activity.

Instructors must have been approved as a current Illinois 4-H Leader through the local County Extension Office. If you are interested in becoming a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor, you may download the agenda for the training here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42045.pdf

And the registration here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42044.pdf

Before sending the registration to the State 4-H Office, you must contact the McLean County Extension office for approval.

GPS Spin Club
The GPS club meets on the 2^nd Monday from now through May.They are also planning some summer activities and a trip to the Illinois Surveyor's Museum in Springfield.The club is collaborating with the McLean County Farm Bureau to conduct a club project featuring numerous Historical Agricultural sites.The students research the site and then place the cache.The club is open to all 4-H'ers and non-4-H'ers in Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties. For more information contact Carolyn Hansen by sending her an email at cshansen@illinois.edu or calling the Extension Office.

Illini Summer Academy Registration is Open!
We are extremely excited to announce plans for the upcoming 2012 Illini Summer Academies (ISA). There will be 11 Academies this year - up 3 from last year and introducing 4 NEW Academies.

ISA is our summer teen "conference" that takes place on the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana campus. It is open to ALL Illinois high school teens - it is not limited to 4-H members. It will start on Sunday afternoon, June 24 and continue through Wednesday afternoon, June 27. High school teens from across the state will participate in 15-hours of college department Academies, exploring a college major and potential careers with hands-on work in labs, classrooms, and field trips. The Leadership Academy will focus on Youth and Adult Partnerships this year and encourage adult participation for one day of the 3-day Academy.

2012 ISA Academy Options include:
* Aerospace Engineering
* Agricultural & Biological Engineering
* Art & Design
* Bioengineering
* Crop Sciences
* Electrical & Computer Engineering
* Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning
* Leadership
* Molecular & Cellular Biology
* Physics
* Veterinary Medicine

Registration is open via the ISA website page: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm. Registration MUST be completed on-line. Academies fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Some Academies do have grade restrictions because of needed high school class requirements and the nature of their Academy topics, however most are open to teens ages 14-18, as of 9/1/2012. Some Academies do not allow repeat attendees. Early-bird fee discounts are available through April 15. Final registration will close May 23.

Free Chicks Available
The McLean County Ag in the Classroom will have lots of baby chicks looking for a good home on Friday, May 4. They will be WhiteLeghorn chicks.These chickens will be very good white egg layers and eat the smallest amount of feed per egg (feed conversion rate). They will have some black spots as they are a crossbreed. There will be about ½ males and ½ females. If you are interested in receiving some of the chicks, please contact Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Terra Bertolini at tlberto@illinois.edu or call the Extension office.

 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.

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.

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.

4-H Night with the Normal CornBelters – June 15
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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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:
April 17 – 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

August 25 – State Fair Dog Show

Thanks,
Cathy Blunier
Unit Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Illinois Extension – Serving Livingston, McLean & Woodford Counties
402 N Hershey Rd
Bloomington IL 61704

http://www.mcleanextension.org
cblunier@illinois.eduphone 309.663.8306 fax 309.663.8270
4-H News Blog- Get the latest about McLean County 4-H! RSS Feed
Feature on 4-Hers - Mclean County 4-Hers doing extraordinary things! RSS Feed
4-H Leader Bulletin - Information for 4-H Leaders & Volunteers. RSS Feed
McLean County 4-H on Facebook & @McLeanCounty4H on Twitter - follow us.

Happy Friday 4-H Families!

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

New! Quilt Workshop – April 28
We are so fortunate that members of The Hands All Around Quilt Guild (HAAQG) are willing to share their talents with 4-H members. They will be holding a workshop for 4-Hers who are doing Visual Arts - Quilting 1 projects this year. It will be on Saturday, April 28 at the Extension Office from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Assistance will be provided and questions will be answered as you hand piece a 9-Patch or 9-Patch variation, hand quilt and finish the item.

Even if you are not currently enrolled in Visual Arts-Quilting, you might check out this workshop and see if you like quilting. You will have until May 1 to enroll in the project!

A minimum of 4 participants will be required for this event. A supply list will be provided following registration. Please register by April 6. Register online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6611

New! Paper Clover Campaign
Again this year, TSC (Tractor Supply Company) will team up with 4-H for the Paper Clover fundraiser event. The fundraiser will run May 2-13. Mark the dates on your calendar, and watch for more information on how your club can get involved!

New! Archery Workshop Dates
Archery workshops are scheduled for the following dates:

Fri 3/23 Mini Expo building 5 - 8 PM Leader
Sat 3/31 Grace Church AC 9 - 3 PM Youth
Sat 4/7 Grace Church AC 9 - 3 PM Youth
Sat 4/21 Grace Church AC 9 - 3 PM Youth
Fri 4/27 Mini Expo building 5 - 8 PM Youth
Fri 5/11 Mini Expo building 5 - 8 PM Youth
Sat 5/12 Mini Expo building 9 - 11 AM Youth

Please watch for more information and online registration to be posted to the website soon.

New! 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
University of Illinois Extension McDonough County and WIU Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team will sponsor a 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Saturday, April 14 at the WIU Livestock Pavilion in Macomb. Download a flyer at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42293.pdf

New! State Fair Lamb and Goat Tattoo and Weigh-in Locations
These are the only locations that 4-H members can weigh sheep and goats that will possibly be shown at this year's state fair. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42295.pdf

Please remember to RSVP
Please remember to register for county 4-H activities/events/meetings so we can be prepared for your participation with the appropriate seating, handouts, supplies, refreshments. Occasionally, events are cancelled due to low registration, severe weather or an illness. If we don't know that you are planning to come, we will not be able to notify you of the cancellation. Most events have an online registration, but if you experience difficulty, you can always call the office or send an email.

Oh, the Places You'll Go in 4-H! First Stop – March 26, 6:30-8:00 pm
Register online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6547 Please register by March 20. We need to have a minimum of 5 participants or the workshop will be rescheduled.

Hear testimonials from real McLean County 4-H members who have soared to new heights! Learn about the process to achieve more in 4-H & leave with the tools necessary to complete 4-H records.

See how the Standards of Excellence for members guides 4-Hers through their project work. Learn how to fill out the My 4-H Project Record & Standards of Excellence & Achievement Forms. Learn the difference between participation, leadership and community service.

Location Change: Program will be held at the Extension Office.

Dog Obedience/Agility Dates Set for 2012
For more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42352.pdf
Dog Check-In & Papers– April 2, 6-7 pm
Location: Interstate Center
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

Ecology Action Center invites you to participate in the Renewable Fashion Challenge
Each year, the Ecology Action Center and the Illinois Wesleyan University Wellness Department host the Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Expo. This year's event will take place at the Shirk Center on April 14. We invite you and your members to participate in this year's Renewable Fashion Challenge, which is described in the attached documents. Children and adults are challenged to create new garments, accessories or household décor items out of previously used items. Please read the rules carefully – we require before and after pictures, so don't start creating anything until before photos are taken! – and submit electronic applications by March 21.

Two ISU Fashion students are in charge of this year's event, and they would be happy to come to one of your meetings to tell your members about the event. They are Erica Bull (edbull@ilstu.edu) and Jessica Lottinville (jrlotti@ilstu.edu). Please feel free to contact them to set up a meeting.

For more information go to: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42151.pdf

For contest rules go to: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42138.pdf

PQA Testing/Training Dates Set

Youth Pork Quality Assurance Certification is required for any exhibitor showing swine (gilts, market barrows, premiere barrows) at the McLean County 4-H Show or showing junior barrows, open barrows, or Premiere barrows at the Illinois State Fair. Youth 8-19 years of age must be certified.

Youth 12-14 years of age (Intermediate) and 15-18 years of age (Advanced) can certify/recertify by completing and passing an exam at the appropriate age level. To certify by exam, a minimum of 70 percent of the questions must be correctly answered. Once certified by exam, youth are not required to recertify in Youth PQA Plus until the next age level is reached. The youth producer's age is determined by the individual's age on January 1 of that year. A PQA exam session will be held on April 16 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Extension Office. Online registration will be coming soon.

A training class will be offered on April 19 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Extension Office for youth ages 8-11 and any youth that does not certify by exam. Youth that attend the training class are certified for one year and then must recertify. Online registration will be coming soon.

If you are unable to attend on April 16 or 19, you may attend a training class in Woodford County on March 22 at or in Livingston County on April 21. Please call the Woodford (309-467-3789) or Livingston (815-842-1776) office to let them know you are planning to attend.

4-H Leader Update Scheduled for April 30
4-H Leaders, please note that there is a 4-H Leader Update scheduled for April 30 at 7:00 pm. The McLean County 4-H Calendar has the wrong time listed. The meeting will be at 7:00 pm, not 10:00 am as listed on the calendar. Registration will be coming soon.

Shooting Sports Training Opportunity for Volunteers
The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program will be holding its first adult certification training for the 2012 calendar year, May 18-20 at the 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello, Il. All 4-H Shooting Sports shooting activities must be directly supervised by an Illinois Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor. Certified Instructors must be a minimum age of 21 as of January 1 of the current year and must successfully complete an instructor training session administered by the State 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and demonstrate competency to instruct as determined through a written test, trainer observation and other screening used during the activity.

Instructors must have been approved as a current Illinois 4-H Leader through the local County Extension Office. If you are interested in becoming a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor, you may download the agenda for the training here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42045.pdf

And the registration here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42044.pdf

Before sending the registration to the State 4-H Office, you must contact the McLean County Extension office for approval.

GPS Spin Club
The GPS club meets on the 2^nd Monday from now through May.They are also planning some summer activities and a trip to the Illinois Surveyor's Museum in Springfield.The club is collaborating with the McLean County Farm Bureau to conduct a club project featuring numerous Historical Agricultural sites.The students research the site and then place the cache.The club is open to all 4-H'ers and non-4-H'ers in Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties. For more information contact Carolyn Hansen by sending her an email at cshansen@illinois.edu or calling the Extension Office.

Illini Summer Academy Registration is Open!
We are extremely excited to announce plans for the upcoming 2012 Illini Summer Academies (ISA). There will be 11 Academies this year - up 3 from last year and introducing 4 NEW Academies.

ISA is our summer teen "conference" that takes place on the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana campus. It is open to ALL Illinois high school teens - it is not limited to 4-H members. It will start on Sunday afternoon, June 24 and continue through Wednesday afternoon, June 27. High school teens from across the state will participate in 15-hours of college department Academies, exploring a college major and potential careers with hands-on work in labs, classrooms, and field trips. The Leadership Academy will focus on Youth and Adult Partnerships this year and encourage adult participation for one day of the 3-day Academy.

2012 ISA Academy Options include:
* Aerospace Engineering
* Agricultural & Biological Engineering
* Art & Design
* Bioengineering
* Crop Sciences
* Electrical & Computer Engineering
* Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning
* Leadership
* Molecular & Cellular Biology
* Physics
* Veterinary Medicine

Registration is open via the ISA website page: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm. Registration MUST be completed on-line. Academies fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Some Academies do have grade restrictions because of needed high school class requirements and the nature of their Academy topics, however most are open to teens ages 14-18, as of 9/1/2012. Some Academies do not allow repeat attendees. Early-bird fee discounts are available through April 15. Final registration will close May 23.

Free Chicks Available
The McLean County Ag in the Classroom will have lots of baby chicks looking for a good home on Friday, May 4. They will be WhiteLeghorn chicks.These chickens will be very good white egg layers and eat the smallest amount of feed per egg (feed conversion rate). They will have some black spots as they are a crossbreed. There will be about ½ males and ½ females. If you are interested in receiving some of the chicks, please contact Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Terra Bertolini at tlberto@illinois.edu or call the Extension office.

3^rd Annual Horse Tack Auction – 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

4-H Find Out Party/New Member Meeting – March 31, 10-11:30 am
Please register by March 20. If we do not reach our minimum number of participants, we will reschedule this event.

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

4th Annual State 4-H Robotics Competition – April 14
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.

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.

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.

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.

4-H Night with the Normal CornBelters – June 15
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

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.

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.

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!

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:
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
August 25 – State Fair Dog Show

Happy Friday 4-H Families!

Welcome Amy!
I would like to introduce you to our newest Unit 12 4-H employee. AmySchlappi joined the team in January as the McLean County 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator.

She grew up in Morton, IL, and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management from Bethel College. Amy has 8 years of professional experience as a Program Director with the YMCA. She spent four years working as the Outdoor Education Director at YMCA CampEbehart in Michigan, gaining experience in coordinating and leading environmental education and teambuilding programs for youth. For the past four years she has been working for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago at Camp Duncan as the Day Camp Director.

Amy has a passion for providing quality, educational programs for youth that will help them learn and grow. She is excited to be back home in Central Illinois and to serve the Unit 12 families through 4-H Programs.

Welcome Carolyn!
Carolyn bleeds green and white. When she was 5 years old, her father became a 4-H Agent in Ohio and since then 4-H has been a part of her life. As a nine-year member, Carolyn was active in a number of 4-H activities and projects – especially what is now 4-H Federation and serving as a camp counselor for six years. She also went to Japan for three months as a 4-H Teen Caravaner, and then spent 14 months in the Philippines where she helped develop the 4-H program which is called Anak Bukid there.

Carolyn has been a 4-H leader for about 8 years in Ohio and about 7 years here in Illinois. Her only son, Eric, is an 11 year member and even as a freshman at Eastern Illinois, is still involved in the Olympia Pacesetters 4-H Club in Stanford. Carolyn is involved in the Kiwanis Club of the Olympia area and is serving her second term on the Olympia District School Board. Carolyn graduated from The Ohio State University with a BSc in Secondary Social Studies and a Master of Arts in Adult Education. Her husband of almost 23 years, Gordon, attended the University of Nebraska, so college football Saturdays are interesting in their house.

Goodbye Theresa
We are sad to report that Theresa Chambers resigned as McLean County 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. She has been on maternity leave since December and has decided not to return to work. She will be a busy mom with Myles and Katharine. We wish her well and look forward to some new 4-H Cloverbud members in a few years.

We will be working to fill this position in the next few months.

4-H Staff here to assist you
With so many staff changes, you may be wondering who is a part of the 4-H Youth Development Staff. Here is a quick list. If you are not sure who to contact, just call the Extension office and we will put you in touch with someone that can help answer your question.

Cathy Blunier – 4-H Youth Development Educator serving Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties
Amy Schlappi – 4-H Program Coordinator in McLean County (Working primarily with Shooting Sports and all things Fair related.)
Kathy Weinzierl – 4-H Extra Help (Working part time to help cover duties in Theresa's absence.)
Carolyn Hansen – Interim Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development Metro Programming (Working to cover the 4-H Metro duties since Sandy McGhee's retirement. The process to hire a 4-H Metro Educator is underway.)
Terra Bertolini – Community Worker, Ag in the Classroom
Meghan VanGorder – Site Coordinator at UNITY Community Center
Lauren Carapella – Community Worker, UNITY Community Center
Amanda Zook – Community Worker, UNITY Community Center
Reid Young – Site Coordinator for 4-H Tech Wizard National Mentoring Program

New! Please remember to RSVP
Please remember to register for county 4-H activities/events/meetings so we can be prepared for your participation with the appropriate seating, handouts, supplies, refreshments. Occasionally, events are cancelled due to low registration, severe weather or an illness. If we don't know that you are planning to come, we will not be able to notify you of the cancellation. Most events have an online registration, but if you experience difficulty, you can always call the office or send an email.

New! Register for Air Rifle Workshops – March 9 – Level 1 at 5:00 pm and Level 2 at 7:00 pm
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 March 9 workshops at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6564

Additional Air Rifle workshops will be offered on the following dates:
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! Horse Exhibitor Meeting – March 13, 7:00 pm in the Mini Expo Building at the McLean County Fairgrounds
4-H horse exhibitors . . .we need to get you connected with all the great things in store for this year!
* To hear about 2012 RULE CHANGES that will affect you
* To become better prepared in understanding the registration process for exhibiting your animal
* To ask any questions pertaining to all aspects of the horse program
* To meet other McLean County Horse 4-Hers, Parents, Volunteers and Superintendents
* To volunteer for fair preparation and GIVE SUGGESTIONS
For more information, http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42143.pdf

New! 4-H Show Director Openings
There will be openings for a Home & Family Show Director and a Personal Development Show Director. 4-H Show Directors serve a three year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Show Directors are expected to attend 4-H Show Committee Meetings (6-10 per year – 3^rd Tuesday of selected months), assist Extension staff with solicitation of volunteers including superintendents, assistants and others, with guidance of Extension staff, select and confirm fair judges, jointly provide policy and rule reviews relative to project displays/activities and 4-H member participation. If you would like more information about the duties, please call the Extension office or visit with a current 4-H Show Director. If you are interested, please complete the nomination form located at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/16344.pdf

Nominations are due March 15 to be reviewed by the Expansion and Review Committee.

New! Oh, the Places You'll Go in 4-H! First Stop – March 26, 6:30-8:00 pm
Hear testimonials from real McLean County 4-H members who have soared to new heights! Learn about the process to achieve more in 4-H & leave with the tools necessary to complete 4-H records.

See how the Standards of Excellence for members guides 4-Hers through their project work. Learn how to fill out the My 4-H Project Record & Standards of Excellence & Achievement Forms. Learn the difference between participation, leadership and community service.

Location Change: Program will be held at the Extension Office.
Register online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6547

New! Ecology Action Center invites you to participate in the Renewable Fashion Challenge
Each year, the Ecology Action Center and the Illinois Wesleyan University Wellness Department host the Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Expo. This year's event will take place at the Shirk Center on April 14. We invite you and your members to participate in this year's Renewable Fashion Challenge, which is described in the attached documents. Children and adults are challenged to create new garments, accessories or household décor items out of previously used items. Please read the rules carefully – we require before and after pictures, so don't start creating anything until before photos are taken! – and submit electronic applications by March 21.

Two ISU Fashion students are in charge of this year's event, and they would be happy to come to one of your meetings to tell your members about the event. They are Erica Bull (edbull@ilstu.edu) and Jessica Lottinville (jrlotti@ilstu.edu). Please feel free to contact them to set up a meeting.

For more information go to: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42151.pdf
For contest rules go to: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42138.pdf

New! PQA Testing/Training Dates Set
Youth Pork Quality Assurance Certification is required for any exhibitor showing swine (gilts, market barrows, premiere barrows) at the McLean County 4-H Show or showing junior barrows, open barrows, or Premiere barrows at the Illinois State Fair. Youth 8-19 years of age must be certified.

Youth 12-14 years of age (Intermediate) and 15-18 years of age (Advanced) can certify/recertify by completing and passing an exam at the appropriate age level. To certify by exam, a minimum of 70 percent of the questions must be correctly answered. Once certified by exam, youth are not required to recertify in Youth PQA Plus until the next age level is reached. The youth producer's age is determined by the individual's age on January 1 of that year. A PQA exam session will be held on April 16 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Extension Office. Online registration will be coming soon.

A training class will be offered on April 19 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Extension Office for youth ages 8-11 and any youth that does not certify by exam. Youth that attend the training class are certified for one year and then must recertify. Online registration will be coming soon.

If you are unable to attend on April 16 or 19, you may attend a training class in Woodford County on March 22 at or in Livingston County on April 21. Please call the Woodford (309-467-3789) or Livingston (815-842-1776) office to let them know you are planning to attend.

New! 4-H Leader Update Scheduled for April 30
4-H Leaders, please note that there is a 4-H Leader Update scheduled for April 30 at 7:00 pm. The McLean County 4-H Calendar has the wrong time listed. The meeting will be at 7:00 pm, not 10:00 am as listed on the calendar. Registration will be coming soon.

New! Shooting Sports Training Opportunity for Volunteers
The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program will be holding its first adult certification training for the 2012 calendar year, May 18-20 at the 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello, Il. All 4-H Shooting Sports shooting activities must be directly supervised by an Illinois Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor. Certified Instructors must be a minimum age of 21 as of January 1 of the current year and must successfully complete an instructor training session administered by the State 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and demonstrate competency to instruct as determined through a written test, trainer observation and other screening used during the activity.

Instructors must have been approved as a current Illinois 4-H Leader through the local County Extension Office. If you are interested in becoming a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor, you may download the agenda for the training here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42045.pdf

And the registration here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42044.pdf

Before sending the registration to the State 4-H Office, you must contact the McLean County Extension office for approval.

New! GPS Spin Club
The GPS club meets on the 2^nd Monday from now through May.They are also planning some summer activities and a trip to the Illinois Surveyor's Museum in Springfield.The club is collaborating with the McLean County Farm Bureau to conduct a club project featuring numerous Historical Agricultural sites.The students research the site and then place the cache.The club is open to all 4-H'ers and non-4-H'ers in Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties. For more information contact Carolyn Hansen by sending her an email at cshansen@illinois.edu or calling the Extension Office.

New! Illini Summer Academy Registration is Open!
We are extremely excited to announce plans for the upcoming 2012 Illini Summer Academies (ISA). There will be 11 Academies this year - up 3 from last year and introducing 4 NEW Academies.

ISA is our summer teen "conference" that takes place on the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana campus. It is open to ALL Illinois high school teens - it is not limited to 4-H members. It will start on Sunday afternoon, June 24 and continue through Wednesday afternoon, June 27. High school teens from across the state will participate in 15-hours of college department Academies, exploring a college major and potential careers with hands-on work in labs, classrooms, and field trips. The Leadership Academy will focus on Youth and Adult Partnerships this year and encourage adult participation for one day of the 3-day Academy.

2012 ISA Academy Options include:
* Aerospace Engineering
* Agricultural & Biological Engineering
* Art & Design
* Bioengineering
* Crop Sciences
* Electrical & Computer Engineering
* Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning
* Leadership
* Molecular & Cellular Biology
* Physics
* Veterinary Medicine

Registration is open via the ISA website page: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm. Registration MUST be completed on-line. Academies fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Some Academies do have grade restrictions because of needed high school class requirements and the nature of their Academy topics, however most are open to teens ages 14-18, as of 9/1/2012. Some Academies do not allow repeat attendees. Early-bird fee discounts are available through April 15. Final registration will close May 23.

New! Free Chicks Available
The McLean County Ag in the Classroom will have lots of baby chicks looking for a good home on Friday, May 4. They will be WhiteLeghorn chicks.These chickens will be very good white egg layers and eat the smallest amount of feed per egg (feed conversion rate). They will have some black spots as they are a crossbreed. There will be about ½ males and ½ females. If you are interested in receiving some of the chicks, please contact Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Terra Bertolini at tlberto@illinois.edu or call the Extension office.

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.

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.

3^rd Annual Horse Tack Auction – 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

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 – April 14
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.

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.

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.

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.

4-H Night with the Normal CornBelters – June 15
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

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.

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.

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!

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:

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

August 25 – State Fair Dog Show