Authors

Cathy Blunier
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

Blog Archives

McLean County 4-H News

New information about 4-H events!

May 25, 2012

4-H Family Update - May 25, 2012

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! Come join us - McLean County 4-H TILT (Teen Interactive Leadership Team); we enjoy working together to explore and develop our leadership abilities.

McLean County TILT is a countywide 4-H leadership program offering teen youth, ages 14-18, opportunities to network with other county 4-H Teens. Youth work together and have fun building leadership skills, planning county wide 4-H events, community service activities, and learn more about 4-H at the county, regional, state and national levels.

A TILT application is available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/39765.pdf. To join TILT fill out the application and return it to the Extension Office by July 2^nd.

New! 4-Hers, 16 and older, are invited to participate in the 2012 4-H ROYALTY CONTEST.

Candidate nominations are due by your club/leader July 2^nd. Let your leader/club know of your interest today! Nomination forms are available at must be completed and turned in by your 4-H leader. Candidates need to be 16 years and older and agree to participate in the activities of the court. As per 4-H Show Royalty Director Connie Moore, and Royalty Superintendents Brian Basting, Brian Dirks and Linda Dirks: "We hope you will get involved and share your enthusiasm about 4-H, by being part of the 4-H Royalty Contest."

Preliminary contest is July 17^th at 7pm at the Extension Office Auditorium- you will meet other 4-H teens, talk one on one to judges in an informal setting and enjoy some snacks.

Candidate dinner Tuesday, July 24^th at 7 pm,. The court members chat in small groups with judges about what is going on in their lives.

The final contest is during 4-H Night, Wednesday, Aug 1^st at the Fair. Dress up, talk about what 4-H means to you for 1 ½ minutes, and answer a couple of questions on your ideas about 4-H and life. Plus, friends and family are there to cheer you on!

Court responsibilities include presenting ribbons to 4-H members, welcoming visitors to the fair, thanking exhibitors, and attending all fair entertainment and shows, while representing 4-H. And a primary goal is to have fun!

New! THANK YOU to all of McLean County's TEN YEAR 4-H Members!

This isHUGE Milestone and we want to recognize your accomplishments at the McLean County Fair, on the "TEN YEAR MILESTONE WALL OF HONOR", to be located just inside the front south entrance to Cloverleaf Hall! Please take a few minutes tell us a little bit about yourself on the Ten Year 4-H Member form, and send it and a digital photo to: aschlapp@illinois.eduor you may bring them into the office.Milestone biographies are due July 26. The form is available on our website at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/43358.pdf

4-H members who have completed 10 or more years of 4-H will be recognized at the Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday evening, July 31 at 8:00 PM (All ten year members are encouraged to attend.)

New! Oh the Places You Go...in 4-H!

Bring a flash drive and all your records to get one-on-one assistance from state winners and volunteers with the Illinois 4-H Award Application. You'll be working in a computer lab at Heartland Community College Instructional Commons North Building. Workshops held on Thursday, June 14 6:30-8pm and Thursday, August 9 6:30-8pm. Register online http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/ . Parents are welcome to attend with 4-Hers. Call the Extension office with any additional questions.

New! Warren County Livestock Judging Contest – Saturday, June 2

Warren County Fairgrounds, Roseville. Registration at 8:00 a.m. with contest to begin at 9:00. Junior and Senior Divisions. $5 per person, which includes lunch. For more information, contact Lynn Shimmin at 309-221-1469 or Cassie Link at 309-734-5161.

New! 4-H Members attend Leadership Conference

Aleska Barkoviak and Megan Schwenk recently completed the 2012 Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliates Premier 20 Leadership Conference, in Bloomington, Ill.

Aleska and Megan, along with other outstanding 4-H and FFA members participated in various leadership and personal development sessions provided by Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies. Courses included leadership management, college to career success, working with the media, understanding and dealing with diversity, as well as knowing one's values and discovering passion.

While at the conference, participants also attended a half day communication and team building session at the Challenger Learning Center at Heartland Community College and volunteered at the Midwest Food Bank.

Aleska and Megan were invited to participate in the conference through the 4-H Premier LCP award program. The purpose of the award is to reward members exhibiting outstanding leadership, citizenship, cooperation, and professionalism during the past 4-H program year.

Both the award and the conference are sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau, GROWMARK, Inc., COUNTRY Financial, Prairie Farms Dairy, and the IAA Credit Union.

Register now for the McLean County 4-H Shotgun Training Workshop on Saturday, May 26.

Level 1 will from 9:00 - 10:30 AM and Level 2 will be from 11:00 - 12:30 PM. (Participants must have completed a Level 1 Workshop before they may participate in a Level 2 Workshop.) This training will be offered by state certified McLean County 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors. Participants should be 12-18 years old, and will be accepted on a "first registered - first served" basis.

The classes will be held at Darnall's Shooting Range, 7.7 miles southwest of the Interstate Center on IL Rte. 9. Street address is 6125 East 1175 Nort= h Rd. Bloomington, IL 61705-9012. http://darnalls.com/

All equipment will be supplied; a $5.00 FEE for supplies will be collected at the door. This training is held outside, so dress accordingly.

Register for Air Rifle Workshops – June 2 – Level 1 at 9 am and Level 2 at 11:00 am

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 June 2 workshops at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6616

Additional Air Rifle workshops will be offered on the following dates:

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

Memorial Day Parade

McLean County 4-H clubs can sign up to march in the McLean Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28. The parade will be held in Bloomington and groups should plan to meet at 8:00 a.m. If your club is interested in being a part of this event contact June Jacobs at daju04@aol.com.

Volunteer Opportunity at UNITY Community Center

If you are a 4-H member between the ages of 16 and 19, a new, volunteer, leadership opportunity is available to you this summer. The UNITY Community Center, which is a University of Illinois-Extension program will hold 3 five day "camps" and one four day camp for the underserved youth of McLean County. If you have experience in photography, robotics, engineering and science, your expertise will help us conduct our program.

Please check out the information and application.

Information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/43090.pdf

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/43092.pdf

Volunteer Application: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/43092.pdf

Should you have questions, please contact Carolyn Hansen at 663-8306.

4-H Livestock Judging Contest

University of Illinois Extension - McLean County and the Agriculture Department at Illinois State University will host a Regional 4-H Livestock Judging Contest at the ISU Laboratory Farm located just north and west of Lexington, IL. The contest will be held on Friday, June 8^th starting at 8:45 a.m. For more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42916.pdf

McLean County 4-H Horse Competition Preparation Clinics

CLICK HERE to view photos from last year's "Showmanship Clinic".

CLICK HERE to view photos of "Balanced and Controlled Riding 2011".

Get you and your horse ready for the 2012 Show Season!! Participate in ARENA ACTIVITIES or BARN ACTIVITIES. Both available each week!

Please read flier for more details!

Location: Interstate Center, Bloomington

Cost to participate with your horse in the Arena is $10.00* per week, payable at the door. There is a limit of 30 horses for most weeks' arena activities.

Fairgrounds Open 5:00-9:00 Clinics from 6:00-8:00pm

Arena Activities are limited to 30 horses*, so register EARLY!

AUDITING IS FREE! All are Welcome!! Open to all experience levels; pick and choose any or all six weeks.

Please click here to download a copy of the RULES for all participants in these clinics.

It is MANDATORY that All Manure and Trash must be hauled out with your horse.

***All 4-Hers MUST be ACCOMPAINED by a PARENT/ GUARDIAN/ TRAINER at ALL TIMES***
**Liability waivers must be signed upon entering the barn by a parent/guardian. You may download here..***

Proper barn attire required at ALL TIMES.

For Questions please contact Lisa Riddle jpines2388@speednet.com (309)530-7800 or Kate Rodriguez at k_rodrigo@comcast.net (309.261.0786).

3^rd Annual McLean County Fair Golf Outing – June 18

The McLean County Fair and 4-H Show has been a traditions for many years! Enjoy fun, friends and a round of golf to help support the tradition of excellence. For more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/43167.pdf

If 4-H members have items (possibly related to a project they have taken) to donate to the raffle, please contact Shawn Hoeft at 309-242-2635 or shawn.hoeft@gmail.com

Volunteers needed for "Meet a Farmer Day" at the Children's Discovery Museum

4-H members and their families are invited to "Meet a Farmer Day" at the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal on Saturday, June 16. This special day is part of an Illinois Farm Families® activity that will bring area farmers and 4-H youth in to the museum to interact with visiting families. Youth (ages 12 and up) are needed to help with hands-on children's activities in the agriculture exhibit area on the second floor. If you enjoy helping young children with games and telling your farm story, please join us! Volunteers are needed for shifts from 10 – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Contact event coordinator, Trista Gropp at tgropp@morganmyers.com by May 23 if you are interested in volunteering. We'll need to know: volunteer names and ages, your email address, and shift(s) you'd like to work. We'll get in touch with you as the event gets closer with all the final details. Thanks in advance for being a part of this special event.

McLean County Pork Producers Scholarship

Any McLean County High School senior who has raised or shown hogs for at least 5 years and/or is a member of a family who are active members of the McLean County Pork Producers may apply for a scholarship. More information is available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42915.pdf Applications are available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42914.pdf and are due June 15.

Calling Illinois 4-H Teens!! Leadership Opportunities Available

Applications for three state level youth leadership opportunities are available on the 4-H website.

Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee 4-H Representatives

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_ifbye.cfm.

Application deadline is June 15.

Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sylt.cfm.

Applications will be due June 15 for interviews at the Illini Summer Academies or August 1 for interviews at State Fair.

2013 Illini Summer Academies Planning Committee - Due July 15.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_isapc.cfm.

Food Demonstration Clinic – June 26 Register online for the Mclean County Food Demonstration Clinic on June 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Office. If you are a 4-Her planning to do a food demonstration for the 4-H show it is strongly recommended that you attend the clinic. Bring questions pertaining to your food demonstration. An example demonstration will be presented along with a hands-on workshop and many tips to prepare you for giving a proper food demonstration. Register online at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6795

State Fair Premium Book Available

The Illinois State Fair as posted Premium Books on their website for the 2012 Illinois State Fair: http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/competition.html.

Junior Department Livestock and Horse classes are open to 4-H and FFA members. The Dog Show and General 4-H Exhibit classes are open to 4-H members only and delegates are selected at the county 4-H show.

Entries for Horse are due June 9. All other livestock entries are due July 1.

Superior Young Livestock Producer

Youth do not have to show a live animal at the state fair in order to participate in the Superior Young Livestock Producer Contests for horses, swine, beef, dairy, or sheep. Twenty-five $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded to the top five individuals in each specie contest. 2012 dates and locations are:

Horse – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 26th, lower level of Livestock Center

Swine – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8th, Livestock Center

Beef – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8th, Livestock Center

Sheep – 4:00 p.m., Friday, August 10th, Open Sheep Barn show arena

Dairy – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, August 18th, Livestock Center

For more specific details including registrations and rules visit the Illinois State Fair Premium Book website. www.agr.state.il.us/isf/

2012 State Fair Alerts!

Tentatively 4-H judging will be held in 4 major locations on the fairgrounds. Judging schedules will be divided between morning and afternoon to accommodate project areas. Final locations will be identified in mid-July.

Horticulture & Floriculture – Emerson Building East Wing

Fashion Revue (4 days) and Public Presentations (2 days) – IL Bldg Theater

Natural Resources, Woodworking, Welding (1 day only), Forestry, Small

Engines, Wildlife, & Tractor – 4-H Tents (MOVED to old Happy Hollow area)

All Other Exhibits (inc. 2 days of Public Presentations) – Expo Bldg Mezzanine

Due to the space changes, Foods Demonstration and Club/Group Action Presentation classes will NOT be offered at the 2012 State Fair. Exhibitors are encouraged to park in General/Public Parking (Gate 6) vs. our usual 4-H Lot (Gate 8) because it is closer to the Exposition Building. More details later.

State Fair Employment Opportunities

The State Fair Jr. Department Job Application and Job Listings is posted on the Illinois 4-H website Fair & Exhibits page: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/fairsandexhibits.cfm. There are openings for youth ages 14-15 (limited); 16 and over (LOTS) and adults as judges, project assistants, livestock crew, superintendents, and set-up crew. If you are interested, check out the website.

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/

Club/Group Award Application

State 4-H Club/Group Report Forms, are due to the McLean County Extension Office no later than Friday, August 10. The form is posted at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/volunteers/support_recognition.cfm.

State award-winning clubs will receive state recognition, a state award patch, and $75 if they place in the Top Ten of any of the seven eligible curriculum areas. Applications must be submitted from a club member and a volunteer and must demonstrate youth leadership, project area development, and more.

Service Project Needs Assistance

Hello from the Space Age Pioneers 4H Club. We are planting trees along historic Route 66 in Chenoa, Illinois. Our goal is to plant 66 trees. We are so close to finishing this project. If each club in McLean County donated$5, $10, or even $20we would be one tree closer to our goal and would honor your club for getting us there.Any amount of support is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions feel free to call 815-945-4555 or email spaceagepioneers@gmail.com. Our club address is 227 N First Ave, Chenoa, IL 61726.

Social Media Guide for 4-H

Facebook Terms of Service do not allow for children under age 13 to have accounts. So, while Facebook may be a great way to stay in touch with teens and parents, it's not a good choice for communicating with our youngest program participant's. For guidance on using Facebook and other social media with youth audiences, check out http://ow.ly/8IC8S

Salute to Agriculture

Plan on bringing your 4-H members to the University of Illinois on Saturday, September 15 and help the College of ACES celebrate agriculture! This year's Salute to Agriculture event will include lunch and a football ticket for $15!

Come cheer on the Illini against Charleston Southern! Registration will open mid-summer once kick-off time has been determined. Once open, a link to registration will be found at www.academics.aces.illinois.edu/future-students.

4-H Clover Challenge Grants

Attention 4-Hers, 15 to 18 years* of age - you've put a lot into your 4-H project...now let it pay you back. The 4-H Clover Challenge Grant is an opportunity open to members who have completed all levels of the corn, soybeans, or small grains project OR all levels of a foods, nutrition or animal science project that is tied to the use of corn, soybeans, or small grains. Members will work with a mentor to create two communication presentations using computer presentations, videos, GPS maps, posters, etc. These grants are sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association and Pioneer Hi-Bred International. Check with the local Extension office for additional information.

(* age as of 9/1/12)

2012 North Central Region Volunteer Forum

Register Now! 2012 North Central Region Volunteer Forum will be held Oct. 11-14, in Wichita, KS. For more information go to: http://www.kansas4-h.org/p.aspx?tabid=314. All 4-H volunteers in the 12 North Central states are welcome to attend. Early bird registration is $200 through July 31.

Statewide 4-H Surveys

This spring, we will be collecting data statewide to answer 3 critical questions:

(1) Are we incorporating the essential elements of positive youth development programming into our 4-H club experiences? We will be asking about 1/3 of our clubs to complete a survey and will analyze the data statewide.

(2) Have we positively influenced youth's aspirations and interest in 4-H Science? Youth attending science rich events for 4-H members are non-members will be asked to participate in the evaluation.

(3) As 4-H members graduate, we want to know how 4-H has influenced their career decisions. 4-H members 17 and 18 years of age will be asked to complete an online survey.

As a statewide team, we are very excited to have information we can share with our stakeholders. If you have any questions regarding the surveys, please contact me.

Volunteers needed for the Barn Quilt Heritage Trail Project

Volunteers are needed to paint quilt blocks on 2 by 2 plywood pieces. The blocks will be put in business windows throughout McLean County to stimulate interest in the "Barn Quilt Heritage Trail – McLean County" project.

Many community organizations are supporting the project already, The Bloomington Downtown Association, The
Museum of History, The Town of Normal, the Hands All Around Quilt Guild, and many farm owners, to name just a few.

Volunteers will be supplied with paint, primedplywood boards cut to size, quilt patterns and paint supplies (and basic instructions only if you need them). Volunteers can choose the quilt pattern and paint colors they want to use.

Please call Karen Gottlieb, 663-4259 or GnWscout@aol.com for more information.

State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest – June 18

The 2012 Illinois State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest will be held Monday June 18th at the University of Illinois Stock Pavilion 1402 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, IL. Participants must be checked in and registered between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. The contest will start at 10:00 a.m. There will be a $5.00 registration fee for each senior participant to cover his or her lunch.

All participants will evaluate 8 classes of livestock and answer questions on three sets of questions. Senior contestants will give 3 sets of oral reasons after lunch while the junior contestants are released. Each county may enter a total of three four-member teams plus three extra individuals. Those teams can be either two senior teams and one junior team or two junior teams and one senior team. This contest will decide the high county team which will represent Illinois 4-H at the American Royal Livestock Contest in Kansas City, MO. In addition, the top 20 overall seniors will be invited back to a special work out to select the State 4-H Livestock Judging Team. This team will represent Illinois 4-H in November by participating in the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, KY.

Click here for more detailed information on rules, eligibility, resources, and classes.
Click here for registration form.

State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest – August 9

The Illinois State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest will be held Thursday August 9th in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair Junior Poultry show. The contest will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Orr building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield Illinois.

A county may enter any number of 4-H participants. A county team may be made up of three or four individuals with no limit on the number or teams or individual contestants. The four highest senior 4-H'ers will be selected to participate on the Illinois State 4-H Poultry Judging Team which will represent Illinois in the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Judging Conference during the third week of November in Louisville. KY.

Click here for more detailed information on the contest classes and format.
Click here for registration information.

State 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest – August 18

The 2012 State 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest will be held Saturday August 18th, 2012 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. The contest will take place in the Livestock Center at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield Illinois.

Registration is to be made on the day of the contest at the site of the contest. Registration will be from 8:30 am to 9:30 am with the contest starting at 10:00 am. To be eligible for selection, members must have been 14 years of age and not older than 18 years of age as of January 1, 2012. There is no limit on the number of participants per county.

The state 4-H dairy cattle judging team will be selected from participants in this contest. The selected State 4-H Dairy Team will participate at the National Dairy Judging Contest in Madison, Wisconsin. Click here for more contest information and rules.

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.

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.

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.

Fair Book is online

If you can't wait to get a printed copy of the McLean County Fair Book, it is available online at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/mclean4hfair/115.html

Save the dates:

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://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/

cblunier@illinois.edu

phone 309.663.8306 fax 309.663.8270

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May 11, 2012

4-H Family Update - May 11, 2012

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/

2^nd Annual Go & Grow 5K Race and Family Fun Event – May 12

The IAA Foundation 5K Race and family fun event supports Illinois Ag in the Classroom, a program providing free resources to teachers in an effort to help students make the connection between food, fiber, fuel and farming. It would be great to see our 4-H clubs support this event! For more information: http://www.iaafoundation.org/iaaf/Events/growandgo.htm

To register: http://www.iaafoundation.org/iaafoundation/foundationforms/5k_form.asp

Oh, the Places You'll Go in 4-H! First Stop – Rescheduled for May 24 - 6:30-8:00 pm

Originally planned for April 26, the Second Stop is rescheduled for Thursday, May 24. Please register online.

Take the next step with 4-H records and see how the 4-H Project Report forms and My 4-H Activities forms can transition to the Illinois 4-H Award Application that is used to compete for County and State awards. Learn the difference between participation, leadership and community service. Get started on filling out the Illinois 4-H Award Application. This workshop is designed for 4-H members 12 years and older, parents and leaders. Program will be held at the Extension Office.

New! Register now for the McLean County 4-H Shotgun Training Workshop on Saturday, May 26.

All equipment will be supplied; a $5.00 FEE for supplies will be collected at the door. This training is held outside, so dress accordingly.

New! Register for Air Rifle Workshops – June 2 – Level 1 at 9 am and Level 2 at 11:00 am

Additional Air Rifle workshops will be offered on the following dates:

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! Memorial Day Parade

New! Volunteer Opportunity at UNITY Community Center

Please check out the information and application.

Information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/43090.pdf

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/43092.pdf

Volunteer Application: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/43092.pdf

Should you have questions, please contact Carolyn Hansen at 663-8306.

4-H Livestock Judging Contest

McLean County 4-H Horse Competition Preparation Clinics

CLICK HERE to view photos from last year's "Showmanship Clinic".

CLICK HERE to view photos of "Balanced and Controlled Riding 2011".

Get you and your horse ready for the 2012 Show Season!! Participate in ARENA ACTIVITIES or BARN ACTIVITIES. Both available each week!

Please read flier for more details!

Location: Interstate Center, Bloomington

Cost to participate with your horse in the Arena is $10.00* per week, payable at the door. There is a limit of 30 horses for most weeks' arena activities.

Fairgrounds Open 5:00-9:00 Clinics from 6:00-8:00pm

Arena Activities are limited to 30 horses*, so register EARLY!

AUDITING IS FREE! All are Welcome!! Open to all experience levels; pick and choose any or all six weeks.

Please click here to download a copy of the RULES for all participants in these clinics.

Proper barn attire required at ALL TIMES.

For Questions please contact Lisa Riddle jpines2388@speednet.com (309)530-7800 or Kate Rodriguez at k_rodrigo@comcast.net (309.261.0786).

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

Conservation Youth Day hosted by Prairielands Preservation Foundation

On Saturday, June 16 (1-4 pm), 4-H members are invited to a youth conservation day to be held in the Picnic Area at Comlara Park, Evergreen Lake, which is located west of Exit 8 from I-39. All youth ages 8-21 are invited, so bring a friend.

This fun day of conservation activities will include Sport Fishing, Wildlife Habitats, Forestry, Natural Resources, Plants and Soils. Contact Prairielands Preservation Foundation at 309-452-9124 with questions or to volunteer to help. www.prairielandspreservationfoundation.org

New! 3^rd Annual McLean County Fair Golf Outing – June 18

If 4-H members have items (possibly related to a project they have taken) to donate to the raffle, please contact Shawn Hoeft at 309-242-2635 or shawn.hoeft@gmail.com

New! Volunteers needed for "Meet a Farmer Day" at the Children's Discovery Museum

New! McLean County Pork Producers Scholarship

New! Calling Illinois 4-H Teens!! Leadership Opportunities Available

Applications for three state level youth leadership opportunities are available on the 4-H website.

Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee 4-H Representatives

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_ifbye.cfm.

Application deadline is June 15.

Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sylt.cfm.

Applications will be due June 15 for interviews at the Illini Summer Academies or August 1 for interviews at State Fair.

2013 Illini Summer Academies Planning Committee - Due July 15.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_isapc.cfm.

New! Food Demonstration Clinic – June 26 Register online for the Mclean County Food Demonstration Clinic on June 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Office. If you are a 4-Her planning to do a food demonstration for the 4-H show it is strongly recommended that you attend the clinic. Bring questions pertaining to your food demonstration. An example demonstration will be presented along with a hands-on workshop and many tips to prepare you for giving a proper food demonstration. Register online at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6795

New! State Fair Premium Book Available

Entries for Horse are due June 9. All other livestock entries are due July 1.

New! Superior Young Livestock Producer

Horse – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 26th, lower level of Livestock Center

Swine – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8th, Livestock Center

Beef – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8th, Livestock Center

Sheep – 4:00 p.m., Friday, August 10th, Open Sheep Barn show arena

Dairy – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, August 18th, Livestock Center

For more specific details including registrations and rules visit the Illinois State Fair Premium Book website. www.agr.state.il.us/isf/

New! 2012 State Fair Alerts!

Horticulture & Floriculture – Emerson Building East Wing

Fashion Revue (4 days) and Public Presentations (2 days) – IL Bldg Theater

Natural Resources, Woodworking, Welding (1 day only), Forestry, Small

Engines, Wildlife, & Tractor – 4-H Tents (MOVED to old Happy Hollow area)

All Other Exhibits (inc. 2 days of Public Presentations) – Expo Bldg Mezzanine

State Fair Employment Opportunities

2nd Annual Illinois 4-H State Fair Online

New! Club/Group Award Application

New! Salute to Agriculture

New! Social Media Guide for 4-H

New! Service Project Needs Assistance

New! 4-H Clover Challenge Grants

(* age as of 9/1/12)

New! 2012 North Central Region Volunteer Forum

New! Statewide 4-H Surveys

This spring, we will be collecting data statewide to answer 3 critical questions:

(2) Have we positively influenced youth's aspirations and interest in 4-H Science? Youth attending science rich events for 4-H members are non-members will be asked to participate in the evaluation.

(3) As 4-H members graduate, we want to know how 4-H has influenced their career decisions. 4-H members 17 and 18 years of age will be asked to complete an online survey.

As a statewide team, we are very excited to have information we can share with our stakeholders. If you have any questions regarding the surveys, please contact me.

Volunteers needed for the Barn Quilt Heritage Trail Project

State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest – June 18

State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest – August 9

State 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest – August 18

State 4-H Horse Judging Contest

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

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.

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 Tattooing was held at the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 5.

Dog Obedience/Agility Dates Set for 2012

For more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42352.pdf

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

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. Final registration will close May 23.