Wednesday, February 27, 2013

March Newsletter

Hello Ford County 4-H! 
Thank you to each one of the 4-H’ers that participated in our local 4-H Club Day and good luck to all of our Regional 4-H Club Day participants! Each one of you should be proud of the work you accomplished!

  
March is a great time of the year to get your KAPS organized…or started for the year! If you haven’t written your project goals, do that now! Make a list of photos you’d like to take each month or update certain sections to make sure your information is current. 

  
With Spring Break around the corner, why not tackle a few of those 4-H projects! Even though “4-H is a Family Affair,” we encourage parents to let their child ‘make their own decisions’ when it comes to projects. Sure, a parent can help their child ‘perfect’ their project; however, the child will not ‘master’ the skills. The goal of a 4-H Parent is to let their child learn by themselves with adult guidance when necessary. It is okay if your child fails, they will learn and grow from their mistakes – 4-H is a safe place to fail!



A former 4-H’er once said: “4-H isn’t about the ribbons and awards. It’s about the JOURNEY.  It’s about the TRIALS and TRIBULATIONS. It’s about the FRIENDSHIPS and MEMORIES made!” 



With that being said, are you fairly new to 4-H and may be lost and confused? Don’t worry! It takes about 3 years to fully understand the 4-H Program. Stick with it and you will start to see the benefits! And if you have questions or need help, don’t be afraid to ask. 

 


In 4-H Spirit, 








Molly Trausch

Ford County 4-H Youth Development Agent

4-H Council & Community Club Leaders Meeting
Community Club Leaders will meet at 6:30pm and 4-H Council will meet at 7:00pm at the fair building on Monday, March 25th.

Flea Market
The Exchange Trip group will be hosting a spring Flea Market on Saturday, March 23 from 9:00am – 1:00pm at the fair building. Shopping not your speed? Come on out and have a bowl of soup, a slice of homemade pie and cinnamon rolls! Proceeds to benefit the 4-H Exchange Trip program. If you are interested in having a table at the Flea Market, call the office for more info or to reserve a spot. Also, if you have any items you’d like to donate to the ‘Exchange Table’ to sell, please contact an Exchange member to pick up your items for extra points towards their trip. J


4-H AMBASSADOR/EXCHANGE MEETING
The next Ambassador/Exchange meeting will be Monday, April 22nd at 7:00pm at the Fair Building. We will be preparing for Massachusetts to arrive in June. PLEASE make sure you attend this meeting.

Agent Visit @ Club Meetings
Throughout the month of March, Molly will be making a visit to your 4-H Club Meeting! Be sure to attend and meet your 4-H Agent! The VIP Orientation will also be offered at your meeting if you haven’t taken it or would like to! Molly will be at the following meetings:
  • DIY Jrs. - Monday, March 11th
  • Lucky Clovers - Monday, March 18th
  • Prairie Schooners - Sunday, March 10th
  • Valley Boosters - Monday, March 4th
  • Wilroads Gardens - Sunday, April 14th
  • Wright Wonder Workers - Sunday, March 10th

Regional Club Days will be held on  Saturday, March 2nd at 8:00 am at the Dodge City Middle School.  If you received a top blue (purple ribbon) at the Ford County Club Day, you are eligible to compete at the regional event. Good luck to all!!!

Consumer Lifeskills Judging Contest
Good job to everyone who took a stab at the Consumer Lifeskills Judging Contest at our County Club Days. You all did great! If you would like to see your scores, stop by the office! We will be having our 2nd Judging Contest at Regional Club Days on March 2nd from 8:00am until 10:00am. Classes/Categories will be different so come and check it out! Each time you participate in the Judging Contest increases your chance of competing on the  Ford County’s Consumer Science Judging Teams at the state fair!  Contact the Extension Office if you have any questions.

Foods Judges Training
Wednesday, March 13th, Dodge City. Please contact Christine McPheter at 620-873-8790 with questions or to register.

Fashion Frenzy
Fashion Frenzy has been cancelled for this year. Our condolences to anyone who was wishing to participate. Be on the lookout for it next year!

Ford County 4-H Foundation Scholarships
The Ford County 4-H foundation will be offering several scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year.   Information and applications have been sent out to graduating seniors and past 4-H’ers.  Information will also be posted on our website. Applications will be DUE April 1st.

Project Information/Show Book
Every year we receive information on project activities from other counties across the state who are holding photography workshops, geology workshops, livestock shows, judging contests, skill-a-thons, sales, etc.  All of this information is organized in a very large notebook.  Stop by the office and check it out!


Livestock Quality Counts
A priority of the 4-H livestock projects is to teach members the proper animal husbandry methods and ethical practices when raising and showing livestock. QUALITY COUNTS TRAINING IS MANDATORY FOR ALL COUNTY 4-H’ERS WHO WILL BE SELLING A MARKET ANIMAL AT THE COUNTY FAIR LIVESTOCK SALE. 

Andrea has will have three trainings scheduled for your convenience.  The first one is set for Thursday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m. at the Extension Office. Please call the Extension Office to RSVP one day prior to the training date.  The other sessions will be scheduled on a weeknight and weekend.

Ford County Fair Book Cover Contest
It that time of year!  We are looking for entries for the County Fair Book Cover Contest!  Entries must be drawn in dark pencil, black marker, and/or black pen or designed on the computer.

Entries must be on a half sheet of paper (4 ¼ width x 11 inch length).  Allow at least a ¼ inch margin on all sides.  You must include the following in the design: Ford County Fair” and leave a spot to add dates in later.  This year there is a theme you may use.  It is   Barn to be Wild.”

Prizes will be awarded by the Ford County Fair Association: 1st place-$25; 2nd place-$15; 3rd place-$10. Entries are due by FRIDAY, MARCH 29th to the Extension Office.

County Fair Superintendents
The Ford County Fair needs YOU!  It will take several volunteers to make sure the 2013 Ford County Fair is a success. Please consider signing up to help by being a superintendent.  All adult leader/parents and junior leaders (ages 12 and older) are encouraged to volunteer and sign up during your next club meeting! (If you are in a livestock project, please do not sign up as a superintendent of that species.)


County Weigh-In Dates:
The ownership and weigh-in dates for the 2013 Ford County Fair are:          


Beef Weigh-In (includes Market Steers and Heifers, and 2nd Year Bucket Calves, Commercial Heifers) Registered Heifers must have Registration papers in name of 4-H’er by this date also.
Thursday, March 7, 2013   4-6:30pm
@ Winters Livestock

Small Animal Weigh-In (includes all Goats, Sheep, Swine and 1st year Bucket Calves) 
Tuesday, April 23, 2013   4-6:30pm
@ Ford County Fair Building


Animal Sciences Leadership Academy
KSU will host the fifth annual K-State Animal Sciences Leadership Academy June 5-8 for young livestock industry leaders in Kansas. The program, hosted by the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, focuses on increasing participants' knowledge of the Kansas livestock industry, as well as enhancing leadership skills. Students must apply by Friday, March 15. Candidates have to be enrolled in high school as of January 1 and able to participate in the entire academy.

Kansas Junior Meat Goat Producer Day will be held Saturday, March 23 at Kansas State University's Weber Arena in Manhattan, KS. This interactive workshop is for all ages and skill levels. All participants will receive a T-shirt, complimentary lunch, and a Meat Goat Showmanship Guide. Participants with registrations after the March 8 Early Registration deadline are not guaranteed a T-shirt. Cost is $15/person by March 8 or $20/person after March 8. Visit www.youthlivestock.ksu.edu for registration.

Fort Hays Judging Contests
will be held on March 23 in Hays at Fort Hays State University. Open to ALL 4-H and FFA members. There will be six contests - Crops, Entomology, Horticulture, Life Skills, Livestock and Photography. There is a $3 entry fee per participant that will be collected the day of. This is a great opportunity to test your skills and learn something new! For moreinformation, please visit www.ellis.ksu.eduunder the 4-H tab.


Camp Headquarters
 (Full details about Camps will be in the April Newsletter)

Discovery Days 
May 28th-31st
The most anticipated event in Kansas 4-H is almost here! Registration will be opening
Friday, March 1st and will close April 15thClasses will fill up fast, so be sure to register soon! Discovery Days is held in Manhattan, Kansas on the Kansas State University campus.  It is open to ALL youth 13 to 18 years old by January 1, 2013. For complete details, check out kansas4h.org.

4-Clover Camp
JUNE 5-7, 2013

@DCCC

Looking for a summer camp closer to home?  4-Clover Camp is the camp for you! 4-H youth ages 7 to 12 years old are invited to attend this 3 day 2 night camp for only $40! This camp is packed with activities such as: geocaching, fishing, swimming, crafts, new friends and all things Kansas!


GUNSMOKE 4-H DAY CAMP

JUNE 11, 2013

Ford County Fair Grounds
Calling all kids of Edwards, Ford and Hodgeman Counties!  All children who have completed Kindergarten through 3rd grade are invited to experience the annual Gunsmoke 4-H Day Camp. Mark your calendars and register early…space is limited!  A $10.00 camp fee includes snacks, lunch and activity materials. You do not need to be a 4-H member to attend day camp!


Heart of Kansas 4-H Camp
June 17-20
Rock Springs 4-H Center
  
Mark your calendars and plan to send your children to 4-H Camp! For only $100, your child can experience a lifetime’s worth of memories: campfires, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, crafts, games, new friends and much much more! The Heart of Kansas 4-H Camp is located at the Rock Springs 4-H Center south of Junction City. All youth who have completed 3rd thru 8th grades are welcome (Counselors are 14 and older).

Camp Counselors
We are looking for responsible youth who would like to serve as a camp counselor for any of our summer camps. Youth must be 14 years and older and VIP certified. Applications will be available soon and will be due May 1st.

Save the Date!!!
Watch the April Issue of the Newsletter for more information about a Ceramics Workshop! We are currently working on details with the DC YMCA!

4-H CAMPFERENCE
This event is focused on youth ages 12- 14 (before January 1, 2011), and will be held June 17-20, 2013, at Rock Springs 4-H Center. Participants will experience the feel of a conference, while enjoying the “camp” activities Rock Springs 4-H Center has to offer. This is a great transitional opportunity, as these tweens go from being a camper to attending educational conferences. Campference will feature workshops about opportunities in the 4-H program, healthy living skills and how to better interact with others. Participants will meet other youth from around the state of Kansas.  Registration materials will be available on the State 4-H web page in March, with registrations due in early May.

State Clothing Camp
A Clothing Camp will be conducted by the FCS Action Team at Rock Springs near Junction City, June 26-29, 2013.  The camp is designed for 10-13 year olds around the theme of "Bunches of Fun"!  Watch for details and on-line registration information soon.

Shutterbugs in the Garden
Join the State 4-H Photography Action Team on Saturday May 4, 2013, at the Botanica Gardens in Wichita. All 4-H’ers, Leaders and Parents are invited to attend. Your only cost is admission. The day will begin at 9:00am and will conclude around 1:30pm.  Session topics will be: Bubbles, Flowers, Angles, Butterflies, Kaleidoscopes and Mirrors, Evaluating pictures and Camera Questions and settings. For more info, visit kansas4h.org.  


Horse Judging Camp
Beginners Section (June 17, 2013)
This camp is designed for youth that have had very little experience judging horses and would like to learn more about note-taking and oral sessions. Emphasis will be placed on the placings of classes commonly seen in Kansas judging contests.

Advanced Section (June 13-14, 2013)
This camp is designed for youth that have had some experience to learn more about note taking and oral reasons. Emphasis will be placed on the placings and reasons of classes commonly seen in Kansas judging contests. Participants will receive a camp souvenir,

Both camps will be held at Kansas State University's Weber Arena in Manhattan, KS. Registration for both sections are due May 1, 2013 with no late entries accepted. Camp will be limited to the first 30 participants for each. For more information and registration, visit the website www.YouthLivestock.KSU.edu

National 4-H Congress
Ford County is allowed to send ONE 4-H’er to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, Nov 29 – Dec 3, 2013. You will be considered a ‘Centennial Delegate’ and will be responsible to pay the full amount of $1,150 to attend.

To be eligible, delegates MUST:
  • Have never attended National 4-H Congress.
  • Be enrolled in Kansas 4-H.
  • Have a genuine desire to attend.
  • Be available to attend 2013 National 4-H Congress in its entirety.
  • Be at least 14 years old but not yet 19 years old before January 1, 2013.
  • Remain committed to attending 2013 National  4-H Congress once they accept the trip.
  • Agree to follow the prescribed code of conduct, realizing failure to do so may result in the loss of privileges during the event and/or in the future.

If interested, please write a 500 word essay on ‘What 4-H has Given Me,’ and turn it into the Extension Office by April 26th. Essays will be reviewed and one 4-H’er will be selected as the Ford County delegate for National 4-H Congress. For more info about National 4-H Congress, visit: http://national4-hcongress.com 

Please Note
Several of the Camps listed are made affordable by financial assistance from the Ford County 4-H Foundation and Ford County 4-H Council. (i.e. Heart of Kansas 4-H Camp is really $145 to attend. Thanks to their donations, it only costs you $100.) Take a few minutes out of your day to thank them.

County Wide Project Leaders
  • Aerospace/Robotics – Jaden Fleener
  • Beef – Draper Family, Grace Fulton
  • Clothing/Buymanship – Naomi Harrold
  • Exploring 4-H – Jolene Brauer
  • Entomology – Alan Eaton,  Dakota Derstein  
  • Fiber Arts – Jenni Latzke
  • Geology – Steve Harrold
  • Horse – Jeff & Lisa Rumbaugh Family
  • Photography – Holly Martin
  • Poultry – Jake Fulton
  • Shooting Sports – Delbert Downey, Chris Kinkelaar, Gerald Miller, Joe Vogel
  • Swine/Livestock Judging – Eric Martin
These CW Project Leaders are VIP certified, caring and highly knowledgeable adults & junior leaders who would like to share their skills and talents with our youth! If you need help with your projects, contact our office and we’ll get you connected with them! (If you’d like to be a CW project leader, contact the Extension Office!)

What if my project doesn’t have a project leader? No problem! Contact the Extension Office and we will guide you along your project journey. We have connections with experts across the state who can help you out.

**Project Resources Available**
The Extension Office has National 4-H Curriculum Project Guide Books for all 30 project areas! These books are jammed packed with activities! These are great resources if you are new to the project. We also have several learning lab kits for the livestock projects. If you would like to check any of them out, please stop on by the office! 

Project Meetings

Beef
If you need any help with your beef project, please give County Wide Project Leader, Neal Draper, a call at 620-338-5286.

Clothing Project Meeting
County Wide Clothing Project Leader, Naomi Harrold has planned a ‘Buttonhole Workshop’ for Saturday, March 30th from 10:30am-11:30am at her house, 2411 5th Ave., Dodge City. Open to all       4-H’ers in the Clothing and Buymanship Projects. Youth will also be working on a Mother’s Day Project! Please RSVP to Naomi at (970)443-7592.  

Fiber Arts
This year’s County Wide Fiber Arts Project Leader is Jennifer Latzke. If you are in need of project ideas or help, feel free to give her a shout at:  jlatzke @ hpj . com , 620-227-1807(work,) or 620-338-5534(cell.) A project meeting will be scheduled for late March/April.

Geology
Are you curious about the geology project but do not know where to start? Contact our County Wide Project Leader, Steve Harrold at 620-253-5348! It’s not too late to enroll in the project! The State Geology Field Trip is coming up soon.

Horse
If you need to test out of Levels 1 or 2, please contact Project Leader Lisa Rumbaugh at 620-682-5103. They will be scheduling a couple of riding times depending on the weather.

Horse Info.

Each 4-H member must complete a Horse ID Certificate for each horse they wish to show at county, district, or state shows.  The form is due by May 1, 2013 to the Extension Office.  New forms are available online, however you can use the same form from previous years if it is the same horse.
2013 District Horse Show
Save the date for June 25, 2013 @ the Finney County Fairgrounds, Garden City.


Shooting Sports
It’s that time of the year again! The 2013 Shooting Sports program will begin their Sunday trap shoots in March, with their first shoot on March 3rd. Each practice will begin at 1:30pm at the Dodge City Gun Club – located at the intersection of 112 & Garnett Road (correction line.) Our Shooting Sports program in Ford County is nationally ranked! If you have any interest or questions, please give our project leader Joe Vogel a call at 620-338-2362. 

Space Tech Project Day
Southwest Kansas 4-H will be hosting a Space Tech Project Day on Saturday, April 20th at the Finney County Fairgrounds in Garden City from 9:30am-3:30pm. Open to ALL youth and adults. Workshops will be on Beginning($8) and Advance Rocketry, Junk Drawer Robotics, Lego Robotics, GPS/GIS, and Astronomy. This is a FREE event!

THANK YOU!!!!

  • Holly T, Heather T, Lauren S, Connor M, Andres B, Monica B, Tania B, James E, Michael E, and Charmayne A for being Door Monitors for County Club Days.  
  • Ethel Schneweis for providing the Consumer Lifeskills Judging Contest at County Club Days! 
  • ALL of the Parents and Family members who came out to support our 4-H’ers in their Club Day Events. 
  • ALL of the Club Leaders who helped our club members practice their skits and events!
  • Exchange Members and Parents who helped serve at the Conservation Dinner. 
  • ALL the 4-H Members, Parents, and Community Members who attended the Fair Association’s Meeting. It’s nice to see how passionate everyone is about 4-H & the Fair! 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

 To ALL of our top blue ribbon winners at County Club Days! Good Luck at Regionals on March 2nd!



4-H Newsletter Information
If you have information about a county-wide project meeting or special event your club is hosting that you would like in the newsletter, please email Molly at mtrausch@ksu.edu  by the 20th of each month so we can include it in the next newsletter.