Poultry Project Info

Hopefully you noticed the other livestock information on deadlines and what not in the last newsletter.  The information on poultry can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/livestock.  Make sure to mark your calendars!

PA 4-H Celebrates Centennial

            Happy 100 years to the Pennsylvania 4-H Program!  Starting out in the early 1900s as a rural youth program to promote the advantages of rural living, Pennsylvania 4-H has evolved immensely over the years to accommodate the needs of todays’ youth.  As we move into the second century of the 4-H program in Pennsylvania, the face of 4-H may be very different, but it is still a program providing needed life skills development to our local youth.

The 4-H program began with just a few seeds being distributed for youth to grow in their gardens, but it has flourished into a program that provides a wide variety of opportunities for youth.  One of the major programs offered through Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania 4-H still serves a large amount of rural youth, but it has also reached out to include projects and activities relevant for all youth in Pennsylvania.   Aside from the traditional Ag projects, 4-H now offers projects in robotics, the shooting sports, arts and crafts, leadership, a variety of areas within science, computer skills and much more!  Additionally, youth have opportunities to participate in activities promoting life skills development like public speaking, citizenship, health and nutrition and career exploration.  4-H is a wonderful opportunity for youth to learn skills they will use for a lifetime build positive relationships and have extremely positive experiences.

               In honor of Pennsylvania 4-H Week, March 11-17, Clinton County 4-H Clubs participated in a Window Display Contest to promote Pennsylvania 4-H.  Susquehanna Haybalers 4-H Club displayed their winning display at the Mill Hall Agway and is planning to keep their display up for the entire month.  4-H Unlimited 4-H Club came in second place and displayed theirs at Dotterer Equipment along Route 64.   Both clubs did a wonderful job at promoting the 4-H program and I would encourage you to stop by and take a look if you have the opportunity. 
                
              The Window Display Contest is just the first of many ways we plan to celebrate the 4-H Centennial in Clinton County.  Throughout the year, you will have many opportunities to learn more about Pennsylvania 4-H and the 4-H program in Clinton County.  Displays will be set up at the Lock Haven University Health Fair, Clinton County Expo and Clinton County Fair.  We are planning some special Centennial events at the Clinton County Fair and a 4-H Celebration will be held on October 5, 2012 at the Lock Haven YMCA.  This celebration would be a great opportunity for potential 4-H members to learn more about 4-H and to have some fun!  Finally, we will be having a Birthday party for Clinton County 4-H at our 4-H Achievement Night on November 20, 2012.  If you would like to learn more about 4-H and the opportunities it offers for youth, please contact the Penn State Extension Office in Clinton County at (570) 726-0022. 

4-H Window Display Results

Congratulations to the following clubs who participated in the 4-H Window Display Contest!

1st Place- Susquehanna Haybalers
2nd Place- 4-H Unlimited

Thank you for your participation.

Garden Club Opportunity

You’re invited to join the NEW Clinton County 4-H Garden Club!

The 4-H Garden Club will have full access to one of the extension high-tunnels while getting hands-on training in vegetable and herb gardening from Clinton County Master Gardeners.

Come join us in:

 planning and planting a vegetable and herb garden,

 learning about the benefits of growing in high-tunnels (no watering needed; irrigation system included)

 hands-on experiments

 garden care*

 games

 gardening classes/workshops

 harvest

The 4-H Gardening Club will meet on Thursdays at 6pm starting in mid-April.  RSVP by March 28^th to reserve your garden plot in the high-tunnel!

(*Yes, some weeding will be required but we’ll make sure to set aside time for fun & games)

4-H Teen Retreat Deadline- Volunteers Still Needed

The last chance to register for 4-H Teen Retreat which will be held at Krislund Camp outside of Lamar on March 23-25.  The deadline to register is this Friday, March 9, 2012.  The total cost for this registration period is $110.00, but we still have 3 spots left that can be covered by the Community Foundation Grant which would leave you paying only $70.  The brochure and registration information can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/2012-regional-4-h-teen-retreat/view.

We are also still in need of a chaperone for this event.  The chaperone can be male or female, though we are usually low on male chaperones.  Your duties would just be to go and stay the weekend and to help out along with the other 4-H staff and chaperones who are present.  It’s a very friendly group and I will be there part of the time, just not spending the night.  Your fee for attending will be paid, which includes meals.  Clinton County has 7 youth going this year!  Please let Rebecca Sellers know if you are interested in serving as a chaperone for this event.

Essential Elements Training- March 13, 2012

Attention Teens and Volunteers:

 will be holding an Essential Elements training on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.  This will cover lessons 5 and 6 of the series that covers the 8 Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development.  Any teen, volunteer or even parent is welcome to attend, even if you haven’t attended the previous lessons.  They do not necessarily build upon one another and are very useful in any situation working with youth.  The training will be held in the Learning Center  from 6pm-8pm.  Since e-data is not yet online, please email Rebecca Sellers (rad5003@psu.edu) to let her know if you plan to attend.

4-H Capital Days

4-H Capital Days will be held April 29-May 1 this year.  A promo flyer to tell you what it is all about is attached, but this is a great opportunity for youth 15-18 years of age.  While the total cost of the event is $300, Clinton County 4-H members can apply for a scholarship to help with this cost.  Two members will get a $200 scholarship and two will get a $100 scholarship.  So, if you are interested in attending, please turn in the scholarship application attached by March 12, 2012.  The deadline to register for the event is April 2, 2012, but you should let me know in advance if you are planning to attend in order to get all the necessary information submitted.    

March Newsletter

The 4-H newsletter for March is now available!  It is attached to this email and can also be accessed at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/newsletters.  It is packed full of useful information this month, so make sure you take a look. 

Horses Available

Attention 4-H Horse Members: David Ramsey (610-308-0238) has offered production/performance horses to any interested members in Clinton County.  These horses are located in the Loganton Area and are registered Morgans.  The 4-H program does not encourage or discourage any members from contacting this individual and talking to him about his offering.  Please remember if you decide to contact David, the Clinton County 4-H Horse Program is not a sponsor or supporter of his horses and is just relaying the contact information and opportunity to Clinton County 4-H horse members.  

Photography Project Opportunity Update

Last week I had sent out an email about an opportunity for teens to learn more about photography with Rich WyKoff on March 1st.  Instead of this event being at 7:30 along with the Teen Leader Council Meeting, it will be held prior to the meeting at 6:00pm at the Learning Center.  Any 4-H Teens or volunteers are welcome to attend. 

 Rich has shared that you are welcome to bring your own digital camera if you’d like.