Volunteer Extension Cord (VEC) is a way to advise you about Texas 4-H Volunteer Development. This newsletter is e-mailed to County Extension Agents, Texas 4-H Faculty, District Extension Administrators, and Regional Program Directors. In addition, 4-H volunteers who are active in VLAT or their District Adult Leaders Association (and we have your e-mail address) will receive VEC. To add an e-mail address to our list, send a message to texasvolunteer@tamu.edu and type subscribe followed by your name, county, district and e-mail address.
We are always looking for news items, county and regional highlights, recognition of volunteers and other information related to volunteer development. Please send information to the following e-mail texasvolunteer@tamu.edu
In This Edition:
County Extension Agents Celebrate 100 Years of Service
2007 Texas 4-H Roundup
VLAT Update
Volunteer Awards Program
Summer Fun at the Texas 4-H Conference Center
Large Animal Master Volunteer Training (Sheep & Goat)
4-H CONNECT v2
Gloria Barron Prize Call for Nominations
ESRI GIS Grant Program for 4-H
County Extension Agents Celebrate 100 Years of Service
Submitted by: Pam Foster, County Extension Agent - Childress County, Member of Texas AgriLife Extension Service Spirit Committee.
4-H’ers and youth volunteers throughout Texas celebrate the largest and most noted 4-H program in the nation. While that statement would never be possible without the support and dedication of 4-H volunteers, one other component has been invaluable to that success...the County Extension Agent. County Extension Agents across Texas celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to 4-H and Texas this past fall.
I hope each of you reading this article will stop and reflect on just how many ways your life has been affected in a positive way by your County Extension Agent. Agents have provided countless food workshops, showmanship clinics, and record book trainings. They have coordinated hundreds of leadership labs and camps and don’t forget the thousands of miles that agents have driven to transport or support 4-H familiesa t competitions and events. It is those events, support and memories that have endeared agents and made them part of families, not just professionals.
The history of the County Extension Agent in Texas is great. In 1903, farmers and business men in Kaufman County were searching for methods to stop the spread of the cotton boll weevil, which was threatening to ruin their farming economy. They heard about Dr. Seaman A. Knapp, who had been successful in helping rice farmers in Southwest Louisiana to overcome problems in rice farming. The people of Terrell invited Dr. Knapp to Kaufmann County early in 1903. In efforts to help Knapp suggested that one farmer conduct a farm demonstration for all the farmers in the county according to his recommendations. Walter C. Porter agreed to allow the use of his farm for the demonstration. Local businessmen backed Porter with $1000 in the back to cover any loss to Porter. The demonstration plot netted Porter more cotton per acre than ever before. By 1904 increased activity of the boll weevil had become a national concern. The U.S. Department of Agriculture adopted the methods used on the Porter farm and the Secretary of Agriculture authorized Dr. Knapp to immediately establish other demonstrations on Texas farms.
Later in 1904, Dr. Knapp opened an office for the “Farmer” Co-operative Demonstration Work” in Houston and 33 agents were employed. W.C. Stalling was appointed the first agent to work in Smith County, Texas in 1904.
The development of cooperative demonstration work was rapid. It was only natural that farm boys would become interested in their fathers’ success and quickly became interested in demonstrations themselves. In 1908, the first Boy’s Corn Club was established in 1908 under the supervision of the Jack County Agent, Tom Marks.
As the movement spread, the question of financing became acute. In 1911, the Texas Legislature passed the first law authorizing county commissioners’ courts to appropriate money for agents’ salaries. Eight years after the appointment of the first agricultural agent appointment, Mrs. Edna W. Trigg was appointed Home Demonstration Agent in Milam County. Home demonstration work conducted by Trigg focused entirely on girls’ clubs or “canning clubs.”
The successful results of agriculture and home demonstration work in Texas and other states gained national attention and resulted in the passage of the Smith-Lever Act by the U.S. Congress in 1914. The act made Extension work a division of Texas A&M College (Texas A&M University). Expansion quickly increased the number of agents, boys and girls’ clubs and work with women on the farm (Home Demonstration Clubs). The State A&M College for Negroes at Prairie View (Prairie View A&M University) was established to assist ethnic audiences.
Men, women and 4-H youth learned scientific methods for farming and homemaking practices from the university through the county agent enabling them to apply research based answers to their individual needs and practices.
The role of Texas AgriLife Extension Service education and that of the County Extension Agent have changed greatly over the last 100 years. The knowledge that the first County Agents spread by way of horse and buggy can quickly be accessed today online. But, one thing has not changed...the dedication and devotion of hundreds of County Extension Agents to thousands of 4-H and Extension families across the state of Texas.
Why not take time to give your agent a call or go by the office and thank them for what they mean to you and the impact that they have made on your family. Better yet, plan a celebration, media blitz or appreciation supper to recognize the entire County Extension Staff. Let’s take time to show our appreciation to those that have given so much to “make the best better.”
2007 Texas 4-H Roundup
Contact: Toby L. Lepley, Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist
E-mail: 4hevents@ag.tamu.edu
Planning for the 2007 Texas 4-H Roundup is under way and approaching fast. Many of the districts have already begun the process of hosting state qualifying contests for the big week in June. As our volunteers leaders assist the 4-H members with their presentations and contest, the 4-H program would like to remind everyone (volunteers, 4-H members, and county Extension agents) on how to have a great and successful competitive experience.
• Know the rules. The 2007 Texas 4-H Roundup Rules and Guidelines are posted on the 4-H website. It is EVERYONE’S responsibility to know what is in the rule book and willing to abide by the rules.
• Be prepared. Don’t rely on someone else’s equipment for your contest. Secure your own computer, projector, easel, props, etc. The contest room is not the place you want to realize that you don’t have everything or what you have will not work.
• Remember the educational value of your participation. While Roundup is a competition it is foremost an educational experience. A 4-H member’s participation in Roundup helps them develop life long skills such as decision making, presentation, and public speaking. These skills will benefit them 30 years from now much greater than a blue, red, white ribbon today.
• Have fun! 4-H members are used to competition, they experience it everyday in their schools, the sports field, and amongst their friends. Roundup is competition to determine the individual and/or team that has developed the highest skills and greatest amount of knowledge. But it is more, 4-H Roundup is about youth from ages 9 to 19 across Texas participating with their friends in an experience that is positive and enlightening. Remember to praise your 4-H member after the have competed. Congratulate them if they do an outstanding job and place, but also congratulate them if their do not accomplish the goal they wanted. Everyone should be congratulated for participating and representing themselves, their county, and their district.
Below are some of the things you can expect during the 2007 Texas 4-H Roundup registration process and at the event.
• Registration will be conducted by 4-H members and parents via 4-H CONNECT (please see the article in this issue of the Extension Cord on the new 4-H CONNECT).
• Housing will be offered in the south side dorms on the campus of Texas A&M University. Housing will be done by district and counties and only 2 people per room. If a county or individual would like to stay off campus, they are welcome to at all expenses covered by them. Office of Residence Life has been contracted to manage and assign all rooms with direction from the 4-H Office.
• Roundup will not officially start until TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2007. Registration will be at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Reed Arena.
• Meals will be available at the Commons Cafeteria for breakfast and at Sibisa Dining Hall for Lunch and Dinner.
• On-line Roundup registration will be from April 18 – May 9. A late registration period with penalties will be held May 10-16.
• A limited number of educational workshops will be offered in 2007.
• Two Spirit Rallies will be held, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday in Rudder Theater at 2:00 p.m. Performers to be announced soon!
All information and updates will be posted on the Texas 4-H and Youth Development website at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu. Everyone is encouraged to check the site frequently starting the first of March for new developments and announcements.
VLAT Update
Speaking of Roundup...This year, look for the VLAT Sales Booth. They will, once again, the association will be selling many 4-H goods. So, make your list now and get ready to buy gifts and memorabilia. VLAT will also be highlighting a new item - a 4-H fold-up chair in a bag! Come check it out!
VLAT will also very soon be unveiling a new website, so look for an updated look very soon. The VLAT website is and will be linked from the Texas 4-H website at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu
Volunteer Awards Program
Each year, the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program provides awards and recognition for volunteers that serve and support the Texas 4-H Program, in addition to awards for Extension faculty. All awards are presented at the Salute to Excellence Banquet on Wednesday evening June 6, 2007, at Texas 4-H Roundup. It is important that proper recognition be given to those who have made significant contributions to the young people of Texas. To nominate someone for any award, the corresponding award application/nomination form must be completed, typed and submitted to the respective County Extension Office by Friday, March 2, 2007. All award applications are available from your county Extension office or
http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/volunteer/vlat/award and must be submitted to the state office by the deadline of March 30, 2007. Applications received after this date will not be considered for award nominations.
Citation for Outstanding Service to 4-H: This award recognizes an individual or a business who has made an outstanding contribution to Texas 4-H programs ON A REGIONAL OR STATE BASIS. Awards are generally made based on a long-term commitment rather than a one-time program. Individuals or businesses that are local supporters, and limit their contributions to local programs, should be recognized at the local level. The number of citations awarded will vary from year to year.
Texas 4-H Alumni Award: The Texas 4-H Alumni Award will recognize adults who have made significant achievements IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. Consideration is given to individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding record of achievement AS A 4-H MEMBER and who have shown evidence of 4-H’s influence on their adult lives. Continued service to 4-H in adulthood is very important. No current Extension employee may receive this award. The number of 4-H alumni awards presented will vary from year to year.
Meritorious Service Award: The 4-H Volunteers Leaders’ Association of Texas annually recognizes an outstanding county Extension agent, county Extension director, or program assistant and an outstanding Extension Specialist (any program area) or District Extension Administrator with the Meritorious Service Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize Extension faculty members for their role in making 4-H volunteers more effective. These nominations should not be limited to 4-H Faculty. There are many deserving faculty members whose major responsibilities fall in other program areas. All nominations should be made by a 4-H member or Adult Leaders’ Association member and forwarded to the local county Extension agent. (Should you nominate your agent, forward the form to another local agent.) The agent will verify the nomination contents and forward it to the appropriate District Extension Administrator for review and submission to the state 4-H office. Nominees must be a resident of Texas and have been paid staff or faculty with Texas AgriLife Extension Service/Texas 4-H for the immediate past five (5) years. Two awards are given annually.
Texas 4-H Salute to Excellence Award: This award recognizes outstanding 4-H volunteers for their service to 4-H programs and the impact they have had on the lives of young people. Each district may select two recipients who will be honored with this award. The awards are sponsored by the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program. Districts are strongly encouraged to submit one award winner for excellence in club work (community, project, school) and one award winner for excellence through special interest and curriculum enrichment programs. Selections are made at the district level with two copies of the nomination forms forwarded to the Texas 4-H Office c/o Courtney Dodd, Extension Program Specialist.
Leader’s Legacy Award: This award recognizes a 4-H leader who has been an integral part of the 4-H and Youth Development Program for 20 years or more. The person who is nominated for this award may or may not be the person who is always in the spotlight, but is the one who makes an impact and a difference on the 4-H members with whom he/she works. Stretch beyond normal thinking and be inclusive in making a selection for this prestigious nomination.
Specific requirements for the Leader’s Legacy Award include:
• Twenty (20) or more years of service to 4-H as a volunteer leader.
• Continuing support of the 4-H program at any level.
• Must have been a club manager or project leader in a county in Texas for at least five (5) years.
The number of Leader’s Legacy Awards presented each year depends upon the number of nominations that are received by the state deadline. The following key is used to determine the number of awards given.
• 1-10 nominations = 1 award
• 11-15 nominations = 2 awards
• 16+ nominations = 3 awards
Nominations for the Leader’s Legacy Award may be made by 4-H members, 4-H volunteers, County Commissioners, State Specialists, county Extension agents, program assistants, District or County Extension Administrators, other program partners/collaborators.
Summer Fun at the Texas 4-H Conference Center
Camping opportunities await you in 2007 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center. We have programs for the young and the young-at-heart. Check our schedule and head out to Brownwood to relax, be revived and to meet new friends or spend time with old acquaintances.
Camping is not just for kids! The 4-H Conference Center invites you to send mom or dad to camp. Spring Fling (April 23-27) and Octoberfest (October 22-26) are tailored for campers age 50+. Enjoy great fellowship, learn new skills and crafts and recall the good ole’ days of yesteryear in a safe and fun environment.
Now, for the kids... these camps are open to 4-H and non-4-H members. Youth are chaperoned by professional camp staff and adult volunteers in a 1:8 ratio. Programming includes swimming, canoeing, archery, environmental education, arts & crafts, cultural appreciation and challenge course activities. Evening activities promote teamwork and friendly competition.
County Camp I: July 1-3
Ages 9-18
Youth Fee: $126
Adult Fee: $57.75
County Camp II: July 5-7
Ages 9-18
Youth Fee: $126
Adult Fee: $57.75
County Camp III: July 9-11
Ages 9-18
Youth Fee: $126
Adult Fee: $57.75
County Camp IV: July 11-14
Ages 9-18
Youth Fee: $173
Adult Fee: $74
Prime Time I: July 15-18
Ages 12-13
Youth Fee: $183
Adult Fee: $90
Prime Time II: July 18-21
Ages 9-11
Youth Fee: $183
Adult Fee: $90
Specialty camps are offered to older youth. SpecTra ‘07, Spectacular Training in Spectacular Tradition allows youth to choose from one of eight educational sessions where they receive approximately 20 hours of intense instruction. The instruction is designed to enhance and expand the scope of 4-H projects, to explore career opportunities and to experience the project on a whole new level. During the day, the eight groups work independently with hands-on skills building workshops, field trips and tours of local businesses and some groups complete projects while at camp. In the evening, youth participate in team building exercises; the final Gala which allows participants to experience a formal event and reflect on the week’s activities. The sessions include Agriculture & Natural Resources, All Things Leadership, Health Professions, Photo Communications, Outdoor Education & Aquatics, Public Speaking and Culinary Arts. SpecTra dates are July 24-28; registration information is available on the 4-H Conference Center website.
Mission Possible is an inclusive camp that brings youth of all abilities together for a traditional camping experience. This year’s camp is scheduled for June 20-22 and enrollment is limited to 45 participants. Registration is $115 for the three day two night camp. 4-H members ages 16 and older to apply to serve as a Camp Mentor to assist campers with disabilities in the activities. Mentor registration is $35 and includes an in-service training on June 19 at the 4-H Conference Center.
Other Specialty Camps are in the works, so check out the Texas 4-H Conference Center website, http://texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu or request to be on the e-mail list by sending an e-mail to Texas4-HCenter@ag.tamu.edu, please include your county and district for sorting purposes.
Large Animal Master Volunteer Training (Sheep & Goat)
The Texas 4-H Master Sheep and Goat Volunteer Training will be held July 20-22, 2007, in George West. The purpose of the program is to train sheep or goat project leaders to provide support to new 4-H sheep and goat feeders. The training will provide these project leaders with a valuable set of resources from which to build and support families in your county whoa re new tot he sheep or goat project. Although there may be many teens willing and capable of serving as a Master Sheep or Master Goat Volunteer, the training is intended for adult project leaders. All registrants must be approved by the respective county Extension agent prior to attending the training and should be contacted prior to registering for the course.
The training will focus on two central themes to better support the program in your county: youth development, and sheep/goat project subject matter. Topics to be included in the training will include:
Sheep Industry/Goat Industry
4-H Sheep & Goat Opportunities
Quality Counts
Working with New Feeders
Exercising Sheep & Goats
Hoof Care & Trimming
Classification
Selection
Making Project Visits
Feeding & Nutrition
Show Preparations & Showmanship
Fitting & Grooming
General Health Management
Live Animal & Carcass Evaluation
Handling, Clipping, & Stress
Tour of Sheep & Goat Facilities
4-H CONNECT v2
Contact: Toby L. Lepley, Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist
E-mail: 4hevents@ag.tamu.edu
4-H CONNECT Help Desk: 979-845-5964
February officially sees the release of 4-H CONNECT version 2. This new version of 4-H CONNECT is hopefully much easier for our 4-H members and volunteers to navigate and register for events. The new system allows for the 4-H program to develop a fully integrated calendar system that provides contact information on each of the events.
Because of the new system and the major changes that have been made every one will need to establish a new profile. The profile section does include an expanded amount of information items. This information replicates the 4-H enrollment form for both the youth and adults. Through an evaluation of the profile setup over the next year we will be seeing if 4-H CONNECT could successfully be used as a registration program as well as an event registration program.
4-H CONNECT is not designed as a county and/or club profile system. Each 4-H family should establish and maintain their family profiles and registration. The new system will closely monitor the establishment of large “families” to ensure that club/county profiles are not established. As in the past, the district and state offices will work with those 4-H members and families that do not have computer access to accept registrations.
Some of the new and exciting features of 4-H CONNECT include:
• Use of e-checks. As you register, pull out your check book and put in your routing and account number – no need to mail a check. This can be used for both personal checks and club/county checks.
• Calendar of events by all district and state events. You have the option of selecting just the events you want to see!
• Easier navigation through the system. Less steps and clearer instructions!
• Clearer instructions for mailing your payments – if you have to mail a check!
How can you be a 4-H CONNECT Champion?
1. Establish a profile now and don’t wait until the last minute that registration is due!
2. Make sure you complete all the information correctly and completely. This includes selecting the correct county name!
3. Don’t let anyone manage your profile for you. Information in the 4-H CONNECT can be considered sensitive and should not be shared with another 4-H member or volunteer.
4. Establish the correct type of profile – youth should set up a youth profile and adults should set up an adult profile!
5. Spend the time upfront and save yourself headaches later!
To help our 4-H members, volunteers, and county offices a new 4-H CONNECT help desk has been established. To contact the help desk, call 979-845-6495. Please leave a detailed message, name, phone, county, and information about your problem. The 4-H office will research the problem and get back with you either by phone or email.
2007 Gloria Barron Prize Call for Nominations
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes seeks nominations for its 2007 awards. The Barron Prize honors young people ages 8 to 18 who have shown leadership and courage in public service to people and our planet. Each year, ten national winners each receive $2,000 to support their service work or higher education. Nomination deadline is April 30th. For more information and to nominate, visit: http://www.barronprize.org
ESRI GIS Grant Program for 4-H
The goal of this program is to foster and support the integration of geographic information system (GIS) applications in U.S. 4-H clbus. ESRI has created the 2007 ESRI GIS Grant Program for US. 4-H in cooperation with National 4-H Headquarters within the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)/U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to supports its geospatial outreach, education, and community involvement efforts.
Grants for software, introductory training and other materials will be awarded to U.S. 4-H clubs completing successful application and acceptance by the February 28, 2007, submission deadline.
The 2007 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H is one aspect of a multifaceted ESRI 4-H initiative being developed by ESRI in cooperation with National 4-H Headquarters within CSRESS/USDA that will help its members expand their current programs including the National 4-H GIS/GPS Technology Progarms (www.4-h.org/tech/gisgps), the National 4-H Youth Technology Leadership Team (http://www.4-h.org/tech) And the National 4-H GIS/GPS Technology Integration Team (http://www.gisgpsintegration.org)
The 2007 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H consists of two grant options for 4-H clubs. Clubs should apply for the option most appropriate for their individual club situation.
Introductory Grant Level: 2007 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H is for 4-H clubs new to GIS and global positioning system (GPS) technology.
Intermediate Grant Level: 2007 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-H is for the 4-H clubs that have successfully applied for and received software under a previous ESRI GIS Grant for Community Atlas project, participating in a GIS Day event, and completing a community service project.
The grant covers a period of essentially one 4-H project year from the date of grant approval and software receipt through September 30, 2008. The grant includes a youth club license of selected software for Windows® computers and Windows CE devices, books, and Web-based resources.
Procedure for Application: Complete the grant application and submit through the online grant application form no later than February 28, 2007. All grant proposals must be submitted through your county Extension office and then forwarded (in Word format) to Dr. Toby Lepley (t-lepley@tamu.edu).
pplications will be reviewed and an electronic letter of recommendation from Dr. Martha Couch, Associate Director for 4-H and Youth, attached. Turn around time is approximately one day on the letter.
For application guidelines and additional information, contact your county Extension agent.
Texas A&M System -