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:
• Volunteer Leaders' Association of Texas (VLAT) Report
• Dorm Re-Design on a Dime!
• Volunteer Awards Nomination Process is Underway! Deadline is February 29!
• 4-H Night with the Rampage!
• News from the Little Creamery: 4-H Inspires New Ice Cream From Blue Bell
• Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Hosting 4-H and FFA Weekend for Junior and Senior High School Members
• Big Things Announced for the 2008 Texas 4-H Roundup
• Scholarship Program Expected to Award More than $2 Million During 100th Anniversary of Texas 4-H
• Look What's Up at YOUR Texas 4-H Conference Center
• Calling all Teachers! Summer Science Teacher Academy
• New MANDATORY IRS Tax Filing Requirements for 4-H Clubs and Affiliate Groups
• National 4-H Council Supports 4-H Volunteers with $500,000 From Monsanto Company
Volunteer Leaders' Association of Texas (VLAT) Report
The Volunteer Leaders' Association of Texas met at the Texas 4-H Conference Center on January 5 th , in conjunction with Teen Retreat. The weekend was filled with VLAT Business, Committee Meetings and Reports, along with a few informational and fun-filled workshops!
The nomination committee is currently seeking volunteers interested in serving as president and secretary. All VLAT officer positions serve three year terms, beginning in June when elections take place (at Texas 4-H Roundup). Any volunteers interested should contact Susan Quattrini at: skq@qfamilia.net
Workshops during the VLAT meeting included: Insight to the 4-H Scholarship Process, a presentation by the Texas 4-H Technology Team, and a recreation workshop presented by Kelli Lehman, Extension Program Specialist - 4-H.
VLAT has sold over 150 Centennial Christmas ornaments. However, there are plenty more available for purchase. Anyone interested in purchasing an ornament can contact VLATTX@qfamilia.net or complete the attached order form and send in to the address indicated on the form. Remaining ornaments will be for sale at the VLAT Sale Booth at Texas 4-H Roundup and the State 4-H Horse Show.
VLAT members voted to donate Pennies for Progress to the Texas 4-H Conference Center to support facility upgrades. The money donated will go to fund ceiling fans in the Leadership Lodge and on the patio! All counties, clubs and 4-H members are invited to participate in the collection of pennies for the Pennies for Progress Program. The purpose of the program is to collect funds for the renovation and improvement of existing facilities and construction of new 4-H facilities. More information about the program is available online at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/adults/volunteers/vlat/index.html
VLAT Members also elected David Waggoner as their new representative to the Texas 4-H Foundation. Mr. Waggoner will serve a three year term on the Foundation Board. Professionally, Mr. Waggoner is the founder of the Waggoner Law Firm with offices located in Hillsboro and Corsicana. His law practice consists primarily of banking, real estate, mediation and agricultural law. In addition to David's many professional contributions, he has found time to be actively involved with several volunteer activities, such as serving as President of the Hill County Farm Bureau, as an offical of livestock judging contests hosted by the National Western, Forth Worth, and Houston Livestock Show. In addition, David eagerly assist 4-H and FFA youth in Navarro and Hill counties with their livestock projects.
The next VLAT meeting will take place on Tuesday evening, June 10, 2008, during Texas 4-H Roundup. All 4-H volunteers are invited to attend! Look for more details in the Texas 4-H Roundup Guide!
Dorm Re-Design on a Dime!
The Texas 4-H Conference Center sends a hearty thank you to all the participants of Teen Retreat 2008. During that weekend of service and learning, five of the dormitory common areas were totally renovated. No more stale, industrial white. Thanks to the leadership to Todd Williams, CEA, Rockwall County, and Krsty Synatschk, CEA, Randall County, youth and adult participants painted, sanded, sewed and totally refreshed the look. Special thanks to Tony Barlow, Navarro County, who gathered up some 50 or more gallons of paint, which helped tremendously in the costs of the renovations. Each participant received a "Do It for the Dance" t-shirt and the satisfaction knowing that during this 100 year celebration of Texas 4-H, they had a hand in bringing new life to the dorms. Thanks, everyone, for a job well done!
Volunteer Awards Nomination Process is Underway! Deadline is February 29 th !
Each year, the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program provides awards and recognition for various individuals and groups that provide support to the 4-H program. All awards are presented at the Salute to Excellence Banquet on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 , at Texas 4-H Roundup. NOTE: In 2008, the Salute to Excellence Banquet will be held during the lunch hour. Any Extension employee, 4-H member and/or volunteer may make nominations for the awards. Awards to be presented include:
Citation for Outstanding Service to 4-H
Texas 4-H Alumni Award
Meritorious Service Award
Salute to Excellence Award
Leader's Legacy Award
A list of prior award winners is available on the Texas 4-H Website at:
http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/adults/volunteers/awards.html
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, February 29, 2008. All award applications must be submitted to the state office by the deadline of March 28, 2008. Applications received after this date will not be considered for award nominations. More information and applications can be found online at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/adults/volunteers/awards.html .
4-H Night with the Rampage!
Bexar County 4-H has once again established a great partnership with a local professional sports team - the San Antonio Rampage Hockey Team! They have scheduled a 4-H Night with the Rampage for Friday, April 4 th ! The game will begin at 7:00 p.m., and tickets are $15.00 per person and include a hot dog, chips, and a drink! A portion of the ticket sales will benefit Bexar County 4-H.
In addition to the ticket sales, the Rampage will be wearing 4-H jerseys that night in celebration of the Texas 4-H Centennial! The jerseys will be auctioned off and all the proceeds will go to Bexar County! For more information, see the attached order form.
News from the Little Creamery: 4-H Inspires New Ice Cream From Blue Bell
In honor of the Texas 4-H organization's 100 th birthday, Blue Bell Creameries is introducing Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream. To sweeten the deal, the Little Creamery is donating a portion of hte sales to promote 4-H educational programs.
Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream is a delicious cake batter ice cream with pieces of yellow cake, a chocolate icing swirl and four-leaf clover sprinkles.
"We just finished celebrating our 100 th birthday so we understand just how special this is," said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and President. "Centennial Cupcake is the perfect ice cream to help commemorate this momentous occasion. It has all the ingredients for a celebration, cake and ice cream. The four-leaf clover sprinkles give it that special touch."
4-H is a national organization which prides itself on teaching young people across America leadership, citizenship and life skills. There are more than 7 million member from eight to 18 years of age involved in 4-H.
Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream will be sold in Texas and across the company's 17-state distribution area. "4-H is a national organization that benefits so many young people," Kruse said. "Our inspiration for the flavor came from the Texas organization's 100 th birthday, but we felt it was important to recognize all 4-H groups."
Blue Bell has also created a unique carton for this new flavor. It features four children in 4-H t-shirts and the organization's widely recognized four-leaf emblem. "We worked with 4-H to create something that symbolizes what they are all about," Kruse said. "The organization is for the kids. I think the smiling faces capture the spirit of this organization just perfectly."
Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream is scheduled for release in mid-February.
Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Hosting 4-H and FFA Weekend for Junior and Senior High School Members
The Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets will be hosting a weekend orientation program for college-bound 4-H and FFA high school students interested in attending Texas A&M University and joining the Corps of Cadets. The program will be held at Texas A&M University on April 18-19, 2008. Applications will be accepted from academically qualified high school juniors and seniors with a completed application to Texas A&M University on file with the Texas A&M Office of Admissions for the Fall Semester of 2008.
This is an excellent opportunity for students to interact with cadets and learn more about Texas A&M University and the Corps of Cadets. In addition to activities with current cadets, the program includes informational sessions with admissions, financial aid, academics, scholarships, leadership development, and the ROTC departments.
The 4-H and FFA Program is a great opportunity not only for students, but for parents as well. There are special informational sessions for parents and they are welcome to join the students at the Recognition Banquet on Friday night. All qualified students attending the 4-H and FFA Program will be awarded a two-year $2,400 Corps Scholarship to Texas A&M University. Corps Scholarships do not require military service and they may be used in conjunction with other scholarships, e.g. University, home town, Kiwanis, etc.
Students will also be able to experience the Corps of Cadets as the "Keepers of the Spirit" at Kyle Fields on Saturday at the annual Texas A&M Football Team Maroon and White game and watch the Aggie Band performance.
Any 4-H member interested in participating in the 4-H and FFA Corps of Cadet Program, please ask them to review the attendance requirements and register online at: http://www.aggiecorps.org . Questions may also be addressed to the e-mail: aggiecorps@tamu.edu or by calling: 1-800-TAMU-AGS.
Big Things Announced for the 2008 Texas 4-H Roundup
It was done on the 90 th , it was done on the 75 th , it was done on the 50 th , and the 100 th will be no different! A 4-H Clover on Kyle Field will commemorate the 100 th birthday of Texas 4-H on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. The clover and photograph will be held in the early evening (approximately 5 to 6:30 pm). All 4-H members, volunteers, parents, county Extension agents, and other registered Roundup participants will be invited to participate. Look forward to more news about the Centennial Clover and Photograph on the Roundup website.
Scholarship Program Expected to Award More than $2 Million During 100 th Anniversary of Texas 4-H
For forty-nine years, the Texas 4-H Program has been awarding college scholarships to 4-H members to acquire a higher education degree. From the first $1,000 scholarship awarded by Mr. Dick Weekly, General Manager of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, in Guin Hall on the campus of Texas A&M University, to 2008 where we will see more than $2 million dollars in college scholarship being presented. While the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation and the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program are the largest 4-H scholarship in the United States and the world, we have to never forget that this honor is because of very generous scholarship donors that believe in our program, and more so, believe in our 4-H youth.
As we celebrate this exciting milestone, in such a memorable year, the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program reminds all of our volunteers, parents, county Extension agents, and 4-H member's to remember those donors and the opportunity they are providing to our program. Each of these donors, small or large, have chosen the youth of the 4-H program to support. Each of these donors have many other great opportunities they could direct their monies to, they have picked our youth to support. It is our privilege to have their support! This means that if you have a 4-H member receiving a scholarship, they need to be respectful and appreciative of the contribution awarded to them, regardless if it is $1,500 or $15,000.
As we look at the 2008 scholarship process, several changes have occurred in the scholarship process. We have added the requirement of all applicants completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This form helps both our 4-H members in preparing for their collegiate career, as well as helping the scholarship judging process. The FAFSA is a standard financial aid "calculator" used by all colleges and universities to determine the ability of a student to receive any financial aid. The information required to complete the FAFSA is also the same information that was previously requested on the financial aid portion of the scholarship application. As result, the Texas 4-H Program is able to gather the necessary information for the financial judging, as well as giving our youth a "hand-up" on the financial aid process with their college or university.
Other changes come from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in which all scholarships have been raised to the amount of $15,000. For the seventy scholarships awarded by Houston, their total contribution to the 4-H members through the scholarship program will be $1,050,000.
Look What's Up at YOUR Texas 4-H Conference Center
We've got something for everyone! Don't wait till Summer, we have activities this spring that will make you want to pack your bags and head out!
Spring Breakers, this one is for you. "Backpack the Lone Star Trail" with Extension Assistant Laci Chapman and her team of trained Adventure Trek heros. Two week-long camping opportunities await you, either March 9-14 or March 16-21. This five night, five day program for youth ages 14-18 will headquarter out of Camp H.S. Estelle in Huntsville. A maximum of 14 youth will be selected for each week on a first come first served basis to participate in teambuilding, leadership development, backpacking, minimum impact camping and survival in the backcountry, orienteering, outdoor cooking and food safety and lots of other neat outdoorsy stuff! Register on 4-H Connect.
It's not just for the kids, but for the "kids at heart". Spring Fling at the 4-H Conference Center is a week-long retreat for seniors, ages 55 and older. Educational workshops, arts and crafts, games and activities and lots of fellowship and good food are the signatures of this thirty plus year old program. Send mom or dad or grandma/grandpa to camp. They'll love the fellowship with folks from throughout the state. Spring Fling is scheduled for April 21-25. Come join us!
Camping opportunities await you in 2008 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center. Check our schedule and head out to Brownwood to relax, be revived and to meet new friends or spend time with old acquaintances.
These camps are open to 4-H and non-4-H members. Youth are chaperoned by professional camp staff and adult volunteers is 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.
Camp |
Ages |
Date |
Youth Fee |
Adult Fee |
Deposit |
| County Camp I |
9-13 |
July 1-3 |
$155 |
$74 |
$65 |
| Teen Extreme Camp |
14-18 |
July 1-3 |
$155 |
$74 |
$65 |
| County Camp II |
9-18 |
July 7-9 |
$142 |
$65 |
$65 |
| County Camp III |
9-18 |
July 9-11 |
$142 |
$65 |
$65 |
| County Camp IV |
9-18 |
July 15-18 |
$185 |
$92 |
$65 |
| Prime Time I |
12-13 |
July 20-23 |
$185 |
$92 |
$65 |
| Prime Time II |
9-11 |
July 18-21 |
$185 |
$92 |
$65 |
County Camp I and Teen Extreme Camp will be offered concurrently (but separately). In an effort to provide a unique camping experience for teens, ages 14-18, youth of this age will be involved in a more intense curriculum on Outdoor and Environmental Education. Program content may include sailing, kayaking, and canoeing in a lengthier fashion. Challenge Course activities including low and high ropes elements and teambuilding that goes along with it. Rifle and Archery programs that go beyond just target practice. This is a special camp just for teens, even the dances will be separate from the younger youth!
Specialty camps are offered to older youth. SpecTra '08, Spectacular Training in Spectacular Tradition allows youth to choose from one of seven or 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 groups work independently with hands-on skills building workshops, field trips and tours of local businesses and some groups complete service 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. SpecTra dates are July 28-August 1, registration information is available on the 4-H Conference Center website.
Adventure Trek is scheduled for June 1-7, 2008 and will headquarter out of the Texas 4-H Conference Center. Following some on-site training and activities on the Challenge Course, participants will head out to canoe and kayak the Frio River!
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 25-27 and enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Registration is $115 for the three day two night camp. 4-H members ages 16 and older may apply to serve as a Camp Mentor to assist campers with disabilities in the activities. Mentor registration is $65 and includes an in-service training on June 24 at the 4-H Conference Center.
Registration for all youth camps held at the 4-H Conference Center will be conducted on-line using the 4-H Connect registration system. In most cases, the registrant will submit a non-refundable deposit and later submit final payment.
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.
Calling all Teachers! Summer Science Teacher Academy
This summer, June 18-20, 2008, the first Texas AgriLife Extension Service Summer Science Teacher Academy will be held at the Texas 4-H Conference Center on Lake Brownwood. This intensive training program is for school teachers for grades 3-6.
Teachers will learn how to ignite a passion for learning and success for students in a three-day science adventure. They will develop a mastery of concepts in life and earth science to more effectively engage students and integrate into subjects across the curriculum. Hands-on sessions on aquatic science, plant science, soil science, entomology, global positioning, water and rain water harvesting will be covered.
Each participant will earn 18 hours of SBEC and TEEAC credit hours. Teachers will also receive Junior Master Gardener curricula, other 4-H school enrichment curricula, and assorted gardening/science supplies for the classroom!
Details of the academy and registration information can be found at: http://www.jmgkids.us/calendar_view.k2?did=15005 . Please note that registration is limited to the first 40 teachers.
New MANDATORY IRS Tax Filing Requirements for 4-H Clubs and Affiliate Groups
Over the past decades, the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, affiliated county clubs, and/or groups that were chartered or authorized to operate on the 4-H Programs' behalf have been exempt from federal income tax under the 501(c)3 tax code. This privilege was under the federal tax exempt authorization of National 4-H Headquarters' group exemption (Number 2704). The 4-H's designation of being included as a federal tax exempt organization is important because:
(1) Officially chartered 4-H groups are exempt from paying federal income tax on funds raised on behalf of 4-H or to support youth development educational programs; and
(2) Donors may deduct contributions to 4-H clubs or affiliated 4-H organizations such as: bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts as applicable under the IRS code.
In the past, only those clubs/groups that generated more than $25,000 in annual revenue, which includes gross receipts and "pass through money" for event entry fees, were required to file a Federal Income Tax Statement.
Beginning in 2008, with the enactment of the Pension Protection Act (PPA) of 2006, ALL federal tax exempt organizations that raise money or receive donations are required to file an Income Tax Form, regardless of the amount of money they raise.
• Groups raising $24,999 or less will file an electronic Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard.
• Groups generating over $25,000, will file a Form 990.
Regardless of the type of 990 required to complete, the filing is required annually. The electronic process takes approximately five minutes to complete.
As of February 1, 2008, the electronic site for clubs to file their 990-N was still not active. County Extension Agents will notify club managers and stakeholders when the IRS has the site functional. All Texas clubs will be required to file their tax form by May 15, 2008. Texas 4-H will require affirmation of the filing each year for a club to continue to be chartered. Each year, Texas AgriLife Extension Service must verify that all Texas clubs have filed their return in order for the clubs to maintain their status as a federally tax exempt organization.
In addition to it being an IRS mandatory requirement and an element of chartering for Texas
4-H, it is to the clubs EXTREME advantage to have this opportunity. All clubs that file their tax form and are chartered will receive a letter from the IRS showing them to be federally tax exempt. This is advantageous as donors can give money or property to the club and then potentially claim it as tax deduction.
The information that 4-H clubs will need to file their tax form via the electronic postcard includes:
Organization's legal name,
Any other names your organization uses,
Organization's mailing address,
Organization's website address (if applicable),
Organization's employer identification number (EIN),
Name and address of a principal officer of your organization,
Organization's annual tax period (January 1-December 31 for Texas 4-H),
A statement that your organization's annual gross receipts are still normally $25,000 or less, and
If applicable, a statement that your organization is terminating (going out of business)
Volunteers that work directly with clubs can expect information from their County Extension Agent when the filing site is available.
National 4-H Council Supports 4-H Volunteers with $500,000 From Monsanto Company
National 4-H Council has received a two-year $500,000 award from Monsanto Company to create hands-on training experiences for 4-H's 540,000 volunteers, who provide 4-H youth across America with opportunities to learn leadership, citizenship and life skills.
"As a company 100 percent focused on agriculture, Monsanto is committed to investing in ag youth you represent the future of farming," said Ernesto Fajardo, vice president of Monsanto's U.S. crop production business. "We appreciate and are proud to support the dedication of 4-H volunteers across the country as they help youth become active citizens and community leaders."
Through regional and state 4-H volunteer forums funded by Monsanto, 4-H volunteers will network with each other and learn about innovative programs that will help them bring fresh perspectives and activities to their local 4-H programs. Texas 4-H is a recipient of some Monsanto Funds, and the funds have been allocated to support the Large Animal Master Volunteer Trainings conducted in 2008. Monsanto also provided early funding to help make the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Awards - recognizing top 4-H volunteer leaders across the nation - possible.
"4-H is supported nationwide by a dedicated network of volunteers who know the value of strong, positive youth development. Partners like Monsanto make it possible for 4-H to continue to build and sustain our volunteer base and ensure that even more youth enjoy fulfilling 4-H experiences," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and chief executive officer, National 4-H Council.
"Monsanto has a long-standing tradition of providing support for 4-H," noted Jim Tobin, director, biotech business development, Monsanto, who presented the $500,000 training award to 4-H. "Many company employees were 4-H members, and tell us that they credit 4-H for many of the skills they use today to do their jobs - a real credit to the 4-H volunteer leaders who assisted them in their learning process."
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For additional information, please visit www.monsanto.com.
Texas A&M System -