Broward County 4-H New Member Guide 2015-2016 Broward County 4-H Office 3245 College Avenue Davie, FL 33314 Phone: (954) 357-5270 Fax: (954) 357-8740 4-H@broward.org
Sept. 2015 Table of Contents Welcome Letter.. 3 Introduction. 4 Member Involvement. 5 4-H Online... 6 Who are our Volunteers?.. 7 Helpful Websites. 7 Appendix A: Understanding 4-H Culture Appendix B: 4-H Project Fact Sheet Appendix C: Getting to Know My 4-H Club The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. 2
Sept. 2015 Welcome Letter Dear 4-H Family, Welcome to 4-H, the largest youth development program in the nation! We are very excited to have you join the Broward County 4-H Family. It is our hope that this packet will help you get oriented to the program and give you some direction. Parents and youth get the most out of 4-H by being involved, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with 4-H outside of club meetings! Be sure to ask your club leader about County Council, community service projects, and other District and State events. Once a youth enrolls in 4-H they choose a project area to focus on. Youth will work on this project for the remainder of the 4-H year and turn in a Project Report at the end of the current 4-H year. Youth can enroll in multiple projects and are not limited to the focus of the club s projects. Youth should speak with their club leader about project interests and goals. Parents, if you have not already created a 4-H Online profile for your family, please do so at http://florida4h.org/4-h-online/. 4-H Online is the enrollment system we use in Florida and it is important that you complete a profile to participate in 4-H. Please speak with your club leader for more information or call the 4-H office. If you do not have online access please let your club leader know and they will make sure you are able to complete an alternative enrollment form. Please do not hesitate to ask your club leader or 4-H staff any questions. You can reach the 4- H Extension Agent, Alexandra Jones, and 4-H Program Assistant, Jennifer Carpenter, in the Extension office between the hours of 8am and 5pm. The Broward County Extension Office is located at the service entrance of Tree Tops Park at 3900 SW 100 th Ave, Davie, FL 33328. Sincerely, Broward County 4-H The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. 3
Sept. 2015 Introduction 4-H is open to all youth, ages 5 to 18, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, creed, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. In Broward County, the 4-H program offers hands-on education and fun projects in many different areas: marine ecology, photography, horticulture, food and nutrition, small and large animals, computers, and much more! These projects and experiences help members learn how to make decisions, develop life skills, and actively participate in the home and community. For parents, 4-H is a family activity that provides leadership and self-esteem training, which helps young people mature into successful and fulfilled adults. But most of all, BROWARD COUNTY 4-H IS FUN! Mission The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. This mission is accomplished by creating safe and inclusive learning environments, involving caring adults, and utilizing the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and the nationwide land grant university system. Vision Florida 4-H aspires to be the leading youth development program that creates positive change in youth, families, and communities. Motto - To make the Best Better Slogan - Learn By Doing Pledge I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living. For my club, my community, my country and my world. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. 4
Sept. 2015 4-H Ages 4-H is a youth development program for ages 5-18 and a youth member s 4-H age is determined by their age on September 1 st of the current 4-H year. Cloverbud: Age 5-7 Junior: Age 8-10 Intermediate: Age 11-13 Senior: Age 14-18 Cloverbuds are welcome to participate in most 4-H projects; however, large animal projects, automobile, and shooting sports projects are limited to Juniors-Seniors because of certain risks involved with younger children. In addition, Cloverbuds do not compete in county level events, but they are able to participate; Cloverbuds will receive feedback from judges and a participation award. Member Involvement There are many ways to be involved in 4-H besides going to club meetings. Participating in other club s events, like community service projects, is just one of many ways. County Council The council is composed of 4-H ers from all clubs in Broward County. Each youth represents his/her club, and board members are elected to form a council. Council meetings are held monthly, usually on the first Tuesday evening of the month. Youth determine and plan the implementation of 4-H programs, events, and service learning projects. The council provides an opportunity for youth to learn leadership skills as well as parliamentary procedures. District Council Broward County is part of the District 13 4-H Council, which also comprises Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. The District Council is open to members between the ages of 11 and 18. This council elects officers who assist with various events district-wide, help facilitate programs at schools, conduct marketing, and other 4-H events. District Council is also heavily involved in The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. 5
Sept. 2015 service learning projects in all three counties. Those who are involved in attending District Council meetings can get more involved my joining committees. State Council State council is similar to county and district council, but at the state-level. Please visit the Broward 4-H website for more information on State Council. State Events 4-H Seniors can attend state events, as well as Intermediates who are 13 years old for some events. Please visit the Broward 4-H website for more information on upcoming State Events. Camps 4-H ers ages 8-12 can attend the annual overnight summer camp at Camp Cloverleaf. Youth ages 13-18 can also attend as camp counselors or Counselors in Training (CIT). Camp Cloverleaf is open to all youth, not just those involved in clubs. This is a great opportunity for youth to introduce their friends to 4-H by inviting them to camp. South Florida Fair This year Broward 4-H ers are able to compete in the South Florida Fair held in West Palm Beach. General exhibits at the fair will be held January 9, 2015 and the Chicken BBQ competition will be held on January 23. 4-H Online 4-H Online is the Florida 4-H Enrollment System. Once you join a 4-H club you will create a Family Profile in 4-H Online. Once you have created the family profile you will need to create a profile for each family member. The profile asks for information such as contact information, health information, and club/project enrollment. The system asks for health information because it is important that club leaders know about things such as allergies, injuries, approved medication, ect., in case there is ever an incident while a parent/guardian is not present. The 4-H Online system is very secure and your privacy is important to us; only a youth s club leader and the approved 4-H employees can view any profile information. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. 6
Sept. 2015 Who Are Our Volunteers? Broward County 4-H Volunteers are individuals who are dedicated to positive youth development. Club leaders, and any volunteers who are not under direct supervision with youth, have been fingerprinted and Level 2 background screened. Volunteers who are not directly involved with youth, or who are under supervision, have undergone a Level 1 background screening. We strongly value our volunteers time and commitment to make this program possible! Helpful Websites Broward County 4-H http://www.broward.org/parks/extension/4h Florida 4-H www.florida4h.org National 4-H http://www.4-h.org/ 4-H Online http://florida4h.org/4-h-online/ 4-H Mall www.4-hmall.org The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. 7
4H 101.1 Understanding the Culture of 4-H 1 Marilyn N. Norman and Joy C. Jordan 2 Culture Webster defines culture as the concepts, habits, skills, arts, instruments, and institutions of a given people in a given place. Basically, the culture within a group is what everybody knows that everybody else knows and includes the visible expression as well as the invisible roots of the culture. Most groups have spoken or unspoken expectations for member s behavior. These may include rules, rituals, language, demonstration of support for commonly held beliefs, etc. Youth development professionals know the importance of helping young people discover quickly the norms of the group they have joined. What is 4-H? 4-H is the youth development outreach program of the Land Grant Universities, the Cooperative Extension System, and USDA. It is made up of a community of young people across America who are learning life skills with the support of caring adult leaders. 4-H ers are actively involved in educational projects that are fun. 4-H projects use quality curriculum incorporating the most current research and knowledge available through the Land Grant University system. Each 4-H group will have a set of behavioral expectations unique to that group, and these expectations may or may not be clearly defined for all members. However, all 4-H groups will follow certain practices within the club or group that are clearly defined. 4-H uses the following concepts and customs to create a sense of belonging among those new to 4- H and assure those who are already a part of 4-H to have the same understanding of the basic aspects of the 4-H culture. 4-H Colors The 4-H colors are green and white. The white symbolizes purity and high ideals. The green, nature s most prominent color, represents growth. 4-H Pledge The 4-H Pledge is a statement of the outcomes desired for youth from their involvement in the 4-H Youth Development program. It reminds members of the four areas of growth 4-H targets and reinforces the importance of mastery of life skills. Delegates to the 1927 National 4-H Club Camp in Washington, D.C. adopted the pledge. The phrase, my World was added to the pledge in 1973. I Pledge My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, and My Health to better living, For My Club, my Community, my Country and my World. 1 This document is 4-H S FS101.1, one of a series of the Florida 4-H Program, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. This material is based upon work supported by the Cooperative Research, Education, and Extension Service, US Department of Agriculture, and K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, under special project number 99-EYAR-1-0747. This 4-H 101 Handbook was developed by the 4-H 101 Design Team chaired by Andrea Hutson, USDA/Army Youth Development Project, CSREES/Virginia Tech University. It was adapted for Florida by Marilyn N. Norman and Joy C. Jordan, State 4-H Program. Please visit the 4-H Website at http://4h.ifas.ufl.edu/curriculum/index.htm. 2 Marilyn Norman, Associate Professor in Family Youth and Community Sciences, and State 4-H Program Leader, and Joy C. Jordan, Associate Professor in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Extension Service office. The Florida 4-H Program is the youth development program of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/University of Florida/Larry R. Arrington, Dean.
Understanding the Culture of 4-H page 2 Motto: "To Make The Best Better" The motto was adopted at about the same time as the 4-H Club Pledge. Its intent is to inspire young people to continue to learn and grow, to make their best efforts better through participating in educational experiences. Slogan: "Learning By Doing" This phrase sums up the educational philosophy of the 4-H program. Young people learn best when they are involved in their learning. The intent is for youth to become engaged in learning by doing, reflecting on their experiences, and applying it to future situations. 4-H Name and Emblem The 4-H Youth Development Program is represented by a popular, recognizable image that consists of a green four-leaf clover with a right turned stem and the letter H in white or gold on each leaflet. The text, 18 U.S.C. 707, appears with the emblem. This emblem became the official 4-H emblem by an act of Congress in 1948. Use of the 4-H name or emblem signifies agreement to the principles of youth development as promoted through 4-H. The Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture holds the name and emblem in trust for the educational and characterbuilding purposes of the 4-H program. The 4-H name and 4-H Clover are protected by Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 707 (18 U.S.C. 707) and are afforded the same status and regard as the White House and Presidential Seals. Therefore, they may only be used as authorized by the statute, regulations and guidelines, and according to the authorization of the Secretary or designated representative. Specific Ways to Use and Display the 4-H Emblem (print and electronic): Always use the specific image (outline/shape) from www.national4-hheadquarters.gov. Do not alter the image. Green leaves (Color PMS - 347) Gold or white H s on each leaf Stem to right Notice statement, 18 U.S.C. 707 to right of stem and below lower right leaf or other location provided by USDA The emblem should always have a position of prominence in any design Do not superimpose anything over the Emblem, use it as a watermark, etc. When used by collaboration, the 4-H Emblem should be the same size and proportion as the other logos. When used electronically, the same standards as print versions should apply. Additional standards are available on National 4-H Headquarters web site: www.national4-hheadquarters.gov Authorities for Approving Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem: Secretary of Agriculture has delegated authority to: Administrators, CSREES, USDA, (F4-HN Staff) for multi-state use. State Extension Directors (1862 land-grant), Administrators (1890 land-grant), Presidents (1994 land grant) for use within state boundaries. County 4-H Extension Staff (agents, educators, etc.) for use within a single county or boundary. Detailed information on the use of the name and emblem, statute, regulations, guidelines, information and downloadable 4-H emblems can be found at: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov. Process for 4-H Name and Emblem Authorization and Responsibilities: Letter to County 4-H Staff County staff responds in writing and provides certificate charter 4-H Club submits names of members, leaders, and other requested information. Detailed information on authorizing and charting local 4-H clubs and groups can be found at the Florida 4-H Website: http://4h.ifas.ufl.edu April 2006
Rev. Sept. 2015 Broward County 4 H Project Fact Sheet This fact sheet is designed to help you with 4 H Projects. Below are some definitions and frequently asked questions that will help you along the way: Q: What is the difference between a Project Book and a Project Record? A: Project Book: Each 4 H member who enrolls in one of our community, project, or school clubs, must enroll in and work in a project each year. This Project Book is curriculum from Florida 4 H, National 4 H, or even another state s 4 H program (if approved), and can be found under the Curriculum link on our Web site. Make sure you are working in your Project Book throughout the 4 H year. Sometimes, a Project Book can be completed over multiple years. Project Record: At the end of the year, a Project Book can be combined with supporting materials and turned in as a Project Record. A Project Record may be submitted near the end of the 4 H year for recognition of participation or awards for Junior (8 10), Intermediate (11 13), and Senior (14 18) 4 H ers. Cloverbud members (5 7) may submit Project Records for recognition of participation only (see below). Multiple year projects can still be submitted each year as a Project Record, as long as the number of required activities for a year is completed. This information is unique to each project and can usually be found on the first page of the Project Book. Broward County 4 H has two types of Project Records: General and Achievement. Q: What is the difference between a General Project Record and an Achievement Record? A. Each 4 H member who enrolls in one of our community, project, or school clubs, must enroll in and work in a project each year. Near the end of the 4 H year, the 4 H office calls for Project Records. A General Project Record includes a Project Report, Project Story, Project Book, Project Pictures, Score Sheet, and Evaluation. The Project Report, Project Story, Project Picture, Score Sheet, and Evaluation information is available online and is listed by 4 H age group. Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors may also complete an Achievement Record in addition to the General Project Record Book to gain further recognition. Achievement Records include the Golden Clover Record and the Golden Horseman Record. To be eligible for Member of the Year awards (scholarship), a 4 H member must submit one General Project Record AND one Achievement Project Record that 4 H year and receive a blue ribbon for his/her Achievement Record. To be eligible for the Horseman of the Year awards, a 4 H member must complete the Golden Horseman Record AND a Horse Project Record for that 4 H year and receive a blue ribbon for his/her Golden Horseman Record. *Criteria for awards are based 1/3 on General Project Record Average (Plus one point per additional project up to 5 before multiplying by 1/3), 1/3 on Achievement Record Score, and 1/3 on Interview.
Rev. Sept. 2015 Q: Since the Florida 4 H Horse Project (4 H HSR 02) says Florida 4 H Horse Project Record Book on it, does that mean I do not have to include the items listed above in my Project Record? Even though the project says Project Record on it, this Project Book cannot be considered a complete Project Record by itself. In order to receive full points for your Project Record at the end of the year, you must submit your Project Report, Project Story, Project Book, Project Pictures, Score Sheet, and Evaluation. Some of these elements, such as a space for the Project Story and Project Pictures, are already incorporated into this Project Book, so you do not need to duplicate them. Project Report, Project Story, Project Picture, Score Sheet, and Evaluation information is available online and is listed by 4 H age group. Q: What should I include in my Project Story? A: In your story include as many of the following as possible: What 4 H work has meant to you What you have learned What safety practices you used in your project How you managed your project What you can do to improve your project next year How you used your Head, Heart, Hands, and Health in 4 H Which events and activities and events you attended and what you learned from them What you did to Make the Best Better Anything else you feel it is important for the judges to know Q: What is a Project Report? A: A Project Report is an account of each project completed. A different Project Report is required for each 4 H age group and is included as part of the Project Record Book. This report discusses project plans, goals, and highlights. Q: Can Cloverbuds (4 H participants ages 5 to 7) turn in a Project Record? A: In their first years as 4 H members, Cloverbuds are encouraged to submit Project Records to gain a better understanding of the program, as well as to begin learning about record keeping. Cloverbuds must also complete a Project Report and include it in their Project Record Book. However, Cloverbuds are only responsible for one Project Report, even if they have done more than one project. All Cloverbud projects are to be included in one Project Record (folder or binder). Cloverbuds cannot submit the Golden Clover and Golden Horseman Records, as they are ineligible to compete under Florida 4 H. Cloverbuds will be recognized for project participation. In addition, there are certain Project Books Cloverbuds may not complete. Large animal projects, for example, are not targeted, developmentally, for youth in this age range. Q: What counts as a Project? A: Florida 4 H supported projects may be found under the Curriculum link on the Broward County 4 H Web site. A project includes Leadership, Citizenship, and Life Skills components, as well as supporting events and activities.
Rev. Sept. 2015 If a youth participant wants to do a project he or she does not see listed, please contact the 4 H office at 4 H@broward.org. We are often able to find curriculum in another state that suits your child s needs. If, after searching, we still can t find what you re looking for, we can help to create it! Please remember that Do Your Own Thing is not a Florida 4 H supported project. Q: When are Project Records due? A: Project Records are due to the Broward County Extension Education Office by close of business on the second Monday in August. Late Project Records are not accepted. Q: Should I still turn in my Project Record at the end of the year if my project is a multi year project? A: In the case of multi year projects, a 4 H er should submit what has been completed so far and indicate that it is a multi year project. Q: Why is it important for 4 H members to learn how to keep records? A: Recordkeeping is important for the following reasons: Members have an account of all 4 H accomplishments in one place. Records point out the advantages and disadvantages of projects. They reflect 4 H members interests. Records show self improvement and service to others. Records show others what members have done. Records train 4 H members for future work. Members may gain recognition as a result of completing a well developed Project Record Book. Q: What are the two most important tips for record keeping? A: Keep your records up to date, and make sure that you begin on your Project Record Book early! Q: What are the instructions for completing a Project Record? A: All 4 H members are encouraged to submit a Project Record each year. Your Project Record should include 4 H activities from September 1 of the 4 H year until books are collected on the second Monday in August. Although it is not required, you may choose to include events you will be involved with in July or August of that 4 H year. Where dates are asked for give the complete date, (Example: 1/7/11 or June 3, 2011) unless specified differently. Complete Part 1 as you start your project. Then complete Parts 2 and 3 as you work on your project. You may add additional pages if space provided is inadequate. These pages must be attached to this Record Form. Project Agreement must be signed at the beginning of your project. The cover should be signed when you complete this book. Complete ALL sections of your Project Report. You will lose points for incomplete sections.
Rev. Sept. 2015 To complete your Project Record, organize your materials in a folder or binder. On your binder cover be sure to give your name, 4 H age (Age as of September 1), and the name of your project. It is a good idea to use some type of dividers to separate each section but not required. Assemble these as follows: Project Report (followed by additional pages if you have them) Project Book Project Pictures Project Story Score Sheet Evaluation Form Q: What should be included in the areas of Leadership and Citizenship in my Project Report? A: Leadership: List meetings, activities and events for which you had a leadership role or gave primary leadership. A leadership role means being president of your club, for example. Primary leadership means you organized and conducted the activity, Citizenship: List a citizenship activity that you did, or did with your club, in this project. Citizenship experiences include times you helped others with something related to your project (Example: You did a beach cleanup as part of your Marine Ecology project). Community service is not doing things that would normally be expected of you (Example: Chores). Your activity should be a minimum of 2 hours. Q: What kinds of pictures should I include in my Project Record Book? A: Three types of pictures should be included in your Project Record Book: The beginning of your project Work being done Your completed project Q: When will Project Record Books be returned? A: Project Record Books will be returned on Achievement Night, which is a recognition event for 4 H members and Volunteers.
Getting to Know My 4-H Club My 4-H Club Name: My club meets at (where): Club meetings start at (time): My 4-H Club Leader Is: My Club Leader s Phone Number Is: My Club Leader s Email Is: My 4-H Club Officers President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Reporter: Other: