Santa Rosa County 4-H

Santa Rosa County 4-H Page 1

2017 4-H Family Guide Table of Contents Welcome to Santa Rosa County 4-H..... 3 Understanding What 4-H Is......4 Understanding 4-H Membership......5 Understanding 4-H Projects........ 6-7 Understanding 4-H Clubs...... 8-9 Awards and Recognition.......10-11 Volunteers...12-13 County Events/Programs.......14 State Events/Programs.......15 Regional & National Events/Programs.....16 Page 2

Welcome to Santa Rosa County 4-H This guide is designed especially for volunteers, members, and families involved in 4-H through community and project clubs and special school and community enrichment programs. Contact Information Prudence Caskey, 4-H Agent prudencec@santarosa.fl.gov Jasmin Bradford, 4-H Program Assistant jasminr@santarosa.fl.gov Office Address: 6263 Dogwood Drive Milton, FL. 32570 Hours: 8 A.M. - 4 P.M. Monday Friday Telephone: (850) 623-3868 Fax: (850) 623-6151 Website: florida4h.org/santarosa Facebook: facebook.com/santarosa4h Message for Parents Dear Parents, Greetings and welcome to Santa Rosa County 4-H! You may not realize it, but you provide invaluable contributions to the success of 4-H. If it were not for parents, 4-H could not thrive and grow. You provide information and opportunity for your children to initially enroll in 4-H. You provide encouragement and assistance in guiding 4-H members through their 4-H projects and 4-H club experiences. And you often transport 4-H members to and from 4-H meetings, events, competitions, and other important components of the 4-H learning experience. We are preparing youth for success in their individual lives, with their families, in their future employment and in their communities. Thanks for helping us achieve our mission! Sincerely, Prudence Caskey, SRC 4-H Agent Expressing Thanks Volunteers and donors are vital to the overall success of 4-H. They give their time, talent, and money to support current 4-H members. Thank You! If you are interested and not already a part of our wonderful community of volunteers and/or donors please feel free to contact us. We are always looking for extra hands. Page 3

Understanding What 4-H Is About 4-H 4-H is a non-formal educational youth development program offered to individuals ages 5 to 18. Among all the fun things to learn about in 4-H are animals, computers, public speaking, cooking, art, gardening, natural sciences, and much more. You can participate in 4-H in many ways through clubs, camps, your school, and short-term programs offered through your county or the state office. No matter what you select or how you participate, all 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences that stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. 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 Motto: To Make the Best Better The 4-H motto refers to each member. It means that each member will do the best that he/she possibly can in whatever is attempted. The member will then strive to improve the next time so his or her initial best becomes better. The 4-H motto encourages members to stretch their abilities and capacities to reach greater achievement within their own potential Slogan: Learn by Doing Colors: Green and White The white in the 4-H flag symbolizes purity. The green, nature s most common color, is emblematic of youth, life, and growth Emblem: The National 4-H emblem is a four-leaf clover with the letter H on each leaf. The H s stand for: Head, Heart, Hands and Health. These 4- H s represent the four fold training and development in which members participate. This emblem is protected by an Act of Congress. What can 4-H teach my child? 4-H teaches members to set and accomplish goals for themselves through project work. An important component of the 4-H educational philosophy, learn by doing, is to have ample opportunity for personal reflection. A member s record book will assist them in learning to set goals, keep records, and evaluate what they did or did not accomplish. A key to successful record keeping is to wait no longer than one week to record project work that has been completed. Page 4

Understanding 4-H Membership How to Enroll All Santa Rosa County 4-H Enrollment is handled online at 4honline.com. You will create a family profile and select Santa Rosa County as your 4-H county. After creating your Log-in you will add individual members under that profile. 4-H Membership Fees The state of Florida implements a $20 annual membership fee for all community club 4-H members ages 8-18: this excludes cloverbuds, adults, short-term members, or any school or military club member. You will find directions on how to pay this membership fee after setting up your account on 4honline.com. After membership fees are paid for you will receive your official 4-H membership card in the mail. 4-H Membership Eligibility Florida 4-H membership is based on a child s age. Cloverbud eligibility begins when a child is five years old as of September 1 of the current year and ends at age eight as of September 1 of the current year. Junior Members are ages 8-10 as of September 1 st. Intermediate Members are ages 11-13 as of September 1 st. And finally, a youth s 4-H eligibility ends August 31st the year they turn 19 and/or Graduate High School. Joining Florida 4-H is a privilege and responsibility for individuals and is subject to the Florida 4-H Code of Conduct. 4-H Membership Expectations The expectations for 4-H membership are a balance of 4-H project work, involvement in a 4-H club, participation in 4-H activities and events, and working towards improving one s personal growth. For more information about expectations for completing projects, see page 6.Pro Enrollment for 4-H Members Showing Animals at the Fair Types of 4-H Membership The 4-H Club serves as the primary means of providing youth development programming in 4-H. It has the advantage of long-term involvement with the support of adult volunteer leadership and family support. While there are other 4-H delivery methods, the more in-depth experiences occur in and through club membership. Community Club Member 5+ youth and their families, meetings in homes or community centers with a Volunteer leader, offer multiple learning experiences and activities. Minimum of 9 meetings per year. In-school clubs meet during school hours, or are organized as part of school activities with teachers generally serving as leaders, have officers and planned activities beyond school enrichment. After-School clubs are organized within child care or after care settings. Members participate in a planned sequence of learning experiences outside of school hours incorporating 4-H curricula. These clubs have officers and planned activities. Special Interest Member youth enrolled in short term educational program, 6 to 12 lessons, led by volunteer or 4-H professional (example: day camps, residential camps). School Enrichment Specialized curriculum & supplemental materials is provided for use in classroom situations (group enrollment) led by Extension staff or trained teachers or volunteers. Individual Study/Internet Member Youth enrolls in project under the guidance of a Volunteer Mentor approved by 4-H Agent. Page 5

Understanding 4-H Projects Project Work Through 4-H Each project book contains a wealth of information and activities for planning and conducting a project. The projects can be completed by participating in activities, through organized project groups, or by carrying out the activities individually under the guidance of a parent or other adult. Frequently Asked Questions What is a 4-H project? A 4-H project is made up of three types of activities: Hands-on activities: making, producing, practicing, observing, testing, interviewing, caring for, etc. Organized activities: demonstrations, speeches, workshops, camps, county judging, project activities, exhibits, etc. Leadership/Citizenship activities: conducting, planning, teaching, assisting, informing, organizing, etc. Does a 4-H member have to take a project? Yes, however, there are two ways to take a project, either as an individual project or as a group project. How does a member select a project? When choosing a project, consider your interests, background, what is necessary to start your project, and what is available to help you complete it. Review this guide as a family, club, or group. A good rule of thumb is to select no more than two projects as a first-year member. Project books typically have a series of book from Level 1, Beginner material, to up to 3 or more, progressively getting harder and more challenging. Always begin with the basics and work through the levels to ensure the best experience. Where does a member begin when planning a 4-H project? Once a member has selected a project, he/she should start by reading the section of the project book called the Member Project Guide, usually located near the front. The Member Project Guide offers step-by-step instructions for conducting the activities that make up the 4-H project. Can a school project be used as a 4-H project too? No. In order for a member to achieve the progression of knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations necessary for positive youth development, all 4-H experiences in which a 4-H member is involved must be separate and different from previous or simultaneous experiences in other programs, groups, businesses, and organizations Does a member have to do everything the Member Project Guide suggests? No, although completing the Member Project Guide in the recommended time frame is the best way to succeed in fair judging. How much to complete is up to the member, parents, and advisor. Depending upon their interests and abilities, members may plan to do a little or a lot. Project plans also can change as a member s interests and needs change How much time can be spent on a project? It can be a matter of days, weeks, or even months, depending on the size and scope of the member s plan. Some projects also can be repeated to accomplish additional project goals. Is it necessary to attend county-level judging to complete a project? For some members, project completion is nothing more than participating in project activities, completing a predetermined number of project goals, and reviewing accomplishments with a parent or project helper. Some projects require attendance at county-level judging. Always check with your project helper for specific judging requirements. Page 6

To complete a project, the following must be done: 1. Select a project that is suitable to your home situation. (For example, do not choose a clothing project if you have no access to a sewing machine) 2. Select a project that you will enjoy, and which also has your parents and leader s approval. 3. Get a record book for your project from your club leader, by printing online, or through 4hmall.com. Read it carefully with your parents and leader so that you will know what you are supposed to do. 4. Do the work yourself with guidance and advice from your leader and parents. Your leader will decide if you have done the work satisfactorily. 5. At a club meeting and county event, give a demonstration or talk to teach others something you have learned from your project. Your leader will help you choose your subject and plan your demonstration or talk. 6. Keep a written record of all the things you do in this project and other 4-H activities as you go along. Save any newspaper articles about your club in which your name and/or picture appears. If you can, have your parents take a picture or two of you working on your project and 7. While working on your project, completely fill your record book. Be sure to give all the information asked for and fill in each line. If in doubt as to the time period covered in your book, ask your leader or agent. Remember, give all the information asked for; records are very important. Your 4-H Story at the end should tell what you have done and learned in your participation in club and county activities. 8. Completed record books are due to the 4-H Office on in August before the 4-H year comes to an end. Late record books will only be accepted in instances of a family medical emergency. Record books will be judged by a third party grader. Youth will be recognized for their accomplishments at the end of the year 4-H Awards Ceremony. *See Selecting a 4-H Project, available on our website, http://santarosa.ifas.ufl.edu/4h/files/2011/11/selecting-a- 4-H-project.pdf, or in hard copy on request. Page 7

Understanding 4-H Clubs What is a 4-H Club? Clubs are the foundation of 4-H. A 4-H club is a group of five or more youngsters guided by one or more adults. A club can be any size from a small group of kids from the same neighborhood to a large group of youth from within the county. A 4-H club has a planned program that is ongoing throughout all or most of the year, and can meet in any location. Typically a club s members elect officers. 4-H clubs are organized and supported to provide community-based, positive, structured learning opportunities for youth during their developmental years. What do kids in a 4-H club do? Kids in 4-H clubs participate in a wide variety of fun projects, based on members interests. Members learn through projects on such topics as gardening, woodworking, bicycle care and safety, photography, aerospace and model rocketry and much more. Members choose their own projects. 4-H members build life skills like decision-making, communication, citizenship, and leadership. They also meet new friends, and most important have lots of fun! Do all 4-H clubs offer the same activities? All kids are different, and so are 4-H clubs! The goals and structures of 4-H clubs vary according to the needs of the members they serve. Some clubs offer one project topic that all members experience together at the club meetings. Others offer a selection of projects delivered through project meetings held apart from the clubs main meetings. Some clubs have a singular geographic focus, or serve specific audiences, such as tribal reservation clubs, afterschool clubs, or 4-H clubs on military bases. The 4-H Club Meeting Outline Most 4-H Clubs hold at least a monthly meeting. Meetings should be well planned, interesting, educational, and inspirational. The 4-H Club meeting consists of four main parts - opening, business, program, and recreation. I. Business Meeting (15-20 minutes) A. Meeting is called to order B. American and 4-H Pledges C. Songs D. Roll Call E. Minutes of the last meeting F. Treasurer s Report G. Correspondence H. Committee Reports I. Unfinished Business J. New Business K. Make assignments as needed L. Adjournment II. Program (30 minutes) The educational program is an important part of the 4-H club meeting. Various methods may be used to present subject matter material to club members. In larger community clubs care must be taken in choosing a topic of interest to all, regardless of project in which members are enrolled. Some program ideas are: Page 8

Demonstrations Guest speakers Project talks or panel discussions Slides or other multimedia program Guest speakers Skill-a-thon III. Recreation - 15 Minutes Game Snack Club Officers Each club will decide which offices are needed and elect members to these positions. Individual clubs create their own rules or bylaws that govern the various offices and election procedures. If a club is large enough then the following offices may be elected: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Reporter Historian Parliamentarian Sergeant at Arms Recreation Leader All Officers should become familiar with their duties and work as a team. For more information about what each officer should be willing to do for their club, ask for the Florida 4-H Officers Handbook from the Santa Rosa County Extension Office or download from the Florida 4-H website. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/4h/4h04900.pdf Each Officer position has a Project Book to work with. You can download them from our website: http://santarosa.ifas.ufl.edu/4h/projects-curriculum/ Other club resources that you may find helpful are available at the Florida 4-H website. http://florida4h.org/clubs/resources/ How can I be part of a 4-H club? There are three different ways to become part of a 4-H club: 1. Join an existing 4-H club in your area. A list of Active clubs are always available on our website: http://santarosa.ifas.ufl.edu/4h/clubs/. Contact us at the office for the number to get in touch with individual club leaders for more information on each club. 2. Start a new 4-H club with your friends and neighbors. 3. Start a 4-H club at your school, afterschool or another location, like a military base. Page 9

Awards & Recognition Record Books County Level 4-Her s need to turn in their project books at the end of the 4-H Year, August 11 th, 2017. Their projects will then be evaluated and awarded either a Blue, Red, or White Ribbon for club work and they will earn a project pin if awarded Blue. These awards are awarded at the end of the year 4-H Awards Banquet. Each project book needs to meet the criteria as listed on the Score Sheet and include a Project Story and multiple Project Pictures. You can find the Score Sheet on our website. Standards of Excellence - County Level Standards of Excellence is awarded to all ages in different levels. Cloverbuds can receive a Clover Award, Juniors can receive Bronze, Silver, or Gold Clover Awards, Intermediates and Seniors can receive Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald Clover Awards. The award application highlights an individual s 4-H year and all they have done and achieved. Awards winners are recognized with a certificate and a medal for their outstanding achievements. These awards are awarded at the end of the year 4-H Awards Banquet You can find award applications and guidelines for all age groups on our website to apply for Performance Standards Clover Awards. When completing the form please make sure to attach all required documents for award level applying for. Clubs can also apply for Performance Standards Clover Awards. Community Service Hours County Level 4-Her s who turn in a completed and signed Community Service Log will receive a certificate recognizing all their community service hours at the end of the year 4-H Awards Banquet. Community Service forms can be found at our website or picked up from the Extension Office. Other Miscellaneous Recognitions County Level Santa Rosa County also recognizes many other achievements at our end of the year 4-H Awards Banquet with certificates and/or ribbons. These awards are given to 4-Hers who have participated in competitive events, attended state programs, shown excellence in the 4-H program, and more. Senior Award and Scholarship Portfolio State Level Completing an Awards Portfolio will allow you to compete for national awards trips and scholarships. The process will improve your skills of marketing yourself. You will complete an application, create a resume, write a narrative about yourself, and submit the information as a packet to be eligible for an interview. You can also take advantage of this What Are My Skills publications to help you complete the system. Your county 4-H agent is your most valuable resource to make sure you are prepared to submit the best portfolio you can. It is also highly recommended to view the Portfolio Power Point to help walk you through the process. Awards Trip Portfolio A complete National Awards Trip Application must contain the following: Awards Trip Cover Page Senior Portfolio 2 page Resume 2-3 page Narrative Statement 2 reference forms, one from your county agent and one from a school counselor, academic adviser, instructor, or employer Scholarship Portfolio A complete Scholarship Portfolio Application must contain the following: Scholarship Cover Page Page 10

Senior Portfolio 1 page Resume 2-3 page Narrative Statement 2 reference forms, one from your county agent and one from a school counselor, academic adviser, instructor, or employer A transcript of high school/college grades (can be unofficial) Statement of Financial Need **only required for scholarships based on financial need** The Dallas C. Osborne and Horseman of the Year Scholarship requires further information. All Applications must be submitted to the State 4-H Headquarters no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 1 (or the first working day of June). No late applications will be accepted. Check for earlier deadlines in your county. You can find all of these PDFS and other information at http://florida4h.org/youth_/awards-and-recognition/portfolio/ Community Pride State Level Check out this opportunity for Community 4-H Clubs at the State Level Awards and recognition at http://florida4h.org/youth_/awards-and-recognition/group-opportunities/community-pride-awards/ Scholarships State Level There are many scholarship opportunities for our Senior 4-Hers, check them out at http://florida4h.org/youth_/awardsand-recognition/scholarship/ Page 11

Volunteers Florida 4-H relies on dedicated volunteers to promote its mission to help youth gain the knowledge and life skills they need to be productive, responsible citizens. Your time as a volunteer will provide these youth the safe environment they need to pursue whatever interests, causes, and leadership roles that are most important to them. And, to adults who are not currently 4-H volunteers, we invite you to become a volunteer and share in the positive experiences of the Florida 4-H program. What do 4-H Volunteers do? Volunteers serve in a variety of capacities based on their interest, skills, and time constraints to support 4-H members, other volunteers, and the 4-H program in general. Because 4-H offers such a wide variety of events and activities, there is room for many different types of volunteers! Which Volunteer positions are available? Full-Time Positions (6 + hours per month) Organizational Leader 4-H Club Leader Co-Leader Assists Organizational Leader Shooting Sports Leader/Coach (must be trained and certified in 4-H Shooting Sports) Master 4-H Volunteer (requires advanced 4-H training to serve in middle management positions) Part-Time Positions (1 5 hours per month) Advisory Committee Member Foundation Board Member Middle Manager Episodic Volunteering You can also sign up to help with a special event that you are interested in we call this episodic volunteering! 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program o Judge a school or county contest o Public Speaking Coach o Help coordinate county or school contest Miscellaneous o Judge Record Books o Help with fundraisers or other special events o Help out with the Fair o Judge County or District Events Youth Volunteers Typically, youth volunteers help in many different ways, shapes, and forms. Mostly, 4-H youth come to help represent 4-H and spread the 4-H spirit through attending many different activities and volunteer services. The opportunity for 4-H youth to volunteer is endless and varies year to year. HOW DO I BECOME A 4-H VOLUNTEER 1. Decide that you want to help kids grow and explore their futures. 2. Check out some of the different volunteer experiences (volunteer roles) with Florida 4-H. 3. Contact the County Extension Office to learn about 4-H in your county and discuss your possibilities with your 4-H Agent. Page 12

4. Choose a volunteer role and complete a Volunteer Application & Packet and enroll on 4HOnline.* (Background screenings are a part of the Volunteer Application process.) 5. After you receive your official appointment, complete the training. 6. Prepare to share your skills, knowledge and talents while having Fun with kids! *Paper applications may be provided to those without Internet access. Find and download the paper Volunteer Application and Packet at http://santarosa.ifas.ufl.edu/4h/volunteers/ on the bottom of the page. *Applicants submitting the paper application must also complete the paper Participation Form Annual online UF Youth Protection Training (# YCS800) The Annual online UF Youth Protection Training (# YCS800) is required of ALL 4-H volunteers prior to interacting with youth in UF-affiliated programs and activities. The training lasts about 30 minutes and includes a brief quiz that must be completed successfully. It is currently posted at https://oycs.ufsa.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ycs800-updated.swf. Your quiz results will be e-mailed to Florida 4-H State Headquarters and will need to be forwarded to Prudence for approval. The online training module works in Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. You may experience problems if accessing the link through Safari. If you are a first-year volunteer, please complete this training before or shortly after submitting your 4HOnline volunteer application. If you are a returning volunteer, and it has been more than one year since you completed the training, please re-take the training before or shortly after submitting your 4HOnline volunteer re-enrollment. Page 13

County Events/Programs All 4-H events and activities are designed to add hands-on education to the three primary 4-H programs. By providing physical, mental, social and emotional growth opportunities, 4-H events give members positive, meaningful experiences. Here are just a few annual events/programs held at the county level, you may find more on our calendar: Santa Rosa County Fair Exhibits & Livestock Shows o 4-H members have various opportunities to compete at Fairs. They are able to show livestock and various 4-H project work such as artwork, photography, baking and more. Tropicana Public Speaking Contest o This is a Speech competition help through the schools of Santa Rosa County. Youth present their speech with-in their classroom and can move up to the school contest and then to the County contest. If your school doesn t participate in Tropicana ask your principal today if they can, all schools have to opportunity. County Events o This is a competitive event where 4-Hers present a speech, demonstration, and/or a talent in front of a judge s panel to compete for a chance to move on to District Events, and, if they are a Senior, to the State competition at 4-H University. 4-H Camp Timpoochee Overnight Residential Summer Camp o Every summer our Santa Rosa County Youth ages 8-12 have the opportunity to go to overnight summer camp at 4-H Camp Timpoochee. Summer Day Camps (Vary Year to Year) o Each summer, Santa Rosa County 4-H may hold one or multiple day camps here at the Extension Office. Camp theme vary but some examples of previous camps are Discovering 4-H Camp, Cooking Camp, Life Skills Camp, etc. If any camps would be available for the summer, they will be listed on our website. 4-H Open House o Each Year, typically at the closing of one 4-H year and the opening of another, SRC 4-H holds an open house for the community to come and see our showcase of 4-H and discover what 4-H is and what it offers. 4-H Awards Banquet o Typically following our 4-H Open House, we hold our annual Awards Banquet. This is where 4-H members of the previous 4-H year will be awarded with all of their special achievements throughout the year including, but not limited to, record book awards, standards of excellence, community service, etc. Veterans Day Parade and Cookout o Every year on Veterans Day, 4-H pairs up with multiple sponsors to hold a cookout after the annual Veterans Day parade and service held at the Milton Veterans Memorial. All 4-H members and volunteers are invited out to help us. Christmas Party o Typically, our SRC Youth Council plan a Christmas party for all SRC 4-H members each year. Previously, all 4-H members cooked a dish of their choice and where given the opportunity to get up and give a presentation on how they made it. We also hold a present trading game. *Remember, events and programs can vary year to year. They can be new events can be added and current events can get changed or canceled, it all depends on the interest of our 4-Her s and volunteers. So make sure to keep up with us on our website and social media. We also have a direct link to Santa Rosa County 4-H s calendar for everyone to view. Page 14

State Events/Programs 4-H Consumer Choices Hog and Ham Program 4-H Days Horse Quiz Bowl Food Smart Families Horse Judging Contest Gator Pit Horse Public Speaking Insectathon Horsemanship Schools Animal Science Events Horticulture ID and Judging 4-H Tailgating Contest Intermediate State Tailgate Contest Videos Leadership Adventure Weekend Month of Service and State Project Legislature Bee Keeping Essay Contest Livestock Judging Clothing and Textiles Land Judging 4-H University Marine Photo Contest Dairy Goat Judging Event Marine Camp Dairy Quiz Bowl Marine Ecology Event 4-H Day at the Capitol Meats Judging and Evaluation Dog Program and Events Photo Contest Dog Quiz Bowl Graphic Design Contest Dog Project Scholarship Information Poultry Judging Event Dog Health Poultry Events Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks Public Speaking Contest Executive Board Residential Summer Camps Florida State Fair Showcase Share the Fun Forest Ecology Shooting Sports Hippology Contest Sportfishing All the information and dates for these State Events and Programs can be found on Florida4h.org/programsandevents. Page 15

Regional & National Events/Programs Leadership Washington Focus Citizenship Washington Focus National 4-H Week National Youth Science Day National Conference National Congress National Dairy Conference Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat Volunteer Conference of Southern States 2017 Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference All the information and dates for these State Events and Programs can be found on Florida4h.org/programsandevents. Page 16

Works Cited: http://santarosa.ifas.ufl.edu/4h http://florida4h.org/ http://4-h.org/ Idea & Concept for handbook from Ohio State 4-H Santa Rosa County 4-H If you still have any questions or concerns that this handbook did not answer, please feel free to give us a call at the Office and we will help to the best of our ability. Make sure to stay connected to our website and Facebook and continue to check your email associated to your 4honline.com account for important email updates and so forth. We look forward to working with you in our 4-H Program and would love to see you make the best better! The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. All programs and related activities sponsored for, or assisted by, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are open to all persons with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. Page 17