For those enrolled in shooting sports or considering getting involved, there are several resources you can check out for different kinds of information.
The Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports website is located at http://www.co4hshooting.org/ This is the site with all the latest trainings, e-records and other useful info. Sections include Shooting Sports News, National 4-H Shooting Sports Promotional Items, Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Policy/Procedures & State Forms, and 2008 Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports e-Records & Project Display Requirements. The right column includes several other resource listings.
New this year, the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Blog is located at http://co4hshooting.blogspot.com/ . Just like our blog, it's written in a less formal way and contains a variety of information. The latest posting is 2008 State Games of the West.
At the suggestion of a 4-H parent, here is another resource: the Ben Lomond Gun Club at http://www.blgc.org/. The club owns and operates a 560 acre shooting facility in Elbert County. The facility is located 45 miles from Castle Rock, 47 miles from Parker, and 43 miles from Colorado Springs. Membership is through club chapters. Currently, there are chapters in Colorado Springs, Elizabeth, Calhan, Franktown, Littleton, and Monument/Palmer Lake (Tri-Lakes). Check out the website.
Melody
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Nature deficit disorder: a serious issue for today's children
A recent study of today's children revealed that the average time spent in front of a television or computer screen is six hours a day. Kids spend less than four minutes a day engaged in unstructured outdoor play. Researchers call this condition "nature deficit disorder".
This emphasis of indoor time spent in front of screens versus outdoor play and discovery has been correlated with negative psychological and physical effects including obesity, loneliness, depression, attention problems and greater social isolation due to reduced time with friends and family. The term “nature-deficit disorder” was coined by author Richard Louv in his book “Last Child in the Woods”.
The value of 4-H is stronger than ever in light of this growing issue. The program provides many opportunities for young people to spend time outdoors engaged in meaningful activities and connecting to the natural environment. This type of connection has a positive lifelong impact.
For more information, check out the book mentioned above.
Melody
This emphasis of indoor time spent in front of screens versus outdoor play and discovery has been correlated with negative psychological and physical effects including obesity, loneliness, depression, attention problems and greater social isolation due to reduced time with friends and family. The term “nature-deficit disorder” was coined by author Richard Louv in his book “Last Child in the Woods”.
The value of 4-H is stronger than ever in light of this growing issue. The program provides many opportunities for young people to spend time outdoors engaged in meaningful activities and connecting to the natural environment. This type of connection has a positive lifelong impact.
For more information, check out the book mentioned above.
Melody
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Cakes and Creativity
Author Mary Lou Cook says "creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, making mistakes, and having fun." If you've ever been to the Douglas County 4-H Cake Decorating Contest, you've seen everything that this quote talks about happening right before your eyes.
On May 20, twelve 4-Hers competed in the Cake Decorating Contest held in Kirk Hall. Those twelve contestants, ages seven to sixteen, fit Cook's definition to a "T." The results were remarkable. There were cakes with the traditional flowers and piping, cakes in character shapes, and cakes made into scenes with edible decorations. The amazing part was that all the work done for the decorating contest, other than the novelty division, was done right in front of the judge! Even though the participants were all working under time contraints, they were all having fun. The sense of accomplishment was also evident as each 4-Her smiled when presented with their ribbons for their involvement.
Take a look at several of the amazing cakes created during the contest and the proud and creative 4-Hers entered in the contest.
The Cake Decorating Contest is an awesome contest with awesome contestants! Congratulations to all who participated.
Thanks for reading,
Mary Baldwin
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
May Fairboard Update
The Douglas County Fairboard is busy at work getting ready to make the 90th Douglas County Fair better than ever!!!
Here's a few things you will want to know as we come in to "Fair season":
Here's a few things you will want to know as we come in to "Fair season":
- The Premium Book (with all the requirements for 4-H and Open projects) will be out, online by June 1. You can find it on the Extension website: www.douglascountyextension.org or on the Fair website: www.douglascountyfairandrodeo.com. It will be available in .pdf by department, but make sure you download the overall rules also! If you can't download it for some reason, hard copies will be available at the Extension Office.
- The entry forms for Fair will be available on the Extension website and highlighted in the July 4-H Newsletter. Look forward to more info. on that next month.
- Concert tickets for Joe Nichols, August 9th, will be available through Ticketmaster on June 14th.
- The County Fair Camping information won't be coming out until the July 4-H Newsletter, so just be patient and watch for it online. All new rules and regulations will also be highlighted at that time.
- The Livestock Sale Committee would like to remind everyone that this is the time to hit the streets and talk to family, friends and local businesses about participating in the Livestock Sale, August 9th at 1pm in the Pavilion. If you need marketing materials, brochures, cards, etc. please contact the 4-H Office or Phil Riesselman.
- Livestock kids - Don't forget that if you have an ear tag fall out, you must contact the Extension Office or species superintendent to get a new one put in prior to Fair.
We hope everyone is well on their way with ALL 4-H projects. Give us a call if we can help at all!
21st Century Agriculture
If you are interested in 21st century agriculture, then I have the Internet resource for you! A web site called eXtension has a series of ag-related lessons called "21st Century Agriculture Video Lessons." Titles include "Precision Agriculture: Overview" and a series about "Farming Equipment & Precision Agriculture."
Here is their blurb: "The video lessons listed below are about 21st Century Agriculture. See an overview and then learn about Precision Agriculture. The next series is about Farm Equipment and Precision Agiculture. Each lesson includes a short video and a text version of the video. The original article from the engineers and scienctists is provided too. Watch for more as other engineers and scientists begin to share about 21st Century Agriculture!"
Check it out at this link: http://www.extension.org/pages/21st_Century_Agriculture_Video_Lessons
Melody
Here is their blurb: "The video lessons listed below are about 21st Century Agriculture. See an overview and then learn about Precision Agriculture. The next series is about Farm Equipment and Precision Agiculture. Each lesson includes a short video and a text version of the video. The original article from the engineers and scienctists is provided too. Watch for more as other engineers and scientists begin to share about 21st Century Agriculture!"
Check it out at this link: http://www.extension.org/pages/21st_Century_Agriculture_Video_Lessons
Melody
Monday, May 19, 2008
Save a Life: CPR and First Aid Training
While knowing CPR and first aid is not a requirement in the 4-H program, some of you may still be interested in learning these skills. Here is a an opportunity in Parker in June.
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the western world, and research shows that with early access to 911, CPR and advanced care, survival rates increase dramatically. In June, ACC's Corporate Learning Division will offer five courses in CPR and First Aid. As part of its employee health and safety training, the College will offer Heartsaver courses in CPR and First Aid combined, CPR, AED, First Aid and Pediatric First Aid. The combined CPR and First Aid course costs $100 per person, and the others cost $50 per person. All courses will be offered at the University Center at Chaparral, 15653 Brookstone Dr. in Parker. A volume discount plan is available.
The combined Heartsaver CPR and First Aid courses teach CPR, relief of choking in adults, children and infants and the use of barrier devices for all ages. It teaches how to manage illness and injuries in the first few minutes until professional help arrives and covers medical emergencies and injury emergencies. It will be offered Saturday, May 31, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, June 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Three other courses are also available.
To register or for more information, call 303.734.3701 or go to www.coloradotraining.com. Contact: Arapahoe Community College Corporate Learning Division. Phone: 303.734.3701 E-mail: michelle.griffith@arapahoe.edu
original post on yourhub.com: http://denver.yourhub.com/Parker/Stories/Goings-on/General/Story~471444.aspx
Melody
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the western world, and research shows that with early access to 911, CPR and advanced care, survival rates increase dramatically. In June, ACC's Corporate Learning Division will offer five courses in CPR and First Aid. As part of its employee health and safety training, the College will offer Heartsaver courses in CPR and First Aid combined, CPR, AED, First Aid and Pediatric First Aid. The combined CPR and First Aid course costs $100 per person, and the others cost $50 per person. All courses will be offered at the University Center at Chaparral, 15653 Brookstone Dr. in Parker. A volume discount plan is available.
The combined Heartsaver CPR and First Aid courses teach CPR, relief of choking in adults, children and infants and the use of barrier devices for all ages. It teaches how to manage illness and injuries in the first few minutes until professional help arrives and covers medical emergencies and injury emergencies. It will be offered Saturday, May 31, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, June 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Three other courses are also available.
To register or for more information, call 303.734.3701 or go to www.coloradotraining.com. Contact: Arapahoe Community College Corporate Learning Division. Phone: 303.734.3701 E-mail: michelle.griffith@arapahoe.edu
original post on yourhub.com: http://denver.yourhub.com/Parker/Stories/Goings-on/General/Story~471444.aspx
Melody
Friday, May 16, 2008
Swing your clubs and benefit local 4-H youth
The Douglas County 4-H Foundation is hosting their first annual Green Swing Golf Tournament on July 14 at Perry Park Country Club.
Whether you provide sponsorship or participate as a golfer, this is a fantastic opportunity to support local 4-H youth scholarships provided by the foundation.
Come work on your swing or sponsor others who need a little help with theirs!
The cost is $200 per person or $700 per foursome. Registration and warm-up begins at 7:00 a.m. with tee off at 8:00 a.m. A lunch and award ceremony will be at 1:00 p.m.
There are several sponsorship options. Title sponsorship includes top billing on the sponsorship banner, recognition at the awards ceremony, and two foursomes all for $2,500.
Three medal packages include Gold for $1200, Silver for $1,000, and Bronze for $900. Each package includes hole sponsorship, banner recognition, and one foursome.
Additional sponsorship options are Cart Sponsor for $250, Beverage Cart for $200, Awards Ceremony for $200, and Hole Sponsor for $150.
Sponsorships must be received by June 27th. Sponsor forms are available at the CSU Extension Office in Douglas County located at 410 Fairgrounds Road or call Maryjo Woodrick at 720-733-6930. Make checks payable to Douglas County 4-H Foundation and mail to the address listed above.
Whether you provide sponsorship or participate as a golfer, this is a fantastic opportunity to support local 4-H youth scholarships provided by the foundation.
Come work on your swing or sponsor others who need a little help with theirs!
The cost is $200 per person or $700 per foursome. Registration and warm-up begins at 7:00 a.m. with tee off at 8:00 a.m. A lunch and award ceremony will be at 1:00 p.m.
There are several sponsorship options. Title sponsorship includes top billing on the sponsorship banner, recognition at the awards ceremony, and two foursomes all for $2,500.
Three medal packages include Gold for $1200, Silver for $1,000, and Bronze for $900. Each package includes hole sponsorship, banner recognition, and one foursome.
Additional sponsorship options are Cart Sponsor for $250, Beverage Cart for $200, Awards Ceremony for $200, and Hole Sponsor for $150.
Sponsorships must be received by June 27th. Sponsor forms are available at the CSU Extension Office in Douglas County located at 410 Fairgrounds Road or call Maryjo Woodrick at 720-733-6930. Make checks payable to Douglas County 4-H Foundation and mail to the address listed above.
4-H trivia and interesting tidbits
As one of the newer people to 4-H, I find certain facts about 4-H pretty interesting:
- Approximately 7 million young people across America are members of Extension's 4-H program.
- Faith Hill, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, Pat Nixon, Garfield creator Jim Dabis, Al Gore, Dolly Parton, Johnny Carson, and Johnny Cash were all 4-H members.
- Approximately 80 countires around the world have programs similar to 4-H.
- There are over 600,000 volunteer leaders in the United States.
- The 4-H Name and Emblem are protected under federal statute Title 18, U.S. Code 707. This provides the 4-H Name and Emblem with the level of protection afforded other Federal marks, such as the Seal of the President of the United States.
- Statistics gathered in 2005 by the National 4-H Headquarters show 4-H members are 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
- The same statistics also show members are 76.8% Caucasian, 14.5% black or African American, 1.5% are American Indian or Alaskan Native, 1.5% Asian, and .4% Native Hawaiian of Pacific Islander. Also, 2.1% of youth indicate more than one race.
- 4-H members live in a variety of settings: 10.9% farm, 32.8% towns under 10,000 and rural non-farm, 20.9% towns, cities and their suburbs (10,000 - 50,000), and 25.6% in central cities over 50,000.
If you are interested in seeing the entire statistics document, go to http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/2005_ES-237_stats_6-06.pdf.
Melody
Monday, May 12, 2008
How would YOU like to go to Alaska?
We just received an announcement from the state regarding the 2011 Western Regional 4-H Volunteer Forum:
WRLF is going to be different in 2011. . . how different? The Washington State 4-H Advisory Board has decided to host the 2011 Western Regional 4-H Forum as a cruise! Yes, it’s true, we’ll be ‘CRUISING to EXCELLENCE.' I think they’ll be leaving from Seattle, cruising the Alaska coast and returning to Seattle. More details will be available as the adventure unfolds. — Dale Leidheiser
Alaska, here we come!
Melody
WRLF is going to be different in 2011. . . how different? The Washington State 4-H Advisory Board has decided to host the 2011 Western Regional 4-H Forum as a cruise! Yes, it’s true, we’ll be ‘CRUISING to EXCELLENCE.' I think they’ll be leaving from Seattle, cruising the Alaska coast and returning to Seattle. More details will be available as the adventure unfolds. — Dale Leidheiser
Alaska, here we come!
Melody
Friday, May 9, 2008
Neat to Compete
It amazes me everytime I attend one of the Douglas County 4-H Contests. The kids there are not only competing, but learning life skills that will follow them throughout their lives. I have had the pleasure in the past week to see our 4-Hers exhibit outstanding qualities through participation in two contests.
The Creative Cooks Contest was held Saturday, May 3. What a fantastic display of youth capabilities! The originality of themes was great fun to see; there were medieval, camping, teddy bear, Irish, and even duckie themes to name just a few. The competitors were articulate as they spoke with the judges about nutrition and preparation. This is truly a competition that "wows" everyone who attends. If you haven't attended, mark your calendars as soon as next year's date is announced. There are some recipe booklets of the foods that were spotlighted at the competition still available at the 4-H Office and they are FREE.
Then on May 7, several 4-Hers were brave enough to compete in the Speech and Demonstration Contest. I truly admire these young people because many of us have difficulty speaking before an audience, but these 4-Hers are mastering the art. Probably the greatest challenge in this contest is the impromptu speaking in which each contestant is given a topic and ten minutes to develop the topic into a three minute speech. Talk about nerve-racking - you really have to admire these kids!
If you see any 4-Hers who competed in these contests, please tell them what amazing young people they are. They all did great work and should be commended.
Thanks for reading,
Mary Baldwin
The Creative Cooks Contest was held Saturday, May 3. What a fantastic display of youth capabilities! The originality of themes was great fun to see; there were medieval, camping, teddy bear, Irish, and even duckie themes to name just a few. The competitors were articulate as they spoke with the judges about nutrition and preparation. This is truly a competition that "wows" everyone who attends. If you haven't attended, mark your calendars as soon as next year's date is announced. There are some recipe booklets of the foods that were spotlighted at the competition still available at the 4-H Office and they are FREE.
Then on May 7, several 4-Hers were brave enough to compete in the Speech and Demonstration Contest. I truly admire these young people because many of us have difficulty speaking before an audience, but these 4-Hers are mastering the art. Probably the greatest challenge in this contest is the impromptu speaking in which each contestant is given a topic and ten minutes to develop the topic into a three minute speech. Talk about nerve-racking - you really have to admire these kids!
If you see any 4-Hers who competed in these contests, please tell them what amazing young people they are. They all did great work and should be commended.
Thanks for reading,
Mary Baldwin
Monday, May 5, 2008
The 40 Developmental Assets and 4-H
As society has changed and grown over the years, so has the 4-H program. 4-H embraces a positive youth development model that incorporates developmental assets.
Many types of research have been conducted studying America's young people, and one of the most influential is Search Institutes's 40 Developmental Assets for adolescents.
Since 1989, Search Institute has studied over 2 million young people from 6th to 12th grades. They've analyzed data and synthesized research and were able to identify "concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power during critical adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults. " (http://www.search-institute.org/assets/)
Since their initial research, they've also identified assets for early childhood and middle childhood.
The assets are divided into External and Internal assets. External include support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time. Internal include commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity. Within each category are specifics. For example, under positive values are caring, equality, and restraint.
Take a close look at the whole list at Search Institute's website - http://www.search-institute.org/assets/. You'll see which of the assets your club already promotes, and you'll also see areas that you may want to emphasize more often.
When I look at the list, I'm struck with how much 4-H really does empower youth through the 40 developmental assets. Promoting 4-H is easier when we can show real-life results supported by real-life research!
Until next time,
Melody
Many types of research have been conducted studying America's young people, and one of the most influential is Search Institutes's 40 Developmental Assets for adolescents.
Since 1989, Search Institute has studied over 2 million young people from 6th to 12th grades. They've analyzed data and synthesized research and were able to identify "concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power during critical adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults. " (http://www.search-institute.org/assets/)
Since their initial research, they've also identified assets for early childhood and middle childhood.
The assets are divided into External and Internal assets. External include support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time. Internal include commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity. Within each category are specifics. For example, under positive values are caring, equality, and restraint.
Take a close look at the whole list at Search Institute's website - http://www.search-institute.org/assets/. You'll see which of the assets your club already promotes, and you'll also see areas that you may want to emphasize more often.
When I look at the list, I'm struck with how much 4-H really does empower youth through the 40 developmental assets. Promoting 4-H is easier when we can show real-life results supported by real-life research!
Until next time,
Melody
Friday, May 2, 2008
Second poll results
Our second non-scientific fun little poll is complete. The question asked was "Which of the general and home ec 4-H contests do you think is the most fun to participate in?"
We had 11 votes total:
We had 11 votes total:
- Creative Cooks - 2
- Demo and Speech - 2
- Cake Decorating - 3
- Talent Show - 0
- Rocket Fly - 2
- Fashion Revue - 2
As you can see, it's pretty even across the board! And what's this - nobody likes to see a little talent on stage??
Another poll will be up soon and it's a mystery - even to me, since I don't know what the subject is yet!
Thanks for reading our blog....
Melody
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Regional Shoot a HUGE Success!
Douglas County 4-H hosted the 3rd Annual invitational shoot at the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Range on April 19th. With over 60 youth participating as teams, everyone had a great time.
A main component of this regional shoot is education. That is why it is a one-of-a-kind invitational shoot. Teams compete in seven different discipline areas for top honors and consist of one younger member and one older member, randomly selected before the shoot. Together members participated in each station receiving a combined score.
Congratulations to:
Test Champions - Courtney Tracy & Chad Erick
Orienteering Champions - Reid Tracy & Katherine Roemer
Shotgun Champions - Jonathan Marr & Chayce Lutz
Air Pistol Champions - Mike Moudy & Nick Evans
Air Rifle Champions - Jacob Daviscourt & Kylee Dudeck
Archery Champions - Jacob Daviscourt & Kylee Dudeck
Muzzleloading Champions - Anthony Brenneman & Johnathan Kurz
Overall Grand Champions - Jacob Daviscourt & Kylee Dudeck
4-H awareness in Highlands Ranch
One area of Douglas County that we are working to improve 4-H awareness is in Highlands Ranch. In light of this, there is an opportunity for kids to join a parade. Here is the information:
On Saturday morning, May 17, the Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center will be hosting a Junior Parade to "kick-off" the Highlands Ranch Music Arts Festival at Civic Park. This free Junior Parade is our agency's way to start this festival off in a fun way. We hope to encourage lots of participation in this fabulous community event, one guaranteed to overflow with great music and great art over 2 fun-filled days.
A few highlights: * pre-registration for the parade is strongly encouraged (please call Jaime at 303/688-1094 for details); * children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult; * motorized vehicles, bicycles, scooters, skateboards and dogs ARE NOT allowed in Civic Park; * strollers and wagons ARE permitted ; and * prizes will be awarded for the best home-made instrument, best costume, best group, and more.
The Junior Parade is made possible through the sponsorship and support of the Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center's staff and volunteers. We are happy to partner with the Highlands Ranch Concert Band -- each doing our part in improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. Please visit www.hrmafestival.com for more information about the festival and schedule for the weekend.
Check it out...
Melody
On Saturday morning, May 17, the Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center will be hosting a Junior Parade to "kick-off" the Highlands Ranch Music Arts Festival at Civic Park. This free Junior Parade is our agency's way to start this festival off in a fun way. We hope to encourage lots of participation in this fabulous community event, one guaranteed to overflow with great music and great art over 2 fun-filled days.
A few highlights: * pre-registration for the parade is strongly encouraged (please call Jaime at 303/688-1094 for details); * children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult; * motorized vehicles, bicycles, scooters, skateboards and dogs ARE NOT allowed in Civic Park; * strollers and wagons ARE permitted ; and * prizes will be awarded for the best home-made instrument, best costume, best group, and more.
The Junior Parade is made possible through the sponsorship and support of the Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center's staff and volunteers. We are happy to partner with the Highlands Ranch Concert Band -- each doing our part in improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. Please visit www.hrmafestival.com for more information about the festival and schedule for the weekend.
Check it out...
Melody
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