TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY PAPER CLOVER PROMOTION: Once again, 4-H is participating in the Paper Clover Promotion with the Tractor Supply Company, from May 8 through May 19. This has been
a great promotion for us. The Charlotte store has led
the state. I hope to continue this great success this year.
To do this, I am looking for clubs or groups of 4-H’ers
who would be willing to help with different demonstrations at the Charlotte store. Clubs can come up with their own ideas or we can come up with one and provide the supplies. If you are interested, please contact
Christine by May 3.
CLOVERBUD CAMP: This year, the Eaton County
4-H Cloverbud Camp will be June 26. Cloverbud Camp is a one-day camp that is held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds for anyone between the ages of 5 and 8 years
old. The theme for this year’s camp is “Power Up with
4-H and Robotics”. All campers will be doing a variety of hands-on projects. Cost for the camp is $20 for registered 4-H members and $30 for non 4-H members. Registration includes a t-shirt, but campers must bring their own lunch. Registration forms are available at the Ext. office, e-mailing Christine, or at
http:/eatoncounty4h.blogspot.com/. In addition, the committee is collecting pop bottles, milk jugs, and water bottle plastic lids, and metal cans. Items may be dropped off at the Ext. office.
COUNSELOR’S NEEDED: To ensure the success of
Cloverbud camp a wide range of volunteers are needed
to prep things prior to the camp and on the day of camp.
STYLE REVIEW: Check out Eaton County 4-Her’s as
they strut the runway at Kardel Hall on April 20 at
6 p.m.. They will showcase the latest in fashion. Style Revue is an opportunity for 4-H members to show off garments they have constructed either by sewing, crocheting or knitting. Special categories also include recycled garments, original design, and costume. Participants model
their items before judges and are judged on the following
criteria: Poise, Grooming, Stage Presence, Selection
of garment and material, Construction & Condition,
Appearance, Trims, Jewelry, and Accessories.
PRE-FAIR DOG MATCH: Date: June 1, 2013
Registration: 7:30-9 a.m. with Intermediate Agility beginning at 9 a.m. There is a $4 fee per class if preregistered
by May 15. Otherwise it is a $6 fee.
• Participants may be 4-H or non 4-H members,
adults or youth
• 4-H rules and regulations will be followed
• Obtain registration form for full details. Registration
forms are available at the MSU Extension Office or
• Current vaccination records must be attached to
the registration form
• Appropriate behavior and dress is required at all
times
· No puppies under 5 months are allowed to show.
• All three rings will be under pavilions
BACK 4-H OFFICE: Again this year the Back 4-H Office needs volunteers to staff the counter and help people during fair week. Hours will be from 8am-7pm, however if there are no volunteers for a shift the office will close until a volunteer signs up. If you’re interested in signing up please call the Ext. office. An online sign-up will be available in May. Thanks in advance for your help.
SALE SIGN UP: It is already time to start thinking about the Eaton County 4-H Fair; and once again, your help will be necessary to make sure that both the Jr. Livestock and Small Animal sales go smoothly. It is important that everyone selling an animal in either sale work some part of the sales. Or, has a parent or grandparent work before or during fair week. You can find the links for sale jobs on the website: http:/eatoncounty4h.blogspot.com/
SALE TRAINING OPTIONS: Everyone who is going to be working at the front counter during the sale or be a computer tech during the sale must attend training
session on June 7th, 25th, or July 7th. The training will be held at the Extension office except July 7th which will be in the back office. To sign-up please call the office or an online sign-up will be sent out in May.
4-H PROJECTS: Please remember: make sure you tell your administrative leader what projects you are participating in. This is very important as the Extension office has opportunities that only pertain to a certain project area. Information is only sent to members, leaders, and/or parents who are enrolled in that particular project.
COUNTY SHOOTING SPORTS TOURNMENT:
Saturday, May 11 (Bellevue Conservation Club) and Sunday, May 12 (3D Archery—location to be determined) will be the dates for the Eaton County 4-H Shooting Sports Tournament. Entries will be due April 20h to the Ext. office or Brenda Hall. The entry form may be found http:/eatoncounty4h.blogspot.com/ or e-mail Christine for a copy. Questions about the tournament should be directed to Brenda Hall (hall3family@yahoo.com).
EATON COUNTY 4-H FAIR NEWS: The fair book,
camping and entry forms, and other fair information are available on the fair web page at http://eatoncountyfair.com/index.html. You can receive a full printed copy of the fair book for $5 from the Ext. office. All clubs need to turn in their barn space requests to the superintendent by May 1with all pen/stall fees. Checks need to be made payable to the Eaton County Ag Society with a phone number on the check. Entry forms are due to the fair office by May 10. A new change for this year is the non-livestock judging will mostly be in Kardel Hall with the exception of except photography, woodworking, sewing, and cake decoration. Projects will be judged on Saturday, July 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. If a youth is also participating in the dog show they can have their projects judged starting at 8:30 a.m.. Finally, each species is looking for trophy donations. Please contact the fair office if you or someone you know is interested.
Fairgrounds Clean-up: Reminder to all clubs that clean-up jobs on the fairgrounds need to be completed between April 15 and April 30. Questions can be directed to Brian Cain 517-282-3776.
PERFORMING ARTS: The Performing Arts portion of
fair will take place this year on Wednesday July 3 at
7 p.m. in the Eaton Rapids High School Auditorium. This is a very entertaining night with high quality performances by 4-H members. Members showcase their talents in singing, dancing, playing instruments, dramatic performances, and much more. If you are a 4-H member with a special talent, this is your opportunity to shine. If you are interested in entering please contact Cheryl Smith the superintendent. Entries are due to the contest superintendent in June. This performance is open to the public, and is a great chance to see how talented Eaton County
4-H’ers really are. If you have questions about this event, contact the superintendent Cheryl Smith.
CLOVERBUD CAMP Planning Meeting: The committee will be meeting be May 6th at 6pm in the PMR. Pizza will be provided for those that attend.
4-h council: The next meeting will be May 6 at 7 p.m. in the PMR.
HORSE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: The next meeting will be May 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the PMR.
JUNIOR DAIRY ASSOCIATION: The next meeting will be May 9 at 7 p.m. at Kardel Hall.
Small Animal By-Law Change: The Small Animal Association passed a by-law change that requires every member to attend a mandatory meeting to sell in the sale. No longer will parents or leaders be able to sign them in. To help accommodate the varying schedules of people they have scheduled two meetings for people to choose from to meet this requirement: May 14, 7 p.m. at Kardel Hall or May 22, 6 p.m. at the Extension office. Everyone who wants to sell in the sale must attend one of these meetings.
JUNIOR LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION: The next meeting will be June 5 at 7 p.m., in the PMR. Prior to the meeting starting at 5:30 p.m. buyer letters will be stuffed. Please consider attending to help out.
Teen Leader Portfolio: The superintendent has created a new simpler portfolio:
Your portfolio must include:
· cover page
· resume (of your teen leader activities, extra curricular activities, awards, work experience and references)
· letter from the leader that you worked with or planned your activities with
· photo album of your project with written
explanations of the photos (pictures of you helping others, building your project, etc.)
· Letters of thanks, recommendations, or service that pertains to your project (optional)
Portfolios are due June 17 at the Extension office. You must sign up for an interview at fair to complete your teen leader project. Part of the teen leadership project is to prepare you to enter the workforce with experience making a portfolio and practicing interview skills. If you have any questions about completing your teen leadership project please feel free to contact Jean Burk, teen leadership superintendent, at 517-663-6959.
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS: We have had a number of new leaders added to our ranks over the past several months. Remember that to complete the process and get off probation, leaders must attend an orientation session. The upcoming date for orientation is May 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by 5 p.m. the day prior. If no RSVP’s are received the orientation will be cancelled.
EATON COUNTY 4-H T-SHIRTS: Once again this year the 4-H Council will be selling county t-shirts for $10 a piece. The t-shirts were designed by Glen McDevitt from the Golddiggers 4-H Club. They are a lime green shirt. An example of the design can be seen on the attached order from. Orders for t-shirts to be available prior to fair are due May 10. All profits will be used to help pay for the food shack remodel project.
Eaton County 4-H Summer
Programming: This summer, 4-H’ers and leaders will be able to “Choose their Own Adventure for Summer Activities”. From July 24 through August 22 there will be either an afternoon or evening activity most Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. Activities will be geared towards youth 9-12, youth 13-19 and teen and adult leaders. The summer programming will be capped off with a 4-H Science Blast/Open House & Robotics Challenge on August 26 at Kardel Hall. Anyone in 4-H is invited to be apart of this event. Come find out more about 4-H and what it has to offer. Please see the attached registration form or look for it on the website: http:/eatoncounty4h.blogspot.com/.
MALE CCA NEEDED: A change this year is that we will not be registering any boys for Exploration Days unless we have a male CCA. It was challenge last year as we had a large group of boys. It took a lot of extra work and we ended up having to share with two different counties. Therefore it is an urgent need that we find our own male CCA for our male delegation. This person needs to be an adult male at least 21 who would be wiling to serve as our CCA. You will get to attend for free and there will be some training to help you prepare for the duties. Please contact Christine at the office ASAP if you have an interest.
PQA: Please remember exhibitors must have current PQA status. There are two different sessions in Eaton County. Aaron Saari, will be offering a session on May 14 at Maple Valley High School. Doug Pennington is offering one on May 21 in Olivet. To RVSP for Doug’s session, please e-mail Doug Pennington at pennind@olivetschools.org. In addition, beginning in March, Michigan youth involved or interested in swine projects can become youth PQA Plus certified by using an online tutorial option. If you are interested in completing your training online, please contact the Pork Checkoff Center at 1-800-456-7675 to request access to the online system.
Sheep tag-in: This year’s tag-in will be Sunday, April 28 from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. on the fairgrounds in Charlotte. Anyone unable to attend this date must contact the superintendent, Donyaellie Wheaton (517) 543-8615.
Dairy Feeder Tagging: All youth who will be exhibiting and selling a dairy feeder must tag there animal on May 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. on the fairgrounds. Anyone unable to attend this date must contact the superintendent, Brenda Hall 517-543-0104.
Science Club: Meets the fourth Monday of the month except May which is Tuesday, May 28 instead. The meetings run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the PMR. In April the group will be working on rockets.
Remodling Food Shack: 4-H Council is undertaking a remodel project of the 4-H Food Shack that will be completed by fair. The 4-H Council has a contractor who will be doing the work and will be starting at the end of April. They are starting a fundraising campaign to help raise the money for this project. For a donation of $250 or more 4-H Council will recognize the individual, group or business with a plaque on the building. Donations less than than $250 will be listed on a board. Anyone who would like to donate may bring/or send your money to the Ext. office. Please make checks payable to 4-H
Council. We would like to have all donations by June 3.
Website: The time has finally come when the old MSU Extension website will be put into retirement. This means Eaton County 4-H had to find a new location to house all of our important 4-H information. The decision has been made to move everything to http:/eatoncounty4h.blogspot.com/. Through the Eaton
County Fair both websites will be maintained with most things linking to the new website.
Out of the Office: From April 17 to April 29 Christine will be out of the office for her wedding. She will not have access to her e-mail at this time either. If you are looking for forms, registration or other 4-H information please check out the 4-H website at http:/eatoncounty4h.blogspot.com/. This is a great source of local 4-H information and happenings. You can also call the office or e-mail msue23@msu.edu and office staff will help in whatever way they can. In addition, her e-mail will not be changing but her last name will be switching from Sisung to Heverly.
GREAT LAKES NATURAL RESOURCE CAMP: Registration is open for the 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp for teen aged 13-15. The annual camp will be held July 28-August 3 at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle on the northern shores of Lake Huron. The national award winning camp features all the fun of a traditional summer camp with the added bonus of hands-on science education. Campers will learn from natural resource professionals in fields such as Great Lakes coastal & fisheries management, limnology, wildlife, forestry, geography, geology, as well as Extension & environmental education. The hands-on learning also includes exciting natural resources recreation activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, fossil hunter, photography & evenings around a campfire. Registration is open to teens from the ages of 13-15 years old. The fee is $335 for 4-H members & $345 for non-members. Included in the fee are meals, snacks, lodging, a t-shirt & program & activity costs. Space is limited. The camp is sponsored by the Michigan 4-H Foundation, Michigan Sea Grant Extension & MSU Extension. For more information on camp activities & to register, go to http://4h.msue.msu.edu/events/glnrc.
HDC FUN SHOW: Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.
Eaton County Fairgrounds, Charlotte, MI 48813
Rules:
1.)Teams of up to 4 members are allowed. You may arrange your own team or have the show committee place you on a team during registration.
2.)Riders may enter no more than 6 classes each. Classes may include a combination of pleasure and gymkhana classes. Walk/trot classes are for riders/horses that have not previously shown in canter classes.
3.) $5 per class entry fee or $100 per team.
4.)Points are accumulated as follows:
6th=1 pt, 5th =2 pts, 4th =3pts, 3rd=4 pts, 2nd=5 pts, and 1st=6 pts
regardless of the number of people in the class. Prizes awarded to the
top 6 teams.
5.)No show clothes, but boots and long
pants and shirts with sleeves are required as are helmets for English
classes and for 19 and under in gymkhana.
6.)Current Negative Coggins required.
7.) Adult=20 and over, Senior=16-19,
Intermediate=13-15, Junior=9-12, Cloverbuds=5-8 (All cloverbuds may only
do walk/trot classes)
For more information or questions call Barb (517)331-0328.
State 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Show Results:
English Spot
Hannah Trice-Best of Breed
Katelynn Cheeseman-Best Opposite Sex
Harlequin
Jonah Wojnar-Best Opposite Sex
Himalayan
Dalton Humphrey-Best Opposite Sex
Mini Lop
Emily Lifford-Best of Breed
Cavy Teddy
Emily Lifford-Best of Breed
Eaton Special Riding News:
Saturday, May 11, 2013 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. rain or shine
Riding Clinic with Ann-Marie Lavalee
Eaton County Fairgrounds, Charlotte, MI 48813
Feedback given for English, Western, Trail.
Call 517-896-0501 or email omearaml@gmail.com
Facebook: Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association
Sunday, May 12, 2013 8:30 a.m. Rain or Shine
Eaton Special Riding Open Horse Show
Eaton County Fairgrounds, Charlotte, MI 48813
Follows 4-H rules
Judge Laura Yanz
Halter, Fitting and Showing, Walk-Trot,
Trail, Hunt Seat Pleasure/Equitation Western Pleasure/Horsemanship, Fun
Dressage and other Classes.
Dorothy Childs 517-627-8888 for more information
Facebook: Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association
All Proceeds benefit PEP of Eaton County
Club Development
Corner
Resources for Clubs: Did you know that the Eaton County MSU Extension office has a wide variety of resources available for clubs to checkout. In this month’s newsletter we highlight a few items clubs could check out. First, have you every wanted to play jeopardy or quiz bowl at a club or project meeting? Eaton County 4-H owns a set of quiz bowl buzzers. We have eight buzzers that are can be used to make two teams. Another exciting item clubs can check out is a USB microscope and a laptop. Youth can explore different items under the microsphere. There is a $10 deposit with the microscope and you get $9 of it back when it is returned. These
are just two of the many items available for check-out so don’t delay
and contact the office today to check them out and learn about what else
is available.
Character activities for 4-H club
meetings: by Michelle Neff, Michigan State University Extension
As leaders working with youth in 4-H
clubs, it is important to connect what they are learning with life
skills. An important life skill and part of each individual member is
character.
Character can be defined as the
aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of a
person. Some words that may describe a person of good character include:
trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and a good citizen.
These six words represent the Six Pillars of Character developed by the
CHARACTER COUNTS! programs.
Adults working with youth can help
youth develop their character by including activities and projects that
focus on character issues. Having a discussion with youth about
situations and scenarios that might test their character is always a
great way to explore character. Using the six words as a common language
in club meetings is also a great way to start developing a character
positive environment.
Here are a few other ways you can incorporate character lessons into 4-H club meetings:
· Choose a set of five items (shoes,
pencils, homemade cookies) that are similar, but have slight variations
in looks. Divide the members into groups of four and have them judge the
items. They must reach a consensus as a group. Place the items as first
through fifth place. The group must also choose a spokesperson to give
oral reasons for their placing. After the judging event, have each group
report.
· Discussion: Do you think the placing’s
were fair? Did all the groups agree? Was there more information you
needed to make your decisions? What information influenced your
decisions? How does this relate to judging of 4-H projects at the fair?
· Work with club officers to write club rules based on the Six Pillars of Character. Examples:
*Members will be responsible for calling their
leaders for information if they miss a meeting.
*Members will show respect to club officers and leaders during meetings.
*Each member will participate in a citizenship/ community service project.
*Choose a simple tune like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and have members write words to the tune about one of the Six Pillars of Character.
Michigan 4-H Project Snapshot Sheets:
Michigan 4-H has a a series of online, 4-H project snapshot sheets. The
fact sheets let youth know what to expect when they are involved in a
project. It covers "the big picture" from starting out in the project to
learning more as the young person progresses further in the project to
expand his or her horizons as the 4-H'er becomes more knowledgeable
about the project. Snapshot sheets are available for these projects:
Upcoming Events:
Montcalm County Rabbit & Cavy Show
Date: April 20, 2013
Location: Montcalm County 4-H Fairgrounds
For more information contact: Tom Gittus– 989.807.0349 or Linda Petersen– 989.365.3775
MSU Block & Bridle Club Youth Livestock Judging Contest
Date: April 21, 2013
Location: MSU Livestock Pavilion
Classes will consist of cattle, hogs & sheep. For more information contact Taylor Harrison at harri909@msu.edu or Nikki Hersch at herschni@msu.edu.
4-H Rabbit and Cavy Expo
Date: June 1, 2013
Location: Anthony Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI
The 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Expo is for young people who are interested in live animal evaluation and in testing their knowledge in a fun and educational manner.
Kent County 4-H Goat Show & Clinic
Date: June 15, 2013
Location: Kent County Fairgrounds Reath Barn
225 S. Hudson, Lowell, MI
8:00 a.m. Registration/Check In
8:45 a.m. Announcements
9:00 a.m. Educational Clinic: ”Pack/Cart Goats” & Hoof Trimming”
10:00 a.m. Goat Show Begins…..Judge Tyler DeWeerd
For More Information:
http://goatdevelopmentalcommittee.blogspot.com/
Wanda Vanderfifer (269) 204-8420or cloverspringfarm@peoplepc.com
Lori Ostrom: Lori_greenacres@yahoo.com
State 4-H Trail Ride
Date: June 21-23, 2013
Location: Whiskey Creek Campground, Custer
To provide 4-H members, parents, and
leaders with an opportunity to meet and become acquainted with 4-H’ers
from across the state, to provide training in planning and conducting
club and county trail rides, and to develop an appreciation of
conservation and natural resources. Registration packet can be found http://www.ans.msu.edu/uploads/files/Packet_of_Info_2013.pdf Registration is due May 30 to the office.
4-H Discovery Camp 2013
Date: June 24, 2013 - June 28, 2013
Location: MSU Campus, East Lansing, MI
Michigan 4-H Discovery Camp is a
five-day exploration camp held at Michigan State University for youth
ages 13-19. Campers will explore ideas, research and opportunities in
the field of energy as it relates to natural resources and agriculture. Applications are due April 19.
State 4-H Goat Show
Date: June 29, 2013
Location: MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI
Exhibitors have the opportunity to compete in showmanship and breed classes as well as pack, obstacle and driving.
State 4-H Horse Show
Date: August 9-11, 2013
Location: MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI
State 4-H Dog Show
Date: August 17, 2013
Location: MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI
This show offers agility, showmanship, obedience and service dog classes. 4-H members aged 9 to 19 (by January 1) of the current year can exhibit up to 2 dogs of any breed.
