Apologies and Technology Updates

Hello Fairfax County 4-H

I would like to apologize for the lack of updates from the office as of late. There have been a few issues that have arisen technology wise, and we have not been able to utilize the normal channels of communication. That being said, for these reasons, the 4hfairfax.blogspot.com and the newly started mail chimp account will no longer be utilized. The technology in the office is not compatible with these platforms anymore and makes it inefficient and ineffective to use.

We will from now on be using the site http://fairfax4h.weebly.com/ as our blog, update site, and all around "Fairfax County 4-H Website". This platform is easy to update, and I am able to do so from the office, which is a big benefit.

Along with the new website, we will be publishing the Fairfax Flash every other month that will be distributed as a PDF file through the Access4H Database email list which currently goes to the primary email associated with each account. Please continue to send club updates as we love to know what you are up to, and so does the rest of the county!

Time for Technology VEX Competition

Time for Technology

 

VEX competition

01/11/14

 

Today was the competition for VEX. Two out of three groups of VEX groups that were ours got into the semi finals. This shows that we are very good at VEX. It was long but it was worth it because we saw other awesome teams and learned their strategy and study their advantages and disadvantages, and editing them.

2014 Fairfax Arlington Alexandria Junior 4-H Camp Counselor Application

Camp is on its way!  This year the Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria 4-H groups will be camping July 13 -July 17, 2014.  We hope you will consider applying to be a camp counselor Ifyou are interested, please read the information below carefully.

Applications

Those applying for a counselor position will be at least 14 years of age by January 1, 2014. Counselors-in training will be age 13 as of March 1, 2014. Interviews will be conducted in March only for counselor positions at this time. All those who are selected to be counselors will be expected to attend the Lock-in held on April 4th and 5th, and the subsequent Camp Counselor Trainings. Counselors in Training will not be required to attend pre-camp trainings. All counselors must pass the Camp Readiness Assessment in order to attend camp. All applications forms are due at your local Extension Office by February 28, 2014.

The application, along with required forms can be obtained by contacting your extension office, or visiting the following link: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwqUUFkWHZ_qT1NSVVM1ZjgyVEU&usp=sharing

Camp Information

This year, as stated earlier, Fairfax Arlington Alexandria Junior 4-H Camp will be held July 13-17. This year the camp fee for counselors is $150. For campers the fee is $305. This camp fee covers Meals and Lodging for 5 days and 4 nights, class supplies, a camp t-shirt, and transportation to and from camp(aka we will be providing buses this year). We are only taking counselor applications currently. The CIT and camper applications will be available in March.

Interviews

Interviews will be held from 4-8:30 PM in Fairfax on March 3 and 6, Arlington March 4, and Alexandria March 5. To schedule an interview, please contact the hosting extension office for the day that you wish to interview. Fairfax (703) 324-5369, Arlington (703) 228-6400, Alexandria (703) 746-5546.

Future Training Dates and Other Important Dates

All Counselors are required to attend all training sessions listed below, complete the 4-H Camp Assessment, and assist with the Camp Orientation and Camp Work Night,. If you have a conflict with any of these dates, you must speak with your extension agent well in advance of training and make arrangements to cover the missed material. Plan to join us during these times for 4-H camp training and service:

March 22— 23, 2014​*Teen and Adult Leader Training (TALT) weekend at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center in Front Royal, Virginia.  

​**OPTIONAL**

ONLY FOR COUNSELORS AND ADULT VOLUNTEERS.

​​

April 4-5, 2014​Camp Counselor Training “Overnight Lock-in”, 

MANDATORY FOR ALL COUNSELORS.

​Charles Houston Recreation Center

901Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA  22314

​

May 8 & June 5, 2014​Camp Training, 6:30-8:30pm

​MANDATORY FOR ALL COUNSELORS.

​5/8/14-Fairlington Community Center

3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA  22206

6/5/2014-Pennino Building 10th FL

12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA  22035-1111

June 28, 2014​Camp Orientation for First Time Campers, 10am-12pm

​Camp Counselor Review and Assessment,    1-4pm

​**Counselors hours 10am-4pm (entire day)

​Fairlington Community Center

3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA  22206

July 8, 2014​​​Camp Counselor Work Night, 5pm--8pm

​Pennino Building 10th FL

12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035-111

July 13-17, 2014​​4-H Junior Camp

TALT (Teen Adult Leader Training)

TALT is an overnight counselor training event held at the 4-H Center where camp will be held.  Teen counselors are NOT required to attend TALT. This does not mean that you are not welcome to attend – we would love to see you there! If you decide to go, it will be on your own.This is a wonderful opportunity for you to come together as a group to begin the planning process for camp.  The Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria camping cluster will be attending on March 22 and 23, 2014.

Before Applying

Before you apply, please give careful consideration to why you want to be a counselor.  If you are selected, you will be expected to work hard, demonstrate maturity, and model responsible behavior throughout the entire week of camp.  You must be willing to set a good example with your actions and attitude.  You will probably not have a lot of free time to socialize with your friends.  Please do not apply if your only goal is a social opportunity.  You can expect to learn a great deal about yourself and others and to acquire skills that will serve you for a lifetime.  Please call us if you have questions.

Attention Adults!

We are always looking for some adult volunteers to attend camp as chaperones.  Adults camp for free and many employers offer up to two days of community service leave that you can take advantage of to come to camp.  We prefer that volunteers commit to the full camp, but we may also be able to work out some shorter volunteer arrangements.  If you are interested, please contact your local extension agent.

Thank you for considering this opportunity and we look forward to receiving your applications!

Samantha Nagurny, Reggie Morris, Emily Reiersgaard

2013 Officer and Adult Volunteer Training

We will be holding a 4-H officer and adult volunteer training on December 14 from 10-12. This training will be held at the Peninno Building - 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035. We will be in the Virginia Room which is located on the 10th Floor.

This training is not mandatory, but highly recommended for all elected club officers. Even if you are not currently an officer, but would be interested in running in the future, you are more than welcome to come! Anyone who is interested in learning how to become an officer is invited to attend. We will be learning about the duties of the officer roles, parliamentary procedure (don't worry if you don't know what that is!!), and learning about what clubs really do! So come out, learn about becoming a club officer, and meet your fellow 4-H members! All participants will receive officer tip sheets and other resources for becoming a great leader!

For all new club adult volunteers (leaders, project leaders, and parents interested in receiving training) we will be having an adult training at the same time. We will be going over what is 4-H, club management, financial policies, risk management, and other related topics. All participants will receive a copy of the volunteer handbook and other resources for club management.

Please use the following link to register: 2013 Officer Training

Hope to see you there!

And now a story:

It was the day before the 4-H club meeting, and all through the house,
The 4-H Leader was stirring, asking her spouse,
“What will I do? All this paperwork, I don’t care!
I don’t know how to teach this club, or when, or where!”

The spouse knew how to calm this clatter
He said, “Don’t worry. Rest this chatter.”
And away to his computer he flew like a flash
Opened up his email and scrolled through the trash.

There’s new volunteer training, didn’t you read?
Just go, and you’ll find all the answers you’ll need.
And truly, what to her eyes should appear,
But an email from the 4-H agent to kick off the new year.

And with only a breath, she RSVP’d quick,
For she knew it would be just the trick.
Soon the training day came
And she called out her officers by name:

O President, Secretary, Treasurer and VP
Why don’t you come along with me?
O Reporter, Fundraiser, and Historian,
You’ll learn new things too, I’m certain!

How the 4-Hers’eyes twinkled sparkily!
When they learned Parliamentary procedure so easily!
So come and register too, it will be fun for all,
Not to mention educational!

-          Adapted from “A Night Before Christmas” by Clement Moore

2013-2014 Fairfax County 4-H Calendar

The 2013-2014 Fairfax County 4-H Calendar has been updated! The formatting for the blog will not allow me to copy and paste it directly, but I have uploaded it to google drive. The PDF can be found here: 2013-2014 Fairfax County 4-H Calendar

County Contest Day still does not have an official date yet, but it will be held in March. We are waiting to hear back from the facility on our official date.

As noted at the top of the dicument, calendar is subject to change. I will be updating this blog frequently and will make it known if a date has changed.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital, family, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.
 If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these activities, please contact Amy Ordonez, Fairfax County Extension Office at (703) 324-5369 or TTY 711, during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension - Fairfax County Community Survey

Virginia Cooperative Extension offices across the commonwealth are taking part in what is called the situation analysis. This analysis is being done to see how VCE is dealing with the needs of the community. This assesment takes place every 5 years to ensure that programming stays on point with the community goals and is essential to determine where VCE needs to focus their efforts. Here in Fairfax, we are conducting an anonymous online survey to collect these results. We ask that you take part in this survey and share your thoughts on the community and VCE programs to help us better our reach within the county. This survey should take about 10 minutes. Please feel free to share this survey with anyone interested in bettering the community. Please complete the survey by October 28. 2013. Click Here to take part in our community Survey!

Call for award nominations!

Achievement Night Awards

Please submit all nominations unless otherwise noted to Samantha Nagurny snagurny@vt.edu by October 18, 2013

4-H Fair Supporter Awards

Given out to those youth who have especially contributed to the Fairfax County 4-H Fair through their commitment and service.  One award is given to each age category: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior.  Please nominate the 4-Hers that you observed working hard at our fair by sending a description of why they deserve the award.

I Dare You Award

A letter of recommendation needs to be written by a non-family/guardian.  Generally this award is given to departing 17-18 year olds that have demonstrated unusual integrity, balanced personal development, and a willingness to assume responsibility.

Ann G. Marlow Friend of 4-H Award

This award goes to someone outside the 4-H “family” that really helped the 4-H program.  Please send a brief letter of recommendation and include a description of why you feel these special volunteers or organization deserve the award.

Alumni Awards

Please nominate alumni who have helped the 4-H program by sending a brief description of why they deserve the award.

The Appreciation Award

Please nominate 4-H volunteers that have exhibited outstanding service to the 4-H program by sending a brief description of why they deserve the award.

Clyde Jackson Spirit of 4-H Award

This award goes to someone who embodies the spirit of 4-H and always strives to make the best better.  Please nominate 4-Hers or 4-H volunteers for this award by sending a description of why they deserve the award.

Senior Honor Award

14 – 18 year olds may submit the Senior Honor Award application.  Those who receive 40 points or higher will qualify for the award.  This is great practice for filling out All Star Applications. Contact Samantha Nagurny to receive an application for this award.

4-H Club Charter Seals of Achievement

Clubs may fill out the club seals form to receive the corresponding club seal.  The form can be found at: http://www.4-h.ext.vt.edu/forms/388_094.pdf

Sportsmanship Award

Given to the 4-H’er that has made an outstanding contribution to the 4-H Fair Horse Show.

Livestock Showmanship Award

Awarded to one junior, intermediate, and senior 4-H’er that made an outstanding contribution to the Fairfax County 4-H livestock show and program. Please nominate 4-H’ers for this award by sending a brief description of why they deserve the award.

Canine Showmanship Award  

Awarded to one junior, intermediate, and senior 4-H’er that made an outstanding contribution to the Fairfax County 4-H dog show and program. Please nominate 4-H’ers for this award by sending a brief description of why they deserve the award.

All Stars

15 – 19 year old 4-H’ers with at least 3 years of work as a 4-H member can apply to 4-H All Stars.  More information and the application can be found here: http://www.4-h.ext.vt.edu/groups/allstars/4h_allstar_nominationform.html .  All Star applications are due to Samantha Nagurny by November 1, 2013.

Congratulations to our 2013 4-H Fair Champions and Trophy Winners

Department		Award		Age Level	Winner
Arts		Champion		Junior	Samantha Jackson
				Intermediate	Katy David
				Senior	Katherine Schenaker
		Reserve Champion		Junior	Ellie Kosek
				Intermediate	Kelly Salguero
		Trophy		Junior	Alina Ampeh
				Intermediate	Kelly Salguero
				Senior	Arielle Ampeh
Black and White Photography		Champion		Junior	Isobel Cobb
				Intermediate	Kelly Salguero
				Senior	Kira Baugh
		Reserve Champion		Intermediate
				Senior	Emma Cantwell
		Trophy		Junior	Casey Schlenker
				Senior	Jamie Soucie
Color Photography		Champion		Junior	Haley Salguero
				Intermediate	Kelly Salguero
				Senior	Kira Baugh
		Reserve Champion		Junior	Renee Coppock
				Intermediate	Katy David
				Senior	Kira Baugh
		Trophy		Junior	Haley Salguero
				Intermediate	Elijah Green
Crafts and Woodworking		Crafts  Champion		Junior	Samantha Jackson
				Intermediate	Daniel Wisdom
				Senior	Katherine Schenaker
		Woodworking Champion		Intermediate	Philip Tozier
		Trophy		Junior	Isobel Cobb
				Intermediate	Kelly Salguero
				Senior	Christy McFarland
Dog				Junior	Sammy Thompson, Julia Chestnut, Gillien Nickeson Tweddle, Isobel Cobb, Becky Randolph
				Intermediate	Sammy Thompson
				Senior	Lex Blanton, Kira Baugh, Ciara Sitko, Kelly Mitchell, Arielle Ampeh, Abbey Peach, Jamie Soucie
Floriculture		Champion		Junior	Samantha Jackson
				Intermediate	Daniel Wisdom
				Senior	Katherine Schenaker
		Best Arrangement in Show			Sarah Coppock
		Trophy		Intermediate	Daniel Wisdom
				Senior	Katherine Schenaker
Foods and Nutrition		Champion		Junior	Renee Coppock
				Intermediate	Daniel Wisdom
				Senior	Kira Baugh
		Reserve Champion		Junior	Colleen Jackson
				Senior	Jamie Soucie
		Trophy		Intermediate	Daniel Wisdom
				Senior	Jamie Soucie
Interior Design		Champion		Junior	Claire Rothman
				Senior	Katherine Schenaker
		Trophy		Junior	Claire Rothman
				Senior	Katherine Schenaker
Rabbits and Cavies		Best in Show - Rabbits			Amy Jenkins
		Best in Show – Cavies			Talia Adler
		Best Opposite Sex – Cavies			Talia Adler
		Best Opposite Sex Rabbit			Manisha Clark
		Champion Showmanship			Savannah Steblein
		Reserve Showmanship			Sarah Coppock
Science and Technology		Champion		Intermediate	Amanda Cohen
				Senior	George Shields
Sewing	Champion			Junior	Renee Coppock
				Intermediate	Katy David
				Senior	Kira Baught
			Trophy	Junior	Isobel Cobb
				Intermediate	Katy David
				Senior	Esther Wisdom
Scrapbooking and Displays			Champion - Scrapbooks	Junior	Noah Beck
				Intermediate	Julia Chestnut
				Senior	Katherine Schenaker and Arielle Ampeh
		Club Scrapbooks		1st	Fairfax City 4-H Community Club
				2nd	Krazy for K-9’s 4-H Dog Training Club
				3rd	Hoofers and Heifers 4-H Livestock Club
Short Film		Champion		Junior	Casey Schlenker
Vegetables		Champion		Junior	Kaela Pollock
				Intermediate	Lily Nickl
				Senior	Kira Baugh
		Reserve Champion		Junior	Michaela Gidick
				Intermediate	Radha Apurada
				Senior	Kira Baugh
		Trophy		Junior	Renee  Coppock
				Senior	Sarah Coppock
Writing		Champion – Poetry		Junior	Colleen Jackson
				Senior	Christy McFarland
		Reserve Champion - Poetry		Senior	Christy McFarland
		Reserve Champion – Writing		Senior	Stephanie Green
		Trophy		Junior	Lily Nickl
				Senior	Savannah Steblein