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Deadlines:

DON’T MISS THE CHARACTER COUNTS! WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY
ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE

REGISTER ON-LINE BY JANUARY 3^rd! "This is Character Counts!" is a one day introductory experience to the character education model of the Josephson Institute of Ethics. Kansas 4-H Youth Development is a member of the National Character Counts! Coalition. Every Extension Unit, staff, volunteers and youth can take advantage of this collaboration. Two workshops are planned. The first will be held in El Dorado on January 9, 2007 (January 16-Snow Day) and the second in Hays on January 11, 2007 (January 25- Snow Day). Both workshops will be held at the local Extension office buildings. The workshops will begin at 9:30 AM and end at 3:30 PM. The day’s topics include:

Registration is now available through the On-Line system. The cost is $40 for Extension staff which includes lunch and a copy of the "Good Ideas Book," 541 pages filled with 250 activities and lessons organized by the Six Pillars of Character and by age group from Kindergarten through High School (A $40 retail value!). Extension cooperators/partners may attend at a cost of $60 per person. Justin Wiebers, Rod Buchele, Susan Schlichting, Michelle Perez, and Gary Gerhard will facilitate the program.
Gerhard

4-H Discovery Days Classes and Tours Needed
Classes and tours are needed for a minimum of 600 Discovery Days Delegates!  Last year, registration materials were delayed because there were not enough spaces available for the number of delegates!

Leaders are needed for classes and tours on Wednesday, May 30 from 1:30 to 3:30pm and Thursday, May 31 from 9:30 to 11:30am and 1:30 to 3:30pm.  Thursday classes can also be offered from 9:30am through 3:30pm.  For 2 hour classes, you might consider leading the same class or tour more than once.

Adult volunteer instructors who reside outside Manhattan and stay in a K-State residence hall during 4-H Discovery Days are eligible to have $50.00 of their registration fee waived if they teach at least four hours (two 2-hour classes or a 4 hour class).  Youth who teach or assist with classes are not eligible for scholarships.

Class/tour proposal forms are due December 15, 2006 to Justin Wiebers at jwiebers@ksu.edu. Proposals will be accepted until sufficient spaces are available for delegates.
Wiebers

It's important that you ask everyone you know within and outside of 4- H to purchase their tickets through www.fourhcouncil.edu because this fundraising program not only raises money for 4-H, it shows other potential corporate partners how well the 4-H system can mobilize itself and others in communities across America. The success of this opportunity will impact future relationships with other potential corporate partners.

A: There are a few theaters that do not participate in HMM's movie tickets sales process. Occasionally, HMM does not know the theater exists. Visit www.hollywoodmoviemoney.com/contact to give HMM the name and location of the theater. If possible, they will contact the theater and attempt to negotiate a partnership that will add them to the program. At the least, they will be able to give you the location of an alternative theater.
Michael D. Carr
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications
National 4-H Council

There are other downloadable promotional tools to help you on www.fourhcouncil.edu. 4-H Supply also has a great holiday selection of 4-H gear; including the t-shirt Dakota Fanning wears as Fern in the movie at http://www.4-hmall.org/CW/
Mack

Call for Applicants - 4-H Records/KAA Taskforce
Consistent with the Kansas 4-H Strategic Plan and the KEAA/State 4-H Staff Work Group, a taskforce will be reviewing, updating and/or implementing forms and procedures related to 4-H record keeping with specific interest in the Kansas 4-H Awards Application (KAA).  This work will transpire over several months in 2007.  (Note: If changes are made, an implementation timeline will be established that may outreach the actual working time of the taskforce.)

The Application Form (PDF) (WordPerfect) lists outcomes identified at the August 17, 2006 KEAA/State 4-H Staff Work Session held at Rock Springs 4-H Center.  The taskforce will be made up of 9 to 12 individuals with an intended balance of staff members, adult volunteers, and teens or college-aged recent 4-H alumni.  Uniform disbursement of members across the state is also a goal; however, the most qualified individuals will be given highest consideration.  This notice serves as a call for applicants to serve on the taskforce.  An application form is located at "What's Hot" on the State 4-H Home website http://www.Kansas4-H.org/.   Applications may be no longer than 2 pages.  Applications must be signed to be considered.  Non-staff adults and teens require the signature of their Extension Agent.  Applications must be submitted to the State 4-H Office to the attention of myself no later than February 1, 2007.

As much work as possible will be done via teleconferences and electronic media; however, at least two face-to-face meetings are required.  Mileage will be reimbursed to non-staff adults and teens selected for the taskforce at the rate of $.37/mile.

Please share this opportunity with your 4-H volunteers, teens and college-aged recent 4-H alumni.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at (785) 532-0747 or ggerhard@ksu.edu.
Gerhard

Since the project began in 2002, National 4-H Congress delegates have contributed $40,000 to build the house that was dedicated on Monday November 27, 2006 during the National 4-H Congress event. Additionally, each state was asked to assist by providing a housewarming gift for the family. The Kansas gift was a decorative frame which had real 4-leaf clovers pressed between sheets of glass. Jessica Grinstead, Reno County, represented the Kansas delegation at the dedication and presented our gift. During the conference, the Hyatt employees were visible with their support by wearing the "I Helped with the Build" ribbon. The house went to a very deserving family of three generations, who are all sharing the house. The family includes Miss Ella, her daughter and grandchildren. At the closing gala, Miss Ella addressed the delegates with a very heartfelt thank you to 4-H for helping make her dream of owning a house come true. She also invited any 4-H member to drop by her house any time -- and try some of her great gumbo!!!
Besthorn besthorn@oznet.ksu.edu

1. Aviation - Explore the new advancements in aviation at the K-State Salina Campus.  Talk with the lead mechanic from the world record setting Global Flyer Team.  Find out how to incorporate new ideas into your activities.

2. Robotics - Talk with experienced youth about the NXT Robot ® from the minds at Legos ®.  Learn how to program the Mindstorms ® robots with the help of the SpaceTech youth.

3. Technology/GPS - Enjoy working with youth and adults as they take you on a campus scavenger hunt using the latest in GPS technology.  Find out how to set up web sites, and enjoy activities for all ages.

4. Rocketry - Talk with youth and adults experienced in the field of rockets.  Find out the latest rules from the National Association of Rockets and how to conduct safe rocket launches.  See home-made rockets and designs.

5. Astronomy Workshop - Work with a mother and daughter team as they make stars enjoyable for all ages.  Learn how to make a mobile planetarium, and take star gazing to a new level of enjoyment.
   Waldren

The flyer will be available on the website under "What's Hot". If you have questions, contact Jodi Besthorn (besthorn@ksu.edu) or call 316-722-7721.
Besthorn

State 4-H Horse Panorama – February 10-11, 2007 Rock Springs 4-H Center
Information for 2007 can be found on the State 4-H website. Entry deadline is January 19, 2007. Everyone must register online. Check out the new opportunities for 7-9 year olds!
Adams

1. Horse Panorama to feature high tech, fun, Horse Jeopardy for 7-9 year olds. This age group will also do educational Hippology and crafts.
2. Horse age group for 10-13 year olds will now be called "Intermediates" to be consistent with other projects.
3. Horse skill Level I Testing will now be required for "Ground Work Only" for Showmanship and Halter. This clarifies "Horseless Horse" for those entering Panorama and judging contests for those not needing a horse. If riding a horse, entire skill test must be taken.
4. Horse Show Rule Book (S133) listed on the Second Quarter Publication Order Form will be a new revised version--order accordingly. Most changes are already in place, but further changes will be listed later.
5. Horse Action Team will be providing a monthly newsletter under the direction of Jean Huntley. The newsletter will also be posted on the 4-H Horse web page.

Adams

MIGS was recently presented at the December 4-H Up-dates. Questions have come up concerning MIGS. MIGS is an effort to describe minimum expectation of the 4-H member, not to exclude anyone from belonging to 4-H. MIGS does set standards which might limit the 4-H members opportunity to participate in county/district and state programs. The purpose of MIGS is to ensure that those members taking advantage of the privileges of membership are at least at a minimum standard of involvement.

The MIGS Task Force convened over a year ago to discuss membership and specifically the meaning of "in good standing" or "bona fide" member. The team members uncovered through their research the importance of club membership and participation. To further their research a survey was conducted at KYLF, Volunteer Leaders Forum and e-mailed to agents. The survey results revealed 4-H members and volunteers wanted youth to participate in meetings for the learning value. Additionally, USDA confirmed the club setting is where high content and high context merge for the greatest benefit for youth.

Currently, the Task Force members are piloting the "paper process". Additional counties/district are being recruited for the pilot process to beginning October 1, 2007. Interested counties/district may complete the application for an opportunity to be part of the pilot process. Applications are due, February 15, 2007 to Pam Van Horn. Applications may be located at http://www.kansas4-h.org.
Van Horn

State 4-H Ambassador Workshop
The Kansas 4-H Ambassador Action Team invites all County/District 4-H Ambassadors and their advisors to the 2007 State 4-H Ambassador Workshop, starting Friday evening March 23, and running through Saturday afternoon March 24 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. The 2007 theme is “Rocking and Rolling with 4-H”, and the conference will build upon last year’s successful conference.   

 Some of the workshop sessions that will be offered include:  “Grace Under Fire” (Personality IQ), “Leadership Styles,” “Writing for the Media,” “4-H Branding/Marketing,” “4-H Advisors, So What Do I Do Now?”, “Interview Skills and Résumé Building” and “Mentorship 101, Walking the Walk”. Participants will be able to choose three different sessions on Saturday morning, and two sessions on Saturday afternoon.

 Registration cost will be $75 and is due by March 1.  Late registration will cost $85.  The Kansas 4-H web site registration system will be used.  Local Extension units determine who may attend this workshop.  For final details and forms, visit the Kansas 4-H website in late-December:  http://www.Kansas4-H.org/Events/Ambassador/ or call Deryl Waldren at 785-462-6281 or e-mail him at:  dwaldren@ksu.edu.  
Waldren/Buchele

Kansas City 4-H Global Conference
Kansas City Global Conference is coming up March 7-10, 2007. Kansas 4-H members, 15 years and older, are invited to experience the world of science, technology, business and other cultures. Tours include the Harley Davidson manufacturing plant, the Kansas City Board of Trade, and there will be workshops conducted by NASA and U.S. Secret Service as well as several others on science, engineering, journalism and more! The cost for youth delegates is down $25 to $240 and for adult chaperones is down $20 to $315. For states’ night out, the Kansas delegation will go to The Legends at Village West shopping and entertainment center where participants will have dinner on their own.

Registration will be conducted on-line from January 1 through January 16, 2007. Registration worksheets and workshop/ tour descriptions are available on the Kansas 4-H website. All on-line registrations will be contingent upon Extension Agent approval, fees paid through local Extension Offices, and submission of a current and complete Kansas 4-H Participation Form. 
Wiebers

Wichita Garden Show 4-H Photography Extravaganza
The annual 4-H Photography Extravaganza will be March 2nd and 3rd at the Wichita Garden Show. Brochures are available from the Garden Show Office, 316-946-0883, or email wichitagardenshow@sbcglobal.net. Registration will be due in early Feb.

Many great activities are planned for the Extravaganza including; on Friday March 2, youth photography workshops, the chance to meet with a photography judge to have two photos critiqued and the very special opportunity to take photos of the Garden Show exhibits after the Show is closed to the general public late that evening. On Saturday, March 3, will be the Photography Judging Contest, and adult workshops (including a mini judging contest). Participants are encouraged to enter their four best photos taken at the Garden Show in the Garden Show photography contest due around April 1.
Otte/Buchele

Citizenship in Action
The Kansas 4-H Youth Council is pleased to announce the dates for Citizenship in Action; the state 4-H legislative visit to Topeka.  Check-in will be the afternoon of Sunday, February 18 and the formal program will conclude after lunch on Monday, February 19.  The hotel this year will be the Capitol Plaza Hotel next to the Kansas Expocentre. Lodging, dinner Sunday evening, breakfast and lunch on Monday will be provided as part of the registration cost of $115 this year.  Registration details are available online. 

Wiebers  

Character education has two very important dimensions. First, the social dimension, where 4-H fosters attitudes, habits and conduct that makes individuals constructive members of society. And secondly, the personal dimension, where 4-H fosters attitudes habits and conduct that helps individuals live personally meaningful and satisfying lives. Neither dimension outweighs the other. BOTH DIMENSIONS MUST BE IN BALANCE! Nothing is more important for our personal happiness and for the good of society than acquiring the dispositions and habits which constitute good character. "Inviting our students to take the pursuit of happiness seriously means accompanying and challenging them along the road to virtue." John Adams.
Gerhard ggerhard@ksu.edu

At the Area 4-H Updates, Area 4-H Specialists shared a PowerPoint presentation on Volunteer Involvement. The intent was to provide agents with a resource to share with the 4-H PDC to initiate a discussion on how the 4-H program uses volunteers. This resource can be found on the 4-H website, go to Kansas4-H.org, mouse over to resources on the left side of the page the first item on the drop down menu is the 2006 4-H Program Update Resource. Clicking on it will download the power point file. If you have questions or comments contact your area 4-H specialist.
Mack/Waldren/Buchele/Hinshaw

Cost for additional CD’s is $5.00.
Buchele

The form asks volunteers to confirm their contact information, the role(s) they will be volunteering for this year, update their legal involvement information and recommit to the Volunteer Code of Ethics. There are many advantages to the 4-H program in having Volunteers renew annually. The information gained from the Renewal process will help manage the 4-H Program more effectively. If you have any questions, please contact you Area 4-H Specialist or search the VIP FAQ file in the VIP Resources section of Kansas4-H.org.
Buchele

Wrap Up on the Centennial Service Project
A big thank you to the more than 3,500 Kansas 4-H’ers in 36 local Extension Units that donated 3,539 volunteer hours for local food programs, collected 10,679 cans of food, 2,118 pounds of fresh produce, and $3,513 in cash.   The cash total also includes $600+ from the Centennial Quilt Auction at the State Fair.

A Concern for the Community is one of the Kansas 4-H Life Skills, and this was a great showing of 4-H Members contributing to their communities.

Thanks to all Kansas Extension Staff that got involved and promoted this opportunity with their clubs, members, leaders and others.
Hinshaw/Neier

National Extension Conference on Volunteerism
Rock Springs will host the National Extension Conference on Volunteerism, April 16 - 19. The theme of the conference is "Volunteers: Our Extension of Community". Registration is open now at the Kansas 4-H online registration site:
https://4hyp-ts.oznet.ksu.edu/wconnect/ace/home.htm

The conference is open to all Extension personnel who work with volunteers. The conference website is: http://4h.sdstate.edu/av.cfm?area=Adults/volunteers&page=Adults/volunteers

The conference will include Extension personnel from all over the US in many Extension program areas. The cost will be $280 or $310 depending on your lodging choice.

The program will feature Keynote and Cap Note speakers, Workshops, Poster Sessions, Research Reports and Updates addressing critical current issues and concerns relating to Extension volunteers, leaders and community collaborations. Specific workshop topics include volunteer training, episodic volunteering, character focus, multi-generational volunteers and building community partnerships.
Buchele rbuchele@ksu.edu

If you are interested in learning more about how you can host an Operation Military Kids - Ready, Set, Go! Training, please contact Ann Domsch, OMK Project Coordinator at admosch@ksu.edu.
Mack

County Club Days Coordinator

Collegiate 4-H’s County Club Days Coordinator is Grace Tucker.  She can be reached at gtucker@ksu.edu or by phone at 785-230-4968.  Looking ahead to spring semester, please try to avoid the following dates due to conflicts which keep Collegiate 4-Hers from participating:

• February 15-18 (National Collegiate 4-H Meeting in Louisiana)

• March 17-25 (Spring Break)

• April 6-8 (Easter Weekend)

Dobesh

Collegiate 4-H Community Service Activities
Every year Collegiate 4-H has been active in the Manhattan community with several service projects.  One Sunday, each month during the school year, members help with Second Helping.  They help prepare and serve a hot meal and sack lunches for later, which are served to the less privileged in the Manhattan area.

 At Halloween time, several members went Trick-or-Treating for canned goods which were donated to the Flint Hills Breadbasket.  This is the third year Collegiate 4-H has trick-or-treated and collected 80-pounds of canned goods for the center. 

 In past year’s they have usually sponsored a turkey dinner for a family through the Flint Hills Breadbasket.  This year however, about 5 members helped deliver the Turkey baskets to individuals throughout the Manhattan area.  Those receiving the turkey baskets were very appreciative.

 Their current project for Christmas will be to adopt an ornament from the Manhattan Emergency Shelter.  This is the second year Collegiate 4-H will adopt an ornament.  This project helps those trying to get back on their feet from hard times.
Dobesh

Collegiate 4-H Nationals
This year the Collegiate 4-H National Meeting will be in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, February 15-18, 2007.  About 10 members from K-State have expressed interest in attending to date.  The early registration deadline is December 20, 2006.
Dobesh

January 3 Deadline Approaches for Summer Japan Inbound Program

 Additional Extension units are still needed to host Japanese teens and their chaperones for the one-month exchange  if Kansas is going to maintain the high level of participation in this popular program.  Please return the form at: Japan Exchange Application.doc  to confirm your interest by listing county contacts and indicate the best orientation dates for your coordinator.  Your response is needed January 3, 2007.  Contact Rose Scott rose@threeriversinc.org, 785-388-2009 or Mary Kay Munson, 785-238-3631  if you have questions.
Munson

Finland Inbound Hosts to be Assigned on First Come Basis

WorldWise Exchange Services, the organization that has been managing the Japan Exchanges is now manager for both the Inbound and Outbound parts of the Exchange with Finnish 4-H.  We have been notified that host family assignments will be determined on a first come, first chosen basis.  The participants will be Finnish 4-H members ages 15-18 and will need families from June 18 to July 16, 2007.  Please inform Kansas 4-H families.  Applications will be available on the web page http://www.Kansas4-H.org/worldcitizenship.
Munson

Nine Approved for Kansas International Exchange Travel in 2007
During interviews December 8-9 nine applicants were approved for the outbound exchanges to Japan, Finland, Australia and two additional countries.  The travelers will depart Kansas in June or July for stays of one to six months.   The five approved for the Japan Outbound Program and their Extension Units were Liz Ford and Ellie Harris, Atchison; Joe Kondziola, Harvey; Shannon Layne, Morris; and Rys Young, Central Kansas-Saline.   Erin Carroll, Morris was approved for travel to Finland.  Kathryn Zelinski, Johnson will be planning for travel to Australia. 

Martha and Emily Schneider, Central Kansas-Saline, were approved for the Kansas Representative Program and are each exploring options for exchanges on several continents. They will be attending Kansas Orientations in February and March and pre-departure orientation with their travel groups.
Munson

Congratulations to the 2007 4-H Youth Leadership Council
Molly Allison-Gallimore, Johnson County                      
Chris Bauerle, Meadowlark District                
Josie Brenner, Pratt County                
Jessie Bullock, Johnson County
Wesley Callahan, Douglas County
Chelsy Coen, Franklin County
Andrew Dempewolf, Decatur County
Andrea Everhart, Central Kansas District
Ben Gatz, Harvey County
Jacob Hadley, Butler County
Hope James, River Valley District
Aaron Kadavy, River Valley District
Jared Marcuson, Decatur County
Shane Oram, Franklin County
Karissa Pankratz, Harper County
Victoria Reilly, Montgomery County
Emily Schneider, Central Kansas District
Anthony Seiler, Sedgwick County
Lane Trautwein, Central Kansas District
Claire Thiessen, Post Rock District
Margaret Waymire, Morris County
Jeffrey Wolfe, Lyon County

Faculty Advisors will be Beth Hinshaw-SE Area, Justin Wiebers-State 4-H, Barb Addison-Finney County and Sarah Maass-Lyon County. 
Hinshaw/Wiebers

The end pieces can be ordered from Landoll Corp. at a cost of $5.74 each and it takes four per display. The part number to order is 141598 and can be ordered by contacting Susan Kosar at 785-562-4729.

Thanks go to Bob Harlan from the 4-H Photography Action Team who continues to work to upgrade the display stands. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Buchele