Anne Arundel County 4-H Happenings

4-H Clubs: Back to Basics

4-H Clubs are a place where youth and adults collaborate to build fun learning experiences. Clubs usually have times for business, educational, and social activities. Setting the stage for development of sparks, a sense of belonging, positive relationships, and strong youth engagement.

Business time covers past, present, and upcoming events/opportunities and club finances if applicable. Led by club officers, the agenda is set by youth and adults prior to the meeting and follows Robert Rules of Order. Old business is announced and reflected on while new business may call for discussions and voting. A great opportunity to learn and practice communication skills, goal setting & management, and managing emotions.

The educational component should provide an activity that is hands on and allows for inquiry-based learning. The focus can be on youth sparks (topic of interest) or ignite a new one. All clubs can set time aside during the year to introduce a new topic which can come from a youth conducting a demonstration of a hobby, a guest speaker/parent guiding an activity, or attending a new event to inspire a new interest. Being open to new challenges and discoveries helps build a growth mindset.

Time for socializing is important; games can be led by youth/adults or there can just be time set aside for hanging out. Giving an opportunity for all members to get to know and enjoy each other allows for an understanding of the similarities and differences within a community. This helps build deeper connections and increases kindness and empathy.

All the aspects of club meetings combine to intentionally build social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral skills that allow youth to thrive!

Regards,

Gretchen & Joy

AH&QA is open and closes July 31. All 4-H members enrolled in alpacas, beef, dairy, goats, horse and pony, llamas, poultry, sheep, swine and rabbits must complete the training to be eligible to exhibit their project animals annually in Maryland 4-H County and State Shows. Members may access the AH&QA program at: https://ahqa.umd.edu/. Junior 4-Hers must complete one session. Intermediate/Senior Level 4-Hers must complete two sessions:

• Part 1 is general animal information.
• Part 2 contains specific information for each animal species. Members will need to complete Part 2 of the program for each different species project they are enrolled in/wish to exhibit.

Anne Arundel County Fair is September 13 - 17, 2023. Start collecting your indoor entries. School projects, art, hobby projects, planting, practice cooking... can all help you be more prepared for entry day. Plan now to save time later. Please remember:

• Your '4-H member/volunteer card' is required to enter the fair as a 4-H member/volunteer. If you are not registered in 4-H Online as of 6/1/23, you will not receive your card (and will need to pay the public admission each time you enter fair).
• When doing online fair entries for 4-H, you must use the 4-H catalog entry system to be registered in 4-H competitions (as opposed to 'open'). Entries will begin in August. Please watch next month's newsletter for more information.

The Maryland State Fair will span three weekends again in 2023! Check out the 2023 Maryland State Fair Competitions schedule posted on the State Fair website by selecting 'Get Involved' on the main menu, then click 'Competitions', then 4-H/FFA Competitions' (or simply use this link https://marylandstatefair.com/4hffa/). A few 4-H events that will be held on the third weekend of the 2023 State Fair are listed below (See the schedule for details):

• 4-H/FFA Alpaca/Llama Show

• 4-H/FFA Dairy Goat Show

• 4-H Dog Show

• 4-H Engineering Events (Bicycles, Lawn Tractors, Small Engines, and Electricity/Energy)

• Exhibits at the 4H/FFA Home Arts Bldg (Exhibits remain on display for all three weeks)

4-H/FFA Department information on the Maryland State Fair website will be coming soon! New this year…the entry deadline for the 2023 Maryland State Fair 4-H/FFA Divisions will be July 15th.

Also, for youth looking to earn some money, information about the application process for the 2023 Maryland State Fair paid youth worker positions in the U-Learn Barn, U-Learn Farm, and the 4-H/FFA Indoor Building will be coming soon.

Our annual Anne Arundel County 4-H Summer Camp registration is now open. The event will be held at our Western Maryland 4-H Center in Garrett County on July 23-28th. The cost for this full week of outdoor fun is $425. Registration forms can be found on the camping webpage.

***Applications will be accepted until June 29, 2023.***

Now that the March 1 target enrollment date has passed, all 4-H Volunteers must have an approved enrollment in 4-H Online before assuming volunteer duties. You can check your enrollment status in 4-H Online, and if you have not yet enrolled for 2023, you can still do so!

Remember there are two steps to the enrollment process, your volunteer enrollment and your volunteer screening. If you have received an email stating that your enrollment or screening is incomplete, please log into 4-H Online to complete it before assuming volunteer duties.

Also this year, we are using a new feature in 4-H Online, Member Profile Notes. This allows 4-H Online Managers to add public and private notes to document follow-up actions or to send notification of enrollment/screening actions you may need to complete. You can access your Member Profile Notes after logging in and selecting your name from the Member List. An example of a Member Profile Note is below (please note, example is for a “fake” volunteer and does not reflect what is in your Member Profile Notes).

Each year, senior level youth in the county are offered the opportunity attend a National 4-H Leadership Trip by submitting their "Senior 4-H Portfolio" (a 4-H resume) along with an essay by January 15th. After extensive review (including an interview) our own Summer M. was selected to attend the National 4-H Congress this fall in Atlanta, GA. This is a 5-day event that engages high school aged 4-H members in leadership, citizenship, global awareness and inclusion. Participants not only have the opportunity to participate educational workshops and hear from world-renown speakers, they also have the opporutnity to network with other 4-H members from across the US. For more information, please check out our state Youth Leadership page.

The Maryland State Public Speaking Contest was held in conjunction with UMD's Maryland Day on April 29, 2023. Youth from around the state presented in one of the 6 various public speaking categories. Check out feedback from 2 of our county contestants:

"It was a lot of fun, I enjoyed doing it. I met a new friend and enjoyed checking out Maryland Day."

- Anna W

"When I did the county public speaking contest, I didn’t have any posters – I just showed how to make origami. And I didn’t get a great score on that. So when I went on to state I made posters and more visuals and got a much better score. I will definitely want to do a new demonstration next year. It was different at the Cape May County, NJ public speaking contest because we were in a college lecture hall and it was kind of scary with everyone up above looking down at me instead of everyone on the same level. I liked the little classroom at Maryland Day better." - Kelsey C.

Thank you Anna and Kelsey for your feedback! We would like to congratulate all of our Anne Arundel County State Public Speaking contestants for all their hard work. These are the placements:

• Kelsey C - Frist Place, Demonstration, Junior level
• Anna W - First Place, Radio Spot, Junior level
• Gavin C - Fifth Place, Visual Presentation, Junior level

*** Share your club experiences, 4-H'er accomplishments, & any events with us so we can include them in the newsletter! ***

The Maryland 4-H Sate Council is the premiere leadership opportunity in MD that allows youth from across the state to network, learn and practice high level leadership skills as well as promote 4-H and provide service on the state level. On June 17, the youth officer team and their adult advisors are hosting a 'Launch into Leadership' to teach leadership skills that youth can use in 4-H and beyond. This session will provide information for more effective public speaking, as well as discuss the multitude of 4-H Leadership Opportunities available to 4-H youth. To register, please use this link:https://bit.ly/LIL2023phase2. For more information, please contact our county extension educator, Gretchen Sumbrum, gsumbrum@umd.edu

Information about all state sponsored Environmental Science programs can be found on the state webpage: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/environmental-sciences or contact Amanda Wahle, ES specialist: awahle@umd.edu for more info.

As a reminder, the eligibility dates for the state 4-H shooting sports matches are coming up! Below you will find the enrollment requirements and the dates for each contest.

• Rifle: Youth participants must be actively enrolled in Maryland 4-H and a 4-H Shooting Sports Rifle/Marksmanship project or club prior to July 1, 2023. Rifle Contest - Sunday, September 17, 2023
• Archery: Youth contestants must be actively enrolled in Maryland 4-H and a 4-H Shooting Sports project prior to July 1, 2023. The 4-Her’s Shooting Sports Instructor must certify that the contestant is proficient enough in the archery discipline to safely participate in the contest. Archery Contest - Saturday, September 23, 2023
• Shotgun: Event is open to Maryland 4-H Youth 4-H ages 8 to 18 (age as of 01/01/23), who are currently enrolled and actively participating prior to September 1, 2023 in a 4-H Instructed Shotgun Club or 4-H Shotgun Program being conducted by a 4-H Certified Shotgun Instructor. Each participant will require approval at the county and state level. At the county level 4-H Educators will work with Shooting Sports instructors for approval. Instructors must be certain that youth participants understand the shotgun games they will shoot before they come to the state match and that youth can safely participate. State match is not the day to be teaching youth the basics of trap, skeet or sporting clays. Shotgun Contest - Saturday, October 21, 2023

Information about all state hosted STEM programs can be found on the state webpage: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/stem or contact Mark DeMorra, STEM Specialist: mdemorra@umd.edu for more info.

4-H Robotics Workshops

The MD 4-H Robotics Workshops are intended for 4-H youth, volunteers, and coaches who are considering or planning to participate in the annual Maryland 4-H Robotics Contests at the 2023 Maryland State Fair (see greeting above). Registration is via 4-H Online and the cost is $5 per youth. Adult registrations are free.

The workshops will offer information about this year's robotics challenges, including the missions and specific rules relating to each challenge's theme. In addition, there will be breakout sessions focused on each of the two MD 4-H Robotics Challenges. Each breakout session will include challenge-specific rules, plus building and coding recommendations for teams that intend to compete. This event will be held in two locations, with the same program delivered at both locations. Some elements may be delivered virtually; and most elements will be delivered in-person. The final workshop offered will be held June 3, 2023 at the Frederick County 4-H Campgrounds, 3702 Basford Rd, Frederick, MD 21703, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. More information about the annual 4-H Robotics Challenges, including the 2023 manuals and build guides, can be found on the Maryland 4-H STEM website.

Information about all state hosted Animal Science programs can be found on the state webpage: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/animal-sciences or contact Chris Anderson, Animal Science Specialist: canders2@umd.edu for more info.

The One Health Careers Summit will offer Maryland and West Virginia youth the opportunity to meet professionals and learn about Animal Health, Environmental Health, and Human Health Careers and how they work together under the One Health umbrella. The event will also advise youth interested in One Health careers on professional development and academic courses to prepare for their future. Event Details:

Date: Thursday, June 22, 2023, 9:30a-3:30p

Audience: Youth (4-H, FFA and non-4-H teens) ages 13+ (as of Jan 1) with a spark in animal sciences, environmental sciences, healthy living, and interested in learning about One Health careers.

Participation Fee: $10.00 per youth

Registration:. Limited registration to the first 25 youth who register; closes June 5 or when full. 4-H members register via 4-HOnline. Youth outside of 4-H who wish to register should contact Kevin Huang, khuang14@umd.edu.

Location: Washington County Extension Office, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Presenters include: Professionals from Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Department of Environment, University of Maryland Extension, West Virginia University, and private industry!

Summit participants will:

- Interact with professionals and increase awareness in a variety of careers which fall under the One Health umbrella.

- Meet fellow 4-H’ers from around the region with similar interests in animal sciences, environmental sciences, and healthy living.

- Gain knowledge, understanding, and skills around career and college readiness.

- Network with professionals to identify opportunities for development in One Health.

For more information contact Chris Anderson, canders2@umd.edu or Kevin Huang, khuang14@umd.edu

NOTE: All events, County/State/National, are subject to change due to ongoing health crisis.

*** Be sure to share your club's next event with us so we can help you spread the word! ***

Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarships for 2023-24

The Maryland 4-H Foundation is proud to offer the opportunity for academic scholarships to Maryland 4-H members and Maryland 4-H alum pursuing post-secondary education at a college, university or post-secondary technical training program. The Maryland 4-H Foundation awards an average of $50,000 in scholarships annually. The Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarship Application for the academic year 2023-2024 is open. Deadline to apply is June 15, 2023 by 11:59pm!

For more information including a complete list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, the application and instructions, visit https://www.mymaryland4hfoundation.com/how-we-give/scholarships

Are you a teen staff or first year camper attending the 2023 Anne Arundel County 4-H Summer Camp? If so, you are eligible to apply for this year's camp scholarship. The 2023 scholarship amount is $100.00 and up to 5 scholarships may be awarded. The 4-H All Stars of Anne Arundel County 4-H camp scholarship selection committee will review all applications and select the most deserving recipient(s). All recipients must be enrolled in 4-H in Anne Arundel County and be in good standing. Only teen staff and first year campers are eligible to apply. Completing this application does not guarantee a scholarship award. Scholarships will be awarded at the discretion of the 4-H All Stars of Anne Arundel County and the number and dollar amount of scholarships available each year will be based on the availability of funds. Applications will be judged using a score sheet and this scholarship cannot be applied to any other 4-H event/activity. More information and the application form can be found in our AAC 4-H Camp Scholarship Folder.

2023 County Fair 4-H T-shirt Design Contest

Calling all 4-H members - The AAC 4-H Foundation is now accepting designs for the 2023 County Fair 4-H T-shirt Design Contest. The winning design will be featured on the back of the 2023 4-H T-shirt that each 4-H participant at the county fair receives compliments of the 4-H Foundation. The contest will be open to all enrolled county 4-H members. A complete design incorporating both graphics and text should reflect the general overall spirit of 4-H at the County Fair and be meaningful to most 4-H members. The theme must be tasteful and 4-H appropriate and be production ready.

The contest winner will be announced at the 4-H Cookout in August. The winner will also receive a $25.00 cash prize. See the attached entry form and flyer for details and follow the guidelines on the use of the 4-H emblem. The deadline for entries is July 12, 2023.

For further information, contact Mary Thomas at aaco4hfoundation@gmail.com. Follow this link to our webpage for more information, entry form, rules and guidelines in using the 4-H name/emblem.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s designs!

2023 Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award

The Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award was established in memory of Mrs. Terry Cooper, a dedicated 4-H Volunteer who worked quietly behind the scenes doing whatever was needed to support the 4-H program. This award may be given to one adult and one youth who have made a significant contribution to the 4-H program, but who have received little or no recognition for their efforts. Anyone can submit a nomination, so please nominate a deserving adult or youth. Deadline for nominations is Wednesday, July 12th - nomination form will be available on our AAC Foundation's webpage 5/2/23. If you have any questions, contact Mary Thomas at aaco4hfoundation@gmail.com.

4-H Healthy Living - 2023 “Step into Spring” 5K or 10K Fun Walk

The Freestate Happy Wanderers (FHW) is sponsoring a 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2 miles) walk on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Kinder Farm Park, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, in Millersville. The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to participate.

The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation invites you join along and “Step into Spring” at this “Fun, Fitness and Friendship!” event. Walking is a simple, safe, and effective way to get exercise and has proven health benefits.

The 4-H Foundation will pay the $3.00 walk fee for any 4-H member or certified 4-H Volunteer who participates. Youth under 12 are free, courtesy of the FHW, but they must be accompanied by an adult through the entire walk. Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring a water bottle. Each participant must register with the FHW at the start point and fill out and sign a start card/waiver. A parent/guardian must sign for any youth. The start/finish is at the River Birch Pavilion. Start time is anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon and walkers must be finished by 3:00 p.m. The park entrance fee will be waived - just mention Volksmarch or walk event at the park main entrance booth.

Also, in commemoration of National Trails Day on June 3rd, we will also have a trail clean-up (pick up trash) for anyone who wants to participate. We're asking that anyone interested in walking to RSVP through a Google Form link (see below) just for planning purposes. Anyone participating will also receive a special gift.

For planning purposes, please RSVP to: https://forms.gle/cmrdv8vwtoMNTQfv5. Use a separate form for each youth and adult. If you have any questions, contact Mary Thomas at aaco4hfoundation@gmail.com. Note: Kinder Farm Park is the home of the Kinder Farm Park 4-H Livestock Club so be sure to take some time to see the animals that are owned and cared for by club members. Also check out the Trail Blazers 4-H Club’s pollinator gardens.

Annual Anne Arundel County 4-H Cookout

The county-wide cookout is scheduled for Friday August 11th (rain date August 18) at Kinder Farm Park. More info to come.

Garden Clean-up at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds

Please stay tuned for more information. Many hands makes light work!

The Maryland 4-H Volunteers' Association transitioned into the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee in 2022. The purpose of the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee is to support the needs of the Maryland 4-H program throughout the state working directly with the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Specialist as a state committee.

• Interested in joining the advisory committee? Sign up through the Advisory Committee survey and come join the conversation! Meetings are held monthly alternating on the 2nd Tuesday and Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

• Want to share information with other volunteers or with the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee? Submit to the Volunteer Voice.
• Have a volunteer you want to celebrate on social media? Submit a Volunteer Celebration.

Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum:

The Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee along with the Volunteerism Subject Matter Committee (4-H Professionals) and the Maryland 4-H State Council have started working on preparations and plans to host a Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum this November. This event has been presented as a weekend “conference” event to provide training and networking opportunities to 4-H teens and volunteers in support of youth and adult partnerships. More information will be forthcoming.

Volunteer Development:

The 2023 Volunteer Training and Connection calendar has been developed to offer Maryland 4-H Volunteers training and connection opportunities. Upcoming trainings and connections include:

• Virtual Volunteer Connection: Thursday, June 15th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Open forum sharing and conversations on setting down the roots for a positive 4-H year! Hosted by the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee. Register to receive the Zoom link: bit.ly/vcJune15
• Virtual Volunteer Development: Coping with Conflict: June 22 or June 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn ways to manage yourself and strategies to conduct constructive conversation in conflict situations. Registration fee $25. Covers the cost of the Conflict Dynamics Profile Virtual Assessment and Guide.

These sessions are duplicates to offer more choice to fit your schedule! Registration is through 4-H Online Event Registration.

Volunteer Resources:

• Google Folder: https://drive.google.com/ drive/folders/ 1fXbnRtYQ2R1SyTVoReaTM- zPrznsd45N?usp=share_link
• Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee webpage: https://extension.umd.edu/ programs/4-h-youth- development/volunteers

For more information, contact: Jamie Morris, Maryland 4-H Volunteer Specialist, at jkenton@umd.edu or a member of the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee.

The University of Maryland Extension “Marylanders Online” Call Center offers FREE one-on-one tech support to ALL Maryland residents. If you or someone you know is not tech savvy, please share this information with them! Call Center services include:

• Tech support in English and Spanish

• Device support, including hardware and software

• Assistance in getting connected to the internet

• Application assistance with the “Affordable Connectivity Program” (ACP)

• Connections to local organizations offering digital skills classes, device programs, and other services

For questions, contact Vishnu Desai, UME Digital Navigation Program Manager, at vpdesai@umd.edu.

Marylanders Online Call Center

Local: (301) 405-9810

Toll free: 1-866-206-8467

Office Hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday

See our "AAC 4-H 2023 Calendar' for more details. Updates will be made as they become available. All newsletters are uploaded to our AAC website.

June

6/1 - 4-H Enrollment due to receive Fair Card

6/1 - AAC Farm Bureau Scholarship Application due

6/1 - All Stars of AAC Scholarship Application due

6/1 - MD State Fair Scholarship Application due

6/1 - All animal project registrations are due

6/3 - Robotics Workshop

6/5 - MD 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament

6/10 - MD State 4-H Horse Judging Contest/Hippology Contest

6/10 - Step into Spring Fun Walk (Fee paid by AAC Foundation)

6/15 - MD 4-H Foundation Scholarship Applications due

6/22 - One Health Career Summit (see info above)

6/23 - SMILE Show

7/12 - Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award nominations due

7/31 - AH&QA due for youth with animal projects

Future Events

7/23 - 7/28 - AAC 4-H Residential Summer Camp

9/13 - 17 County Fair

*** Don’t forget to check out Fair/Show information and Scholarship Info above

4-H Inclement Weather Policy: If there is no school, or there is early dismissal in Anne Arundel County due to inclement weather, ALL 4-H events will be cancelled.

4-H Health Policy: MD 4-H activities must comply with local directives for indoor or outdoor gatherings, following AACPS advisories.

Have questions, ideas or news to share? Please email Joy Sim, jsim1@umd.edu, to be included in our UME - AAC 4-H monthly newsletter. Programing questions, please email Gretchen Sumbrum, UME - AAC Educator, gsumbrum@umd.edu.

Website: https://extension.umd.edu/locations/anne-arundel-county/4-h-youth-development
Location: 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD, USA
Phone: 4102223900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACO4H

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