Anne Arundel County 4-H Happenings

Life Skill Development through Fair Activities

A life skill can be defined as “an ability that is necessary and useful throughout life". In order to learn to master a life skill, we must practice.

‘4-H Life Skills’ are competencies that assist youth to thrive in environments they will encounter throughout their lives. 4-H youth development professionals are most concerned with helping youth become competent in various activities that will prepare them for the transition to adulthood.

In 4-H, youth carry projects aligned with their interests. Entering a project into the fair is one way that youth can demonstrate their unique talents and aids in developing competencies important to building strong social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral skills. We encourage youth to attend the fair, engage with other youth, enter projects, and participate in judging/skillathon events. Focusing on the skills developed and the lessons learned encourages them to utilize their problem-solving abilities, creating stronger, more resilient behavior patterns.

As they ‘prepare for the fair’, encourage youth to glance through our 4-H Fair Book found on the fair registration page and seek ways to get involved, exhibit their skills, or even try something new. Have them check out the 4-H Schedule of Events on page 4 to practice their ‘planning and organizing” skill development. When it's time to register, keep in mind all 4-H entries are through the Blue Ribbon Online system. 4-H entries must use the 4-H codes. *** All 4-H entries will start with a 4 *** (all indoor individual project entries will start with 4HE; club entries such as banners and scrapbooks will fall under 4CE; etc…). Registering properly minimizes their stress and helps our events run smoothly!

We look forward to seeing all the amazing projects 4-Hers in Anne Arundel County have been working on throughout the year! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Regards,

Gretchen & Joy

----- 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.

Special Notes:

• *** VERY IMPORTANT: When doing online fair entries for 4-H, you must use the 4-H catalog entry system to be registered in 4-H competitions. Confirm all your entries are in the 4-H Divisions (not open) and in the correct Departments/Classes. ***
• Registration is July 14 - September 1, 2023. No late entries are accepted.
• 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).
• The Anne Arundel County 4-H Fair Book is published and on our 'Events' webpage.
• A complete '4-H Schedule of Events' can be found on page 4. Entries, Shows, Auctions, Contests, Socials, and Events are all listed. Please put these important dates/times in your calendar now so you don't miss all the fun!
• While at the fair, please support our 4-H Foundation by bidding on Auctioned Baskets (indoor exhibit area) and baking a cake for the Cake Auction (page 65).
• The popular Ice Cream Social (page 64) sponsored by our 4-H Foundation will be held Friday 9/15 at 7pm
• AAC 4-H Judging and Contest Awards Presentation (page 66) will be held Sunday 9/17 at 3pm.
• Don't forget to order your FREE 4-H Fair shirt (page 63), compliments of the 4-H Foundation. Additional t-shirts can be purchased for $10 - bring checks payable to "Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation" when you pick up your shirts at the fair.
• The AA Fair volunteers are doing the following Fair Clean-up Days: July 30th, August 6th, August 19 & August 20th from 9am to 2pm to work on the many projects around the fairgrounds. Please sign up here so we will be able to order enough lunch to feed everyone. Please include your phone number incase of inclimate weather.
  

Judges Needed -MANY HANDS MAKES LIGHT WORK!

On Monday, September 11, 2022, we need adults (minimum 1 hour) between 2 - 8pm to assist in judging youth 4-H projects at the Anne Arundel County Fair. Bring only yourself, instructions & materials will be given to you when you arrive.

We are also looking for adults to help with 4-H project indoor entry set-up between 2 - 8pm on Tues, September 12th. Again, a simple 1 hour commitment can make a huge difference!

***Please rsvp for a time on either day (and if judging, please indicate what category you would be interested in) by contacting Joy Sim at jsim@umd.edu.

Clover Entries

The County Fair now has a Clover Department for Indoor Entries (page 35 in 4-H Fair Book)! Clovers (ages 5 - 7) can enter a Project Box. Boxes are about the size of a shoe box and can contain various items such as: crafts, sewing, natural resources, and much more. Please bring your Clover Member along to drop off on Saturday 9/9, 1-4pm - we will accept the box, discus the projects with Clovers, and give them feedback. Questions, contact Gretchen Sumbrum @ gsumbrum@umd.edu.

The Roger Westphal 4-H First-time Fair Exhibitor Award (page 35 in 4-H Fair Book): $50 cash will be awarded to the outstanding AAC 4-H member participating for the first time in the 4-H Department at the Anne Arundel County Fair. The recipient will be selected based on the highest overall points earned in the following categories:

• award-winning 4-H Projects/Demonstrations in individual indoor exhibits
• participation in 4-H Contests and Skill-A-Thons
• demonstrating a helpful, positive attitude before and during the fair

No application necessary. This award is sponsored by the Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation and will be limited to Anne Arundel County 4-H exhibitors only.

*** AH&QA for Anne Arundel County is now closed. ***

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.

Diamond Clover Awards are designed to encourage 4-H members ages 8 to 18 to engage in a variety of projects and activities that will enable them to acquire the skills necessary to lead successful lives as competent, caring and contributing members of society. For all Diamond Clover Forms and additional information click here.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• The Diamond Clover Award is designed for younger youth to begin at Level 1 and progress through six levels, one level per year, acquiring valuable life skills as he/she advances. Youth who are older when joining 4-H, may begin at a higher level (1-4) if mutually agreeable to the participant and the club/group leader with the permission of the 4-H Educator. It is recommended that 4-H members have completed one year in the 4-H program before starting the DC program.
• Youth meeting the requirements of levels 1- 4 will be recognized at the Club/County/City level.
• Youth meeting the requirements of level 5 and level 6 will be recognized at an appropriate state event.
• Club Leaders are asked to send a list of Level 1-4 completed forms AND Level 5 proposals to UME-AAC by 11/30.

Diamond Clover Level 6 Service Project Plan:

Project Plan approval is not automatic. A youth must apply for Diamond Clover Level 6 Service Project approval using the appropriate plan/report form due at the state level September 30th. DO NOT START PROJECT UNTIL APPROVAL IS RECEIVED FROM STATE 4-H OFFICE. Diamond Clover Level Six Recognition is not automatic. A youth must submit all completed materials for recognition by September 30th to the State 4-H Office the year the project is complete. If appropriate guidelines are not followed, the project will not be recognized. All dates must be clearly adhered to for recognition.

All new Diamond Clover, Level 6 proposals are due to the UME - AAC 4-H office for 4-H Educator (Gretchen) to review by 9/1/23. After proposal approval, download all documents, fill in all information, then upload them to the Portal below by September 30th.

• Level Six Service Learning Project Proposal Form (Word Version HERE) - This is your planning document and your proposal form.

• DIAMOND CLOVER - LEVEL 6 PROPOSALS PORTAL- Submit proposal documents to this portal only.

Be a part of the first civic engagement-focused 4-H club in AAC; learn how laws are created, the importance of advocacy and service to communities, and discover the power of YOUR voice!

#BeTheChange

The club focuses on civic engagement and service learning initiatives. We seek to develop empowered, well-informed young people who are actively engaged in their communities. Youth members will learn strategies to assess community needs across a broad spectrum, strengthen decision-making and advocacy skills, as well as actively support community projects that seek to make Anne Arundel an even better place for all! This is a service-centered activity club. Members must be 12 -18 years old. Interested? Visit: https://forms.gle/w85RYc7Qa8uhNsrN8

4-H Robotics Club

Report by club member Gavin C:

Club Members: Gavin, Juliana, Caleb, Seth, Kolton, Jordyn, Anna, Flora

"A small group of Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H members formed a robotics team called the Bay Brigade. Within the group we have been building, coding and testing robots made out of Lego - it's been a lot of fun! We also made a super awesome t-shirt design for our team. Being a new team has been bringing us together a lot and we are really excited for the competition at the MD State Fair!

We have learned how to build a robot from scratch without instructions and the importance of teamwork. Oyster restoration is a water systems project we chose to learn more about. To learn more about their oyster restoration project click here. It takes a lot of time, planning and effort to build but it's been a lot of fun! This has been such an adventure!"

***The Club wishes to thank Dana Stibolt of Mac Medics in Severna Park for fixing donated Ipads free of charge. They are extremely appreciative for this donation!

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

Details

The Maryland State Fair will span three weekends in 2023: 8/24 - 27, 8/31 - 9/4, 9/7 - 9/10.

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)

The Maryland State Fair Blue Ribbon Entry System system closed July 15th. A schedule of events can be found here.

Indoor Building Opportunities

The 4-H Program hosts a variety of activities and events in 4-H/FFA Homearts Building, but it is

also a location for great opportunity for 4-H members, clubs, volunteers and you to promote 4-H

and/or share your passion for a 4-H project!

Individuals can sign up to serve at the 4-H Information table or to host their own

activity/demonstration table during the fair. There are also other times/tasks open for assistance

that may fit someone’s time and talent!

Sign up to assist/host an activity in the Indoor Building using this sign up survey which will close August 13th at midnight.Questions about these opportunities? Contact Jamie Morris at jkenton@umd.edu.

Maryland 4-H Equine Showmanship and Equitation Standards Requirement Reminder

Youth must pass both the 'Handling/Riding' and the 'Knowledge' exams for the required Tier in order to show at the 2023 Maryland State Fair. Please see the Animal Science, Horse Program webpage for more info: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/animal-sciences/4-h-horse-program

Save the date, more information is forthcoming...

Volunteers and 4-H members ages 13-18 are invited to join us for a 4-H packed weekend November 4-5 at the Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum in Ocean City at the Holiday Inn on 65th Street. Programming will include:

• Volunteer and teen workshops to strengthen leadership skills
• Youth classes for 4-H members attending the conference with their parents
• Volunteer and teen connection session
• State Council youth connection/ updates

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.

Healthy Animals/Healthy YOUth! Program Updates

• 2023 Maryland Healthy Fairs Symposium - hosted May 25th @ Timonium. Over 100 attendees in both virtual and in-person attendance for this first-time event. This activity served as a great opportunity to build connections between our local health department, Fair Board, Extension, Maryland Department of Health at the State Level, and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The event addressed Issues related to animal and human health, as well as built connections between these various entities. If you missed this unique network event, there may be additional opportunities extended in the future.

• 2023 One Health Careers Summit for Teens - hosted June 22nd @ Boonsboro. Youth from both WV and MD were able to connect with many different professionals working in the animal and environmental health fields. This was a very successful first time event as well.

Shooting Sport Contests

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.

2023 State 4-H Engineering Contests: (conducted at the Maryland State Fair)

• Small Engine-September 9

• Electricity/Energy-September 9

• Lawn Tractor (Learn to Earn)-September 9

• Bicycle Safety-September 9

• Large Tractor-August 24

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! ***

*** Note: Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarship winners will be notified by November 1st.

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 by 8/18/23. 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.

The annual county-wide 4-H Cookout will be held at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville on Friday, August 11th starting at 6:00 p.m. at the River Birch Pavilion. Rain date is Friday, August 18th, same time/location. The 4-H Foundation will provide all the meats (hamburgers, hot dogs, vegan/veggie burgers), rolls, condiments, paper products, water, and a limited variety of sodas. We ask each family to bring a side dish, salad, or dessert/snack to share, as well as other drinks of their choice. The park entrance fee has been waived - just let the gate attendant know that you're there for the 4-H Cookout for free admission to the park.

At this event, the 4-H Foundation will also be announcing the recipients of the Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award and T-shirt Design Contest, and will be presenting 4-H alumni awards to members who have aged out of 4-H. The Friends of Kinder Farm Park will be providing hay/tractor rides. Feel free to bring games/activities to share (volleyball, frisbee, etc.). Please RSVP with the number attending and the dish that you are bringing to: https://forms.gle/AwL37wvx3bADXdgw6

Contact information: If you have any questions or need further information about any of the above events, contact Mary Thomas at aaco4hfoundation@gmail.com.

NEWLY INDUCTED 4-H ALL STAR

Elizabeth K. was inducted into the Maryland 4-H All Stars during a ceremony held at the 4-H All Stars Annual Conference on June 17th at the Howard County Fairgrounds.

Elizabeth is a member of the Anne Arundel County Dairy Leasing 4-H Club. She has served as the club Secretary and President, been involved in several club service projects and fundraisers, and has shown her dairy heifer project at the County and State Fairs and the Southern MD Invitational Livestock Expo (SMILE).

She has participated in many club, county, state, and national 4-H events, including the 4-H Variety Show, County 4-H Resident Camp, and the County/State Public Speaking contests.

In 2021, Elizabeth was selected as a member of the Maryland 4-H Dairy Bowl team and competed at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) Dairy Bowl competition in Louisville, KY. The team placed 8th overall and Elizabeth placed 7th on the individual written exam. Elizabeth was also a member of the Maryland delegation to the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA in 2022.

Elizabeth is involved in several extracurricular activities and community service projects at her school, church, and in her community. She was the 2021 Maryland State Dairy Princess, where she traveled across the state to promote the dairy industry and the healthfulness of milk and dairy products.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

The 4-H All Stars is an honor/service organization created to recognize those 4-H members, volunteers, and associates who have demonstrated outstanding service, character, and leadership. Prospective nominees may not seek the honor of membership, but must have it conferred upon them. Pictured: Elizabeth (middle) are 4-H All Stars Marina K. and Mary T.

Just a reminder to all Club and Unit Leaders at the Fiscal Year will end June 30th. Financial Reporting must be completed and sent to UME - AAC by August 31st (please note the date change).

This includes:

• Annual Financial Summary Report Form
• Annual Property Inventory Form
• Filing your File-990-N (e-postcard)

Please use the funding and financial reporting forms linked as required by the University of Maryland and your 4-H Charter agreement. Forms may be scanned and emailed to gsumbrum@umd.edu, OR physically sent to UME-AAC, 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD 21054

General Volunteer Advisory Committee Information

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. For more information, please check out our AAC webpage dedicated to 4-H Volunteers.

Volunteer Development

The 2023 Volunteer Training and Connection calendar has been developed to offer Maryland 4-H Volunteers training and connection opportunities. Consider joining one or more of these opportunities to develop your skills and/or share your experiences with others.

The next Virtual Volunteer Connections will be held on Thursday, August 10th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Topics include State Fair Opportunities, State Volunteer Awards and the Volunteer & Teen Forum. Register at: https://bit.ly/vsAugust10

2023 Maryland 4-H Volunteer Award Nominations

The Maryland 4-H Volunteer Award nomination process opened July 1st for 2023 submissions. Please consider submitting a nomination for a deserving volunteer that has had a positive impact on your life and 4-H experience! There are 12 different award categories. Submit your nomination to the online nomination portal by October 15th. Resources and suggestions to help you with the process are available on the State 4-H webpage.

Come visit the AAC Extension during our open house Friday, August 25th, 1- 4pm. This year the Urban Farm Clinic is all about Peppers! We'll have peppers for picking and recipes for cookin'! Our Educators in Family and Consumer Science, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Agriculture and Food Systems, Master Gardening and Horticulture, and of course, 4-H Youth Development will have plenty of activities and giveaways! Snacks will be available as well. Come learn how the University of Maryland Extension serves Anne Arundel County.

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.

August

8/10 - Virtual Volunteer Connections

8/11- AAC 4-H Cookout

8/18 - AAC 4-H Foundation Camp Scholarship application deadline

8/24 - Maryland State Fair 8/24 - 27, 8/31 - 9/4, 9/7 - 9/10

8/25 - AAC Open HouseAAC 4-H Foundation Camp Scholarship

8/31 - Club Leader/Unit Forms are due: Financial summary, Property Inventory, File 990N

September

9/13 - 17 - Anne Arundel County Fair

• 7/30, 8/6, 8/19, 8/20 - Fair Clean up Days, 9am - 2pm

• 7/14 - 9/1 - Fair Registration/entries accepted
  
• 9/1 - FREE 4-H Fair shirt orders, Royal Court (16-19), Jr. Ambassadors (13-15)
• 9/15 - Fair Ice Cream Social
• 9/17 - Fair 4-H Cake Auction, 4-H Judging and Contest Awards Presentation, Roger Westphal First Time Fair Exhibitor Award

9/17 - Maryland State Rifle Contest

9/23 - Maryland State Archery Contest

Future

10/15 - Maryland State Volunteer Award Nominations due

10/21 - Maryland State Shotgun Contest

11/4 - 11/5 - MD 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum

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 canceled.

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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