4-H Farmer Donates $36K from Lamb Auction Proceeds to Friend in Need
We 💚 the empathy this AAC Harwood 4-H Club member displayed! Congratulations on a successful sale and fundraiser Savannah! Savannah was featured in the 9/22/23 issue of Lancaster Farming. To read the full article, click here.
Annual Turkey Shoot
The annual 4-H Turkey Shoot is scheduled to occur on Saturday, Nov 4, 2023, 9am at the Meyer Station Nature Center. This is a free event for all ages, 4-H and non 4-H, youth and adult, with special activities available for youth aged 5-7. Contestants may choose archery or riflery and you shoot at paper targets. You may bring but do not need your own equipment. (see flyer). Breakfast and Lunch refreshments will be available for sale. The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation sponsors cash prizes to top-scoring contestants. No RSVP required. Reach out to friendshipoutdoorskills4h@gmail.com for more information.
Maryland State Council
The Maryland 4-H State Council is the premiere leadership opportunity. It is comprised of active 4-H members from around the state interested in developing high level leadership skills and representing their local 4-H program. State Council members have the opportunity to learn from each other, volunteers, and faculty/staff outside of their club and local 4-H Program. The State Council is led by a youth officer team and faculty/staff advisors.
Applications to join the 2024 Maryland 4-H State Council will be accepted from September 15 - November 15, 2023. All 4-H members aged 13-18 are eligible to apply through the 4-H Online Event registration. They will need to submit a 4-H resume and cover letter, additional info. here.
Check out the 2023 State Council Who’s Who. Reach out to a fellow 4-H'er to ask about their experience.
National 4-H Leadership Trips
SENIOR PORTFOLIOS FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Maryland 4-H Program is proud to offer senior level 4-H members the opportunity to participate in Leadership Trips at the National Level. All enrolled and dues-paying club members ages 14-18 (as of January 1st the year the trip takes place) from all counties are eligible to submit an application and portfolio packet for any of the following national leadership trips. To be considered for a Leadership Trip, a 4-H member must complete a portfolio package which includes:
Leadership Trip Application
4-H Resume (Example)
Essay: The 2023 Senior Essay Prompt is "How has your involvement in 4-h changed in your life?"
More information can be found on the state webpage: https://go.umd.edu/nationalleadership, scroll to the National 4-H Leadership Opportunities.
Due Dates:
- Nov 15 - Jan 15 - Portfolios must be submitted to 4-H Online for National 4-H Congress (Atlanta/Nov), Virginia 4-H Congress (June), and West Virginia Older 4-H Members Conference (June), National Leadership Conference (Camp Miniwanca, MI/June).
- Oct - Nov 14 - National 4-H Conference (April)
*** Please note that portfolios must be submitted to Gretchen Sumbrum for county approval at our county office by Dec. 1st. Once approved, the portfolio must be submitted to 4-H Online by 1/15/23. NOTE: It is very important that seniors understand they must be enrolled in 4-H for the 2023 year prior to submitting (if submitting sometime 1/1/23 - 1/15/23) AND that 4-H Online is often shut down from mid-Dec to mid-Jan. Seniors are strongly urged to take advantage of the November - mid December portal entry date to avoid missing the January 15th deadline.
Diamond Clover Awards
Diamond Clover Awards are designed to encourage 4-H members ages 10 to 18 to engage in a variety of projects and activities 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. Youth who are older when joining 4-H, may begin at a higher level (2-4) 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 complete one year of 4-H before starting the DC program.
- Youth meeting the requirements of levels 1-4 will be recognized at the Club/County/City level.
- Youth accomplishing levels 5 and 6 will be recognized at an appropriate state event.
*** Club Leaders: send a list of Level 1-4 completed forms AND Level 5 proposals to UME-AAC by 11/30 ***
Maryland 4-H Dog Bowl Contest to be held December 3, 2023
The 2023 Maryland 4-H Dog Bowl will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023 on the UMD campus in College Park. The contest will feature Junior, Intermediate, and Senior age divisions. Registration for the event will open soon in 4-H Online and will be due by November 15, 2023.
About Dog Bowl: In 4-H Dog Bowl, two teams of three to four players face off in front of a panel of judges and a moderator who asks questions during the matches. Each match consists of One-on-One questions which are limited to one player from each team to answer, and Open questions which may be answered by all players of each team. Players must be quick on the buzzer to earn the chance to answer the questions. Correct answers score points for the team. 4-H members who are interested should contact our county office right away.
The rules and regulations for the 2023 contest are posted on the Maryland 4-H webpage at: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/animal-sciences. Click on the Animal Science Resources Link and scroll to Competitive Events: Judging / Bowls / Skillathons / Hippology Contests. Contact Ashley Travis at ashley90@umd.edu or Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.edu if you have questions.
2022 Maryland 4-H State Animal Science Project Award (for 4-H Senior Level youth)
The Maryland 4-H Animal Science Project and Record Awards Program recognizes 4-H members in the Animal Science Program for outstanding achievements in their project work. The awards program will provide recognition to 4-H members who demonstrate 1) distinguished levels of engagement in the Maryland 4-H Animal Science Program projects and related activities and 2) excellence in project record-keeping activities. Application Portal will open on 4-H Online soon. There are 13 project categories (see webpage) and awards will be presented at the Maryland 4-H Awards Gala.
- Maryland 4-H Animal Science Records State Award Program Guide -To submit login into Maryland 4-H Online, under the events tab search for "State 4-H Animal Science Record Book Contest" to upload your 3 forms.
- Maryland 4-H Animal Science Record Awards - Submission Helpsheet
- Maryland 4-H Animal Science Records State Award Program Essay Scoresheet
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.
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.
● NEW Archery Contest Date (weather cancelled)
- Saturday, October 14, 2023
- Carroll County Ag Center
● 2023 Shotgun Contest
- Date: October 21, 2023
- PG Trap and Skeet Center
- Deadline to Register: October 9, 2023
● Shotgun Instructor Training
- Date: November 4, 2023
- Registration - Opens Soon!
● Instructor Reports will be coming out soon!
2023 Maryland STEM Festival: October 13 - November 11
The Maryland STEM Festival is a month-long celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics that takes place every Fall across the state. Hundreds of events in various regions round the state focused on fun, interactive STEM learning opportunities will occur in October and November. Students, families, friends, STEM professionals, teachers, and volunteers will enjoy events led by partners in STEM education and industry. Information about the Festival and how to get involved can be found at: https://marylandstemfestival.org/. For information about events in our county, filter by Anne Arundel County. For more information/questions, please contact Mark DeMorra, mdemorra@umd.edu.
4-H STEM Challenge
The National 4-H STEM Challenge is the premier national rallying event for year-round 4-H STEM programming, bringing together youth, volunteers, and educators to engage in a fun and exciting series of hands-on activities that touch on relevant topics in the modern world, including Computer Science, Astronomy, Engineering, Agriculture, Physics, and Environmental Science.
Launched in 2008, the 4-H STEM Challenge activities are designed for youth 8-18, and have included coding and animating a video game, building bristle bots, cleaning up an environmental spill, building a Mars Rover, investigating how to harness wind, and much more! By being a part of these experiments, you can help Make the Best Better!
National 4-H Week
Our Fall National 4-H Week is coming up in October 1-7! Looking for ways to celebrate 4-H? Check out these cool tips to keep 4-H Thriving: https://4-h.org/about/blog/10-ways-to-celebrate-national-4-h-week/
Fall 2023 Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign
10/4/23-10/15/23
Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with 4‑H to help create Opportunity4All and raise more than $14 million through the Paper Clover campaign. The success of these campaigns has impacted over 81,500 youth by providing them with the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential. 100 percent of funds raised through the bi-annual Paper Clover campaign directly benefits 4‑H youth. 90 percent of donations directly support 4‑H youth in the state where the funds were raised, and the remaining 10 percent supports the overall mission and growth of 4‑H nationally. Funds are used for camp scholarships or 4-H leadership activities/programs. Stop by your local Tractor Supply Co to purchase your own 'Paper Clover' anytime! In Anne Arundel County: 7994 Crain Hwy S and 5431 Southern Maryland Blvd
Learn more about 4‑H’s partnership with Tractor Supply at TRACTORSUPPLY.COM/4‑H. Be sure to follow https://www.facebook.com/4-h and https://www.instagram.com/national4h/?hl=en
County Fair Wrap-up
1. 4-H Basket Silent Auction Fundraiser
Thanks to all the 4-H clubs and groups who donated a basket for our 4-H basket silent auction fundraiser held during the County Fair:
- Trail Blazers 4-H Club
- Kinder Farm Park 4-H Club
- Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H Club (2 baskets)
- Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation
We also want to thank everyone who baked a cake or purchased one at the annual cake auction to benefit 4-H. Proceeds from these fundraisers directly support our County 4-H program.
2. Ice Cream Social
The 4-H Foundation sponsored the Ice Cream Social that was held on Friday evening. Those who attended had their choice between hand-dipped with toppings or pre-packaged ice cream - or both.
3. County Fair 4-H T-shirts
Anne Arundel County 4-H exhibitors received a free 4-H Fair T-shirt, compliments of the 4-H Foundation. Thank you to all our members, volunteers, families, and fans for wearing their bright red 4-H tees during the fair. There is no better way to promote 4-H than when the public sees our youth doing what they do best!
4. 4-H Awards (Announced at the 4-H Fair Awards Ceremony)
The 4-H Foundation also presented awards at the 4-H Awards Presentation to the following:
- County Fair 4-H T-shirt Design Contest
- Contest Winner - Aviva K., Kinder Farm Park, $25 & certificate
- Participation certificate - Sophie K., Clara L., Kolton R., Kynzie R. and Jaidyn R. - KF Park
- Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award - $50 & certificate
- Danielle K., Friendship Outdoor Skills (adult category)
- Jillian C., Trail Blazers (youth category)
- Friendship Outdoor Skills - Nicholas C.
- Kinder Farm Park - George L. and Rowan W.
- Trail Blazers - Joelie G. and Lily M.
- John C. Kozenski Jr. Kindness Award - Sadie P., Harwood, $50 & certificate
- Roger Westphal 4-H First Time Fair Exhibitor Award - Ellie C., Bay Country, $50 & certificate
Scholarships
1. National 4-H Trip Scholarships - The 4-H Foundation has scholarships available to 4-H members attending National 4-H trips. An application can be found on our AAC 4-H Foundation webpage.
2. Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum
The 4-H Foundation is offering scholarships to 4-H Volunteers, Professionals and Teens (ages 13-18) who attend the upcoming 2023 Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum in Ocean City on November 4-5. The scholarship application can be found here. The application deadline is November 14, 2023.
Fundraisers
1. New York City Bus Trip - Friday, December 8th
The 4-H Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to New York City on December 8th. The cost is $170.00 per person and includes bus transportation, a ticket to the Radio City Rockettes show, and light refreshments in the morning. For further information, contact Gina Degreenia at onebusymomofthree@comcast.net.
2. Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC) - The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation, Inc. is an approved charity with the Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC). The MCC is a workplace charitable giving program that offers Maryland state employees the opportunity to contribute to charities using the convenience of payroll deduction. If you are a state employee or retiree, or know someone who is, please consider donating to the Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation through your local campaign - 52-6082282. The campaign runs from October 2 – December 11, 2023. For further information, check out our AAC 4-H Foundation webpage.
4-H Foundation Meetings
The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation meets the third Wednesday of each month at the County Fair Office at 7 p.m. If you are interested in helping support our county 4-H program, please join us at our next meeting. We would like to encourage a representative from each club to attend to help in planning our future events. For further information, contact the 4-H Foundation at aacounty4hfoundation@gmail.com.
*** ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY 4-H WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE AAC 4-H FOUNDATION FOR ALL ITS SUPPORT OF OUR PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND YOUTH AT THE ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FAIR! PLEASE KNOW WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT! ***
News from the MD 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee
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.
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.
Come join volunteer peers from across the state for the next Virtual Volunteer Connections hosted by the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee on Thursday, October 12th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Topics include National Leadership Trips and Senior 4-H Portfolios. Register at: https://bit.ly/vcOctober12
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.
From The University of Maryland Extension - 4-H Anne Arundel County
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: tel:301-226-7477
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACO4H
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