Anne Arundel County 4-H Happenings

We wish you happy holidays and hope you are spending time with family and friends for a memorable season. As we reflect on the past 4-H year we know that all of the positive youth development that each 4-H member achieved is due to the commitment and perseverance of our 4-H’ers, Volunteers, and 4-H families - Thank you.

As we look ahead to our 2024 year, we are excited! Our AAC 4-H goal is to continue to support our current programs while introducing new ones based on youth and adult interests. Our planning has begun and we are open to new perspectives; please share your ideas for programming so we continue to reach communities throughout Anne Arundel County. Together we can organize a fun-filled year.

Please take a few minutes to complete a feedback form. Adults/Volunteers click here; youth members click here.

Regards,

Gretchen & Joy

Club Leaders will soon collect Record Books, which are due to the Extension Office by 2/1/24. Juniors and Intermediates complete the standard record books; Seniors have the option of either a standard book or a Senior Portfolio. All Books should include a title page, table of contents, essay, photos/drawings, summary, and Project Record components. More information and the grading sheet can be found on the county website. Youth may use the sturdy 4-H cover (purchased online or at the extension office) or a 3-ring binder.

Market Steer Weigh-In will be on Saturday 1/13/24 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds from 9 - 10 a.m. The Maryland 4-H Livestock Registration Form must be completely and accurately filled out for each animal by Jan. 4, 2024. A copy of your registration responses will be emailed to you from google, feel free to print a copy and bring it with you. Note: Anyone who carried an animal project MUST turn in a record book from the previous year to carry an animal project in the current year. For more information, please see our Animal Science webpage or reach out to your Club Leader.

10am, Saturday 3/9/24 at Baldwin Early Learning Center (Baldwin United Methodist Church)

Through the 4-H Public Speaking Contest, youth have an opportunity to write a speech or a public service announcement (PSA) and deliver it to an audience. This event helps youth develop skills for communicating with real audiences, organizing and preparing a speech, practicing speech delivery skills, learning presentation skills, and developing self-confidence. Ribbons awarded by 4-H age category (Jr, Int, Sen) for 1st-3rd place.

County winners will be able to advance to the State Public Speaking Contest held at Maryland Day on 4/27/24 at the University of MD, College Park. Please check out our webpage for more information, rules, etc... Registration will begin January.

*** JUDGES NEEDED. No experience/special credentials needed. Join us for a fun experience. Please email Gretchen for more info: gsumbrum@umd.edu.

Things are on the mooooooove... for the Dairy Lease Club. Our cowshed here at the former Naval Academy Dairy Farm will soon host the next generation of mini dairy farmers. Delve into animal science with or without dairy heifers - showmanship, animal husbandry, and all things 'cow' teach youth responsibility, record keeping and so many other important life skills!

Friday, 12/15/23, 7pm

97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD (old Firehouse building)

Light refreshments served

The Buz Meyer’s Annual 4-H Turkey Shoot was held on Saturday, November 4. The event was hosted by the Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H Club at Meyer Station Nature Center in Odenton, Maryland. Over 85 youth and adults enjoyed refreshments for sale, crafts for Clovers (ages 5-7), and a chance for everyone 8 and older (including non-members and adults) to participate in either archery or riflery. We had a total of 64 participants in riflery and archery and 11 Cloverbuds! The competitors in archery use recurve bows, while the riflery participants use .22 rifles with iron sights. In riflery Junior, Intermediate and Adult Women all shoot at 25 yards, while Seniors and Adult Men shoot at 50 yards. In Archery, Juniors and Intermediates shoot from 7 yards, while Seniors and Adult Men and Women shoot from 10 yards. The 2023 Anne Arundel County 4-H Turkey Shoot winners are:

Archery

Junior - Helen Sheldon, 10, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Intermediate - Robert Sheldon, 12, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Senior - David Bergman, 18, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Adult Women - Shawnte Harvey, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Adult Men - Jonathan Harvey, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Riflery

Junior - Audrey Hedetniemi, 9, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Intermediate - Owen Stern, 11, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Senior - Violet Hedetniemi, 14, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Adult Women - Kelly Stern, Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H

Adult Men - William Reece, Anne Arundel County 4-H Alumnus

The winners of the Turkey Shoot each received $20 each from the Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation. In addition, the Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation 4-H also sponsors two awards: The Jim Kahler Top Archer Award and The Buz Meyer Top Shot Award. The awards are presented each year to the to the top scoring Anne Arundel County 4-H member in each discipline.

• This year The Jim Kahler Top Archer Award was presented to our Senior winner, David Bergman, who received a certificate and a check for $25.
• The The Buz Meyer Top Shot Award was presented to our Junior winner, Audrey Hedetniemi, who received a certificate and a check for $25.

Installation of Officers for the club was Thursday, November 16th. Outgoing officers,

along with the rest of the club, leaders, and parents participated in a meaningful ceremony to

welcome the new officers. Newly elected officers are- Anna W, President; Emily W, Vice

President; Flora W, Secretary; Kelsey C, Treasurer; Fiona L,

Photographer/Reporter; Mickey and Connor C, Recreational Leaders. Additionally,

Diamond Clover honors were presented by Gretchen Sumbrum, received by Flora W, Anna

W, Emily C, Makayla R, Kelsey C, Caleb H, Seth H, and

a special note went to Cloverbud Samuel H. Cloverbud members who turned or will turn

eight by the end of the year graduated from the Cloverbud program and are looking forward to

being club members in 2024. Cloverbuds that are becoming members are: Connor C,

Henry F, Samuel H, Theodore “Hopper” L, Nolan S, and Dash T.

After the member ceremonies were complete, the club showed their thanks to key adult leaders

and volunteers, the meeting adjourned, and then everyone enjoyed socializing over cupcakes

and hot cocoa!

Maryland 4-H is excited to share the 𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝟰-𝗛 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝘇 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗹 results from our team that competed Nov 3-5th. The team was recognized with an honorable mention (5th place). Team members Abbey B, 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗠, and Atley S, with Coaches April Hall-Barczewski and Amanda German. Awesome job Michael. Thank you for representing Anne Arundel County !

Maryland 4-H is excited to share the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup results that competed Nov 3-5th. Many thanks to Anne Arundel county team member Summer M. and coach Paige Merriam for the countless hours they devoted to this unique leadership opportunity, placing 7th in the Horse Judging competition. Congratulations!

4-H volunteers, parents, teens, and educators from across the state, gathered in Ocean City at the Volunteer & Teen Forum. It was an excellent opportunity for 4-H teens and volunteers to participate in workshops to reenergize and ignite their sparks, gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to be leaders in their local 4-H programs. The Forum was an event full of fun, learning, and comradery. Looking forward to this event in November 2024.

Seven senior 4-H Delegates and two chaperones represented Maryland 4-H at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA. They met 4-Hers from all over the country, engaged in leadership workshops, and participated in community service projects throughout Atlanta. Workshops focused on topics such as service, team building, social media, goal setting, and physical and mental health. There was also time to explore the Atlanta History Center, the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

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

Fundraisers

1. New York City Bus Trip - Friday, December 8th

ALL SEATS ARE SOLD for the bus trip to New York City on December 8th. . For further information, contact Gina Degreenia at 410-615-8235 or 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 - EIN 52-6082282. The campaign runs from October 2 – December 11, 2023.

National 4-H Trip Scholarships

The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation Scholarship, Recognition and Awards Fund sponsors youth leadership opportunities based on available funds generated through various fundraising activities throughout the year. The AAC 4-H Foundation asks that potential recipients, after accepting a formal National Trip invitation, fill out a National Trip Scholarship Application to receive payment/reimbursement for their trip fees (the amount varies depending on the cost of the event and the number of scholarship applicants). Applications can be found in our National Trip Scholarship folder.

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. (please contact them before attending). If you are interested in helping support our county 4-H program, please join us at our next meeting. Please contact the AAC 4-H Foundation for further information at aacounty4hfoundation@gmail.com.

Wreath Sale - Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation Fundraiser

Looking for a unique gift for family and friend? These fresh holiday pine products arrive festively boxed and with a customizable gift card. Items shipped decorated, ‘ready to hang’ and enjoy!

- Website: GiftItForward.com

- Fundraising Code: annearmd001 (No 'Referring Member' name needed)

- Items include:

• Holiday Wreaths $52-$59
• Holiday Sprays $48-$51
• Centerpiece $55 (with or without candle)
• Holiday Trees $55 & $70

(A shipping chart is available online to help calculate costs. The AACF receives $8 per item sold. ***Last day to order is Friday, December 8, 2023.)

Annual Variety Show

The 4-H Foundation is making plans to hold the annual 4-H Variety Show in February 2024. Club members can show off their talents by either doing group or individual/duet acts such as skits, dancing, singing, playing instruments and much more. Further information and registration form will be forthcoming once the date is confirmed. Start thinking about ideas for your club acts now!

Thanks to the 4-H clubs who responded to our 2024 Variety Show survey to help us in the planning process. Your input was very much appreciated!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation Inc. supports the county 4-H program by providing scholarships to county 4-H members and volunteers, as well as hosting county-wide social events (like the 4-H Cookout and 4-H Ice Cream Social at the Anne Arundel County Fair). For further information, check out our AAC 4-H Foundation webpage. Questions: aacounty4hfoundation@gmail.com.

SUBMITTING YOUR 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 2024 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).

*** Please note that portfolios must be submitted to 4-H Online by 1/15/24. It is very important that seniors understand they must be enrolled in 4-H for the 2024 year prior to submitting (if submitting sometime 1/1/24-1/15/24) 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.

"I wish I had started going (on National Trips/Competitions) earlier in my 4-H career", reports Summer M, Anne Arundel County's 'Maryland Horse Team' qualifier after attending the Eastern National 4-H Horse Round-Up earlier this month.

Ignite by 4-H, an inclusive teen event, returns March 13-17, 2024 to Washington, D.C. Featuring four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment and amazing connections. The summit will provide high-school aged youth from across the country the opportunity to explore the best 4-H has to offer in STEM, Agriscience, Healthy Living, Career Readiness and Emotional Well-Being. National 4-H Council is covering registration fees for all applicants

When: March 13th-17th,2024

Where: Washington, DC - Renaissance Hotel (soon to be Westin) @ 999 9th St NW and Marriot Marquis across the street (satellite lodging and registration) 901 Massachusetts Ave.

Take Advantage of Early Bird Registration: Save $150 per person on your double occupancy registration (must be paid by November 9th).

Apply for Scholarship: This year, we are able to offer qualifying scholarships to 4-H members/volunteers to cover registration or travel expenses (or both!) for youth and adults interested in attending Ignite. Please reach out to gsumbrum@umd.edu.

The Maryland 4-H State Achievement Program will be held on Sunday, February, 18, 2024, at the MD State Fairgrounds in the Horse Sales Pavilion. More details next month.

Information about all state-sponsored 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, AS specialist: canders2@umd.edu for more info.

The MD 4-H Animal Science Project Updates Webinar for Volunteers is on Tuesday, December 12th, 7:00-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. This session will provide an overview of Animal Science Program events and policy changes/updates for 2024. Interested individuals should register at https://forms.gle/R8rs6QtqEvdKGxP98. Connecting information will be shared with registered individuals near the event date.

All interested individuals are invited to join the 2023 Fall Horse Advisory Webinar Meeting. This webinar meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. All upcoming 2024 horse-related events will be discussed. Those wishing to join the advisory session should send an email to Rebecca Bittner at regunder@umd.edu to request connecting information.

The 2024 Winter Dog Advisory Webinar Meeting, will be held on Sunday, January 7, at 6:00 p.m. During the webinar session, we will discuss plans for 2024 4-H Dog Project events, including the State Fair Dog Show, Dog Bowl, and Dog Skillathon. Any interested Individual wishing to join the advisory/planning session should send an email to Ashley Travis at ashley90@umd.edu or Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.edu to request connecting information.

Interested individuals are invited to join the 2024 Maryland 4-H Dairy Advisory Meeting, which will be held on Friday, January 12, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. During the webinar session, we will discuss State 4-H Animal Science updates pertaining to the dairy project area and plans for 2024 4-H Dairy Project events, including Dairy Bowl, Dairy Judging, Dairy Skillathon, the State Fair Dairy Show and other opportunities. Register to participate at: https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcodu2urDgiGdBbSEiOUHeAXAwaV0IZJVRU

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.

The Maryland 4-H Camp In-service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 9-4 at the Howard County Fairgrounds. This is open to educators, camp directors, current adult staff, new camp volunteers, or counties considering a camping program. We ask that each camping program send at least one representative to this training to hear updates for the 2024 camping season—more information and registration to come.

Information about all state-sponsored 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 4-H STEM Challenge kits ARE AVAILABLE on the Shop 4-H website.

More info about the kit and theme is available via the National 4-H STEM Challenge website.

Some basics:

• Theme: “Renewable Energy”

• Cost: $21.95

• Each kit has materials to serve 12 youth

• 3 activities Included

• Superhero Hideout (Self-reflection & home energy use activity)

• Amped Up Engineering (Creative, Design, & Maker activity)

• Energy Island Adventure (Board game in teams)

Information about all state-sponsored International programs can be found on the state webpage:

https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/92010-States-4-H-International-Exchange. For more information on both Inbound and Outbound Opportunities, please contact Joseph Y. Cho at jcho8@umd.edu.

This year Maryland 4-Her's have the opportunity to explore the world and become culturally aware in 6 different outbound locations: Argentina (4-week), Costa Rica (4-week), Japan (4 & 8-week programs), Norway (4-week), South Korea (4-week), and Taiwan (4-week). Each outbound opportunity provides a unique cultural immersion experience. Delegates will experience aspects of daily life that allow them to more deeply understand both their host culture and their own! Applications are due by Dec. 15th.

Program fees include lodging, meals, transportation, camps and cultural excursions throughout the program. Scholarship opportunity is available through States' 4-H upon application approval. If you are interested, please submit an application (link).

Do you know any families wanting to experience the world all in the comfort of their own home? We are seeking families to open their homes and hearts to a Japanese delegate between 12-17 years old and show them the American Culture. We need 14 families to host a Japanese Delegate this summer from mid-July through mid-August. The program is open to any family with a child 9-18 years old. No special trips or accommodations are required; simply let a delegate change you and your children's cultural awareness for the better! If you are interested, please submit an application (link).

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

Giving Opportunities

As we enter the season of giving, please share these donation opportunities with others:

● Maryland Charities Campaign - 10/2/23-12/11/23 - https://mcc.maryland.gov/

The state workplace giving program for state employees and retirees.

2023 MCC Giving Guide - https://mcc.maryland.gov/giving-guide/

Select the Maryland 4-H Foundation EIN 52-6056016

● Combined Federal Campaign - 9/1/23-1/15/24 - https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/welcome

Giving campaign for federal employees and retirees

Select the Maryland 4-H Foundation CFC Code: 13436

************** PLEASE BE CHECK YOUR SPAM EMAIL BOX ******************

The notification to renew your background check will come from Sterling Volunteers. Their email address is “theadvocates@sterlingvolunteers.com”.

In 2021, UME initiated a new volunteer background check policy in order to provide for the safety and well-being of University of Maryland Extension (UME) volunteers and constituents (e.g., staff members, program participants, and the community) as well as to protect UME’s assets and reputation as a service provider. The policy requires that volunteers be background checked every 3 years. Calendar year 2024 would be the first recertification period for individuals who completed their background check in 2021. In order to align the background check process with the annual re-enrollment process through 4-H Online, we will begin the volunteer background check renewal process this fall. This should allow for a smooth re-enrollment process and reduce the chance of gaps in protection or appointments.

As a current volunteer you will need to complete the background check process this fall. We will provide notification of the need for renewal according to the following schedule:

● September - volunteers initially screened in January – April of 2021 (sent out already)

● October – volunteers initially screened in May – August of 2021

● November – volunteers initially screened in September – December of 2021

Now is the time to begin preparing for rollover to the 2024 4-H program year. As in past years, 4-H Online will close mid-December for System Managers to make updates and program next year’s enrollment. The 4-H Online access timetable will be as follows:

• December 1 - Enrollment closed for 2023. The enrollment function will be disabled; families will not be able to create a NEW youth or volunteer enrollment. Unapproved youth/Cloverbud and volunteer enrollments will be deleted. However, families will still be able to log in to and view their profiles, register for events, complete financial transactions, etc.

• December 15 - 4-H Online access will be closed to both families and Managers (login will be disabled) for the remainder of 2023 as we perform our annual 4-H Online maintenance.

• First week of January 2023 - 4-H Online open to Managers and families for 2023 enrollment.

4-H Online Office Hours

• When: December 14, 2023 - Special Edition!

• Updates to 4-H Online enrollment process for 2024

• Volunteer roles & Service Descriptions

• Volunteer refresher video - enrollment element

• Much more!

• Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• Zoom: https://umd.zoom.us/j/93531605401 Meeting ID: 935 3160 5401

Starting in January 2024, 4-H Online Office Hours will be held as follows:

• Second Thursday of each month

• 1:00-2:00 pm (NEW time)

• Zoom: https://umd.zoom.us/j/93531605401 Meeting ID: 935 3160 5401

Join in and get answers to any 4-H Online questions you may have!

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.

December

9/1 - 1/15 - Combined Federal Campaign

10/2 - 12/11 - Maryland Charity Campaign

11/15 - 1/15- Nat 4-H Congress, Virginia 4-H Congress,

WV Older 4-H Members Conf, Nat Leadership Conf. application period

12/1 - 4-H Online New Enrollments closed.

12/1 - Senior Portfolios for National Trips Applications due to County Extension office; Final applications due 1/15/24 (please note, annual 4-H Online Shutdown begins mid-Dec through mid-Jan, so it is best to have entries in the system before shutdown).

12/2 - Maryland 4-H Horse Bowl Clinic, 9am, College Park (see info above)

12/3 - MD 4-H Dog Bowl Contest, team event, registration ends 11/15

12/4 - Horse Advisory Meeting, 7pm (virtual, see above)

12/8 - New York City Bus Trip sponsored by AAC 4-H Foundation; LAST DAY to order Holiday Pines/Wreaths

12/12 - Animal Science Meeting, 7-8:30pm, Zoom(see above)

12/14 - 4-H Online 2024 Enrollment - Special Edition

12/15 - AAC Dairy Lease Club Membership Drive event, 7pm@ UME Office ‘Firehouse’ building

12/15 - 4-H Online completely closed.

*** 2024 ***

1/7 - Dog Advisory Meeting, 6pm, Zoom

1/12 - Dairy Advisory Meeting, 7pm, Zoom

2/3 - MD 4-H Camp In-Service, 9a-4p at the Howard County Fairgrounds

Feb - Annual Variety Show (more info coming soon)

2/18 - Maryland 4-H State Awards Gala (Achievement Program) @ MD state fairgrounds.

3/9 - Public Speaking Contest

3/13-3/17 - Ignite by 4-H

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACO4H
➡ Phone: *** NEW PHONE NUMBER/SYSTEM*** ⬅

• Gretchen direct: tel:301-226-7477
• Main Number: 301-226-7470

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

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