Lewis County 4-H. Family Handbook. (The 4-H Family Handbook and the Missouri 4-H Clover are companion resources )

Transcription

1 Lewis County 4-H Family Handbook (The 4-H Family Handbook and the Missouri 4-H Clover are companion resources ) Terri Smith 4-H Youth Program Associate Lewis County University Of Missouri Extension PO Box 68 Monticello, MO smithterri@missouri.edu Office lewisco@missouri.edu Ph: Fax: Web Pages extension.missouri.edu/lewis 4h.missouri.edu 4h.missouri.edu/projects/projects1.htm Find us on Facebook MU Extension in Lewis County

2 Welcome to 4-H! Welcome to Lewis County 4-H! As your 4-H staff, we are here to provide oversight and management to our 4-H programs, training and support for our volunteers and collaborate with our communities to provide great opportunities for our 4-H youth! We have created this 4-H Family Handbook as a resource for 4-H families through the 4-H year. 4-H is encouraged to be a family organization with youth members, parents, leaders and staff having great fun while learning and working together! Locally, your family will participate in a community club with youth members assuming the leadership roles. Adults take a supportive role in 4-H, helping youth develop life skills through leadership opportunities at monthly club meetings. Major life skills of responsibility, communication and compassion are woven throughout the 4-H experience. Adults.parents, guardians, community volunteers, and 4-H staff.work together to create learning and fun opportunities for youth. There are MANY ways in which parents/guardians can help! Perhaps the most important job for a parent is to say YES! when the 4-H ers need you! It is important for parents/guardians to stay informed of club, county, regional and state opportunities available to families. How? Listen closely at club meetings, read the monthly newsletter, CLOVER CONNECTION, either electronically or mailed (as indicated in your 4HOnline profile) to stay informed of 4-H happenings. Refer to this handbook and The Clover as your 4-H guides and bookmark the Missouri 4-H website: Become comfortable using the 4HOnline Enrollment and Event Registration system. Your county 4-H information can be located at the following website: If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at the Lewis County Extension Office, (573) or me at smithterri@missouri.edu. Terri Smith 4-H Youth Program Associate Lewis County 4-H COLORS The official colors of 4-H are Kelly Green and White. The white symbolizes purity and the green represents live, springtime and youth. 4-H MOTTO To make the best better is the aim of each member in improving project work and in building better clubs and communities. 4-H SLOGAN Learning by doing is the 4-H member s way of acquiring new skills working with the hands and learning how to get along with others in work and play. MISSOURI 4-H MISSION 4-H is.creating environments in which young people are valued contributing members of their community. 2

3 Table of Contents Club Leader List 4 Ways to Participate... 5 Clover Kids, Club Membership, Enrollment, Cost, Participating, and News and Information. Club Meetings, Club Officers, 4-H Projects... 6 Tips & Things to Remember H Year Completion Requirements... 8 Members... 8 Volunteer Leader Completion Requirements... 8 Missouri 4-H Staff and Volunteer Code of Ethics. 9 Lewis County Events and Beyond Description of Regional and County events and 4-H Council Lewis County 4-H Club Officers Awards Lewis County Awards and Recognition chart Club and Member Awards 12 Scholarships Volunteer Leader Awards 13 Lewis County 4-H Club Rotation. 14 Lewis County 4-H Fair Absentee Exhibit Form

4 Lewis County 4-H Leaders and Assistant Leaders Monticello 4-H Club Leader: Holly Hoffman Assistant Leader: Joann Legg Meets 4th Wednesday 7pm Monticello Courthouse-Courtroom Oyster Prairie 4-H Club Leaders: Nickie Schaffer Assistant Leader: Amanda Fields Meets 1st Monday 6:30pm Queen of Peace Fellowship Hall, Ewing Pleasant Grove 4-H Club Leader: Jamie Lay Assistant Leaders: Christina Jaro Meets 2nd Wednesday 7pm Centenary Church North of Canton Ten Mile 4-H Club Leader: Wes Lay Meets 2nd Wednesday 7pm Ten Mile Church on Hwy Z Walnut Grove Leader: Bryan Jennings Assistant Leader: Darren Neisen Meets 1st Monday 7pm Ewing Fire House, Ewing 4

5 WAYS TO PARTICIPATE 4-H is open to anyone between the ages of 5-18 on December 31 st of the current program year (we call this 4-H age). To participate in 4-H, you will be asked to enroll through the 4hOnline website each year. CLOVER KIDS- This project introduces 4-H to 5 to 7 year olds. (Children must be 5 on December 31st of the program year.) Clover Kids may enroll in Project 481, 482 or 483 only. Clover Kids do not participate in any competitive events, contests or shows. 4-H Clover Kids do participate in all activities, fairs and contests, just like a regular 4-H member; however, they are not judged (1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, blue, red, white, etc.). Instead, all Clover Kids receive green ribbons or other recognition for participating. Clover Kids may not participate in large animal projects (for example Horse, Beef or Goats) or Shooting Sports projects. 4-H CLUB MEMBERSHIP - For youth ages 8 to 18 on December 31st of the program year. Youth participate in organized 4-H clubs and enroll in projects. Clubs elect officers and plan club programs that include health, recreation and community service. ENROLLMENT YEAR The 4-H project year is from October 1 through September 30. Current members typically re-enroll in the fall. Membership is open year round. Your club leader will have information about the on-line enrollment system for you, or contact the University of Missouri Extension Office for information. The enrollment website is: COST TO JOIN 4-H In Lewis County, the cost to join 4-H is $35.00 per year per member. This includes $20.00 state dues, and $15.00 County Dues. The state dues includes the fee for accident insurance for all members of 4-H including those in horsemanship. Some projects and activities have an additional cost. PARTICIPATING IN 4-H Participation in 4-H is voluntary, but youth who are able to attend the majority of club and project meetings, county events, and do community service are rewarded at the end of the year. Be sure to keep track of all 4-H activities on a calendar so that the end of the year forms are easier to complete. A copy of the form is available all year on the website. 4-H NEWS AND INFORMATION Families will receive letters and postcards about upcoming county events. We also use , Facebook and our website to help keep people informed. It is the responsibility of each 4-H member and family to keep current on 4-H activities, events and deadlines. Check the front cover for resource websites. Thank you for your interest in the Lewis County 4-H Program. This packet is full of valuable information that will help make your years in 4-H a little bit easier. 4-H can be a complicated youth organization with many acronyms and a sometimes confusing chain of command. We hope that all of your questions are answered with this packet. 5

6 CLUB MEETINGS Each club holds a meeting in which the members discuss business. Club meetings provide members opportunities to meet people in their club and decide important issues about recreation, fundraising, community service and other activities. As they become older, these meetings allow youth to broaden their leadership skills by becoming an officer or committee chair. Only youth (ages 8-18) vote at 4-H Club meetings. Parents and volunteers may give advice and suggestions, but youth make club decisions themselves. Club meetings also usually include a fun or educational activity after the business meeting and some clubs have snacks. Besides business meetings, clubs may also have activities in the following areas: Fundraising members are responsible for planning and implementing any fundraisers that the club decides to do. Committee members look for ways to raise money for the activities of the club. Recreation members present ideas to the club about what, where, and when to do recreation. Community Service members create a list of community service activities for the club to do throughout the year, then the club will decide which to do. CLUB OFFICERS Club officers are members that are learning more about leadership roles. They are usually elected in the fall and serve for a one-year term. 4-H PROJECTS A 4-H project is a set of learning experiences in one area, such as foods, woodworking, or robotics. Check out The Clover magazine for project choices. Also on-line: Youth are given the opportunity to sign up for projects when they enroll online and can add and delete projects until February 1. Project meetings are usually held at a time and place other than club meetings. 4-H projects are educational, practical and enable youth to learn facts and skills useful in everyday life; learn how to communicate, work and play with others; learn more about educational and career opportunities; learn to be a leader and make new friends. Project leaders determine the type of activities, place and time of project meetings. The age of participants can be limited depending on the safety requirements of the activities, with a limited number of participants (usually groups are small, less than 12), so that youth have a maximum opportunity for hands on learning). There are several ways that youth can complete projects: Project Group- some youth from a club work with a volunteer from the club on a project. County-wide projects some youth from several clubs work together with a volunteer to complete a project. These usually lasts for a short time, and do not run all year. For example, photography and robotics. SPIN clubs some clubs work together to compete a project (such as beef, shooting sports, horses, or dogs). These groups are shorter in time and like a regular 4-H Club, they have officers, do community service projects and have a treasury. Youth can join only the SPIN club or they can have another club as their primary club and also join the SPIN club. Club based projects some clubs are small and so the group decides together which projects they will do. Then clubs work on the project at club meetings all together. Family led projects If there is not a volunteer in the club or county willing to lead the project, youth can work with a parent or guardian on the projects. A good guideline is that first-year members sign up for a maximum of three projects, and older youth take up to 6 projects. Plan which projects you want to take when you enroll, or re-enroll the following years. 6

7 TIPS & THINGS TO REMEMBER The following tips are intended to help you and your family get the most out of 4-H membership, making your years less confusing and more enjoyable: 1. Participation is the key to 4-H. The more that a member does, the more that the member and their family will get out of the program. As a 4-H family, you are invited to participate in all county and club activities, along with other activities offered at the state and national level H is a family affair; you will get more out of it if your whole family is involved. Parents are invited to attend meetings with their kids. Both adults and youth will learn a lot. 3. Each 4-H member should plan to give a demonstration, illustrated talk, or speech at some time during the 4-H year. Some clubs give project demonstrations while others give individual demonstrations. This experience allows members the chance to grasp skills such as public speaking, organization, preparation, etc. 4. Not one person can do everything. Work as a team to get paperwork in, meet deadlines, and do projects. Remember it takes parents and leaders who are willing to volunteer to get the job done. 5. Take pictures of everything you do. Not only will these become nice mementos to remember 4-H, but you will also need them when filling out the end of the year paperwork. 6. To complete the year, ask your club leader for a Recognition Form. This form will assist you in capturing your experiences and will also be used for awards H business meetings usually follow Robert s Rules of Order. This allows meetings to run smoothly and, most of the time, without problems. 8. You are encouraged to participate in the County Fair. You are encouraged to take at least one indoor project that tells or shows what you have learned throughout the year. Start planning the items you might make and take to the fair at your first project meeting. Remember there is a limit of five entries per project for indoor projects. 9. Be sure and ask question. We are excited about your interest in 4-H and want you to have a rewarding and successful experience. 10. HAVE FUN! 4-H IS A FAMILY ORGANIZATION The 4-H member needs support and encouragement from family. Parents and other family members can contribute to the 4-H program in the following ways: Determine project goals Obtain necessary project supplies Assist in carrying out work at home Assist in maintaining records Evaluate project work Attend meetings Participate in events Choose to become project leaders Many 4-H volunteers are parents or guardians of 4-H members; but having parents participate is not a requirement. 7

8 4-H Year Completion Requirements MEMBERS To successfully complete the 4-H year, a 4-H club member must: 1. Complete enrollment online at mo.4honline.com at or before November 30th and pay county dues of $15 plus $20 of State dues. A How to guide is available. 2. Attend six (6) monthly club meetings (starting October 1 st for returning members or month of enrollment for new members). 3. Complete at least one project. (Work at least 6 hours on your own, with parents or other volunteers). 4. Exhibit at least one entry at the county fair (Members are encouraged to exhibit 3 5 items in each of their projects.) Volunteer Leader Requirements It takes a lot of adult volunteers to make the 4-H program successful. We hope that you will consider volunteering to help your club and county. All 4-H volunteers must complete the required 4-H Volunteer Orientation (usually 3 hours or less) and have their Volunteer Application approved. The application includes being screened for criminal background, child abuse and neglect. Trainings are offered online. As a 4-H Volunteer you would have an official relationship with the University of Missouri. As such, you would be protected by University of Missouri liability insurance, which covers volunteers as long as they are acting according to the 4-H guidelines. Also 4-H provides accident insurance, in case 4-H volunteers are injured while working for 4-H. For more information go to: volunteer.aspx ACTIVITY/RESOURCE/ PARENT VOLUNTEERS These volunteers are available occasionally when needed for group activities. They are ready to step up and help other project and club leaders when ready, but do not have a time commitment. It is very valuable to have as many 4-H volunteers at youth activities as possible. Volunteers can help supervise youth, help with activities and take care of emergencies. PROJECT LEADERS These leaders lead individual project groups, such as cake decorating, woodworking, or beef. Project leaders have to be willing and interested in learning about the project, not an expert in the area of the project. Project leaders can use 4-H project literature, which provides fun hands-on, age appropriate activities. Books can be reviewed at the Extension Office, then purchased (usually less than $6 per book) through We strongly encourage project leaders to use the curriculum that is available, but they can also use their own ideas and resources. We recommend project leaders spend at least 6 hours with youth during the project; however, some projects may require more time. This could be for example: 6 one hour meetings, 4-one and a half hour meetings or 2-three hour meetings. CLUB LEADERS These leaders are responsible for the club and help youth to lead club activities. One adult is the main contact between the University of Missouri Extension Center and the club, while other leaders may take care of paperwork, support project leaders, be in charge of communications, and/or help youth plan activities at meetings. Youth are also part of our leadership team. Teens have an opportunity to help others and direct their clubs and projects. Youth can assist project leaders and help other members in the projects in which they are enrolled. LEARNING BY DOING 8

9 MISSOURI 4-H YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY STAFF AND VOLUNTEER CODE OF ETHICS Provide a Safe Environment Treat all youth and adults equally, without discrimination. This includes providing equal access to participation for all youth and adults, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin or disability. Avoid harming youth or adults, whether through sexual harassment, physical force, verbal or mental abuse or neglect. Obey the laws of the locality, state and nation. This includes abstaining from alcohol or any illegal substance use while working with, or responsible for youth; neither will I allow youth to do so while under my supervision. As an Extension representative, fulfill my obligation as a mandated reporter if I believe there is or has been child abuse or neglect or I take a report of child abuse or neglect. I know I should contact the Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline at (TDD ), the MU Extension staff person who directly supervises my 4-H volunteer service and, if I believe it is warranted, local law enforcement. Provide a supportive environment. Treat all youth with respect, caring and acceptance. Honor my volunteer commitment by working the hours necessary to fulfill my role. Keep records, distribute materials and support the 4-H system. I will share 4-H materials with youth and adults. I will keep and submit required records on time. I will help youth and adults with enrollment, active participation and recognition. Provide an interactive and engaging environment. Work as a team player for the good of all persons. I will work cooperatively with others for the good of all in the program. Strive to be a positive role model at all times by consistently demonstrating respect, cooperation, honesty and fair play. Use a democratic approach when working with youth, as they are valuable and capable of helping others and their community. Work within the University of Missouri Extension 4-H system Seek training for my volunteer role which will help me work more effectively with youth and adults. Contact the county youth specialist if my legal status changes. Be accountable for my actions to the county 4-H Council [or similar policy setting body], county University of Missouri Extension Council, Missouri 4-H Youth Development Programs, and University of Missouri Extension. If my personal conduct is deemed by these bodies to violate this agreement or if I fail to meet any of the stated policy statements, I know I may be relieved of my 4-H duties. 9

10 Lewis County Events and Beyond 4-H REGIONAL EXPO This February workshop is for leaders and members in the northeast region. At this training, families participate in officer training, leader training, information sessions, and general sharing sessions. A great way to get involved with other 4-Hers in the region. MU EXTENSION LEGISLATIVE DAY 4-H Members and volunteers are invited to learn about our state capitol and represent our county as they visit with legislators from Lewis County. This event is usually held in February. 4-H CAMP (EARLY JUNE) Open to 4-Hers, Junior Camp is for 8 to 13 year olds (as of January 1, of that year) and Teen Camp is for 4-H members 14 to 18 years old. Camp is held at a regional location and includes 4-Hers from surrounding counties. Counselors (4-H members 14 and older) are trained to conduct camp activities with volunteer and staff supervision. There are opportunities for recreation, education, crafts and swimming. LEWIS COUNTY FAIR The Lewis County fair in Lewistown, MO provides an opportunity for youth to showcase their completed items that they have made in projects. Members can exhibit items in the indoor building as well as livestock, or our shooting sports contest. See the 4-H Fair book on-line for more information. RECOGNITION NIGHT (NOVEMBER) A night set aside each fall for 4-H members, Clover kids and volunteers to be recognized for their hard work, along with those in the community who have supported the 4-H program. This is a time to celebrate and enjoy good food and the company of other 4-H friends and families. Live,Learn DO! 4-H COUNCIL The 4-H Council serves as the policy-making body for the Lewis County 4-H program. Events and activities are planned, monitored, and/or carried out through the Council. 4-H COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE Club representatives are approved by their club and each 4-H club is encouraged to have two (2) youth members and two (2) adults who attend monthly 4-H council meetings. The role of club representatives is to report on issues, dates, and plans from council as well as speak and vote for your club. Each club has 4 votes, but any number of members, parents, or volunteers can and are encouraged to attend the council meetings. 4-H Council officers are elected in October for a two-year term. Election of officers happens in odd years. Council officer roles are available to youth except for President and Treasurer. The Council meets on the 2nd Monday of February, April, June, August, October and December starting at 7 pm at Lewis County MU Extension Office. STATE 4-H OPPORTUNITIES For information on 4-H state events, contests, scholarships, leadership opportunities for youth and adults, global education and international opportunities, refer to the 4-H Clover magazine, contact the Extension Center or go on-line: 10

11 Lewis County 4-H Club Officers Club officers are representatives of the total 4-H organization your club, Lewis County, Missouri and the nation. In addition, club officers help plan and carry out club activities. Officers work closely with club leaders, but it is the member s and officer s responsibility to plan and carry out activities, making sure all members have a chance to contribute. Please take time to research additional sources that maybe be helpful at #Officers. Officer candidates should be members in good standing and be familiar with the 4-H program, club, county, regional and state events (see list of materials available in the Clover). Additional officer positions such as photographer, recreations/game leader, historian, and health and safety leader, are encouraged. At end of the 4-H year, officers and leaders should fill out the Club Vibrancy Checklist found in the club Secretary Book. PRESIDENT Work with leader to give overview of club s year and help present awards at Recognition Event. VICE PRESIDENT Consult with the president on plans or special work to be done. Preside at meetings in the absence of the president. Represent the group at other events in the absence of the president. SECRETARY Members attendance and completion disc, club seals, and leader recognition all depend on the club secretary book. Club Secretary book can be found at or at Extension Office. Submit copy of meeting attendance after December and March meetings to Extension Office to verify members are in good standing, for shows and fair exhibits. Submit secretary book with end of year report to the Extension Office, by October 1st. An up-to-date Secretary s Book should be exhibited at county fair. TREASURER Use Club Federal Identification number on checking account and update signature card at bank. Write a check for county and state dues to: Lewis County 4-H Council Complete and submit by October 1st. 4-H Annual Financial Report (Treasurer s book p. 17 or available at docs/ Y672EFILL.pdf) REPORTER Send a small monthly report to Terri to be shared in county newsletter. Reports can be ed or mailed. Terri s is smithterri@missouri.edu. Example: Park Ranger 4-H Club learned the Chinese culture by partaking in some authentic food, provided by. List members that participated. And maybe a quote. So You re an Officer resource series is an excellent guide for new and returning 4-H club officers. These guides are available on the Missouri 4-H website. 4-H COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE This officer s duty is to represent their club at 4-H Council meetings and report council business at the next club meeting. 11

12 LEWIS COUNTY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Member and Volunteer Awards Name Nomination Selected Awarded Friend of 4-H Nominated by 4-H Council Certificate 4-H Clubs/ 4-H Council Frank Graham Leadership Award Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame Nominated by 4-H Council Recognized at Spring State 4-H Clubs/ 4-H Banquet Council Nominated by 4-H Clubs/ 4-H Council 4-H Council Recognized at ceremony during the Missouri State Fair 4-H Council Officers Certificate Year Completion Club and Member Awards Attendance of 6 meetings according to submitted Secretary's book Member Year disc Perfect Attendance Attendance of all club meetings according to submitted Secretary's book Perfect Attendance disc Secretary's Book Seal Treasurer's Book Seal Club Seal Community Service Seal Report Form Recognition Evaluated with Secretary's Book criteria by impartial community member or 4-H Volunteer from another county Evaluated with Treasurer's Book criteria by impartial community member or 4-H Volunteer from another county Evaluated with Club Criteria by impartial community member or 4-H Volunteer from another county LG760 Youth Services to Communities form completed and submitted to the State 4-H Office Awarded if a completed Lewis County Achievement Form or age appropriate state level recognition form is submitted Secretary Book Seal Treasurer's Book Seal Club Seal Community Service Seal Special Award varies yearly Project Recognition Determined through the evaluation of the submitted state level recognition form, Lewis County Achievement Form, or project record with story by impartial community member or 4-H Volunteer from another county Project discs State Fashion Revue Selected to attend the State event at interview judging at the Lewis County Fair. Participants must attend the State Fashion Revue to be recognized. State Fashion Review disc 12

13 LEWIS COUNTY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Member and Volunteer Awards Name Nomination Selected Awarded State Livestock Judging Team members selected by attending State Livestock Judging disc the county qualifier and then teams filled Plaques to all team members by those interested on a first come basis. including high point Opportunity to join the team shared in individuals the newsletter Livestock Judging Attend the County Qualifier Certificate Teen Conference Attend Teen Conference Teen Conference disc State Congress Attend State Congress State Congress disc State Shoot Attend State Shoot Awards (ribbons and medals) are earned at the state shoot State Shoot Disc National Shooting Participate in State Team Selection and National Shooting Sports Sports I Dare You Award Outstanding Member Leader Honor Roll Outstanding Leaders Nominated by 4-H Clubs/ 4-H Council attend the National Shoot Selected from members 16+ based on leadership from their state level form or Lewis County Achievement form by impartial community member or 4-H Volunteer from another county Selected based on the evaluation of the submitted state level recognition form, Lewis County Achievement Form, or project record with story by impartial community member or 4-H Volunteer from another county Volunteer Awards Determined by enrollment forms from recognized (screened and oriented) volunteers Selected by impartial community member or 4-H Volunteer from another county based on nomination form disc Certificate Book Plaques -Outstanding Member Outstanding Member certificate and pin (in 5 year increments) Plaques -Outstanding Female Leader -Outstanding Male Leader -Outstanding Husband and Wife Team -Outstanding Club Leader Scholarships State 4-H Scholarships There are many scholarships available only to 4-H members for college education. 4-H State scholarship applications are due in the state office March 1, due earlier to Lewis County office. Refer to Page in Clover for more information. 13

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15 Lewis County 4-H Fair Absentee Exhibit Form One form must be completed and submitted with exhibit. Name: Project Level Year in this project area: Years in 4-H: My goals for this project were: What I completed & accomplished in this project: What skills did I learn by completing this project: What would I do different next time: Number of hours worked in this project: Time spent on exhibits: Additional Comments: If applicable & applies to this project: Total costs: Total income (or cost saved): Profit: Loss: 15

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