Iowa 4-H Volunteer » Clubs http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer Virtual 4-H Volunteer Forum Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:58:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Introducing the ACT II Drama Stars 4-H Club!! http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/12/01/introducing-the-act-ii-drama-stars-4-h-club/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/12/01/introducing-the-act-ii-drama-stars-4-h-club/#comments Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:41 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=126 Seven girls in Henry County have been practicing their acting skills in this new and exciting special-interest 4-H Club! The girls love to plan their own skits and puppet shows and perform in front of a wide variety of audiences. Whether it is at a pre-school, a 4-H event, on the radio, or in front of an audience in the community, these 4-H’ers are showing off not only their communication talents, but also working on their teamwork and note taking skills. There is no cost to this club. Everything they need comes right from their own homes, and the 4-H program fee is paid by a county-wide soup supper that Henry County 4-H members host on a yearly basis. Right now the girls are working on a video show. They are using flip cameras, and they will be working on filming and editing. There is definitely not a boring moment in this active, youth driven 4-H Club!

For more information, please contact Jennifer Lehman, ACT II Drama Stars 4-H Club Leader (lehmanj@iastate.edu), or Dori Goble, Youth Program Specialist, Region 20 (dgoble@iastate.edu).

Find the Innovative Club Model Description for the Act II Drama Stars 4-H Club, other innovative clubs, and download a template for posting descriptions of your own innovative clubs at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/newclubs.htm We would love to hear what you think of this post! Please comment to us!

Dori Goble, Youth Program Specialist, Region 20
Jennifer Lehman, ACT II Drama Stars 4-H Club Leader

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/12/01/introducing-the-act-ii-drama-stars-4-h-club/feed/ 2 4-H National Youth Science Day http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/09/29/4-h-national-youth-science-day/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/09/29/4-h-national-youth-science-day/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:40:53 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=106 Your County could receive $400 for its 4-H Program!

Thanks to generous support from John Deere, a $400 award will be presented to one county from each state with the highest number of individual Biofuel Blast results survey submissions between October 1 and October 30, 2009. The awards can be used toward the implementation and promotion of science, engineering and technology programs in your county. After your clubs complete the experiment, make sure your members go to https://www.4-h.org/NYSD/ to fill out the survey so your county can compete for the award!

In addition, of those who submit their results through the Biofuel Blast experiment survey, five youth names will be randomly selected to receive a 32GB third generation iPod touch. The five youth will also be able to designate a 4-H club, school classroom, or youth organization to receive a Fuel Cell Car Experiment kits. Click here for official drawing rules.

Ask the Expert

Dr. Bruce E. Dale, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University, will be taking questions from youth and adults interested in learning more about biofuels. He is a leader of the recently established Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) who work to develop cellulosic ethanol and other bioenergy sources. University of Wisconsin Extension worked closely with the GLBRC to develop this year’s National Science Experiment – Biofuel Blast!

Click here to learn how you can submit questions for consideration. Answers will be posted before 4-H National Youth Science Day, October 7, 2009.

Don’t Forget, Promote Your Events!

Just a reminder to email us at 4-HNYSD@4-H.org with details about your upcoming 4-H NYSD events. Please include event dates, locations, and contact information to be added to the map of 4-H National Youth Science Day events!

4-H National Youth Science Day is only a week away – pass the word!

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/09/29/4-h-national-youth-science-day/feed/ 0 National Youth Science Day http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/09/24/national-youth-science-day/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/09/24/national-youth-science-day/#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:34:40 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=99 NYSD Experiment

NYSD Experiment

HOW-TO VIDEO!

Are you considering using the NYSD (National Youth Science Day) experiment with your club, but are a little nervous about how to do it? Great news! The NYSD webpage now has a short how-to video on the experiment. Use this step-by-step animated video guide to learn how to lead and participate in this year’s National Science Experiment. This fun video, sponsored by DuPont and Pioneer, provides a great snapshot of just how easy and engaging Biofuel Blast is! Login to www.4-H.org/NYSD and then go to The Experiment to view and share with others.

Holly Bignall, Campus Youth 4-H Program Specialist, E-SET coordinator

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/09/24/national-youth-science-day/feed/ 0 Parnerships can Make It Happen! http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/31/parnerships-can-make-it-happen/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/31/parnerships-can-make-it-happen/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:02:07 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=86 If you’ve heard talk about getting more Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) into 4-H clubs but have no idea how to get started in your area – well here’s one way to make it Happen!

Iowa is loaded with high tech industries: bioengineering, renewable energy, manufacturers of high tech equipment, providers of telecommunications services, medical services, academic research labs, the list goes on and on. Partnering with one of these organizations is a great way to get more SET into your club or start a special interest 4-H club focused on SET.

Here’s an example. One of the Ames Laboratory of Story Co.’s former employees was eager to share his passion for engineering with young people. The Ames Lab was eager to support a 4-H club if it would encourage youth to develop a passion for science and engineering. The situation was ripe for a partnership!

Story Co. 4-H worked with Marcus, the scientist volunteer, to develop a budget for tools and supplies as well as a stipend for the helpers and a budget for a club banner and marketing materials to advertise the club. Marcus decided to develop his own curriculum based on his interests, however, he could have used any of the 4-H curricula available through E-SET and National 4-H. Ames Labs agreed to fund the club, which was named: The Ames Laboratory Tinkering with Science 4-H Club.

The club was a smashing success. We advertised it widely in the community and took registration, signing all the participants up as 4-H members. – Check out this picture of the club members showcasing their engineering feat at the State Fair.

Tinkering Machine

Tinkering Machine

There are a lot of innovative aspects to this club, but what made it work was the partnership between 4-H and Ames Laboratory. Such organizations can not only provide the funding for a SET club, but can also help identify an employee to volunteer for the club, and incentives for this employee such as time off work or a stipend.

Find out more about the innovative structure of the Tinkering with Science 4-H Club by checking out its description on the Innovative Club Models webpage. You can also read descriptions of other innovative clubs and download a template for posting descriptions of your own innovative clubs.

We would love to hear what you think of this post! Please comment on our blog post!

Marcus Johnson, PHD – Lead volunteer for Tinkering with Science 4-H Club
Holly Bignall, Campus 4-H youth program specialist, E-SET coordinator

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/31/parnerships-can-make-it-happen/feed/ 0 Butterfly Wings! http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/28/butterfly-wings/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/28/butterfly-wings/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:19:34 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=83 A new SET curriculum has been added to the National 4-H Curriculum Collection! Butterfly WINGS is a great way for your club to serve society as a citizen scientist while learning important skills and having lots of fun. Here are the details on the curriculum.

Butterfly WINGS is now available for sale and will be offered at a special introductory discount of 35% from August 25th – September 30th! To order, visit the 4-H mall.

Butterfly WINGS was developed by the University of Florida and consists of one Youth Guide (product #08392) and one Facilitator’s Guide (product #08393). Each book is priced at $7.95, but will be available during the introductory period for $5.17 each! In addition to the pre-press price, quantity discounts also apply!!

Title: Project Butterfly WINGS
Type of Material: Individual Project Curriculum
Grades: 4th – 8th (Ages 9 -13)
Format: Project Manual
Category: Science, Engineering and Technology
Focus Area: Environmental science, citizen science, butterfly biology, identification, habitats and monitoring.
For more information, visit http://www.4-Hmall.org/curriculum.

Check it out! – Holly Bignall

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/28/butterfly-wings/feed/ 0 Start a new club! http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/28/start-a-new-club/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/28/start-a-new-club/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:09:30 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=80 Do you have a hobby or an interest that you have a passion for?  Photography, stargazing, running, cake decorating, model trains, remote control airplanes, knitting, etc. …Do you enjoy being with kids? Why not work with your local county 4-H office to begin a 4-H club where you can share your love of a hobby with youth who have the same interest?

4-H clubs can be very general, where youth learn about a broad variety of subjects.  They can also be very focused on one interest area.  In these cases, youth may enroll in just one project area or many, but they will spend most of their time learning about one project area.

If you have an idea to begin a new 4-H club, why not call your local extension office today.  Find their number by selecting your county on this map http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ouroffices.htm

New volunteers will be asked to go through a screening process for the protection of both youth and themselves.  After that, they will help you recruit members to begin a club, and help you learn how to be a good leader.

Get started today!
Lisa Berkland, Region 2 4H Youth Development Program Specialist

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/08/28/start-a-new-club/feed/ 0 National Science Day http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/07/13/national-science-day/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/07/13/national-science-day/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:40:49 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=77 Check out the National Youth Science Day (NYSD) experiment for 2009!

If you’re looking for something fun, and relevant to your club members’ lives and future, participating in this event is a great way to go. This experiment and the online resources that go with it would also make a great addition to new member recruitment efforts and for sharing what 4-H has to offer with your community.

Here’s the news release from National 4-H:

Registration Open for 4-H National Youth Science Day

On October 7, 2009, millions of youth across the nation will participate in 4-H National Youth Science Day, an event designed to engage young people in the environmental issues facing the nation. This year, youth will complete the “Biofuel Blast” science experiment to learn how renewable products, such as harvested plant materials, can make energy. Youth and adult leaders can sign up to participate online at www.4-H.org/NYSD.

To view the full news release online, visit http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2009news/07081_4h_science_day.html.

Please contact the E-SET office (4heset@iastate.edu) with questions or to share your plans for participating in and publicizing this opportunity.

Thanks!

-Holly Bignall, Iowa 4-H E-SET Program Assistant

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/07/13/national-science-day/feed/ 0 4-H Program Grants http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/07/13/4-h-program-grants/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/07/13/4-h-program-grants/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:28:21 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=69 Check out these great opportunities for 4-H program funding! If these possibilities look interesting to you or your club members, don’t hesitate to contact the Extension Science, Engineering, and Technology (4heset@iastate.edu) program for more information and suggestions as well as guidance in applying for these grants.

  1. 2009 Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs Green Team Iowa Grant Program
    • Grants Available for Local Environmental Team/Volunteer Activities
    • Contributions ranging from $500-$2500, to non-profits focused on the following three categories: Renewable Energy, Green Buildings and Sustainable Agriculture.
    • These categories are not exclusive, but activities in those areas are encouraged.
    • Program aims to fund activities that promote team member engagement and local environmental volunteer efforts.

    2. For an application, please email GreenTeamIowa@wellsfargo.com. Deadline for completed applications is noon August 24. For more information, contact Brad Gerndt, Founder & President, Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs Green Team Iowa, GreenTeamIowa@wellsfargo.com, 515-324-2878, cell: 515-291-4376.

  2. JCPenney Afterschool Fund FIRST Robotics Team Mini-Grants
    • 38 mini-grants totaling $92,500 are available.
    • All members of either new or existing teams must be enrolled 4-H members.
    • Team must be located in a JCPenney Geographic District
    • Team must recognize the JCPenney AFterschool Fund on promotional material.
    • Team must compete in at least one sanctioned robotics competition. (For information about FIRST competitions in Iowa, contact the E-SET office (4heset@iastate.edu
    • Application Deadline: August 7, 2009
    • Award Amount Range: $500 – $10,000
    • Project Start/End: Aug. 31, 2009 to May 28, 2010
Teams FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
(age 14-18; teams up to 40 youth) (age 14-18; teams up to 10 youth) (age 9-14; teams up to 10 youth)
New Teams 4 grants, $10,000 each 10 grants, $2000 each 5 grants, $1000 each
Existing Teams 4 grants, $2500 each 10 grants, $1500 each 5 grants, $500 each
Total 8 grants: $50,000 20 grants: $35,000 10 grants: $7,500

To review the RFP and apply for funding, please visit the online portal at http://grants.4-h.org/ .   (Note: you will have to register on the website before you can see grant details).

For further information about FRC, FTC, and FLL in Iowa contact the E-SET office 4heset@iastate.edu.

-Holly Bignall,  Iowa 4-H E-SET Program Assistant

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/07/13/4-h-program-grants/feed/ 0 Fun Sewing Ideas http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/06/01/fun-sewing-ideas/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/06/01/fun-sewing-ideas/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:51:52 +0000 Becky http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=38 Are you looking for new and simple sewing ideas for anyone new to the hobby of sewing? If so, check out http://4h.wsu.edu/clothing/quick_projects/list.htm
(Note that there is an underscore between quick and projects.)

The jewelry bag, mug mats and recycled denim jeans all captured my interest. If you are teaching someone to sew or if you are looking for a quick, fun sewing project or idea, I recommend this site for the clear directions and photos of the various steps. It makes me want to spend some time in my own sewing room.

Sue Bogue, State 4-H Program Specialist

]]> http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/06/01/fun-sewing-ideas/feed/ 2 Iowa 4-H Volunteers Key to the Success of the 4-H Program http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/05/12/iowa-4-h-volunteers-key-to-the-success-of-the-4-h-program/ http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/2009/05/12/iowa-4-h-volunteers-key-to-the-success-of-the-4-h-program/#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 21:31:40 +0000 Chuck http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer/?p=9 Did you know that Iowa 4-H volunteers are the key to the success of the 4-H program as well as the lives of many young people?

In a survey conducted last summer Iowa 4-H club volunteers shared how they contributed to 4-H and how they impact youth.

Iowa 4-H volunteers are generous! You contributed a median of $55 for non-reimbursed supplies for your club, plus 72% of you made additional financial contributions to 4-H. Also, 92% of you also volunteer for a variety of other organizations. Amazing!

How do some of these statistics compare with you? Comment on what you think the impact of volunteers are to 4-H’ers.

–Chuck Morris, Director 4-H Youth Development

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