**Please be aware of program or application deadlines, i.e. Stipend Applications and Camp Counselor Applications (even if you have been a camp counselor, a new application form must be submitted).

Local Government Day is being held March 6, at the Penn State Worthington Campus, Scranton. You must be 13 years or older to participate. Lunch will be provided. Through role-playing, participants will address pros & cons of a mock government stituation. This year's theme will be centered on a township that, because of financial trouble, would like to sell public land to a developer. Deadline to register is March 1, 2002.

2002 PA State Leaders’ Forum – The Power of YOUth: March 15 – 16, at the Nittany Lion Inn, State College. Conference registration is $45/day or $80 for both days. If you would like to stay at the Nittany Lion Inn, a block of rooms has been reserved. The special rate for Leaders’ Forum participants is $88 for a single room, $98 for a double or triple. Leaders should refer to the enclosed brochure for more information. All other inquiries or to sign up for the Leaders’ Forum, please contact the Extension Office. If you are a Pike County 4-H Leader, special rates for forum participation are available. Deadline to register: March 4, 2002.

“4-H Forestry Field Day 2002” - Building Skills in Youth - is slated for May 4, 2002, from 9:45 am - 3 pm at Laurel Haven Conservation Education Center, Julain, PA. This event is newly designed and open to all 4-H’ers who have taken, or are planning to undertake, the Treetops, Trees + Me = Forestry, or Advancing In Forestry projects. The event has two options, similar to the Wildlife Field Day; however note that these options go by different names. There is a “ Beginners Option” for younger 4-H’ers (ages 8-12) and an “Invitational Option” for older youth (ages 13-18).

All participants must sign up through the County 4-H Office. Participants must bring their own sack lunches and drinks. This is another great opportunity to grow your 4-H program in new directions. Sign-up deadline is April 29, 2002.

“4-H Wildlife Field Day 2002” - Focusing on Birds - A great event for all youth taking wildlife projects through 4-H is on tap! It’s a “field day” of fun and learning on Saturday, April 20, 2002, (9:45 am - 3:00 pm) at Rock Springs (Ag Progress Days Site) in Centre County. This event is open to all 4-H’ers (ages 8 -18) interested in, or currently taking wildlife projects. There will be two program options offered concurrently at the event.

The first option is the “Exploration Option,” designed for youth ages 8-11. It will include hands-on wildlife educational activities, guest speakers, and a birding tour. This year’s theme is “Songbirds of Pennsylvania.”

The second is the “Challenge Option.” It will offer youth, ages 12-18, an opportunity to participate in the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Contest. There is a project book that 4-H’ers should study before coming to this event. It is available on request through the county 4-H office. Four 4-H’ers between the ages of 14 and 18 years old will be selected from this option to attend the 2002 National Wildlife Evaluation Event.

A picnic lunch will be served for all. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the field, and bring along snacks and water bottles. There is no fee for the event, but all youth and adults planning to attend should sign up through their County 4-H Agent, and let them know which option they wish to take. Sign-up deadline is April 15, 2002.

Animal Canimal Club - this club meets once a month at the Pike County Administration Building. The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 20, 2002 from 4:30 - 5:30 PM.

Hay U Horse Club meets once a month at the Lutfy Barn. The hours are from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM.

Rough Riders Horse Club meets at the Pocono Ranchlands stables.

4-H Craft Club meets the second Friday of the month at the Delaware Valley Middle School Cafeteria.

We’re 2 Gether 2002 meets in the Greeley Area.

*** For more information about any of the above-mentioned 4-H clubs, please call the Extension Office at (570) 296-3400.

*** ***Leaders - If there is a change in your club meeting schedule, please contact Bev ASAP.

District III Horse Show Committee Meeting – If you would like to serve as a Pike County representative to the District III Horse Show Committee, please contact the Extension Office. The next meeting is scheduled for March 13, at the PSU Hazelton Campus. The meeting begins at 7 PM. Transportation can be provided.

***New Enrollment Forms are required. If you have not already done so, please have your club members fill out new enrollment and photo release forms and then submit them to the Extension Office. Thank you.