April / May 2003

**Leaders: Up-to-date enrollment forms are very important! Only those individuals with a 2002-2003 enrollment form on file with our office will receive this newsletter.

A wild event for youth is on tap! It’s a “field day” of fun and learning on Saturday, April 26, 2003, (9:30 am - 3:00 pm) at Rock Springs (Ag Progress Days Site) near Penn State. This event is open to all 4-H’ers (ages 8 -18) interested in, or currently taking wildlife projects. 4-H adult volunteers and parents are also encouraged to attend. There will be two program options offered concurrently at the event.

2003 4-H Ambassador Conference is being held June 16-18, at Penn State University. 4-H members ages 15-18 are eligible to attend, with the approval of your County Extension Agent.

The Ambassador Program is designed to help you develop public speaking and practical skills and increase your social skills, self-confidence, and responsibility.
Conference participants can look forward to:

• Learning to work with the public, prepare PSA’s, talk to donors
• Learning how to market your county programs
• Leadership and team building skills
• Tips for making a good impression
• Preparing presentations for specific audiences, such as third graders or other local clubs/organizations
• Learning about the diverse people you will meet in the community
• Mixers, games, and fun

Ambassadors are chosen to represent their counties based on interest in promoting 4-H and ability to speak in front of groups. With this selection comes honor and responsibility because when you represent 4-H in any of your public relations, you not only represent your county, but all 4-H members throughout Pennsylvania.

If you are interested in attending the Ambassador Conference, please contact the Pike County Extension Office. Deadline to register is May 15, 2003. **Please note: Transportation can be provided.

• demonstrate knowledge and skills in selected subjects
• receive recognition
• become acquainted with 4-H members and adults from across the Commonwealth
• become better acquainted with The Pennsylvania State University
  

Areas of competition include:  

Registration Deadline: July 8, 2003

The fee is to be determined. Individuals interested in participating should contact the extension office.

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

District III Horse Leaders Committee Meetings – All Pike County 4-H Horse Leaders are encouraged to attend.

District III Horse Leaders Committee Meeting Schedule:

• May 21 (site visit – District Horse Show location) - 6:30 PM, Lackawanna County
• September 3 – 7:00 PM at the Chestnut Cottage, Penn State Hazelton Campus
• November 5 - 7:00 PM at the Chestnut Cottage, Penn State Hazelton Campus
  

If you are interested in attending a District III Horse Leaders Committee Meeting, please contact the extension office. Carpooling or transportation can be arranged.

Rough Riders 4-H Horse Club

Pictured above are members of the
Rough Riders 4-H Horse Club.

The Rough Riders 4-H Horse Club has done hands-on work down at the barn at Pocono Ranchlands, as well as participated in learning by video. The Club also participates in field trips to various horse shows in the area. The Club sponsored a riding clinic with the help of Penn State Cooperative Extension this past June with certified instructor for the United States Equestrian Team, Lesa Ellanson. There were a dozen of our PRL children 14 years old and under who had a blast!

The 4-H Club also sponsored a very informative saddle-fitting clinic instructed by John Dashkavich, professional saddle maker, this past October in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Equine Council for Pike County. The Club also had an exciting game day with an obstacle trail riding class. The kids really enjoyed the timed events and at the same time were improving their skills to make them safer riders. The Club hosted a covered dish Holiday Party this past winter for all the members and their families. Everyone also had fun bringing in their own music for all to enjoy. There was good food, good music, and a good time by all who attended!

Members of the Rough Riders 4-H club have also volunteered to run their own exhibition for the entire group to watch and enjoy. They all have fun working, learning, and playing hard. This new season looks to be very promising.

Adult and Teen Leadership Training

Participants of the Adult and Teen Leadership Training held at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, February 21- 22, may have been soaked to the bone, but had a great time and learned a lot of leadership and teambuilding skills.

4-H members from Monroe, Wayne and Pike Counties participated in activities such as Action Socialization Experiences, Sensory Awareness, Orienteering, Character Education, and Outdoor Living Skills.

Pictured above: In addition to the above
mentioned activities, members of Collegiate 4-H
were on hand to conduct team building
and leadership activities.

WANTED!!!! Classrooms to pilot NEW Food Business project.

Pike County 4-H is looking for a middle school class to pilot Food Business. Food Business is a 4-H project that assists middle school youth in learning about the food business and the multitude of careers that exist within it. Beginning within a supermarket, the project explores the food business which includes the growing of food, its processing and journey to the local supermarket, and the business operations that market, distribute and sell food products. The project creates an avenue to stimulate youth to consider jobs or careers in the food business. For more information or to pilot this program in your class, please contact the Pike County Extension Office at (570) 296-3400. 

School Enrichment Programs – Teachers, please call the 4-H Coordinator to find out how 4-H can supplement or fulfill your curriculum requirements. Some examples of school enrichment programs: Mini Society, Financial Champions, Rocketry, Entomology, Wildlife, Forestry, and much more. Call today to find out about grade level appropriateness, content and/or how you can sign up for a school enrichment program. You’ll be glad you did.