Blue Mountain Eagle
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
A7
JUNE 2015
Keep Your Kids Active and Engaged
Summer is quickly approaching; kids are excited for the sunshine and the break from the day to day routine of school. Parents
may find summer overwhelming; lining up child care, transporting kids, week night sleep overs, and finding fun engaging
activities for your kids. Our community does a great job providing families with great opportunities throughout the summer.
What better time to get your children involved in everything 4-H has to offer. We are NOT only about livestock more importantly
we are about POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT!
4-H’ers across the nation are responding to challenges every day in their
communities and their world.
As the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension System
of land-grant universities (Oregon State University), 4-H is the nation’s
largest youth development organization, empowering six million young
people throughout the United States. Cooperative Extension of 1862 and
1890 land-grant universities provide the leadership to engage young
people in 4-H in all 3,007 counties of the United States. The impact of the
Cooperative Extension partnership is profound, bringing together National
Institute of Food and Agriculture of USDA, land grant universities, such as
Oregon State University and county government to resource learning
opportunities for youth.
Through America’s 110 land-grant universities and its Cooperative
Extension System, 4-H reaches every corner of our nation—from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming
communities. With a network of more than 6 million youth, 611,800 volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 25 million
alumni, 4-H helps shape youth to move our country and the world forward in ways that no other youth organization can.
The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development is the first-ever
research project of its kind. The decade-long study, completed by a team of researchers at the Institute for Applied Research in
Youth Development at Tufts University, Medford, MA, is influencing research and practice around the world.
The report shows that 4-H youth excel beyond their peers. 4-H’ers are about:
Four times more likely to make contributions to their communities (Grades 7-12);
Two times more likely to be civically active (Grades 8-12);
Two times more likely to make healthier choices (Grade 7);
Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time
(Grades 10 – 12); and
4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs
compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.
With 611,800 volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 25 million alumni, the 4-H movement supports young people from
elementary school through high school with programs designed to shape
future leaders and innovators. Fueled by research-driven programming, 4-
H’ers engage in hands-on learning activities in the areas of science,
citizenship and healthy living.
Leading by Example
The caring support of adult volunteers and mentors inspires young people
in 4-H to work collaboratively, take the lead on their own projects and set
and achieve goals with confidence. 4-H’ers chart their own course, explore
important issues and define their place in the world. 4-H’ers stand up for
themselves and their communities.
These pivotal experiences build a foundation of leadership and skills for
success in their future careers. Learn more about 4-H programs or find out
how you can get involved.
If you and your students have questions about what programs Oregon State University offers to you, right here in Grant County
please call our office (541)575-1911. Some of our most popular clubs are Shooting Sports (archery, shotgun, pistol, and rifle),
Outdoor club, Ceramics, Photography, Cooking, Livestock, Horse, Sewing, 4-H Afterschool, Cloverbuds, Youth Advocates for
Healthy, Teens and Teachers, and so many more. We would love to involve you as a volunteer and help your student find
something that they are passionate about.
Summer Conference is an opportunity for youth grades 7-12 to travel to Corvallis, explore campus life, make new friends, learn,
and have a lot of fun. While here, participants attend workshops on a wide variety of subjects. Over 80 classes are offered
including dog agility, a logging site tour, animal anatomy, fly fishing, origami, and etiquette.
In addition to attending workshops, participants will hear a nationally acclaimed speaker, participate in a Community Service
project, and enjoy many fun activities such as a pool party and dance.
Members arrive on campus early Wednesday afternoon, either through their own transportation or on the summer conference
charter buses, then stay in a campus dorm and eat at a dining hall. The conference is capped off with a closing program Saturday
morning where new state ambassadors and national congress delegates are announced
This camp provides a week of fun outdoor learning opportunities for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Students will have the
opportunity to work as a team, learn responsibilities, meet new friends, learn about nature, go hiking, and so much more. This
year’s camp theme is “Heroes & Villains”. 4-H camp is held in beautiful Logan Valley at Lake Creek Youth Camp.
Help you kids get involved with their community by
entering or volunteering at the Grant County fair. There is
something for everyone! A 4-H club is a great way to keep
your child engaged in learning through the summer
months. 4-H clubs meet regularly through the summer and
help students get ready to enter exhibits in our county fair
as well as state fair.
The Oregon Cloverbuds (former Adventures) Program is
an informal education program designed for children
grades K-3. Cloverbuds require more adult supervision,
introduce young people to cooperative learning and the
many things they can do in 4-H.
Participation, safety, personal development, learning and fun are the highest priorities for Cloverbuds programs. These programs
are activity-focused, not project–focused and are built on cooperative learning rather than competition.
Cloverbuds members do not participate in competitive events and are not allowed to have contact with large animals as a part of
their 4-H experience. These groups do not elect officers. Their group activity may exhibit, showcase or can feature in a
noncompetitive way with a display at an event which could receive “display or participation” ribbons.
We meet once a month for a fun hands on learning experience. If you would like to get your student enrolled in this program
please call the OSU Extension Office to get on the contact list for our next meeting.
Swine Fitting/Showing/Judging Clinic………………………………………………………. June 16th, 2015
Family Fun Day Extension Booth …………………………………………………………… June 20th, 2015
Educational Display Clinic …………………………………………………………………………… TBA (July)
Photography Clinic……………………………………………………………………………………… TBA (July)
Lamb Fitting/Showing/Judging Clinic ……………………………………………………….. July 19th, 2015
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