The State 4-H Camping Program has received a grant from the Florida 4-H Foundation, Depart-ment of Health, and National 4-H (Kraft). With this money we plan on bringing, Youth Empowered Am-bassadors of Health (YEAH!) to camp. The camping program will blend a program already being done in counties into residential camping. The criteria used to expand this program to local communities and state-wide is based on our knowledge from the Department of Health. These communities have a lack of physical activity and poor/over nutrition, which are Florida’s leading indicators for poor health outcomes. We will distribute information to youth and adults on living a healthy lifestyle through the residential summer camp program. The outcomes will impact physical health, men-tal health, school and job performance, and family stability.

The Camp Week On Mondays, the youth will be introduced to the healthy lifestyle theme and assigned a pedometer. Each day, youth will receive 15 minutes of a lesson plan that educates them about healthy choices and 30 minutes of physical activity. The kitchen staff at each camp will be serving a menu created by two of our state specialists. This way we can keep a close count of calorie intake per day. The youth will log activities and caloric intake to see if they meet the qualifications of living a

healthy lifestyle during the week of camp and compare it to a typical week at home. Each night data on the number of steps taken at camp will be added to the youth’s log of physical activities for the day. The week will end with a summary, showing campers how easy it is to be healthy at home. The youth can educate the rest of the family on living healthy and its benefits. We will also give youth an opportunity to share what they did differently during the week to be healthy (for example, picked a healthy snack at canteen instead of a candy bar).

The State Department of Health is collabo-rating with 4-H to create a pilot program on how to get this valuable information out to youth and their families in a educational and fun way. There has been local identifi-cation of health and fitness needs in local communities by the Department of Health. Resources will include creating camp friendly curriculum out of what has already been produced by 4-H and the Department of Health.

Healthy Living at 4-H Summer Camps

March 2007 Volume 2, No. 3

Upcoming Events

March

Mar 16-18 3rd Executive Board

Mar 24 Hippology Contest

Mar 24-29 National 4-H Conference

Mar 30 State 4-H & FFA Land Judging Contest

Mar 31 State 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging Contest

April

Apr 14 State 4-H Forest Ecology Judging Contest

State 4-H WHEP Contest

State Archery and Hunting Matches

State 4-H & FFA Horse Judging Contest

Apr 21 State 4-H & FFA Meat Judging Contest

For more information on upcoming

events, visit our website at www.florida4h.org

Submitted by: Wendi Zimmerman, State Office

More info on camping - page 3

Page 2

Submitted by: Dr. Marilyn N. Norman

Florida 4-H Camping Snapshot

4-H programs across Florida are planned and conducted by County Faculty using several different delivery systems. One of the high intensity – high impact 4-H participation venues includes 4-H residential camp membership. These are youth who take part in an Extension planned educational experience of group living in the out-of-doors (includes being away from home at least one night).

In Florida 4-H, we have four rustic and wonderful facilities for counties to use throughout the year for residential experiences. Most counties use these for a four to five day experience during the summer months, but they are also available throughout the year. The four camps are administered through the State 4-H Office Camping Office. Wendi Zimmerman serves as the Programming Coordinator (.50 % of her time) and Kim Gumbiner is the Business Manager for all the four camps. County faculty plan camping experiences either individually or in clusters. In our own evaluations of what campers, volunteers, and agents believe are the valuable outcomes of 4-H camping, we have found that youth gain skills in environmental awareness, getting along with others, social interaction, and developing independence. Other skills that were developed varied from camp to camp.

Does Camping Make a Difference? In a closer look at the data collected from over 800 4-H club members in 2005 and 2006, on average, about 45% of club members participated in residential camping. Youth assess-ments of life skills did reveal slightly higher mean scores for those camping compared to those not. Club members going to camp, however, are also very active in other 4-H opportu-nities, with approximately 85% participating in county events, 65% in district and 47% in other state/national events. Again, multiple opportunities seem to provide an additive value to youth development of skills and competencies.

As we look at the results of camping programs nationally, we find that the American Camp Association has reported several important findings:

• Camps, more than some other youth programs, provide positive developmental environments for youth, especially in providing supportive relationships with adults and peers, and in skill building.

• While strengths vary by camp type and sponsor, ALL camps have the potential to provide positive experiences foundational to practicing successful life skills.

• The value of camp for campers is enhanced by attending camps in multiple summers or for sessions that are as long as practicable.

• Campers perceive safety at camp differently than adults. Directors were surprised to learn that their efforts in risk management address different safety issues than the ones that concern campers.

• Campers, other than Counselors In Training, report few opportunities for meaningful involvement in leadership and decision-making about things that matter.

The greatest challenge for all youth programs, including camps, after-school programs and schools, is to provide meaningful opportunities for youth to learn and practice life-building skills in leadership and decision-making. (American Camp Association 2003)

Additional benefits are found for those youth who are trained as cabin counselors and youth leaders.

This year as we move into American Camp Association Accreditation (a long term goal), summer staff training has already begun. Two training weekends have already occurred covering age appropriate programming, purpose and struc-ture of camp, team-building, risk management, and a host of other topics. More training is scheduled. Program Directors are working with their summer staff to bring together a good team that will be ready for each camp.

We look forward to a great summer of camping. The planning time is well worth the long-term impact on youth. With good risk management and quality programs, youth will learn and grow.

Camp locations• Timpoochee• Cherry Lake• Ocala• Cloverleaf

Florida 4-H Camping Snapshot

• 35 weeks of camp• 2050 campers• 106 volunteers• 72 faculty / staff• 26,736 meals served• 57,500 youth contact hours of

educational / recreational programs

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Summertime was made for adventures...although kids want to have fun, parents want them to get a little education to, RIGHT? Between swimming, canoeing, hiking, snorkeling, campfires and recreational games, what more could any kid ask for in an adventure?

But did you realize all these activities are also teaching youth while they have fun? With all four of our centers in Florida

offering Marine and Gator Adventures, your youth are sure to find just what they’re looking for this summer.

These centers provide a unique educational opportunity, emphasizing Florida’s ecosystems. They allow youth not only to learn, but to experience Florida’s environment first hand.

For more information on camp registration, visit our website at www.florida4h.org

STATE MARINE CAMP July 16 – 20 (Registration Deadline 7/02/07)

$210.00/week 4-H Member if balance is paid by 7/02/07

$220.00/week Non 4-H Member if balance is paid by 7/02/07

$240.00/week 4-H or Non 4-H if balance is paid between 7/03 – 7/16/07 GATOR ADVENTURES July 2-6 (Registration Deadline 6/18/07)

$210.00/week 4-H Member if balance is paid by 6/18/07

$220.00/week Non 4-H Member if balance is paid by 6/18/07

240.00/week 4-H or Non 4-H if balance is paid between 6/19 – 7/2/07 GATOR ADVENTURES July 23 - 27 (Registration Deadline 7/09/07)

$210.00/week 4-H Member if balance is paid by 7/09/07

$220.00/week Non 4-H Member if balance is paid by 7/09/07

$240.00/week 4-H or Non 4-H if balance is paid between 7/10 – 7/23/07

GATOR ADVENTURES July 16 - 20 (Registration Deadline 7/02/07)

$200.00/week 4-H Member if paid by 7/02/07

$215.00/week Non 4-H Member if paid by 7/02/07

$235.00/week 4-H or Non 4-H if paid between 7/03 – 7/16/07

GATOR ADVENTURES July 2-6 (Registration Deadline 6/18/07)

$200.00/week 4-H Member if paid by 6/18/07

$215.00/week Non 4-H Member if paid by 6/18/07

$235.00/week 4-H or Non 4-H if paid between 6/19 – 7/02/07 SHOOTING SPORTS & SPORTFISHING CAMP July 16-20 (Contact: William Hill, Polk County Ext., 863-519-8677, ext. 105)

$200/week 4-H Member

$215/week Non 4-H Member

GATOR ADVENTURES July 30 - August 3 (Registration Deadline 7/16/07)

$165.00/week 4-H Member if balance is paid by 7/16/07

$175.00/week Non 4-H Member if balance is paid by 7/16/07

$195.00 4-H / Non 4-H if balance is paid between

7/17 - 7/30/07

Duval County’s “Team Extreme” Enjoys Success at Lifesmarts Competition

Page 4

A five-member team of high school students from Jack-sonville won the State LifeSmarts Championship held recently at the Florida State Fair in Tampa.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services sponsors LifeSmarts, an innovative competition that tests students in five consumer related areas: per-sonal financial management; health and safety; the environment; technology and telecommunications; and con-sumer rights and responsibilities. The program is designed to educate young people about important issues they will face and to teach them their rights and responsibilities as consumers. The annual competition, which is held in states across the United States is conducted in a challenging, game-show format.

The winner of this year's event was the Duval County 4-H "Team Extreme." Jan Vroegindewey served as the team's coach and Georgeann Engle served as the co-coach. Team members are Abigail Vroegindewey, Chas Riggleman, Nata-lie Birchwood, Joe Engle, Caleb Vroegindewey.

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson was on hand to present the trophies and a $2,600 check to help defray the cost of attending the na-tional Lifesmarts competition being held this year in Orlando in April. The Duval 4-H Team Extreme will compete against state champions from across the United States for the na-tional title.

"The students from Duval County did a tremendous job, but all of the students who compete in the Lifesmarts event are winners because they learn so much about how to handle their finances, their health, how to protect the environment and how to be responsible consumers," Bronson said. "I am so impressed with their knowledge, and know they will be able to avoid many of the financial pitfalls many of us face when making important decisions like buying a car, a home and insurance. They can also avoid being victimized by scam artists and shoddy business practices."

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Ser-vices is the state's lead agency for consumer issues. The De-partment regulates various businesses, such as motor vehicle repair shops, health studios, telemarketers, business opportu-nities and charitable solicitors. It also serves as the state's clearinghouse for consumer complaints and operates the Consumer Helpline 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352).

The competition began in September 2006 when more than 1,400 Florida students competed online for a chance to compete for the state title in Tampa. The competition in-volved young people from public and private high schools, FFA and 4-H clubs and home-schooled students.

"High school students spend billions of dollars each year, but studies show that many lack knowledge about consumer is-sues," Bronson said. "Through the LifeSmarts program, stu-dents learn how to obtain answers to practical problems and these are skills that will last a lifetime."

The national coordinating group for the LifeSmarts program is the National Consumers League (NCL). Founded in 1899, the league is a national non-profit organization that identifies, protects, represents and advances the economic and social interests of consumers and workers through edu-cation and advocacy.

Seminole County youth also participated in the event with Duval County. To learn more about the LifeSmarts competi-tion, check out the LifeSmarts web site at http://www.800helpfla.com/lifesmarts.html.

Submitted by: Debbie Nistler, Duval County

Meet the Newest Member in the

State Office

Kristin Bird is the newest member to the 4-H state office family. She is taking over as the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs. And already, she is being put to the test barely two weeks into her tenure here. She, along with multiple members of the state staff and volunteers, worked the Tallahassee Auction Fundraiser held March 14, 2007. The auction was a great success!

You can contact Kristin at kbird@ufl.edu. Welcome aboard!

Jim Watson’s Service Remembered

Submitted by: Dr. Marilyn N. Norman, State Office

Page 5

4-H...Out of this World! Submitted by: Amanda Thien, Nassau County

District Six Council hosted Youth Adventure Weekend (Y.A.W.), formerly known as Junior Congress, February 23-24 at the beautiful Camp Ocala. The theme of this year’s program was 4-H…Out of this World. Junior and intermediate aged 4-H youth enjoyed learning about a variety of topics from their senior-aged mentors such as: parliamentary procedure, state event opportunities, Health Rocks!, marine madness, rocketry, and more. Sixty-two participants enjoyed participat-ing in get acquainted games, making crafts, campfire activities, and making new friends at this one night adventure. District 6 counties include: Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns. If your district would like to share ideas on programs similar to this, we would welcome your thoughts.

Jim Watson’s life and service as a county agent in Florida was remembered by friends and retired agents, February 26th at 4-H Camp Cherry Lake in Madison County. Fellow agents were his lifelong friends and he cherished their friendship. He held the position of County Agricultural Agent for Santa Rosa, Columbia, Lake and Duval counties for 24 years and retired in 1975. A prominent pubic servant, he was widely know. All regarded him with affection at every level. Service in World War II prepared him for responsibility and leadership in Florida Cooperative Extension Service as a county agent. His father, William L. Watson, was the first Duval County Agent. His greatest dream was fulfilled when he was appointed third agent for Duval County. A liberty ship was named for his father in 1944 to commemorate wartime work in the Florid 4-H club program. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002. His “Hi Neighbor” TV program earned the National Farm Broadcasting Award followed by the Freedom Foundation George Washington Honor Medal. Proud to have been part of the Greater Jacksonville Fair, a scholarship was established in his name by the fair for students in agriculture. Dr. Rod Clouser, former District Extension Director, said about Watson, “Jim Watson was a “giant” in Florida Cooperative Extension. His commitment to extension education, love of people, leadership in development of the Duval County Extension Office and use of the media in educating residents across the state established innovative and higher standards for Florida Extension and all who knew him.” His leadership extended to the National Association of County Agents as Southern Director for three terms. He also served the National Association as secretary-treasurer. A 1941 graduate of the University of Florida, Watson served in the South Pacific during World War II and received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Champion of Champions Winners Both 4-H and FFA members were on hand for the Champion of Champions Banquet held on February 19, 2007 at the Florida State Fair. Congratulations to all of the winners and participants for this event!

Page 6

“The Best of the Best” 6th Place ($500 Savings Bond) Sofia Annis, Sarasota 5th Place ($1000 Savings Bond) Emelia Hammond, Dade City 4th Place ($1,500 Savings Bond) Shane Gearhart, Groveland 3rd Place ($2,000 Savings Bond) Laura Conaway, Deleon Springs 2nd Place ($2,500. Savings Bond) Staci Reed, Lithia THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 1ST Place ($3000 Savings Bond) Timothy Surface, Lithia Manna Pro Scholarship Winners $1,000 Scholarship Nicole Kelley, Palm Coast $1,500 Scholarship Laura Conaway, DeLeon Springs $2,500 Scholarship Nina Guba, Groveland Pepsi Scholarship Winners ($2,500) Shawna Newsome, Riverview Timothy Surface, Lithia CHAMPION YOUTH WINNERS 4-H Dog Junior Champion Hannah Gwynn, Gainesville Intermediate Champion Brittany Coy, Ocala 4th place Senior Champion Kaydee West, Riverview 3rd place Senior Champion Wendy Shawver, Plant City 2nd place Senior Champion Molly Miller, Venice Champion Youth for Dog Show Robby Hartley, Fort Meade Youth Llama Junior Champion Phelan Stover, Tarpon Springs Intermediate Champion Taylor Norris, Lithia 4th place Senior Champion Heidi Berge, New Port Richey 3rd place Senior Champion Brittany Corbin, New Port Richey 2nd place Senior Champion Katrina Morris, New Port Richey Champion Youth for Llama Show Kaitlin Norris, Lithia Youth Rabbit Junior Champion Nathan Jameson, Lake Panasofkee Intermediate Champion Selena Farkas, Odessa 4th place Senior Champion Shelise Lientz, Plant City 3rd place Senior Champion Sara Hurst, Lutz 2nd place Senior Champion Daniella Brown, Sarasota Champion Youth for Rabbit Show Roy Thompson, Myakka City Youth Steer Intermediate Champion Adrian Land II, Branford 4th place Senior Champion Brett Crawford, Bell 3rd place Senior Champion Heath Huesman, Lake City 2nd place Senior Champion Carolina Segarra, Miami Gardens Champion Youth for Steer Show Shawna Newsome, Riverview

Youth Dairy Junior Champion Kacee Langford, Newberry Intermediate Champion Kayla Burlingame, Zephyrhills Tie - 4th Place Senior Champion Kelly Jorgensen, Bradenton Joy Burnham, Okeechobee 3rd place Senior Champion Austin Pluskot, Okeechobee 2nd place Senior Champion Jessica Langford, Trenton Champion Youth for Dairy Show Shane Gearhart, Groveland Youth Poultry Junior Champion Jacob Janota, Lakeland Intermediate Champion Selena Farkas, Odessa 4th place Senior Champion Lisa Shumac, Brandon 3rd place Senior Champion Lauren Garrison, Dover 2nd place Senior Champion Karly Vojnar, Pierson Champion Youth for Poultry Show Sofia Annis, Sarasota Youth Goat Junior Champion Timothy Hewitt, Brooksville Intermediate Champion Ashley Gleaton, Dade City 4th place Senior Champion Beth Cummings, Tampa 3rd place Senior Champion Timothy Surface, Lithia 2nd place Senior Champion Devin Bazick, Wesley Chapel Champion Youth for Goat Show Emelia Hammond, Dade City Youth Swine Junior Champion Justin Nobles, Wimauma Intermediate Champion Andrea Butts, Wimauma 4th place Senior Champion Lauren Butts, Wimauma 3rd place Senior Champion Rachel Kasson, Odessa 2nd place Senior Champion Somer Harvey, Plant City Champion Youth for Swine Show Derek Harvey, Plant City Youth Beef Junior Champion Jillian Deriso, Arcadia Intermediate Champion Amy Odom, Howey 4th place Senior Champion Kristina Schroeder, Deland 3rd place Senior Champion Nina Guba, Groveland 2nd place Senior Champion Heath Huesman, Lake City Champion Youth for Beef Show Timothy Surface, Lithia Youth Sheep Junior Champion Darby Hasting, Plant City Intermediate Champion Brittany Coleman, Plant City 4th place Senior Champion Currie Dickerson, Plant City 3rd place Senior Champion Laura Conaway, Deleon Springs 2nd place Senior Champion Marcus Farmer, Plant City Champion Youth for Sheep Show Staci Reed, Lithia

Page 7

Broward County 4-H Receives $10,000 from Staples Broward County 4-H program, a part of Broward County Extension Educa-tion, has received $10,000 from the new Staples office supply store in Pom-pano Beach. The funds will be used to support 4-H programs in Broward County.

During the grand opening of the Staples in Pompano, Store Manage Mi-chael Estela presented 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent Joe Metellus with the check after making a brief presentation about Staples being in the Pompano community.

“With the support of Staples, Broward County 4-H will be one step closer in reaching its mission in creating supportive environments to help our diverse youth and adults reach their fullest potential,” Metellus said.

Broward County 4-H was chosen because of their work in developing and implementing quality research-based educa-tional programs and partnering with other youth development agencies to focus on helping youth learn leadership, citizen-ship, and life skills. The organizations 4-H works with in Broward County include YMCA, Urban League, Broward County Parks and Recreation Division, South Florida Urban Ministries, Minority Development and Empowerment, Broward County Schools, and several home school associations.

Submitted by: Joe Metellus, Broward County

Meet the New Regional Specialized Agents Central District Hi, I believe most of you know me but I want to introduce myself to newer CEDs and 4-H Agents. I began this new phase of my career February 9, and am very excited about working with the agents in the Central District and across the state. My 19 year Extension/4-H career expands 3 counties in Florida - Clay, Duval, and Brad-ford, serving as the 4-H Youth Development Agent in Clay County, and 4-H/EFNEP Agent in Duval County. Most recently I was the CED in Bradford County as well as serving the 4-H Youth Development Agent. As for this position, I feel I bring a strong foundation of the Florida 4-H philosophy and strong organiza-tional skills. I also have an understanding of what it is like "in the trenches". These 5 positions will serve as the catalyst to move Florida 4-H ahead and help it to become one of the premier states in 4-H Youth Develop-ment. I look forward to working with each of you as we move Florida 4-H forward.

On a personal note, I have a grown son in the Navy stationed in Norfolk, VA and 3 grandchildren. In my "spare" time I like to read and travel - sometimes just sleep! I am also in the process of selling my home in Or-ange Park and relocating to Gainesville. I can be reached in 3081 McCarty Hall B or call the State 4-H Office. Hope to see you around!

-Judy Butterfield

Northwest District Thank-you IFAS faculty and staff for the very warm welcome to Florida. I moved in a snow storm from Kalamazoo, Michigan and arrived in sunny, almost hot, Florida at the end of February. I began my new position March 1, 2007. Needless to say I am very excited to be here. My background in-cludes a Crop and Soil Science degree from Michigan State University, and a Masters of Elementary Education. I have sold Agriculture Chemicals and taught middle school science and math. Fifteen years ago, I began my 4-H work in a program which targeted juvenile court youth who were incorri-gible, then moved to an urban county and worked with the traditional 4-H program.

I have a great respect and admiration for 4-H volunteers and the staff who work so diligently to make 4-H one of the greatest youth programs in the country. I am so proud to be part of that organiza-

tion, and look forward to working with the Florida 4-H faculty and staff as we progress towards our goals. My first objective is to learn about each of the Northwest District County programs’, strengths and challenges. And then, begin designing goals in which I can assist and support the faculty to expand and strengthen the 4-H program. I will also be serving on statewide teams which focus on programming and curriculum. Please contact me at kelley1@ufl.edu or 850-567-4680.

-Kelley Hiemstra

Thank you to our contributors: State office: Michael Andreu (School of Forest Resources and Conserva-tion), Judy Butterfield, Kim Gumbiner, Kelley Hiemstra, Daniel Meyers, Dr. Marilyn Norman, and Wendi Zimmerman County offices: Joe Metellus (Broward County), Vickie Mullins (Santa Rosa County); Debbie Nistler (Duval County), Amanda Thien (Nassau County)

Design and Layout Laura Lok, Public Relations Coordinator

Editors Dr. Marilyn N. Norman, State 4-H Leader;

Daniel Meyers, State 4-H Events Coordinator

4-H Quick Hits

Do you have an idea or story you’d like to share? E-mail Laura Lok at lclok@ufl.edu and let your voice be heard!

The Forest Ecology and WHEP Contest will be held April 14, 2007, at the Austin Cary Memorial Forest in Gainesville. Registration Materials are due in the State 4-H Office by March 30, 2007.

Check-in will be from 8:30 to 9:00 AM; the contest will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. For Forest Ecology three age groups will follow the new Florida 4-H categories. Youth will compete in teams of up to 4 individuals at the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels. For WHEP there are two youth divisions, the jun-ior/intermediate division and senior division. A team consists of no less than three and no more than four official entrants who are members of Florida 4-H.

A joint Awards Ceremony will be held after contest and when scoring is completed. We anticipate this will be between 1:30 and 3:00 PM. Guided hikes and Project Learning Tree activities will be offered between the conclusion of the competition and the awards ceremony.For more information and registration materials check www.florida4h.org.

Forest Ecology and WHEP Contest

On February 26, 2007, Camp Cherry Lake was the site for the ribbon cutting of a new multi-purpose building. Thank you to the Florida Rural Rehabilitation Corporation for their assistance in the funding of this new building!

Camp Cherry Lake Ribbon Cutting

June 25-29, 2007

Did You Know: Florida 4-H Legislature was recognized in 2006 as a National Program of Distinction thanks to the efforts of Dr. Marilyn Lesmeister. To read more about this distinction, visit http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm, click on the searchable database towards the bottom, then type in Florida. Want to Know More: Visit www.florida4h.org for more information. Registration will be available online March 19.

4-H Legislature Preview

Welaka 4-H Horsemanship School DATES: June 3-8, June 10-15, June 17-22, June 24-29 DISCIPLINES: Each week will have instructors in both English and Western riding. Beginning, intermediate and advanced classes will be offered. Trail and speed events will also be covered. LOCATION: Welaka State Forest — just south of Palatka, Florida. EXPENSES: $280 — includes all meals, snacks, t-shirts, lodging, sta-bling, and over 30 hours of instruction for the week. You will need to provide your own feed and hay. Bedding for the horses is provided. AGE REQUIREMENTS: Youth between the ages of 11 and 18 (as of September 1, 2006) are able to participate. ACCOMMODATIONS: Bunk-house camping. You will need your own linens, but the cabins are air conditioned so you can cool off after a hard day in the saddle. For more information, visit www.florida4h.org.