4-H Recipe Rally

The Texas 4-H & Youth Development Program and the 4-H Healthy Lifestyles Advisory Board are pleased to offer intermediate and senior age 4-H members the opportunity to participate in the 4-H Recipe Rally. 4-H members are challenged with creating a recipe and submitting a video, via YouTube, of them demonstrating the preparation of the recipe. Example videos can be viewed at: http://healthyliving.tamu.edu. All entries are individual; no team entries will be accepted. There are various deadlines, which are:

• Group 1 - November 30ths - Midnight

• Group 2 - January 31^st - Midnight

• Group 3 - March 31^st - Midnight

A winner will be announced for each group. Winners from each "group" will then be invited to compete in the 4-H Recipe Rally on Tuesday, June 14^th at the 2011 Texas 4-H Roundup, where the three finalists will provide a live demonstration (open to the public) using the same recipe and judging criteria to a panel of judges.

More details about the Recipe Rally are available in the 2011 Texas 4-H Roundup Rules and Guidelines as well as the Texas 4-H Website (http://texas4-h.tamu.edu) on the Healthy Lifestyles Program Page.

Discover Scientific Method Poster Contest

SET is back in 2011! After getting the SET Poster Competition established in 2011, coordinators are looking forward to even more participants as youth compete for $1,000 Scholarships. For more information on how to get involved in this great opportunity visit the link listed below.

Website for Resources - click on the link

Lone Star Cattleman Foundation - Fundraiser

“The Lone Star Cattlemen Foundation is established on the principle of rewarding Texas students for outstanding performance and personal dedication. Through the participation in livestock show youth auctions, the mission of the Foundation is to give financial support to countless students as they pursue their dreams of higher education. We hope to foster an appreciation for hard work as a means to a successful end.” ~ Foundation's Mission Statement

One of their major fundraisers this year is a state-wide PRIZE GIVEAWAY that will benefit every youth participant. As a county 4-H program, they are asking us to help support their fundraiser by selling as many prize tickets as possible. Each ticket will sell for $5. Prizes include:

• 2011 DODGE RAM TRUCK
  
• KAWASAKI FOUR WHEELER
  
• $1,500 GIFT CARD TO CABELA’S

Travis County 4-H will be doing it's part to assist in the efforts of this fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds will also go back into our county program so it is a win/win for all involved.

Please contact Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu or John or JJRiegler@ag.tamu.edu to pick up your tickets today.

4-H has Talent!

Do you have what it takes to be a star? Have you always pictured yourself performing on the “Big Stage?” If so, the 2011 Texas 4-H Roundup 4-H Has Talent Competition is for you. Get the chance to show your skills on stage in front of nearly 3,000 fellow 4-Hers, parents/volunteers, and 4-H faculty. So sing a song, do a dance, tell a joke or just do something unusual!

• Submit Youtube videos to Kyle Merten (kjmerten@ag.tamu.edu)
• Entries must be received by April 1, 2011
• For complete details please visit the following site: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/roundup/index.php
  

State 4-H Volunteer Recognition

Each year, the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program provides awards and recognition for various individuals and groups that provide support to the 4-H program. All awards are presented at the Salute to Excellence Banquet on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at Texas 4-H Roundup. The Salute to Excellence Banquet will be held during the lunch hour at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, located adjacent to the George Bush Presidential Library.

If you are interested in nomination an individual or group, check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com. Look under the tab "4-H Events"

Applications may be obtained by emailing Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu. and will be due by February 25th.

Howard County Lamb and Goat Camps

For youth and adults interested in learning more about the lamb and goat projects. A camp is being held in Howard County, for each species. Check out the flyers at www.travis4h.com, look under the tab "4-H Livestock and Animal Information"

MISSION POSSIBLE MENTORS

Looking for a true Service Learning project? One that you can walk away from knowing you learned something and that you also had an opportunity to serve others? Apply now to be a Mentor for the 4-H Conference Center's Mission Possible Camp. Mission Possible is an inclusive camp for youth with and without disabilities. 4-H Mentors are partnered with youth with special needs, to be their buddy, to help where needed and to experience camp with them. Mentors will complete some on-line training modules prior to camp and then carry out their service during Camp. Mentors arrive at the 4-H Center on July 5 for a face-to-face training and team building workshop and then the campers arrive on July 6. Camp concludes July 8, 3:00 p.m.

Check out the link below to read more information about becoming a mentor.

http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu/summer_camps_&_programs/Mentor%20Application%20Packet%202011.pdf

Google Global Science Fair

http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair/index.html - Google is looking for the brightest, best young scientists from around the world to submit interesting, creative projects that are relevant to the world today.

Welcome

Welcome to the Google Science Fair! Google is looking for the brightest young scientists from around the world to submit interesting, creative projects that are relevant to the world today.

Who can enter?

The competition is open to students aged 13 to 18 from around the world working on their own or in a team of two or three. For more details, visit the Science Fair Rules page.

How to enter

• If you don't already have one, create a Google Account. You will need a Google Account to complete the sign up form.
• Complete the Google Science Fair sign up form. After you submit the form, you will see an important link on the confirmation page. This link will create the Google project submission site where you will post your science fair project details. Signed up but can’t find the link? Click here to create your Google project submission site.
• Plan your science project, conduct your experiment, and write up your results.
• Complete all of the sections of your Google project submission site (see sample project submission site).
• Create either a two-minute video or 20-slide presentation giving an overview of your project and embed it on the Summary page of your project submission. A video or presentation is required to enter.
• When your project site is done, make sure to submit it via this form by 4 April 2011.

Detailed instructions and tips for building your project submission can be found in the Resources section of this website.

Fashion Show and Fashhion Storyboard Contest

February 24, 2011 - Senior Fashion Show and Fashion Storyboard Contest

(the Junior and Intermediate contest was moved to the summer - be thinking ahead if this is something you would like to do)

4:00 p.m at the Travis County Extension Office

If you are a senior 4-H member and are interested in participating in the Fashion Show, there are two divisions with four categories (choose one division and one category)
Construction - Casual, Dressy Formal and Specialty
Buying -Casual, Dressy, Formal and Specialty

For more information on this contest, check out the following website
http://fcs.tamu.edu/clothing/4h/packet/index.php
Email Cory with additional questions: cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu

Fashion Storyboard - For those interested in drawing and design and a potential career in Fashion, check out the Travis 4-H Website for more information on this contest.

Horse Validation Paperwork

If you plan to participate in the District (10) Horse Show and/or the State 4-H Horse Show you will need to the complete the Horse Validation Paperwork and submit it the Travis County Extension office by Friday, April 29, 2011. The forms may be found at www.travis4h.com - look under the tab "4-H Livestock and Animal Information"

County Roundup Contest

If you are interested in preparing a speech on a given topic or demonstrating what you have learned in your 4-H projects, please look over the County Roundup Contest information. There is also a contest for those who have a talent to share; singing, dancing, reciting poetry or playing an instrument. The contest information flyer and the registration form is posted at www.travis4h.com (look under the tab - 4-H Events). The county contest will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the Travis County Extension Office.

For additional questions, please contact Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu

Soldiers Angels Community Service Project

Alexis Eller of Creedmoor 4-H is coordinating a community service effort for Soldier's Angels. This project is dedicated to helping military families with infants and those expecting. The first ever baby shower is being sponsored at Fort Hood and donations are being accepted for the following items: diapers, baby wipes, baby clothes, diaper bags, bottles, baby blankets , hypo-allergenic lotions/shampoo/baby wash, gift cards (Target, Babies R Us, Wal-Mart - gift cards will be used to purchase gifts needed for the shower) and anything else you think a new mother could use.

Items may be dropped off at the Travis County Extension Office - 1600 B Smith Road or you may contact Alexis's Mom (Kim) at 512-470-5439.

For more information please check out the flyer at travis4h.com (look under the tab "4-H Events - towards the bottom listed under Community Service Opportunities)

State Wide Community Service Project

The Texas 4-H State Council has coordinated a state-wide community service project to provide monetary donations to support the Breedlove Foods Inc. located in Lubbock. For more information on this organization please visit the following website; Breedlove.org. The Travis County 4-H Council voted to assist in this project and decided to take the tabs that are collected between January 25th - May 1st, 2011 and use the money that will be received to donate to the organization. Anyone is eligible to make a monetary donation at any time. If you choose to do that, please write a check to Travis 4-H and in the memo section, indicate that the donation is for Breedlove Foods.

FCS Advisory Committee Meeting

If you would like the opportunity to take part in the planning process for some of the summer activities, please join Cory for the FCS Advisory Committee Meeting. We will meet on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 6:30 p.m at the Extension Office (1600 B Smith Rd. Be thinking of ideas for activities and programs that relate to the Food and Nutrition, Clothing and Textiles and Consumer Education projects. Please email Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu if you plan to attend the meeting.

Travis County Extension office - MOVE

I wanted to provide all of you an update that the Travis County Extension Office (4-H Office) is officially moving back to our old home. The move will start to take place on Wednesday, January 12th. Please be patient with us as we work to get settled in at the old location and especially since this move fell during the week of the Travis County Youth Show. Starting Tuesday, January 18th, if you need to come to our office for any reason, you can find us at:

Travis County AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd
Austin, 78721

Open Casting Calls - 4-H Members and Families

A movie will soon begin production on the life of Richard Wallrath (Foundation/Scholarship Donor) in the Austin area. They are having a casting call this weekend, Sunday, January 9th from 10 am to 4 pm

Information is listed below

PAID Speaking Roles and Background Extras
For the movie - DEEP IN THE HEART
Sunday 1/09/2011 from 10am to 4pm

Austin Studios – The Red Building
1901 E. 51st
Austin, TX 78723

This feature film is to be shot in and around Austin. We are looking for men, women, babies, kids and teens of all ages and ethnicities, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

ALL POSITIONS PAID!

For more information please email brockallencasting@gmail.com
If you are unable to attend our open call, please email for alternate registration.

4-H Day at the Texas State Capitol

The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program is excited to update you all on an opportunity for youth to become engaged in the civic process. On Wednesday, February 2, 2011 Texas 4-H will host the first "4-H Day at the Texas Capitol." This event will allow our 4-H members from the ages of 8 to 18 to visit with their Representative and Senator, as well as being part of the 4-H delegation as our 4-H and Youth Development Program is recognized in both of the House and Senate Chambers.

The event will start with registration in the Capitol Extension (room to be announced once confirmed) and then move to either the House of Senate chamber for our first recognition. After that recognition the delegation will move to the other chamber. This educational process will allow our youth (and adults) to observe the procedural opening that our legislators participate in on a daily basis, as well as showing our legislators the support they have from the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and 4-H.

After the morning recognition events, the group will enjoy a catered BBQ meal at the historic Saengerrunde Hall located on San Jacinto Street (2 blocks from Capitol). During the lunch, one of our state leaders will address the group and talk about the Texas legislature and the issues that will be so important to our state, as well as the 4-H Program during the 2011 Legislative Session. We will also distribute tokens of appreciation to delegations for them to present to their Representatives and Senators as they visit offices in the afternoon. The day will conclude with 4-H members visiting the offices of their Representative and/or Senator for a brief visit and to present them with a token of 4-H's appreciation for supporting the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the 4-H Program.

Each registration will include a long-sleeve "4-H Day at the Capitol" t-shirt, BBQ lunch, and other registration materials. Registration is $25.00 per person and it will be conducted on-line through 4-H CONNECT from January 3rd to 21st.

If you are interested in registering, please do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions about this day, please contact Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu or John at JJRiegler@ag.tamu.edu

Texas Brigages Summer Camp Registration

Registration for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service's Texas Brigades camps this summer has begun.

Youth are taught leadership skills and natural resources conservation at Texas Brigades camps scattered across the state, said Dr. Dale Rollins, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at San Angelo and the camp concept's originator.

Rollins said each camp is limited to 20-30 students from ages 13-17.

"The camps are designed to develop life skills such as critical thinking and team building through fun and interesting activities that focus on a particular species of wildlife," Rollins said.

"As I reflect on my career, the dividends I've witnessed from the Brigades camps are not only professionally rewarding, but they also stoke my fires daily to push for conservation education," he said. "And I believe those same sentiments apply to each and every one of the 100 or so volunteers who assist with the various camps.

"A lot of high school students aspire to find a career in wildlife management, but the field has always been highly competitive," Rollins added. "Participation in the Brigade camps offers them a chance to get not only a taste for such careers, but also to develop a network of contacts who can help them achieve their career goals. The Brigades network is one big family."

The camp dates and locations are:

- 12th Battalion South Texas Buckskin Brigade - Carrizo Springs, June 5-9.

- 19th Battalion Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade - Coleman, June 18-22.

- 14th Battalion South Texas Bobwhite Brigade - Campbellton, June 26-30.

- 6th Battalion Bass Brigade - Santa Anna, July 11-15. - 10th Battalion North Texas Buckskin Brigade - Albany, July 17-21.

"Parents love the program," said Helen Holdsworth, San Antonio-based Texas Brigades executive director. "They appreciate the level of education offered by the wildlife and natural resource professionals, as well as the challenges presented to the participants. We offer a high-quality, unique experience for the students.

"We receive many positive reports back from cadets and parents about the Brigades," Holdsworth said. "One father sent an email to Dr. Rollins."

Holdsworth said the father wrote: "For two summers, now, I have seen how these kids become very passionate about wildlife and conservation. And I have seen firsthand how my own son has grown as a person as well, thanks to y'all."

In another correspondence Holdsworth mentioned, Charlie Neuendorff of Fayetteville wrote, "The camp was life changing; it was the best experience of my life. I made wonderful friends, and I am excited to hopefully see them next year when we all return as Assistant Covey Leaders."

The camps are a partnership effort of the AgriLife Extension, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, several universities, conservation groups, local soil and water conservation districts, private businesses and individuals with an interest in wildlife and youth leadership development.

Tuition is $400 per cadet per camp, but Rollins said sponsors are available to provide financial aid when needed.

"We're also always looking for highly motivated adults from 20 to 60 years of age who are willing to serve as 'covey school' or 'herd' leaders," Rollins said. "They'll get a one-of-a-kind intensive workshop in the game species they choose. But even better, they'll get a full helping of appreciation and optimism about today's youth and what a powerful impact they can have on conservation."

Applications may be completed online or downloaded at http://www.texasbrigades.org.

National Ag Essay Contest

The Agriculture Council of America has announced the National Ag Day Essay Contest for 2011. This theme for this year is American Agriculture: Your Food. Your Farmer. Students (grades 9-12) are invited to submit an original, 450-word essay or a two-minute video essay about the importance of agriculture. The national written essay winner and video essay winner will each receive a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 15, 2011 at the USDA. The deadline to apply is February 4, 2011. Visit www.agday.org or www.hpj.com/agdayessay to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.

The theme – “American Agriculture: Your Food. Your Farmer.” – presents an opportunity for students to address how the agriculture industry continues to feed a growing population. Entrants may choose to either write an essay and/or create a video that acknowledges the many ways today’s growers are providing a safe, stable food supply and sustaining the significant role agriculture plays in everyday life.

All written entries should be sent to: Ag Day Essay Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, or submitted by email to essay@agday.org . Students may upload video essays at http://agday.leapfile.net and follow the directions on the page, or students may choose to mail video entries to the address above on a compact disc. Visit www.agday.org or www.hpj.com/agdayessay to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.

The Entry Application and Rules are attached to this email. You may also find more information at: http://www.hpj.com/agdayessay/ or view the press release at: http://www.agday.org/media/pr4.php.

Lamb and Goat Shearing for TCYS

The following opportunity has been made possible through 4-H CAPITAL

If you will be exhibiting lambs and/or goats at the Travis County Youth Show and would like the opportunity to have your animals professionally sheared, you may want to take advantage of the the shearing being offered. The dates and times are as follows:

January 12th - 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.
January 13th - 9:00 a.m. - 12: 00 noon and 1:00p.m - 4:00 p.m.

$12.00 per head of animal that needs to be sheared
This will take place at the Travis County Expo Center.

If you have any questions, please let us know.