Maintenance and Server Upgrades to Website

Several items were posted to the 4-H Website over the last two weeks. Due to some maintenance/server upgrades, those items will not appear when you look for them. The items will appear sometime around January 9th. An update to the Blog and Facebook Page will be made to announce that the items are available for viewing.

2012 State Photogrpahy Guidelines

Posted on the link below are the 2012 State 4-H Photography Contest Guidelines.
Photography Rules and Guidelines

These guidelines and rules are for the Senior aged 4-H members. Any senior aged member interested in entering this contest must submit their jpeg images to Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu. Travis County 4-H is allowed to send one photo per class, so all photos must be submitted for a county judging by Friday, March 23, 2012.

Senior Fashion Show

Information for the Senior Fashion Show has been posted to the 4-H Website:
Fashion Show Information

County Roundup Contest

Information about the County Roundup Contest is posted on the 4-H Website:
Information and Registration Form

If you have any questions about the event, call Cory or email at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu 

Star of Texas Calf Scramble

The 2012 Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo Calf Scramble has a new twist, it has converted to an Ultimate Scramble Championship. Online entries begin January 15, 2012. More information may be found at the following website: Star of Texas - Ultimate Scramble Championship

Dog Show Information

For those interested in the dog project, information has been added to the website under the tab:
"4-H Livestock and Animal Information" - check it out on the following link - Dog Show Information

2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest

From the movement of Hurricane Irene up the east coast of the United States to images of the receding ice in polar regions, scientists and decision-makers rely upon satellites and other observing instruments to understand the extent and impact of environmental changes. These tools are offered to the public with ever increasing accessibility, turning people into citizen scientists.

The 2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, held by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, provides high school students (grades 9-12) with the opportunity to conduct innovative research on our changing planet and win cash prizes for their efforts. Students must demonstrate the best uses of the latest geospatial tools and data to study the Earth.

Entries can be submitted by individuals or teams. Cash awards will be given to the top three projects -- $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. In the case of team entries, the cash award will be split equally among the winning team members. Winners also will be featured in an Encyclopedia of Earth article.

In addition to the student prizes, teachers of the first-, second- and third-place students or teams will receive a $200 amazon.com gift card. If participation is part of an after-school club or other activity independent of school, the student or team can identify an adult "coach" who would be eligible for this award (e.g., a parent, club leader, etc.).

Entries must be received by April 16, 2012. IGES plans to announce the winning entries by May 23, 2012.    

Eligible geospatial tools and data include satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). The main focus of the project must be on the application of the geospatial tool(s) or data to study a problem related to Earth's environment.

Geospatial tools and data have numerous uses in science research, ranging from climate prediction to archaeology. They can be used to improve our understanding of Earth systems, including interactions within and among the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere. They also can be used to improve the quality of our lives by supporting weather prediction, natural hazards monitoring, agriculture, land-use planning, coastal management, transportation, public health, emergency response and other fields.

The Thacher Environmental Research Contest (formerly the Thacher Scholars Award) was founded in honor of former IGES board member Peter Thacher, who was a leader in promoting the use of satellite remote sensing. Thacher was former deputy executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, NASA advisor and, at the time of his death, president of the Earth Council Foundation/U.S.

For more information on the 2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, including a list of resources for geospatial data, please visit www.strategies.org/ThacherContest.

4-H Dog Project Certification Form

Youth who are interested in participating in the dog project and think they might enter the State 4-H Dog Show, a certification form must be completed for your dog. The form may be found on the following link:


4-H Dog Project Certification Form

The form is due in the extension office by January 10th.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Photography Contest

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo conducts a photography contest in conjunction with the horticulture contests. The photos for this contest must be related to horticulture and the theme so check out the rules and guidelines. Click here to learn more: HLSR Photo Contest Rules and Guidelines

Message from Texas 4-H State Council

Howdy Texas 4-Hers!

Your Texas 4-H State Council would first like to say how excited and honored we are to be serving you this year.  One of the biggest projects we are working on is Texas 4-H Roundup 2012!  We have so many fun and exciting surprises in store for 4-H this year.  Our goal as your 4-H State Council is to serve you, create new experiences, and make the best better.  Because 4-H is growing and creating new experiences this year, especially in the area of State Roundup we as a council created a motto we would like to share with you.  “A new team, a new experience…it’s history in the making!” As 4-Hers across Texas you create and inspire those new experiences, helping to make history every day.  As fellow 4-Hers we look forward to making history with you.

Texas 4-H Roundup will be June 11- 15, 2012 at Texas Tech University.  This is a new and adventurous opportunity in which both Senior and Intermediate 4-Hers are invited to participate.  Whether it is through a qualifying event for Seniors, Invitational workshops for all ages or just the other fun events Roundup is going to be great this year!  We have a couple of exciting updates for you....  First, Aaron Watson will be performing at Roundup this year on Thursday night so mark it on your calendars.  Also, the annual trade show will be coming to Roundup with all of its former goodies and then some. 

Look for more updates on the 4-H State Council and Roundup 2012 right here or online via our facebook page 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/2012-Texas-4-H-Roundup/315843191775648 and the Teas 4-H Roundup website:  http://texas4-h.tamu/youth/roundup/index.php .

“To Make the Best Better.”

Your 2012 Texas 4-H Council

Recordbook Workshop in Bastrop County

In case you missed the workshop in Travis County on December 12th, you have an opportunity to attend one in Bastrop on January 17th:

String Prairie Catholic Church Hall

6:30 p.m.  

String Prairie Catholic Church Hall is located at St Mary’s Road (or County Road 289), off Highway 304, about 2 miles south of Rosanky.  The address is 100 St. Mary’s Road, Rosanky, Texas. Signs will be posted at the turn offs. 

Please RSVP to the Bastrop County Office by January 13th if you plan to attend.
Click the link for the map: Map to Workshop

Buidling Your 4-H Resume Workshop

Are you looking for ways to "build" your 4-H resume or learning how to become more involved?
Are you unsure of how you should dress for a particular event?

On December 28, Cory will help answer those questions and provide information for becoming more involved in 4-H. The workshop will start at 10:00 a.m.and will try to conclude around 12:00 noon. This will take place at the Extension Office.

Please RSVP to John Riegler at JJRiegler@ag.tamu.edu by December 23rd for those who plan to attend.
Check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com

Food Drive at Rabbit Validation

Just as with the previous validations, a food drive for the Manor ISD Food Pantry will be held in conjunction with Rabbit Validation on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Lanier High School. For those who may not be at the validation, but would like to contribute to this worthy cause, food items may be dropped off the extension office.
Check out the flyer -Food Drive at Rabbit Validation

2012 Teen Retreat

Who? Senior age 4-H members, 13-19 and Adult sponsors
Why? Develop leadership skills through workshops and hands-on learning experiences
How? Register on 4-H Center website between Nov 1 and Dec 30
Cost? Registration includes 2 nights lodging, 4 meals, snacks and all program supplies.
Youth $105, Adults $70
$90 Chaperone fee if County does not provide Chaperone

Link to Teen Retreat Information!

Gift the Gift of Camp Registrations!

This year Texas 4-H Conference Center is offering a special registration for anyone who would like to offer the gift of camp to their favorite camper!

Camps give kids courage, confidence and character that toys, games and clothes just can't. By giving the Gift of Camp you are investing in your child's learning and growth. Simply CLICK HERE to register for next season and your confirmation email will include a custom gift certificate to give for the holidays.

Give the Gift of Camp and give an experience a child in your life is not soon to forget!

Warm regards,

Darlene Locke
Texas 4-H Conference Center

Academic Eligibility Forms - TCYS and Fort Worth

For the youth participating in the Travis County Youth Show or the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. the academic eligibility forms are posted on the 4-H Website.
Travis4h.com

The two forms are due January 9th to the extension office. A form is required for each 4-H participant per each event.

If you have any questions regarding this, please ask John or Cory.

Bowie-Austin FFA Lamb and Goat Show

Check out the flyer at :
http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/files/2010/06/Bowie-FFA-PROSPECT-SHOW-FLYER.pdf

Recordbook Workshop - December 12th

Recordbooks have changed for the 2011-2012 4-H year! A workshop is being conducted on Monday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office. If you want to get a jump start and find out about the new recordkeeping system and preview what they will look like, please attend! You are welcome to bring a laptop.

If you have completed books in the past, you will definitely want to attend so that you will be up to speed with the changes.