West Texas Youth Veterinary Science Project

The West Texas Youth Veterinary Science Workshop will be held June 2-6 at the Tom Green County 4-H Center in San Angelo.

The event is open to all Texas youth, but enrollment is limited to 30 students, early registration is advised. Individual registration is $360.

Course topics will include: zoology, toxicology, parasitology, anatomy, nutrition, first aid, livestock health management, large and small animal practice, horse science and more. The workshop will include classroom study, lab work and field trips.

Participants must be of high school age, have an interest in veterinary science and be willing to work in teams.

Applications are now available and must be submitted to the AgriLife Extension office in Sutton County by May 10. Participants will be informed of their acceptance by May 17. Applications are available from any AgriLife Extension county office or by visiting http://sutton.agrilife.org .

Send applications to: AgriLife Extension Office-Sutton County. P.O. Box 1047, Sonora, TX 76950.

For more information, call the AgriLife Extension office in Sutton County at 325-387-3101

Equine Ambassador Program

We are excited to announce the 2013 Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Program application process is open.

On August 11-15, 2013, the Statewide Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Leadership Program will be held in Gainesville, Texas at the Lone Oak Retreat, http://loneoakretreat.com .   This event encourages young people in 4-H to develop leadership skills and improve their understanding of the equine industry.  The goal of the program is to enable these young people to develop abilities that will make them leaders in tomorrow’s horse industry.

Participation is open to all districts of the state.   Participation is open to 4-H youth ages 14-17 years of age with a genuine interest in the equine industry.  

Application process is currently open  Apply Online @the following link: EQUINE AMBASSADOR APPLICATION  through April 30. The maximum number of 4-H Equine ambassadors will be 30.   These participants will be chosen by the Texas AgriLife Equine Ambassador Committee. Application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.  Applicants will be notified of their acceptance before registration opens on 4-H Connect  June 1. 

The cost of the school will be $250.00 per participant.  This will include meals, lodging and all materials.  Students will not be allowed to stay elsewhere. 

Please contact Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu for more information if you are interested. 

2013 National 4-H Congress

For more than eighty-five years 4-H members from the great state of Texas have been participating in National 4-H Congress. This event is the one of the oldest and most prestigious events that youth between the ages of 14 to 19 can participate in during their 4-H career.

National 4-H Congress allows 4-H members from more than 45 states to come together in Atlanta, Georgia and participate in leadership, citizenship, and culture experiences that they would not be able to participate in back in their state 4-H program.  In addition to the diverse range of workshops offered, 4-H members have the opportunity to hear some of the country's most outstanding speakers in leadership and motivation.  It truly is an event that can change your life!

Landon Woods, 4-H member from Hale County had the opportunity to attending in 2011 as a delegate and then was selected as a National 4-H Congress Design Team member in 2012.  Below is a brief comment from Landon about his opportunity to participate.

My time at National 4-H Congress made me reflect on how great it is to serve others and how important it is, to be a part

of someth

ing bigger than myself! 

Being a part of 4-H, the largest youth organization in the world, has challenged me as an individual and as a productive citizen in our society and as I said before, my time spent at the 2011 and 2012 National 4-H Congress "put the icing on the cake" for my 4-H career and I wouldn't trade the things that I learned or the people that I met for the world. I would highly recommend National 4-H Congress to anyone, it is one of those things that you will never regret and remember forever!

If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age and would like to participate in National 4-H Congress please check out the Texas 4-H - National 4-H Congress website for more information about applying and participating.  Deadline to submit an application is April 16, 2013, so there is plenty of time for you to apply and make a difference in your life!

Texas Pony of Americas 4-H Essay Contest

Texas Pony of Americas Club is pleased announce the 2013 Win A POA 4-H Essay Contest. This is a statewide 4-H contest open to registered Texas 4-H club members between the ages of 9 (or entered in the third grade) and 16 as of August 31. The purpose of this contest is to acquaint 4-H members with the Pony of the Americas breed, horse ownership and care in general. The winner will receive a registered POA, halter and lead rope, a Junior Membership for a year in the Texas POA Club, and various other donated prizes.

“Texas POA is very excited and pleased to offer this contest to Texas 4-H members.  We have a well-bred and gorgeous yearling POA filly donated by Texas POA Hall of Fame Member, Norm Stevenson. She is a nice mover and some kid is going to be very proud to own her,” said Texas POA President LaRena Phillips.

The 4-H filly’s barn name is Clover and she is papered through the National Pony of Americas Club under the name DNS Spanish Cover Girl. Clover was foaled in March 2012 and is by the AQHA stallion Last Spanish Array and out of RPR’s Kidos Cover Girl.  Clover is sorrel with a big white blanket with spots. She is currently being fitted and taught ground manners by the Lone Oak 4-H Club members.

In order to enter the contest, 4-Hers must complete an essay, questionnaire and something creative, as well as provide a letter of recommendation from their 4-H leader. Deadline to enter the competition is June 15, 2013. Please log onto the club’s website at www.texaspoa.com  or call 4-H Essay Coordinator Julie Hinz at 972-483-7774 or email hinzjulie@hotmail.com for a complete set of rules and entry form.

Leadership Live - Women in Leadership

We have officially scheduled our next LEADERSHIP LIVE session. It will be Monday, May 13th, 7 pm - with a theme of "Women in Leadership."


Check out the flyer for more information - Click here

TJLA Camp and Educational Program Opportunities

Attention Livestock Community! One of most frequent questions we get is: where to go for quality hands-on training and education. Well then, here you go. On May 3-5 at the Brazos County Expo Center in Bryan is the annual TJLA Camp and Show. For years now the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has joined forces with the TJLA to provide comprehensive education to families thirsty for expert knowledge and livestock project management techniques.

Many youth in 4-H and FFA also take advantage of the educational programs, activities, and publications provided by the TJLA.  There are many advantages to being members of all these groups including this previously mentioned camp.  Livestock shows, educational workshops, and camps, all offer family time and the ability to make memories that last a lifetime through livestock projects.To learn more about these TJLA educational opportunities, take advantage of their membership drive happening right now!  Contact them at their office at 936/544-2787.

2013 4-H Volunteer Conference

The Texas 4-H & Youth Development Program is pleased to announce plans for the 2013 4-H Volunteer Conference, which is scheduled for July 12-14 in Plano, TX. The conference will kick-off with a dinner and general session on Friday, July 12th at the District 4 Research & Extension Center, which will include a keynote speaker, as well as greetings and updates from Dr. Chris Boleman and Dr. Doug Steele. Workshops will take place all day Saturday (8 am - 5 pm) and Sunday morning (8 am - 12 pm) at the Plano Center in Plano, TX.

A conference promotional flier can be found here.

Teen Take on Health Video Challenge

Teens who are ages 13-19 and have in interest in health, take a look at this Health Video Challenge;
Click here to check out the rules!

4-H and FFA Night at Round Rock Express Game

May 23rd - First Annual 4-H and FFA night at the Dell Diamond. Check out the flyer for more details - Click Here

Purple Up Event T-shirt Orders

     April marks the nation’s “Month of the Military Child,” a time to honor youth who have parents that serve in the military. In celebration, Texas Operation: Military Kids (OMK), part of the 4-H Youth Development program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, invites you to join us for the 3rd annual “Purple Up! For Military Kids.”

       We are encouraging everyone across the state of Texas to wear purple on Monday, April 15th, as a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue. OMK hopes everyone will take this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate these young heroes.
 
A Purple Up t-shirt was designed for this years event.  The t-shirts must be placed in a bulk order, due to shipping restrictions. For those who would like to order a shirt, please send your money to John by April 1st, (it must physically be in the office). Shirts at $12.00 each.

Summer Camping Opportunities

The Texas 4-H Conference Center offers several summer camping opportunities for youth. Check out the flyer for more information. Click here to see the flyer.

2013 Purple Up Event

Attached is our flyer for the 2013 Purple Up! initiative. Though we will be celebrating military youth all April long, we ask that you choose to wear anything purple on April 15th (a Monday) as a way to honor all military youth from every branch! We encourage widespread participation in this event - ask your 4-H or school clubs to join in, businesses, local government offices, anyone! Please take pictures of you or your group (or if you decorated a store window for Purple Up!). Send any photos to Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu 

Click here to check out the flyer.

2013 Volunteer Conference - Call for Proposals

The 2013 4-H Volunteer Conference Planning Team is pleased to announce a call for workshop proposals. Volunteers, CEAs, Specialists and external professionals are invited to submit a prposal to present a workshop at the conference, which is scheduled for July 12-14 in Plano, TX. Educational workshops should be geared toward volunteers and organized to equip them with knowledge, resources and tools to take back to their county and 4-H clubs.

All proposals are due by April 15th. Presenters will be notified by mid-May of their selection. Please share this opportunity with volunteers in your county. For more information about the conference and to submit a proposal, visit the conference website at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/volunteer_conference.

2013 D-10 Leadership Lab

Hey 4-Hers! This year, go AROUND THE WORLD  with 4-H at District 10 Leadership Lab!
Leadership Lab will be at the Texas 4-H Conference Center in Brownwood! Registration will be on 4-H Connect from May 1st to the 31st, and there will NO late registration. So pack your bags, grab your passport and get ready to take a trip around the world with 4-H!

Who: 4-H members who at 13 years old by June 24th and have not graduated.
When:  JUNE 24-26, 2013
Where:  Texas 4-H Center (Brownwood)
Cost: $200 for kids. This expense will cover all meals, room, t-shirt and fees. This fee, does NOT cover transportation, so be sure to coordinate with your fellow 4-Hers and agent for travel.

Click Here to Check Out the Flyer

Fashion Storyboard Workshop

If you plan to participate, you need to register on the Google Form at the link below.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dHdrdXNHLXI2OGhWbG52SjM0QkVNR2c6MQ

If you enjoy being creative and like to design clothes, accessories or various other items, then join us for the Fashion Storyboard Workshop -

Wednesday, March 13th
Travis County Extension Office -
10:00 am to 12 noon
Cost is $5.00 for 4-H members and $15.00 for non 4-H members.


Click here for more information and to check out the flyer.

Texas 4-H Tweet Up - Foods and Nutrition Project

The 4-H & Youth Development Program will host a Tweet-Up on Thursday, March 21st from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. The topic will be FOODS & NUTRITION! Specials guests and experts in the field will be joining us to provide information and answer questions on nutrition, careers, ways to promote healthy living, and how to take action in the fight against child obesity!

To participate log on to your Twitter account and use the the hash tag of #tx4hconvo and the identifier of @texas4h to follow along and post questions.

4-H Mission Possible Camp Opportunities

Mission Possible is a unique camping experience for youth with and without disabilities. The Texas 4-H Conference Center has annually hosted this camp since 2005, following a National 4-H effort to include youth and adults with disabilities in the traditional 4-H program. Young people with medically diagnosed disabilities such as Downs syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, hearing impairments, and visual impairments  have been afforded the opportunity to participate in traditional camp  experience and just “be a kid”. 

The camp is held simultaneously with County Camp II, July 8-10 to provide an even more inclusive environment. A dedicated group of County Extension Agents and 4-H Volunteers help coordinate the program.

To register or for more information please visit: 

http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu/services/youth-camps-and-retreats/missionpossible/

4-H Mission Possible Camp Mentor Opportunities

4-H members, ages 14-18 (at time of camp) volunteer to serve as Mentors and are paired with youth to ensure that everyone has a successful experience. This service learning opportunity has been said to be “life changing” by previous Mentors. It is a challenging job, not one to be taken lightly. 

It is certainly not intended to be “one for the Record Book”, but rather “an experience that will change your life forever and help you gain an appreciation for others who may be different”. A successful mentor is kind, patient, understanding and willing to work as a team for the success of the whole group. 

If interested in serving as a Mentor, please complete the application and return to Dr. Locke at the 4-H Center. Mentors arrive at the 4-H Center on Sunday, July 7 for training immediately before camp.

Mentor applications can be found here: 

http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu/files/2013/01/MP2013-Mentor-Application.pdf