Travis County 4-H Office

4-H Families and Friends, the Travis County Extension Office experienced some major issues today with the rain and part of the roof collapsed. All agents and staff are okay and will be working from various locations. Please do not come by or call the office at this time. As changes are made, updates will be posted. At this time you may email Cory at travis4h@gmail.com.

USA Science Festival Kavli Video Contest

National 4-H Council is partnering with the USA Science & Engineering Festival, a national celebration of innovation in science held in Washington D.C. on October 23rd and 24th . The event is the country’s first national science festival and promises to be the ultimate multi-cultural, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary celebration of the sciences in the United States. The culmination of the Festival is a two-day Expo that will provide more than 500 science & engineering organizations from all over the United States the opportunity to present hands-on, fun science activities to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Through this partnership, National 4-H Council has been alerted to a great opportunity for 4-H’ers to showcase the innovative 4-H Science work taking place across the nation. The Kavli Science Video Contest is looking for young people around the country to create and submit videos that answer the question "Why is science cool?"

Winning submissions will be creative, surprising, and “contagious” in terms of spreading youth enthusiasm about science to others. Videos might explore a specific scientific concept, demonstrate the wonders of nature, provide a glimpse into the future, show what scientific discovery has done for us in the past or simply explain why you think science is cool.

We are encouraging the entire 4-H system especially those that participated in the Films on video- SET in Urban Communities Kickoff and The Filmmaking Work Group to submit videos.

Who Can Enter – Individual students or groups from K-12 schools, home school networks, after-school programs, science clubs or any other organization the student is representing for the purpose of the Kavli Science Video Contest. All prize monies must go to an educational institution rather than an individual student.
Types of Videos Eligible - Videos should explain Why Science is Cool and may explore a scientific concept, provide a glimpse into the future or show us what scientific discovery has done for us in the past, or whatever else the inspires the entrant. USA Science & Engineering Festival videos must be 30-90 seconds in length, educational and suitable for general public screening.
Selection of Winners - Winning videos will be chosen by a distinguished panel of judges that includes Brian Schwartz, founder of Science & the Arts at the City University of New York Graduate Center and Sheri Potter, a founder of the Coalition on Public Understanding of Science (COPUS).
Deadlines and Prizes – The contest is open now and all entries must be submitted before midnight on July 15, 2010. First prize is $1,000 plus a $500 electronics gift certificate or HD Camcorder (valued up to $500) and a travel stipend to travel to Washington DC for the Expo. Second prize is $500, plus a $250 electronics gift certificate, third prize is $250, plus a $125 electronics gift certificate. The People’s Choice Award prize is $250.
Following in the footsteps of American Idol, America can vote on a People’s Choice Kavli Science Video Award through SciVee, a Web 2.0 site which helps scientists share their work with the general public.

Rules and a submission form can be found at:

http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2010festival/contests/kavli-science-video-contest

Aqua Adventure Camp

Announcing... Texas 4-H Conference Center's Aqua Adventure Camp!

What better way to spend those hot summer days than on the water!

Who: ANY youth age 9-14 years

When: July 12-16, 2010

What: Canoeing, sailing, kayaking, water safety and survival, and MORE aqua learning and FUN!!!

For more information, please visit: http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu (Information can be found under "Summer Camps & Programs")

Summer Sun Safety at Manor 4-H

Manor 4-H reminds all 4-H'ers out there to protect yourself from that blazing sun this summer! Studies show
that most kids getbetween 50%- 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before they reach the age of 18!!!! Have some fun staying safe- pick out a cool hat to protect your face and neck and shoulders, wear sunglasses of course and lots of sunscreen. Remember to put on more sunscreen after you have been out for a while. Kristin Griffin taught us in her program that all you have to do is take the SPF level on your sunscreen and multiply it by 10 then you will know how many minutes you can stay out in the sun before you need to reapply your sunscreen. The Skin Cancer web site (www.skincancer.org) states that a person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns! Have a great sunburn-free summer 4-H'ers!!!!!

Jr. Leadership Rally

Thursday, July 8, 2010 (same day as District Recordbook Judging)
For Junior and Intermediate 4-H'ers
@ the Helotes 4-H Activity Center (San Antonio area)
Cost: $15.00 (lunch, supplies and swimming)
Must Register via 4-H Connect: June 10- June 30, 2010

Flyer and additional information may be found at www.travis4h.com (look under upcoming events)

Great opportunity for Adults to judge recordbooks and for the younger kids to have a leadership experience and opportunity.

Savvy Kids Conference

Savvy Kids Conference - June 12-13, 2010 - St. Edwards University
Savvy Kids Education is excited to bring to Austin a family event which increases recognition, understanding and literacy across four Core Educational Pillars:

• Financial
• Environmental
• Community
• Health and Fitness

The Savvy Kids Conference is a community-focused event where families can interact with leading experts who offer kid-focused products, services and expertise relative to these four pillars.

We are assembling Austin's experts! Over 40 organizations participating.

Registration:

• Registration is open
• $8 admission per person when pre-registered
• First Fun Session/Workshop FREE (limited quantities)
• $5 per additional Fun Session/Workshop
• Discounts announced daily via Facebook and Twitter!
• 5 years and under FREE
• FREE parking

Manor 4-H Cooks for Ronald McDonald House

Manor 4-H members spent Monday night May 10 cooking a taco dinner with fixings, fruit salad and peach cobbler that could feed up to 50 to
help the families currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House. The club was assisted by Ramos Restaurant in Manor, Texas who
graciously donated a side dish of their beans for the dinner. After the cooking and clean up members toured the house and learn about the facility. Manor 4-H is proud to be able to help families in need in their community.


Left to right (Stacy Griffin, Lauren Schneider, Kristin Griffin, Bryce Simpson, Lacey Jennings, Josh Hohertz, Lindsey Sunvision, Front Row: Paige Simpson and Summer Ackerman

Burnet Co. Fair Contest Opportunities

Check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com Opportunities are available to participate in various contest. Also, check out the Burnet County Fair website burnetcountyfair.com

Texas Women's University - Fashion Camp

TWU KNOWS FASHION!

Texas Woman's University knows fashion and prepares students every year for careers in fashion design and merchandising. Apparel designers and merchandisers need to have the ability to lead a team and interpret fashion trends, in addition to being able to sketch, sew and make patterns or sell, coordinate and manage. Fashion camp activities include: fashion show production, jewelry production, hat making, model training, beginning sewing, beginning sketching, screen printing, and denim deconstruction

Dates:
June 14-18 ( age 10-13yrs)
June 21-June 25 ( age 14-18yrs)

Cost:
Registration Fee - $325.00
Lodging with University Housing - $29.00 per night single room rate and $46.00 for a double room rate.

For more information go to the TWU Fashion Camp website.

Community Service Opportunity

This is a great opportunity for a youth member to take on the leadership role of starting this at your school, church or any other organization. WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK! Community Service Project to help the homeless students of Texas. The Texas 4-H Healthy Lifestyles Advisory Board is asking the help of 4-H clubs by collecting gently used backpacks and purses or/along with non-perishable food items and basic necessities. Some good ideas on how to collect these items would be placing bins at schools, libraries, grocery stores, recreation centers etc. Make sure all backpacks and purses are clean and in relatively good shape (this would be an excellent community service opportunity for the members in clothing and textiles). Sort through all food items to make sure they are non-perishable Evenly distribute the items into each of the bags These bags can be distributed to many places: Salvation Army, shelters, directly to homeless, etc. The District that collects the most goods will be awarded a trophy! Please keep track of what you, your club, and county collect and report to your district officers! Help make this project a success!

Mini Boot Camp

2010 MINI BOOT CAMP

Adults, does your fitness routine need a facelift? New Year's resolution need a re-awakening? Or are you simply in need of some "me" time? Check out 2010 Mini Boot Camp, a collaboration between the Texas 4-H Conference Center, Brown County AgriLife Extension, Brownwood's Fit By Faith, and other local heath and fitness professionals. Mini Boot Camp will include 5 days of fun, action packed activity sessions, the benefit, history, and technique of a variety of fitness activities, relevant, easy to implement nutrition practices, outdoor fitness and recreation activities, and much more!! Day, and overnight options available! July 12-16, 2010.

For more information visit the Texas 4-H Conference Center Website

Family Camp at Lake Brownwood

FAMILY CAMP 2010 AT THE 4-H CONFERENCE CENTER

Looking for an affordable, all-inclusive family vacation that is both educational and fun??? Then join us for the first annual Texas 4-H Conference Center Family Camp, July 19-23, 2010. Load up the kids, caravan with the neighbors, and don't forget to pick up Grandma! Bring the entire family for a day, multiple days, or the whole week! With daily activities for the kids, for the adults, and for the family to learn and play together, there is sure to be something for everyone! All activities are optional, so choose to come and play along or just relax and rejuvenate with a dip in our NEW pool, reading by the waterfront, or enjoy the view from the back deck of the Leadership Lodge!

For more information visit the Texas 4-H Conference Center Website

Summer Exchnage Program Needs

Expand your horizons this summer!

Explore the world by participating in a home stay program this summer. Develop new friendships, share cultures, customs and heritage. Open your heart and home for 2 to 4 weeks hosting a delegate from Japan or Greece or allow your teenager to travel to Japan, Greece, Australia or Costa Rica for a 2 to 4 week-long home stay. The home stays are sponsored by Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange (TGE) and their partner organizations in the other countries. Information about TGE, a non-profit organization, and the opportunities available are on TGE's web site: http://www.texasglobaleducation.org/.

A teen who participated in 2008 describes her month-long adventure: " My home stay in Japan was AMAZING! I don't even think that describes it enough. It was the best summer of my life."

Get ready for your best summer: Plan an amazing summer for your child(ren) by applying to be a host family or by encouraging your teen to apply for a home stay in Japan, Greece, Australia or Costa Rica.

Inbound:

• All 2010 Host Families are required to apply, see attached!
• All "new" host family adults will be screened and participate in a home interview and orientation prior to acceptance in the program.
• All Host Families will be provided training and support prior and during their home stay upon request.
• Japanese and Greek Ambassadors will be matched with families who share some of the same interests and have a child of the same gender and is close in age.
• Program dates:

Japan - July 25 - Aug. 21. Seeking 30 host families for delegates (ages 12 - 17), 1 month duration.
Japan - July 25 - Aug. 7 or Aug. 7 to Aug. 21. Seeking 4 adults or families to host adult chaperons for 2 weeks.
• Greece - July 25 - Aug. 21. Seeking 8 host families for delegates (ages 15 - 18), 1 month duration.
  

Host Family:

The rewards for welcoming a student or chaperone into your home are numerous: increased compassion for people new to a different culture; increased skills in adapting to differences in values and behavior; improved language and communication skills; as well as new friendships. The students are responsible for their own expenses, there is not a financial burden to the host family, all we ask is that you treat each student as a member of the family and provide meals and lodging with the host sibling. We are looking for host families that will show these students the meaning of American culture and Texas hospitality!

Outbound:

Teen Home stay in Japan, Greece, Australia or Costa Rica: Your teen (14-18 years old) can reap the rewards of being a part of another family this summer. He or she will be treated like a family member and learn about the culture, food, language from the day-to-day interactions with his "brother" or "sister" for 2-4 weeks. Host families and potential delegates are screened prior to being accepted.

Family Home stay in Japan as well as many other countries, please inquire below if interested.

College Student Study Abroad with our IFYE program, please inquire below.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD: We encourage you to forward this information to family, friends, work networks, clubs and organizations, youth groups, churches, newsletters, local papers, home school co-ops and support groups, private schools, public schools, language schools, libraries, teachers, or other students who might be interested in hosting delegates or becoming an Ambassador.

Apply Now!

To request an application, questions or need additional information, please contact one of us.

Thank you and regards,

Susan Kilpatrick – Inbound Coordinator for Texas Host Families
tge.susan@gmail.com
(940) 241-3097

Linda Smittle – Outbound Coordinator for Texas Traveling Teen Ambassadors
tge.linda@gmail.com
(972) 562-7356

World Food Prize Global Youth Institute

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR 4-H YOUTH & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The World Food Prize Global Youth Institute provides a three-day, all expenses paid educational opportunity for high school students. Students interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates and are exposed to an array of experts and organizations working to address food security around the world.

The Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture has created the Texas Youth Institute Symposium and the Mexico Youth Institute Symposium as extensions of the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute. Students from all over the state of Texas and the country of Mexico are invited to submit essays and participate in the events. The topic for the 2010 essay will be "Solutions for the World’s Smallholders". Students simply research and write a 4-5 page essay based on the essay topic to be eligible to attend.

All of the students who write essays will be invited to the Texas Youth Institute Symposium, held in College Station on August 28, 2010, or the Mexico Youth Institute Symposium, held in Mexico City, Mexico (date to be announced shortly). The top three students from Texas and the top three students from Mexico (and their respective teacher-mentors) will be invited to attend the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute. This includes a three-day trip to Des Moines, Iowa, where students will learn from World Food Prize and Nobel Laureates for three days of dialogue, presentations and interaction. The Global Youth Institute takes place October 13-16, 2010.

This is a excellent opportunity for students to expand their awareness of global issues.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

http://borlaug.tamu.edu/legacy/students/wfpyi.php

2011 Turkey Show Order

If you plan to exhibit Turkeys at the Travis County Youth Show or at any of the major shows in the spring of 2011, the order form is due to the County Extension Office by July 1, 2010. Poults must be ordered in increments of 10, but no more than 75. Each poult is $3.50. The order form can be found at travis4h.com. look under the tab "4-H Livestock Information".

Hendrickson Plant Sale

Dates: May 6-8

Hours: Thursday 8am-7pm
Friday 8am-7pm
Saturday 8-12 am

Location: Hendrickson High School Greenhouse

Contact Information
Jeremy Bonds
594-1175
Email: jeremy.bonds@pflugervilleisd.net

4-H Shirt Day -May 5, 2010

If you are in 4-H, and you have a good 4-H shirt of ANY kind, with the clover on it, WEAR IT on May 5th, so we can get the word out about our great club!

Lanier FFA Plant Sale

Plant Sale @ Lanier High School
May 7, 2010 - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
May 8, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com

Summer Camps at Texas Tech

TEXAS TECH OFFERS TWO CAMPS FOCUSING ON FOODS AND CLOTHING FOR 4-H MEMBERS

Chef Camp
The Hospitality Program is hosting Chef Camp 2010 for ages 14 to 19. Chef Camp 2010 is dedicated to enhancing each campers knowledge of culinary arts - ranging from lessons and activities on plating and presentation to learning about foods from around the world. Campers explore the world of culinary arts, but at the same time learn many aspects of their own personal style. Everyday is beneficial, creative, and tons of fun. After a week full of culinary arts activities, the students will present their skills through a reception for their friends and family.

Dates of Camps:
Beginner: June 21-25
Intermediate: June 28-July 2
Deadline for Applying: May 1
For more information: www.chefcampttu.com

Fashion Camp
The Retailing Program is hosting Fashion Camp 2010: Be a Fashionista, for ages 11 to 18. Fashion Camp 2010 is dedicated to enhancing each campers knowledge of fashion - ranging from lessons and activities on fashion show production, runway hair and make-up, design your own collection, visual merchandising, fashion industry goes green, and of course fashion do's and don'ts. Campers explore the world of fashion, but at the same time learn many aspects of their own personal style. Everyday is beneficial, creative and tons of fun. After a week full of fashion activities, a fashion show will be held in celebration of a job well. done for all of the campers' family and friends.

Dates of Camps:
Session I: June 21-25
Session II: June 28-July 2
Deadline for Applying: May 1
For more information: www.fashioncampttu.com

4-H and Texas Ranger Baseball Game

It's that time again!!!! Baseball season is upon us. And again this year the Texas Rangers Baseball program is providing discounted tickets to Texas 4-H Friends, Family and Alumni!!! However, this year they are providing even more incentives for your county 4-H program to become involved.

The discounted tickets are on sale now for first annual Texas 4-H "GREEN OUT" event to kick off State Roundup with Major League Baseball's club the Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays on August 28, 2010, at the Ballpark in Arlington. This will be a fun-filled day of family, friends, and fellowship for all to enjoy.

Every ticket holder will receive a FREE one-of-a-kind GREEN OUT t-shirt with the Rangers and 4-H logo (To receive your green out t-shirts, tickets must be purchased by May 21st, 2010). The t-shirts are generously being sponsored by the Texas Farm Bureau and will have their logo on the back of the shirts. The first 20,000 Texas Rangers fans will also receive a red Rangers T-shirt. Every county and 4-H club has the opportunity to sell GREEN OUT tickets as a fundraiser for their county 4-H program. Prizes will be awarded for the member, club and county 4-H that sales the most tickets. The Texas Rangers organization has been gracious enough to not only give us a discounted ticket rate, but are giving $3 back for every ticket purchased to the county 4-H program that sells tickets. The more tickets you sell, the more money you can make for your County 4-H!

For more information and an order form check out the website travis4h.com (look under the tab "upcoming events")