January 12, 2018 Updates

Countywide projects

We have several county wide projects this year. One is called Valley Roots. We are partnering with a group from UC Merced who have written a play about farm families in the valley. They are looking for 4-H members to Act in the play. Rehearsals will be in November here at the 4-H office and the play will be in December at UC Merced. If you are interested please sign up for this project.

Golf Jose Campos will be offering golf again this year for youth who would like to learn how to play. This Project will begin in March.

Western Heritage Shooting Sports this is open to youth who have completed one year or more of shooting sports in Rifle, Shotgun or Pistol. Youth will learn to shoot western guns and about the western history of California.

Communications Day

Communications Day will be held Saturday March 3, 2018 at OLF School in Los Banos at 1625 Center Ave. Check in will be from 8-8:45. To register go to http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=22692 The categories are:

 1.  Demonstrations – A demonstration shows how to do something. Member must use a minimum of four posters or slides. Posters should address Introduction, Materials, Process and Summary. Other visual aides are encouraged. Speakers are strongly encouraged to relate the presentation to their current 4-H project or 4-H activities or spark. Team demonstrations are limited to three team members. Age divisions are determined by oldest age of the three members. Models or actual products are encouraged with brand names covered. Organization and visibility of the work area is important. Presentation can range in length from three minutes for to 15 minutes based on complexity of the topic and age of the participants. Speakers may not use note cards.

 2. Illustrated Talks – An illustrated talk tells about something. Speakers are encouraged to relate the presentation to their current 4-H project or 4-H activities or sparks. A minimum of three posters or slides should be used.  Other visual aids are encouraged. Product labels should be limited to generic names and product names should be covered.  The illustrated talk would have at least a title, process, and summary.  A team of three members may present an illustrated talk. A presentation can range in length from three minutes to 15 minutes based on complexity of the topic and age of the participants. Speakers may not use note cards.

3. Informative Prepared Speech – This presentation is written and delivered by the member. The speaker will inform or educate the audience on a single issue or topic.  The speech has a clear and understandable theme or thesis.  There are no visual aids, costumes, or props. Notes on a 5"X7" card (single side) may be used by the speaker.   Limited to individuals, not teams. Length of speech should be 2 – 10 minutes.

4. Persuasive Prepared Speech - The purpose of a persuasive speech is to sway, convince, and influence, not simply to argue.  The speaker may use posters or visual aids to enhance the presentation, they are not required.  A speech can range from 8-15 minutes based on age or experience. Limited to individuals not teams.  Notes on a 5"X7" card (single side) may be used by the speaker.

5. Interpretive Reading – Members may read any published, written work. It should be age appropriate. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, children's stories, poetry, essays, and excerpts from novels. The member will introduce themselves and their chosen piece. Include the title, author, characters, purpose and setting, and any other information that would enhance the audience's understanding of the piece. The characters and setting are created through voice and gestures. The member is presenting the reading as at a story hour, not acting it out. The member may sit or stand. The source material must be present and used during the reading. No props, costumes, or other materials may be used. The member completes the presentation with a short conclusion, which leaves the audience with a vivid memory. The reading portion of the presentation should be no linger than five minutes.  The introduction should be 1-2 minutes and conclusion 1-2 minutes.  This format is limited to individual participants.

 6. Impromptu– Impromptu speaking involves speeches that the speaker has developed at the Presentation Day within a 3 minute preparation.  One at a time, the speakers will randomly draw a piece of paper with a topic on it. The topics will be developed from the pre-announced categories for the event.  From the time the speaker is given the topic they will have three minutes to prepare a speech.  This category is limited to intermediate and senior members.  The maximum speaking time is 5 minutes. This format is limited to individual participants.  Notes on a 5"X7" card (single side) may be used by the speaker.

2018 Impromptu Topics

SENIORS 14-19 YEAR OLDS

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Electronic textiles (e-textiles)   E-textiles represent a field of engineering that combines electronics and computing with textiles and design.  One way E-textiles have been utilized by people is by creating wearable technology such as watches, eyeglasses, or clothing like a shirt or jacket that contains electronics and a computing device.  Impromptu questions in this category will focus on how can E-textiles help various industries such as agriculture and fashion to improve lives.
 
Healthy Living: Meaningfulness 4-H provides youth with opportunities to build positive relationships and contribute to their communities. Adding meaningfulness to what we do builds happiness, purpose, and a healthy well-being. This year's focus area is meaningfulness. Potential topics may include benefits of contribution, connection to others, relationships, positive communication, and active listening.  
 
Citizenship: Personal Development Developing a strong sense of personal identity, responsibility, caring, compassion and acceptance are essential first steps towards being engaged in your community. Impromptu questions in this category will focus on mutual respect and understanding, character development, critical thinking and problem solving and how youth with these skills are better equipped to take on the challenges of solving community issues and be civically engaged.  
 
Positive Youth Development: Mindset People with a growth mindset see skills and abilities as things that can be improved through practice, effort, and persistence. Impromptu questions in this category will focus on the differences between a Growth Mindset versus a Fixed Mindset.  

Intermediate Topics

11-13 YEAR OLDS

Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Engineering

Impromptu questions will focus on: what it takes to be an engineer, the impacts that engineering has made in your life, and the different fields of engineering.

Healthy Living: Mindfulness

Impromptu questions will focus on: Handling stress, time management, dealing with emotions, and mindful eating.

Citizenship: Civic Engagement

Impromptu questions will focus on: service learning, community service and community youth development.

Positive Youth Development: Sparks

Impromptu questions will focus on: Why sparks are important to a healthy lifestyle, and strategies for identifying and nurturing your spark.

7. Science Presentation- A science presentation emphasizes the core process of inquiry to describe, explain, and predict through observation, experimentation, modeling, an other scientific techniques.  Science methods may rely on quantitative data(numbers), qualitative data (descriptions), or both.  A minimum of five slides or posters should be included in your presentation. The presentation should address the following points, Introduction, background, methods, results, discussion.  The speaker may use visual aids to enhance the presentation but are not required.  The presentation can range in length from 3-15 minutes depending on the complexity or the topic and age of the participant.  A team of up to 3 presenters is allowed.  Speakers may not use note cards.  Speakers are encouraged to relate the presentation to their current 4-H project or 4-H activities or sparks.

8.  Engineering Presentation - An engineering presentation uses the process of design to plan, build, and test a process, system, or device.  Engineers must weigh design choices based on merits, constraints, and aesthetics to meet design specifications.  .  A minimum of five slides or posters should be included in your presentation. The presentation should address the following points, Introduction, background, methods, results, discussion.  The speaker may use visual aids to enhance the presentation but are not required.  The presentation can range in length from 3-15 minutes depending on the complexity or the topic and age of the participant.  A team of up to 3 presenters is allowed.  Speakers may not use note cards.  Speakers are encouraged to relate the presentation to their current 4-H project or 4-H activities or sparks.

 9. Share the Fun – Groups perform acts such as skits and other presentations that focus on health, safety, community pride, citizenship, science, engineering, or technology, or other 4-H projects.  The presentation must include a topic surrounding 4-H.  A participant should introduce the activity and it's purpose.  Participants must provide and set up any needed audio-visual equipment. Costumes, props, decorations and other visual aids are encouraged.  Presentations are not exceed 15 minutes. 

 10. Cultural Arts – Individual participants, groups, projects and clubs perform a costumed dramatic reading, musical dance, or other such performing art.  A participant should introduce the activity and its purpose. Participants must provide and set up any needed audio-visual equipment.  Costumes, props, decorations and other visual aids are encouraged.  Presentations are not exceed 15 minutes.  

11. Educational Display Talk – An educational display talk is an organized visual presentation of a program or a concept.  A display should be designed to convey it's message in a limited amount of time.  The speaker should support the visual presentation.  Once the speaker completes the oral presentation they will have a dialog with the judges about the display.  Educational Displays must exhibit one the following formats, Card Table Display (approximately 30"X30")- tri-fold poster board that includes a title, members name and 4-H affiliation, and depiction of the program or concept, Panel Display (approximately 4'X4')- is presented vertically on an easel, it includes a title, the members name and 4-H affiliation, and depiction of the program or concept. Display items that are added to table should be kept to a minimum and only include if they are practical to place on the display surface.  Items must be clearly labeled.  The speakers presentation should be 3-5 minutes followed by questions and dialogue with the judge.  Teams of two are allowed.  Note cards may not be used.

12. Photos · A picture is worth a thousand words and it's also a great form of communication! In honor of this form of communication we would like to invite photography members to bring up to two photographs to Communications Day where their entries will be judged. Photos must be taken within the current 4-H year.  Photos must be mounted on a photo mat board or foam board.  They must be at least 8X10.

 ALL PRESENTATIONS

Organization: All oral presentations should be composed of an introduction, body and conclusion. The inclusion of researched information adds weight to a presentation. Originality is encouraged, especially with the title and introduction.

Delivery: Important components of successful speaking are eye contact, sincere manner, correct pronunciation, enunciation, inflection, humor, natural posture and gestures. Audience seated in all parts of the room should be able to see and hear the presenter. The presentation should flow naturally, without gaps. A confident well-prepared presenter will keep the audience's attention.

Length of presentations: Appropriate to the member's age and experience and as necessary to cover the subject. See descriptions of each presentation for time limits.

Teams: Teams of three members may present a demonstration or illustrated talk. All members should have equal opportunity for speaking and “showing.” Speeches and Interpretative Readings are by individuals only. Educational Display Talks can be a team of two.  Share the Fun is a group presentation. Cultural Arts may be presented by individuals or groups.

Number of entries: A member may enter two presentations in different categories plus be part of a group performance at county level. At the sectional level they are limited to just two and at the state event limited to one presentation per member.

Questions: Judges' questions are appropriate in all categories except Share the Fun and Cultural Arts.

Advancement to next level: A county Gold award (medal or seal) qualifies to advance to Sectional level. A sectional Gold Medal qualifies to advance to state level.

Special needs: If a presenter has special needs this should be stated on the entry form. This may be a need for special consideration due to a disability, or a special need for equipment, or even a need to be scheduled first or last in a room.

State Fashion Review Challenges

See It, Sew It Challenge Have you found an outfit online or in a magazine that you would love to copy for yourself? This category is perfect for you! Start with a picture of a new garment or outfit from a current magazine, catalog, store display, or website. List the retail price if you were to purchase the garment or outfit. Then get creative and copy it. Include the cost of your sewn garment/outfit. Use of a commercial or hand-drawn pattern is your choice (the original picture cannot be from the pattern envelope.) The garment must be made in the Clothing and Textiles project. The focus of this category is copying a new garment and making it fit you. The entry should only be modified for fit, type of fabric, or color/print of fabric, keeping it as close to the original as possible. Copying a vintage Lucille Ball dress, for example, would be in the Retro Challenge. 

Retro/Vintage Inspired Challenge

Create an outfit that is inspired by a vintage design using new fabric and notions. Vintage is 20-100 years old, so use an inspiration that is from 1900-2000. The entry must state the year or period of the design and include a drawing, photo, or description of the design that inspires your outfit. At least one garment must be handmade by the member. Other garments and accessories can be handmade or purchased but must be representational of the same era. There is no 4-H project requirement; any 4-H member may enter this category. 

Ideas for sources of inspiration include but aren't limited to: a sewing pattern that belonged to your parent, an outfit worn by your parent or grandparent in their youth, an iconic outfit worn by someone famous like Lucille Ball, Nancy Reagan, John Wayne, or James Dean, or use one of the new sewing patterns labeled Retro.

Ideas by eras:

• 20s Gangster style, flannel fabric, flapper dress (calf length straight shift), short, sleek hair, Mary Jane ankle strap shoe,
• 30s double breasted suits, full trousers, halter tops, shoulder pads, nylon hosiery, cowl neckline, more fitted dress defining the waist,
• 40s single breasted jackets, cuff and pleat free pants – limited use of wool during WWII, Dior designed fitted jacket and full skirt,
• 50s trim tailoring, leisure time madras prints, Hawaiian shirts, pink shirts, poodle skirts, petticoats, peter pan collared blouses, pencil slim skirts, Chanel's collarless, boxy jacket and slim skirt, A line dress, pony tail hair style, seamless stockings
• 60s hippie look and preppy styles, tight jeans, peasant look, bell bottoms, paisley shirts, mini- skirts, tie-dye, go-go boots, ¾ length sleeves, Nehru jackets, tent dress, Empire line dress, bouffant beehives,
• 70s hot pants, nylon, acrylic and polyester fabrics, floppy collars, platform shoes, jogging suits, leisure suits, disco/glam rock, mini/maxi length, empire style dress, ethnic peasant style, , friendship bracelets,  pant suits, tank tops, clogs, satin jackets and open shirts,
• 80s big shoulder pads, bold colors, graphic patterns, leather and studded designer jeans, leg warmers, parachute pants, polo shirts, power suits with wide shoulders, tailored wool suit, big hair, tights and panty hose,
• 90s grunge, loose, baggy silhouette, prints, rips and washed out shades of beige, goth and cyber punk, long straight hair parted down the middle, power bead bracelets

JOANN Fabrics 4-H Partnership

Save 15% at JOANN and support 4-H at the same time!

JOANN is supporting 4-H with a rewards "card" that gives holders 15% off their total in-store and online purchases!

A minimum of 2.5% of every eligible transaction is donated to 4-H.

Two ways to sign up:

1. Sign up online at http://www.joann.com/4-H/

1. Download the free JOANN app on your mobile device. Go to "More" and select "Loyalty Programs".

JOANN Paper Clover Campaign

The whole month of February, $1 and $4 clovers are being sold at the register in JOANN stores nationwide.

• The $4 clovers include a coupon for $4 off their next purchase.
• Clovers will not be displayed in-store but include a craft idea for customers to take home.
• California will receive 70% of the funds raised! The California 4-H Foundation will distribute the funds to local counties. More information coming soon on how the funds will be distributed.

JOANN / 4-H In-store Service Project

Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 11am - 2pm

Local 4-H programs will partner with their JOANN's store to hand-make Valentine's Day cards. Supplies and space will be provided by each JOANN store.

Role of 4-H clubs and members:

1. Choose a recipient organization to receive the cards (e.g., nursing home, children's hospital, veterans home, etc.)
2. Spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors to join in on February 3rd to make cards for the recipient organization.
3. Participate in the card making on February 3rd in the store.
4. Deliver the finished cards to the recipient organization.
5. Share photos of the event and delivery on social media, and tag California 4-H!

Save the date and start planning your project to spread caring with those in need!

California 4-H Equine Field Day

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, February 10, 2018 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Modesto Junior College ACE Pavilion, 2201 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto

Who should attend 4-H Horse Leaders, Volunteers, Members, Parents, and all Horse Enthusiasts

About this event – Details are being finalized • Sessions will include: gymkhana, showmanship, lameness, mini horses, driving, horsemanship, and educational contests. • Tour the equine facilities at Modesto Junior College. • You do not have to be in 4-H or own a horse to attend! • This educational event is a fundraiser for the Statewide 4-H Equine Programs.

Registration and details will be available soon at 4h.ucanr.edu/4-H_Events/4H_Equine_Field_Day

For more information Please contact DeAnn Tenhunfeld at dtenhunfeld@ucanr.edu or 530-750-1340.