The summer has ended and as I look back I think WOW what a great 3 months it has been! I started out my summer with my county 4-H camp and have ended it with my county fair. In between these events I don’t think I have had a moment I regretted. Over the past month I have been busy recovering from State Days along with doing club visits, and contacting donors for our State Leadership Conference. The council team also participated in Ag Progress Days. This is an event that takes place every year near State College. Pa 4-H had tables set up to promote the program along with a table where seed necklaces could be made. I never knew it could get so hot and so many people could show up at one event! Now as I begin my senior year of high school I look forward to our state leadership conference. I cannot wait for 4-H members to gather together again and see what surprises our team has for you this time! I promise you will have fun and learn tons! I wish best of luck to everyone as they start both school and college classes again.
Your secretary,
Christy
P.S. keep saving those pop tabs
Your 2014 State Council
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Where has the summer gone?
Hello to everyone!
Where has the summer gone. With everyone going back to school, whether it be high school or college it is hard to believe that it is this time of the year again. The month of August was a busy one for the PA State 4-H Council. After coming home and recovering from a very busy State Achievement Days we were ready to go for Ag Progress Days. Sitting in the 4-H building and talking to the kids was a lot of fun for me. Helping them to learn about 4-H for the first time or even just expanding their knowledge on the organization was the highlight of my day. At our station, the children could make a "seed necklace" which consisted of a bean seed, a wet cotton ball and a plastic baggie on a string. After a few days in the sun and being kept close the the child's body, the seed would begin to sprout. The children were amazed! They could not believe that this would happen. It was great to see that amazement in their eyes.
Besides Ag Progress Days, I have been to another fair this month and am in the process of getting ready for the Indiana County Fair starting today. The fair is the high point for any livestock member, like myself, and is where you can show your stuff and present the project you learned about through 4-H. I am looking forward to representing the State 4-H program this week and also being able to talk to visitors to the fair that ask questions about why I am there. It always makes me feel good when I can help someone who knows very little about 4-H to learn about who we are and what we do.
Good bye for now and keep checking up on the State 4-H Council to see what we are up to!
Where has the summer gone. With everyone going back to school, whether it be high school or college it is hard to believe that it is this time of the year again. The month of August was a busy one for the PA State 4-H Council. After coming home and recovering from a very busy State Achievement Days we were ready to go for Ag Progress Days. Sitting in the 4-H building and talking to the kids was a lot of fun for me. Helping them to learn about 4-H for the first time or even just expanding their knowledge on the organization was the highlight of my day. At our station, the children could make a "seed necklace" which consisted of a bean seed, a wet cotton ball and a plastic baggie on a string. After a few days in the sun and being kept close the the child's body, the seed would begin to sprout. The children were amazed! They could not believe that this would happen. It was great to see that amazement in their eyes.
Besides Ag Progress Days, I have been to another fair this month and am in the process of getting ready for the Indiana County Fair starting today. The fair is the high point for any livestock member, like myself, and is where you can show your stuff and present the project you learned about through 4-H. I am looking forward to representing the State 4-H program this week and also being able to talk to visitors to the fair that ask questions about why I am there. It always makes me feel good when I can help someone who knows very little about 4-H to learn about who we are and what we do.
Good bye for now and keep checking up on the State 4-H Council to see what we are up to!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Time for "Back to School"...
Hello all!
It has been another busy month for Council, both with 4-H and the fact that most of us are new college students (or beginning Senior year)!
This month I began contacting donors to sponsor our SLC 2010 (which is quickly approaching so don’t forget to look for a registration form coming soon!). Some of my contacts have been Cargil, Lancaster Farming, Farmshine, and various small businesses around my hometown. I will also be contacting some celebrity 4-H alums such as Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, and Faith Hill.
I attended the monthly County Council meeting of Columbia County on August 6. I talked about SLC, Checkout the Silver, and asked for feedback on our State Days video. I also did a leadership activity with them.
On August 13, I participated in my county’s Ag SCItment Day Camp. This event was run by the Snyder County Teen Council and organized by our summer assistant, Melanie. I was a group leader for the older children and took them to stations where they learned about first aid, watersheds, environment, made a birdhouse, made ice cream in a bag with the Dairy Princess, and more. This event was great because we had many community kids not in 4-H attend the event.
I did another club visit on the 16th with the Eager Beaver Dairy Club (which was awesome because my Dad helped to found that club and was one of the first members).
At Ag Progress Days, I spent an afternoon in the State 4-H booth making Seed Necklaces. It was so much fun working with the kids!
As always, remember to check out our Council Newsletter at http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/206.htm.
Countdown to SLC: 151 days
In the Spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette
“Some people are nearsighted: they only live for the present. Other people are farsighted; they see beyond today.” -Unknown
It has been another busy month for Council, both with 4-H and the fact that most of us are new college students (or beginning Senior year)!
This month I began contacting donors to sponsor our SLC 2010 (which is quickly approaching so don’t forget to look for a registration form coming soon!). Some of my contacts have been Cargil, Lancaster Farming, Farmshine, and various small businesses around my hometown. I will also be contacting some celebrity 4-H alums such as Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, and Faith Hill.
I attended the monthly County Council meeting of Columbia County on August 6. I talked about SLC, Checkout the Silver, and asked for feedback on our State Days video. I also did a leadership activity with them.
On August 13, I participated in my county’s Ag SCItment Day Camp. This event was run by the Snyder County Teen Council and organized by our summer assistant, Melanie. I was a group leader for the older children and took them to stations where they learned about first aid, watersheds, environment, made a birdhouse, made ice cream in a bag with the Dairy Princess, and more. This event was great because we had many community kids not in 4-H attend the event.
I did another club visit on the 16th with the Eager Beaver Dairy Club (which was awesome because my Dad helped to found that club and was one of the first members).
At Ag Progress Days, I spent an afternoon in the State 4-H booth making Seed Necklaces. It was so much fun working with the kids!
As always, remember to check out our Council Newsletter at http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/206.htm.
Countdown to SLC: 151 days
In the Spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette
“Some people are nearsighted: they only live for the present. Other people are farsighted; they see beyond today.” -Unknown
Thursday, August 27, 2009
As summer comes to a close....
Greetings!
I hope that each of you have enjoyed your summer as it rapidly comes to a close, I guess all great things must come to an end. I know for most of your State Council we are getting ready to enter a collegiate environment full of new experiences and friends.
As your State Council we have had a little time to catch our breath this month after an extremely busy July which included a trip to New Mexico and State Achievement Days at Penn State University. I truly enjoyed getting the chance to take part in the many events at State Days, from the Talent show to our first ever State Days video! Although it was hot (and a little rainy), I believe a great time was had by all and many memories were made during those short three days.
On August 18th through 20th members of State Council attended Ag Progress Days in Rock Springs, PA. While here, each member helped youth create “seedling necklaces”. These seedling necklaces consisted of a Navy Bean seed wrapped in a damp cotton ball and placed inside a small sandwich bag. When the necklaces were worn around the necks of the children, their body heat helped the little seed to grow and within 2-3 days, a seedling was visible. I made one myself and brought it home and the little seedlings are already about 11 inches tall!
While at Ag Progress Days your Vice-President of Conference, Alex Stepnoski, and I were able to meet with your Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolfe and have pictures taken on Wednesday morning. Alex and I also had the chance to talk to the Pennsylvania State FFA officers that morning and had pictures taken with them.
As I bring my little letter to a close, I will leave you with the monthly quote I have promised:
“Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.”
-Samuel Johnson
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication PA 4-H!
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Jessica Lehman
PA State 4-H Council – Vice President of Internal Affairs
I hope that each of you have enjoyed your summer as it rapidly comes to a close, I guess all great things must come to an end. I know for most of your State Council we are getting ready to enter a collegiate environment full of new experiences and friends.
As your State Council we have had a little time to catch our breath this month after an extremely busy July which included a trip to New Mexico and State Achievement Days at Penn State University. I truly enjoyed getting the chance to take part in the many events at State Days, from the Talent show to our first ever State Days video! Although it was hot (and a little rainy), I believe a great time was had by all and many memories were made during those short three days.
On August 18th through 20th members of State Council attended Ag Progress Days in Rock Springs, PA. While here, each member helped youth create “seedling necklaces”. These seedling necklaces consisted of a Navy Bean seed wrapped in a damp cotton ball and placed inside a small sandwich bag. When the necklaces were worn around the necks of the children, their body heat helped the little seed to grow and within 2-3 days, a seedling was visible. I made one myself and brought it home and the little seedlings are already about 11 inches tall!
While at Ag Progress Days your Vice-President of Conference, Alex Stepnoski, and I were able to meet with your Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolfe and have pictures taken on Wednesday morning. Alex and I also had the chance to talk to the Pennsylvania State FFA officers that morning and had pictures taken with them.
As I bring my little letter to a close, I will leave you with the monthly quote I have promised:
“Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.”
-Samuel Johnson
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication PA 4-H!
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Jessica Lehman
PA State 4-H Council – Vice President of Internal Affairs
August Updates
Greetings everyone!
Can you believe that summer is almost over? It really flew right past us as we traveled to New Mexico, emceed State Days, attended Ag Progress Days, exhibited at our county fairs, and begin contacting out Leadership Conference donors!
Speaking of events, August 18-20 was the Ag Progress Days event held ten minutes away from State College. At this event, we led a seedling necklace activity at the 4-H building. Youth plant a navy bean seed in a wet cotton ball and store it in a plastic baggie that is then tied around their neck. When I attended the event on Wednesday with Jess, I met with the Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff. We also met the State FFA Officer Team.
Also this month was a conference call where topics such as State Days, Ag Progress Days, SLC, and National 4-H week were discussed.
I also put the State Days Video on YouTube! Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUadO3itRDk
Our next event is the Penn State Tailgate Party on Sept. 12 from 10-1.
Until next time,
Alex Stepnoski
State Council VP of Conference
Can you believe that summer is almost over? It really flew right past us as we traveled to New Mexico, emceed State Days, attended Ag Progress Days, exhibited at our county fairs, and begin contacting out Leadership Conference donors!
Speaking of events, August 18-20 was the Ag Progress Days event held ten minutes away from State College. At this event, we led a seedling necklace activity at the 4-H building. Youth plant a navy bean seed in a wet cotton ball and store it in a plastic baggie that is then tied around their neck. When I attended the event on Wednesday with Jess, I met with the Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff. We also met the State FFA Officer Team.
Also this month was a conference call where topics such as State Days, Ag Progress Days, SLC, and National 4-H week were discussed.
I also put the State Days Video on YouTube! Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUadO3itRDk
Our next event is the Penn State Tailgate Party on Sept. 12 from 10-1.
Until next time,
Alex Stepnoski
State Council VP of Conference
Saturday, August 1, 2009
July Updates
Greetings everyone!
July has certainly been an action-packed month for the State Council. On July 11-17, we attended the State Conference at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. We met the NM State 4-H Leadership Team members. We also helped set up the team’s fundraiser, a carnival. The proceeds went toward the University of New Mexico’s cancer research efforts. As a council, we taught public speaking and people skills workshops to the delegates. We were inspired by the Leadership Team’s use of technology at their opening ceremonies. We also observed differences in the events, such as in the State Conference we attended. It is essentially Leadership Conference and State Days combined. In addition to spending time with the NM Team, we toured the Farm and Ranch Heritage museum and the NASA facilities.
A week after the New Mexico expedition, we attended the Summer Leadership Institute from July 26-28. We participated in conflict management and positive attitude workshops. We also toured the Pasquerilla center on the Penn State campus. The 2009 PA State 4-H Achievement Days was held at Penn State University July 28-30. The theme for State Days was “Rev Up”. For the Opening Ceremonies, the council wrote a script and filmed a movie showing the 4-Hs, Head, Heart, Hands, and Health competing for the title of the “Clover Cup”. The overall message reflected in the skit was that head, heart, hands, and health work together. We also had speakers Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences Bruce McPheron, Christy Bartley, State 4-H Program Leader, and Ms. Laurie Stewart, our keynote. We also emceed the 4-H Talent Show and Awards Ceremony in addition to introducing the commentators of the State Fashion Revue.
The next event that we will be attending is Ag Progress Days in the Penn State area August 18-20. See you there!
Alex Stepnoski
2009 Council VP Conference
July has certainly been an action-packed month for the State Council. On July 11-17, we attended the State Conference at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. We met the NM State 4-H Leadership Team members. We also helped set up the team’s fundraiser, a carnival. The proceeds went toward the University of New Mexico’s cancer research efforts. As a council, we taught public speaking and people skills workshops to the delegates. We were inspired by the Leadership Team’s use of technology at their opening ceremonies. We also observed differences in the events, such as in the State Conference we attended. It is essentially Leadership Conference and State Days combined. In addition to spending time with the NM Team, we toured the Farm and Ranch Heritage museum and the NASA facilities.
A week after the New Mexico expedition, we attended the Summer Leadership Institute from July 26-28. We participated in conflict management and positive attitude workshops. We also toured the Pasquerilla center on the Penn State campus. The 2009 PA State 4-H Achievement Days was held at Penn State University July 28-30. The theme for State Days was “Rev Up”. For the Opening Ceremonies, the council wrote a script and filmed a movie showing the 4-Hs, Head, Heart, Hands, and Health competing for the title of the “Clover Cup”. The overall message reflected in the skit was that head, heart, hands, and health work together. We also had speakers Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences Bruce McPheron, Christy Bartley, State 4-H Program Leader, and Ms. Laurie Stewart, our keynote. We also emceed the 4-H Talent Show and Awards Ceremony in addition to introducing the commentators of the State Fashion Revue.
The next event that we will be attending is Ag Progress Days in the Penn State area August 18-20. See you there!
Alex Stepnoski
2009 Council VP Conference
Friday, July 31, 2009
This month of July was spent mostly with our State Council Team. First in the beggining of July was our trip to New Mexico. The New Mexico State Leadership Team invited us to join them for their State Conference which was a combination similar to our State Leadership Conference and our State Achievement Days. While at the the conference we presented on two workshops. One was on Public Speaking and the other on People Skills. In New Mexico we really got to see how beautiful it is and how different the climate is. As a team we brought back many different ideas that we hope to use at our State Leadership Conference. Thank You to the New Mexico Leadership Team for having us at your State Conference, it was truly an amazing learning experience that I know we will never forget.
Our next Council adventure was State Achievement Days at the Penn State University. For State Achievemnt Days we planned the opening ceremonies and announced the 4-h'ers that placed in the top 5 during closing ceremonies. Opening ceremonies got everyone "Rev'ed Up" with our first ever State Days video. In our video four of our State Council members played one of the four H's and they competed in a race across campus to try to win the "Clover Cup". I played the character Carly Carrot who was representing team "Health". Our State Council Team had a lot of fun making the video and plan to include different media and technology like that in the future for other events.
During our week we met with Ms. Christy Bartley our State 4-H Program Leader. We met for lunch and talked about some differneces we noticed between New Mexico and Pennsylvania's programs. We also went over some changes that may occur with our program.
I hope everyone had a safe trip home after closing ceremoies ended. Congratulations to all the 4-H's who came to State Achievement Days and Good Luck for next year. Please remember to save your soda tabs for our statewide sevice project collected during the State Leadership Conference to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
Look for your State 4-H Council at Ag Progress Days.
Make the most of the rest of Summer.
Sincerely,
Jamie Forinash
State 4-H Council President
July!
Hello to one and all!!!
Wow did the month of July fly by! So much happened this month between the New Mexico trip and State Achievement Days. I guess it is better to start at the beginning and work toward the end.
At the beginning of the month we were all preparing for our trip to New Mexico State University. It was a great experience and we had a blast (I know that I did!). After the New Mexico Council visited Pennsylvania for our State Leadership Conference, it was decided to return the favor and attend their State Conference. We flew out of the State College Airport on July 12 and ended up in El Paso, Texas later that afternoon. After the flight, three total, we had a nice drive through the mountains up to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Throughout the week we participated in an array of activities that included a carnival, visiting the NASA testing facility, the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, and presenting two leadership workshops. Our first workshop was on public speaking. We got the members involved by using our Fish Bowl method and having them practice impromptu ideas. The other workshop focused on people skills. We presented ways to be able to speak with people and how to stay yourself while being professional. The New Mexico 4-H members also taught us a few things along the way. At their dances, they Two Step to everything, and we had the chance to try it for ourselves. That week brought us even closer as a team and gave us the chance to show ourselves to another part of the country. It was time to head home to cooler temperatures and a different time zone on that Friday. All of our luggage followed us to New Mexico and it kept up on the way home too. The only trouble we ran into was on our final flight from Detroit to State College, when the plane's navigation did not work and we had to stay in the airport until 12:30 am on Saturday. This gave us the chance to talk to others in the airport about 4-H.
Then there was State Achievement Days!! As I am still unpacking from this past week, I look back on what happened. We started out with the amazing video, that Alex was a genius with. Our theme for the week was "Rev Up" so what better to do than have a race between the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health? All in all the message behind the race was that when all 4 of the H's work together is when they are at their best. Dean Bruce McPheron gave the opening welcome and our State Program Leader, Ms. Christy Bartley presented the awards to three incredible 4-H members. Following opening ceremonies came this years keynote speaker, Ms. Laurie Stewart who spoke on an array of topics spanning from respect to peer pressure. For Wednesday the contests began and the council had a meeting over lunch with Ms. Bartley to bounce some ideas around about the program and things we thought of during our visit to New Mexico. Thursday brought on Closing Ceremonies and the awards which went amazing. After that everyone cleaned up and headed home.
This is only a summary of what went on for the council over the past month and believe me that so much has happened. Keep watching for more updates from the 2009 State 4-H Council to see what we are up to and what is going on in Pennsylvania 4-H.
Good bye for now!
Laura Pifer
Wow did the month of July fly by! So much happened this month between the New Mexico trip and State Achievement Days. I guess it is better to start at the beginning and work toward the end.
At the beginning of the month we were all preparing for our trip to New Mexico State University. It was a great experience and we had a blast (I know that I did!). After the New Mexico Council visited Pennsylvania for our State Leadership Conference, it was decided to return the favor and attend their State Conference. We flew out of the State College Airport on July 12 and ended up in El Paso, Texas later that afternoon. After the flight, three total, we had a nice drive through the mountains up to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Throughout the week we participated in an array of activities that included a carnival, visiting the NASA testing facility, the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, and presenting two leadership workshops. Our first workshop was on public speaking. We got the members involved by using our Fish Bowl method and having them practice impromptu ideas. The other workshop focused on people skills. We presented ways to be able to speak with people and how to stay yourself while being professional. The New Mexico 4-H members also taught us a few things along the way. At their dances, they Two Step to everything, and we had the chance to try it for ourselves. That week brought us even closer as a team and gave us the chance to show ourselves to another part of the country. It was time to head home to cooler temperatures and a different time zone on that Friday. All of our luggage followed us to New Mexico and it kept up on the way home too. The only trouble we ran into was on our final flight from Detroit to State College, when the plane's navigation did not work and we had to stay in the airport until 12:30 am on Saturday. This gave us the chance to talk to others in the airport about 4-H.
Then there was State Achievement Days!! As I am still unpacking from this past week, I look back on what happened. We started out with the amazing video, that Alex was a genius with. Our theme for the week was "Rev Up" so what better to do than have a race between the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health? All in all the message behind the race was that when all 4 of the H's work together is when they are at their best. Dean Bruce McPheron gave the opening welcome and our State Program Leader, Ms. Christy Bartley presented the awards to three incredible 4-H members. Following opening ceremonies came this years keynote speaker, Ms. Laurie Stewart who spoke on an array of topics spanning from respect to peer pressure. For Wednesday the contests began and the council had a meeting over lunch with Ms. Bartley to bounce some ideas around about the program and things we thought of during our visit to New Mexico. Thursday brought on Closing Ceremonies and the awards which went amazing. After that everyone cleaned up and headed home.
This is only a summary of what went on for the council over the past month and believe me that so much has happened. Keep watching for more updates from the 2009 State 4-H Council to see what we are up to and what is going on in Pennsylvania 4-H.
Good bye for now!
Laura Pifer
Summer fun!
Hello fellow 4-H enthusiasts!
I hope this little note finds you all well and recuperating from all the fun activities at State Achievement Days located at the Pennsylvania State University. Your State 4-H Council has had a very busy month. On July 12th we all flew out of the State College Airport on the first leg of our journey to New Mexico. After one connecting flight from Detroit to Houston and another connecting flight from Houston to El Paso, we boarded a van and set out for Las Cruces, New Mexico. Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University, where the New Mexico State 4-H Conference would be taking place. We were invited to attend the New Mexico State Conference by the New Mexico State Officer team, which as some of you know, attended the Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference in January of 2009. I know I speak for all of your council when I say the experience we had in New Mexico was one which we will never forget. Throughout the week we participated in an array of activities which included a tour of the NASA Test Facility in White Sands and the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. One difference between New Mexico’s conference and our own is that they do all of their contests and leadership workshops in one event while Pennsylvania’s events are split into State Leadership Conference and State Achievement Days. While in attendance, we presented two workshops, one on public speaking and one on people skills. Not only did we gain a vast array of new ideas, your State Council also learned how to “Two-Step” (with the help of the New Mexico Leadership Team of course). At the conference there was a dance every night we were there so learning this dance was critical. After many fond memories, we boarded our first plane and headed back for Houston. Our flights were all good except for the last one on the way home, which was from Detroit to State College. A glitch was found in the navigation system and we had to wait until 12:30 A.M. to board another plane. We didn’t mind waiting though because we would rather have a plane in full working order than coming home quickly on one with a broken navigation system!
For some of you out there, you may still be unpacking from State Achievement Days like I am! We had an excellent week with nearly perfect weather (except for Wednesday night!). State Days started out with a bang on Tuesday night, or maybe it was more like “Ready, set, GO!” with the first ever State Days video which showed the Clover Cup in full swing and how important it is for head, heart, hands, and health to work together. Then the College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Bruce McPheron welcomed everyone and spoke with us about using head, heart, hands, and health to enrich our lives every day. Following Dean McPheron was our very own State 4-H Program Leader, Ms. Christy Bartley. Ms. Bartley welcomed the anxious crowd of 4-Hers and presented awards to three dedicated youth. After Ms. Bartley, our keynote speaker, Ms. Laurie Stewart, took the stage with a presentation packed full of videos, a skit, activities, and personal stories. After explaining the importance of taking healthy risks, how to overcome peer pressure, and how to deal with issues within your life, everyone went back to their dorms for some much needed rest. Wednesday everyone was headed in their own direction with different events and activities for the day. From Fashion Revue and the Talent and Choral Review to Avian Bowl and Tractor Driving, there were plenty of things to do. On Wednesday, your State Council had the opportunity to have lunch with Ms. Christy Bartley and discussed some of the differences between PA 4-H and New Mexico’s 4-H and new ideas we had. State Achievement Days wrapped up on Thursday morning with Closing Ceremonies. After Closing Ceremonies, everyone gathered their belongings and began on their trip back home.
I would like to remind you to keep collecting tabs and other donations for the Ronald McDonald House. The tabs will be collected at the State Leadership Conference in January of 2010. Our State Leadership Conference theme this year is: “License to Lead,” a spy/James Bond theme. We have some really great workshops and speakers planned, so I hope to see you there!
As I have promised, here is my quote for the month. My hope is that you find them as useful as I do.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Until next time,
Jessica Lehman
j.lehman09@gmail.com
Vice-President of Internal Affairs
I hope this little note finds you all well and recuperating from all the fun activities at State Achievement Days located at the Pennsylvania State University. Your State 4-H Council has had a very busy month. On July 12th we all flew out of the State College Airport on the first leg of our journey to New Mexico. After one connecting flight from Detroit to Houston and another connecting flight from Houston to El Paso, we boarded a van and set out for Las Cruces, New Mexico. Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University, where the New Mexico State 4-H Conference would be taking place. We were invited to attend the New Mexico State Conference by the New Mexico State Officer team, which as some of you know, attended the Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference in January of 2009. I know I speak for all of your council when I say the experience we had in New Mexico was one which we will never forget. Throughout the week we participated in an array of activities which included a tour of the NASA Test Facility in White Sands and the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. One difference between New Mexico’s conference and our own is that they do all of their contests and leadership workshops in one event while Pennsylvania’s events are split into State Leadership Conference and State Achievement Days. While in attendance, we presented two workshops, one on public speaking and one on people skills. Not only did we gain a vast array of new ideas, your State Council also learned how to “Two-Step” (with the help of the New Mexico Leadership Team of course). At the conference there was a dance every night we were there so learning this dance was critical. After many fond memories, we boarded our first plane and headed back for Houston. Our flights were all good except for the last one on the way home, which was from Detroit to State College. A glitch was found in the navigation system and we had to wait until 12:30 A.M. to board another plane. We didn’t mind waiting though because we would rather have a plane in full working order than coming home quickly on one with a broken navigation system!
For some of you out there, you may still be unpacking from State Achievement Days like I am! We had an excellent week with nearly perfect weather (except for Wednesday night!). State Days started out with a bang on Tuesday night, or maybe it was more like “Ready, set, GO!” with the first ever State Days video which showed the Clover Cup in full swing and how important it is for head, heart, hands, and health to work together. Then the College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Bruce McPheron welcomed everyone and spoke with us about using head, heart, hands, and health to enrich our lives every day. Following Dean McPheron was our very own State 4-H Program Leader, Ms. Christy Bartley. Ms. Bartley welcomed the anxious crowd of 4-Hers and presented awards to three dedicated youth. After Ms. Bartley, our keynote speaker, Ms. Laurie Stewart, took the stage with a presentation packed full of videos, a skit, activities, and personal stories. After explaining the importance of taking healthy risks, how to overcome peer pressure, and how to deal with issues within your life, everyone went back to their dorms for some much needed rest. Wednesday everyone was headed in their own direction with different events and activities for the day. From Fashion Revue and the Talent and Choral Review to Avian Bowl and Tractor Driving, there were plenty of things to do. On Wednesday, your State Council had the opportunity to have lunch with Ms. Christy Bartley and discussed some of the differences between PA 4-H and New Mexico’s 4-H and new ideas we had. State Achievement Days wrapped up on Thursday morning with Closing Ceremonies. After Closing Ceremonies, everyone gathered their belongings and began on their trip back home.
I would like to remind you to keep collecting tabs and other donations for the Ronald McDonald House. The tabs will be collected at the State Leadership Conference in January of 2010. Our State Leadership Conference theme this year is: “License to Lead,” a spy/James Bond theme. We have some really great workshops and speakers planned, so I hope to see you there!
As I have promised, here is my quote for the month. My hope is that you find them as useful as I do.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Until next time,
Jessica Lehman
j.lehman09@gmail.com
Vice-President of Internal Affairs
July- A Month of Excitement
Hello Pa 4-Her’s
July has been one of our council’s most busy months so far. It marked our term being half way done. Well, at least for some of us. With the 4-H year changing this year’s council team along with last year’s team has been given the opportunity to serve on a combined council team for six months.
I started out the month by contacting almost every club in my county in hopes to visit them all in a club visit. My work had paid off and I saw my action causing reactions when more and more pop tabs started to be collected.
In the middle of the month our team had the honor of traveling to New Mexico for their 4-H state conference! I had the best time and our team had the chance to do some personal bonding. During our tour to the Heritage center I even got to hold a Tumble Weed! We also had the chance to meet some amazing 4-H members across the nation and learn how to two step.
The last “race” for our team this month was our state 4-H achievement days. We had an awesome time revving everyone up for their contests and different events. Our term as a team is half way over and now core planning will begin for our State Leadership Conference-License to lead. It seems like just yesterday we were all strangers getting to know each other as we put on our green blazers. Now we are a “family” planning for the conference that we will retire from office at. I hope everyone enjoys their last month in summer vacation and good luck to everyone as school starts again!
Your secretary,
Christy Lambert
July has been one of our council’s most busy months so far. It marked our term being half way done. Well, at least for some of us. With the 4-H year changing this year’s council team along with last year’s team has been given the opportunity to serve on a combined council team for six months.
I started out the month by contacting almost every club in my county in hopes to visit them all in a club visit. My work had paid off and I saw my action causing reactions when more and more pop tabs started to be collected.
In the middle of the month our team had the honor of traveling to New Mexico for their 4-H state conference! I had the best time and our team had the chance to do some personal bonding. During our tour to the Heritage center I even got to hold a Tumble Weed! We also had the chance to meet some amazing 4-H members across the nation and learn how to two step.
The last “race” for our team this month was our state 4-H achievement days. We had an awesome time revving everyone up for their contests and different events. Our term as a team is half way over and now core planning will begin for our State Leadership Conference-License to lead. It seems like just yesterday we were all strangers getting to know each other as we put on our green blazers. Now we are a “family” planning for the conference that we will retire from office at. I hope everyone enjoys their last month in summer vacation and good luck to everyone as school starts again!
Your secretary,
Christy Lambert
Thursday, July 30, 2009
July-Council Bonding Time!
Hey PA 4-H!
July has been a crazy month for Council; it has also been the most time we have spent together as a team.
This month was one of the highlights of our year-New Mexico! On the 12th, we took flights from State College to Detroit, then to Houston, El Paso, and then an hour drive to Las Cruces, NM at New Mexico State University. As an exchange to the New Mexico 4-H Council’s trip to SLC in January, we took part in their State Conference, which combines the PA idea of SLC and State Days. This was a great bonding experience for our team as well as a way to see a new culture. While there we experienced “real” Mexican food, learning to “two-step” (because that’s the popular way to dance), and saw lots of desert! The best part was meeting the New Mexico Leadership Team and seeing the differences in our 4-H programs. We arrived back in PA on the 18th.
Two weeks later we met at Penn State University for State Days, arriving two days early for our mid-year leadership training. Throughout the week we emceed Opening Ceremonies, the Talent Show, and Closing Ceremonies. We also met with staff from Penn State and toured the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. I hope you all enjoyed your time at Penn State University and if you did not attend State Days you join us in 2010!
In my own area, I have been attending several events. On July 8th, I attended Teen Day Away with the Central Susquehanna Counties region, which was hosted by Union County. The event had a beach theme and included many water games. I have also done club visits with the Super Stitchers and Just Kidding Goat Clubs of Snyder County as well as schedule two more visits for August.
Enjoy the last few weeks of your summer and I look forward to meeting you at Ag Progress Days!
Jeanette Blank
Council Reporter
“Kind words are like the seats in an airplane. You’ll still get to your destination without them, but the journey is a whole lot more comfortable with them.”
July has been a crazy month for Council; it has also been the most time we have spent together as a team.
This month was one of the highlights of our year-New Mexico! On the 12th, we took flights from State College to Detroit, then to Houston, El Paso, and then an hour drive to Las Cruces, NM at New Mexico State University. As an exchange to the New Mexico 4-H Council’s trip to SLC in January, we took part in their State Conference, which combines the PA idea of SLC and State Days. This was a great bonding experience for our team as well as a way to see a new culture. While there we experienced “real” Mexican food, learning to “two-step” (because that’s the popular way to dance), and saw lots of desert! The best part was meeting the New Mexico Leadership Team and seeing the differences in our 4-H programs. We arrived back in PA on the 18th.
Two weeks later we met at Penn State University for State Days, arriving two days early for our mid-year leadership training. Throughout the week we emceed Opening Ceremonies, the Talent Show, and Closing Ceremonies. We also met with staff from Penn State and toured the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. I hope you all enjoyed your time at Penn State University and if you did not attend State Days you join us in 2010!
In my own area, I have been attending several events. On July 8th, I attended Teen Day Away with the Central Susquehanna Counties region, which was hosted by Union County. The event had a beach theme and included many water games. I have also done club visits with the Super Stitchers and Just Kidding Goat Clubs of Snyder County as well as schedule two more visits for August.
Enjoy the last few weeks of your summer and I look forward to meeting you at Ag Progress Days!
Jeanette Blank
Council Reporter
“Kind words are like the seats in an airplane. You’ll still get to your destination without them, but the journey is a whole lot more comfortable with them.”
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Land Of Enchantment
Greetings from New Mexico!
At this year's State 4-H Leadership Conference, the New Mexico State 4-H Officer team visited Pennsylvania. We then had the opportunity to exchange and fly to the "Land of Enchantment" for the New Mexico State 4-H Conference. After three flights and an a brief car ride we arrived at The New Mexico State University! That evening we were welcomed by the New Mexico State 4-H Leadership Team over authentic Mexican cuisine at Si Senor's where we got to try green and red chili...delicious! Our first day was busy; helping to run a carnival and welcoming the New Mexico participants. The carnival consisted of an array of activities including pie throwing and a dunk booth which benefited cancer research. During the evening we participated in opening ceremonies. Speakers included Dr. Frank E. Hodnett and Rhett Laubach. Mr. Laubach motivated the crowd through his use of humor and experiences as a former 4-H member. Afterwards a themed dance sponsored by the State Officer took place.
This morning we participated in a New Mexico State University Campus scavenger hunt. This event was a challenge for us because we were very unfamiliar with the landmarks of the facility. The scavenger hunt turned out to me a lovely fast-paced tour of the scenery. Afterward we continued preparations for our Public Speaking workshop which we presented this afternoon. We provided information and educational activities for the participants to take back to their 33 counties and 7,000 4-H members. Currently we are waiting for the campaign speeches of the 2009-2010 Leadership Team to commence.
We look forward to enjoying the rest of our week here in New Mexico and we hope to see you at State Days in 2 weeks!
Sincerely,
The PA State 4-H Council
At this year's State 4-H Leadership Conference, the New Mexico State 4-H Officer team visited Pennsylvania. We then had the opportunity to exchange and fly to the "Land of Enchantment" for the New Mexico State 4-H Conference. After three flights and an a brief car ride we arrived at The New Mexico State University! That evening we were welcomed by the New Mexico State 4-H Leadership Team over authentic Mexican cuisine at Si Senor's where we got to try green and red chili...delicious! Our first day was busy; helping to run a carnival and welcoming the New Mexico participants. The carnival consisted of an array of activities including pie throwing and a dunk booth which benefited cancer research. During the evening we participated in opening ceremonies. Speakers included Dr. Frank E. Hodnett and Rhett Laubach. Mr. Laubach motivated the crowd through his use of humor and experiences as a former 4-H member. Afterwards a themed dance sponsored by the State Officer took place.
This morning we participated in a New Mexico State University Campus scavenger hunt. This event was a challenge for us because we were very unfamiliar with the landmarks of the facility. The scavenger hunt turned out to me a lovely fast-paced tour of the scenery. Afterward we continued preparations for our Public Speaking workshop which we presented this afternoon. We provided information and educational activities for the participants to take back to their 33 counties and 7,000 4-H members. Currently we are waiting for the campaign speeches of the 2009-2010 Leadership Team to commence.
We look forward to enjoying the rest of our week here in New Mexico and we hope to see you at State Days in 2 weeks!
Sincerely,
The PA State 4-H Council
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