Camp Counselor Applications Posted Online

Any teens ages 14+ as of 1/1/09 are encouraged to apply to be 4-H Camp Counselors. Applications are posted at http://ocva4-h.pbwiki.com/, in the sidebar. Camp is a fun experience, it's great for leadership skill-building, looks good on college applications, and is another point in a different area on the 4-H All Star application. Hurry--they're due by next Friday, January 30th!

Beekeeping Essay Contest Open to 4-H Members

Do you like to write? Do you want to earn some money? If so, consider submitting an essay about "The Dance Language of Bees," the topic of this year's contest. Entries are due February 6th, and prizes are $100, $50, and $25 for first, second, and third places, respectively. Essays should be 750-1000 words with only factual information and references for research information used in your document. Contact the Extension Office for a complete entry packet and list of guidelines. Good luck!

Teams Gearing up for Spring Contests!

Spring will be here before we know it, and several 4-H teams are practicing regularly now. Several youth are forming hippology teams, which is a contest that tests knowledge of all things horses. Nutrition, gaits, management, genetics, feeds, tack, and more are covered. Contact a horse club leader if you want to be on a team. The Stockman's Team has begun practicing and has several judging trips and clinics planned. Dairy quiz bowl starts this week, and who knows? Maybe we'll be able to send folks to the national contest again!!! Also, presentations, public speaking, and Share-the-Fun talent acts will soon be center stage. Call the Extension Office to learn more about any of these programs. :-)

Fair Theme Announced

The Orange County Fair Association has announced its 2009 theme: "We've got a good thing growing". Please incorporate this into your stall decorations and educational displays with 4-H project animals at the fair this summer. Fair dates are July 23-26, 2009. Have fun planning and preparing!

Camp Counselor Applications Accepted Now Thru January 30th

4-H Camp Counselor applications are being accepted now through January 30th for male and female teens who were at least 14 by January 1, 2009. Applicants must like kids, want to be part of the camp management team, and be willing to learn - all training will be provided! Previous 4-H or camp experience not necessary. Complete the necessary application, obtain three reference forms, and return all by the end of the month. Interviews will be held three days in February. Please call the Extension Office if you need assistance! We look forward to hearing from you.

Orange Youth Win BIG in VAF Scholarship Contest

Congratulations to Bobby Chambers and Marty Harris, who competed in the Virginia Association of Fairs Youth Leadership Scholarship Contest in Portsmouth, VA, this past weekend. Bobby won first place and was awarded a $2500 scholarship. Marty placed third overall and earned $1000 scholarship. Both young men delivered a 4-6 minute prepared speech, extemporaneous speech, powerpoint presentation, wrote an essay, and conducted an interview with two judges. Thank you for representing Orange 4-H and the Orange County Fair so well!