VT PEEP and Virginia Junior Beef Leadership Academy

There are two brand new programs that were just introduced from Virginia Tech that are available for high school students.

VT PEEP is a poultry emphasis enhancement program that is open to youth and adults. The youth have to be rising freshman or older in high school. Adults must be certified 4-H volunteers. This two-day enhancement program will include tours of hatcheries, grow-out facilities, and processing plants, as well as seminars on nutrition, eggs, and carcass evaluations. Please see the attached flier and registration for more information.

Virginia Junior Beef Leadership Academy is designed to promote leadership and develop beef industry knowledge. This three-day program will consist of industry tours, as well as participation in the Masters of Beef Advocacy program and a visit with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association staff in Washington, D.C. The attached flier and registration provide additional details.

Both programs are limited and youth will be evaluated on their application, essays and academic merit (Beef Leadership program). Entries must be submitted electronically by July 20^th.

This information will also be posted to the Youth Livestock web site at www.ext.vt.edu/youthlivestock. For more information, please contact Dr. Paige Pratt at pjpratt@vt.eduor 540-231-4732.

Last Night of Camp

Tonight was our final night of camp. The storms were all around us and moved things indoors, but we didn't experience any really bad weather. We moved things indoors and still managed to have a memorable evening. It was a long day, but we'll rest well tonight and have more to share with you in the morning!

Polar Bear Plunge Attracts Large Crowd

This morning we offered our traditional polar bear plunge -- an early morning swim in the pool.  They were happy campers to be up so early! Adult volunteer Asa led the way.

See the crowd that we had?!?  If you can't pick out your child, he/she was being a sleeping beauty back in the dorms.

Waiting for the countdown. 3...2...1...

Bluberry helped add ice to try to lower the temperature of the water. It was a good thrill factor for the campers if nothing else.

Excited polar bears. Grrr...

Here are the action shots of the actual plunge.

And then a few minutes to just enjoy the pool.

At 4-H Camp, TUESDAY is Hump Daaaayyyy!

Wow! It's hard to believe today was our half-way point for camp. Parents, you should be proud. This year's counselors and campers have been the best yet!  Really!  Honestly!  Thank you for sharing your great kids with us!

Breakfast started out with some rousing songs and entertainment by our counselors.

Today was Sparky's birthday, so his mom made sure we had treats to celebrate.

Our counselors enjoyed a break during the afternoon while campers were busy learning about good nutrition and healthy food choices.

Sparky and Lil Moo helped get the Sno-Cone machine ready for tonight's parade.

Claydough found a special part of nature. :) See it?

In tonight's parade, each camper made a signboard. They were very patriotic and shared some great messages.

The deer pack had quite the sense of humor. (and artistic skills!)

Great Bear served as our Grand Marshal of the parade.

4-H is a partner agency for the national CHARACTER COUNTS! movement. These campers featured the pillar of respect, encouraging everyone to treat others the way they wish to be treated.

What's a parade without a police escort? You can see the lights, but can you hear the siren?

What an enthusiastic bunch of campers!!!

Again, as part of citizenship, each pack elects a "Little Bear". This camper is the leader of the pack and gets to carry the pack's flag wherever we go at camp.

For a bit of flair, we had a reverse parade. The audience (adult volunteers) threw candy to the participants. Tootsie Pops, Gobstoppers, mints, Twizzlers...yum! (Don't worry, parents, only a couple pieces per camper. We do have to get them to bed at some point tonight!)

Check out the drawing talent of this Rattlesnake pack member!

We love it when our campers share their talents. This young lady prepares to sing our national anthem.

Shown here is the coveted Spirit Stick of camp. All of the packs' colors are represented. Packs earn bear claws (points) for good deeds and participation throughout the day, and each day the spirit stick is awarded to a new pack.

Campfire starts as the day is ending.

We are fortunate to be in such a beautiful location! 

Thanks for reading!!!  Tomorrow's a new day!  And a hot one! We're pushing lots of water, and our educational programs are really focusing on hydration. Lots of camper emails have been coming in and our campers love hearing from home. Please remember to keep the messages positive and encouraging. Campers need to know you love and miss them, but focus on the great opportunities camp affords and the chance for independence campers are gaining.

Good night!

Trying to Catch Up Our Fans...

We have been having so much fun that we haven't been able to blog as much as we thought. We knew you would understand, though.  Here are a few more shots from Monday...

We're keeping cool in the pool.

We're so proud of Aqua (right). She is a former Orange-Madison teen counselor who is now a college student on staff for the summer here at the 4-H Center. She teaches Swimming classes and is a lifeguard. We are so proud of her!

 As part of our Citizenship education and responsibilities, we perform flag raising and lowering ceremonies each morning and evening. Here, summer staffer Zeus assists two campers in folding the flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 The high ropes class students spend time on the course each day. Here they are suited up for safety!

 Teen counselor Tater caught a fish in Lake Culpeper. After his photo op, he was returned to the lake!

Update on Monday's Camp Happenings

The first full day of camp was very nice.  Great weather and happy campers. 

The classes went very smoothly 

 

Campers enjoyed an afternoon swim. 

Evening program (a scavenger hunt) was very fun. 

There was also a color run going on during the scavenger hunt.  

Day 1 of camp was a success!

The first full day of camp was very nice.  Great weather and happy campers. The classes went very smoothly and campers enjoyed an afternoon swim. Evening program (a scavenger hunt) was very fun. There was also a color run going on during the scavenger hunt. 

Kaci Daniel

Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Virginia Cooperative Extension - Orange Unit

540-672-1361       540-672-0234 FAX

P.O. Box 30, 146 Madison Rd. Suite 102, Orange, VA 22960

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