Thursday, April 30, 2015

Summer Camp Series- Cloverbud Camp

Come join us "Under the Sea" for Cloverbud Camp this year!  Cloverbud Camp will be held June 29-July 2 (4 days) from 9-12 each day at the Northern Piedmont Center (next to Orange-Madison Coop).  This camp is for rising kindergarteners through rising third graders (the child must be 5 years old by September 30, 2015 to attend camp.)  The cost to attend is $30 per child and includes activities, snack, story time, and more!  This is a very popular camp that fills up quickly- we can accept a maximum of 30 children for Cloverbud Camp.
To register for all summer workshops, please visit the document library and check out the "Summer Workshops" folder.  Registration for workshops will close two weeks prior to the individual workshop (so for this workshop, registration will close June 15.)
Please contact the Extension office for more information!

Goat Club Wildlife Center Visit Report

Submitted by 4-H Goat Club Members Amna Akram and Momin Ali 

The Orange County 4-H Goat Club Cloverbud sponsored a field trip on Saturday, April 11, 2015, to the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro. Many of the club members enjoyed learning more about wildlife. 

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is a hospital for native wildlife, teaching the world to care about wildlife and environment. The development of the center from a horse barn to the wildlife center, which treats only native Virginian animals, was astonishing to know. They have treated more than 65,000 animals to date. 

Their structure includes the veterinary clinic, diagnostics laboratory, operating suite, radiology room and administration rooms. Surrounding the building is the National Forest covering 360 acres of land area. We were given a special educational tour in which we saw a documentary on how an injured/sick animal or bird is brought to them and the further treatment given by the center. 

Later on, one staff member took us for the site visit and we got to see different species of animals and birds. Some of them were still under treatment while some of them had life lasting injuries so they will not be moving out of Wildlife Center of Virginia. 

It was a great tour! All the members who attended it got to learn more. It was a great experience.





Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Summer Camp Series- Ready for Life After High School

Are you graduating from high school or preparing to live on your own within the next few years?  If so, you will want to check this camp out!  We will hold this camp on July 8 and 9 from 5:30-8:30 both nights at the Extension Office.  We want to make sure you are prepared to live on your own!  Leaving home can be quite the adventure, and we want to make sure it's going to be a great one!  At this seminar you will learn to make quick and easy meals that won't add the famous "Freshman 15" to your weight.  You will also learn tips for laundry so your red shirt won't turn everything pink!  Come learn all the skills you need to get ready for college and live successfully on your own.  Dinner is provided each night.  There is a charge of $20 per participant to participate.
To register for all summer workshops, please visit the document library and check out the "Summer Workshops" folder.  Registration for workshops will close two weeks prior to the individual workshop (so for this workshop, registration will close June 24.)
Please contact the Extension office for more information!

VSU- Summer Enrichment Program in Agriculture and Environmental Science

Virginia State University is hosting a Summer Enrichment Program in Agriculture and Environmental Science June 22-26 on their campus.  You will gain hands-on experience with the world around you through VSU's innovative agriculture and environmental science programs.  During the five day program, participants will learn from experts through experiential learning activities (classroom, lab, and field) about:
- healthy lifestyle habits
- exploring aquatic plants and animals
- water and environmental issues
- food and ornamental crops production
- animal production and handling
- resume building and interviewing skills
- life as a college student
- career opportunities with the USDA and other federal, state, and private industry jobs

Application requirements: Admission is restricted to rising high school juniors and seniors interested in STEAM disciplines: science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math.  Students are required to submit a one-page essay covering career goals and reasons for interest in the summer enrichment program.  This program is FREE for all eligible students, and up to two scholarships will be rewarded to participants who later enroll in VSU's Department of Agriculture.

To apply, visit fill out the form found at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SwKrpvZVeoDVi9tDQPCLHgz30mmAlMARjWbxx9RWvzQ/viewform
You also must write a one page essay and submit it that describes your career goals and reasons for interest in the summer enrichment program.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Summer Camp Series- Money Camp

Our Summer Camps are going to be AWESOME this summer!  After we return from Junior Camp and 4-H State Congress, the first camp that we will be hosting this summer is "Money Camp."  Money Camp will be a two day workshop, June 24 and 25 from 9 am- 3 pm each day, here at the Extension Office.  This workshop will be for rising 5th-8th graders, and the cost is $25.  We must have a minimum of 8 participants signed up and we will accept a maximum of 15 participants.
Why is Money Camp going to be cool?  Well, you can learn all about money!  This is one thing that everyone needs.  We will learn how to write a check, balance a checkbook, make change, look at store versus generic brand merchandise, commercials, marketing, and more!  This event will be very hands on.  Parents, let us help you start the important conversations about money!
To register for all summer workshops, please visit the document library and check out the "Summer Workshops" folder.  Registration for workshops will close two weeks prior to the individual workshop (so for this workshop, registration will close June 10.)
Please contact the Extension office for more information!

Monday, April 27, 2015

Summer Specialty Camps Brochure Now Available!

Our Summer Specialty Camps (formerly Summer Workshops) brochure is now available!  We have developed tons of new and different camps (both day camps and an overnight trip) to offer this summer.  Be sure to check out the blog closely for the next two weeks for a preview of all of the camps that will be held this summer that you can sign up for.
The brochure can be found on the document library in the "Summer Workshops" folder or you can find it by going directly here.
All participants who sign up for camps must fill out a health history form and code of conduct.
You have two ways of paying for camp this year!  You can either submit a check with your registration, or you may pay online!  To pay online, please visit www.tinyurl.com/vcepay and print the receipt and submit it with your registration.
Registration for specialty camps are due 2 weeks before the camp is set to begin.
If you have any questions, please contact the Extension Office!

SOS! 4 Japanese Boys Need Host Families July 26-August 22

Answer the SOS call!  Bring a new culture to your home by hosting a boy from Japan!  To be eligible to host, you must have a boy between the ages of 11-16.  Please see the list below and contact Deb Johnson (jdjohn123[at]aol.com) or visit www.states4hexchange.org for more information.

26M- Age 13; Enjoys playing piano, handball, swimming, watching movies, reading (especially Harry Potter and Star Wars), camping, ping-pong, video games; Goal during home stay: wants to communicate in English, feel our culture, enjoy home stay- will help host family a lot; advanced swimmer; favorite school subject is Social Studies

28M- Age 13; enjoys playing computer games, interested in computers, soccer, skiing, camping; goal during home stay: wants to talk to host family in English, play soccer and games with host; favorite school subject is math; intermediate swimmer

31M- Age 13; likes baseball, long distance relay road racing, hiking, marathons, rugby, reading, social studies; goal during home stay: wants to make many foreign friends, learn about our country's culture, teach host family about Japanese culture; favorite school subject is Social Studies; beginning swimmer

36M- Age 14; likes playing volleyball, computer games, and reading comic books; goal during home stay: would like to get along with host and family so will help host mother with household chores; favorite school subject is math; beginning swimmer

Important Summer Dates!

As summer is getting closer and closer, we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the important dates that are coming up!  Summers in the Extension Office are always very busy, and we want to make sure everyone knows what is going on.  These dates are mostly applicable to Orange County 4-H, but there are some state event dates that are on this list as well.

April 30- 4-H Congress Applications are due
May 2- Market Animal Bootcamp, Rockingham County Fairgrounds
May 8: Poster Contest Deadline for Orange County Fair
May 30- Northern District Livestock Show, Culpeper Ag Enterprises
June 12- Animal Entries for Orange County Fair are due by 5 pm (this information will be coming out shortly)
June 14-18: Orange-Madison 4-H Junior camp
June 15-18: State 4-H Congress
June 24-25: Money Camp
June 29-July 2: Cloverbud Day Camp, Northern Piedmont Center next to Orange-Madison Coop
July 3- Extension Office Closed in observation of 4th of July
July 8-9: Life After High School Camp
July 13-17: TACO Camp (volunteers always welcome and needed!)
July 13-15: Intermediate Congress
July 22-25: Orange County Fair (Theme: Farm to Table to Home)
July 26: Fair Clean Up (required for all fair participants!)
July 29-31: Chesapeake Bay Camp
August 6: Virginia Ag Expo at Brooke Farms, Mine Run, VA
August 18-20: Farm 2 Table Camp

Stay tuned for more information on the summer camps!  If you would like information on any of the other events, please contact the Extension Office.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Orange County Summer Camps- Important Information!

For all interested, the Orange County Summer Camp brochure will be available next week!  We have a wide variety of summer camps available this year- Money Camp, Cloverbud Day Camp, Ready for Life after High School Camp, Chesapeake Bay Experience Camp, Farm to Table Camp, and Food Challenge Camp.  Please check the blog next week for more information on all of these camps!  The summer camp registration will begin on May 1.
To register for any of the camps, we must have payment, the registration sheet, and a completed health history form on file for each child.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

4-H Congress- One Week Left to Register!

As a reminder, there is ONE WEEK left to register for 4-H State Congress June 15-18!  This is an AWESOME opportunity for senior 4-H members to meet other 4-Hers from around the state, participate in cool workshops, visit the individual colleges within the Virginia Tech system (business, engineering, agriculture and life sciences, veterinary college, etc.), live on a college campus for 4 days, listen to inspiring speakers, and more!  The cost to attend 4-H Congress is $200 and covers all meals while at Congress, lodging, activities, and a t-shirt.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Sarah at the Extension office ASAP!  Registration information can also be found on the document library in the "4-H Congress 2015" folder.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

4-H Camp Registration Opening April 23!

It's almost here!  4-H Camp will be here before we know it- June 14-18 at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Front Royal.
4-H Camp registration will begin this Thursday, April 23.  Registration will be at the Extension Office from 4 pm-7 pm that evening.  At that time you will be able to submit paperwork, choose roommates, choose classes, make your initial camp deposit, and more!  Registration will also be available after that time- you can come in during business hours (8 am- 5 pm Monday-Friday) to compete all paperwork.  Class choices will be first come, first served, so the earlier you get your paperwork and deposit in, the better!
To expedite the registration process, please visit this website and visit the "Required Forms" folder.  When you arrive for registration, if you could have the required paperwork filled out that would be wonderful!  Having the forms completed when you arrive will help speed things along.  This website also has the forms available for those requesting camp scholarship assistance.  
Camp cost is $265 per child and includes lodging, meals, camp t-shirt, and transportation to and from Orange.
Please feel free to contact the Extension Office if you have any questions or need any assistance.

Monday, April 13, 2015

Goat Club Meeting Location Moving to Northern Piedmont Center Tomorrow Night

We apologize for the last-minute notice, but the 4-H Goat Club meeting scheduled for tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 14, will be held at Virginia Tech's Northern Piedmont Center on Rt. 15. This is across from Tractor Supply and next to Orange-Madison Coop. 

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Host Families needed for Exchange Students for 2015-2016 School Year

Host families are needed for the 2015-16 school year.  Virginia 4-H has committed to placing 4 high school exchange students from Japan and Korea  with host families providing them the opportunity to experience our school system and family life.  The deadline for host family applications to be processed is May 1, 2015.  

Delegates come with their own spending monies and medical insurance.  They must attend the local high school.  They are here to experience American culture and education, not for travel.

Host families are approved once the application process is completed and the delegate has been officially accepted for attendance by the local high school.  The application process includes:  application with pictures of house and family, background and financial disclosures, references, in-home visit/interview.

Interested persons can visit the States 4-H Exchange website and FB pages (addresses are below with contact information)  to learn more about the hosting experience. The application process is included on the States 4-H Exchange website.  Be sure to click the tab “Become a Host Family” to review all of the information and for the application process.

Below is a list of delegates available to Virginia 4-H families.  There are over 30 delegates who need host families. Becky Moyer can provide additional delegates' information if someone has questions.

Becky Moyer is the Coordinator for this 4-H international exchange program. If you have questions, please contact Becky.

Rebecca B. Moyer, Coordinator
VA 4-H International Exchange, High School

rebeccabmoyer25[at]gmail.com

Male Students:
Firuzjon, from Tajikistan, age 18, entering 12th Grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: soccer, volleyball, bicycling, wrestling, volunteering, leadership club, reading, listening to music, taking care of cows, religious activities NOTE: doesn't eat pork
Myktybek, from Kyrgyzstan, age 17, entering 11th grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: studying foreign languages, cooking, chess, video games, art, reading, taking care of farm animals, soccer, basketball NOTE: doesn't eat pork
Kotaro, from Japan, age 18, entering 12th grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: tennis, badminton, singing, movies, traveling.  Interested in volunteering, pets and leadership.  Sincere, friendly, and active
Haruki, from Japan, age 16, entering 10th grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: soccer, reading comics, listening to music, skiing, painting, drawing, computers.  Interested in farm animals, pets, and science.  Cooperative, focused, cheerful.
Ichiro, from Japan, age 16, entering 10th grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: running (hurdles), basketball, table tennis, playing card/board games, school clubs.  Interested in animals, public speaking, and leadership.  Adaptable, respectful, studious.

Female Students:
Angela, from Moldova, age 17, entering 12th grade
     Interests, Personality, and notes: dancing, aerobics, volunteering, painting, planning school events, crafts, pets, tending flowers, cooking
Tetyana, from Ukraine, age 16, entering 11th grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: Dancing, volunteering, sports, painting, cooking, foreign languages, reading, allergic to animal fur
Kyoka, from Japan, age 16, entering 11th grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: Running, tennis, gymnastics, table tennis, playing piano, watching sports.  Interested in volunteering.  Wants to be a doctor.  Considerate, curious, optimistic.
Kamila, from Kazakhstan, age 16, entering 11th grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: playing piano, swimming, reading, ice skating, bowling, dancing, yoga/pilates, cooking, movies, school clubs.  Likes math and foreign languages.  Note: has limited use of right arm/hand.  Dietary restrictions: no pork or foods made with yeast (bread)
Subin, from South Korea, age 16, entering 11th grade
     Interests, Personality, and Notes: playing piano and sogum (Korean instrument), volunteering, reading gymnastics, running, dodge ball, watching movies.  Studies Japanese and Russian; interested in international relations.  Active, bright, careful. 


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

4-H Intermediate Congress 2015

The dates for 4-H Intermediate Congress have been announced for 2015!  Intermediate Congress is for youth ages 11-13 (as of September 30, 2015) who are not old enough to attend senior 4-H Congress.  Intermediate Congress will be held at Virginia State University July 13-15.  The cost to attend is $90.
The mission of Intermediate Congress is very similar to Senior 4-H Congress- to provide noncompetitive educational experiences to youth ages 11-13, and the adults who work with them, helping them to develop life skills, and leadership abilities to become contributing citizens in their communities.
4-H Intermediate Congress is designed for youth who are interested in becoming leaders in 4-H.  Through fun, innovative, engaging, and interactive sessions, youth will enhance their ability to serve in local, district, state, and national 4-H leadership roles.
Registration is limited to 60 spots.  The cost is $90 and includes meals, lodging, workshop supplies, and an Intermediate Congress t-shirt.  Limited financial assistance is available upon request; you must meet certain guidelines for eligibility.
If you are interested in attending Intermediate Congress, please contact the Extension Office for more information.

4-H Insect Collection Contest at Hokie Bugfest

It's time to start collecting insects for the 2015 4-H Insect Collection Contest at Hokie Bugfest!  this year Bugfest will be held on October 17th at the Inn at Virginia Tech.  We encourage you to make an insect collection with your 4-H Club and bring your collection for judging at Hokie Bugfest.  Please visit this website for more information.  Prizes will be offered!

Friday, April 3, 2015

4-H Archery Club of Orange- Mother's Day Madness

4H ARCHERY CLUB OF ORANGE proudly sponsors a
Mother’s Day Madness Archery Tournament
(**Open to all Orange County 4H clubs and members with their own equipment!**)
Saturday -- May 9th, 2015 @ the Orange County Fair Grounds
8am – 12pm
Flowers and fun for all moms!!!
Early Pre-Registration Fee $10 (week prior by midnight and post-dated mail by May 2nd, 2015) OR Door Fee $15
***RAIN OR SHINE Please dress accordingly!***
CLUB RULES APPLY

SCHEDULE:
8am – Registration/Check-in and Warm-Ups
9-10:30am – Target Face Shoot Outs:   
Juniors 10, 15, 20, 25 yds  Seniors 15, 20, 25, 30 yds
10:30-NOON – 12 - 3D Target Shoot Outs:   
Juniors <15 yds and Seniors <30 yds

5 AWARDS:  Target Face Junior Most Points, Target Face Senior Most Points, 3D Target Junior Most Points, 3D Target Senior Most Points AND Best Sportsmanship (we’ll be watching you ;-)!

BRING: Bow, arrows, quiver, water, chairs, 10X10 tent, Copy of your completed 4H Health Form 
***Possible concessions available, will let those registered know closer to event***

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS:
14500 Old Gordonsville Rd, Orange, VA 22960
Route 20 towards the town of Orange,
Route 15 South of Orange,
Left on Old Gordonsville Rd (across from Comfort Inn and over RR Tracks,
Right into 14500 Old Gordonsville Rd, straight back toward the tree line.

EMAIL EARLY PRE-REGISTRATION:
Archer Name:
Age:_________Junior or Senior
Address:
Cell Phone:
Club Name:
County:
Bow Type: Traditional or Compound
                   No Let off  or Let Off

For more information or to register, please contact Dani Cole- todanicole[at]gmail.com

Thursday, April 2, 2015

EquiSmartz Public Speaking 3rd Place Winner!

Congratulations to Cora Hoemann of the Bit 'n Bridle 4-H Club on representing Orange County very well at the 2015 EquiSmartz Horse Public Speaking Individual Presentation!  Cora placed 3rd in the junior division at the contest with her speech on "Horse Behavior Types."

Great Opportunity for anyone interested in 4-H Camp!

The Northern Virginia 4-H Center is offering a FREE Community Day on April 18th from 1 pm-4pm!  This program is a family friendly event and will allow interested 4-H campers and their families the chance to check out the center, meet staff, go zip lining, get on the climbing wall, tie-dye, have your face painted, and go through an inflatable challenge!

That same morning, April 18th, starting at 9 am there will be a 4 for 4-H Fun Run!  This 4K or 4 mile Fun Run is open to both runners and walkers, and there is a relay team option as well.  Participating in this event directly supports camp scholarships for the county that you are representing or designate.  If you are interested in participating in the 4 for 4-H Fun Run, please contact the Extension Office for registration information or visit http://www.nova4h.com/#programs .

Lunch will be available this day at noon for $4 and will be hot dogs and hamburgers, garden salad, baked beans, chips, drink and dessert.    

Orange County Fair Poster Contest

Submit your artwork for a chance to win and have your artwork represent this year's Orange County Fair!
Orange County Fair Poster Contest Rules

1.     Draw or paint a poster using pencil, crayons, ink, markers, paint or watercolor.  Posters should reflect the 2015 Theme:  Farm to Fair to Home.

2.     The words of the theme and the fair dates must be printed somewhere on the poster.

3.     The poster should be created on poster paper no larger than 12” x 18”  and must be vertical.

4.     On the back of each poster must be printed very legibly:
a.      Name
b.      Contact Phone Number

5.      All entries must be received to the Extension Office by 5 pm on Friday, May 8, 2015.

6.     Posters will be judged by the Fair Board on artistic merit and how well they typify the theme. 

7.     Winners will be notified after May 20, 2015 and the winning poster will become the property of the Orange County Fair.

8.     Posters must be picked back up at the Extension Office after May 21, 2015.

The winning poster will be awarded a prize of $100.00.  Please contact the Fair Board if you have any questions.