Category: Projects

State 4-H projects, including news about project curricula/manuals.

February 13, 2013

GIS/GPS SPIN Club Resources

A few resources for anyone working with a SPIN club that is interested in doing community mapping, geocaching or other activities related geographic information systems (GIS) and/or geographic positioning systems (GPS) units...


1. Illinois 4-H MapMaker Website http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmapmakers/

Downloadable lesson plans, links to resources, examples of youth-created map projects and more!


2. A listserv for 4-H staff and volunteers to share questions and resources: 4HGISGPS@LISTS.UMN.EDU


3. Recommendations for purchasing GPS units (based on input from above listserv discussion):

The legends are still the recreational GPS unit that all new ones are measured against. They have the WAAS correction available and get the 20 feet accuracies that fit most of our needs. They do have issues in "heavy cover" situations, like deep woods, canyons and similar situations. New models add a new software package (high sensitivity) and more efficient antennae that gives us better reception in that "deep cover", but still have the 20 feet accuracies in all open sky use.

The newer models that use the high sensitivity system are models like the Garmin eTrex Venture HC and Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx. They are both old tech, too. They have been replaced by the new eTrex 10, 20 or 30 and the GPSMAP 62 series. Some of these units use both the US GPS satellites and the Russian GPS satellites, which gives them another little bump in accuracy in "heavy cover" locations. They still get the standard 20 feet accuracy in open sky locations.

Which should you buy? Since the accuracy does not get any better with the recreational grade GPS units as the price goes up, lower end units are completely accurate. The eTrex models are generally $150 to $200 less than the GPSMAP models with the same basic features. They will make maps that are identical, within the 20 feet accuracies. Not until you get into the survey grade GPS units that have costs of thousands of dollars, do you get better accuracies. Most of our mapping has us locating buildings or similar structures. The accuracy of the recreation GPS unit is completely adequate for mapping those sites. Geocachers hide and find cache containers the size of thimbles with recreational GPS units.

Do a good job of shopping for these units. You will be able to save 30% or more off of the MSRP. Review the features of each of the models on www.garmin.com to help you make a decision.

Posted by Lisa Bouillion Diaz at 12:55 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Clubs, Projects, SET

January 11, 2013

February-March 2013 Issue of Illinois Leader

The February/March 2013 issue of the Illinois Leader is now available for download from the portal under Volunteer Support: Illinois Leader. It will also be posted shortly to the Illinois 4-H web site under Volunteers: Volunteer Support: Leader Resources: Illinois Leader. Please share this newsletter with your 4-H leaders via email, by linking it on your county/Unit web site, by including it in your county/Unit newsletter, or by providing paper copies at leader meetings.

Posted by Debra Stocker at 1:59 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Camp, Funding, ISA, Projects, Science-Excited, SFI4-H, Teens, Volunteers

October 1, 2012

2012-13 Clover Challenge Grant Program

Clover Challenge Grants for 2012 – 13 Now Available

Applications for the 2012-13 4-H Clover Challenge Grant program are now available for downloading from the Illinois 4-H Foundation website. Thanks to DuPont Pioneer and the Illinois Soybean Association for sponsoring this opportunity for a second year. Staff and members can download the applications at: http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/financial_support.

Staff are encouragedto review the applications on line as the information included will answer many of their questions. In addition to meeting both age and project requirements as listed in the application, selected applicants will be expected to:

  • Secure an adult mentor (non-parent) to discuss their plans and seek advice/guidance and will meet with their mentor at least two times during the year
  • Submit a Plan of Action detailing the steps they will follow to complete their study, secure the signature of their local 4-H Youth Development educator and their Mentor and return a copy to the State 4-H Office
  • Agree to share their results using a minimum of two different methods to communicate with the public

Please note: all 2012 State FairExhibitors in Crops and Foods and Nutrition projects meeting the age requirements andreceived a Superior ratingwill receive a special email invitation to participate. Applications are due December 1 and program acceptance will be communicated with all applicants before January 1. Applicants will have between January 1 and July 31, 2013to complete their plan and report their accomplishments.

Please let me know if you have additional questions. Bill

Posted by William J. Million at 3:23 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Awards, Scholarships & Recognition, Projects, Teens, Volunteers, YLT

August 15, 2012

2012-13 4-H Project Resources

The 2012-13 Project Resources are now posted on the Portal. This includes the 2012-13 Project List, Project List with Pub Costs, Summary of Project Changes, and the Project Reference Catalog. These documents are available under Curriculum Support/2012-13 4-H Project Support. Contact Madonna Weese at mweese@illinois.edu with questions.

Posted by Madonna Weese at 10:44 AM | Permalink |
Categories: Projects

May 9, 2012

Horse Ownership/Lease Forms and Photos Due May 15th

Horse ownership and or lease forms along with color photos are due to the Illinois State Fair Entry Office from the County Extension Offices by May 15th. Below is the official information from page 34 of the Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock Premium book.

Horses and ponies must be owned or leased by the member and must be part of
the members project. By May 1 of the exhibit year, exhibitors will place on file at the local
Extension Office or school (FFA), copies of ownership and/or lease papers for all animals
that the member may plan to exhibit at the State Junior Horse Show. In addition to the
ownership/lease papers, two (2) colored photos (one of each side) of each animal must also
be placed on file to show proof of the specific exhibit animal. This will be mandatory for all
horses and ponies, grade and registered animals. By May 15, local Extension offices will
forward this paperwork to the Competitive Events Office at the Illinois State fair Competitive
Events office for entry verification.

Posted by Daniel J. Jennings at 8:21 AM | Permalink |
Categories: Contests, Livestock , Local Fairs & APF, Projects, State Fair

April 20, 2012

2011 North Central Region Volunteer e-Forum DVD's Available


2011 North Central Region Volunteer e-Forum DVD's Available

Today I put in the mail 3 DVD's to each 4-H Youth Development Educator. There is one DVD for each of the three sessions that were offered in November 2011 as part of the North Central Region Volunteer e-Forum. Please utilize these DVD's to share the sessions with 4-H volunteers in your unit. You may play one topic at a leader training or share one whole DVD at a time. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me - Sheri Seibold at 217.333.9290 or by email at sseibold@illinois.edu. Program Coordinators and Community Workers - know that the 4-H Youth Development Educator have these available for use in your counties.

Posted by Sheri Seibold at 9:28 AM | Permalink |
Categories: Community Service, Projects, PYD, Risk Mgmt., Volunteers

April 16, 2012

Resources for 4-H Robotics Leaders

The network of robotics leaders/coaches/mentors is growing. Only a small percentage of these volunteers are engineers by trade. The others come from diverse backgrounds and bring expertise in problem solving, teamwork, communication, project management, design, etc.

The following resources have been developed to help this group of leaders use each other as a resource, and to better promote the successes of our 4-H clubs/teams:

Facebook Group Page: Illinois 4-H Robotics (anyone can request membership). Members invited to post questions, successes, videos, photos, etc.

Google Group: Illinois 4-H Robotics (anyone can request membership but primarily designed for club leaders). To join, please send email addresses to lbdiaz@illinois.edu The googlegroup includes a listserv that we can use to post and respond to leader questions.

All of the adult leaders who brought a team to the 4th annual state competition have been added to the google group. But please help share these resources with your other 4-H robotics volunteers as well!

Posted by Lisa Bouillion Diaz at 2:37 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Projects, SET

April 16, 2012

Illinois 4-H Mapmakers

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmapmakers/

A valuable project support website for youth enrolled in geospatial or who want to create a map exhibit for State Fair Online. Tutorials, resources, examples of 4-H youth-created maps and much more.

Includes a complete sequence of downloable lessons on geocaching and community mapping.

Intended to be a supplement to the 4-H curriculum: Exploring Spaces / Going Places

Posted by Lisa Bouillion Diaz at 1:59 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Projects, SET

April 16, 2012

Illinois 4-H Filmmakers

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hfilmmakers/

A valuable project support website for youth enrolled in video/filmmaking or who want to create a video exhibit for State Fair Online. Tutorials, resources, examples of 4-H youth-created videos and much more.

Posted by Lisa Bouillion Diaz at 1:56 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Projects, SET

March 13, 2012

2012 4-H State Fair Online

Staff have started requesting an overview of State Fair Online that they can include in their county fairbooks. The following can be used for this purpose, and also shared on your website or other communication with 4-H families. If you have any questions, please let me know! - Lisa

_______

2nd Annual 4-H State Fair Online

An additional state-level judging opportunity and chance to share what you've learned in 4-H with the broader public!!!

  • Contribute to a collection of videos and maps on the internet that show the broader public what 4-H youth are learning and doing in their communities
  • Practice your technology skills and prepare to participate in a tech-infused workplace
  • Qualify for exciting prizes! All participants will receive ribbons, as well as feedback and recognition on the 4-H State Fair Online website.

Who: Open to all Illinois 4-H members who meet state fair age requirements (at least 10 years of age by September 1, 2011). No county-level selection process is required.

When:

  • All exhibits must be posted online by noon, August 1, 2012
  • Exhibit judging will be conducted online through interactive website (Aug. 1-10th)
  • Winners announced on Saturday, August 11th, at the Illinois 4-H Family event on the fairgrounds in Springfield, IL.
  • Entries will be made available for public viewing in the Exposition Building on a daily basis

Entries from the 2011 Illinois 4-H State Fair Online can be viewed at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/4hstatefaironline/ Updates on the 2012 event will be posted on this website later this spring. Details on 2012 entries can be found in the 2012 General 4-H Exhibit – Illinois State Fair guidelines. Related classes include My 4-H Project Video (#50295) and My 4-H Project Map (#50125).

_______

Additional Notes on Filmmaking Classes 50290-50294 - this same information is in the 2012 State Fair Exhibit guidelines:

  • Enrollment in the video project is required
  • Each county may submit two entries within this group of classes, however no more than one entry may be made in an individual class
  • All exhibits must be posted for on-line judging on the "Illinois 4-H State Fair Online" website.
  • Judges will be available for in-person feedback and recognition on regularly scheduled county judging days
  • Entries will be made available for public viewing in the Exposition Building on a daily basis

Posted by Lisa Bouillion Diaz at 3:15 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Projects, SET, State Fair

March 2, 2012

A must read: Important 4-H APF information related to 4-H Fairs

Colleagues,

Thanks to those staff that were able to participate in the 4-H APF webinar on February 28. It seems there is quite a bit of confusion centered on 4-H Fairs and Exhibitions. Based upon questions I received during the webinar earlier this week I have posted the following resource documents to the portal. I encourage staff to refer to these as they prepare their 4-H Showbook for the upcoming fair season. The documents include:

  • 2011-12 4-H Exhibition Guide identifies each of the Illinois 4-H projects that must have an exhibit opportunity provided for members enrolled. This resource also identifies the projects that do not have a State Fair exhibit opportunity. To help newer staff there is a sample exhibit class description provided for your use or adaptation. Simply using the State Fair changes released in January does not provide all of the necessary information that must be in a County 4-H Showbook.
  • Illinois Department of Agriculture "Disclaimer Statement" is a statement that Counties need to publish in their 4-H Show/Fair Book.
  • Exhibition Request Form to be completed and submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of your shows. There are two versions of the form, one is a Word version that can be printed off and completed. The second version is a pdf version that is writable and if saved to the local office hard drive can streamline the process when appropriate.
  • Evaluating 4-H Show/Fair Book Form is a handy checklist for staff to use in evaluating their county information going out to 4-H families.

These items are located on the portal: Groups/4-H Contacts/Agricultural Premium Fund

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this information or related to your 4-H Showbook or Exhibitions.

Bill

Posted by William J. Million at 2:53 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Local Fairs & APF, Projects