YORK COUNTY 4-H NEWS

Vaughn Island 4-H Environmental Camp
SPLASH!  From the minute you set foot on Vaughn Island 'til the moment you leave, you're part of an exciting learning adventure!  Our unique program offers three and four day tenting experiences where youth discover -- through their own natural curiosity and imagination -- the sights, sounds, smell and feel of Maine's rocky coast.

Designed with the whole child in mind, Vaughn Island 4-H Camp brings lasting memories.  Living, working and playing together, campers make new friends and develop a sense of trust and responsibility for the whole group.

The program places an emphasis on no-trace camping skills, cooperation, discovery of the island's plant and animal life, coastal heritage, and marine ecology.  Vaughn Island Camp is affiliated with Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center.

• June 28– Aug 11:  3 and 4-day overnight camping trips with environmental education focus at Vaughn Island, Cape Porpoise Harbor, Maine.

• Space is limited.  Pre-registration required

• Program fee $125-$165

Call the Extension Office for a brochure and application.

Acton and Ossipee Fairs
It's not too early to be working on your fair project exhibits and signing up for Acton Fair food booth!  To sign up for the food booth contact Diane Qualey. 

Scholarship Notice to All Seniors
There are 4-H scholarships available - in York County and at the state level - for seniors who are pursuing post-secondary education.  Information and application forms already have been made available to schools and are available through the Extension office.   If you need more information contact the Extension office.

Welcome to New 4-H Leaders
Since January 1 we have trained 4 new leaders in York County.  Our leaders are the foundation of the 4-H club program.  We are pleased to welcome:

Kirsten Fleming, Kitter
Cynthia Hills, Arundel
Sara Christiansen, Lebanon
Robin MacGown, Lebanon

STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS

4-H Exchange Opportunity
Wyoming County is interested in participating in an exchange with 4-H members from the state of Maine. Located just a short drive from Rochester, Buffalo, Corning, and Niagara Falls, Wyoming County is in the heart of rural western NY. Wyoming County is the 2nd largest agricultural producing county in NY and has a population of approximately 48,500.

Rolling hills and charming villages surround this picturesque county. Wyoming County has a very active 4-H program with 102 4-H clubs, many special interest clubs and over 990 4-H members. 4-H projects range from dairy, livestock, and horse to foods and nutrition, natural resources, theater arts and clogging.

For more information contact Jon at the Extension office.

State Awards Reminder
The application letter regarding State Awards to National 4-H Congress or National 4-H Conference was mailed to all 4-H Members ages 14 and up.  If you did not receive a copy, please contact the Extension office.  The deadline for application is April 15. 

Make sure you get your applications in if you're interested in participating in either of these great opportunities.

State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
Saturday, April 10, 2004
This state 4-H event will be held at Wilshore Farms Inc.,85 Hurricane Road, Falmouth, ME. For more information about the 4-H Dairy Judging Contest contact:

David Marcinkowski
Extension Livestock Office
University of Maine
Phone: 1-800-287-7170

Maine's Oldest Consecutive 4-H Club:  Four Leaf Clover
Maine's oldest consecutive 4-H club has deep roots.  Consider the Goodwins.   

• Alyssa and Kayla Goodwin are current club members. 

• Their father, Richard, Jr. was a member and is currently an active parent. 

• Their grandfather Richard (sr), was a member of the club. 

• And their great grandmother, Hazel, was in the club and is currently a club leader.

"We have several multi-generational families in the club, as well as many first generation youth, and we appeal to a diversity of youth and families," says Else Cook, club leader.

There are similar examples of deep roots within this sturdy and successful club, which is now 90 years old, having started in 1918, combining an existing Homemakers Club (for girls), and Potato club (for boys) to form "Four Leaf Clover" club.  At that time the club had 20 members.

Today the club boasts 25 members, and an extremely active corps of parents.

"We have great parents, and they provide so much help to the leaders and the club members," says Judy Kelly, mother of Emily and Sarah.

Four Leaf Clover is a general club, meaning  club members may choose to be involved in a full range of projects and activities.  Almost anything goes.  Club members are currently involved in puppetry, rabbits, career explorations, community service, to name only a few.

At a recent meeting, members discussed what they liked best about 4-H:

Mandy: "Friendship."

Jeremy: "The great leaders and other kids."

Teddy: "Field trips."

Nicole: "Meeting new people and interacting with the younger kids."

Alyssa: "My daddy and grandpa were in 4-H, and now I am too."

Emily: "Sleeping over at the fairgrounds."

They also shared what they have learned in 4-H.

 Emily: "I've learned that animals need a lot of caring."

Nicole: "I received a scholarship, and it's helped me to choose a career."

Sarah: I did a presentation at my school board meeting.

Teddy: I did a demonstration on TV, on channel six."

Mandy: "I learned that I could stand up in front of people and do a demonstration."

 According to Else Cook one of the most rewarding parts of being a leader is the experience of "watching the self confidence and self esteem grow in so many of the children over the years."

"I see so much growth and change in these kids, it's just incredible," said Cook.

The club meets twice a month, once on Saturday, which is usually a field trip or special events meeting, and once on Monday, which is typically a business meeting with at least one demonstration by a club member.  At a recent meeting the club president was unable to attend, and one of the club members casually and successfully stepped into the role of leading the meeting.  

This month the club held a raffle at the annual meeting, and club members were on hand to witness their parents and other community members participate in our democracy.  The club also will be donating trees to help beautify the community.

This is a skilled, committed club with wonderfully talented youth, committed and engaged parents, and an incredible group of leaders.

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