There is good news in the study ¬ “America After 3” ¬ by the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy group. It reports a big increase in the number of schoolchildren participating in after-school programs: 8.4 million youngsters compared with 6.5 million in 2004. Parents say they are generally satisfied with the programs their children attend. (New York Times Editorial, October 20, 2009)

But the most striking and disturbing finding is the large number of latchkey children ¬ children left alone and unsupervised at the end of the regular school day: 15.1 million ¬ more than a quarter of America’s schoolchildren and an 800,000 increase from 2004. That number includes 4 percent of elementary school students and 30 percent of middle school students who are on their own until their parents return home. (New York Times Editorial, October 20, 2009)
Kentucky 4-H introduces a NEW curriculum that teaches youth and their parents about the skills and knowledge needed for the child to stay home alone.
The Code Name: Home Alone Curriculum was developed by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service State Latch Key Quick Response Team to address the issue of children being alone without an adult present. The curriculum focuses on children and parents learning about issues related to child self-care, safety and overall well-being when children are home alone and/ or with siblings without adult supervision. It stresses family communication through individual, group/classroom, parent and child activities, and parent newsletters. It is designed to be used in the classroom, and in 4-H groups, youth groups, and family groups.

The following link will take you to the CNHA Educators page where the entire curriculum can be downloaded at no cost. (CNHA)

We only ask that you contact your local 4-H Youth Development Agent, as a professional courtesy, to let them know that you are using the curriculum with your students. If you don’t know your 4-H Agent’s contact information, simple click on this link to find your county’s Extension Office information. County 4-H Youth Development Agent.

A new program year has begun in relation to the Kentucky State 4-H Teen Council. September 11-13 marked the beginning of a new year lead by our new officer team. As with every year, STC is in charge of planning and implementing Teen Conference in June. New members were initially notified of the policies and procedures of STC and how meetings are to be run. Members from past years were assigned as mentors to first time STC’ers. A bon-fire, team building activities, and a social event were held to promote interaction between all the members. In the business sessions, potential themes for Teen Conference 2010 were discussed and each committee worked towards fulfilling the requirements of each. Individual Districts met with one another to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. As part of a state-wide community service effort, no-sew blankets were made to be distributed to Markey Cancer Center located in Lexington, KY. Members also participated in a 3.3 mile trash pick-up effort. These projects will be continual projects throughout the year. Check back in November to see what STC has in store next.

Duncan Taylor
District 6

Please click this link to access:

http://www2.ca.uky.edu/4hguide-files/livestock/05-09_Recertification_info.pdf

4-H Youth Learn and Lead on Alternative Fuels – October 7, 2009

As our nation grapples with important environmental issues such as global warming, sustainability and energy independence, “biofuels” —sources of energy obtained from recently harvested plant materials— are at the forefront of the discussion of alternative energy sources.  At 4-H, we encourage the youth of today to become our nation’s future leaders. And, as such, it’s vital for youth to understand and engage in the important environmental issues our global community faces together, and the opportunities available for a greener tomorrow.

For the second annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, the University of Wisconsin has designed “Biofuel Blast,” the 4-H National Science Experiment which will introduce young people all around the nation to biofuels.  Youth will become a scientist for the day, discovering how ordinary household products can create alternative energy, and how that fuel can power many of the things we use each day.

Share in the Debate about the Next Great Biofuel

On 4-H National Youth Science Day – October 7, 2009 –millions of young people all across the U.S. will actively participate in a live demonstration of how organic materials can be converted to fuel to supply energy. The experiment offers several activities to showcase how cellulose and sugars in plants can be used to create ethanol.  In one activity, for example, youth will combine corn syrup and yeast in a plastic container and cover the bottle’s mouth with a balloon.  They will watch as the yeast breaks down the natural sugars in the corn, which will release ethanol gas that will inflate the balloon.

In addition to testing corn syrup, youth will test and discuss other alternative fuel options, including switchgrass, sawdust, sorghum and even algae. These fuel alternatives – researched by the 106 Land-Grant Universities and Colleges across the nation that oversee 4-H youth development programs in every state – differ by region throughout the U.S., providing an opportunity for youth to learn about their home region as well as others.

The National Science Experiment will encourage a national youth debate to discuss the “best” biofuel based on experiment outcomes. Young people will be able to see how their small creations are part of a major current nationwide discussion. Youth will also be engaged before, during and after the experiment via several popular communication mechanisms, including cell phone text messages, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, and through the                4-H.org Web site.

One Million New Scientists. One Million New Ideas.^TM

For over 100 years, 4-H has been at the forefront of teaching youth about science, engineering and technology. 4-H National Youth Science Day is an important annual part of 4-H’s One Million New Scientists.  One Million New Ideas.^TM campaign, with a bold goal of attracting one million new youth to science, engineering and technology programs by the year 2013.

For more information about 4-H National Youth Science Day

or to download the experiment, visit www.4-H.org/NYSD.

4-H has a long and distinguished history of providing Kentucky youth and families with the opportunity to bring the world to the doorstep! Through international exchange programs such as LABO and UTREK, Kentucky 4-H families can experience the Japanese culture by hosting someone in their homes. We are currently looking for these dedicated families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to one of our exchange program youth from Japan. The LABO program places Japanese youth who are between the ages of 12-15 while the UTREK Japanese youth are between the ages of 15-17. LABO Youth are picked up by their host families in Louisville on July 22, 2009 where they will begin their four week home stay. UTREK youth are picked up in the Lexington area on June 26, 2009 and are in the home a little over 3 weeks. Both groups and are returned to Louisville on August 18, 2009.

To qualify as a host family you need to have a youth who is within two years of age of the Japanese child hosted. You also need to complete a background check, application process and reference review. Many families chose to host multiple years after participating in this wonderful program. We are also looking for individuals, couples or families to host our adult chaperones. One parent shares the following about this wonderful program:

…My husband and I value diversity in education. While academics are fundamental, there is so much more to “educating” our young people. Establishing values and principles to live by is critical to the foundation of our society – we need people who have strength of character. One area of character development is doing our best to understand and accept people of different ages, gender, and cultural backgrounds. Our family has absolutely valued and appreciated the mutual benefits of participating in the international programs – of establishing new friendships and, even, new “family” members. We have learned from each other the different struggles of our respective nations, as well as appreciating certain aspects of each other’s native country. We value aspects of life differently, thus we live life differently. Yet with all our differences — young boys and girls, men and women – we all laugh, cry, love, and need to be loved. Our family has experienced the joys of opening our hearts, if just for a little while, to love another human being from a completely different culture — to make them a part of our heart and home. And to have the privilege of weeping when we must say “…good-bye.” Yes, the tears mean we’ll miss them, but they mostly represent the fact that we know we have had the honor of being loved in return, no matter how different we are. Lourina, 4-H Parent and Volunteer

Contact Mark Mains (mmains@uky.edu), Extension Specialist for more information or to apply today!

[Lexington, KY] – The MetLife Foundation and National 4-H Council have awarded Kentucky 4-H a $10,000 grant to improve the state’s after-school programming. The grant will provide the funding to deliver cutting-edge training to 500 after-school providers. Grants of this kind will be awarded to 11 states throughout the nation, reaching over 5,500 after-school providers.

The new training will allow 4-H Afterschool providers to increase the number of youth engaged in high-quality after-school programs, infuse civic engagement into their daily activities, give young people more opportunities to develop their leadership skills, and help them to play positive roles in their own communities.

Kentucky afterschool sites interested in participating in or hosting a local training opportunity can contact: Deana K. Reed, Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development, 859-257-5961 or via e-mail deana.k.reed@uky.edu. Trainings can be accredited for school age staff through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care office. Training sessions offer interactive, hands-on opportunities for learning and sharing and are provided at a minimal cost.

“4-H Afterschool programs are an important part of young people’s lives,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council President and CEO. “By offering crucial training and resources to our 4-H Afterschool providers, we can create a safe, nurturing environment for young people to come together, engage with their communities, and become confident, capable leaders. We are honored to partner with MetLife Foundation on this exciting initiative.”

“MetLife Foundation shares 4-H’s commitment to increasing after-school and civic engagement opportunities for young people,” said Dennis White, MetLife Foundation President. “We are proud to join the 4-H Movement to help 4-H expand their after-school training and give America’s youth a positive place to grow and learn.”

MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife in 1976 to carry on its longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants support health, education, civic, and cultural programs. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of National 4-H Headquarters (USDA). The 4-H programs are implemented by the 106 Land-Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about4-H at www.4-H.org.

Contact: Deana K. Reed, Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development, deana.k.reed@uky.edu, 859-257-5961

If your 6, 7, or 8 year old is ready for an overnight 4-H camping experience then Camp Cloverbud may be the place to start! Camp Cloverbud is specifically designed for campers (and parents!) who are not yet ready for a full week of a residential camping experience. The length of stay is shorter (2 nights and 3 days) and the staff to camper ratio is greater.

Campers still participate in all the traditional camp activities offered at 4-H camp including canoeing, swimming, archery, nature, and recreation, as well as a host of fun nighttime activities. Camp Cloverbud will be held July 16-18, 2009 at North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle, Kentucky. The cost of the camp includes meals, lodging, staff, supplies, and a t-shirt, counties may or may not provide transportation to and from the campsite. The total cost of the camp is determined by individual counties, so contact your local 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for county specific registration information and fees.

Camp Cloverbud is a great way for young campers to enjoy the fun and camaraderie of summer camp as they experience their first “sleepaway camp”. Staff and leaders are on board and will take great care to create a caring, safe, and fun atmosphere. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. For more information on Camp Cloverbud and other 4-H activities contact your county cooperative extension office. Links to every county cooperative extension service office can be located on our website at: www.kentucky4h.org.

National 4-H Council has partnered with Nickelodeon’s “Big Green Help” to create a brand-new, interactive online game– “Flip N’ Flow”–featuring the network’s animated boy-genius Jimmy Neutron. The game is in support of 4 H’s Science, Engineering and Technology communication campaign to spark youth interest in science and prepare one million new young people for America’s technology workforce.
Nickelodeon’s “The Big Green Help” is a kid-led movement that provides information and tools to help explain climate change to young people, and connects them to energy-saving and earth-friendly activities in their everyday lives.
The “Flip N’ Flow” game is available online at 4-H.org. Youth can play the game and access materials to share with friends. Check out this fun activity which gives youth and mentors the opportunity to learn about water conservation and challenges them think about steps they can take to participate in going green!
Questions can be directed to Nancy Cole (301-961-2926) at National 4-H Council.

“The biggest barrier keeping Americans from helping their neighbor in need isn’t a lack of desire, but a lack of knowing just how to help. Our Fight Hunger Initiative encourages specific ways to match the great need for support with really great people who want to help,” said Schafer. “Noble efforts by these community groups are an inspiration to all of us to lend a helping hand of kindness to a neighbor.”

Schafer initiated the Fight Hunger Initiative with a USDA.gov website of specific examples and resources of how to organize a food drive, provide help to the elderly, sponsor feeding programs and find a local volunteer opportunity. Schafer said he hopes the next Agriculture Secretary will adopt the initiative at www.usda.gov/secretary with its toolkit of resources.

In letters of recognition, Schafer specifically highlighted contributions by community volunteers in Montana and New York, and 4-H Clubs in Maine and Kentucky:

Farm-To-Table in Glendive, Montana, a project of Community Giving Assistance Towards Employment, for a community garden and cooperative to help farmers and ranchers market their food products.

Venison Donation Coalition, Inc. in Bath, New York, for coordinating a statewide donation by hunters of venison processed and distributed in one pound packages for local food banks and their partner organizations.

Coastal Clovers 4-H Club in York, Maine, for planting a large community garden to donate more than 2,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food banks and food pantries.

Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program in Lexington, Kentucky, for their State Fair canned food drive to collect more than 280 canned food items and over 1,000 4-H food and horticulture products donated to a local harvest organization.

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