Hays County 4-H Horse Awards

Congratulations to those Hays County 4-H members who received awards at the Hays County 4-H Horse Awards Banquet on May 22.

Regular Halter - Geldings - Karen Crews


Novice Halter - Geldings - Arielle Wortham

Mares - Priscilla Ruiz

Regular English Hi-Pt - Sarah Bouckley

Reserve English Hi-Pt - Karen Crews

Novice English Ariella Wortham

Regular Western Hi-Pt - Katie Hooper

Reserve Regular Western Hi-Pt - Sarah Bouckley

Novice Western Hi-Pt - Arielle Wortham

Reserve Novice Western Hi-Pt - Priscilla Ruiz

Regular Speed Hi Pt - Ella Gohlke

Reserve Regular Speed - Cassandra Twining

3rd place Regular Speed - Taya Schwining

4th place Regular Speed - Olivia Twinging

5th place Regular Speed - Kate Mc Callick

6th place Regular Speed - Katie Daniels

Novice Speed Hi-Pt - Kayley Campbell

Reserve Novice Speed - Riley Menduni

3rd place Novice Speed - Arielle Wortham

Scholarship Winner - Kiera McGee, Joy Norris

4-H Recordbooks & Awards Due June 24

Yes, it's already time to prepare your 4-H recordbook.  All 4-H recordbooks and 4-H Star Award applications are due in our office no later than 5:00 pm on Mon., June 24th.

To get more details about the recordbooks here in Hays Co., click here.  

You can access all instructions, forms, tip sheets and scoresheets at the  Texas 4-H Recordbooks website by clicking here. 

4-H Recordbook Workday

Mon., June 10, 3-5 pm, Extension office

4-H Star Awards
These include Gold Star, Silver Star and Bronze Star awards.  
For information and an application in Adobe, click here.
For information and an application in Word, click here. 

Time to Order Turkey Projects for 2014 Livestock Shows

Believe it or not, it is time to order turkey projects for the 2014 livestock show season. Turkeys must be ordered in lots of 5, with a maximum of 75 birds being ordered per family unit. Birds cost $3.50 each. All orders are due to the Hays County Extension Office by Friday, May 31. Birds will be delivered sometime during the first week of November. These birds are eligible to be exhibited at the 2014 Hays County Livestock Show, San Antonio Livestock Show, Houston Livestock Show, and Star of Texas Livestock Show. You can access the order form by clicking here.

Toyota Driving Course for Teens & Parents

Toyota Driving Expectations - On The Road is a defensive driving course for teens and parents that includes multiple driving courses and classroom instruction.  This is a FREE hands-on, 2.5 hour driving course taught by professional facilitators and drivers.  The San Antonio Toyota plant is offering several courses on June 8 and 9.  Find out more by clicking here.  

Toyota also offers a great Teen Driver page with resources for teens, parents and educators.  Check it out by clicking here. 

District 4-H Leadership Lab

Leadership Lab is a 4-H leadership camp scheduled for June 24-26 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center near Brownwood.  It is designed to improve the leadership skills of 4-H’ers age 13 and older.  Cost is $200, which covers lodging, meals, t-shirt and other fees.  Register on 4-H Connect by May 31.  Click here to see a promotional flyer.  Click here to view the Lab schedule.  Click here for release forms.

Spring 2013 Paper Clover Campaign at TSC

May 8-19 is the next TSC (Tractor Supply Company) 4-H Paper Clover Promotion.  Be thinking now how your 4-H club can host special activities at TSC during that time.  The more paper clovers that are purchased, the more support 4-H receives.  Tractor Supply Company will provide support to National 4-H Council and to local 4-H programs in nearly 1,000 counties and in 44 states across the country.  It's also a great way of promoting 4-H in the community.

Here are some changes for this year's campaign:

• 100% of Above Funds Raised Last Spring:  counties who participate in-store during Paper Clover with some kind of activity (demonstration, tabling, etc.) and beats the funds raised at their store last spring, get to keep 100% of the funds raised above what that store raised in the spring 2012 Paper Clover promotion
• $5 Paper Clover: In addition to the $1 Paper Clover, there will now be a $5 Paper Clover available which will be larger than the original
• Exclusive Purina Coupons: Both the $1 and $5 Paper Clovers will have a $1 or $2 Purina coupon attached available to customers when they make a donation to 4-H
• $1,000 Regional Awards to States Who Average Highest Funds Raised: One winning state from each of the four 4-H regions will be selected to receive an award of $1,000 for being the top performing state by having the highest average amount of dollars raised. To be eligible, the state must have a minimum of at least 50% of their counties have 4-H participation in-store during Paper Clover.

Click here to find out more and get your Paper Clover Toolkit.  User name is paperclover@4-H.org and password is paperclover.

TEXAS 4-H ESTABLISHES FUND TO SUPPORT CITIZENS OF WEST!

The time has come for Texas 4-H members and families to use their hands in serving others in need. Below are efforts currently underway to help support the citizens of West, Texas in their recovery from this tragedy.

GIVE ON-LINE TO RECOVERY EFFORTS THROUGH 4-H CONNECT

The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program and the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation have established a fund at the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation that will go to support the recovery efforts in West, Texas.

To contribute to the account, you can log into your 4-H CONNECT account and at your home page select the green button entitled "GIVE TO 4-H." Once on the donation page, you can select the first donation option of "WEST FIRE RECOVERY FUND."

Funds collected through the 4-H CONNECT on-line system will be directed to the account established at the Pointwest Bank in West, Texas.

COLLECTION OF SUPPLIES

The McLennan County Office (Waco, TX) is accepting items for the victims of the West tragedy. Because of the overwhelming support already experienced from across the state, we ask that you please donate only what is needed (see list). Donations can be dropped at the McLennan County Office located at: 420 N 6th St, Waco, TX 76701-1315. Phone: 254-757-5180, Email: mclennan-tx@tamu.edu

We have been notified that some other county offices (especially in District 8) are also collecting supplies to deliver to McLennan County.  Supplies needed: Blood, Bottled water, Toiletries, Clothes, Blankets, Diapers, Cots, Adult diapers, Urinals, Peroxide, Alcohol, Gauze, Medical supplies Bottles, Toys, Teddy bears/stuffed animals, Air mattresses,
Pillows

Congratulations to Lois LaCaze - Texas 4-H Leader Legacy Award Winner

Congratulations to Lois LaCaze, Kyle 4-H Club manager.  Mrs. LaCaze is one of two recipients of the Texas 4-H Leader Legacy Award.  This award recognizes a 4-H leader who has been an integral part of the 4-H and Youth Development Program for 20 years or more. The person selected for this award is one who makes an impact and a difference on the 4-H members with whom he/she works.  Mrs. LaCaze will be recognzied for her service and dedication to the Texas 4-H program on Wednesday, June 12 in College Station as a part of the Texas 4-H Roundup event.

Let us all give a thunderous round of applause to Mrs. LaCaze for her receipt of this award!

Prime Time Camp at Texas 4-H Conference Center

Prime Time is an age-specific, four day three night residential camp experience. Session I is for youth who have completed grades 5-8, while Session II is for youth who have completed grades 2-5. Yes, those youth completing grade 5 can choose which session to participate in. Camp activities include swimming, kayaking, challenge course, rifle, archery, arts & crafts, dancing, games and lots more. Evening activities involve all youth in team building, dorm challenges and the nightly dance. Alternative activities are available during the dance.

Youth are housed in dormitories with other youth from the same county, where possible. You may also request cabin mates during the registration process. Those requests will be met, if possible.

Prime Time I, July 21-24 youth who have completed grades 5-8

Prime Time II, July 24-27 youth who have completed grades 2-5

Youth registration is $225

More information can be found by clicking here.

Mark Your Calendars - Mon., Aug. 5

While it is still a few months away, please go ahead and mark your calendar for Mon., Aug. 5 for our Hays Co. 4-H Awards Night.  During the event, we will honor the efforts and achievements of numerous 4-H members, volunteers and supporters.  Kyle 4-H is working on securing a location, so more details will be available soon.

Our Adoption Update

If you didn't already hear, Richard and I (Laura) are in the process of adopting 2 brothers (ages 11 and 12).  We had the privilege of spending Spring Break with them, and we are picking them up for permanent placement this Friday (March 22).  While we are very excited, we are also scared to death!!  Lots of settling in to do over the next several weeks and months.  We ask for your prayers and patience.  We look forward to introducing you to our new family members soon.  Thank you!! 

Co. 4-H Council & Adult Leaders Meetings

The next meetings of the County 4-H Council and Adult Leaders Association are set for Thurs., May 23 (date change due to Memorial Day holiday), 7:30 pm, at the Extension office.

For the Council meeting, assignments are:
- agenda coordinated by Mikayla Wenzel

- pledges (US, TX, and 4-H motto and pledge) led by Hill Country 4-H

- recreation led by Haley White

- program coordinated by Kiera McGee
- refreshments provided by Fancy Feathers 4-H (drinks/cups) and Buda 4-H (snacks/napkins) clubs

Council members, come ready to provide your club report and take notes in order to report back to you club.  If your club has anything special to share, feel free to bring photos, handouts, etc. to share with other clubs.  We'll be discussing summer opportunities and finalize plans for the 4-H Awards Night.

Major Livestock Show Steer Validation and State Fair Sheep, Goat and Swine Validation

For those of you who ordered validation tags for State Fair of Texas sheep, goat and swine projects as well as major livestock show steer validation tags, validation dates have been set.   A validation will take place in San Marcos on Thursday, June 20 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Krackau Ranch on FM 1979.  The Krackau Ranch is about 4 miles off of Hwy 123 on FM 1979. It is on the left hand side of the road.

A second validation will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 1pm until 3pm at the Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic in Dripping Springs.  The Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic is located at 3710 E Highway 290. Their phone number is (512) 894-0266. You can call them if you need directions on how to get to the clinic.

Steers validated with major show tags may use that same validation tag for the 2014 Hays County livestock show’s validation. Sheep, goats and swine validated with a State Fair tag will need to be re-validated in the fall if they will be entered into other major livestock shows or the 2014 Hays County Livestock Show.


If at all possible, the exhibitor needs to be in attendance at the time of validation. This is because of paperwork that is needed to be filled out and signed. There is also portions of the paperwork that a parent or guardian will need to complete as well.

Texas Brigades

The Texas Brigades is a wildlife-focused leadership development program for high school youth (ages 13-17). There are five different camps: Bobwhite Brigade, Buckskin Brigade, Bass Brigade, Waterfowl Brigade, and Ranch Brigade. You will be introduced to habitat management, hone your communication skills, and develop a land ethic. The state's leading wildlife and fisheries biologists and land managers serve as instructors and mentors. Each camp is 4 ½ days long.  You can find more information about each different Brigade by clicking here.

Range Camp

The Comal/Guadalupe Soil and Water Conservation District will host their annual Range Camp June 25-27 in Wimberley. Cost is $50 to attend. The deadline to register is May 31.  Camp information and a registration information can be downloaded by clicking here.

Earn Money for Your 4-H Club

We received the following information from the Texas 4-H Foundation:

The Texas 4-H Foundation will host the "I Support the Clover" Silent Auction during the 2013 Texas 4-H Roundup.  The Foundation Trustees would like provide an opportunity for county 4-H programs to earn funds from this event. 

The Top 10 items donated by County 4-H Programs receiving the highest bid amounts, as compared to the other county donated items, will be awarded as follows:

...of the items selling price

• First Place 100%
• Second Place 75%
• Third through Six Place 50%
• Sixth through Tenth Place 25%

Visit our website at http://texas4hfoundation.org/silentauction to download the item donation forms.  We ask that you complete this form, and submit it along with any additional supporting materials for the items your county plans to donate (ie. brochure from hunt, specs from electronic items, etc).  This information will be used to prepare the website page which will be developed to promote the items prior to Roundup.  We ask that your county notify us no later than Friday, April 5th with the information regarding the donated item(s), photo of the item(s), etc.  All items need to be shipped to our office in College Station by Friday, May 24th.  If you chose to bring the item(s) to Roundup, note that the Foundation plans to open the Auction Tables on Monday during the Scholarship Assembly.  The sooner your item goes on display the more time for bidding.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jana Barrett at 979-845-1213 or jcbarrett@ag.tamu.edu.

Livestock Ambassador Short Course

The 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course equips youth with the knowledge and skills to become ambassadors for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas 4-H program and animal science as it relates to livestock projects.  The Short Course will be college level animal science curriculum.  It will take an in-depth look at sheep, goat, swine and cattle production in Texas and how it relates to the show ring.

2013 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Courses:

  - Texas A&M University July 15-18, 2013, Cost: $200

  - Texas Tech University July 22-24, 2013, Cost: $150

25 applicants will be accepted for each course.  Upon conclusion of the short course, ambassadors will be required to log at least 20 hours of service annually helping novice 4-H members with their livestock projects and by educating fellow 4-H members on various livestock topics.

For more information and registration information for the TAMU course, click here.

For more information and registration information for the Texas Tech course, click here.

More Photography Project Opportunities

The Green Spaces Alliance of San Antonio offers youth photography workshops from Nov. to April.  Find out more by clicking here.  

The Hill Country Photography Club is hosting the 9th Annual Naturescapes Photography Contest and Exhibition.  It is open to all, but photos must highlight greenspaces in Hays County such as scenery, wildlife, plants, people and pets.  Cash awards are sponsored by the Hays County Master Naturalists.  Click here to find out more.  Click here to see info provided by members of the Hill Country Photography Club.  Info was not posted on the website as of this date, but entries should be due by mid-July with an awards ceremony in Sept., and selected photos on display from then until early Nov. at the San Marcos Activity Center.

Home Skills Cookbook

Just wanted to make sure everyone was clear about the Hays Co. Livestock Show Home Skills Cookbook.  A cookbook will be provided to each Home Skills participant.  During the "Tasting of Entries" on Thur. night, we asked folks to write down their info and indicate if they wanted a printed copy or CD, so those folks will also receive the cookbook. 

Rather than printing books and burning CD's prior to the show, our committee decided it would be more cost effective and appreciated if we asked folks whether they wanted a printed copy or a CD.  We will be working on getting those books printed and CD's burned over the next few weeks and will distribute the books/CD's to 4-H Club Managers who can have them at their Feb. or March 4-H club meeting.

Get Enrolled

If you have not already enrolled/re-enrolled on 4-H Connect for the 2012-13 4-H year, please do that!!  If you are planning to participate in any contest or other activity through 4-H, your enrollment must be "active."  We also encourage all of our parents to enroll/re-enroll as volunteers.  4-H Connect is a web-based system used to enroll youth and accept applications for adults in the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program.  Contact us if you have any questions about getting enrolled.

Texas 4-H Center's Summer Programs

The Texas 4-H Conference Center offers a variety of summer programs. Click here to find out more.

4-H Member and Volunteer Cards

We are in the process of making 4-H Member and 4-H Volunteer cards for the 2012-13 4-H year.  We will give these to our Club Managers to distribute during your December 4-H club meetings.  Each person who is "active" on 4-H Connect will receive a card.  For those of you who are enrolled in more than one 4-H club, your card will be distributed to the club listed as your primary club.

Help with Wimberley Garden

Hays County 4-Hers are invited to participate in a community service project to benefit the hungry in the Wimberley area.  The Wimberley 4-H Horticulture Project will be meeting at the Camp Young Judea garden to harvest, weed, and prepare beds for winter planting.  This garden, created by summer campers, is being used to grow fruits and vegetables for the Crisis Bread Basket in Wimberley.  Clients are very excited about the fresh produce now available to them from the garden!  Please let us know if you would like to participate by emailing Frank Linam at franklinam77@gmail.com or by calling Gordon Linam at 512-618-0466.

Lots of Ways to Help Hays Co. Food Bank

The Hays County Food Bank has one mission - to feed hungry people in Hays County.  There are many opportunities to help them do this, so here are a few:

- Your 4-H club could participate in the Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign in which you can help "feed a family for Thanksgiving."  Share your good fortune and help others by putting up posters, coordinating a fund drive at your office, or even donning a turkey suit for special events. For every $20 that you raise, a family enjoys a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner.  Contact Laura or click here to find out more.

- We are scheduling times during the year for 4-H members and volunteers to help organize food donations.

- 4-H teens could partner with parents and/or other adult volunteers to do pick up's of donated food.

- And the Food Bank is always glad to receive donations - both food or money.  They accept a wide variety of healthy, nonperishable food items including boxed or bagged food, and canned food.  Most needed items include rice and beans (preferably in 1-pound bags); macaroni and cheese; canned fruits and vegetables; cereal and oatmeal; tuna, salmon, and other canned meats; peanut butter and jelly; pasta and pasta sauce; Jell-O (regular and sugar-free).  Last year Buda 4-H collected lots of foods through their "trick or treat for canned goods" project.  There are many great ideas, so just find fun ways to collect and donate food to help those in need.

District 4-H Community Service Projects

District 10 4-H is getting competitive! Collect school supplies within Hays County, making sure t0 record and take pictures of the items collected.  Then, donate the supplies to a school(s) or organization(s) of your choice. The county that collects the most will win a prize at Leadership Lab!

Along with our school supply project, District 10 will also be raising money for Heifer International, an organization that helps children and families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. Collect money in your counties and be sure to bring to donations to District events! Remember, “In a gentle way, we can shake the world!”

Click here to see a flyer with more details.

2011-12 Hays County 4-H Youth Development Report

Wondering what Hays County 4-H did over the 2011-12 4-H year.  Click here to view a 2-page summary which provides some highlight on various program efforts and outcomes.

2012-13 Hays County 4-H Handbook

Hard copies of the Handbook are being distributed during 4-H club meetings, but you can view and download your own copy now by clicking Check out the 2012-13 Hays County 4-H by clicking on Handbook.  While the calendar is included as part of the hard copy of the Handbook, it is a separate file here, so click on Calendar to see it.

Community Service Opportunities

Helping the community is such a part of what 4-H is - hands to larger service!!  Here are some ideas for individual, group, or club community service project opportunities:
☞ Central Texas Children’s Home in Buda - contact them for details on what items are needed - 512-243-1386
☞ Greater San Marcos Youth Council (youth shelter) - always need gently used clothing, shoes, food, household items, hygiene products, etc.  - 512-754-0500
☞ Southside Community Center’s Homeless Shelter - could use toiletry packages including deodorant, shampoo, conditioner,  toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap etc.; canned foods; furniture; towels, blankets, etc.; Wimberley 4-H has prepared and served meals there, so this is also a great project for other clubs - 512-392-6697
There are many other opportunities, so help make a difference in your community!!

College Prep Resources

Preparing for college is not something that is limited to graduating seniors. Most guidance counselors and university admissions advisors will tell you that once students enter high school, there are many things they can and should be doing to prepare for college. Extension and 4-H are in a very unique position when it comes to post-secondary education and college preparedness. Many county and district events have valuable partnerships with colleges and universities across the state. This is a valuable way to expose young people to higher education; and in many cases, it is the only opportunity a young person may have to visit a college/university campus.


Educational programs for 4-H members and 4-H parents are a great way to help 4-H members and 4-H families prepare for college. In fact, many college admissions offices are willing to come and conduct workshops for 4-H families. One unique opportunity is to have your local college admissions office conduct a FAFSA workshop for your 4-H families. This is especially helpful for families with high school seniors need to complete a 4-H Opportunity Scholarship application. There are infinite resources available to parents and families related to college preparedness. More resources can be found by clicking here.

4-H FCS Project Toolkit

This is a web-based resource for volunteers to use when managing and leading 4-H FCS projects including food & nutrition, clothing & textiles, consumer education, family life, health, housing & home environment, and safety.  General project info is provided along with project resources, lesson plans, activities and videos for each project.  The toolkit can be found by clicking here.

4-H Volunteer Training Scholarships

With the dissolution of the District 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association, their funds will now provide scholarships to 4-H volunteers for training.  So if you are looking at volunteer trainings (Volunteer Conference, Shooting Sports Coach Certification, etc.), then check the 4-H blog for an application.  Each county is limited to 2 scholarships per year, and the amount given will be $100 per volunteer.  Scholarships will be issued until the money is depleted.

On-Line Orientation for 4-H Volunteers

The Texas 4-H & Youth Development Program is pleased to announce the availability of an online orientation course for 4-H volunteers. The goal of this course is to provide volunteers with an understanding of the organizational structure of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and how the 4-H program operates. It also helps volunteers recognize their roles and responsibilities within the structure and program. Specifically, the course provides information on:
• An overview of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service
• 4-H 101: Facts about 4-H
• An overview of the various methods of participation available in the 4-H program
• Volunteer qualifications, roles in which volunteers may serve and the responsibilities associated with each role
• A list of resources for 4-H volunteers

The course is available online at http://campus.extension.org and can be completed within one hour. If you cannot complete the orientation in one sitting, you have the capability to come back to it at a later time. Once the course is complete, you can print off a completion certificate. Directions on how to enroll in the course can be found at http://hays-tx.tamu.edu/newsletters/Enroll%20in%20Texas%204-H%20Volunteer%20Orientation%20Course.pdf.