2014 Award Applications Due October 17th!
http://madison4h.pbworks.com/w/file/85710664/2014%20Award%20Applications.doc
Senior Clover Award http://madison4h.pbworks.com/w/file/85710604/Senior%20Clover%20Award.doc
Junior Clover Award http://madison4h.pbworks.com/w/file/85710592/Junior%20Clover%20Award.doc

The 4-H Short Film Festival is especially for high school students and will be held October 17 -19 at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center. The weekend will commence with film making workshops and culminate with a 24 hour film challenge in which teams will create a short film of their own to be exhibited and judged. Full details and a registration form for the weekend can be found here:
http://offices.ext.vt.edu/fauquier/programs/4h/summer-workshops/2014-short-film-fest.pdf

Join us October 20th for the Denny Wayland Memorial 4-H Golf Tournament!
http://madison4h.pbworks.com/w/file/85624762/2014%20flyer.pdf

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Northern VA 4-H Maker Festival is October 4th!
The 4-H Maker Festival is day full of creativity, engineering, and
resourcefulness. For more information visit...

http://offices.ext.vt.edu/fauquier/programs/4h/summer-workshops/2014-maker-fest.pdf

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Travel Abroad with 4-H!

4-H group exchanges provide unique experiences of traveling as a group but also having some host family experiences as well. Live with a host family sharing everyday life while learning about a different culture and sharing yours.  Please promote these opportunities to senior 4-H members who are in the eligible age ranges for the group exchanges. Encourage 4-H members to participate in a life changing experience in another country while making friendships that will last a life time.

All of these exchanges have a December 15, 2014 deadline.

For 2015, group exchanges are being offered for teen 4-H 
members for:

--Costa Rica – June 18 –July 17, 2015 (15 participants)

    

--Finland – June 29 – August 1, 2015 (20 participants)

   

--Japan – June 10 – August 6, 2015 (17 participants) and July 8
 – August 6, 2015 (no Maximum number of participants)                                         
Other countries may be added later.  

For further information and application forms, please visit:

http://www.4-h.ext.vt.edu/programs/citizenship/4HInternationalExchange.html
or Contact:

Dottie Nelson

Work 304-431-5317

Cell   276-617-1065

Email dottieifye@yahoo.com

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Cool opportunity for bug lovers!

Hokie BugFest

Take a peek into the fascinating world of entomology at the fourth annual Hokie BugFest! This unique festival will take place on Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Inn at Virginia Tech (Latham Ballroom). The Inn is on the edge of the Virginia Tech campus off Price’s Fork Road, close to the 460 Bypass and near downtown Blacksburg. Plenty of parking will be available.

For more details and a schedule of events, go to http://www.hokiebugfest.org.

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Completed 4-H Record Books Need to Be Turned in by September 30

Everyone ages 9-19 who showed an animal at the county fair (beef, dairy, sheep, goat, swine) needs to submit a completed record book by September 30. 

CHARACTER COUNTS! in Virginia 4-H. Be RESPONSIBLE by getting your book done on time and be CARING by calling a friend and reminding them of the deadline, too.

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

State Fair of Virginia

Virginia State Fair is September 26 - October 5, 2014. For more information visit https://www.statefairva.org/.

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

State Fair 4-H Fun Horse Show

There will be a 4-H Fun Horse Show at the State Fair this year!  On October 5, at 10:00 a.m. the Southeast District 4-H Horse Council will present the 2014 4-H Fun Horse Show.  There will be classes for current and past 4-Hers and 4-H volunteers. 
Entries must be in by September 17. 

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Last Night of Camp

Tonight was our final night of camp. The storms were all around us and moved things indoors, but we didn't experience any really bad weather. We moved things indoors and still managed to have a memorable evening. It was a long day, but we'll rest well tonight and have more to share with you in the morning!

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Polar Bear Plunge Attracts a Crowd

This morning we offered our traditional polar bear plunge -- an early morning swim in the pool.  They were happy campers to be up so early! Adult volunteer Asa led the way.

See the crowd that we had?!?  If you can't pick out your child, he/she was being a sleeping beauty back in the dorms.

Waiting for the countdown. 3...2...1...

Bluberry helped add ice to try to lower the temperature of the water. It was a good thrill factor for the campers if nothing else.

Excited polar bears. Grrr...

Here are the action shots of the actual plunge.

And then a few minutes to just enjoy the pool.

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

At 4-H Camp, Tuesday is Hump DAAAYYY!

Wow! It's hard to believe today was our half-way point for camp. Parents, you should be proud. This year's counselors and campers have been the best yet!  Really!  Honestly!  Thank you for sharing your great kids with us!

Breakfast started out with some rousing songs and entertainment by our counselors.

Today was Sparky's birthday, so his mom made sure we had treats to celebrate.

Our counselors enjoyed a break during the afternoon while campers were busy learning about good nutrition and healthy food choices.

Sparky and Lil Moo helped get the Sno-Cone machine ready for tonight's parade.

Claydough found a special part of nature. :) See it?

In tonight's parade, each camper made a signboard. They were very patriotic and shared some great messages.

The deer pack had quite the sense of humor. (and artistic skills!)

Great Bear served as our Grand Marshal of the parade.

4-H is a partner agency for the national CHARACTER COUNTS! movement. These campers featured the pillar of respect, encouraging everyone to treat others the way they wish to be treated.

What's a parade without a police escort? You can see the lights, but can you hear the siren?

What an enthusiastic bunch of campers!!!

Again, as part of citizenship, each pack elects a "Little Bear". This camper is the leader of the pack and gets to carry the pack's flag wherever we go at camp.

For a bit of flair, we had a reverse parade. The audience (adult volunteers) threw candy to the participants. Tootsie Pops, Gobstoppers, mints, Twizzlers...yum! (Don't worry, parents, only a couple pieces per camper. We do have to get them to bed at some point tonight!)

Check out the drawing talent of this Rattlesnake pack member!

We love it when our campers share their talents. This young lady prepares to sing our national anthem.

Shown here is the coveted Spirit Stick of camp. All of the packs' colors are represented. Packs earn bear claws (points) for good deeds and participation throughout the day, and each day the spirit stick is awarded to a new pack.

Campfire starts as the day is ending.

We are fortunate to be in such a beautiful location! 

Thanks for reading!!!  Tomorrow's a new day!  And a hot one! We're pushing lots of water, and our educational programs are really focusing on hydration. Lots of camper emails have been coming in and our campers love hearing from home. Please remember to keep the messages positive and encouraging. Campers need to know you love and miss them, but focus on the great opportunities camp affords and the chance for independence campers are gaining.

Good night!

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Trying to Catch Up Our Fans...

We have been having so much fun that we haven't been able to blog as much as we thought. We knew you would understand, though.  Here are a few more shots from Monday...

We're keeping cool in the pool.

We're so proud of Aqua (right). She is a former Orange-Madison teen counselor who is now a college student on staff for the summer here at the 4-H Center. She teaches Swimming classes and is a lifeguard. We are so proud of her!

 As part of our Citizenship education and responsibilities, we perform flag raising and lowering ceremonies each morning and evening. Here, summer staffer Zeus assists two campers in folding the flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 The high ropes class students spend time on the course each day. Here they are suited up for safety!

 Teen counselor Tater caught a fish in Lake Culpeper. After his photo op, he was returned to the lake!

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Day 1 was a success!!

The first full day of camp was very nice.  Great weather and happy campers. 

The classes went very smoothly 

 

Campers enjoyed an afternoon swim. 

Evening program (a scavenger hunt) was very fun. 

There was also a color run going on during the scavenger hunt.  

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120

Day 1 of camp was a success!

The first full day of camp was very nice.  Great weather and happy campers. The classes went very smoothly and campers enjoyed an afternoon swim. Evening program (a scavenger hunt) was very fun. There was also a color run going on during the scavenger hunt. 

Kaci Daniel

Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Virginia Cooperative Extension - Orange Unit

540-672-1361       540-672-0234 FAX

P.O. Box 30, 146 Madison Rd. Suite 102, Orange, VA 22960

4-H Blog   ~   Find us on Facebook

Sunday of Camp got us off to a Great Start

We enjoyed a very smooth first day of camp. Dinner was a picnic with music, a pick-up game of football, and a dance party in front of the stage. 

Making new friends was a big part of our opening day!

The music was jammin' and so were these boys!

The flags were taken down by members of the Rattlesnake pack.

Then we learned some of the rules of camp.  Like walking everywhere. (Unless you are on the rec fields!) We walk so as not to disturb the eggs of the very rare Walk-Walk Bird that lives here at the Center. Our Great Bear, Templeton, demonstrated the graceful, beautiful walk of the Walk-Walk Bird! :)

Then it was on to the "ool" (notice there's no p in our ool, thank you!) for swim tests, a pool party, and a carnival. This is our 4-H version of a dunk tank.

It was a great night for a swim. Don't you wish you were here?

Two special guests showed up with a crystal ball. We're not sure, but we think they look like Romeo and Funsize.

And our campfire ceremony closed out the day. The packs did a great job of contributing to the spirit of camp and sharing about their day. The challenge issued at campfire was for each camper to make two new friends today. Let's hope they succeed!

Required Statements Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disbility, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these advertised activities, please contact the Madison Extension Office at 540-948-6881/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *TDD number is 800-828-1120