Do you have an interest in participating in 4-H beyond Placer County? Is leadership one of your sparks? If so, I'd like to share some information about the California Diamond Clover Award.
The Diamond Clover award is the highest achievement for a 4-H youth member. All 4-Hers are eligible for the award once they achieve all the requirements. It will take several years to complete them, but along the way you will have fun, learn new things, and participate in many club, county, and CA 4-H level activities.
I created a plan myself toward this award. After finishing the last requirement in March 2021, I recently submitted my application and an essay for the award. The 4-H Incentives and Recognition Advisory Committee will now review my application and essay when they meet later this quarter.
Here are my top tips for any other 4-Her who is interested in beginning their journey toward the Diamond Clover Award.
Tip #1 – Read more about the California Diamond Clover Award. The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program website lists the requirements. Knowing what they are will help you plan for achieving them. http://4h.ucanr.edu/Resources/Member_Resources/Scholarships_-_Awards/4-H_Diamond_Clover_Awards/
Tip #2 – Create objectives and build a plan to reach those objectives. Several of the requirements include being a member of a state level advisory committees, leading a major event or activity, serving as an evaluator at presentation days, and participating in state level leadership conferences, just to name a few. Having a plan will help you decide when you want to and can take on new responsibilities. Don't get frustrated if your plan is several years long. The best things are worth working hard for.
Tip #3 – Find a 4-H friend who is interested in working toward the Diamond Clover Award. You can share the experiences with someone else, cheer each on and maybe even participate in some of the requirements together.
Tip #4 – Talk about your Diamond Clover Award goal with your 4-H club leader, project leaders and 4-H Community Education Specialist. Let them know what you're doing. You won't be surprised to find these individuals will help support you toward your goal.
Tip #5 – Familiarize yourself with the various 4-H State Advisory Committees. These committees use an application process to build their membership. The deadline to apply is usually May 31st. Not every Advisory Committee needs new members each year, so determine which ones do and apply for one that matches your interests.
/span>- Author: Natalie Cunha
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jean Allender (Musso) in late July. It is a joy to have the ability to reconnect with our Placer County 4-H history. Jean grew up an Auburn local. She first joined the Bowman 4-H Community Club, which met at the Bowman School, in the 1950s around the age of 9. That was just the start of her 4-H career; she participated in Placer County 4-H all the way through high school and aged out of Mount Vernon 4-H Community Club program. Quick Fact: At that time, girls were not yet allowed to join Future Farmers of America (FFA). Jean's parents owned the fruit shed in Bowman, although it was her aunt and uncle who were more involved in the 4-H program. Jean's uncle led the 4-H Tractor Project which both Jean and her sister participated in as well as their aunt's sewing project.
With the Gold Country County Fair right around the corner, it is interesting to know that it used to be called the 20th District Fair when Jean and her sister showed horses and cattle. Jean's sister Susan had a passion for showing cattle, specifically Angus which led her to a life involved in the agriculture industry. Jean showed Shorthorn cattle, and the Musso sisters were part of the first group to sell market steers at the Fair. In 1960, Jean's steer named "Chuck R" after chuck roast placed 1st. They were both active members in the Horse Project, participating on the drill team, camping rides, and horse shows. In the photos attached you can see both sisters in Squaw Valley where they would ride out for 3-4 days. Jean had a brown horse name "Little Mighty", and her sister Susan had a palomino horse named "Socks".
By the time Jean aged out of the 4-H program at 20 years old, she had actively participated in 4-H for over 10 years. Jean's children then followed her footsteps and participated in Placer County 4-H as well. Jean stated that, "4-H is a place to learn about animals, learn to work with people, and gain problem solving skills". 4-H allows a space for youth to network, meet nice people, and it opens a whole new community. Jean went on to be a teacher at Placer Hills School, then Rock Creek Elementary, retiring after 30 years of teaching. Jean showed me her many 4-H trophies and awards, which truly reflect a wonderful time in Placer County 4-H. We were able to look back through her record book and learn about parts of Jean's 4-H story which I have now been lucky enough to share with you!
If you have and 4-H stories you want to share, email them to placer4h@ucanr.edu.
/span>