- Author: Darlene McIntyre
LCORT
On January 28-30 several Merced County 4-H 7th, 8th and 9th graders attended LCORT at
Wonder Valley Ranch. Our All-Star team presented a session on Public Speaking. Some other sessions included, Coming Out Of Your Comfort Zone, Impromptu Speaking, and Ice Breakers. Some of the comments from our members were “This is really fun”, “I like it, it is fun”, and “It is different.” Our members enjoyed making new friends from other counties. All of the members had a good time even though it was foggy and rainy.
UC DAVIS CA AND ES FIELD DAY
The 35th annual Agricultural and Environmental Science Day will be held March 5th. The event consists of 26 judging events and leadership contests. The UC Davis CA and ES Field Day will serve as the 2011 California State Qualifier for Poultry, Dairy, and Livestock judging.
To Register go to http://www.calaged.org/registration, choose the event, choose get access code. Registration is due by February 18, 2011.
Bucks for the Barn
By Amanda Skidmore
Bucks for the Barn is a fundraiser for the new “Big Barn” at the Merced County Fairgrounds. The goal is to have the 4-H and FFA students who use the barn help raise money for building a new barn at the Merced county fairgrounds.
The idea is that your family and others place their spare “bucks” and change in the donation container during April and May. Donation containers must be returned to the fairgrounds the week of May 23rd – 27th to count towards prizes. There will be prizes for the top 4-H club, top FFA Chapter and top three individuals who collect the most money. Prizes will be awarded at the Merced County Fair.
The Friends of Merced County Fair, Inc., is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit formed in 2008 to facilitate improvements to the Merced County Fairgrounds. Through membership fees, charitable donations, grants, and fundraisers, Friends will invest in the beautification and long-term development of the Merced County Fair. These vital projects will enrich and preserve an invaluable heritage, and further the Fair’s mission to serve the growing needs of a diverse community. Check out their website at www.friendsofmcf.org.
Drop your “bucks” into a container to help build the barn. For more information about Bucks for the Barn, please go to the Friends of the Fair website or contact co-chairs Amanda Skidmore (pandagiggles2@gmail.com), Andrew Skidmore (funcranium@gmail.com) and phone 358-8552 or Tess Schoonhoven. (schoonhoven6@sbcglobal.net) and phone 357-3471.
Camp Planning Committee
Camp is right around the corner. It is June 24-28th. The cost will be $150 per camper. If you would like to help plan camp we will be having our third planning meeting on Tuesday February 15, 2011 at 6:00 in the 4-H classroom. Last year's committee is encouraged to return and anyone else interested is also encouraged to come. Past staff members and campers are welcome also. We are revamping camp staff this year. Instead of having 9th graders as apprentices we are developing a program where they can come as campers and will be involved in a leadership program. The 9th graders will have separate sessions from the other campers. This will be open to all ninth graders who are interested in coming to camp. If you have any questions call Kim Heyer at 769-5193 or the 4-H office at 385-7418.
Camp Staff
Applications for camp staff are available in the office and on line at http://merced4h.ucdavis.edu Interviews for camp staff will be March 12th at Communications Day. Make up interviews will be March 16th.
Communications Day
Communications Day will be held on March 12, 2011 in Snelling. This year we are considering offering a record book session where members could bring in their record book for critiquing and help. We would like to encourage all members to take advantage of this. Please be considering what type of presentation you would like to do for Communications Day. Applications are now on line at http://merced4h.ucdavis.edu under events and activities. Impromptu topics are:
- By the end of 4-H I hope to have accomplished…
- What I would do if I could walk in someone else’s shoes.
- I joined 4-H because…
- If I could sit and talk to President Obama I would tell him…
Presentation Categories
1. Demonstration 6. Illustrated Talk
2. Prepared Speech 7. Interpretive Reading
3. Impromptu 8. Share the Fun
4. Cultural Arts 9. Educational Display
5. Audio-Visual
Other Sessions
1. Record Books
2. Photos
3. Camp Interviews