Ada County 4-H

Ada County Super Saturday will be held at the Meridian Technical Center on Saturday, January 12, 2013. This is an annual training taught by Extension Educators, community professionals, and 4-H leaders. These trainings are open to all 4-H leaders, parents, and teens. The cost for this training is $5 per person or $10 for a family and the registration deadline is Wednesday, January 9. These trainings count towards the annual training requirements for Ada County 4-H leaders. The trainings are also open to 4-H leaders in the Southern District II. Look for the brochure to be out in a few days! The annual trainings consists of three sets of workshops with four different workshops offered during each set. There will be a limit of 25 people per workshop and they can fill up fast! Some of topics that will be covered at Super Saturday this year are: Fitness and healthy snacking Teens in 4-H Cloverbuds (ages 5 to 7) Ethics Communication Non animal projects And, if you're a

Tuesday, October 9 and Wednesday, October 10, 5:30 pm to 8 pm, 5880 Glenwood, Boise. There will be hands-on activities and events! Meet our 4-H club leaders and 4-H office staff. This is a great chance to learn about the 4-H program and the projects and events that we offer. If you want to learn more about 4-H, join a club, become a volunteer leader, or just see what projects our members have been working on - then come on out to our Open House. Our projects involve more than just animals. 4-H members have built beds, tables, chairs, and bookcases as part of the Woodworking project. 4-H members have also sewn clothes, elaborate costumes, pillows and more for sewing projects. We also offer hiking, fishing, bicycling, shooting sports, and more! Every year during National 4-H Week the Extension Office hosts an Open House to celebrate National 4-H Week and kick off our new 4-H year. If you know of anyone who would like to learn More about 4-H, please share this post with them. We h

We have teams going to the Eastern National 4-H Horse round up in Kentucky in November. To help raise money for their trip there will be a Playday on Saturday, October 6th at Ten Mile Riding Club. There will be games and prizes, so bring your horses and have a blast! See the flyer for details!

It's almost time for Working Ranch Horse again! This project is designed to help young people learn the skills, traditions, and value of cattle ranching communities in the west. All youth who are enrolled members of an organized youth horse association such as 4-H, FFA, youth AQHA, youth APHA, community riding clubs, etc are eligible to join. This project runs October through May at various locations. Enrollment is limited to the first two clinics of the project year and attendance at the mandatory orientation meeting on September 22, 2012, 20 am at the Payette County Fairgrounds. You must bring your horse to this meeting. This is a great experience for youth and their horses! If you have more questions please call Joan at 642-6022.

The Meridian Dairy Board is hosting a Dairy Cattle Judging Contest on Thursday, August 23 at the Western Idaho Fair. All 4-H and FFA members from District II are invited! Each member will judge individually and as a team. The entry form is available here . Contact the Western Idaho Fair Premium Office by July 29 (208-287-5663) to request fair passes for the participants. Cloverbuds (4-H members between the ages of 5 and 7) and adults can also participate, but will not be eligible for any awards.

It's that time of year and if you're taking the Horse Project to the Western Idaho Fair make sure you have all your forms filled out and turned in on time! Here's what you need! To get started make sure you have the Western Idaho Fair fairbook! If not you can get one from the Ada County Extension Office or online here . Fill out the fair entry form completely and be sure to follow your 4-H club leader's directions! Fill out the Breed Award forms Fill out the Hi Point Election form If you are taking the Hunter Hack class you need to fill out the English Permission Form You may also want to download the new Horse Rule Book. There are changes this year, so make sure you read the rule book and are aware of the changes! The Horse Rule Book and other forms that you will need are available here. Interview evaluations will be August 11th at the Double Nickel Ranch. Your 4-H club leader will have the interview times. It's highly recommended that you attend the

Eh Capa 4-H Club is having a playday and fundraiser on Saturday, June 16 at the Double Nickel Ranch. Bring your horse and play games, win prizes, and have lunch! A Hawaiian style pulled pork lunch will be served and all money raised will benefit Eh Capa 4-H Club and help their members attend state and national contests and provide scholarships to youth. This event is open to everyone, so come on out and support Eh Capa! Call Rhonda 841-5395 for more information.

4-H members are invited to participate in a photo contest celebrating USDA's 150th anniversary. This contest ends on July 2, so time is short! Submit photos that capture the diverse ways young people are engaged in agriculture today and the impact it has on our communities. The winning photographs will be displayed within the 4-H/USDA Headquarters in Washington, DC during National 4-H week in October. Photos should reflect one of three areas of focus: citizenship in agricultural issues, how agriculture affects healthy living, and the science behind agriculture. For official rules: http://my-agriculture.challenge.gov/

4-H Adventure Camp is an overnight camp located on Cascade Lake near Donnelly, ID. This camp is open to non 4-H members too, everyone is welcome! There's still time to register for camp and save money with the early bird discount! June Kids Camp: June 24-27 Completed grades 3-5 Early bird registration $165.00 if paid by June 8, 2012 August Kids Camp: August 3-6 Completed grades 3-5 Early bird registration $165.00 if paid by July 20, 2012 Teen Camp: July 9-13 Completed grades 6-8 Early bird registration $205.00 if paid by June 25, 2012 Adventure Camp Brochure

Practice ranch riding, single cow penning, and team sorting on Saturday, May 19th at Spencer Training in Eagle. This event is a fundraiser for the Ada County Horse Council and a qualifier for ranch riding. All classes are $10 each and team sorting is $10 per person. Sign up by May 17th! See the Ranch Cow Working brochure for more information.

There are 57 4-H members taking the poultry project in Ada County this year. So for everyone taking this project or thinking about taking this project there are a lot of clinics and events coming up that will allow you to practice your skills and knowledge! Ada County Field Day Saturday, May 19 8:30 am Expo Idaho (sheep arena) Test your skills and knowledge about feed identification, judging, equipment identification, and more! 4-H Poultry Clinic Saturday, June 9 10:00 am Expo Idaho (sheep arena) Practice showmanship with poultry judges! Bring your birds. Oodles of Animals Fun Match Saturday, June 23 9:00 am Dairy Barn arena near Meridian Speedway Practice showmanship. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. Contact the Ada County Extension Office at 287-5900 for more information. All events are free and no pre-registration required.  

Are you ready to test your knowledge and discover new information?! The Ada County Field Day features a skill-a-thon this year for large and small animals. Saturday, May 19 8:30 am to noon Expo Idaho Learn about judging, feed identification, equipment identification and more. No pre-registration required, so come on out on May 19 for the Ada County Field Day!

Join us this summer for the U-Idaho Extension 4-H Summer Institute! This is a series of day camps based on science and technology. Our day camps are open to all youth, you do not need to be in 4-H to attend, so check out these camps! Lego Robotics Battle Bots: ages 9-13 WeDo: ages 5-9 Junk Drawer Robotics: ages 10-14 Food Science "Growing Food": ages 9-13 Food Science: ages 10-14 Mix n Match Baking: ages 9-13 And More! Archery, GPS, Geology, Kayaking, Spy & Crime Science. See the brochure for registration information and descriptions of each day camp.

Saturday, April 28th has a lot of choices for people wanting to ride their horses. Check these out and have a great time and send pictures! Payette County 4-H Horse Leader's Show: Payette County Fairgrounds, New Plymouth $5.00 per class or $25.00 for the day. Registration form Canyon County 4-H Horse Leader's Show: Double Nickel Ranch, Star $8.00 per class or $45.00 for the day Registration form Cowboy Trail Ride: Blackstock Ranch, Melba $15.00 per rider or lunch only $5.00 Call 208-896-4512

Teen Conference is held at the University of Idaho campus in Moscow from Monday, June 11 to Friday, June 15. This event is open to youth who will have completed 8th grade through 12th grade. 4-h membership is not a requirement for this event, so invite everyone you know! There are track workshops where you can learn about things likeself defense, leadership, archaeology, cooking, fitness, and more. There are also social events and recreational events and don't forget to take the time to explore the university campus! The early bird deadline is fast approaching! Print the registration packet and turn it in by April 15th!

CSI (College of Southern Idaho) is hosting the 3rd annual Livestock Judging Invitational for 4-H and FFA members on Wednesday, April 11th at the Eldon Evans Expo Center. This competitive and well organized event includes classes chosen from top end livestock from local Idaho producers and a solid committee will be built from premier members of the livestock industry. The early bird deadline has passed and the registration fee will be $50 per team. Print the Livestock Judging Registration form for more information.

KONNICHIWA!             Idaho families are needed to host Japanese delegates for one month this summer. The Japanese students, all of whom have been studying English for many years, are ages 12-13. They arrive July 22 and depart August 18.             Host families need to have a child of the same gender and approximately the same age as the student they will host.       Applications and program information, along with descriptions and photos of the incoming students, are posted on the International Programs page of the state 4-H website, www.uidaho.edu/4h (click on Programs, then select International Programs). Host families may complete applications and upload family photos online. To request the link to the online application form, email 4hinternational@uidaho.edu . For more information on hosting contact Claudine Zender, Idaho 4-H International Programs Coordinator, by email at 4hinternational@uidaho.edu , by telephone at 208-885-7700, or through the mail at state

Can you make a device using only straws and duct tape that would protect an egg from a 25 foot and 35 foot fall? This event is open to youth in grades 5 through 8 to be eligible for prizes. All school age youth can participate in a Naked-Egg-Drop for fun with no prizes awarded. So, come on out to Farmway Village at 22370 Farmway Village, Caldwell on Saturday, April 14th and test your Egg Transport Vehicle! Print the registration form for more information.

The Meridian Dairy Days Princess Pageant is a great opportunity to teach tomorrow's women leaders necessary skills such as poise, self-worth, and public speaking. Junior Dairy Princess - 13-14 years old by June 12, 2012 Meridian Dairy Princess - 15-17 years old by June 12, 2012 Be a dairy consumer, or live, or work on a dairy farm, or show livestock in FFA or 4-H Represent the Treasure Valley Dairy Industry in a positive manner in public appearances and educational programs The application deadline is April 21. If you have any questions email: dairydaysprincess@yahoo.com Or follow the link for the Dairy Princess .

There are two shooting sports trainings coming up this spring! These trainings provide certification so that you can teach shooting sports as a 4-H project. April 28 and 29 Coeur d'Alene You can receive certification for two disciplines during this weekend. They are offering archery, pistol, rifle, and shotgun. The cost is $40 for one discipline or $75 for two disciplines. Print the Coeur d'Alene brochure to register. May 18 and 19 Billings, Montana You can receive certification in one discipline during this training. Archery, pistol, rifle, shotgun,  and muzzle loading are offered. The cost is $60 and this includes lunch on Saturday. Print the Billings brochure to register. If you have any questions about these trainings or becoming certified please call 287-5900.

The 4-H Cloverbud program is for youth ages 5 to 7 years old (by January 1, 2012) This non-competitive program focuses on cooperative learning while guiding participants in like skills, developing positive attitudes, and more! We have copies of Ohio State University's Cloverbud Program Curriculum for purchase or to borrow. There are so many activities in this curriculum to keep Cloverbud's busy and learning that we can only mention a few here. Experimenting with the 5 senses Weather Fun Making Healthy Food Choices Nature Fun My Feelings If you are interested in using this curriculum with your Cloverbud 4-H Club stop by the Extension Office. If you would like to learn more about getting your child in 4-H please call our office at 287-5900, we have lots of clubs in Ada County and great training for people interested in becoming 4-H leaders!

Saturday, March 10th come to Emmett to see commercial sheep shearing! Learn how wool is sorted and baled. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to show up for the shearing. Print the directions to get there! If you have questions call 287-5900.

Saturday, April 28 join the Wilson Butte 4-H Club's 9th annual fundraiser. There will be raffle items and prizes! You can ride Blackstock Ranch or even if you don't own a horse or don't want to bring one, you can listen to the Dan Sevy Band. The cost is $15 per rider and this includes the ride, lunch, and fun run. For directions see the Cowboy Trial Ride Flyer

It's time for the 3rd Annual College of Southern Idaho Livestock Judging International! This event, open to 4-H and FFA members, will be held April 11th at the Eldon Evans Expo Center. The cost is $40 per team and registration is due by March 20. Late registrations - add $10 to the entry fee. Students will be asked to judge 8 classes of livestock followed by 3 sets of reasons. Call 208-732-6415 for questions. Tor register print the CSI Judging Entry Form.

Help us show our community what 4-H can do! Celebrate our 100 years of 4-H in Idaho while at the same time supporting the St Luke's Women's Fitness 20th anniversary. One of our Ada County 4-H members, Sarah with the Country Kids 4-H club is asking that everyone show their support for both 4-H and St Luke's Women's Fitness by joining the 4-H and Friends team. To register go to www.celebrateall.org and select "4-H and Friends" as your team choice. Invite your friends, family, and co-workers to join us! Wear your favorite 4-H shirt or just wear green. Check out Sarah's 4-H Spirit brochure or email her at skillingssarah908@gmail.com for more information.

Are you ready for these upcoming events?! Beef Field Day: Saturday, March 10, 12:30 pm Marsing High School This year's topic is about beef related career opportunities. Learn about career fields you may not have considered! The cost is $2 per person. Email your RSVP to owyhee@uidaho.edu by March 5 . Weigh In for Western Idaho Fair: Beef - Saturday, March 17, 9 to 11 am Swine - Tuesday, May 8, 4 to 7 pm Sheep - Thursday, May 17, 4 to 7 pm The weigh ins for the Western Idaho Fair are all held at WIF. Weigh In for Canyon County Fair: Beef - Saturday, March 3, 9 am to noon (Treasure Valley Livestock Auction) Swine - Tuesday, April 17, 4 to 7 pm Sheep - Tuesday, May 15, 4 to 7 pm Goat - Tuesday, May 15, 4 to 7 pm Weigh In for the Canyon County Fair are at the Canyon County Fairgrounds unless otherwise noted! There are too many livestock events to mention in this post, so next time we'll tell you about Livestock Judging and more!

The Canyon County 4-H Horse Leaders are offering Spring Hands On Clinics! These clinics are a great way to get you and your horse ready for spring. the cost is $10 per clinic. Tuesday, March 13: Showmanship and basic ground work (Canyon County Fairgrounds) Tuesday, March 20: Western Patterns and horsemanship (Canyon County Fairgrounds) Wednesday, March 28: Trail Obstacles (Double Nickel Ranch) Wednesday, April 4: English Equitation (Double Nickel Ranch) All clinics will start at 6:30 pm and go until 9:00 pm. See the Spring Clinic flyer for more information

There are some great events coming up that will also give you a chance to work with your dog. Payette County Dog Clinic March 24th, 10 am New Plymouth Fairgrounds (4-H building) Learn some new tips for your dog project! Bring your dog and practice obedience, showmanship, and everything else! RSVP by calling Lesli at    452-2669 Payette County Dog Show March 31, 10 am New Plymouth Fairgrounds You must be enrolled in 4-H to attend the dog show. The cost is $5 per dog. To register print the Dog Show Entry Form.

Friday, February 24 is the annual fundraiser dinner and auction to support Ada County 4-H. This year is also 100 years of 4-H in Idaho, so that's another reason to join us this year! 2000 Eldorados St, Boise (Church of Christ) Dinner - 4:30 pm Live auction - 5:30 pm Have dinner with us and bid on some of these great auction items! Obedience training for your dog? We have it! Dinner for two complete with a gift card and wine? It's there! Movies or games with the family? Come and see! Just picture something and we probably have it.

Know Your Government takes place in Boise during Presidents Day weekend. 8th and 9th grade 4-H'ers have an opportunity to meet with legislators, judges, and other elected officials. Participants learn how the state government and state judicial system works. They also have a chance to observe the legislative process in action and meet with other teens from around the state. Everyone is getting ready for this great event this weekend! It is too late to sign up this year, but registration will start in December for the 2013 event. If you will be in 8th or 9th grade next school year (2012-2013) this event is for you! If you have attended this event in the past or you are going to this weekend, share your experience with us! To learn more about Know Your Government visit the Idaho State 4-H website

Take a drive to Emmett on Saturday, February 25 for this great forum. There's still openings in the workshops, so sign up now. You don't have to be in 4-H to attend, so bring your friends! Check out these topics: How to promote 4-H Learn how to call wild animals Try quilling - an antique art using rolled paper Ideas for sewing projects caring for your animals Wild horse programs This is just some of the topics offered! Call Melissa at 365-6363 to check on workshop openings. Check out this brochure for more information.

It's time for Beef Field Day! Learn about beef related career opportunities! The fee is $2 payable at the door. Saturday, March 10 12:30 - 4:40 pm Marsing High School The 7th annual Beef Field Day will cover topics ranging from "A Rancher's Perspective" to "Veterinary Careers" Don't miss this information - what a great way to learn about career choices and the beef industry. To register email owyhee@uidaho.edu with the number of youth and adults attending and the name of your club by March 5th. This will allow them to plan materials and snacks.

There are so many interesting projects to choose from, below are a few you may not have considered! You can learn something new and eat your project when you're done. Science Fun With Dairy Foods: Experiment with making yogurt, cheese, and explore the science behind the production of dairy foods. Conduct your own experiments and see what you can make yourself! Food Preservation: If you have a garden or a lot of produce, why not preserve it for later? You can make jams, jellies, and pickles. You can also learn to dry fruits and vegetables or freeze food properly. Frozen Bread Dough: We see them in the freezer section of the grocery store, but what else can you do with that dough? Make new shapes, bake, fry, or steam your dough. Learn about kitchen safety too. Check out the project requirements

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and University of Idaho 4-H Youth Development are partnering to offer an opportunity for 4-H Horse Clubs to train weanling Mustangs. 4-H clubs will choose their horse on Saturday, February 18 and condition and train the horse for 60 to 90 days. These horses will participate in a "Trail Challenge" on April 7 and the top 10 will be eligible to be shown at the Idaho Horse Expo on April 20 to 22. The application should be postmarked by February 12th or you may bring the paperwork with you on February 18.

Applications are being accepted until Thursday, March 1, 2012. Applications are available at the Canyon county Extension Office - call 459-6003 for more details! All applicants will select their heifer during selection day in April. Applicants must be currently enrolled in either 4-H or FFA. Financial assistance is available and the application is included with the registration packet.

It's time for the annual fundraiser and auction. This event benefits the Ada County 4-H Leader's Association. Ada County 4-H clubs put together baskets and other items to auction off during the dinner, so come out and see what we have this year! Friday, February 24 Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado St, Boise Dinner begins at 4:30 pm Live auction begins at 5:30 pm The menu is a pulled pork sandwich, tossed salad, chips, and a drink. Ages 6 to adult $5 Ages 3 to 5 $3 Ages 2 and under free Share this flyer with your friends, co-workers, family, and clients. We would like to see a lot of people turn out to support 4-H!

The Pioneer Cavy Fanciers Youth Royalty Contest will be held on Saturday, February 25 at the Ada County Extension Office, 5880 Glenwood, Boise. There will be an application, interview, written test, judging (or showmanship for younger youth) and breed/variety information. Call 208-883-7906 (Nancy) for more information

The Ada County Extension Office along with the City of Boise and United Water are offering free landscaping classes in February. February 6 - Improving your soil and composting February 13 - Xeriscaping concepts and adaptive plants February 22 - Choosing the right plants February 27 - Caring for a water wise landscape All classes are held at the Boise Library, 715 S Capitol from 6 pm to 8 pm and are FREE! To sign up for the classes email: landscape@unitedwater.com

Idaho Horsemanship Award applications are due Friday, February 3rd, 2012. This award is to test the skills and knowledge in horsemanship and is open to any youth in an organized horse program between the ages of 14 and 19 (age as of January 1, 2012) The written test will be held between February 27 and March 2. The performance test will be held Sunday, May 6 in Emmett.  You must first pass the written test to participate in the performance test.  Go to the State 4-H website to download the Horsemanship Application

Learn about showmanship, breeds, general care, and how to show your rabbits and cavies! Check out our guest speakers too! Saturday, February 11 at the Ada County Extension Office (5880 Glenwood, Boise) Cavy Clinic: 10 am to noon Rabbit Clinic: 1 pm to 4 pm You are welcome to bring your rabbit and/or cavy to these clinics too. If you attend both clinics lunch will be on your own from noon to 1 pm. These clinics are great for beginners to experts! They're also a chance for leaders and parents to learn more about your 4-H'ers project animals.

If you didn't receive a Camp Counselor packet and are interested in the program fill out the registration forms and return them before the deadline. If you are completing 9th grade through 12th grade this school year, you are eligible for this program. New Counselors: Registration deadline is Friday, February 10th Returning Counselors: Registration deadline is Friday, March 2 Registration packet

We're offering a 6 week course on Leathercraft here at the Ada County Extension office. This course is open to ages 8 (age as of January 1, 2012) to adult. This class will be held Tuesdays beginning January 24 at 5:30 pm. Everyone will need their own tools for this project. The basic or the deluxe kits will work. If you already have your own tools you may just need to add a few supplies to get started. If you need help choosing a kit please call Brandy at 287-5900. Everyone is welcome to participate. If you are not in 4-H you will need to join a 4-H club in order to participate. We can help you find a club too just by calling our office. Parents and leaders are also welcome to learn Leathercraft. This is a great opportunity to learn this project to teach it to other 4-H'ers. Class size is limited so call 287-5900 to sign up!

The Teen Mania brochure is now available. The deadline is fast approaching, so register ASAP! The registration deadline is Friday, January 13th. So, print this brochure and send it to Canyon County Extension right away.

Win up to $750 for your essay. The American Beekeeping Federation sponsors this essay contest annually. Write an essay covering the current topic and submit it to the State 4-H Office by Wednesday, February 1st. One winner from each state will be submitted for the national contest and the 1st place essay will win $750. The topic for this year is "The results of honey bee pollination in my community" You are encouraged to investigate the plants in your community that benefit from honey bee pollination and determine the results of that pollination. For more information on how to submit your essay contact Erika Thiel at ethiel@uidaho.edu

Would you believe it's time for the annual Super Saturday training? Informative trainings will be offered on Saturday, January 28th at the Meridian Technical Center. These trainings towards your annual leader requirements and are also a great way to meet and talk to other leaders. Parents, leaders, and teens are welcome to attend this training. The following workshops are being offered: (sign up quick, they fill up fast!) Food Preservation Working with Difficult People Making Effective Posters 4-H Science Recipe for Making Weight Projects Club Officers Generations GPS Parliament Procedure Motivation Ready, Set, Grow Check the registration form for workshops desscriptions! Fill out and return the registration form with your payment. Please put your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice for workshops since they do fill up fast.

Educational Youth Ice Fishing Day! Saturday, January 14th - Horsethief Reservoir 10 am to 3 pm Various companies are sponsoring this annual ice fishing day. Learn to clean and cook the fish you catch. Also learn about baits and techniques. FREE hot cocoa and lunch too. For more information contact Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife at 697-3167 or go to www.sfwidaho.org