Help Support 4-H Community Service Project

Pinellas 4-H County Council is collecting canned goods as part of the District community service project CanRaiser. Four-H members are donating the goods to local food banks.
A second community service project is to collect items for the homeless. Along with the usual toiletry items like soap, toothpaste. or shampoo, homeless people also need socks, brushes, and wash cloths. These new items can be dropped off at the 4-H office or to any 4-H member.
If you are coming to Night of the Arts March 2, there will be a box to collect the canned goods and the items for the homeless. Show your 4-H spirit and support these worthy community serrvice projects.

Pinellas 4-H County Events

Springtime in 4-H means the competitive events are in full swing. One event common to all 4-H counties is called County Events. Pinellas County 4-H divides its County Events into two events - Night of the Arts and Demonstration Day.
Night of the Arts has three contests - Share the Fun, Poster Contest, and the Photo Exhibit. Share the Fun is the talent show with an emphasis on fun. This year's entries include piano, songs, a monologue, and dancers from ballroom to hula. Contestants are judged (except for Cloverbuds) and awarded ribbons. The top two winners in each age category advance to compete at District Events in Pasco County in May.
The Poster and Photo Exhibit Contest entries are turned in and displayed during Night of the Arts for everyone to enjoy. They are judged at a later date and the results are announced at Demonstration Day. Winning entries advance to the State competition in Gainesville.
Night of the Arts is a fun event, although it is important to remember that the entries are covered by the Communication and Expressive Arts project area. Theatre Arts, Photography, and Visual Arts are project book categories in 4-H. Some examples of these projects can be found at : http://www.florida4h.org/projects/Project_Enrollment_CAS.shtml.
Four-H members are not required to be enrolled in one of these projects to participate in any of the above contests.

The second half of County Events is Demonstration Day. Demonstration Day presentations are tied directly to the 4-H'ers project. The presentation, called a Demonstration or Illustrated Talk is an opportunity for the 4-H member to educate the audience on something interesting that was learned while working on the 4-H project. Last year the most popular project area for demonstrations was on horses.
Registration for Demonstration Day is open. All 4-H'ers who need an entry form should contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.
All blue ribbon winners are eligible to compete at District Events. Junior and Intermediate winners from Pinellas County earn a scholarship to 4-H Camp Ocala. Senior winners are awarded a scholarship to attend 4-H State Congress.

Night of the Arts takes place March 2 at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Pinellas County Extension Office.
Demonstration Day takes place March 24 at 9:00 a.m. also at the Extension Office.
The public is invited to attend these events. Come and learn a little more about what the Pinellas County 4-H program is all about.

4-H Open House This Saturday 10:00 - 2:00

This Saturday, November 5, is the 4-H Open House. The weather should be perfect for this annual event at the Pinellas County Extension Office. The purpose of this event is to highlight the achievements and opportunities of the local 4-H program.
Throughout the day four 4-H members will teach participants icebreakers, the difference between a visual aid and an exhibit, and how to use powerpoint in a presentation. The animal sciences will be represented in person by dairy goats and poultry courtesy of Conservatives 4-H and 4-H2O. The Hare Raisin' Homesteaders will also have information on horses and rabbits. Average Joe's 4-H will focus on technology in 4-H projects.
Along with the club exhibits led by 4-H members and leaders, partners and supporters of 4-H will also be there. The Pinellas County 4-H Foundation will be selling all the varieties of pecans at $10 a bag. The chocolate covered and glazed pecans make great gifts for the holidays. The Pinellas County Farm Bureau will have fun educational materials and information on the benefits of belonging to the Farm Bureau.
At approximately 1:00 p.m. the awards will be announced for the Apple/Pecan Cook-Off. After that, Open House attendees may sample the delicious entries. You don't want to miss this!
The final activity of the Open House is the launching of the "Rockets Away" rockets. Rocketeers bringing an empty 2-liter bottle will create a rocket and then take part in the air powered launching.
Come by the 4-H Open House and experience a little bit of everything the 4-H program has to offer.
The Pinellas County Extension Office is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

4-H Open House and Apple/Pecan Cook-Off November 5

Fall is officially here and 4-H'ers are beginning to think about their club booths for the 4-H Open House November 5. Every 4-H club is invited to set up a display to show off their club projects. Most clubs also have an activity to share or have items to sell to boost their club treasuries. So far we will have goats, chickens, Xtreme gingerhouse building, and the rocket creation and launch. The second half of the event is the Apple/Pecan Cook-Off. Bring in your finished product of a recipe that contains at least one apple or one cup of pecans. This event celebrates the success of the apple/pecan sale held each year by the Pinellas County 4-H Foundation.
Here is what you need to know:
To participate with a club display, leaders should contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org to register.
To hold a fundraiser, the club must submit a fundraising application. Sales need to be approved before the event.
To enter the cook-off, everyone must pre-register with Betty Lipe at blipe@tampabay.rr.com.
Forms and instructions will be e-mailed to club leaders or can be obtained from Betty Lipe.
The 4-H Open House and Apple/Pecan Cook-Off is open to the public. It takes place at the Pinellas County Extension Office at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Come and see what 4-H has to offer. Doors open at 10:00 a.m.

4-H County Events Are Here

In Pinellas County County Events are divided into two separate events. The first is Night of the Arts which can include Share the Fun (talent show), the poster and photo exhibits, and Fashion Review. The second event is Demonstration Day where 4-H members try out their public speaking skills with demonstrations, illustrated talks, and persuasive speeches. In both of these events, top scorers move on to District Events to compete with 4-H members from the five other counties in District 9.
On March 11, Night of the Arts took place with 15 4-H members competing in a variety of acts. Here are the top scorers who have the options to continue on to District Events in Manatee County May 7.

Junior:
Lana'e Hernandez with Grandma's House (Monologue)
Eleni Lambrianos with We Will Rock You (Tap)

Intermediate:
Allison Iacono with a Dance
Matthew Iacono with Hip Hop

Senior:
Evan & Adison Julian with an original song The Sun is Here to Stay
Sonali Wijesiriwardena with Jai Ho (Indian Cultural Dance)

Congratulations to all who competed and shared the fun!
See you all on Demonstration Day April 9 at the Pinellas County Extension Office.

4-H Results from the Florida State Fair

While most people know 4-H members can earn premiums and ribbons at the fair, many may not realize how much work goes into winning those ribbons.
Last month five of our 4-H members excelled in the State Fair and Champion Youth Program.

Savannah Kutz won Senior Champion Youth Dog and Katie Hendrix won Intermediate Champion Youth Dog.
Olivia Cook won second place in Senior Champion Youth Poultry.
Beverly Strautmann won Grand Champion with her goat "Southern Star" and Teressa Strautmann won Reserve Champion with her goat "Southern Gem.

These competitions involve not only preparing and showing the animal, but also keeping an accurate record book and possibly participating in a skill-a-thon, creating posters, answering questions at the Ask Me booth and speaking in front of a community group.

All this hard work and discipline results in not only blue ribbon animals, but also blue ribbon youth. Congratulations to all the 4-H'ers, parents, and volunteers who participated in and contributed to the successes at the Florida State Fair.

4-H Revolution of Responsibility

Most of you probably know that 4-H is about more than winning blue ribbons and showing animals at the State Fair. In addition, 4-H is more than the ever growing list of projects in science and technology. What remains the same in 4-H are the outcomes or the results: Youth who grow up in 4-H grow to become responsible, contributing adults.
One of the challenges in 4-H is showcasing or illustrating the successes in the program. How can we best show that the 4-H youth raising dairy goats and the 4-H youth developing a robot program are both learning the same life skills needed to be a successful adult?
One of the best ways may be through the new 4-H Revolution of Responsibility. Through the 4-H Revolution of Responsibility, 4-H members, volunteers, and staff are invited to write about the positive changes that have been brought about through 4-H.

4-H youth are a living, breathing, culture-changing revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles, and pushing our country forward by making a measurable difference right where they live.

You may have read about Lindsay, a 4-H member who was able to buy a house at age 18 with her hog earnings. She started raising hogs as a young 4-H'er and saved her winnings. In addition to her skills in hog rearing and showing, she also learned to be fiscally responsible and to persevere.
Other 4-H members are improving their communities through 4-H community service projects.
Are you part of the 4-H Revolution of Responsibility? There are many examples here in Pinellas County where 4-H members are making a positive change. Let everyone know how you started a Revolution of Responsibility. Check out the website at:
http://www.4-h.org/about/revolution/ and share your story.

New Youth Program at Brooker Creek Preserve Starts January 22

What better way to start the new year than to explore one of Pinellas county's best wild places? Starting January 22 at 1:00, Brooker Creek and Pinellas 4-H will introduce the Brooker Creek Explorers Program. This program is geared towards 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who are interested in the natural world around us. You do not have to be a 4-H member to register; this program is open to the public. There will be three meetings; each will focus on a different way of learning about and appreciating our natural resources and Brooker Creek in particular. All sessions will meet 1:00 - 3:00.
January 22: Paper Pieces - Make your own paper and journal after learning about the ways paper is made and recycled. A digital or disposable camera will be helpful.
February 5: What Can You Find? - Increase your powers of observations through all your senses in a forestry scavenger hunt. Add to your journal.
February 19: Trees as Habitats - How big is an ecosystem? Explore the various habitats at Brooker Creek and decide for yourself.
All activities used are from Florida 4-H Forestry and Project Learning Tree. The Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center is located at 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs.
To register, go to https://pinellas.obsres.com/botanical/Info.aspx?EventID=4002
and scroll down to Brooker Creek Explorers. Registration is required, but it is free!
For more information on this program, please contact 4-H at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

Ready for 2011?

It is hard to believe that 2011 is here already. Why are we always so surprised? All 4-H families should be ready to sign up and sign on to all the great 4-H activities in store. Here is a list to help you get ready:

Important 4-H Dates for You to Remember 2011

January 3……………………………Deadline for Senior LAW registration to Pinellas 4-H Office
January 18………………………….4-H Advisory Meeting @ PCE 6:00 p.m.
January 14………………………….Deadline to register for State Fair booth
( http://florida4h.org/events/showcase.shtm)
January 14………………………….County Council Meeting @Ochs 6:30
January 21 – 23………………… Senior Leadership Adventure Weekend @ Camp Ocala
( http://florida4h.org/events/LAW.shtml)
January 31………………………….Deadline to register for Intermediate State to Pinellas Office
( http://florida4h.org/events/Int_State.shtml)
February 10 –21………………… Florida State Fair @ Tampa Fairgrounds
February 12……………………… 4-H Showcase @ Florida State Fair & 4-H Day at the Fair
February 18 – 20…………………Intermediate State @ Camp Ocala
February 19…………………………4-H Day at the Fair
March 2 ………………………………Deadline for Night of the Arts Registration
March 11 …………………………….Night of the Arts @ Northwest Church of Christ
March 18 – 20……………………. Third Executive Board @ Camp Cherry Lake
March 28…………………………… Deadline to register for Demonstration Day
April 9 ……………………………… .Demonstration Day @ PCE
April 16……………………………… .District Congress @ PCE (for Junior and Intermediate 4-H’ers)
April 19……………………………… 4-H Advisory Meeting @ PCE
April 27……………………………… 4-H Day @ the Capitol in Tallahassee
April 29-May 1…………………… .Area E @Florida Fairgrounds
May 8 ………………………………….District Events (Tentative – Pasco County hosts)
June 10……………………………… .Leader, Volunteer, Donor Banquet @ PCE
June 20 – 24…………………………4-H Legislature in Tallahassee
June 30…………………………………Club Level Project Judging Sheets Due
July 7-9…………………………………State Horse Show
July 11-15……………………………...Camp Ocala
July 19…………………………………...Projects Due for County Judging
July 19 ………………………………… .4-H Expansion & Review Meeting @ PCE
July 25 – 29……………………………4-H Congress in Gainesville
August 19……………………………….Awards & Recognition Banquet @ PCE

If you have any questions about these events, please contact me at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

This is a reminder just in case some of you are feeling stressed and think that your task list has gotten too long and the number of days left on the calendar too short. Remember that holidays are times of enjoyment and appreciating the best in our lives. Perhaps today is the day to cross a couple unfinished tasks off the list. Use that time to relax or spend with an old friend or your own family. It is ironic that those who fret about the lack of time often fail to realize that time is one of the best gifts of all to receive.
I know many of the 4-H families are busy right now with holiday preparations and purchases. Did you know that this time of year produces 25% more trash than the rest of the year? While you reduce stress this holiday, also adopt some of these greener practices from Pinellas County Utilities: http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/holidays/tips.htm. You may find that going green and reducing stress go hand in hand.

4-H Thanksgiving

Many families practice the Thanksgiving ritual of going around the table and having each member say what they are most thankful for. This is probably also happening at many 4-H clubs as they have their last meeting before Thanksgiving. Answers can range from the roast turkey on the table to friends and family. I think it is beneficial for everyone to stop and think about what it is that they appreciate the most in their lives. In that spirit, today I am sharing what I think our Pinellas County 4-H Family (including me) should be thankful for.

• Pinellas County has a varied program. Projects range from horses and dogs to vegetable gardening and robotics. There is a project of interest for everybody.
• The 4-H program is open to everyone. These hard economic times have added stresses on money, time, and patience. Still, children can join 4-H for very little money, in a community club or afterschool club.
• Pinellas County has a dedicated group of volunteers. Volunteers have continued to take on extra responsibilities as budget constraints continue. Some of the recent events would have been cancelled had it not been for the volunteers.
• The Pinellas County 4-H Foundation is there to support us. The Foundation funds many 4-H programs. The scholarships many 4-H members receive to attend out of county trips would not exist without the Foundation.
• Pinellas County clubs give back to the program. In November, 14 clubs participated in the 4-H Open House and two turned right around and participated in Farm-City Day two weeks later. Both events were bigger and had larger attendance than the year before.
• We have a 4-H Family here that is ready to support its members, both the youth and adults. 4-H members are ready to help other members with their projects or to attend activities. At the monthly volunteer meetings I often see club leaders reaching out to new leaders or to leaders having difficulty with their club. So many club leaders are ready to lend a hand.

Simply put, everything above states that we have a large group of 4-H adults and youth who believe in the 4-H program and all that 4-H stands for. When you consider all that the four H's stand for, that is something we can all be thankful for.

November Events

The first event is the 4-H Open House and Apple/Pecan Cook-Off at the Pinellas County Extension, starting at 10:00 a.m. The Open House features displays and activities hosted by
4-H clubs for the enjoyment of all families. This is a great time to:

• learn more about the 4-H program in Pinellas County
• learn about pet care
• build an Xtreme Gingerbread House
• build a rocket
• brush a goat
• learn about hexagons
• make a candle
• sign up for 4-H!

All cook-off entries must be brought to the Magnolia Room for check in by 10:00 a.m. The doors will be open at 9:00 a.m. for entry check in. Awards will be announced by 1:00 p.m. and sampling of entries will follow.

This event is free.

The second event is the Farm-City Day on November 20 at Heritage Village. The fun starts at9:00 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m. For this event 4-H/Extension is partnering with several other groups to bring this national event to Pinellas County. There will be many make and takes as well as agricultural give aways.

Both of the events will take place along with the Market in the Park in Heritage Village.

4-H Open House and Apple/Pecan Cook-Off November 6

Now that the apples and pecans are ordered, it is time to turn our attention to the annual 4-H Open House and Apple/Pecan Cook-Off. For those who are new to 4-H, the Open House is a fun, educational way to showcase the Pinellas County 4-H program. Each club is invited to set up a table with a club exhibit featuring an activity or fund raiser. So far we have quite a few activities lined up:
Rocket building and launch
Extreme Gingerbread House Building
Dairy goats
Chickens
Rabbit showing
Face painting
Dog toy sale
Horse treats or craft
Fishing activity
Roping
And more!

There is still time to reserve space for your 4-H club. Please contact me if you want to be included in this event at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

The Apple/Pecan Cook-Off will start at 10:00 a.m. All entries must be checked-in by that time. For registration forms, please go to: http://www.pc4hfoundation.org/applepecancookoff.pdf. For more information or questions on the cook-off, please contact Betty Lipe at blipe@tampabay.rr.com.

The 4-H Open House runs from 10:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 when the rocket launch concludes. The Open House takes place at Pinellas County Extension at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

4-H County Council Meeting September 10

The first County Council meeting of the year is on September 10th at 6:00 p.m. at the Ochs 4-H Educational Center at 14644 113th Avenue North, Largo. County Council is a county level club that serves the Pinellas County 4-H Program through decision making, community service and leadership. This means all the 4-H clubs can have a part in planning 4-H events and activities. This is a great way to learn leadership skills and have fun at the same time. It is a step up to participating in District Council.

In the past, County (Teen) Council members have taught classes at District Congress, prepared meals at Ronald McDonald House, led activities at the 4-H Open House, held a retreat at fort DeSoto, and tubed down a river. What are your ideas for the 2010-2011 4-H County Council?
Any 4-H member may attend a County Council meeting, but you must be an Intermediate or Senior (at least 11 years old) to be a voting delegate.

Please respond to the 4-H Office if you will be attending the meeting, if you are interested in County Council, or in any part of the 4-H program, at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

4-H Goal Setting - Tips for 4-H Members and Parents

Embedded into every 4-H project are important life skills that teach youth how to be successful in whatever endeavors they pursue in their life. This is part of how 4-H ‘Makes the Best Better”. At the beginning of the school year all 4-Her’s with assistance from their leaders and parents, set project goals and make plans to achieve those goals. Goals must be SMART; Specific, Measureable, Attainable , Realistic and have a Time frame for accomplishment.

Example:
· SMART goal
I will catch, fillet & cook a flounder that I catch in the Gulf of Mexico from my kayak with a saltwater rod and reel and 40 lb test line by 12/31/2010
· Not SMART goal
I will finish my fishing project book.

So crack open those project books, select the activities you want to complete and choose the clover award you wish to accomplish by the end of the year. Document this information in your project book and also in the project summary report, then have your parents and club leaders document and sign how they will help you reach your goals. When you are done, celebrate that you have joined the top 3% of successful Americans who write out goals and plans for their lives.

An End to a Great 4-H Year and a Great Beginning to 2010/2011

On August 20 4-H clubs and supporters gathered at the Pinellas County Extension Office to recognize their 4-H'ers for a job well done. Over 100 4-H'ers received their project completion year pins. Blue ribbon projects were exhibited for viewing. In addition, twenty-three members and clubs received Performance Standard Clover Awards for over-all participation and support of the 4-H program. Crazy 4 Canines received an Emerald Clover for their excellence in participation, organization, and performance.

Several 4-H members received project medals. In addition, the Achievement Award went to Crazy 4 Canines' Kaymie Van Benthuysen. Recognition was also given to those 4-H members who have achieved 20 and 40 4-H blue ribbons.
Receiving 20 blue ribbon were Olivia Cook, Michaela Polmann, and Beverly Strautmann. Matthew Galiano of Average Joe's 4-H received his 40 Blue Ribbon pin.

The biggest news of the night was the announcement of the Clubs of the Year. The small club of the year is the Conservatives 4-H Club. The large club is 4-H2O. Congratulations to both clubs for a year of excellent 4-H projects, activities, and representation.

Congratulations to you all!

4-H does not spend much time resting on their laurels because on August 28th 100 4-H members and supporters conducted their second annual County Congress. At the Congress, organized by 4-H club leaders, families could register for the new year, learn goal setting, attend a mock 4-H club meeting, elect officers, attend officer training, install the officers, join County Council, review project books, get ready to sell apples and pecans, and spend the day with a great group of people.
Many thanks to the 4-H volunteers for presenting this fabulous day!

Sign Up for the Ochs Garden 4-H Club

Members of the Ochs Garden 4-H Club learn to vegetable garden, develop healthy lifestyles, and have a great time while learning. While it is still too hot to spend much time outside working in a garden, it is the perfect time to start planning for the fall garden season. Pre-registration is now open for the 2010/2011 gardening year. Here is what you need to know:

• The 4-H garden club is open to youth 5-18
• Garden hours are 3-5 Tuesdays & Thursdays; 9-11 on Saturdays
• The garden is located at 14644 113th Avenue North, Largo
• Cost is $25 per year
• Members are expected to complete a 4-H project
• Interested parents must contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org to pre-register
• Each member receives a 10X12 foot plot
• All plants and seeds are provided.
• This 4-H project is fun!

In addition to learning how to grow vegetables, youth also learn about rain barrels, composting, and beneficial insects.

Come grow with us!

Upcoming 4-H Events in August

It is hard to believe that August is nearly here. Last week 40 4-H members from Pinellas attended Camp Ocala and next week 6 teens will attend 4-H Congress in Gainesville. Then we will be ready to end the 2009-2010 4-H year and begin the2010-2011 year. Here is what is coming up:

• August 20 - Achievement Banquet, also known as Awards and Recognition Dinner. At this event, county judged projects and club scrapbooks are on display. Those 4-H members who have completed projects receive their year pins and certificates. Other awards and recognition are presented as well. The veiwing of the projects begins at 6:00 p.m. This dinner is pot luck and takes place in the Magnolia Room.
• August 26 - Ochs Garden Orientation starts at 6:30 in the Magnolia Room. Participants must have pre-registered with Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.
• August 28 - 4-H County Congress is the kick-off to the new year. 4-H members can register, view and select project books, elect officers, and learn what they need to know to have a great 4-H year.

Make sure these dates are on your calendar now!

4-H Adult Volunteer Recognition

The previous blog spoke of the fantastic group of 4-H volunteers in Pinellas County. On June 11, several of these volunteers were singled out for special recognition at the 4-H Volunteer Leader Donor Dinner.
The first group of awards are called the Spirit Awards. Following the tradition of 4-H camp, five individuals are recognized based on their ability to exemplify the core 4-H values through Head, Heart, Hands, Health, and Spirit. This year's winners are:

• Head - Donna Benedict is the Leader of the All Things Equine 4-H Club. After taking over the club, she has consistently used her head by thinking out the processes of leading a club and knowing the importance of asking questions.
• Heart - Sue Cherrie is one of the volunteers at the 4-H Ochs Garden Club. She works with all her heart and opens her heart to all the children in the garden club.
• Hands - Chrissy Willett is the Leader of the Average Joe's 4-H Club, but she is known as the most helpful person at any event or meeting. No matter what needs to be done, Chrissy is ready to lend a hand. Or two.
• Health - Mary Urquhart has led the Seminole Riders 4-H Club for thirty-six years, but has also led the 4-H horse program for many years. Mary (Snakey) has set the standard for how a horse club should be run and the result is a very healthy equine program in Pinellas County.
• Spirit - Teryl Plaisance is an Activity Leader for Crazy4Canines. She has shown all the above qualities and is the clue that holds the club together. Teryl was nominated by the club's Leader, Liz Piquet.

The next award is Rookie of the Year. Denise Wright started the Neighs and Nickers 4-H Club last August and has turned it into an active and productive club. The 4-H'ers completed projects and participated in county, area, and state events. In addition, the club participated in community service projects.

This year's Volunteer of the Year is Lisa McBride, Leader of 4-H2O. Lisa's influence reaches beyond her club. She has been instrumental in the organization and execution of the first County Congress which benefited the majority of the 4-H clubs in the county. In addition, Lisa serves as a mentor for new leaders and has served as Camp Nurse at Camp Ocala.

The Leader of the Year is Liz Piquet, Leader of Crazy4Canines. Liz was also involved in the formation of the County Congress. Her club is very active in all county 4-H events from Demonstration Day to 4-H Day at the Capitol. In addition to the usual 4-H events, the club is deeply involved in the 4-H State Dog Project from creating county dog shows to attending Dog Conference. As the leader of a large 4-H club, Liz has the ability to recognize and utilize the talents of her adult volunteers and parents resulting in positive experiences for all.

While the volunteer above were singled out for special recognition, all 4-H volunteers bring their special talents, perspectives, and contributions to the program. The 4-H program could not continue without them.

Honoring 4-H Volunteers

4-H volunteers are a special group of people. Pinellas County is lucky to count over 100 dedicated 4-H volunteers. These volunteers serve as 4-H Leaders, Foundation or Advisory Council members, event judges, and office assistants. Some are new volunteers who have just signed up this year and others have volunteered for many years. We have one 4-H leader who has served for thirty-six years!
This Friday, on June 11 at 6:30, Pinellas County 4-H will honor 4-H volunteers at the annual dinner. Volunteer leaders receive their year pins and everyone attending is recognized for their contributions to the program. Those volunteers who have gone above and beyond may receive recognition through the "Head, Heart, Hands, Health and Spirit Awards". These awards follow the camp tradition of awarding the top campers who exemplify the core 4-H values. In addition, the 4-H Rookie, Volunteer and Leader of the Year are also announced.
Going above and beyond is quite a feat because 4-H volunteers are quite a dedicated group. In a survey done of 4-H Leaders the response to the question:
"What would cause you to stop volunteering for 4-H?", the number one response was "death"!
The second most frequent response was "physical impairment".
Another study found that the motivation of 4-H volunteers is that they believe in the value of the 4-H program and want to be a part of it.
It is no wonder that 4-H volunteers are the reason that the 4-H Program is what it is today and has made such an impact in our communities.