Ready to Go to 4-H Camp Ocala?

Every summer 4-H members from Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hillsborough counties travel to the Ocala National Forest for a camping adventure at 4-H Camp Ocala. Camp Ocala is located on beautiful Sellers Lake and surrounded by the pine forest. Each day is filled with fun, educational activities. Every camper selects which classes he or she would like to take. The list of classes includes rocketry, kayaking, self improvement, outdoor skills, ballroom dancing, entomology, archery, multimedia, science experiments, orienteering, and the list goes on. Classes are taught by Extension faculty, camp staff, 4-H volunteers, and senior counselors. All adults at camp have passed a background screening.


In the evening there are campfires and other group activities, including a flag retirement. Everyone has a chance to swim, canoe, or kayak during Free Time. Thursday night, the last night at camp, is very special with the rocket launching, a dance, and the traditional 4-H candle lighting ceremony.

The cabins, dining room, and classrooms are all air-conditioned.

Most of the campers are 4-H members; however, registration is open to families interested in joining the 4-H program. The cost is $200.00 for the week. This year we are camping July 22-26. Non-4-H members are required to fill out 4-H enrollment forms before they are permitted to attend 4-H camp. Campers must have turned 8 by September 1, 2012 and not be older than 18. If you are interested in sending your child to Camp Ocala and/or have questions, please contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org .

What do the campers think of Camp Ocala? Here are some comments made by  4-H teen camp counselors:

• I like the variety of classes. There is something there for many different interests and every personality type.

• Camp is a bonding experience. Lifelong friendships are made here.

• If you are going to a camp you might as well go to 4-H camp. Everyone is so friendly.

Camp registration closes July 8, so don’t delay!



For more information on the camp itself, go to: http://florida4h.org/camps/ocala.shtml

Love Dogs? Want to See Them at Their Best?

Make plans to attend the State 4-H Dog Project Day & Show.  Not only will you see dogs strut their stuff, but Florida 4-H members will be showing the skills and knowledge they have learned in the 4-H dog project.
For 4-H members in the dog project, please to to 4-H Online to register.
For those just interested in dogs or the dog project, this is a great way to see the dogs and learn about the program.

Location: Southeastern Agriculture Pavilion, Ocala, Florida

Date: June 22, 2013

Classes: Showmanship & Obedience (abbreviated show for this year only)

Activities: Skill-a-thon, Record Books & Quiz Bowl

Cost to Compete: $15 for a showmanship, an obedience, Skill-a-Thon, record book judging and quiz bowl (brace and team will be offered for obedience.)

Registration: Available on 4-H Online.  For event rules and details, as well as details on how to register, please visit florida4h.org/dog

Deadline: June 13, 2013

ALL INFORMATION and DETAILS can be found at http://florida4h.org/dog/

For information on the Pinellas County 4-H Program, please contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org. 

Spring is 4-H Competitive Events Season

The past few weeks have been very busy for 4-H members competing in the Area E 4-H Horse Show and District 9 Events.  The Area E 4-H Horse Show took place during the last weekend in April.  Pinellas County sent 30 riders to the show at the Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  There were a full range of both English and Western classes in which the riders could compete including Dressage, Hunter, Ranch Trail, and Speed.  The miniature horses also had an opportunity to show. 

For Pinellas County, the three high point winners were  Lauren T., Olivia S., and Sharlee N. 

While the high point winners should be congratulated, all the participants were winners.  Just think of the life skills gained while organizing for the three day show.  The rider must pack feed, tack, paperwork, and supplies for the horse, as well as personal packing.  After checking in the horse, the stall needs to be prepared and items unpacked.  At the same time, the rider is thinking about the patterns in the classes yet to come. At the show itself, there will be successes and disappointments.  Whatever the result, the rider is expected to show good sportsmanship and be a good role model to others.

Of the 30 participants from Pinellas, over half will be advancing to the State Horse Show this summer.

District 9 Events

District Events is the next step after County Events.  All demonstration blue ribbon winners at County Events are allowed to compete at District level.  This year the event took place in Bartow.

There were 26 participants from Pinellas.  The high point and medallion winners and their categories are listed below.  Senior high point winners advance to State Congress in Gainesville.  Junior and Intermediate winners are awarded a scholarship to Camp Ocala.

Workforce Preparation  

Annelise and Michael V. (Int)         Lexa A. and Michaela P. (Sr)

Small Animals and Pets

Shannon P. (Jr)

Emily P. (Int)

Samantha R. (Sr)

Horse

Abby V. (Int)

Kristen V. (Sr)

Animal Industry

Emily V. (Sr)

Plant Connections

Max F. (Jr)

Share the Fun

Jared M. (Int)

Adison J. (Sr)

Evan J. (Sr)

Abby L. (Sr)

John R. (Sr)

Congratulations to all and many thanks to the leaders and parents for working with the 4-H'ers to help them reach their goals.

The 4-H Blog is Back!

After a hiatus of several months, the 4-H blog is back, bringing you 4-H news on what has happened and information on upcoming events. 
Let's look at some of the great activities 4-H'ers have been involved in these past few months.
Community Service - The following is an edited article written by Maxine of the Ochs 4-H Garden Club:

Pinellas 4-H clubs bring joy and cheer with toys and decorations.

At County Council on October 30, 2012 the Council decided to help kids in need and help homeless veterans so they would be happy for the holidays.  Officers at County Council reported back to the clubs and requested unopened toys and handmade decorations. The club members responded by bringing in toys and making decorations. During the toy drive, the box grew from three teddy bears to a huge overflowing box. Club members and volunteers wrapped the presents and gave them to Miss Jean who delivered them to the members of the GRAYDI Garden 4-H Club.  the Ochs Garden 4-H Club, The Mane Event, and Hare Raisin' Homesteaders, were among the clubs who created decorations, cards, and ornaments. Many thanks to Sandy Paws Veterinary Clinic for their generous donation of a gift card. 

Eventually Mr. Matt delivered three large boxes of joyful cheer. In the end, Miss Jean told 4-H members that the kids liked the presents and Mr. Matt brought us back candy and a Christmas card from the veterans.

P.S. the next week the veterans sent extra candy because the decorations made them so happy.

A Very Active New Club
There is a new 4-H club at Palm Harbor Middle School called the PHMS 4-H Club.  This club started late in the year , but has made a lot of progress.  They are an environmental education and community service club.  They are also partnering with Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and have been attending events as part of their club work.  PHMS 4-H Club has also been upgrading the butterfly garden on campus.  They also hosted a PEEP  workshop presented by Pinellas Couny Extension. 

If you are looking for something to do April 27-28, come on out to the Florida State Fairgrounds for the Area E 4-H Horse Show.  There will be approximately 100 riders with 31 from Pinellas.  If you come, you must enter from the Orient Road entrance.

Next blog will cover 4-H County Events results.

4-H at Brooker Creek Saturday October 13 at 1:00

October 13- OPEN HOUSE:  Join us for a special introduction to this Pinellas County 4-H series! Program includes: How Wood You Like That? – Get to know some of the common trees of Brooker Creek, and how wood is “made.” From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sample activities include:

Activity 1:  Leaf and Bark rubbing

Activity 2:  Identification of the leaf that was rubbed

Activity 3:  Age of several Tree Cookies

Activity 4:  Drawing Your Own Life as a Tree Cookie

Free registration for the Open House is available here.We look forward to seeing you there!

Come learn what the Florida 4-H Forestry program has to offer!  First there is the Brooker Creek Explorers 4-H Club.  Youth from ages 5 - 18 can join this club to learn about the natural Florida spaces we all enjoy.  Each member will receive a 4-H project book and attend meetings held twice a month. Come to the open house for more registration details and activities!

Florida Forest Ecology Event - In addition, 4-H members ages 8 - 18 can join the 4-H Forest Ecology Team and learn about Florida forests.  The topics cover forestry ecosystems, tree and plant I.D.,  wildlife, forestry pests, and orienteering.  There will be a statewide 4-H Florida Forest Ecology Event in Gainesville during the spring. See sample activities and resources at the open house!

If you are interested in joining either opportunity or both please contact Lara Miller at lmiller@pinellascounty.org. 

Annual 4-H Apple/Pecan Sale is Here!

Ready to bite into a fresh, crisp, and juicy apple?  How about some really fresh pecans for holiday baking or tossing into a salad?  The annual Extension 4-H apple and pecan sale sponsored by the Pinellas County 4-H Association is now in full swing.  This sale is the main fund raiser for the 4-H Association to raise money for the 4-H scholarship program. 

This year we are offering Yellow Delicious and Empire apples.  Both varieties are excellent for baking, cooking, or just eating.

The apples are offered in quantities of a bushel for $44.00 or a half-bushel for $24.00.  A bushel is approximately 40 pounds.  Orders must be placed by October 1.  Pick up will be at the Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center October 25 – 28, 2012.  The address is 14644 113^th Avenue, N. Largo.

There are also pecans, halves or pieces, available in one pound bags. Specialty chocolate covered pecans, chocolate cluster pecans, and cinnamon glaze pecans are offered in 12 ounce decorative bags.  All bags are $11.00 each. 

It is very easy to place your order.  If you know of a 4-H club in your area, any 4-H member can take your prepaid order.  The 4-H Association web site at  http://pc4hassociation.org/ has more information on the apples and pecans, as well as downloadable forms to pay by check or credit card.  Credit card orders can also be placed online.

This is a win-win situation.  You can enjoy delicious, fresh, nutritious apples and pecans and at the same time support your county 4-H program. Each year the Pinellas County 4-H Association awards $6,000 in scholarships for 4-H camps and trips, 4-H Legislature, 4-H Congress, and now, college scholarships.

Questions? please contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.  

Sign Up for 4-H Vegetable Garden Now!

Orientation for the 2012 Ochs Garden 4-H Club is September 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pinellas County Extension Service.  Families will learn about the 4-H program, what vegetables they can grow, and all the benefits of belonging to the Pinellas County 4-H Program.  Attendees will have first choice in selecting their garden plot and their garden neighbors along with a variety of 4-H project books.  This program is open to youth ages 5 (as of 9/1/2012) to 18.
 If interested in this award winning program, please contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org or call 727-582-2597.
Don't miss out on all the delicious fresh veggies you can eat!