I am writing to inform you that May 8 will be my last day working as the Jackson County 4-H Agent.  My wife has been accepted to dental school at UF, and I have accepted a position with the State 4-H Office in Gainesville.  I have enjoyed my time serving as your 4-H Agent and I have enjoyed getting to know each of you.  I hope that you will continue to be a part of Jackson County 4-H and support Miss Patti and the next 4-H Agent.

Sincerely,
Ben Knowles

Link to Camps Page: http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu/4-h/4-h-camps/

Ages: 5-12

Wednesday, March 27 (8:00am-2:00pm)

Campers will participate in activities that will help them learn about different animals common to Jackson County. Campers will also play fun animal-themed games. Presentation Topics will include:  K9 Forensics, Reptiles, Farm Animals, Owls and Hawks.

1. Whoever brings your child to the day camp will need to sign them in each day, as well as whoever picks your child up will need to sign them out.  Adult supervision will begin 10 minutes prior to the start of camp.  Please do not bring your child to camp before this time and be sure to make arrangements to have your child picked up at the designated time each day.
2. Campers will be participating in indoor and outdoor activities. Campers should wear shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes. NO FLIP FLOPS or SANDALS are allowed.
3. Snacks will be provided in the morning and afternoon. Lunch will also be provided. Please make sure food allergies or dietary restrictions are updated on your camper’s 4-H Enrollment Form.
4. If your child will be taking medication while attending Camp, you must complete a Florida Medication Form. This includes non-prescription drugs, lotions, inhalers, and any other items. The form is available from the 4-H Office upon request.

Ages: 5-12

Tuesday, March 26 (8:00am-2:00pm)

Campers will learn how to plant container gardens and will make gardening-themed crafts. Campers will also learn how to exhibit their plants projects in local youth fairs such as the Panhandle Youth Expo.

1. Whoever brings your child to the day camp will need to sign them in each day, as well as whoever picks your child up will need to sign them out.  Adult supervision will begin 10 minutes prior to the start of camp.  Please do not bring your child to camp before this time and be sure to make arrangements to have your child picked up at the designated time each day.
2. Campers will be working with plants and soil during indoor and outdoor activities. Campers should wear OLD shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes. NO FLIP FLOPS or SANDALS are allowed.
3. Snacks will be provided in the morning and afternoon. Lunch will also be provided. Please make sure food allergies or dietary restrictions are updated on your camper’s 4-H Enrollment Form.
4. If your child will be taking medication while attending Camp, you must complete a Florida Medication Form. This includes non-prescription drugs, lotions, inhalers, and any other items. The form is available from the 4-H Office upon request.

Ages: 8-12

Monday, March 25 (8:00am-2:00pm)                                                               

Campers will learn how to make fun, healthy snacks, and how to increase their strength and endurance by playing fun recreational games. Campers will also participate in a nature hike. 

1. Whoever brings your child to the day camp will need to sign them in each day, as well as whoever picks your child up will need to sign them out.  Adult supervision will begin 10 minutes prior to the start of camp.  Please do not bring your child to camp before this time and be sure to make arrangements to have your child picked up at the designated time each day.
2. Campers will be participating in indoor and outdoor activities. Campers should wear shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes. NO FLIP FLOPS or SANDALS are allowed.
3. Snacks will be provided in the morning and afternoon. Lunch will also be provided. Please make sure food allergies or dietary restrictions are updated on your camper’s 4-H Enrollment Form.
4. If your child will be taking medication while attending Camp, you must complete a Florida Medication Form. This includes non-prescription drugs, lotions, inhalers, and any other items. The form is available from the 4-H Office upon request.

2013 4-H Camps Page Updated with Spring Break Day Camp Information and Timpoochee Counselor/CIT Application

Are you ready for Spring Break? I know we are. Space is still available for our Spring Break Day Camps. Don’t miss out on all the fun!

Spring Break 4-H Day Camps- Brochure and Registration Form

Note: We have decided to open the Animal Planet 4-H Day Camp (March 27) to ages 5-12. This day camp was originally intended to be for Cloverbuds (5-7 year olds), but we feel that the programs will be enjoyed by the older 4-H members. If you have already registered for day camps and would like to add your child to Animal Planet, please mail a $10.00 check made out to the Jackson County 4-H Association, to:

Jackson County Extension Agent
Attention: Ben Knowles
2741 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3
Marianna, FL 32448

We will update your child’s day camp form and register them for the Animal Planet camp. Space is still limited, so do not delay.

Teens who would like to volunteer to help with 4-H Day Camps should contact  Ben Knowles.

County Camp at 4-H Camp Timpoochee
June 17-21, 2013

Camper Age: 8-12 (Campers must have turned 8 by September 1, 2012)
Cost: $220 for 4-H members, $230.00 for non-4-H members
Camper Registration Dates: TBA
First-time Camper Orientation: June 11, 2013 from 4:30 PM -5:15 PM at the Jackson County Extension Service.

Application Available for 4-H Camp Timpoochee Counselors and CIT

Counselors and Counselors-in-Training : 13-18 (Teen must have turned 13 by September 1, 2012 ). Teens must apply to serve as Counselors and CITs. Applications must be typed and are due April 5.

Counselor and CIT Application

Counselors and CITs must attend all required pre-camp trainings. Scheduled Trainings: Tri-County Training June 13 (all day)

Camp Fee for Counselors and CITs. TBA

http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu/4-h/4-h-camps/

4-H Science Fair ASucces

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 4-H Science Fair. Each exhibitor did a great job and the judges were very impressed with all the projects. Thank you to all the volunteers to who helped make the night a success! Last week The Jackson County Times, The Floridan and Graceville News printed pictures from the Science Fair. Be sure to get copies if you have not already. You can also see  photos on our 4-H Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jackson-County-Florida-4-H/135642513125691

4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Program
Jackson County 4-H is very proud of the 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Program. Working with youth in grades 4-6, this contest helps thousands of young people annually learn how to write and deliver a speech. The Jackson County 4-H Staff partner with school faculty each year to offer this program to local youth. Teachers are provided with 4-H curriculum to teach students the fundamentals of writing and delivering a public speech. Students then compete in a judged classroom speaking contest. Classroom winners compete at a school-wide competition. First place winners from each school and grade go on to compete at the County Contest. County Contest first place winners receive full camp scholarships to 4-H Camp Timpoochee. The Jackson County 4-H Count-level Contest will be Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 6:00 PM, at the Jackson County Extension Service. For more information, visit the 4-H Tropicana webpage or contact, 4-H Agent, Ben Knowles.

http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu/4-h/4-h-tropicana-public-speaking/

Let’s Go Back Outside
Many youth today are suffering from a serious, preventable disorder that is the result of early age experiences and if not properly diagnosed or treated, may cause severe mental health issues up through adulthood. This disorder I’m referring to is called Videophilia. Videophilia can be described as the love of any form of electronic media. This media may be internet, movies, video games, cell phones, or just plain TV. Many youth are so attached to their video devices that they hardly ever go outside to see what’s going on in the natural world. In Richard Louv’s book “Last Child in the Woods” he calls this condition “Nature-Deficit Disorder”.

To read more: visit http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu/newsletters/2013/03/15/lets-go-back-outside/

Jackson County 4-H Seeks New Volunteers
The Jackson County 4-H Program is seeking new volunteers to help with county 4-H programs. Whether you have a couple of hours a month or a couple of hours a year to serve as a volunteer, Jackson County 4-H can find a place for you to serve. 4-H is a “learn-by doing” youth development program for children ages 5-18. 4-H provides young people with many different opportunities to develop life skills.

Read more at: http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu/4-h/2012/07/12/jackson-county-4-h-seeks-new-volunteers/

Master Gardener Plant Sale
The Jackson County Master Gardeners Plant Sale is March 23, at the Jackson County Extension Service. It will start at 7:00 AM.

SAVE THE DATE FOR

Get Your 4-H On: District II Events

Get Your 4-H ON: District II Events will be June 1, 2013, at the Jackson County Extension Service. This will be a day for 4-H members from Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington Counties to show off their talents and skills.

Some of the Get Your 4-H On activities will include:

• District 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest
• District 4-H Science Fair
• Fashion Competition
• Competitions for demonstrations and illustrated talks
• Fun games and activities for 4-H members.

District II Events will start at 9:00 AM and end around 2:00 PM. Lunch will be sold for $5.00.

Rules and registration information will be available soon.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please contact me at the e-mail below if you have questions about any of this information.

Thanks,

Ben Knowles
University of Florida-IFAS
Jackson County Extension Agent I – 4-H Youth Development �
2741 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3
Marianna, FL 32448

Phone: (850) 482-9620Fax: (850) 482-9287
E-mail: brk09@ufl.edu
http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu/4-h/

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is open to all youth between the ages of 5-18 regardless of gender, race, creed, color, religion, or disability. Persons with disabilities should notify the Jackson County Extension Service at least 5 working days prior to a 4-H event so that proper consideration can be given to the request.

Jackson County 4-H Staff partner with school faculty to offer this program to local fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Teachers are provided with 4-H curriculum to teach students the fundamentals of writing and delivering a public speech. Students then compete in a judged classroom speaking contest. Classroom winners compete at a school-wide competition. First place winners from each school and grade go on to compete at the County Contest. County Contest first place winners receive full camp scholarships to 4-H Camp Timpoochee.

Participation in this program helps students acquire the ability to organize their thoughts and ideas into a written speech, express ideas effectively, and show poise and confidence while giving a timed public speech. Tropicana has sponsored the contest since 1969 and provides classroom materials for teachers, certificates of participation, medallions for school winners, trophies for county winners, summer camp scholarships and Tropicana orange juice refreshments for county contests. Close to 2 million students have participated in this program since its beginning.

County Contest

The County Contest will be Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 6:00 PM, at the Jackson County Extension Service. Rehearsal will be from 9:00 am to 2:00 PM on May 20. All County Contest participants must participate in the rehearsal.

District Contest

This year we will offer a new level of competition for 4-H Tropicana participants. Speakers who place 1st at the Jackson 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking County Contest will be eligible to participate in the District II 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest. Jackson County speakers will compete against speakers from Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Walton and Washington Counties. The District Contest is set for June 1, 2013, at the Jackson County Extension Service. The District II 4-H Tropicana Speaking Contest will be a part of the Get Your 4-H On Program, which will start at 9:00 AM. More details will be available soon.

Get Your 4-H On: District II Events

Get Your 4-H ON: District II Events will be June 1, 2013, at the Jackson County Extension Service. This will be a day for 4-H members from Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington Counties to show off their talents and skills.

Some of the Get Your 4-H On activities will include:

• District 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest
• District 4-H Science Fair
• Fashion Competition
• Competitions for demonstrations and illustrated talks
• Fun games and activities for 4-H members.

District II Events will start at 9:00 AM and end around 2:00 PM. Lunch will be sold for $5.00.

Rules and registration information will be available soon.