March 2025 4-H Newsletter

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Discover with the Director

I continue to be amazed at the wonderful work of the California 4-H Program, thanks to the leadership of our 4-H personnel statewide, dedicated volunteers, engaged youth and families, phenomenal partners and connected communities.

Last month, more than twenty 4-H personnel participated in a Positive Youth Development Academy to strengthen knowledge and skills at converting academic research into real-time strategies that enhance youth experiences. The focus was the science behind the development of the brain at all stages of youth development – fascinating! One take-away for me is how critically important it is for all youth to be nurtured and have physical needs met. According to the research, such experiences strongly influence how they handle adversity in all stages of life. The content was so rich and powerful that we are discussing ways to share resources and information on the topic with interested volunteers and families.

In early February, I participated in the national 4-H State Program Leaders Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. While there, I had the opportunity to share ideas, strategies and opportunities with other 4-H State Directors/Program Leaders from across the nation. We spent a significant portion of time discussing how to make 4-H more accessible to all youth across the country, especially given our national goal of reaching 10 million youth by 2030. We also heard from National 4-H Council President and CEO, Ms. Jill Bramble, who expressed her team’s unwavering support for the work we do in each state to help youth navigate today’s challenges and optimize opportunities to be beyond ready for life and careers of the future. National 4-H Council continues to release marketing materials and other resources to help states expand reach to serve all youth across the nation.

As is usual, several California 4-H team members are being recognized in their communities for doing phenomenal work leading positive change, with positive impacts.

Three 4-H Statewide team members recently completed the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) Leadership Academy: Ms. JoLynn Miller, Dr. Steven Worker and Dr. Kimberly Holmes. Benefits of participation in this Leadership Academy include “enhancement of leadership abilities, particularly in the realm of self-awareness, interpersonal communication, and insightful analysis of situations and systems”. We look forward to supporting the applications of other 4-H personnel in leadership development opportunities in the future.

Ms. Tracy Newton, CES in Fresno County, has been selected as a 2025 Honoree during the upcoming Common Threads Award Luncheon to be held Wednesday, March 19, at 11 am in the C.P.D.E.S. Hall in Fresno, California.

Congratulations to Dr. Steven Worker as well as 4-H colleagues and partners in Napa, Marin and Sonoma Counties on the resounding success of the North Bay Science Discovery Day festival held on Saturday, March 8th at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California. As described by Dr. Worker, “the festival brings together 105 organizations and 10,000 attendees — supported by 70 sponsors (donating $77,300) and 150 volunteers — for youth to talk with scientists and engineers while exploring 150+ interactive exhibits, from rockets and beehives, robots and sharks, catapults and hearts, animation, animals, art, and more.”

In closing, I must express my sincerest thanks to the many donors who support the California 4-H Program. Many individuals and organizations are helping us on the journey to serving 3 million California youth by 2030. One organization I am highlighting this month is the California Cotton Alliance, who recently made a record $30,000 award based on a proposal for funding. We are grateful to the California Cotton Alliance for their commitment to youth scholarships and agricultural education. More donor/sponsor highlights will be shared in the coming weeks and months.

In Community and With Unmovable, Steadfast Hope…

State Field Day 2025

May 17, 2025 in person at UC Davis campus

May 4-8 virtual State Presentations

May 4-5-6 virtual State Interview Contest

State Field Day is one of the largest and longest-running events put on by California 4-H. Youth members have the opportunity to exhibit skills they have honed or learned through their 4-H work, and the event offers fun for the entire family.

The event boasts a lively picnic-like atmosphere while 4-H families split their time watching the youth contests and relaxing in the May sunshine. Educational and interactive activities offer 4-H members, family, siblings, and guests of all ages things to engage with between participating in contests!

This year we are offering the following contests:

Avian Bowl *NEW! (State Qualifier)
Forestry
Insect ID
Photography (virtual entries)
Plant Science (State Qualifier)
Robotics Challenge *NEW challenge!
State Interview Contest (virtual & in-person)
State Fashion Revue (State Qualifier)
State Presentations (virtual & in-person)

Go to bit.ly/4-H-State-Field-Day to learn more about each contest.

State Field Day

One Registration for All

Registration is open now through April 28. Register for all the contests you plan to participate in on one form, for a flat fee of $10 (including virtual contests). Fee waivers are available upon request.

Everyone should register.

We kindly ask that everyone attending State Field Day in-person register. This includes family members, Primary Members (ages 5-8), evaluators, event volunteers, and 4-H leaders. If you are attending to watch the event, please register as a "Spectator." Collecting this information is critical so we can plan for food and logistical supplies to accommodate everyone at the event.

Questions? Contact us at 4hsfd@ucanr.edu.

We look forward to seeing you there!

2026 Youth In Action Program

Apply for the 2026 Youth in Action Program!

Applications are open through March 31 for teens ages 14-19 to apply to the 2026 Youth in Action Program.

The 4-H Youth in Action program amplifies the diverse stories and leadership of 4-H youth who are making a difference in their communities every day. It is a premiere community of 4-H’ers who are preparing for their future while showcasing how 4-H changed their lives and equipped them to change the lives of others.

Each year, program participants receive an exciting year of media training and national opportunities to share their 4-H story and leadership.

All applicants will receive:

Media, interview and storytelling training from National 4-H professionals.
Admission into the national 4-H story database, providing potential national multi-media and spokesperson opportunities.

Four award winners will receive:

A $5,000 scholarship for higher education, to be paid directly to the institution, including two-year and four-year colleges, trades schools or other advanced learning opportunities.
A year of professional and media development, training and networking opportunities and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and key thought leader in your program area.
All-expenses paid trips for each award winner & a chaperone to travel as the national youth spokesperson.
An official reference letter from a National 4-H Council leader for educational or career purposes.

Learn more and apply on the National 4-H website.

Opportunity for 4-H Camp Volunteers

Opportunity for 4-H Camp Leaders - Adults and Youth

Over the past year, California 4-H has certified over 50 adults from 24 counties in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Our goal is to get at least 4 to 5 adults from each county certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Why? We need a minimum of 4-5 adults certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid so we can certify youth camp volunteers in teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) in time for 4-H camp this summer. A critical step of the teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) action plan is to get the help of a trusted adult.

Why is teen Mental Health First Aid important? Young people turn to each other.

National surveys and other studies show that young people will turn to their friends for support before approaching a parent, sibling, significant other, teacher, online service or professional/school service.

Adult Certification - Youth Mental Health First Aid

For 4-H Camp adult volunteers & staff.

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults working with youth how to identify, understand and respond to an adolescent (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

All courses will be held virtually. There is pre-work required before the first course, which should take you no more than 2 hours. Please log in to ZSuite before using the link. If you click the link before logging in, you can go to the Events tab to select the workshop you are registering for.

March 25 & 27 5:00-8:00pm

April 29 & May 1 5:00-8:00pm

Costs are covered by the State 4-H office.

$25 cancellation fee charged to counties for no-shows and cancellations less than 48 hours.

Teen Mental Health First Aid

Are you volunteering at 4-H Camp? Get certified in teen Mental Health First Aid.

Who can take the course:

4-H Members ages 14-18 who are in grades 9-12
4-H Teen leaders for 4-H camp
Your county must have 4-5 adults certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid before your registration is accepted.

Description

Teen Mental Health First Aid teaches teens who are ages 14-18 and in grades 9-12 how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers. The training gives teens the skills to have supportive conversations with their friends and how to get help from a responsible and trusted adult.

Course Requirements

All course learners are required to complete pre-work weekly prior to the Instructor led portion of the course. This will take no more than one hour, usually 30 minutes.

Teen Info Session on Tuesday, April 8, 7:00-8:00pm or Friday, April 11, 7:00-8:00pm.

Choose one cohort of six lessons. Lessons are two days per month from April to June with 30 minutes to 1 hour of pre-work.

Cohort 1: Mondays, 7:00-8:00pm: April 21 and 28, May 12 and 19, June 2 and 9
Cohort 2: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm: April 23 and 30, May 14 and 21, June 4 and 11

Registration

Note: Before signing up, please check with your parent/caregiver. They have the option of signing up for a parent/caregiver information session on the youth registration form.
Parent/Caregiver Info session: April 7, 7:00-8:00pm or April 11, 6:00-7:00pm
Parents/caregivers will also receive a letter informing them about the content of the training.

Registration is subject to verification of requirements before acceptance.

The fees of $150 will be covered by the State 4-H Office. A cancellation fee of $150 will be charged to the county office for any cancellations less than 48 hours before the first session of the series or for no-shows during the series. You must complete all sessions to receive certification.

2025 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest

All active 4-H members are invited to enter the 2025 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition! All essays must cover the designated topic only.

Topic: The Importance of Youth in Beekeeping: How 4-H Members can make a difference!

In 750 to 1,000 words, answer these questions:

Why are youth important in beekeeping?
How can 4-H members make a difference?
How can more young people get involved in beekeeping?
What are your future plans as a beekeeper?
What is a major contribution a young beekeeper has brought to the industry?

Word count does not include sources, works cited, or the writer's biographical statement.

Essay Requirements

Essays must be typed double-spaced with 12 pt font in a legible font face. Format must follow standard manuscript format with single-sided pages.

Essays will be judged as follows:

40% scope of research
30% accuracy
10% creativity
10% conciseness
10% logical development of the topic

Submission

Please submit your entry to Gemma Miner at gmminer@ucanr.edu by April 14, 2025. One entry from California will be selected to be submitted to the national competition. Each state may submit only one entry.

Awards

The state winner, submitted to the national competition, will receive a relevant book on honeybees, beekeeping, or honey.

Three National cash prizes will be awarded to the highest scoring essays.

First Prize: $750 cash
Second Prize: $500 cash
Third Prize: $250 cash

The three prize-winning essays will be published in ABF Quarterly, the magazine of the American Beekeeping Federation.

Please see more details on the contest handout.

Sign up for the April 17 Volunteer Cafe

Fun with the “M” in STEM

Thursday, April 17, 2025

7:00pm-8:00pm

Via Zoom: Register to receive login information.

https://bit.ly/volunteer-cafe-Apr17

Explore math activities in a hands-on way that can make them fun and exciting. Dive into shapes, Mobius strips, stitching curves, Sierpinski triangles, and the Koch snowflake. You'll get to try out these activities yourself and see how math can be incorporated into your STEM projects in a fun way.

Led by Stephanie Barrett, 4-H Regional Program Coordinator/Com Ed Supervisor: Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego

Visit the Volunteer Cafe

The Volunteer Cafe is a resource for all 4-H volunteers! Visit The Volunteer Café at https://bit.ly/volunteer-cafe for resources and recordings from past sessions and to register for upcoming webinars.

Support Regional Presentations

Virtual Regional Presentations April 14-24, 2025

Giving youth opportunities to practice their presentation skills helps them improve. Please support our upcoming virtual Regional Presentations (which are qualifiers for State Presentations!) with one of these volunteer opportunities:

Learn more about Regional Presentations.

Evaluators

Adults and Senior Youth ages 16 and up.

Evaluators help youth improve by giving them feedback based on a standard evaluation rubric and written constructive feedback.

https://bit.ly/Reg-Presentations-Evaluator

Room Hosts

4-H members ages 9 to 18, experience with Zoom preferred.

Room Hosts ensure scheduled presentations function smoothly and on time.

For virtual presentations, become familiar with "Host" controls in Zoom.
Introduce the presenters and give the presenters any needed assistance.
Ask the evaluators if they are ready for the next presenter.

https://bit.ly/Reg-Presentations-Room-Host

Evaluator/Room Host orientation

Get the link for the orientation after you sign up.

Wednesday, April 9, 6:00-8:00pm
Thursday, April 10, 6:00-8:00pm

Save the Dates

UC ANR Giving Day

May 15 noon to May 16 noon

Tractor Supply Paper Clover

Spring Paper Clover: April 21-May 5, 2025

Fall/Winter: November 28-December 14, 2025

We will share graphics when they are available so you can promote the Paper Clover fundraiser to send youth to 4-H camp and leadership conferences.

State Leadership Conference 2025

July 24-27, 2025 Senior Members ages 14 to 19

July 25-27, 2025 Intermediate Members ages 11 to 13

UC Davis Campus

The 2025 California 4-H State Leadership Conference is almost here!

We will have two tracks again this year - for Intermediate Members ages 11 to 13 and Senior Members ages 14 to 19. This annual conference strengthens your skills in leadership, communications, and goal setting. Look forward to educational workshops, inspiring speakers, and small group sessions to reflect on what you've learned. Save the date on your calendar so you don't miss out!

State Leadership Conference Workshops

Workshops make SLC meaningful

Every year, SLC attendees rate the workshops highly for giving them great inspiration and information! We are accepting workshop proposals for the 2025 State Leadership Conference. We will have two workshop tracks: Intermediate and Senior.

Send us your exciting, dynamic ideas by April 4!

https://bit.ly/SLC-25-Workshops

Recruiting for the SLC Team

We're building the SLC 2025 Team!

The State Leadership Conference (SLC) requires a large team dedicating to creating a memorable experience for all! Apply today to join the team that makes this one of the most popular events for teens in 4-H. Help spread the word and help us make this a great experience for all attendees!

Program Assistants

Program Assistants (PAs) are young 4-H alumni. They are the "face" of the conference! PAs create a positive learning environment and assist with conference activities as needed.

PAs work in pairs to lead small groups of Senior 4-H attendees (ages 14 to 18) in discussions about conference activities, goals, reflection and personal development.

This is a great opportunity for young alumni to stay involved with the 4-H program, make lifelong friendships, and help SLC participants to have the most amazing leadership experience possible.

Apply by April 18.

This role has a selection process. PAs must be an approved adult 4-H Volunteer at the time of the conference.

https://bit.ly/SLC25-PA

Apply to be a PA

Teen Facilitators

Teen Facilitators (Facilitators) are 4-H members aged 15-19. They are responsible for helping make the State Leadership Conference a success for the Intermediate 4-H attendees (ages 11-13).

Facilitators work in pairs to lead small groups of Intermediate 4-H attendees in discussions about conference activities, goals, and personal development. Facilitators are supported by Program Assistants. They collaborate and assist with conference activities and educational sessions.

Most importantly, Facilitators will use and improve skills in leadership, group facilitation.

Apply by April 18.

https://bit.ly/SLC25-Teen-Facilitator

Apply to be a Facilitator

Chaperones

Chaperones for overnight events are important to keep youth safe. Please see the Chaperone page on our Resource Center for more information about the role, requirements, and application form.

See more upcoming events

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