The 4-H Focus 

Winter 2023

County News

Important Upcoming Dates

February

Cloverbud Fun Camp


Camp Counselor Interviews

  • February 27th (Fauquier) and February 28th (Loudoun)
  • By Invite Only


March

Loudoun-Fauquier 4-H Junior Camp Camper Registration Opens

  • March 8th (6:00pm) - Club Members and Siblings of Counselors/CITs ONLY
  • March 15th (6:00pm) - General Public


County Contest Day

  • March 16th at Smart's Mill Middle School
  • Registration Coming Soon!


April

Glenwood Livestock Expo.

  • April 13th at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds
  • Registration Coming Soon!


Northeast District Contest Day

  • April 13th in Spotsylvania County (exact location TBD)
  • Registration Coming Soon!


4-H Day of Service

  • April 28th - Save the Date!


Winter Weather Policy: 4-H Activities and VCE Loudoun

4-H programs will follow along with Loudoun County Public Schools. If schools are closed or let out early, 4-H programs for that day/evening will be cancelled. If club leaders feel that the roads are clear enough in time for their program, they will contact the 4-H staff for guidance. In the event that clubs continue with a program when schools have been cancelled, 4-H members can not be penalized for missing that program.


The VCE Loudoun office follows the Loudoun County government openings and closings. If the government is closed, delayed, or releasing early, our office will do the same.

Virginia 4-H Day at the Capitol

On Wednesday, January 24th, ten Loudoun 4-H members had the chance to participate in 4-H Day at the Capitol! Youth attended the state 4-H rally where they heard from Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matt Lohr, as well as multiple youth and adult 4-H leaders. Loudoun participants also got the chance to tour the State Capitol building, learn how a bill becomes a law, and even got their picture taken with Governor Youngkin on the Capitol steps. To close out the afternoon, a last minute invite to the Governor's Mansion resulted in meeting with First Lady, Suzanne Youngkin. It was a fantastic day of learning and civic engagement!

4-H Senior Spotlight

Kristin Wagner

Woodgrove High School Class of 2024


College: Northern Virginia Community College

Major: Animal Sciences

4-H Club Membership: Swine, Sheep & Goat, Poultry, and Canterlopes

4-H Leadership: President and Secretary

4-H Activities: Loudoun County Fair, Fundraising, and Community Service Projects

Community Involvement: Loudoun Hunt Pony Club, Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center Volunteer


"I wouldn't be where I am today without all the club leaders and staff in Loudoun County 4-H. I'm extremely grateful for my encouraging parents and all the breeders that have supplied me with excellent animals and extensive knowledge. The experience I have gained from 4-H is something I couldn't have gotten anywhere else and I'm excited to be able to further my knowledge of animal medicine in college and vet school. I can't wait to continue to give back to our 4-H program and the community."


Congratulations, Kristin!

4-H Member Accomplishments

Virginia Association of Fairs Youth Leadership Competition

Shout-out to Grace Kasianides and Mary Grace Menuey for their success at the Virginia Association of Fairs (VAF) Youth Leadership Competition last month! Both young ladies represented Loudoun County 4-H and the Loudoun County Fair tremendously well, placing 7th and 3rd overall, respectively.


As competitors, Grace and Mary Grace were required to submit an application, resume, essay, and letter of reference from the local Fair board prior to attending the conference in Williamsburg. Upon arrival at the conference, they then had to give a digital presentation, participate in an individual interview, present a prepared speech, and even give an extemporaneous speech!


Congratulations to both of these ladies on all of their hard work and a job well done!

Virginia 4-H Youth in Action Awards

Congratulations to Loudoun 4-Her Aditi Pesarakayala who received the 2024 Virginia Youth in Action Award for STEM!


The 4‑H Youth in Action program recognizes four confident young leaders with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives in 4-H core pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM.


With other members of the Loudoun County 4-H Innovation Club, Pesarakayala works to solve problems and help her community by using STEM. She recently led creation of an online platform that educates citizens about proper recycling guidelines. As a result of her efforts, Pesarakayala was asked to serve as a 4-H STEM Ambassador, presenting the project to legislators and the public at a Microsoft Tech Spark Summit. She will also represent Virginia at the upcoming National Ignite Summit. In the coming year, she plans to use her new leadership role to get more youth – especially girls – involved in STEM and 4-H.


“I am very grateful to be granted this award and I want to do as much as I can to help my community and other youths,” she said. “Even though it's only been three years since I joined 4-H, it has become a home where I can be myself and enjoy my passion. I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have been granted through 4-H.”


Each of the four winners received a $500 mini-grant to develop a significant community project, and the opportunity to be featured as the Virginia 4-H youth spokesperson for their pillar.

Baltimore & Howard County Rabbit and Cavy Show

Mary Grace Menuey


  • Best of Variety Sable Mini Rex - Youth Show A
  • Best of Group Shaded Mini Rex - Youth Show A
  • Best of Breed Florida White - Youth Show A & Open Show A
  • Best Opposite Sex of Breed Florida White - Youth Show A, Open Show A, & Open Show B
  • Champion Senior Showman
  • Grand Champion Overall Showman

4-H Club News

Eastern Loudoun Community Club

Submitted By: Colin Brunner


The November meeting was held at Hillside Elementary. After the Treasurer’s report, the club had a get-to-know-you icebreaker. After the icebreaker, some club members reported on past events. Then, two of the club’s leaders informed the club about Achievement Night and the club’s annual cookie exchange at the December meeting. After that, two executive members also told the club about the Honor Council Sock Drive and the December Community Service Event: Caroling for Canned Goods. After the meeting, the club listened to a presentation by Deputy Lewis.


The December meeting was held at Hillside Elementary. The club was informed about the January club community service event: Making Thank-You Cards for the members of the law enforcement. The club got their project books and awards back. A few kids gave a report on past events. Then, the club learned a wonderful volunteering opportunity: being a camp counselor at 4-H Junior Camp. After the meeting, the club played some team building games and had the annual cookie exchange. The remainder of the cookies were donated to Sterling Firefighter Station.


The January meeting was held at Hillside Elementary. The club was informed about the Got Sneakers fundraiser, the t-shirt contest fundraiser, and the next meeting’s temporary location: Waxpool Elementary. A few kids gave a report on past events. The club was informed about another fundraiser: Walking Taco Tuesday at the Fair. The club also learned about the annual pet food donation. The pet food would be picked up at the February meeting. The club was also informed that the Fair is seeking sponsorships. After the meeting, Colin Brunner gave an example presentation that he did for County Contest Day. After that, the club made Thank-You Cards for Law Enforcement.

Innovation Club

Submitted By: Pujitha Chippala


Happy New Year from the Loudoun Innovation 4-H Club! This quarter, our club had many educational and interesting events occur. We were able to learn about the Esp32 Microcontroller and download the coding software, Thonny. By combining the microcontroller and Thonny, we were able to burn micropython code onto the Esp32.


Club members also gave presentations on topics that sparked curiosity in themselves. Four members were fortunate enough to experience and spend a day at the Capitol of Virginia: Richmond. They got to learn how a bill is passed in Virginia, tour the Governor’s home, and meet the Governor, Glen Youngkin.

Chefs & Stitches Club

Submitted By: Emma Martin


For our November Chefs and Stitches meeting, we made popcorn balls and apple cider. At the business part of our meeting, the programming committee met and talked about a lot of ideas like making pizza, clothing, and other things. After that, we started making the cider while the other people started making their own popcorn balls. I really liked the cider, but the popcorn balls didn't have enough mix-ins and were too sweet. I would've added chocolate chips and marshmallows, and maybe some graham crackers too. What would you have added?

 

During the December meeting, we made some sleep masks. Everybody brought their own faux fur and fabric to sew with, and they all turned out great. Our Vice President, Katie helped us layer our sleep masks so when we turned them inside out, they would actually look like one. During the business portion of our meeting, the programming committee met and talked about who to invite to help us learn how to sew or cook. They also talked about some really fun sewing and cooking projects we can do in the future.


At our January meeting, we were going to make a build your own pizza. Everybody was to bring their own pizza crusts and toppings due to allergies and intolerance. As a group, we all were to help make the pizza sauce. Sadly, due to some weather issues, our leaders had to cancel the meeting and they challenged us to make it at home with our families. My family made a Hawaiian, pepperoni, and a taco pizza for this activity. Pizza is a staple in our house, and we make it often. We usually make mushroom, hawaiian, pepperoni, and cheese pizzas. What kind of pizza did you make?

Sprout Horse Club

Submitted By: Ryan Griswold


In November, our 4-H club did a bake sale at the IEA Horse Show Wulf Crest for a fundraiser and to spread the word about our club. Some of us baked, and some of us were able to go to the show to watch and to sell the goodies! 

 

In December, we learned about pasture management (thanks, Delaney!). Pasture management is the practice of growing nutritious grasses in our fields while also keeping the soil rich and healthy. We also made horse ornaments that used timothy hay and orchard grass. We had one new member join our club. We took hay out to the horses in the field and brrrr--it was a cold, cold night!

Rabbit & Cavy Club

Submitted By: Ellie Dalgetty


Happy New Year! 

 

Our December meeting was held on the 19th. During this meeting we had a club Christmas party. We had a white elephant gift exchange and lots of treats. We also made toys for pets in shelters, as well as our own bunnies. We collected donations of food and toys for the shelters as well for our community service. We talked about how to care for our rabbits in the winter months, specifically shielding them from wind, ensuring their water isn’t frozen, giving them insulation, and making sure they have enough food.

 

Our January meeting was on the 23rd. During this meeting we set up different stations to learn more about breed ID, judging, hopping, and showmanship. Members talked about prepping for PaSRBA, a prestigious rabbit show held in Pennsylvania in February. Right before the meeting we had a hopping practice for those interested in conditioning their bunnies before the summer Fair. We also held committee meetings for our photo booth committee, educational committee, and club show committee. 

 

Our next meting will be on February 27th at 7pm at Sykes Hall. Best of luck to all of our members showing at PaSRBA!

Alpaca & Llama Club

Submitted By: David Olorunda


The Alpaca & Llama Club wrapped up the year with a bang! Our comprehensive November meeting included deciding on shows to attend this year, handing out project books, and planning for potential guest speakers and fundraising activities. The Alpaca and Llama Club attended the Bluemont Fiber Festival for our holiday merchandising and fundraising where we raised over $200 for our club! 


We kicked off the month of December with our annual holiday party during our December business meeting. This enjoyable and merry business meeting + holiday party consisted of a cookie exchange, mini games, prizes, a white elephant gift exchange, and refreshments. Later in the month, our club attended multiple farm sessions. The first was assisting Farmer Alex during Mountain View Homestead’s monthly herd health session. We were able to gather the herd and provide Ivermectin shots to all of the alpacas as preventative care against parasites like meningeal worms. The second, hosted by Double 8 Alpaca & Llama Ranch, turned into a fun craft day because of inclement weather. Our club members enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies while working with Farmer Bonnie to create holiday gnome ornaments using alpaca yarn and wool. We wrapped up the calendar year at the Leesburg Holiday Market where we had the opportunity to work with some of the Double 8’s alpacas and llamas while interacting with the public, answering questions, and promoting our club.


January began the long awaited business meeting. The Alpaca & Llama Club held a club team builder activity and pizza at The Great Xcape at Dulles Town Center. This teambuilder was filled with unique rooms, challenging puzzles, and a whole lot of fun and bonding within our club. On January 22nd our club had a special opportunity to attend a veterinary field trip of the Marion duPont Scott Equine Hospital in Leesburg. On this field trip we had the opportunity to learn from highly experienced veterinarians, watch live medical procedures take place, and continued to develop an increasing interest in the animal science and veterinary fields. Thank you to Ms. Sharon Peart who gave us an exceptional tour and graciously answered our many questions!

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the VCE Loudoun office at 703-777-0373/TDD* during business hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

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