Spring 2014
Washington County
7303 Sharpsburg Pike
Boonsboro, Maryland 21713
TEL 301-791-1404
FAX 301-791-1048
4-H News & Views
4-H Public Speaking Contest
On Saturday, March 29th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the University of Maryland Extension OfficeWashington County, all 4-H members will have the opportunity to demonstrate their speaking skills
at the 2014 4-H Public Speaking Contest. Contestants will have the opportunity to participate in four
different speech categories: Radio Spot (a 30 second 4-H Promo), Extemporaneous (a speech written
the night of the contest from three topic choices), Prepared (a speech prepared prior to the contest
on a topic of your choosing) and Interpretative (a memorized and dramatically presented written
work such as a poem). Additional information regarding length of each speech and important
presentation tips is available on our website http://extension.umd.edu/washington-county or
by contacting Amy Simmons at simmons@umd.edu or 301-791-1404.
Registration is required for this event. Registration forms are available on our website or by
contacting Amy Simmons. Registration deadline is Monday, March 24th.
A Preparatory Session is scheduled for Sunday, March 16th from 2:00-4:00 at the University of
Maryland Extension Office-Washington County for all interested contestants. Topics to be covered
include:
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An overview of the Public Speaking contest
The importance of Public Speaking
General Tips for Public Speaking
Specific information and/or assistance for each speech categories
Registration is required for the event. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 12th by
contacting Amy Simmons.
All participants will receive awards and recognition. First place winners in all age groups for each
category will have the opportunity to compete at the Maryland State Communication Contest during
Maryland Day in College Park on April 26th.
Local Governments ● U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating
University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, gender, disability, religio n, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 2
Our Growing 4-H Family
Each year our Washington County 4-H Family grows as new club members join and new
UME volunteers are trained. It is a great feeling to see new faces in our midst, especially
ones that are excited to be a part of the family.
Although it is sad to say goodbye to 4-H family members when they age out of the
program, choose not to stay enrolled or move on to greener pastures, we hope their
experience in the program has allowed them to develop life skills that will benefit them
in the future.
The 4-H Program said goodbye to one 4-H Team member in December, when our
Program Assistant, Shannon Uzelac, took a position with NIH. She is now working as an
animal caretaker. She is still a part of the 4-H Family as a volunteer and through her
involvement with the Chewsville 4-H Club. She will be missed, but we are glad she is not
gone from the fold.
In March, the 4-H Team will be welcoming two new members. We hope that when you
meet these new members and work with them through 4-H Outreach, School
Enrichment and the Camping programs, you will make them feel at home and a part of
the Washington County 4-H Family. Both come to us with positive energy and a passion
for working with youth and will make a great addition to our 4-H Team.
On March 4th, Stephanie Alphee began working with the 4-H Program for one year as a
Americorp VISTA volunteer. She is from New York and will be making the transition to
Washington County. Her position is designed to develop partnerships and promote
Afterschool STEM programming in all three counties in Western Maryland. She will be
housed at the University of Maryland Extension Office-Washington County, but will be
working with the 4-H Educators in Garrett, Allegany and Washington County.
On March 17th, Hannah House will begin working with the 4-H Program as a part-time
Program Assistant. Many of you may already know Hannah as she grew up in the
Washington County 4-H Program and is a Huyetts Club “graduate”. She comes to us
while attending graduate school at Hood College and will be assisting with Outreach,
School Enrichment and Camp programs bringing high quality youth development
experiences to all youth in Washington County.
Be sure to welcome our new 4-H Team members the next time you stop in the office!
Spring 2014
4-H News and Views
Page 3
Teen and Adult Leaders
For Summer 2014 Camps
Camp Staff training began March 2nd, 2014. If you are a teen between the ages of
14-18 and you would like to earn Student Service Learning Hours and develop
leadership skills, this opportunity may be right up your alley. If you are an adult
and would like to help shape and mold the lives of teens as they develop leadership
skills and campers in a hands-on week of STEM activity, we want YOU!
All leaders will be trained in the different aspects of camping including youth
development, program planning, leadership and risk management. Trainings are
listed below and will be held at the University of Maryland Extension OfficeWashington County unless otherwise noted:
Sunday, March 2, 2014 (3)
Sunday, March 23, 2014 (3)
Sunday, April 13, 2014 (3)
Sunday, May 18, 2014 (3)
Sunday, June 8, 2014 (3)
Tuesday, June 17, 2014 (5)
Sunday, June 22, 2014(6)
1:00-4:00
1:00-4:00
1:00-4:00
1:00-4:00
1:00-4:00
10:00-3:00
11:00-5:00
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Session 6
Session 7
If you are interested, but have not applied please contact Jamie Kenton at
either jkenton@umd.edu or 301-791-1404 to discuss your participation.
Spring 2014
Page 4
4-H News & Views
2014 4-H Recognition Night
Saturday, April 12th
6:30-10:00 p.m.
Agricultural Education Center- Multi Purpose Building
RSVP Today to attend this AMAZING event! Contact Amy Simmons at 301-791-1404 or
simmons@umd.edu to make sure you are included in the food count and are entered to win a door
prize.
Theme: We are a 4-H Family
Program: Opening festivities, dinner and social time followed by the formal award ceremony and
recognition.
Club Involvement: Select a family style game or activity to present during the opening festivities.
Create a 4-H Club Family display or photo to share with the whole Washington County 4-H family.
Create 4-H Club Characters with the scarecrows provided by the 4-H Team- dress them up to represent
your club and bring them to Recognition Night to put on display. They will become the property of the
4-H club and can be used as a promotional tool for your clubs during all of your club activities and
events.
Participation Contests: This year, each attendee will have the opportunity to participate in any
number of basket raffles. Attendees will receive tickets for RSVP’ing, registering upon arrival, as well
as, volunteering to assist with activities, participating in the costume contest and for other event related
activities. Each ticket can be used for a chance to win one of several baskets or certificates arranged by
the 4-H Team. The more tickets you earn, the greater your chance of winning!
Costume Contest: This year we encourage all that attend to show your family pride by dressing alike
(club or family) or show your creativity by dressing like your favorite Hollywood or historical family.
Prizes will be awarded for all that participate.
Pictures: If you have pictures of your 4-H’er, club activity/event or field trip and
you would like it included in the 2014 Washington County Recognition Night
Slideshow, send them to Jamie Kenton by March 31st, 2014. Send them either
via email at jkenton@umd.edu or send a photo to the University of Maryland
Extension Office- Washington County at 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD
21713 to be scanned and included. If you choose to send a picture and wish to
have it returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your
picture(s).
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 5
Recognition Night Silent Auction
This year at Recognition Night, Saturday, April 12th, we will be organizing a fiscally
intriguing incentive to all interested 4-H Clubs. Read on to learn more!
We ask that any 4-H member, leader, family member or friend of a
club create a basket or bring a donation for the silent auction. Each
item you or anyone associated with your club brings, will earn your
club a chance at splitting the proceeds from the silent auction.
Bring items that both adults and children would bid on, such as a
work of art for an adult to bid on, a basketball that a youth would
bid on or a basket of cookies that anyone would bid on. Check in
with the silent auctioneer at Recognition Night to identify ONE club
that you would like to give the chance to split the proceeds from the silent auction. The
more items you bring, the more options there are to bid on and the greater the chance the
club of your choice has to split the proceeds from the silent auction.
(Bring your wallet or checkbook and bid BIG!) All proceeds from the silent auction will be
split evenly between two lucky clubs based on those entered into the lottery. Every silent
auction item you or a club member, family member, leader or friend of your club donates to
the silent auction is another chance for your club to split the proceeds from the silent
auction.
Items may be brought to Recognition Night on Saturday, April 12th, or dropped off at the
University of Maryland Extension Office-Washington County prior to April 12th. Be sure to
identify the club you wish to enter into the lottery for the item you donate. Only one club
may be entered per item.
Please contact a member of the 4-H Team at 301-791-1404 if you have any questions.
Be sure to come out and bid BIG!
2014 Washington County Horse Bowl Team
The following 4-H members will be representing Washington County and their clubs at the 2014 Maryland State Horse Bowl Competition
scheduled for Saturday, March 15 th at the Plant Science Building, room 1140 at the University of Maryland in College Park:
Megan Leisinger, Bits –N- Bridles 4-H Club
Catie Sprankle, Bits –N- Bridles 4-H Club
Kristen Shives, Bits –N- Bridles 4-H Club
Lilli Sutton from Saddles & Spurs 4-H Club
Good luck ladies!
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 6
Promote your 4-H Club and the Ag Expo and Fair
March 14-16, 2014
at
Valley Mall

Fashion Review—Friday, March 14 @ 6:30 pm, contact Angie Koontz at (301) 393-5910 if
you are interested or for more information

Weird Cake Contest—Friday, March 14 @6:30 pm, contact Carolyn Etzler-Doyle at
(240) 315-2104 for more information
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Much, much more!
Create a display to promote your 4-H club or your projects
For additional information, contact Katie Long at katiesquilts@hotmail.com or
(301) 223-8228.
Ag Expo and Fair
The 2014 Ag Expo and Fair countdown is on! Only 4 months to fair fun again returns
to Washington County. This year’s fair is scheduled from July 19-26, 2014.
Here are some important dates to keep in mind for animal projects you may want to
show at the Ag Expo and Fair this year:
2014 Market Animal and Commercial Tag In and Weigh In Dates
NEW FOR 2014 Market and Commercial Animal Tag In. 4-H members MUST submit re-enrollment or
new member paperwork along with Livestock Registration Forms prior to tag in dates.
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March 29, 2014
9 am- 10:30 am
1st Year Dairy Steers
*Paperwork due March 24, 2014 in order to tag and
weigh 1st Year Dairy Steers.
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May 9, 2014
5:30pm- 7:30 pm
Market Lambs and Goats, Commercial
Sheep and Goats
*Paperwork due May 5, 2014 in order to tag and weigh
Market Lambs and Goats, Commercial Sheep and Goats.
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June 7, 2014
7:30 am – 12pm
Market Swine
*Paperwork due June 2, 2014 in order to tag and weigh
Market Swine.
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 7
UME Volunteer Training Opportunities
For more information or to register for any of these webinar trainings, please visit
the AGNR Calendar at http://www.agnr.umd.edu/AGNRCalendar/
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March, 25th, 2014 7:00-8:00 - Liabilities Surrounding Animal Projects and Events
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April 29th, 2014 7:00-8:00 - Club Activities to Support Animal Projects
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May 27th, 2014 7:00-8:00 - Volunteers Roles in Clubs
Search under 4-H by month to register for each session.
Open House at the Rural Heritage Museum
The Washington County 4-H Program will be presenting Children’s Activities at the Rural
Heritage Museum’s Open House on Saturday, April 5th from 1:00-4:00 PM. We encourage you
to attend the event from 10:00-4:00 to take in all the sites, participate in all of the activities and/
or help out with the 4-H program’s hands on kids’ activities.
If you would like to help out presenting some exciting hands on activities at the 4-H Table
during this event, please contact Jamie Kenton at jkenton@umd.edu or 301-791-1404.
Save the Date!
MARYLAND DAY
Saturday, April 26th, 2014
University of Maryland, College Park
Be there!
Save the Date!
Wills Fair
Saturday, May 17th, 2014
Howard County Fairgrounds
Information to follow via email and Facebook. Don’t be left out!
Contact the 4-H Team if you are not receiving 4-H Program emails and/or newsletters.
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 8
April is Month of the Military Child!
Across the country different activities are going on to show appreciation and support for all military
children.
To celebrate and highlight the military child and life, the Washington County 4-H Program will be
collaborating with the MD National Guard Child & Youth Program to provide a number of
programs and activities for 4-H and Military Youth alike.
A Day in the Garden- will be held on Saturday, April 12th.
We will be celebrating Earth Day with A Day in the Garden.
Youth are invited to visit the Children’s Gardens at the
Agricultural Education Center from 1:00-3:00 to participate
in the All About Seeds program presented by the Master
Gardeners of Washington County, plant a military themed
garden and create garden projects to take home. RSVP to
participate with Jamie Kenton at jkenton@umd.edu or
301-791-1404 by Monday, April 7th.
Spring Break Day Camp- will be three individual day programs that will offer participants a
variety of activities designed around the daily topic. Each day will start at 9:00 and end at 3:00
and will cost $10 per participant per day. Please visit our website at: http://extension.umd.edu/
washington-county/4-h-youth/camping-program for a camp flyer and/or registration form or
contact Amy Simmons at simmons@umd.edu or 301-791-1404 for a hard copy.
Rural Heritage Museum
There is much to be experienced and learned at the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum.
Located at 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, right next to the University of Maryland Extension OfficeWashington County. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-4:00 and they have a
great line up of activities scheduled throughout 2014.
Check out their upcoming events, such as their Spring
Open House on April 5-6 and monthly Children’s Garden
activities by visiting their website at http://
www.ruralheritagemuseum.org/events.shtm.
If you are looking to complete Student Service Learning
hours, contact Erin Overdorff at eoverdorff@washcomd.net or 240-420-1714 to learn about the
opportunities available at the museum.
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 9
Send in your club pictures and news by May 15th for
inclusion in the Summer Newsletter.
The Sunlight 4-H Club delivered food to the
Hope Center at the Hagerstown Rescue Mission
in December.
Members of the Greensburg 4-H Club
participated in the Hagerstown Mummers
Parade in October 2013. What a great way to
share 4-H with the community!
Congratulations to all those that
showed and sold at the Spring
Swine Show on Saturday,
February 22, 2014. You all are
super stars and should be proud
of your accomplishments. It was
a pleasure to work with you and
all those who put the show
together. ~Jamie Kenton
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 10
Spring Paper Clover Campaign
Coming April 23-May 4 2014 to a Tractor Supply near you…
The Paper Clover Campaign is a unique fundraising opportunity, because your county can
raise funds for whatever the county needs the most with no restrictions. It is also an
opportunity to promote your club, give back to the community, reach new and potential club
members and a chance to win TSC gift cards!
What you can do:
•Create a club display (story board, project board, scarecrows)- to set up in TSC and
promote your club. Be sure to include: club information, pictures, stories and a way to
contact your club for additional information or to join!
•Schedule a Bake sale at TSC. Remember to complete a fundraising form with the 4-H
Program at the University of Maryland Extension and get a health permit if you are
making and selling your own baked goods. Be sure to create signage to include: club
and contact information.
•Schedule an Activity Table at TSC. Do a craft, science experiment or hands on activity to
promote your club projects and focus. Contact the 4-H Team at the University of
Maryland Extension Office to see if there are any supplies you can use for your
activity. Be sure to create signage to include: club and contact information.
•Schedule a day for your club to participate in a Help a Customer Day event. Spend the
day assisting at TSC, bag items, carry customer items to their car. Be sure to create
signage to include: club and contact information.
No matter what you do or when you do it, be sure to:
Wear your club 4-H T-shirts
To schedule a club day at TSC:
Pick a day, either a weekday or weekend
Call Scott Disney at TSC to schedule your club at 301-665-1004
Club Incentive: Besides promoting your club and 4-H, remember that all club members that
participate in an in-store event are entered to win TSC Gift Cards.
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 11
University of Maryland Volunteers
The 4-H Team is always looking for a few good adult volunteers. If you are a parent that
attends every 4-H Club meeting your child is a member of…this could be you! If you are a
family/community member with a special interest in archery, sewing, robotics, etc. … this could
be you! If you know of someone who would make a GREAT volunteer and asset to the 4-H
Youth Development Program…this could be them!
The process is easy. Simply complete and return the application, we send out reference
letters and conduct a simple background check. You will go through a short on-line training
followed by an interview and then all of the time you help out at your child’s 4-H Club meetings
or other 4-H Events will help grow our 4-H Program and
enrich our 4-H Family!
University of Maryland Volunteers have the opportunity
to attend a variety of trainings, are eligible for
scholarship money for specific conferences and awards
on both the county and state level. Time commitment
can fit your schedule and your expertise most likely aligns with any number of 4-H projects
and/or clubs.
For additional information or forms, please contact Amy Simmons at simmons@umd.edu or
301-791-1404 to start your journey to a rewarding volunteer experience!
Youth Volunteerism
There are always opportunities for youth to assist the 4-H Program provide outreach,
school enrichment, camping or club programming while promoting your club and your
passion for 4-H. Many of these opportunities allow youth to develop leadership skills
while assisting others to complete an activity and learn about 4-H. Whether you want
to earn Student Service Learning hours or share your passion for 4-H, check out the
Youth Volunteerism flyer on our website http://extension.umd.edu/washington-county.
Copies are also available in our office or can be sent to you by calling a
member of the 4-H Team.
Make the Best Better by lending a helping hand!
Spring 2014
4-H News and Views
Page 12
Maryland 4-H Volunteer Association
All 4-H Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Association. The
purpose of this organization shall be to develop and support volunteers to serve the needs of 4-H volunteers
and members throughout the state. In keeping with this purpose, it is the intention of the organization:
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To support the delivery of information, service, and human and economic resources available to
volunteers as provided by the 4-H program.
Provide means for Maryland 4-H volunteers to exchange mutually beneficial 4-H experiences and ideas.
Assist in providing training opportunities for Maryland 4-H volunteers.
Serve as mentors to new 4-H volunteers and/or new clubs.
This association was instrumental in organizing the Volunteer Forum in Ocean City this last November. If
you are interested in learning more about this association, please contact: Dr. Lisa Dennis, University of
Maryland Extension, 2135 Richard Henson Center, Princess Anne, MD 21853. ldennis@umd.edu or 410-603-0000.
Summer Programming
Project Explorations! S.T.E.M. Day Camp Will be again offered this summer
for a week long 4-H camping experience. It will be held Monday-Friday, June
23-27, 2014 from 8:00-5:00 PM located at the Multi-Purpose Building at the
Agricultural Education Center on Sharpsburg Pike.
This camp will provide youth with daily group and choice activities ranging
from engineering a simple robot, environmental education games, creating
healthy snacks, designing nature crafts and MUCH MORE! Educational
activities will include professional presenters, visits to the Rural Heritage Museum and
Western Maryland Research and Education Center, as well as, a mid week adventure
experience. All programming is designed to enhance participants’ interest in science, tweak
their technological skills, engage in the engineering process and multiply their problem
solving/mathematical abilities.
The camp is open to youth ages 6-10. Campers must have completed kindergarten to
participate. Registration information will be available on our website by mid-March or by
contacting Amy Simmons at 301-791-1404 or simmons@umd.edu.
*Check out our Science on the Farm day programs scheduled in a variety of locations around
Washington County by visiting our website at: www.extension.umd.edu/washington-county
4-H News and Views
Spring 2014
Page 13
4-H Record Books
Congratulations to all who completed your 2013 Project Record Books. Thank you to all who attended
the 2013 Record Book Rallies which provide club members time and assistance in completing this annual
requirement.
Please remember that Record Books serve many purposes as a part of the 4-H Program. It is a picture
of who you are as a 4-H’er and represents your work ethic, as well as, your goals. They allow the 4-H
Team to recognize your achievements, demonstrates the completion of your project and what you
learned, is a requirement for showing at the Ag Expo and Fair and should assist in developing the life
skills of goal setting, record keeping, and marketable skills to name a few.
Now that your 2013 Record Book has been put to bed, why not start 2014’s? It is never too soon to start
preparing for your 2014 Record Book.
Some tips to make your 2014 Record Book experience a little easier:
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Make sure your 2013 story, essay and/or resume is saved on a computer or thumb drive in a safe
place to allow you to easily access and modify it for 2014.
Make sure the project records completed for 2013 are saved on a computer or thumb drive in a safe
place to allow you to easily access and modify it for 2014.
Start keeping track of your project information and activities when you start working on them.
Record them in a calendar, which are available at the University of Maryland Extension OfficeWashington County if you need one!
Start completing your Summary Record now! Put it in a folder and take it with you to your club
meetings. Check off your attendance each month and add activities and information as you do
them.
Complete your 2014 Title Page in April and put it in your Record Book Cover when you get it back
after Recognition Night.
Review the judge’s comments when you receive your record book after Recognition Night. Identify
things you should continue doing that you scored well on and things you can change to improve your
score for next year.
Start your Project Record sheets in the summer when you know what you are going to show at the
fair. You can put information in as you go. (Project Record Sheets should be updated and available
by June 1st for the 2014 year- please access at our website: http://extension.umd.edu/washingtoncounty/4-h-youth/4-h-record-books
Make sure someone is taking pictures at the fair to add a personal dimension to your record book in
your supplemental section.
Start working on completing project records, story, essay and/or resume in September. Portion out a
day each month to work on it a little bit at a time to save the stress of cramming it in in January.
Attend the Record Book Rallies to dedicate time to completing your
Record Book in the company of other 4-H members and with the
assistance of the 4-H Team. Record Book Rallies are open to all and
are not required. They are especially helpful for those completing
their record book for the first time, but it is a great place to interact
with other 4-H family members and see what they are doing!
Washington County 4-H
Washington County Agricultural Education Center
7303 Sharpsburg Pike
Boonsboro, MD 21713
Phone: 301-791-1404
Fax: 301-791-1048
Sincerely,
The 4-H Team
Jamie Kenton
Extension Educator
jkenton@umd.edu
Amy Simmons
Admin. Assistant
simmons@umd.edu
“To Make the Best Better”
Visit us on the web at:
extension.umd.edu/washington-county
Communications Reminders
Newsletter Deadlines- Please send any club
information, articles, pictures or club highlights to
Amy Simmons at simmons@umd.edu by the
following dates:
•
•
•
•
May 15- Summer Issue
August 15- Fall Issue
November 15- Winter Issue
February 15- Spring Issue
Also contact Amy if you are NOT receiving the
newsletter. We send it via email, but can also
send it via the Postal Service upon request. Don’t
miss out on all the information that is fit to print!
Facebook page- To become a
member, friend Jamie Kenton or
Amy Simmons on Facebook and
they will invite you to join this
closed group. You must be a
member of the group to post.
Important Dates
March 16:
Public Speaking Prep Session
March 29:
March 29:
Public Speaking Contest
1st year Dairy Steer Tag In
April 5:
RHM Open House
April 12:
4-H Recognition Night
April 15-17:
April 23-May 4:
Spring Break Day Camp
Tractor Supply Clover Campaign
April 26:
Maryland Day
May 9:
Lamb & Goat Tag In
May 17:
Wills Fair
June 7:
Market Swine Tag In
June 23-27:
Project Explorations! STEM Camp
July 19-26:
Ag Expo & Fair
Club Fundraising Reminders
 Reminder
to ALL 4-H Clubs. Any money the
club raises under the 4-H name must be used
for 4-H educational materials, educational
project materials or activities. Example: If the
club wants to raise money for the Humane
Society they must state Proceeds to Benefit
Humane Society of Washington County.
Otherwise the money must be used for the
4-H club.
•If a club is planning a fundraiser, the club needs
to fill out and submit a pre-approval form at
least one month prior to the fundraiser. These
forms can be found in section 14 of the
Leaders Resources Notebook.
Any questions contact Jamie Kenton at either
jkenton@umd.edu or 301-791-1404.