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Positive Statewide Trends for Florida 4-H

  More than 220,000 youth participate in the IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program in counties throughout the state.   Here are some notable, positive trends during the most recent reporting year for Florida 4-H (2012-13 data): ·         There were increases in 4-H club membership, camping, school enrichment, and after school programs: 4-H club enrollment increased 15 percent to 22,088 (from 19,158 last year) and the number of 4-H clubs increased by three percent. Participation in 4-H camps increased 32 percent to 12,045 (from 9,141 last year). Youth participated in 9,162 more 4-H projects than last year, an increase of three percent. ·         Number of 4-H volunteers (both youth and adults) increased 25 percent to 19,096 this year (from 15,244 last year). ·         Total 4-H enrollment remained fairly steady (222,942 youth participated; 229,723 including duplicates due to youth participating in multiple delivery modes such as clubs and camps).

4-H teens take on health solutions for a healthier America

  4-H teens take on health solutions for a healthier America “Given today’s health challenges, it is vital that we empower America’s youth to step up and take on real life challenges like obesity, teen pregnancy, underage drinking and local food deserts,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “We are grateful to Molina Healthcare for partnering with 4-H to give young people a platform to engage other youth and adults to create real-life solutions that improve health for themselves, their family, community and ultimately, the nation,” added Floyd. The video challenge is one component of a multi-faceted campaign co-created by National 4-H Council and Molina Healthcare to empower American teens to step forward and raise their voices, posing solutions to today’s leading health issues. In the coming months, 4-H programs across the nation will be hosting Teens Take on Health town hall meetings, bringing young people together to discuss the top h

State 4-H Events Coordinator to Start November 4

  State 4-H Events Coordinator to Start November 4   We are pleased to announce that Travis Shepard has been hired as the new State 4-H Events Coordinator. Travis is a recent UF graduate with specializations in Recreation & Event Management and Tourism & Hospitality Management. He has experience working at J. Wayne Reitz Union Audio Visual Services as the Student Special Events Manager. As a University of Florida student, Travis was very involved in putting on on-campus productions for a variety of student organizations and has been a director of several that have had up to 2,000 attendees.  In addition, he has outside experience with RED Companies and has spear headed multiple projects, branded and promoted events, and worked with behind-the-scenes management and large budgets. Travis’ first day of work is Monday, November 4 th  and we are all very excited!  

Caleb Cheng appointed to National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees

We are extremely proud to announce that Caleb Cheng from Palm Beach County 4-H has been selected to serve on the National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees! [Click here to download the media release...] Caleb has been an active participant in 4-H for 14 years. He is currently a candidate to receive his International Baccalaureate Diploma in the spring, and then plans to major in finance when he enters the university. Caleb is a competitive state champion swimmer and national USA champion water polo player. He is actively involved in Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and Economic Leaders of America. Recently we spoke with Caleb about this honor: Tell us a little about the 4-H National Council Board of Trustees Caleb: National 4-H Council supports national and state 4-H programs with a focus on fundraising, brand management, communications, and legal and fiduciary services. Council also oversees National 4-H Youth Conference Center, and the Nat

4-H Civic Day - Lee County 4-H

Lee County 4-H / Trail Blazers 4-H Club 4-H Trail Blazers’ youth Reed & Grant Gilmore – ages 12 and 8, planned, organized, and led the Lee County 4-H Civic Day Service Project to continue the mangrove restoration they started a year earlier on Conservation 20/20 land.  This land impacts not only the residents of Pine Island but future generations to come.             On October 12, 2013, using a mini-grant from the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, a non-profit organization started by former State 4-H President Sean Russell dedicated to empowering youth, the 4-H Trail Blazers’ club youth and Park Rangers Mickey Miller and Parke Lewis collected, raised, and planted propagules, also known as seedlings and conducted field research on the status of last year’s plantings.               Because of their dedication to the environment, commitment to conservation, and the partnership with Lee County Park Rangers, Lee County 4-H youth planted over 300 new mangroves in additio

New Florida 4-H Science promo

New Florida 4-H Science promo.   View the 60 second video here: http://florida4h.org/programs_/science-program/

Past State 4-H Council President Sean Russell receives a Peter Benchley Ocean Award

What do a West African president, a pair of scientists studying life in the ocean, a 20-year-old veteran of the 4-H Clubs, a Massachusetts Congressman running for a Senate seat and two California women who spent over a decade working to create underwater parks have in common? They ‘ re among the winners of this year’s top ocean honors, the 6 th annual Peter Benchley Ocean Awards . Named for the author of Jaws , the awards celebrate the life and legacy of Benchley, who, though many people are not aware of it, dedicated much of his life to the protection of sharks and the ocean ecosystems they are a part of. The awards, presented by the non-profit Blue Frontier Campaign and marine conservationist Wendy Benchley, celebrate exceptional efforts leading to the protection of our ocean, coasts, and the communities that depend on them. The 32 recipients to date include: Presidents Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica and Anote Tong of Kiribati, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Academy Award-wi

Florida 4-H pushes to reach big registration goal for annual 4-H Day at the Capitol event

This year, Florida reached a milestone, marking the 500 th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon’s arrival on Florida’s east coast. To commemorate that anniversary, Florida 4-H has come up with a goal related to the number 500: The UF-based organization hopes to bring 500 green-shirted young people to the state’s government headquarters in Tallahassee for its annual 4-H Day at the Capitol event on March 14. “4-H Day at the Capitol is a unique event because it isn’t just about being at the capitol and looking at the legislative chambers, but it is about understanding what is taking place within those chambers,” said Jordan Callaham, state 4-H events coordinator. The event has drawn about 400 4-H youth in recent years, but event organizers hope to add 100 to their ranks this year, Callaham said. Participants will take part in mock legislative sessions, observe government at work, watch the state’s Supreme Court, or any of a number of other activities designed to enlighten them about go

Hardee County participates in the 4H Youth Against Poverty Food Drive

The Hardee County 4H Council is leading the charge against hunger in Hardee County with a food drive that will last until the end of May 2013. Each Hardee County 4H member is charged with collecting non-perishable food items in a food drive they are calling "The Hunger Games". Drop off points have been established all over Hardee County (Tractor Supply, Hardee Ranch Supply, 1st Baptist Church Wauchula, Florida's 1st Assembly of God, Winn Dixie, Florida Hospital, PRECO and the County Library)with all proceeds to benefit The Hardee Help Center. To find out how you can help call Hardee County 4H at (863)773-2164 . Sam Fite, Immediate Past President Wauchula Kiwanis Club Presents a $150 dollar check to Hardee County Council Members to aid in their fight against hunger. Left to right: Carolyn Hendry Wyatt, Acting Hardee County Extension Director, Rayann Kulig, C. Keller, A. Erekson, D. McCauley, R. Erekson, S.Crews and Nell McCauley, Kiwanis Program Chairman November.