Anne Arundel County 4-H Happenings

Please read carefully - don't miss important deadlines and plan/organize/prepare! Then take time to relax (sorry, no 'lazy days of summer' in 4-H).

Many scholarships and contests are due soon. Stem projects are full steam ahead - Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Climate Change, and Forestry workshops offer an in-depth study for those interested in learning more. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. All our contact information can be found below.

~ Arnelle and Joy

Did you hear?!?!?!? 😎

Our own Maryland 4-H Environmental and Camping Center

was listed in Newsweek Magazine in their Best Summer Camps review!!!

🔽 Only a few spaces remain - Sign up soon! 🔽

Join us July 21 – July 26, 2024, in the spectacular vistas of the Western Maryland 4-H Center in Garrett County, Maryland for the Anne Arundel County 4-H Camp. All youth ages 8-15 are welcome to make new friends, learn new skills, experience the great outdoors, and have fun! Your child does not have to be a member of 4-H, or live in Anne Arundel County to attend our 4-H Camp!

Forms an be found on the camping webpage.

Our residential camp is:

• Staffed by camp professionals and capable, well-trained volunteers & teen leaders.

• Maintails a health center and 24-hour medical staff

• Accredited by the American Camp Association

• Offering both paper or online registration on a first come, first serve basis... so get your application and deposit in early.

The 2024 Maryland and West Virginia 4-H/FFA On-Line Animal Husbandry and Quality Assurance (AH&QA) program is now open and must be completed by 7/31 for Anne Arundel County. The program is also being used by 4-H and FFA members in West Virginia again this year.

All 4-H members enrolled in alpacas, beef, dairy, goats, horse and pony, llamas, poultry, sheep, swine and rabbits must be current on their AH&QA completion requirements prior to August 10 to be eligible to exhibit their project animals in 2024 Maryland County 4-H and State 4-H Shows. Counties may set earlier deadlines to accommodate their local program.

Links to access 1) the 2024 Maryland 4-H AH&QA Information Sheet, 2) AH&QA Pre/Post Quizzes Study Parent Letter, and 3) the online AH&QA training program ( https://ahqa.umd.edu/ ) are posted on the Maryland 4-H website on the Animal Science Program page under Animal Science Resources (see https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/animal-sciences).

The 2024 Maryland 4-H AH&QA Information Sheet contains important links for the program site and Parent Information about the AH&QA Pre/Post Quizzes Study, specific requirements, important tips for navigating the AH&QA program, and other relevant information to help members complete the online program. Please review this sheet and share it with others in your office, as it should help answer the most common questions that offices may receive from members.

COUNTY/CITY OFFICES: AH&QA Member Completion Reports are available for counties to access in real-time. Log-in names and passwords issued to your county to access AH&QA Reports for prior years remain active for 2024. 2015-2023 completion data remains accessible to county offices in the AH&QA Report system.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has released the 2024 Maryland Animal Health Fair and Show Requirements. The requirements are posted on the Maryland Department of Agriculture website on the Animal Health Program page at https://mda.maryland.gov/AnimalHealth/Pages/default.aspx. Please share with other members and volunteers.

MDA Animal Check-In Clinic - Resources Packet Available

The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Animal Health team hosted a Check-In Clinic at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 21st. Please check out the resource packet distributed at the training, Maryland Department of Agriculture Animal Health: Fair and Show Guidelines 2024, available on the MDA website at:

https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/Documents/MDA%20Fair%20and%20Show%20Packet%202024.pdf

Put together a binder/folder of all your forms that will travel with you/your animal to various shows. A binder with sheet protectors is especially useful because you can easily replace the forms and they stay 'clean':

• 4-H Card
• AH & QA certificates (4-H age 11-18y, Youth 4-H Level AND Animal Species)
• Leasees: Copy of lease, 4-H Breeding Lease form (Performance form for horses), 4-H Statement of Release
• Copy of 4-H Livestock Registration for AAC
• Breed Association ‘Papers’ if applicable
• Vet papers (Coggins for horses)
• Show registration papers
• Animal Self-evaluation form - complete on day of show
• Any other documents related to the youth, animal, or show

Anne Arundel County Fair is September 11 - 15, 2024. Start collecting your indoor entries. School projects, art, hobby projects, planting, practice cooking... can all help you be more prepared for entry day. Plan now to save time later.

1. ***NEW*** The fair is going back to wristband entry at the back gate. All 4-H members with 4-H Fair entries - PLUS 2 guardians - will a wristband for FREE entry.
2. For 4-H entries, please use the 4-H Catalog. (which will be linked in the newsletter and posted on both the Fair and our web pages). ALL ENTRIES WILL BEGIN WITH THE NUMBER 4. More information will be released next month.

Judges Needed -MANY HANDS MAKES LIGHT WORK!

On Monday, 9/9 we need adults (minimum 1 hour) between 2 - 8pm to assist in judging youth 4-H projects at the Anne Arundel County Fair. Bring only yourself, instructions & materials will be given to you when you arrive. The fair will compensate you for your time and dinner is included if you are there when it is served.

We are also looking for adults to help with 4-H project indoor entry set-up between 2 - 8pm on Tues, September 12th. Again, a simple 1 hour commitment can make a huge difference!

***Please rsvp for a time on either day (and if judging, please indicate what category you would be interested in) by contacting Joy Sim at jsim@umd.edu. THANK YOU!

2024 Exhibitor Deadlines for Blue Ribbon and 4-H Online https://marylandstatefair.com/4hffa/

3 weekends of fun: August 22-25, August 29-September 2, September 5-8.

This is a reminder that the 2024 State Fair exhibitor registration deadline is July 15th. The State Fair’s Blue Ribbon Entry system is used for most of the 4-H/FFA departments entries.

However, a few contests/shows are entered via 4-H Online (and those are open until 7/31/24): Dept K (dog), T (4-H promo), U (judging contests), V (engineering contests), W (robotics contest), X (special programs).

What are the differences between the 4-H/FFA Competitions and the Open Class Competitions?

4-H/FFA are youth development organizations. To participate in the 4-H/FFA competitions, you must be an active youth member.

In the Open Class Competitions, anyone of any age, from any state may enter and compete. However, there are some Open Class Competitions with youth-only divisions.

Harwood had a day full of experiences at the Chesapeake Bay Classic. They learned a lot and they were able to take home some pointers for oncoming shows. Learn by doing!

*** Be sure to share your club's next event with us so we can help you spread the word! ***

• July 28th (Sunday) - 4-H Garden/Grounds Clean-up at the County Fairgrounds - everyone's help is appreciated for the annual service event!

• August 9th (Friday) - County-wide 4-H Cookout at Kinder Farm Park (rain date is August 16th) - A fun day at Kinder Farm Park with all our 4-H members ! ! ! !

The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation would like to invite all AAC 4-H members to join us for a fun day at the ballpark. This is a 'Family Fun Day' - 'Come early and play catch in the outfield grass, get autographs from Boaysox players. plus all fans run the bases post-game. Click here to register!

____________________

The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation Inc. supports the county 4-H program by providing scholarships to county 4-H members and volunteers, as well as hosting county-wide social events (like the 4-H Cookout and 4-H Ice Cream Social at the Anne Arundel County Fair). For further information, check out our AAC 4-H Foundation webpage. Questions: aacounty4hfoundation@gmail.com.

Have you ever thought of a great design for the County Fair 4-H T-shirt? The AAC 4-H Foundation is accepting designs for the 2024 County Fair 4-H T-shirt Design Contest. The winning design will be featured on the back of the 2024 4-H T-shirt that each 4-H participant at the county fair receives compliments of the 4-H Foundation. The contest is open to all enrolled county 4-H members.

A complete design incorporating both graphics and text should reflect the general overall spirit of 4-H at the County Fair and be meaningful to most 4-H members. The theme must be tasteful and 4-H appropriate. The deadline for entries is Friday, July 12th.

The entry form, contest flyer, previous years' winning designs as examples, and an excerpt on the proper use of the 4-H Name and emblem are provided in our AAC 4-H Foundation 'T-Shirt Design Contest' Folder.

The Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award was established in memory of Mrs. Terry Cooper, a dedicated 4-H Volunteer who worked quietly behind the scenes doing whatever was needed to support the 4-H program. This award may be given to one adult and one youth who have made a significant contribution to the 4-H program, but who have received little or no recognition for their efforts. Anyone can submit a nomination, so please nominate a deserving adult or youth.

Deadline for nominations is Friday, July 12th.

The nomination form and flyer are provided in our AAC 4-H Foundation 'Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award' Folder.

Information about all state-sponsored Animal Science programs can be found on the state webpage: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/animal-sciences or contact Chris Anderson, AS specialist: canders2@umd.edu for more info.

The Healthy Animals | Healthy YOUth team is proud to announce the 2024 Careers Summit for Teens: Animal Health, Human Health, and Environmental Health. The Summit will bring together teens to increase awareness and knowledge of careers in human, animal, and environmental health, all under the One Health model. Designed for ages 13 and over, the Summit will provide an opportunity for teens to increase awareness of the wide scope of career options that can support One Health, develop knowledge and skills to address the important role that human, animal, and environmental health have in disease prevention. Participants will connect in-person and virtually with presenters and peers in Maryland and West Virginia.

Through a mix of keynote presentations, expert panels, and engaging workshops, attendees will hear from experts in human, animal, and environmental health. Speakers will offer insights into their current jobs and career paths and provide advice on breaking into their respective fields. Also, information about programs and opportunities for teens to begin working toward their careers right now will be shared! Volunteer opportunities, camps and related programs will also be highlighted.

Participants at the Careers Summit for Teens will:

• Interact with professionals and increase awareness in a variety of careers in the fields of Animal Health, Human Health, and Environmental Health, all which can fall under the One Health umbrella.

• Meet fellow 4-Hers with similar interests in animal sciences, environmental sciences, and healthy living.

• Gain knowledge, understanding, and skills around career and college readiness.

• Network with professionals to identify opportunities for development in One Health.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, July 2, 2024

• Time: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

• Location: Maryland 4-H Center; 8020 Greenmead Drive, College Park, MD 20740

• Registration Fee: $5.00

• Registration Closes: on June 26, 2024 or when filled. Registration is limited to 25 youth participants.

Hosted by: Maryland & West Virginia Healthy Animals | Healthy YOUth Project Team.

Youth ages 13-18 as of January 1, 2024 are eligible to attend. Event open to non-enrolled youth, as well.

How to Register

Registration for this event is through 4-H Online: https://go.umd.edu/2024CareersSummitForTeens. All event registrations must be submitted by 11:59 pm Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Registration is limited to 25 youth. A waiting list will be generated if the event fills. Registrations will be verified and approved by the State 4-H Event Manager. Contact Kai Huang at khuang14@umd.edu for more information.

High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Dairy Cattle

Please be aware that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock (April 24, 2024). See https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/dairy-federal-order.pdf

To see current information about this issue, please visit:

• Maryland Department of Agriculture website and HPAI and Dairy Herds: What You Need to Know page at https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/HPAI%20and%20Dairy%20Herds%20What%20You%20Need%20to%20Know.aspx

• Maryland Department of Health website and FAQ at https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/CZVBD/Pages/Avian-Influenza.aspx

Information about all state-sponsored Environmental Science programs can be found on the state webpage: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/environmental-sciences or contact Amanda Wahle, ES specialist: awahle@umd.edu for more info.

• SHOTGUN LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING, Saturday, October 5, 2024, with a rain date of October 6th. Location TBD.

2024 Contest Dates:

• Sunday, September 15, 2024 State Rifle Contest

• Saturday, September 28, 2024 State Archery Contest

• Saturday, October 19, 2024 State Shotgun Match

Registration is now OPEN for the 2024 Maryland 4-H Forestry Exploration Series!

Explore the state’s forests and discover the wonders of these natural resources. This statewide program will meet virtually and in person to provide hands-on experiences for participants, ages 8-13, to explore the forest and its inhabitants. A Maryland 4-H Forestry showcase will be held on June 22, 2024, for youth to display their knowledge and skills.

● Virtual meetings: State-wide meetings will take place online via Zoom from 4:00 –

5:30 pm:

● June 3, 2024

● June 10, 2024

● June 17, 2024

● Monthly regional forest field days will be determined by the region leader/volunteer.

● State Showcase: June 22, 2024, at Queen Anne's County 4-H Park

● Registration closes on May 27, 2024. Register early for full access to all meetings

and events.

● Fee: $40.00 registration fee covers materials and supplies.

● Youth members ages 8-13 who are enrolled for 2024.

Registration for this event is through 4-H Online. To access the registration, log in to your 4-H

Online family profile and click on the Events tab. You can find an Event Registration “how to”

guide on the Maryland 4-H website. All event registrations must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, May 27, 2024.

Information about all state-sponsored STEM programs can be found on the state webpage: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/program-areas/stem

or contact Mark DeMorra, STEM specialist: mdemorra@umd.edu for more info.

The 2024 Maryland 4-H Robotics Workshops are intended for 4-H youth, and volunteer leaders/coaches who are considering or planning to participate in the annual Maryland 4-H Robotics Challenge at the 2024 Maryland State Fair. More information about the annual 4-H Robotics Challenges, including the 2024 manuals and build guides, can be found on the Maryland 4-H STEM website.

This event will be held in two locations, with the same program delivered at both locations. Some workshop elements may be delivered virtually; and most elements will be delivered in-person.

Event Details

• Date/Location:
• Session 2 - June 22, 2024, 1:00 - 5:00 pm - Frederick County 4-H Campgrounds, Frederick MD
• Cost: $10.00 registration fee for youth participants. No fee for adult Volunteer participants.
• Capacity: Each Session is limited to 30 4-H youth registrations. There is no limit on the number of 4-H Volunteers at each session.
• Registration Date: Session 2 - Register by June 19, 2024

Eligibility

• Youth ages 8-18 as of January 1, 2024 who have an approved 4-H enrollment for 2024 may register.
• Adult Volunteers who will serve as coaches or leaders for a 4-H robotics club or team and have an approved 4-H enrollment for 2024 may register.

How to Register

Registration for this event is through 4-H Online. To access the registration, log in to your 4-H Online family profile and click on the Events tab. You can find an Event Registration “how to” guide on the Maryland 4-H website. All event registrations for Session 1 must be submitted by 11:59 pm on May 1, 2024. Registrations for Session 2 must be submitted by 11:59 pm on June 19, 2024.

The 4-H/FFA Mechanical Sciences Day is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Queen Anne's County 4-H Park. The day's purpose is to provide general knowledge of various ag/mechanical science projects and introduce youth to state-level contests related to the projects. Topics include tractors, lawn tractors, bicycles, and small engines.

Event Date: June 29, 2024

Event Location: Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park, 100 Dulin Clark Rd, Centreville, MD 21617

This event will introduce participants to several agricultural and mechanical sciences-related 4-H/FFA project areas. Participants will learn about general knowledge, safety, and requirements for these state-level competitive events. No cost/FREE

For: ages 8-18. Age-appropriate activities will be based on 4-H youth age divisions.

This 4-H event must have at least 15 registered youth to take place. If the minimum number of registrations is not received by June 15, 2024, the event is subject to cancellation.

Registration closes June 7 at 11:59pm!

AAC 4-H Foundation scholarships available

for AAC 4-H members who attend

About Youth Power (formerly the "Issue Forum")

Maryland 4-H Youth Power is a dynamic platform empowering youth to address pressing global issues within local communities. Join us to partake with other youth to deliberate, learn, and take action on crucial matters affecting our world today.

Event Highlight

Interactive Workshops: Engage in stimulating discussions led by issue experts on climate change, environmental science, food security, and social justice.

Hands-on Activity: Dive deep into STEM and environmental science through immersive experiences.

Educational Tours: Explore real-world examples of climate change both historically and in the present and its impact on our environment and local communities through exciting field trips.

Action Planning: Collaborate with peers to develop actionable plans to raise awareness and address climate change issues in the local communities.

Why Attend?

Be empowered: Gain the knowledge and tools to make a difference in your community and beyond.

Connect Network with like-minded peers and experts passionate about creating positive change.

Inspire Action: Take the first step towards becoming a leader in advocating for issues that affect our world.

Event Detail

Date: Monday, June 17 to Tuesday, June 18

Location: Horn Point Laboratory (Dorchester County, MD)

Registration link: https://2024-md-youthpower.4honline.com

Cost: $75 9room, food, supplies and transportation)

For more information, please contact Joseph Y. Cho at jcho8@umd.edu or 301-405-0850

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a change maker group. Join us at 2024 Maryland 4-H Youth Power and unleash your potential to shape a better tomorrow!

Our exchange program offers a unique opportunity to open your home and hearts to an international youth between the ages of 13 to 18, providing them with an immersive cultural experience while fostering global understanding and friendship. By hosting a youth, your family will not only create lasting memories but also gain invaluable insights into another culture.

Here are some key details about our exchange program:

Duration: 23 days

Participants: International youth aged 13 to 18 from Japan

Dates: From July 25 to August 17, 2024

Activities: Arrival Orientation, Homestay Exchange, Mid-program Gathering (optional), Departure Debriefing

As a host family, you will:

• Welcome an international youth into your home as a member of your family

• Provide a supportive and nurturing environment for the international youth to learn about American culture

• Share your traditions, customs, and daily life experiences with the international youth

• Engage in cultural exchange activities and outings together

Requirements:

• International youth must be placed with a family with a host sibling who identifies as the same gender as the international youth, who is within 3 years of age.

• International youth must have a bed (can room with host sibling, but needs their own bed – air mattress is okay)

• International youth must be provided with three meals a day

Hosting an international child is a rewarding experience that enriches the lives of both the host family and the visiting youth. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life while creating lifelong connections and friendships, especially between the visiting child and their host sibling.

If you're interested in becoming a host family, know a family who would host, or would like more information about our exchange program, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at jcho8@umd.edu or 301-405-0850. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the hosting process.

Calling for Scholarship Applicants for the 2024 Maryland State Fair Scholarships in memory of F. Grove Miller and in memory of Marlin K. Hoff. Check out the application details and deadlines for the 5 - $2000 scholarships at https://marylandstatefair.com/scholarships/

Two (2) $1,000* academic scholarships will be awarded to current or former Anne Arundel County 4-H members enrolled at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university to obtain an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree or enrolled at a post-secondary technical training program for the

academic year 2024-25.

Application (linked here) deadline is 6/15/24*. * - note, misprinted last month.

For more information about the AAC All Stars, please check out their page on our website. For more information about this scholarship, please follow this link.

The deadline to apply is June 15, 2024 by 11:59pm!

The Maryland 4-H Foundation is proud to offer the opportunity for academic scholarships to Maryland 4-H members and Maryland 4-H alum pursuing post-secondary education at a college, university or post-secondary technical training program. The Maryland 4-H Foundation awards an average of $50,000 in scholarships annually.

Applicants must be a currently enrolled Maryland 4-H member or a Maryland 4-H Alumni in good standing who has completed at least two (2) years of membership in Maryland 4-H. They must be planning to enroll in an accredited college, university or post-secondary technical training program for both the fall and spring semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year.

*Students completing their post-secondary education in December of 2024 are ineligible to apply.

For more information including a complete list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, the application and instructions, visit https://www.mymaryland4hfoundation.com/how-we-give/apply-for-scholarship. Questions? Contact Lauren Mohler, Executive Director, Maryland 4-H Foundation

See our "AAC 4-H 2024 Calendar' for more details. Updates will be made as they become available. All newsletters are uploaded to our AAC website.

June

6/1 - All other animal project registrations due

6/1 - Southern Maryland Spring Rabbit Show

6/2 - Rifle Level 1 Instructor Training

6/3 - MD State 4-H Forestry Exploration Series begins

6/7 - MD 4-H Foundation Annual Golf Tournament

6/8 - MD State 4-H Horse Judging and Hippology Contest

6/15 - All Stars of AAC Academic Scholarship AND MD State 4-H Foundation Scholarship due

6/17 & 18 - MD 4-H Youth Power (formerly, ‘Issue Forum’ - reg due 6/7))

6/22 - MD State 4-H Robotics Workshop (registration due 6/19)

6/23 - Baysox with the AAC 4-H Foundation

6/26 - Careers Summit for Teens registration due for 7/2 event

6/29 - Mechanical Sciences Day (registration due 6/16)

** Don’t forget to check our Scholarship due dates

Save the Date:

7/21 - 7/26 - AAC Residential Camp

6/1 - 7/31 - AH & QA

9/11 - 9/15 - AAC Fair

8/22-8/25, 8/29-9/2, 9/5-9/8 - MD State Fair (3 weekends)

4-H Inclement Weather Policy: If there is no school, or there is early dismissal in Anne Arundel County due to inclement weather, ALL 4-H events will be canceled.

4-H Health Policy: MD 4-H activities must comply with local directives for indoor or outdoor gatherings, following AACPS advisories.

Have questions, ideas or news to share? Please email Joy Sim, jsim1@umd.edu, to be included in our UME - AAC 4-H monthly newsletter.

Website: https://extension.umd.edu/locations/anne-arundel-county/4-h-youth-development

Location: 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD, USA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACO4H
Phone:

• Arnelle Quashie: 301-226-7477, aquashi1@umd.edu
• Joy direct: 301-226-7478, jsim1@umd.edu
• Main number: 301-226-7470

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

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