Even though the calendar still says February and still officially Winter, Macon County 4-H is planning for Spring & Summer activities. Youth in Macon County have so many opportunities to develop skills that will assist them all thru life and as well have a lot of fun in the process. These activities are open to any youth in grades 4-12, whether they are in a private school, public school or home schooled. It does not matter, just contact the 4-H Office if any of the following information is something that you would be interested in.

The main activity for February in 4-H Clubs is Demonstrations, (basically a show and tell) it can be on anything that is of interest to the member. Like animals, wildlife or sports, etc. the possibilities are endless.

This is a great website that gives detailed info on how to do a demonstration and present one, As well as a lot of topic ideas. http://uteasternregion.org/4h/MAKE%20&%20TAKE%20MALL.htm (Scroll down to 4-H demonstration section of page) The 4^th & 5^th grade members do a traditional demonstration with info. whereas the 6-8^th grade members give do interactive exhibit, with selecting a project area and using a science fair type board with information presented on the board. There is a great example on the website above on developing an interactive exhibit. If you have problems viewing the website or do not have internet come by the 4-H for a printed copy of the information.

There is a Demonstration/Interactive Exhibit contest on the Regional level on May 14^th in Cookeville at Hyder/Burks Ag. Pavilion. We would like to have members sign up in a project area starting after April 1^st, by calling or emailing the 4-H Office 666-3341 or macon4h@hotmail.com . We can take 2 members per project area for 4^th & 5^th grade demonstrations, and 3 members per interactive exhibit category in 6-8^th grades.

Also along the lines of Demonstrations (or achievement activity as some call it) there are Portfolios for youth to start building to compete in. The portfolio’s used to be called 4-H Record books, for those parents that were involved as youth in 4-H several years ago. This is where youth in grades 6-12 can select 2 or 3 project areas that they are most interested in and start keeping records or information that pertain to those interest areas. As youth advance thru the grade levels of school and 4-H, there are some awesome award trip opportunities as well as thousands of dollars worth of scholarships available for education after high school. 4-H members in Macon County that have had portfolio’s and competed with them over the last 10-20 years have received tens of thousands of dollars for education. This is a big relief to parents and youth as they prepare for further education. Macon County 4-H is offering an opportunity for any youth in grades 6-12 and their parents to attend a portfolio building or updating their current portfoios meeting on February 25, 2013 at the Meador building at the Macon Co. fairgrounds. If interested all we ask is that you call or e-mail the 4-H office by February 22^nd, so that we might be better able to plan on your being with us with refreshments and handouts. The meeting will start at 5:00 p.m. It really is important that parents attend, doing the 4-H portfolios and many other activities it is a family activity (that is what makes it great…quality family time) as many of you know it is important that the parents get into the project work as well. Also who wouldn’t want the opportunity to help save them some major $$$ for further education?

The 4-H Clubs are always looking for more activities to add and this year we have incorporated the 4-H Chick Chain, this activity was promoted to youth in the County. This activity involves getting 12 baby chicks to raise and manage. There will be a show and sale with this activity during the Macon County fair week, stay posted on the date that will be determined later if you would be interested in buying some proven egg laying chickens. The 31 participants this year will receive the chicks the end of March, start feeding and taking care of them, in August they will select 3 that would like to bring to the show and sale their at the show they will be penned and judged by out of County judges to determine the Grand Champion group of birds. All pens of 3 chickens will then be sold to the highest bidder with proceeds going back to the youth to help further 4-H project work. If a members missed out on the sign up we will be doing the activity again next year at the same time. Tractor Supply in Lafayette is assisting with this activity, we would like to thanks Mr. Mark Bailey for assisting us with the activity.

If any student in grades 4-12 this year in Macon County would be interested in showing horses, sheep, beef and or goats. There are show opportunities throughout the spring and summer for participation. Macon County has led the state the last couple of years with the number of sheep shown at the regional and state 4-H shows in July. For more information contact the 4-H Office. Most of the animals being shown have to be in the care of the 4-H members by mid may, but need to be secured much earlier. There are several farms nearby that have quality lambs for sale.

Is the 4-H Honor Club for you? Are you in at least the 6^th grade? Would you like to participate in leadership and/or citizenship activities? Want to have fun, while making a difference in our community? Then the 4-H Honor Club may be something you should consider. Honor Club is for junior high (6th, 7th and 8th graders) and senior (9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders) 4-H’ers who have been active members of their local clubs. Membership is based on an application form. It is not hard to become a member, Anyone can become an Honor Club member if they’re just willing to participate… and participating is fun! Why not start working on your application today? Honor Club is only the first step in Tennessee’s recognition program for outstanding 4-H members. Senior members can earn a spot in All Stars through their citizenship and community service work. All Stars is the second step leading to the final step of recognition. Vol State is the highest recognition a Tennessee 4-H member can earn, and it all starts with the Honor Club. For more information check out the TN 4-H Honor Club website: http://www.utextension.utk.edu/4H/honorcluballstars/index.htm or contact the Macon County 4-H Office. Oh, did I mention being a member of the Honor club looks great on applications that all members will be filling out in the future.

The University of Tennessee Extension offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The following are some dates and information on activities for February-April 2013 …..do yourself a favor and get involved, you won’t regret it!

Livestock Judging Contest: Competition at MTSU on April 16, 2013. E-mail or call the 4-H office by February 22, 2013 if you are interested in being on the judging team. Practice will begin the end of February. Any member in grade 4-12^th is invited. Practice dates and times will be given to those that respond. Some of the most fun you will have will be as part of a judging team. It is for anyone interested in being on a team, and meeting others with the same interest as you. You don’t have to know anything about a particular judging team, live on a farm, just a willingness to participate, learn and compete.

Meats I.D. Contest: Competition at MTSU on April 16, 2013. E-mail or call the 4-H office by February 22, 2013 if you are interested in being on the judging team. Practice will begin the end of February, for grades 6-12.

Portfolio Workshop: Monday, February 25, 2013 at 5:00 pm at the Meador Building at the Macon County Fairgrounds. This meeting is for anyone planning to a do a Portfolio/Record Book for a specific project area. Please call or email the 4-H Office to let us know you are going to be attending by February 22^nd . (666-3341 or macon4h@hotmail.com )

Horse Judging: If interested in being on this judging team, please notify the office by February 15, 2013. Practice begins February 26th for competition on March 22, 2013, for grades 4-12.

All practices will be held at the 4-H office from 3:15 to 4:30 pm on dates listed below:

Tues. February 26

Wed. March 6

Wed. March 13

Tues. March 19

Bread Baking Contest: entries due at 4-H office on March 19, 2013 by 1:00 pm.

4^th grade category- 3 corn meal muffins

5^th grade category- 3 biscuits

Junior High (6-8^th grade)- ½ loaf of quick bread

Senior High members (9-12^th grade)- ½ loaf or 3 rolls of yeast bread

Rules to Follow:

1. Bake your bread yourself.

2. Use any recipe that you like, but don’t use mixes.

3. Read all instructions carefully and wash your hands before you begin.

4. Bring bread on a paper plate with your name, teachers name and/or school on the underneath side of the plate to the 4-H Office. (Not your school or classroom)

Awards will be given winning entries!

Piggy Bank Contest: entries due at 4-H office on March 29, 2013 by 4:00 pm.

Create your own piggy bank from milk containers, juice bottles, wood, or any other item of your choice. Competition is open to all students 4-12^th grade, each grade will have its own contest and awards will be presented for the most creative piggy bank.

Guidelines:

1. Banks Do Not have to be in the shape of a pig.

2. Banks should not exceed 12”x12”x12” (1 sq. foot) dimensions.

3. Banks need a way to both put money in and take money out without destroying bank. Do not turn bank in with money in it.

4. Only 1 entry per member.

5. Banks must be created &decorated by the contestant (4-H member) with little to no adult assistance.

6. You may decorate with paint,sequins,paper,stickers,fabric,felt,lace,etc.

7. Label your bank on the bottom with your name, grade & school.

Photo Search Contest: Photo entries are due at 4-H office on April 12, 2013 by 4:00 pm.

Theme: Animal(s)

- Open to any 4-H member, photo must be taken by the member.

- 4-H’er taking photo can’t be in photo submitted.

- Snapshot must be original

- Entries must be 3 ½” x 5’, or 4” x 6” in size

- No framing of photos allowed

- Only 1 photo per 4-H member

- Entries must fit the theme stated..(Animal(s)

Awards given to top 3 placing entries, in each grade level 4-12.

Babysitting Rocks Class: Thursday, April 4, 2013 for ages 13-18. Cost $30. If you like children, like to baby sit, have fun, and like to make your own money, then the Babysitting Rocks course is for you! At the end of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. $30.00 fee covers lunch, Babysitter’s Activity Bag, first aid kit, materials for activities, Babysitting Rocks book, and certificate.

Limit of 10 students per course. Call the 4-H office if interested in attending. (666-3341)