COVID-19 Update on Summer 4-H Programming

Below is a message from our Assistant Director of 4-H Youth Development, Dr. Kirk Bloir

Sincerely,

Heather Gottke, 4-H Educator

Rachel Hoverman, 4-H Program Coordinator

Deb Knapke, 4-H Office Associate

Dear 4-H members, families, volunteers and supporters,

It is with a heavy heart that I share this news with you. Due to ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made to cancel all Ohio State University Extension in-person programming through July 6. This includes all 4-H programs, activities, and events. Additionally, we’ve made the very difficult decision to cancel all 4-H camps thru August 31. Although in-person programming is cancelled, we will continue to offer virtual 4-H experiences.

We know this is an incredible disappointment and recognize how much everyone looks forward to our cherished 4-H summer events. As 4-H professionals committed to providing positive youth development programming, we share your sense of loss.

Given available information, we anticipate the next few weeks and months will continue to be critical times for stemming the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is our duty to keep ourselves and those we serve safe through the education we provide and the modeling of safety-conscious behaviors. We do not want to get to the other side of this pandemic and wish that we had done more to keep our future generation of leaders safe and healthy.

While we are making decisions regarding the youth events we organize and manage (such as camps and 4-H project judging), we are deferring to local decision-makers and Governor DeWine’s administration on the events owned by others, such as county fairs. Our decision to cancel in-person 4-H activities and events through July 6 and summer camps, should not automatically imply that local county fairs are also canceled at this time. Please keep in mind that 4-H and our FFA colleagues support the education and development of youth, but the decision about whether fairs will occur is in the hands of others. This continues to be an evolving situation that will require some negotiation and monitoring depending on decisions. We will be ready should fairs move forward and to pivot if they are cancelled.

As we work through the impact of these decisions for 4-H activities and events in the weeks ahead, county OSU Extension 4-H professionals will share important updates and information with you as we develop and provide new online opportunities. We know the experiences will be different than we had hoped, yet we remain committed to working together to grow future generations of true leaders.

Yours in service to 4-H,

Kirk

Ohio 4-H Friday – Van Wert Session

Today we did a quick session of Get Started in Art! You can find more information on the book at https://projectcentral.ohio4h.org/publications/get-started-in-art/ 

A couple resources I mentioned (not an endorsement, just to help) 


From the Project Book (which will be released as at home 4-H Project, subject to change):

Finally, the activity that I adapted from is on Page 33 and is called, “Perspective Patchwork”.

You’ll need

  • Cardboard: (I used 12×12)
  • Card stock/ thicker paper:  4 peices of 6 inches x 6 inches)
  • Markers, Pens, Pencils, Crayons, Paint, etc. to decorate
  • Suggested one black marker to draw outline with (Sharpie is best, but suggested easy cleanup for younger youth)
  • Adhesive, tape/glue

Page 11 – “Make a Color Wheel” 

  • Define what Complementary and Analogous Colors Mean
  • Explore what Hue means.
  • What are Warm and Cool Colors?

(You’ll have to download the book for full details)

 

 

 

 

 


 

For those who want to watch the full tutorial see the video on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/vanwert4h/videos/2393570177601123/

 

4-H Update on COVID-19 related changes

Message from Kirk Bloir,
OSU Extension Assistant Director & State 4-H Leader


If you have questions specific to Van Wert County 4-H please contact:
Heather at Gottke.4@osu.edu, Rachel at Hoverman.22@osu.edu, or Deb at knapke.45@osu.edu

Dear 4-H Families, Volunteers, and Supporters,

It’s hard to believe that just three weeks ago we were preparing to welcome 1200 volunteers and teens to the annual Ohio 4-H Youth Conference in Columbus. We know much has changed since that time for all of us, but what hasn’t changed is the commitment of Ohio’s 4-H professionals to the youth in their counties.

I want to update you with information about how the 4-H program is moving forward during this global pandemic. One week ago, county OSU Extension offices temporarily closed to help reduce opportunities for the virus to continue to spread. 4-H professionals and their OSU Extension colleagues worked quickly to transition their materials and resources to be able to continue working from their homes. In just a few short days, they connected with you via email, began offering virtual meetings and regularly updated web sites and social media with current information and resources. I could not be prouder of their willingness to handle this challenge and seek ways in which to keep 4-H programming alive and well.

For many of our families, virtual (or online) meetings seem to be working well, however I recognize it doesn’t work for everyone due to accessibility issues in parts of the state. We are continuing to explore options and will share solutions in the next few weeks. In the meantime, there are tip sheets for club leaders with options and ideas for holding virtual club meetings at go.osu.edu/4hadvisorinfo. Keep checking this site, because we will continue to add information to help you.

We know the spread of coronavirus also presents great uncertainty about upcoming 4-H events—Will camps happen this summer? Will we be able to exhibit our projects at fairs? What about project judging? And the answer is that right now, we just don’t know. At this point, all 4-H activities, club meetings, events and programs must be held virtually or cancelled until May 15. The situation is dynamic and changes daily, so we will continue to monitor conditions and reevaluate as needed. This ban may need to extend beyond May 15. During this time of unprecedented health concerns, we will work together to keep you updated and informed.

We understand concerns that some fairs may not be able to take place this year due to the global pandemic health emergency. Any decision to cancel a local fair, festival, parade or other large group gatherings will be made by those authorized to protect the health and well-being of all Ohioans. 4-H members and their families should consider a number of factors as they make their decisions to purchase 4-H market livestock projects. Risks and rewards must be taken into account. For example, we encourage families to consider their overall available budget, space to care for livestock, availability of alternative markets, availability of local processing, family freezer space, and needs of local food pantries.

OSU Extension and 4-H will continue working together to support our 4-H members, families, volunteers and local partners, including senior fair boards, classroom teachers, and magistrates, as we navigate this health emergency. As Governor DeWine shared earlier this week, we are “in this together Ohio.” Thank you for your continued patience and perseverance.

Yours in service to 4-H,

Kirk Bloir

Assistant Director, OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development


Please be advised our physical office is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.I am working remotely during this time and responding to phone, email, and voice messages during normal office hours. (8 am – 4:30 pm) Thank you for your patience, understanding and support during these unique and challenging times.

Heather L. Gottke, M.S.
Educator, 4-H Youth Development
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Extension
1055 S Washington St, Van Wert, OH 45891
419-979-6412 Mobile (text or call okay)
gottke.4@osu.edu / vanwert.osu.edu

 4-H and Tractor Supply Kick Off Fall Paper Clover Campaign in Van Wert, Ohio 

Visit your local Tractor Supply this fall and purchase a paper clover to help Van Wert County 4-H members attend 4-H camps and leadership events.

Van Wert, OH (October 9, 2019) – Every year, 4-Her’s in Van Wert County participate in a number of 4-H programs to help position them with the skills they need to succeed in their life and career. This fall, local Van Wert Tractor Supply stores are continuing their long-standing partnership with 4-H for the 2019 Fall Paper Clover Campaign to make it possible for more youth in the community to experience 4-H’s youth-led, hands-on programming.

October 9-20, 2019 Van  Tractor Supply customers can participate in the 2019 Fall Paper Clover campaign by purchasing paper clovers for $1 or more at checkout. The funds raised will be awarded as scholarships to individual Van Wert County 4-H members wishing to attend 4-H camps and leadership conferences across the country. The number of scholarships distributed to students following the fall campaign will be determined based on the total amount raised.

Since it began in 2010, the partnership between National Tractor Supply and 4-H has generated more than $14,500,000 in essential funding across the nation. The fundraising effort directly supports numerous 4-H programs in Van Wert County as well.

About 4-H

4‑H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4‑H at www.4‑H.org, find Van Wert County 4-H on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VANWERT4‑H

About Tractor Supply

Founded in 1938, Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States.  At July 1, 2017, the Company operated 1,630 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com.  Tractor Supply stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses.  Stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.  The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, livestock, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including heating, lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) work/recreational clothing and footwear; and (5) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use.