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Northern Shenandoah Valley Family and Consumer Sciences

Senior Extension Agent Karen Poff
Senior Extension Agent Karen Poff

Learn How To:

  • Strengthen your personal or family finances
  • Protect yourself from scams
  • Improve your indoor air quality
  • Save money by saving energy
  • Participate in post-bankruptcy financial education
  • Bring financial education to your organization, business, or school
  • Become a Master Financial Education Volunteer

Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program

Karen Poff
Senior Extension Agent
kpoff@vt.edu
540-635-4549

While viewing the family unit as the cornerstone of a healthy community, we work with a focus on improving wellness for individuals and their families. As educators, community resources, and links to professionals throughout the community, our goal is to implement effective educational and outreach programs that provide people with skills needed to make positive changes and improve their overall well-being.

Learn How To:

  • Decrease risk of chronic disease through good nutrition
  • Get involved with adult nutrition and exercise programs
  • Bring nutrition programs to your organization, library, or school
  • Earn your ServSafe Certificate (Find upcoming Virginia Cooperative Extension trainings here.)
  • Test your water for contaminants
  • Other food, nutrition, and health related educational opportunities 
  • Become a Master Food Volunteer

 

The 4-H Extension Agent, serving Frederick County, reaches youth and works with adult volunteers by delivering and managing educational programs. These programs include in-school programs, camping programs, and chartered 4-H Clubs, which encompass subjects as varied as livestock and performing arts.

4-H clubs offer opportunities to both youth and adults to enhance their citizenship and social skills, and to build upon a particular interest or hobby.  There are no fees associated with member enrollment, and members are encouraged to complete projects that are appropriate to each child's age and interests. Projects range from raising animals to sewing to shooting skills to building small engines, and many more.

4-H MOTTO:  To Make the Best Better!

4-H PLEDGE:

  I Pledge...MY HEAD to Clearer Thinking,
     ...MY HEART to Greater Loyalty,
     ...MY HANDS to larger Service,
     ...and MY HEALTH to Better Living,
       For My Club, My Community, My Country, and My World.

4-H COLORS:  Green and White... The white is for purity. The green, nature's most common color, is for life, springtime, and youth.

What We Offer:

Cloverbud Clubs (ages 5-8)                                    Frederick-Page 4-H Camp
Community Clubs (ages 9-18)                                Judging Teams
Special Interest Clubs (ages 9-18)                          Junior Master Gardeners

Come Join the Fun...4-H is for Everyone!!!

QUICK OVERVIEW:

4-H Clubs typically meet once per week or once per month, although some may choose to meet more or less frequently. 4-H programs are available for children ages 8-18. 4-H Cloverbud programs are available for children ages 5-8. Junior members are ages 9-11, Intermediate members are 12-13, and Senior members are 14-18. The 4-H year runs from October 1st-September 30th, youth who turn 5, 9, 12, and 14 between October 1st and September 30th will fall into their respective categories.

Frederick County 4-H Clubs List

How to Join 4-H

Who can participate in 4-H?

     4-H serves youth in grades kindergarten through one year past high school from all backgrounds and interests. 4-H offers membership without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or handicap. To join, contact your local county Extension office.

How can I participate in 4-H?

      As a Cloverbud - Cloverbuds is an age appropriate, non-competitive experience for youth grades K-2. The Cloverbud information sheet for parents, guardians and mentors, outlines the program options and characteristics as well as the rules that apply in competitive settings. Project resources are available to support Cloverbuds in their learning.

    Join a local 4-H club — 4-H clubs are groups of youth who meet regularly to work on 4-H projects, perform community service, develop leadership skills and learn to work together. Guided by one or more adult volunteers, a club can be any size, from a small group of neighborhood kids to a large group from a school or county. Visit a club meeting in your area before joining and see what 4-H has to offer! 

    Participate in 4-H Camp — Every summer youth are invited to participate in a 5-day overnight camp at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center in Front Royal. 

What can I do in 4-H?

     If you're enrolled in a 4-H club, 4-H has something for you! Explore all of the 4-H projects. If you don't see a project that interests you, just ask! We can help you create your own project.

How do I enroll in a club?

     You may enroll online, by completing paper forms,  or contacting your local county Virginia Cooperative Extension Office.

How much does it cost to participate in 4-H?

     4-H is a publicly funded program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Some counties and clubs charge a nominal membership fee (check with your local county Extension office.)

     Project costs vary, and many don't require a big investment. For example, members enrolled in crafts might use supplies from around the house to practice the skills they are learning; therefore, would have no additional expenses. 4-H'ers who buy and keep a  horse, however, might have to make a large investment.

How can I volunteer for 4-H?

     Capable, caring adult volunteers are always needed to help lead and assist with 4-H activities. Orientation and training is provided, so no previous experience is necessary. 4-H volunteers are supported by a professional staff, including 4-H Program Coordinators and 4-H Extension Educators. There are also various 4-H support and advisory groups made up of interested adult volunteers.

     All adults who work with 4-H youth must complete the Volunteer Selection Process, including a criminal history check. 

          

4-H HISTORY

Since 4‑H began more than 100 years ago, it has become the nation’s largest youth development organization. The 4‑H idea is simple: help young people and their families gain the skills needed to be proactive forces in their communities and develop ideas for a more innovative economy.

history

Late 1800's: Making Connections

In the late 1800’s, researchers discovered adults in the farming community did not readily accept new agricultural developments on university campuses, but found that young people were open to new thinking and would experiment with new ideas and share their experiences with adults. In this way, rural youth programs introduced new agriculture technology to communities.

The idea of practical and “hands-on” learning came from the desire to connect public school education to country life. Building community clubs to help solve agricultural challenges was a first step toward youth learning more about the industries in their community.

1914: Cooperative Extension System is Created

The passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914 created the Cooperative Extension System at USDA and nationalized 4‑H. By 1924, 4‑H clubs were formed and the clover emblem was adopted.

The Cooperative Extension System is a partnership of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 100 land-grant universities and more than 3,000 county offices across the nation. Cooperative Extension combines the expertise and resources of federal, state, and local governments and is designed to meet the need for research, knowledge and educational programs.

1902: Youth Clubs are Formed

A. B. Graham started a youth program in Clark County, Ohio, in 1902, which is considered the birth of 4‑H in the United States. The first club was called “The Tomato Club” or the “Corn Growing Club”. T.A. Erickson of Douglas County, Minnesota, started local agricultural after-school clubs and fairs that same year. Jessie Field Shambaugh developed the clover pin with an H on each leaf in 1910, and by 1912 they were called 4‑H clubs.

 

 

 

4-H Today

Today, 4‑H serves youth in rural, urban, and suburban communities in every state across the nation. 4‑H’ers are tackling the nation’s top issues, from global food security, climate change and sustainable energy to childhood obesity and food safety.  4‑H out-of-school programming, in-school enrichment programs, clubs and camps also offer a wide variety of STEM opportunities – from agricultural and animal sciences to rocketry, robotics, environmental protection, and computer science – to improve the nation’s ability to compete in key scientific fields and take on the leading challenges of the 21st century.

Benefits of 4-H

     Youth who participate in 4-H get what all young people need to succeed in life: confidence, compassion, connections with caring adults, and skills and opportunities to make contributions to their communities.

     Youth gain life skills such as:

  • Communication
  • Citizenship
  • Decision making
  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal relations
  • Community and global awareness

      4-H helps students be successful in the classroom.

     For more than 10 years, 4‑H has partnered with Tufts University to study the effectiveness of its youth development programs.
For the complete study, click here

    

4-H ALL STARS

4-H All Stars is an honor/service organization. Membership in 4-H All Stars is the highest recognition that a Virginia 4-H'er can achieve.

Virginia 4-H All Stars is service oriented and volunteer operated.

The 4-H All Star's goal is to contribute to positive youth development through "service" to the 4-H program of which they are a part. The 4-H program becomes the springboard from which a 4-H All Star jumps to other areas of service to people throughout his/her lifetime. The 4-H All Star organization strives for a cooperative effort with the 4-H program in all areas.

NOMINATION FORMS ARE DUE TO THE VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION - FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICE NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 1ST.

Membership in the Virginia Chapter of 4-H All Stars is a distinct privilege and high honor. Throughout the years, 4-H members across the state have grown and learned with the incentive of 4-H All Star membership as a goal. While it is a goal to be chosen as a 4-H All Star, the real advantage of membership is in serving the 4-H program and the community in which you live. Virginia Chapter of 4-H All Stars is a tremendous source of both teen and adult leaders who are actively involved in expanding and enhancing the 4-H program throughout the Commonwealth.

The motto of 4-H All Stars is Service. Each of you will have many opportunities to be involved in 4-H program planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. Many will have opportunities to serve on advisory committees, to raise funds, to lead 4-H clubs and groups, and to speak on behalf of 4-H. You are a vital element in enhancing the future of 4-H in Virginia.

We are proud of our Virginia 4-H All Stars. Many of those who have been tapped in previous years continue to provide unselfish, effective service to 4-H through a variety of leadership roles. We are pleased to sense a growing eagerness among recently tapped All Stars to become active in seeking out areas of service important to the betterment of mankind.

4-H All Stars, both collectively and individually, are invited to take part in 4-H educational programs both as learners and teachers. Working together we can make 4-H a dynamic youth development educational program for the entire state. Together we will strive for greater understanding, patience, dedication, and unselfish service to 4-H and to our fellowman.

4-H Scholarships

AGNES V. SHIRLEY SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are due to the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Frederick County Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2022.  For additional information and to download an application click here.             

VIRGINIA POULTRY FEDERATION

Each year the Virginia Poultry Federation and the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech offer scholarships to assist with the academic careers of students demonstrating an interest in poultry and its related industries.  Applications are due March 1st. For additional information and to download an application click here.

WAYNE M. KEFFER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

              Open to all Virginia 4-H All Stars who are College Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate Students.  The Application is due January 1st and can be found here.

Scholarships Outside of 4-H

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH VALLEY MASTER GARDENERS

The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners Association (NSVMGA), will award six $1,000 Memorial Scholarships to eligible graduating high school and home-school seniors.  Application deadline is March 31.  For additional information and to download an application, click here.

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION'S DR. JAMES EARL KENNAMER ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

High School senior graduates who are eligible are encouraged to apply for NWTF’s Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic scholarship program. Application deadline is January 1st and can be found here.

 

 

4-H JUDGING OPPORTUNITIES

As a result of 4-H judging team participation, youth strengthen their abilities in numerous life skills including learning to learn, contributions to group effort, teamwork, self-motivation, decision making, communication, cooperation, and social skills. Effectively evaluating breeding and market animals is highly important in the animal industry. Judging is an art developed through patient study and long practice. 4-Hers interested in General Livestock (Beef, Sheep, and Swine), Horses, Poultry and Meats can learn to be a good judge by knowing the parts of the animal and their location, which parts are most important for meat and breeding stock production, making keen observations and comparing to the ideal, weighing the good and bad points of each animal, and much more.

HORSE JUDGING

4-H Horse Judging  is designed to teach participants good conformation (structural correctness, balance, and muscling), breed character, and performance ideals in different breeds of horses. Additionally, Horse Judging  will teach participants how to evaluate horses based on knowledge and fact, make a decision, and defend it.  Participants will also learn horsemanship terms that can be used in a logical, systematic way to defend placings and will help participants gain confidence in their ability and use of the English language by giving oral reasons to a judge while learning to speak clearly, decisively, and convincingly. 

Horse Judging Videos

Horse Judging
Conformation
ABC Horses

LIVESTOCK JUDGING

In this project, youth learn how livestock producers and breeders evaluate the form of their animals with their function to produce high quality saleable products to their customers. Youth will analyze individual animal traits, of four animals presented together as a class, to each other and to an accepted ideal for that species. Then, youth will rank each animal in the class and communicate their reasoning as to what order each animal was placed. Livestock judging events require youth to:

  • Possess breeding and market animal industry preferences; while making accurate and complete observations
  • Compare and contrast individual animals to others in class, make decisions within an allotted time, and communicate their reasoning effectively to others.

 

Cattle Judging
Egg Candling

POULTRY JUDGING

Poultry judging is an evaluation event in which students learn and understand standards used in poultry and egg production and marketing, and to apply the standards in a realistic decision-making situation.

During the contest, participants judge both live specimens and market poultry, identify parts of birds already prepared for market, and evaluate eggs as to their quality and readiness for market. For at least one class, typically a live production class, participants are asked to justify their placing decisions through a set of oral reasons.

Participants compare their opinion of an animal against the ideal as specified by industry experts, and learn organizational skills as they compose their thoughts into a cohesive set of reasons justifying their decisions.The skills of decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving are acquired throughout the process.

RABBIT JUDGING

For more information, contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Frederick County office at 540/665-5699.

MEATS JUDGING

Educate  |  Identify  |  Future Industry Leaders

Many young agriculturalists in Virginia are already in the production of meat products through exhibiting market steers, swine, sheep, and goats at junior livestock competitions. Through participation in judging contests and other leadership contests, agents, leaders, and youth learn valid, science-based information to consider when evaluating and making decisions, as well as learning proper meat storage and handling procedures. Education of youth will provide future Virginians with knowledge and expertise to purchase safe, nutritious meat products. It will also give future agricultural and food industry leaders a broader view of the livestock industry. Members equipped with a general knowledge in meat evaluation are able to be competitive in the judging arena, but more importantly will be the individuals that lead our industry into the future.

 

Frederick County is seeking a Meats Judging Coach. If you are interested in Volunteering, please contact Dyllan at 540-665-5699.

FREDERICK COUNTY FAIR

July 25 - 30, 2022

Frederick County Fairgrounds

155 Fairgrounds Road

Clear Brook, Virginia 22624

www.frederickcountyfair.com 

Requirements for Showing Livestock at the Fredrick County Fair

Enrollment forms or 4Honline enrollments must be completed (forms turned in to the office) on or before January 1st.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Livestock projects are learning projects. 4-H’ers or FFA members should learn basic life skills and increase their knowledge during these projects. FFA members increase their knowledge during either 18 or 36 weeks of instruction along with their participation in other FFA activities. 4-H’ers will be required to meet one of the following to ensure an increase in knowledge and basic life skills.
     A). Attend six 4-H Club meetings.
     B). Attend five 4-H Club meetings and participate in ONE County, District, or State Event.
     C). Attend four 4-H Club meetings and participate in TWO County, District, or State Events.
4-H Club leaders will let the Extension Office know if and when a 4-H’er has met these requirements between October 1 and July 20. FFA advisors will verify that exhibitors designated as FFA members are valid FFA members.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:
The Frederick County Fair passed the following rule as of 2002:
4-H and FFA members showing and selling Market Animals at the Frederick County Fair will be REQUIRED to have their project books checked twice.
     A). At least one week prior to the fair, either an Adult Club Leader, Agriculture Education Instructor, or Extension Agent will review project records and verify the projects as being up to date. If the project is NOT UP TO DATE when reviewed, the exhibitor may resubmit prior to the Monday of fair week. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT TO SHOW AND SELL IN THE CURRENT YEAR’S FAIR.
     B). By August 31 of each year, these books need to be checked again for completeness. 4-H and FFA members who do not follow this procedure will NOT BE ALLOWED TO SHOW AND SELL MARKET
ANIMALS IN THE FREDERICK COUNTY FAIR THE NEXT YEAR.

GENERAL RULES - (beef, goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, and poultry):
1.) All Frederick County Fair exhibitors who show or sell livestock at the fair must contribute two (2) hours to a do work detail day at the fairgrounds. Failure to do so well result in the exhibitor not being allowed to show or sell his/her animal.

2.) 4-H and FFA members who show or sell market animals at the Frederick County Fair will be required to have project books checked twice:

     a). At least one week prior to the fair, Project/record books must be up-to-date and reviewed by an Adult Club Leader, Agriculture Education Instructor, or Extension Agent. If the project is not up-to-date, resubmit prior to the Monday of fair week to be able to Show or sell in the current year's fair.
     b). By August 31st of each year, these books need to be checked again for completeness. Completeness means that all applicable and attainable information has been entered on each page. This includes project planning, worksheets, feed information, financial information, show and sale results, and 4-H club informaiton. Pages that are left blank will indicate an incomplete record book. Exhibitors who do not follow this rule will not be allowed to show or sell  market animals in the Frederick County Fair the next year.

3.) Each Exhibitor must send two (2) letters to NEW potential buyers. The deadline for theses letters to be submitted to the Frederick County Extension Office is June 6, 2019. Envelopes must be prepared with name and addresse, stamped and not sealed.

4.) A MAXIMUM OF 6 MARKET ANIMALS FROM ALL SPECIES CAN BE SOLD EACH YEAR PER YOUTH EXHIBITOR. Animals that will be sold at the Friday SALE must be declared by 5 p.m. on Fair Monday to the chairperson of each species.

5.) All exhibitors must Pre-Register their livestock with Fair Registration. Register online at www.frederickcountyfair.com by 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2019 or complete the registration form in the center of the Fair catalog and mail the form postmarked by Tuesday, July 23, 2019 to Fair Registration, 3191 Woodside Road, Clear Brook, VA  22624. Exhibitors will need to check in at the registration desk on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. or Fair Monday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. to sign up for their pass(s). Failure to properly register will result in forfeiture of prize money and ribbons. Exhibitors must also turn in the Livestock Pre-Registration form and a signed copy of the Code of Ethics form to the Frederick County Extension Office by the date stated on the forms. Failure to turn in the forms will result in the exhibitor not being allowed to show or sell their animals.

6.) Each Livestock exhibitor, with the exception of poultry and rabbit exhibitors, are required to receive Youth Meat Quality Assurance (YMQA) training prior to fair week to be eligible to show their livestock at the Frederick Coaunty Fair. The Youth Meat Quality Assurance Program is a program designed to teach youth the basics of animal husbandry and general animal management for youth of all ages. The mission of this youth meat quality assurance program is to maximize consumer confidence and acceptance of the food products produced via youth livestock projects.

7.) All Market animal exhibitors must be enrolled as a 4-H or FFA member in Frederick County or Winchester as of January 1 of the year of the show and must be 9 years of age or older as of September 30 of the current Fair year. Eligibility of 4-H membership terminates on Decembe 31 of the year the member has their 19th birthday.

8.) All livestock are to be owned, cared for, and housed in Frederick County by the exhibitor by the specified date for each species. Livestock must be housed at the exhibitor's residence. Exhibitors who are unable to house their livestock at their own residences must do one of the following:
     a.) If the exhibitor, for the first time, is housing a species at a location other than their residence, then they must have approval from the Fair Board 30 days prior to the stated ownership date for that species. This still involves the exhibitor attending a fair meeting to ask for this approval.
      b.) If an exhibitor has previously kept a species at a location other than their residence (within the last year), and if no problems were evident and the animals will be housed at the same location as the previous year, then the exhibitor is not required to attend a fair meeting for approval. However, the exhibitor must notify the chairperson for each species 30 days prior to the stated ownership date for that species. If a different species is being housed for the first time at a location that the exhibitor previously kept another species, then that exhibitor still must come to the Fair Board as indicated in part a. of this rule.

9.) Chairpersons and fair officials reserve the right to view exhibitor's animals from the tagging date until the openin of the Fair.

10.) There will be no livestock taken to trailers at any time during the week of the fair, only with the permission from livestock committee.

11.) Animals entered in the Frederick County Fair must follow all health requirements and the code of ethics as listed in this book. Any animal may be subjected to blood and/or urine sampling and testing at the time of the Fair. All animals must be properly castrated and completely healed. The Fair Association has the right to disqualify any animals, if the appearance or temperament of which has been changed or altered by any proess. This includes attempts to dye, discolor the natural hair color, use of tranquilizers, and the use of ice. Any exhibitor caught in violation of such rule shall be banned from showing and selling any livestock project at the current and following year Frederick County Fair.

12.) Exhibitors will be expected to keep their animals fed and provided with clean water. The pens and surrounding area should be cleaned daily throughout the entire week and must be presentable to the public by 4:00 p.m.

13.) All animals must be under the control of the exhibitor to be eligible for awards.

14.) All animals must be shown by the owner. The only exception will be injury or if an exhibitor has more than one entry in a class. Only then can another Frederick County 4-H or FFA member, who is eligible to show, present the animals.

15.) All exhibitors must participate in Showmanship classes.

16.) Proper attire will be required for livestock shows and sales. Exhibitors should wear shirts or blouses and respectab le pants. No t-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, or open-toed shoes will be permitted.

17.) Once at the Frederick County Fair, fitting and showing of all market animals is the sole duty of the exhibitor to show the animal(s) is registered, the parents/legal guardians, and their brothers and sisters.

18.) Agriculture instrtuctors, Extension personnel, and Fair officials may provide limited expertise to exhibitors needing assistance.

19.) Livestock will not be permitted to be "tied out" during Fair Week. Animals are to remain in the barns during the night.

20.) Animals sold in the auction will remain the responsibility of the exhibitor until the buyer or other person authorized by the Fair removes the animal.

21.) Prize money will be withheld until the barn and cage facilities are cleaned and meet the approval of the species chairperson.

22.) Monitoring of these and other market animal rules will be the responsibility of the Fair officials, the Extension personnel, and the Agriculture instructos. Enforcement of these rules will be the sole responsibility of the Fair Association. Grievances, protest, etc. should be handled through the Fair's grievance policy as stated in the General Rules and Regulations.

For additional Frederick County Fair requirements, please refer to the Frederick County Fair webpage: http://www.frederickcountyfair.com/

LIVESTOCK SALE

Friday, July 29, 2022

6:30 p.m. at the Frederick County Fairgrounds

155 Fairgrounds Road

Clear Brook, VA  22624

Livestock Show Barn

What is the Livestock Sale?

The annual 4-H/ FFA Livestock Sale at the Frederick County Fair allows the youth of Frederick County to sell animals they have raised using skills learned through the 4-H/FFA educational programs. These projects teach record keeping, health and nutrition management, cost evaluation, judging, handling, training, and presentation to meet the criteria specified by the Fair Committee.

 

Schedule for Market Animals

Monday, July 25, 2022

     1:00 PM Livestock Weighed 
     and Graded
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
     4:30 PM Market Beef Show
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
     4:30 PM Market Lamb Show
                    Market Goat Show
Thursday, August 1, 2019
     4:30 PM Market Hog Show
Friday, August 2, 2019
     Buyers Dinner
     6:30 PM Market hogs, steers,
     lambs, and goats.
     Grand & Reserve Champion chickens and rabbits will be  
     sold during the sale
Contact Extension Office for entry pass

Sale Details

Animals are sold to the highest bidder in the auction ring. Federal Grading is available.

You do not have to take the animal home if you do not want to.
The options are:

  1. Processing - the following processors will be available to transport (free of charge) your animal after the sale. Buyer pays processing, chooses processing preferences and picks up processed cuts of meat.
  2. Resale - Free hauling from the Fairgrounds to Farmer's Livestock Exchange, Inc. (540-667-1023) will be provided. A check will be sent directly to you for the market price of the animal.
  3. Donate - Donate the animal back to be resold for the club/charity of your choice and the 4-H/FFA member gets the bid price. On Monday, the animal will be sold at the Farmer's Livestock Exchange, Inc. with the money earned being donated to the club/charity of choice. 

Financial Aspects

After your purchase, the sale secretary will give you a bill of sale for payment and will then ask what you choose to do with your animal. You can take it home, send it to a processor, or have it resold at Farmer's Livestock Exchange, Inc. (auction). If sold at Farmer's Livestock Exchange, Inc. (auction), you will receive a check for the market value (unless donated to a club charity) minus a small fee for the sale process. 

4-H Grows

There are several local contests held in Frederick County each year giving our 4-H members an opportunity to share their knowledge and skills while gaining experience and strength in public speaking. Those participating in the local contests may be eligible to participate on the District and/or State level. These contests are typically held in February and March. Check back in January for registration information. In the meantime, you can review the various contest guidelines to decide what you would like to participate in this year.

  • Fashion Revue
  • Presentations
  • Science Fair Presentation and Display
  • Public Speaking
  • Extemporaneous Speaking
  • Table Setting
  • Share-the-Fun Contest

The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. and Virginia 4-H sponsors a yearly 4-H essay contest with cash prizes to the top 3 State Winners: 1st-$100, 2nd-$50, 3rd-$25. State winners' essays are forward on to Natinal competition and could win cash prizes of: 1st-$750, 2nd-$500, 3rd-$250. Each state winner receives an appropriate book about honey bees, beekeeping, or honey. There is a different topic each year for the essay. Information on the 2020 Contest will be posted at a later date. In the past, entry deadline has been in February.

Some of the more local livestock shows held each year include:

  • Clarke-Frederick-Warren 4-H and FFA Beef Show
  • Glenwood Livestock Expo

We will post additional information as we receive show information.

4-H Club and Cloverbud Groups Charter Application

The United States Department of Agriculture and Virginia 4-H require all 4-H clubs and groups to have a charter signed by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the National 4-H Headquarters and issued by the State 4-H Office. This requirement includes 4-H Cloverbud groups, community clubs, project clubs, after-school clubs, and military clubs. For more information about the requirements for and privileges of a Virginia 4-H Charter, see VCE Publication 388-070. To apply for a 4-H Charter, the organizational leader of a 4-H club or Cloverbud group should submit one copy of this application to the local Extension office if the club or group is based at a county or city level. 

Charter Application Resosurces:

Virginia 4-H Club Constitution and Bylaws

Virginia 4-H Club Annual Goals and Program Plan

4-H Propety Inventory Report Form

4-H Club and Cloverbud Groups Yearly Charter Renewal

4-H Charter renewal takes place in the fall each year. The organizational leader of the 4-H club or Cloverbud group should submit one copy of this application to the local Extension office if the club or group is based at the county or city level. 

Charter Renewal Resosurces:

Virginia 4-H Club Constitution and Bylaws

Virginia 4-H Club Annual Goals and Program Plan

4-H Propety Inventory Report Form

4-H Club Charter Seals of Achievement

4-H Club Charter Seals of Achievement are a means to recognize 4-H clubs (excluding classroom-based clubs) with valid charters for reaching levels of achievement related to club organization and participation. 4-H clubs are encouraged, but not required, to participate. The highest Charter Seal awarded is the Gold Seal followed by the Blue, Red, and White seals. Seals are awarded for the degree of completion of a number of quality indicators related to: 1. Membership and participation, 2. Citizenship and leadership, 3. Life-skill development and subject matter instruction, and 4. Community and parental involvement.

 

 

End of Year Nomination Forms are due to the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Frederick County Office by September 30th, 5:00 p.m.

Engaging with Communities

Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:   

Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.

Do you have a question about Community Viability?

Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system.

Community Viability Specialists

See a list of our Community Viability Specialists