Brief History of OSU Extension

Let me give you a brief history of why OSU Extension has a presence in our county. If you have ever visited Ohio State University main campus or watched buckeye football on TV, you may have seen two white buildings located next to the football stadium. In these are student housing and business offices. One is the Lincoln Tower, named after Abraham Lincoln. The other is the Morrill Tower name after Justin Morrill.

During the mid 1800’s, the nation was experiencing an economic time similar to the one we have currently been experiencing. To promote economic recovery, Morrill persuaded Lincoln to pass an act that would grant tracts of land in each state on which states could build universities. This was the 1860 land grant system. For example, there’s an OSU in Ohio, Rutgers in New Jersey, and Cornell in New York. In the 1890’s the land grant act was used to build 17 Historically black colleges and Universities in states where Blacks were excluded from the original land grant university.

In the early 1900’s another act was passes. This stated that land grant universities would be the university for all the citizens of a state, not just the students who attend classes on campus. This was the beginning of the Land-Grant departments of Extension in which the university faculty and staff members were placed into counties to educate residents with research-based information.

At first Extension educators focused on topics related to agriculture. But as social sciences grew, extension began to focus on topics related to home economics. Today, home economics is known as the Family and Consumer Sciences. Topics focus on relationship skills, health and nutrition, and financial management. Economic development is another added area that has been developed to help communities grow through businesses development and retention. The last program area 4-H Youth Development was actually developed here in the state of Ohio. Many people recognize the presence of 4-H in their county, but may not associate it with the land grant university.

Extension is wonderful resource in your county. Through Extension we have been able to adapt to our changing clientele to help build your community with better businesses, stronger gardens, and by developing the future leaders of our community. The Extension of the University reaches to our county and we hope to continue our tradition of improve families here in Van Wert County. Our staff in Van Wert County is a team of individual areas waiting to serve those with questions. 

4-H Livestock Projects Create Quality Products for Consumers

Much of what most people see when they see a livestock project is at the jr. fair. The project at this point is almost to its end, ready for market and for the consumer. For many youth, their project has been a long journey, many starting over again right after the fair.  Youth participate in educational sessions, record every detail, and work countless hours to reach the point where they proudly show their animal to the county (or what often feels like to the whole world).

This past spring members gathered for what we call Livestock Quality Assurance. We often refer to this simply as QA. This training simply said is our way of preparing youth to give quality care to animals. Through 10 Good Production Practices we give youth information about proper veterinary plans and relationships, proper identification, medication dosage, and how to read feed tags. These youth producers are given hands-on activities to  guide them through the production practices in a way that is not overwhelming but allows them to apply what they have learned. Any youth producer planning to exhibit a market animal at the jr. fair must complete this training.

From the moment youth take possession of their livestock they are expected to maintain daily care of their animal. They document what equipment is needed to house the animal, and keep record of feed purchased and medications administered. Through their record book they are able to explore and learn about their project ranging from the different breeds of their animals, part identification, and what parts of the animal become marketable. For many youth exhibitors they continue their learning through Black Inc. projects by exploring further and presenting their findings to a judge. Aside from the book and daily care, youth must also begin working with their animal by walking it, grooming it, and learning how to properly handle the animal to be as comfortable as possible. Animals like humans have many characteristics that help them to be trained, which youth are able to explore and adapt to.

In order to complete a 4-H project, members must go through interviews with a judge. They are asked basic questions about their project, quality assurance questions, and the judges looks over their records kept for their animal. In addition to completion through interviews members are also able to exhibit their project at the jr. fair. Youth compete in market, breeding, and showmanship shows to exhibit their animal as a marketable product with a consumer (in this case the youth) that has carefully cared for the animal.

Youth who exhibit market projects are able to sell their product to producers (and supporters) at the jr. livestock sale at the completion of the fair. The end of many youth’s project is soon after as the animal leaves for a new home, or to be processed for human consumption. The training, records, and hours spent are all important in the end product for the consumer. While many youth may never be a commercial producer livestock projects help them to gain an understanding of how a producer creates a quality product.

In a month we will all begin to gather at the fairgrounds to celebrate the many accomplishments of our youth. I encourage anyone to walk through the barns and watch youth as they beam with pride for the animal that they have watched grow, and cared for. Feel free to ask any member about their project, what they have learned and what they have fed it.  4-H members are creating quality animals, which in turn helps us to create quality youth for a successful future.  

Online Fair Entries Open!

Have you filled out your online fair entries yet? If you need an explanation of how, click here to download the step by step guide. 








If you are ready to get going you can go to the site at 

http://van.fairmanager.com/ 

Let me know as you have questions! We are here to help!

2013 Van Wert County 4-H State Fair Qualifiers

<photo id="1" />

Staying Healthy  Jr

Chloe Sidle – Ohio Challengers

The Truth about Tobacco JR

Allie Ford – Willshire Wide Awake

Alcohol & Drug Abuse  Senior

Destiny Disher – Green Hopping Marshalls

Alternate: Chloe Lautzenheiser – Harrison Jolly Boosters

Keeping Fit Senior

Chloe Gamble – Shooting Stars

Alternate – Alyssa Matthews – Ridge Buckeyes

First Aid in Action Jr

Kylie Cloninger – Clever Clovers

Becoming Money Wise

Madison Pugh – Venedocia Lads & Lassies

Make Over My Space SR

Madelyn Buettner – Pathfinders of Delphos

Make Over My Space JR

Hanna Young – Leaders of the Future

Creative Arts Jr.

Kasey Denman – Ohio City Blue Ribbon Workers

Alternate: Kylie Cloninger- Clever Clovers

Creative Arts Senior:

Carley Springer – Hoaglin Farmers

Alternate- Rylee Byrne – Hoaglin Farmers

Controlling the Image

Allison M. Miller – Pathfinders of Delphos

Mastering Photography

Alicia Buettner – Pathfinders of Delphos

Scrapbooking Junior

Carson Kreischer – Ohio challengers

Alternate – Maisee Short – Ohio Challengers

Scrapbooking – Senior

Chloee Gamble – Shooting Stars

Let’s Bake Quick Breads

Allie Ford – Willshire Wide Awake

Grill Master

Erin Richardson- Clever Clovers

Star Spangled Foods

Paige Moonshower-Shooting Stars

Food & Fitness Choices for You

Chloe Sidle-Ohio Challengers

Yeast Breads on the Rise

Cheyanne Bonifas- Pathfinders of Delphos

Alternate – Elizabeth Winhover – Pathfinders of Delphos

You’re the Chef

Daniel  Joseph – Ohio Challengers

The Global Gourmet

Katelyn Welch – Bunny Hoppers

Pathways to Culinary Success

Daniel Thompson

Beyond the Grill

Kelsey Pohlman – Pathfinders of Delphos

I Spy in the Kitchen

Kayla Krite- Clever Clovers

Snack Attack

Rachel Spath – Clever Clovers

Alternate: Carson Kreischer – Ohio Challengers

One on One 4-H Mentorship

Carley Springer- Hoaglin Farmers

Club Teen Leadership

Isaiah Oliver – Jr. Leaders

Alternate: Baxton Matthews – Jr. Leaders

Leadership Road Trip

Maggie Cripe – Jr. Leaders

Alternate: Alyssa  Matthews

Pantry Panic

Chloee Gamble – Shooting Stars

Lets Explore the Outdoors

Madelyn Lamb - Ohio Challengers

Self Determined Natural Resources

Justin Overmyer – Ohio Challengers

Tree Planting

Chloee Gamble – Shooting Stars

Safe Use of Guns

Dylan Hicks – Ohio Challengers

Alternate – Thomas Etzler- Willshire Wide Awake

Lawn Care Senior

Noah Daugherty – Ohio challengers

Entering Electronics

Daniel Thompson – Clever  Clovers

Making the Cut JR

Ethan Crow – Leaders of the Future

Rope - Junior

Madison Pugh- Venedocia Lads & Lassies

Rockets Away 4-H 503 – Estes Type

Bradley Line – Clovers

Rockets Away – Bottle Rockets 501

Sterling Rigdon – Venedocia Lads & Lassies

Fun with Clothes

Lauren Henderson – Willshire Wide Awake

Sundresses and Jumpers

Dylan Carey – Hoaglin Farmers

Alternate:  Kassidy Ringwald – Leaders of the Future

Clothing for Middle School

Frankie Carey – Hoaglin Farmers

Alternate: Kaylee Hobbs – Ridge Buckeyes

Loungewear

Carley Wendel – Leaders of the Future

Alternate: Madison Pugh – Venedocia Lads & Lassies

Active Sports Wear

McKenna Johnson – Barnyard Buddies

Alternate: Alexandra Crow- Leaders for the Future

Dress up Outfit

Colleen Schulte – Pathfinders of Delphos

Outer Layers

Chelsea Hancock – Ohio Challengers

Sew for Others

Allie Ford- Willshire Wide Awake

Self-Determined Junior

Alaina Arnery – Clever Clovers

Alternate: Amber Lichtenberger – Barnyard Buddies

Self Determined Senior

Caleb Markward – Clever Clovers

Alternate: Braxton Mathews – Ridge Buckeyes –Jr. Leaders

Cake Decorating – Beginner

Alaina Arney – Clever Clovers

Cake Decorating Advanced

Chelsea Hancock – Ohio Challengers

Basic Archery

Abby Buettner – Pathfinders of Delphos

Alternate: Caitlin Cox – Pathfinders of Delphos

4-H Black Inc. Table Setting Contest Announced!

This contest is a fun way to learn how to set a table and plan nutritious meal.  The contest is open to all 4-H members ages 8-18.  No member needs to be enrolled in a specific project to participate.  It will be held on August 17^th during the Black Inc. and livestock judging.  There are two different age groups that will be judged, Jr. (8-11), Intermediate (12-14), and Sr. (15-18). 

Members will pick a theme, set the table, and add a centerpiece, write a menu, and dress to match their table setting. Members should sign up for a judging appointment at http://4hlivestock13.genbook.com under the table setting contest category.  At the judging members will be asked to present the table setting to the judge, explaining why they chose the theme and how they decorated it.

Outstanding table setters will receive monetary awards sponsored by the Black Inc. grant through the Van Wert County Foundation.

Members with questions about this award should contact the OSU Extension Office at (419) 238-1214 for complete rules and directions. Information can also be found at http://vanwert.osu.edu

For more information please go to the following link: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By9om8gcR8ClS3Y2Yld0U21qQ28/edit?usp=sharing

Applications now available for the 2013 Outstanding Livestocker Award!

The outstanding livestocker award is given to recognize those youth in 4-H and FFA who have excelled in animal sciences through their youth organization while exhibiting at the Van Wert County Junior Fair. The award is meant to recognize all species of animals (including horses) shown at the Junior Fair. An outstanding livestocker should have the following traits:  be a good member in standing of their home club or organization, have exhibited livestock projects at the Van Wert Co Jr. Fair, have an understanding of livestock husbandry and quality assurance and have taken extra initiative to learn about their animals exhibited.

Members interested in applying should be a Van Wert County Jr. Fair member in good standing, and in good standing with their parent organization. Members should be at least 15 years of age. Applicants who complete the application will interview with a committee about their experiences, answer questions regarding their livestock projects, and complete a quality assurance and skillathon testing portion.

Applications are available at the extension office or online at http://vanwert.osu.edu. Applications are due no later than August 16^th to the Extension office or at livestock judging on August 17^th. Interviews will be held the following week.                                                                

Members with questions about this award should contact the OSU Extension Office at (419) 238-1214.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By9om8gcR8CldG5QUk5NMUdFbTg/edit?usp=sharing

What Makes a Successful 4-H Judging Experience?

This week marks our annual 4-H project judging.  Many youth are working carefully on their project books, posters, and representation of what they learned with the project they choose earlier this spring. Youth who participate in 4-H judging are given a taste of real world experience that is second to none. It helps them learn to communicate their experiences, thoughts, and learning with another person. While the ribbons fade, and the county fair will come to a close in September, those experiences will remain with the youth.  The many volunteers responsible for these experiences are our judges. Giving the youth their time, free of charge is something that I cannot give praise enough about. For the judging isn’t truly about the projects, but the interactions that those judges will have in that youth’s life.

Judges help youth to express themselves. They listen carefully, restate questions as needed, and allow youth time to think carefully about their answer. Smiles are a given, and each judge is given a child who is unique. Their skill.ls, experience, ability, and attitude may all vary, but the judge learns to adapt and help them grown from their experience.

Our 4-H judges have a large responsibility. They are asked to evaluate, educate, and encourage youth in their judging area. Many are extremely knowledgeable, enjoy the topics being discussed, and want to help youth learn more about the topic at hand.  Judges play a fun role that they get to enjoy and explore the creativity of the youth that come to them with projects. Asking questions, and exploring the fun things that the youth gained from their experiences. Many times a judge will encourage the youth to look further into the topic, or instill in them ways to gain more information about their project outside of 4-H.

Most of all judges are a role model to the youth they interact with. They are sincere, specific in their ideas, positive in their interactions, and friendly with their communication. It takes a special personality to judge 4-H youth projects, but we are always looking for help! Thank you to the many people in the community for their continued support as a judge!

Silly Socks Day

Today was the final day of camp! I apologize for the lack of updates but as you can imagine we had a very hectic morning, with a long drive, and a long nap for this camp director! 

We started off the morning by waking up each cabin with breakfast in bed! Cinnamon rolls, milk, and cereal. Each cabin was then responsible for packing up their bags, taking them to main camp, and cleaning their cabin. After their cabin was clean each counselor then led campers to clean up one area of camp. Parents began arriving around 10:00am and we started our closing ceremonies! We had the counselors lead a song, and show a slideshow of the pictures from their time at 4-H Camp. After packing the trailer, and all of our supplies we had a final counselor meeting at the circle of chairs. 

While often wet, and sometimes not exactly what we planned – it was a fantastic week at 4-H Camp Palmer. I hope that everyone who attended enjoyed their time. We will have lost and found at the office for both judgings. If you have something specific you are missing please let me know so I can keep an eye and ear out for it! We look forward to 4-H Camp 2014!

Crazy Shoes Day

Today (Monday) was the last full day of camp! We started off the morning with French toast for breakfast! We did flag raising, and cleanup before we headed off for 2 sessions! Some of the campers were at high ropes challenge course, shooting sports (muzzle loading) at this time also! We had our group session, and then optional session! We had soap making, line dancing, capture the flag, zip line, adle-adle (a type of safe javelin game), ga-ga ball, duct tape crafts, marshmallow guns, basketball, climbing wall and water polo.

After an exciting morning we had tacos for lunch and heard some inspiring words about friendship and making friends at camp! After a relaxing hour of rest and relaxation, we were refreshed and ready for two more sessions! We had fishing, line dancing, zip line, sandpaper tote bags, ultimate frisbee, canoeing, climbing wall, flying things, tie dye, and adle-adle. 

We had free time and started preparing for the war game! We had a beef and noodles for dinner, and sang “roll me over the ocean” with the permanent staff. After dinner began the war game. It is a giant game of capture the flag with two teams, green and yellow! Those that didn’t want to play the war game could earn points by playing board games for points! The war game was cut a little short because it started to pour down rain! We headed back to our cabins and got cleaned up for the final night activities! Our counselors gave us all certificates with “superlatives” for each and every one of us! The rain didn’t let up – so it ruined the counselors plans to have mini campfires and make smores. They were able to set up the movie “Horton hears a Who” in the dining hall, with board games and card games! The counselors also had the recreation hall set up for lots of line dancing with glow-sticks. The adult staff figured out how to make our smores in the oven and we had a snack! The last year counselors and campers got to stay up an extra hour for dancing while the rest of the campers headed back to clean up and settle in for the night! 

Cindy Lou Who Crazy Hair Day

Well today was a little on the wet side, but we still had fun! We started off the day with a polar bear dip, and early run and then flag raising. For breakfast we had coffee cake, cereal, and fruit! After we cleaned up our cabins and the public spaces we headed off to activity number two called Oh the Places You’ll Go! Some of our group headed off for Archery with the shooting sports instructors! During our activity we got to dunk our counselors in the dunk tank, ran a relay race of Dr. Seuss characters, participated in a big water balloon toss and we covered our counselors in whipped cream, Cheetos and fruit snacks! (luckily they washed off pretty well!) After our activity we cleaned up and headed off for lunch where we had barbecue pork sandwiches with French fries.


We heard from Tom for inspirations where he talked about being proud to be an American and the places that we all can go if we aspire too. After rest and relaxation we had a group session! It started to storm so we headed to the recreation hall where we did a dutch auction! We filled one pillowcase with random items from our cabin and then the adult staff called out what item they wanted. The first person to find it in the bag and present it to the staff won a point! We did group planning for campfire with our sessions and then headed off for dinner! We had pasta with hamburger and sauce and bread sticks. After dinner we lowered the flag and headed off for the sessions we had missed in the afternoon. About 15 minutes after we went to sessions it started raining really hard! Everyone ran back to the recreation hall and we decided to dance and play board games to wait the rain out. The whole camp was a giant puddle!  We were able to get goodies from the camp store and shaved ice! We headed off to campfire where we the Cat in the Hat stole the time capsule we made for camp! Luckily we rescued it! We also had a few group skits, and a tongue twister challenge from the counselors. At the end Chuck from the staff told us a great story to finish the campfire. We did our friendship circles and headed off to bed! We are looking forward to 4 sessions tomorrow, and the counselors are planning the “war game” for us tomorrow night! We have many activities planned for the last night including a closing ceremony and a dive in movie!

4-H Camp Palmer - Green Grinch Day

We started the day off right today with a polar bear dip (swimming) and an early bird run! Rise and shine was at 7:00am with a “Proud to be an American” flag raising. We had pancakes and sausage for breakfast (or cereal and fruit if we wanted). After breakfast we cleaned up our cabins for cabin contest and did our part to keep camp clean by picking up trash and tidying up our public spaces. Two groups of campers went to participate in shooting sports in the rifle and shotgun disciplines. We have a shooting range here at camp and we go over safety and how to use a firearm before shooting. Our instructors are Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports certified and have lots of experience! We had our first group session at 9:30am this morning. We went with our campfire groups and participated in swimming, line dancing, gaga ball, stomp (music with random objects), and kickball! After that session we were able to pick our sessions which included:  putt putt, line dancing, dodgeball, crafts (friendship bracelets and paracord survival bracelets), canoeing, H20 volleyball, card games, and basketball! We had some free time before lunch to play on main camp with the gaga pit, 9 square in the air, and swings! For lunch we had chicken quesadillas and French fries! Before rest and relaxation we heard inspirations about “Being Unique”. We were all rested up and ready for our large event of the day….Super Suessical Suspense! We played water kickball, sponge dodgeball, fish dip (we fished sweedish fish out of a swimming pool of jello), water volleyball and a fun game of find the ham with green pudding (vanilla) and ham (starbursts). We dismissed in time to clean up and refresh before heading to dinner. Right before dinner it started pouring rain! We were able to play in the rain and enjoy the summer shower (no lightning or thunder). For dinner we had chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. After singing songs in the dining hall we dismissed for flag lowering, and went into group planning for campfires! Before we went to campfire we participated in a dance, recreation, and photo booth!


The photo booth had lots of props, a backdrop and resulted in a whole photo album of fun pictures! Tonight was the “Act without a hat” and the Grinch returned! We had a green eggs contest, and a I wish I had duck feet contest with flippers and sweedish fish! All the groups showed off some awesome skits, and we danced the night away! After dancing we had friendship cirlces and the outposters headed out to the Adirondack shelter house. They will sing songs and sleep under the stars tonight, and make breakfast in the morning! It’s past lights out here at Camp Palmer and all the staff and counselors are ready for a good nights sleep! 

Cat in the Crazy Hat Day!

July 5th, 2013

The first day is always exciting! The counselors are excited for the arrival of their campers, the staff is still peppy, and the kids are bursting with excitement like it is Christmas! We registered in a total of 240 people including 86 campers, 21 counselors and 4 adult staff from Van Wert County! Campers settled into their new home for the week (their cabins) for a meeting and a chance to meet their bunk mates! We covered important things such as a deep swim test, pool and canoe rules, and emergency drills such as inclement weather or a fire. Adults set the tables for our first dinner of lasagna and breadsticks! We sang camp songs, and introduced warm fuzzies to campers. During dinner the Grinch stole our spirit stick! While the counselors were very upset we had a good feeling we would see that Grinch again! After our dinner we lowered our American flag and headed off for a camp picture! With that many people we took a while to get all settled, but it was right off to dances and ice breakers in the recreation hall! The permanent (Camp Palmer) staff showed us all some new dances, and we all busted a move while getting to know one another. We had a snack of indoor smores and milk, and headed off for campfire planning. We reported to campfire where we were asked to send a participant for “sam I am” where we played simon says competing with their groups! After a winner was declared, we got down to business hunting down the Grinch. Of course he showed up, and we were able to convince him to share the spirit stick!

We also dressed one person from our group up to be the best “Dr. Suess” character. We had some good competition with green eggs and ham, little Cindy lou, and even a cat in the hat! During campfire the permanent staff showed us a skit about “How Dr. Suess characters eat” and it was very funny! After campfire we celebrated the end of night #1 with a dance in the recreation hall. After showers and putting our PJ’s on – all the campers and staff had a great night’s rest. We look forward to sharing the rest of the week with you all! Tomorrow is sessions, and a “Super Suesical Suspense”—they said there is lots of water and fun to be had tomorrow afternoon! 

The Hustle & Bustle before 4-H Camp

Five days, four nights of cabins, non-stop activities, games, giggling, and fun! With over six months of preparation these days have been carefully thought out to a theme, and the counselors have had training to meet American Camping Association (ACA) standards.

Each counselor completes 24 hours of training including the history of camping, youth protection, child abuse, supervision, developmental stages of children, behavior management, homesickness, diversity, basic healthcare of campers, and emergency procedures. These skills help the counselors prepare for many of the challenges they face as a surrogate parent in the 4-H camp environment. Counselors are prepared to handle a whole array of situations. Throughout the camp adults help counselors work with youth and handle especially tough situations of homesickness.  While at camp our counselors help kids learn at sessions, teach crafting, dancing, put together their planned activities, and inspire the creative minds of those youth who are at camp to have fun, but to also experience new things.

On top of all of the training counselors must also plan camp. They choose a theme, select sessions for youth to participate in, plan large group activities, campfire skits, and build decorations for their cabin, and the other areas of camp. This year our theme is Dr. Suess!

Once the planning has begun we start putting it all together. For the last two weeks the Extension Office has looked like a mini-art studio with paint, yarn, glitter glue, and paper. For the past two weeks I have been blessed to have a number of very hard working counselors in our office putting the final touches together and working collaboratively to make camp the best it can possibly be! In last few hours we have carefully packed our trailer, and the office seems to be returning to a state of normalcy…until fair that is.

Next time you hear someone tell you that they are a 4-H Camp Counselor remember one thing: the youth standing in front of you has worked hard to be able to work with youth, is American Camping Association certified, and has the trust of me and my staff, and is highly responsible. 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It is often what I would call “The most wonderful time of the year” as we are days away from 4-H camp, closing in on 4-H judging and it seems that the days go faster and faster as those deadline approach! Make sure that you pass along the information for making judging appointments.

We will be signing up for fair entry online like last year. ALL projects must be entered in order to get a premium through the Fair. We will help with entry at the July judging, and an information sheet will be sent to homes to give you a step by step guide.

Please note that youth who cannot attend their judging, must come to a make up at the other judging. They will still need to sign up for a time slot.

If you have information that you would like to see in the papers, please email them to me! I would love to get them in our weekly section of the Times that is published on Thursdays. We are always looking for 4-H members of the week, so please submit names of youth that you think are deserving.

The update next week will be at least delayed until I return (and recover from the lack of sleep) from camp. We return on the 9^th and unload on the 10^th. If you have immediate questions please feel free to  call the office (or email me as I will be checking it at camp).

Keep updated on information at https://www.facebook.com/vanwert4h and through our Blog at http://vanwert4h.blogspot.com/ with club news, column postings and stories about the behind the scenes here in Van Wert County!

Downloadable Livestock Books

The 4-H livestock books are available for download! Use the following links to access them! 

• Livestock Book Explanation
• Market Record Book
• Breeding Project Book