Wednesday, September 15, 2010

4-H Connect

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I have been busy mailing out awards for various events and have been on 4-H Connect to collect addresses. I have noticed that many of our participants have "Inactive" status on 4-H Connect. THIS IS NOT GOOD! All participants, coaches, leaders, volunteers, etc need to re-enroll for the 2010-2011 4-H year. I can't stress this enough. Our events will begin utilizing 4-H Connect and registration can't occur if the kids aren't enrolled.

On that note, re-enrollment can be done at https://texas.4honline.com/Login.aspx?434850372944385D5E0F390D. If you have issues with the service, contact your county Extension office and they will be able to assist you.

Re-enrolling takes just a few minutes and will save you from many headaches down the road. Do yourself a favor and re-enroll. Remind your club members and friends, too.

Have a wonderful rest of the week.
-Karen

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

A Note on Clover Kids

I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! I just wanted to take a minute to clarify an issue I have been hearing about regarding the Clover Kid program. Although the Clover program is an affiliated group of 4-H, they are not allowed to participate in life fire shooting events. This restriction includes BB Gun.

I have had a few questions lately regarding this practice and wanted to take time to address it. Below you will find a blog posted by Dr. Chris Boleman, 4-H Program Director, regarding the involvement of Clover Kids in the 4-H Program.

Clover Kids Involvement in the 4-H Program
There seems to be some confusion regarding Clover Kids and their involvement in the Texas 4-H Program. It is critically important from a safety standpoint that we do not ignore the guidelines outlined in the 4-H Management Guide. Specific items to highlight from the guide are below:

- The 4-H program serves youth 9 years of age (or 8 years of age and in the 3rd grade) to 19.

- As an affiliated group, youth enrolled as 4-H Clover Kids have activities and programs suitable for their age group. Clover Kids are not eligible to participate in activities, recognition programs, and competitive events reserved for older youth. Competitive events and competitive judging are inappropriate for Clover Kids.

Please see the Texas 4-H Practitioners Blog for the complete blog posting.

As always, please contact our office if you have any questions regarding this issue. Have a wonderful rest of your week!

-Karen

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Howdy!

It seems you have found your way to the Texas 4-H Shooting Sports blog. Welcome! We are so excited to bring you a website that will contain up to date (and up to the minute) information on the happenings of our office.

Today begins a new era in our program. Larry Hysmith steps into the role as Director of 4-H Natural Resources Programs. I begin the day as the Progam and Events Manager for 4-H Shooting Sports. Janice Mohr remains in our office as our assistant on the front line. We could not be more thrilled to be the ones who will continue to guide this program as it becomes more multifaceted and connected to the other 4-H Natural Resources Programs.

Please know that we are here for YOU! We are here to serve the youth of Texas and empower them to "Make the Best Better." We are open to any comments and suggestions you may have. Feel free to contact our office at (979) 845-1214 or 4HShootingSports@ag.tamu.edu. 

Also, check out our new and improved website via texas4-h.tamu.edu and our Facebook page "Texas 4-H Shooting Sports."

-Karen