Anne Arundel County 4-H Updates
June 2021
Hello 4-H Families
This update will cover programming through the next few months. Please thoroughly review all information, mark your calendars, and keep an eye on due dates. It is a longer newsletter yet there are many things happening.
Some of you may have noticed the Extension websites have changed. We are still in the rebuilding stage. If you feel something is missing please let Christie or I know so we can do our best in getting resources back up.
Regards,
Gretchen
P.S. As soon as I send this something new may arise :) Please continue to watch our website and check your email for current events.
4-H Return to In-Person Programming Updates
This is exciting! New Baseline Conditions and Protocols are in effect as of May 25, 2021.
Although some restrictions have been lifted, there are still a few in place that must be adhered to. Below is an overview yet all details are located on the Maryland 4-H website pages for volunteers and families. Please review them carefully. Our transition continues to be fluid and updates will be shared as our conditions continue to hopefully, improve.
- There are no restrictions on capacity size yet when holding an indoor meeting/event the location must allow for 3ft of distancing between participants.
- Preapproval is NOT required, as always only Certified UME 4-H Volunteers, enrolled in the system may conduct activities.
- A Post Activity Report is required (including attendance record).
- UME Certified means the following are complete. 1) Enroll in 4-H OnLine and up-to-date on certification. 2) Completed the In-Person Programming training video/survey. 3) Vols. who served 5 or more years, complete the Volunteer Refresher video/survey.
- Baseline Conditions including location requirements, physical distancing, face masks, health statement, and additional requirements can be found here.
- Individual Health Pledges are not needed; affirmation of good health is confirmed when checking in using this attendance record.
- Background Checks: background check emails are sent via Sterling Volunteers, the email invitation will come from TheAdvocates@sterlingvolunteers.com. This is a legitimate email that will take you directly to the portal to complete the background check.
- NOTE: Each volunteer undergoing a background check must have a unique (personal) email address to receive the invitation link. i.e. if one shares an email in the 4HOnLine system with a spouse, that will not work. Please change one so they are different.
4-H Enrollment for All
For those that are attending the AAC Fair, a 4-H enrollment card can be used as your entry ticket. If you are not completely enrolled in 4-H by June 30, 2021, you will not receive a 4-H card for the 2021 year. No exceptions.
For ALL Volunteers: if you do not re-enroll for one year and then attempt to enroll the following, you will need to start the UME Volunteer Certification process over. As per state office: "Inactive volunteers that wish to “re-activate” after more than a 12 month lapse in activity should go through the Volunteer Onboarding Process (application, screening, interview, orientation and appointment paperwork)." Please do not let this happen - enroll for 2021.
Animal Husbandry and Quality Assurance (AH&QA) Is OPEN & Due n.l.t. July 31
~ In order to participate in an animal show all 4-H members enrolled in alpacas, beef, dairy, goats, horse and pony, llamas, poultry, sheep, swine and rabbits must complete the AH&QA training program requirements. (https://ahqa.umd.edu/).
~ For this year all AAC youth will complete the training regardless of when they last completed it. This will ensure everyone is up-to-date and will allow our county office to align enrollment with this training. Training must be completed no later than July 31, 2021 OR before youth participates in a show. NOTE: the site states it will close Aug. 10 - the due date for AAC is July 31st.
~ I am also requesting that youth bring any/all questions they have from the training to their club leaders. This training should be incorporated into educational meetings. Any questions, concerns, etc. should be discussed. This is a valuable learning opportunity.
~ Links to access 1) the 2021 Maryland 4-H AH&QA Information Sheet, 2) AH&QA Pre/Post Quizzes Study Parent Letter, and 3) the online AH&QA training program are posted on the Maryland 4-H website on the Animal Science Program page under Animal Science Resources.
Equine Updates
- Horse & Pony Cards are due July 1, 2021.
- MD 4-H Equine Showmanship & Equitation Standards can be completed for 2021. As youth complete Tiers please send that information to Gretchen. Information can be found on the MD 4-H state website under the Horse Program.
- On the state site you can also find a number of resources, guides, and events.
SUMMER CAMP: What's Smore Exciting?
The Anne Arundel Camp team is excited to announce that camp registration is open. We plan to move forward with resident camp the week of July 25-30, 2021.
4-H Teen Leadership Summit
Sessions include: Adulting 101, Public Speaking, Zoonosis, Making Change Happen, Youth Voice, and much more.
Youth Scholarship Information
Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarships 2021-2022
- Application schedule to open March 15th, due June 15th.
- For a list of current scholarships and to apply click here.
AAC 4-H Foundation provides scholarships to our county 4-H members and volunteers who attend County, State, National, or International events, trips and training. For further information about the 4-H Foundation’s scholarship program or if your 4-H club or team has a special request for financial support, please contact Mary Thomas at hackyt@aol.com.
Anne Arundel County Fair 2021
The Fair is Back and 4-H is Excited to Participate.
Youth can exhibiting projects from livestock to crafts to engineering!
Join us September 15 - 19 for a fair full of festivities. More details will be supplied as the dates near. Please watch for updates via email and on our county 4-H website. Details regarding how to register exhibits, fair ground clean-up days, and more will be given.
For those that are attending the AAC Fair, a 4-H enrollment card can be used as your entry ticket. If you are not completely enrolled in 4-H by June 30, 2021, you will not receive a 4-H card for the 2021 year. No exceptions.
Fair T-Shirt Design Contest
Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation, Inc. invites all county 4-H members to submit a design for the 2021 County Fair T-shirt. Deadline for submission is Wed. July 14. Click here for entry form and details. The winning design will be featured on the back of the 4-H fair T-shirt and the designer will receive $25 cash. For additional information, contact Mary Thomas at hackyt@aol.com.
Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award (Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation, Inc.)
The Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award was established in memory of Mrs. Terry Cooper, a dedicated 4-H volunteer who worked quietly behind the scenes doing whatever was needed to support the 4-H program.
This award may be given to one adult and one youth who have made a significant contribution to the 4-H program, but who have received little or no recognition for their efforts.
Anyone can submit a nomination, so please nominate a deserving adult or youth, form here. Nominations must be received by Wednesday, July 14th. If you have any questions, contact Mary Thomas at hackyt@aol.com
Did You Know...
The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation, Inc. was established to support the AAC 4-H program by promoting, encouraging, strengthening, and assisting activities to enhance 4-H throughout the county. The group offers scholarship, conducts numerous fundraisers, oversees the variety show and auctions & socials at the county fair just for starters. Their support of our programs is invaluable.
They are seeking new members as well as club representatives to join/attend meetings to determine how to better serve the County 4-H program. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at either the County 4-H Office or the County Fair Office at 7 p.m.; next meeting will be held on July 21st. For further information, contact Joan Mauritzen at jm0037@prattlibrary.org or Mary Thomas at hackyt@aol.com.
Anne Arundel County 4-H has a group of All-Stars?
The All-Stars is an organization of individuals who spent many years in 4-H in capacities such as leaders, 4-H members, volunteers, etc. Members are nominated and then applications are reviewed and voted on, and if selected, invited to join. Its membership is by invitation only and active service is expected of those who attain membership. All-Stars are supporters of 4-H programs and can mentor 4-H'ers and new families. If you are interested or know of someone that has a strong 4-H background and is willing to be an All-Star, please reach out to Joan Mauritzen at jm0037@prattlibrary.org or Mary Thomas at hackyt@aol.com and suggest a nomination.
Fair Grounds Upkeep
Public Speaking Contest
Judges are needed, if interested please contact Christie ckneipp@umd.edu. One does not need to be a UME Volunteer to help with judging.
Anne Arundel County 4-H
4-H Educator
Gretchen's Facebook
UME 4-H Facebook
Email: GSumbrum@umd.edu
Website: https://extension.umd.edu/locations/anne-arundel-county/4-h-youth-development
Location: 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD, USA
Phone: 410 222-3900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACO4H