Welcome to Oahu 4-H's online newsletter.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

4 -H Leaders, Members, and Parents,

Didn’t summer just fly by? Well, now that it’s almost pau, it’s time look forward to a new, exciting 4-H year. The board will be planning the year at our retreat in August, and we’re looking for fresh, new ideas. Some items to look forward to: Rally Day, Food Show, Fashion and Photography Review (plus talent), Achievement Banquet, and much more.

Oahu County has all the ingredients for an excellent run, our experienced leaders, a mix of new and veteran clubs, a plethora supportive parents, and most of all, the 4-Hers. In collective spirit, we can all grow, do, learn, and thrive.   

The 4-H slogan is “learn by doing”, and I hope we can embody this. In my years as a 4-Her, the best part of meeting were always when we did stuff, be it GPS, robotics, or baking. Along with my club, I learned tangible skills and achieved things I never thought possible. 4-H provides the opportunity to engage in more “doing”, which ends up equaling more “learning”. Every 4-Her has the chance to develop know-how that lasts a lifetime.   

I would like to thank Aunty Rose and Aunty Wanda for mentoring me all these years; from them I learned many important skills, such as public speaking, teamwork, and how to think on my own.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding anything 4-H, please feel free to contact me or any of the board members.  

Aloha,
Farin Fukunaga

Can’t believe another 4-H year is upon us.  I had a good retreat with the Exec Board and it seems we are moving into this year with lots of energy and enthusiasm.  Please come to the Rally Day because the Exec Board will have the first Council meeting of the year, lunch and interactive activities.  They will introduce the calendar and budget for the clubs to vote on. 
With the start of the new 4-H year, we want the clubs to organize and if you can recruit new members that will be great.  I am in the process of starting two clubs.  One of the clubs will be a school base in Kaneohe and the other club will be in Moanalua. 

Rose Saito

The Oahu County 4-H Executive Board held its annual retreat at Turtle Bay the weekend of August 12-14.

The 4-H Executive Board consists of seven teens who work together to plan the 4-H calendar year and coordinate 4-H events.  Members of this year’s board, include President Farin Fukunaga, Vice President Jacob Lockwood, Secretary Emily Heydon, Treasurer Dwayne-Marie Edades, Sergeant-at-Arms Staci Kohashi, and Historians Erin Voss and Aiko Doike.

The members of this year’s executive board met with last year’s board President Kyrra Lau-Eglinton at the Estates at Turtle Bay for a three-day, two-night retreat.  At the retreat, the board members worked to revise the 4-H by-laws, discuss their duties as board members, and plan the 4-H calendar and budget for the 2011-2012 school year.  The board members also enjoyed a parliamentary workshop led by parliamentarians Bertha Kaui and Renee Chung.
           
The executive board planned many upcoming 4-H events, including the food show, fashion revue, and communications fair.  The board will meet monthly beginning in September at the Urban Garden Center in Pearl City.

Emily Heydon,
Secretary

The Cloverkids 4-H Club would like to thank everyone for helping make this year’s Achievement Banquet a success!  Special thanks to Renee Chung for the awesome leis, Just Us  for the beautiful fresh fruit center pieces, Kim/Joseph/Jacob Lockwood for registration, FCCLA for the icebreaker and for the elevator pitch for the Communication Fair, Wanda and the Warriors for manning the Silent Auction, Rose for the program, and Walter for the sound/music.  Also thanks Linda Lau Ahee for getting the sitting organized and for the meal arrangements.

Thank you to those who donated to the silent auction and to those who purchased the items. We made over $300. To all the clubs who donated the delicious desserts-that made the lunch even better.

Sorry about the tight quarters.  Recommendation to next year’s committee, check out the space when changes are made.  We were supposed to be upstairs and since our count changed, we were moved downstairs. I checked the upstairs accommodation, but did not check the downstairs accommodation when the change was made.

All in all, the show went on. Thank you all!  “Refresh, Refocus, Renew, and Revive!" We look forward to another year filled with many more activities such as the Communications Fair and the County Camp!

Becky Kanenaka and the Cloverkids Club

Rally day this year will be on September 18, 2011 at the Urban Garden Center from 11am-3pm.  Feel free to bring your family, a positive attitude, and a BIG appetite.  Here is a time for YOU to come out and have some fun while getting to know others.  The Executive Board will also be providing a lunch and a great time so... HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!! :o)

Aiko Doike-Foreman

	Members from the Farrington FCCLA group share their memories of the 2011 Ahaolelo: Angelica Manzano:  The 4-H conference was such an enjoyable experience and it got me to seriously consider going to UH for college after I graduate. Zane Toledo:  Those five days were the best days I had the whole summer, thank you for giving us some funds so we could attend. Jane Raquinio:  My Ahaolelo experience was a blast, since I am really shy and not really good at meeting new people, I was afraid to go.   This program has helped me to crack my shell a bit and meet new people. Gary Calzada:  I was very nervous of meeting new people, then I was assigned to room with Farin the president of the Oahu County 4-H executive board, John a member of the Farrington FCCLA, and Jasper. John Barayuga:  Overall it was sad that it had to end, as we had great rooming experiences in the dorms, to bonding with others from around the state. It was a great experience that I will always remember. Princess Domingo:  I liked the dorms we stayed in.  It made me realize that maybe going to UH Manoa for college is not a bad idea. Erickson Tabucol: In this event we did many activities which we could use outside of school and into our communities.  I highly recommend this event for new 4-H and FCCLA members. Dominic Nguyen: What impressed me the most is that we all had one thing in common, it was that we were all in 4-H and we wanted to impact our community through environmental science.  James Fernandez: I am so glad I took the opportunity to attend this conference.  It was absolutely a great experience, and I definitely would want to relive it again.  I appreciate everyone who made the event possible.

If you have not heard, Carol Ikeda, Extension Educator in Kona retired last month.  Her daughter, Kelsi, is making a thank you book for her with all of the comments she receives. If you would like to be included and have a Facebook account, you can go to the following link, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002650435513 to post your favorite memories through funny stories, photos, and well wishes. If you do not have a Facebook account, you can send her your well wishes by contacting her daughter, Kelsi, at kelsiikeda808@gmail.com

HOT is one word to describe my trip to Saipan, but I must say that AMAZING is probably the word to sum up the entire journey.  I recently had the opportunity to attend the Army Reserve Enrichment Camp (AREC) at the Marianas Trekking EcoCamp located in Marpi, Saipan .  The camp, which took place on July 25-29, consisted of 75 Army Reserve and 21 community youth ages 4-12.

The primary goal of the Army Reserve Enrichment Camp is to provide a fun, rewarding and meaningful experience through interaction and activities that translate into resilient military youth.  At these camps, the kids have the opportunity to meet other Army Reserve connected youth while gaining leadership, teambuilding and resiliency skills needed to effectively cope with the unique factors associated with being a military dependent.  Although it was the third Saipan AREC, it was the first OMK collaboration and incorporation of 4-H youth developmental programming.  OMK and Army Reserve Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) staff facilitated daily OMK activities with the campers that focused on life skills to not only help military youth during the deployment of a loved one, but also in everyday situations.  The life skills stres sed included problem solving, communication skills, stress management techniques, responsible citizenship, healthy living and fostering nurturing relationships. 

Ms. Tara Dixon, the CYSS Community Outreach Specialist, was the organizer of this successful AREC which received publicity from the local news station and coverage from multiple print media sources (friends, this is big time in Saipan!).  Ten Army Reserve Soldiers made a special visit to the camp to help conduct Military Day, a day devoted to military driven activities.  The youth campers enjoyed the likes of camouflage face painting, MRE tasting, military uniform and obstacle course relays, cadence, and boot camp.  “I learned about teamwork and listening, and I liked when the Army Reserve showed up and taught us how to march and sing,” says Noah, a 10 yr. old AREC participant. Ben, a 12 yr. old ca mp participant added “my dad is deployed and I liked how the soldiers took the time to come to the camp.”

Kiki Yoshimoto,
OMK Project Coordinator

Graduating seniors can join the Hawaii 4-H Alumni Association for free.  Just call Helene Zeug, membership chair, at 737-9017.  While a stiudent after high school graduation, dues will be $10 a year.  Remember, 4-H For a Lifetime.  Any questions, give Helene a call.

Over the summer, SCP Through SCP has assisted with the PACT Puuwai Momi Community Teen Program’s Summer Education Program.  Youth ages 5-13 years old were able to participate in a 2-hour session for four days a week.  Each session included 1 hour of multiplication math and 1 hour of spelling and writing.  At the end of the program, participants raced through a Decathlon that featured what they have learned.  There were 10 stations filled with spelling rules, various ways on working on multiplication problems, spelling bee, writing sentences, etc.  At the end of the event, everyone was able to enjoy pizza and ice cream.

SCP Through SCP was also fortunate enough to send 3 teens from the 4-H Puuwai Momi Leadership to participate in the 4-H Ahaolelo Conference.  Thanks to the 4-H Alumni Association, Maryann Bontog, Cheyenne Cullen, and Hulali Kinilau received scholarships to attend the conference.  The two photos are a few of the learning experiences that they participated in.

To kick-off a healthy and fun way to the school year, the 4-H Puuwai Momi Leadership put together the HalawaThon on Saturday, August 13th.  There were 16 youth and pre-teens who walked around the Puuwai Momi community, up Salt Lake Boulevard towards Radford High School and back down towards the center.  All participants who make it back to the finish line received school supplies and healthy snacks such as fruit and granola bars.  The first boy and the first girl (our very own Jaysha Militante-Hanamaikai from the 4-H Halawa Divas) who crossed the finish line received a special school box with other school supplies.  Leadership hopes to make the HalawaThon an annual event at the center and in the community.

Christine Hanakawa

We’re just a few weeks  away from the kick-off of 4-H National Youth Science Day! Get ready for your event with our simple event planning toolkits and share details of your event with us for a chance to win cash!

Our 2011 National Event Map is now live on the NYSD page! Help us populate the map by sharing the details of your community 4-H National Youth Science Day event!  To register, visit the NYSD Events page and share the date, time and location of your event. The map should populate with your National Youth Science Day program within 24 hours.

Questions? Email us at 4HNYSD@4-H.org

*Note: Your event must be registered in order to be considered for the 2011 Innovation Awards 

As part of the 2011 4-H National Youth Science Day initiative, National 4-H Council, with support from Toyota, is proud to announce that we will award $10,000 in Innovation Awards to state and local 4-H programs that hold NYSD events promoting innovation, community partnerships and service learning opportunities.
Award categories include creativity ($4,000); Revolution of Responsibility ($3,000) and media outreach ($3000). Only events that take place between July 1, 2011 and October 31, 2011 are eligible for entry. Click here for more information about the Innovation Awards.

The 2011 National Science Experiment kit – Wired for Wind – is now available for order on the 4-H Mall.  The Wired for Wind Kit can be purchased for $23 and provides a comprehensive set of materials that allows for at least ten youth to participate in the experiment. Be sure to plan at least 2 weeks for your kit to be ordered and shipped.

Join 4-H leaders throughout the 13 states in the Cooperative Extension Service Western Region for networking, learning, socializing, and swapping ideas for your club and county 4-H programs.  There is so much to learn and so many other volunteers to meet – it’s an event not to miss!

Early bird registration will be $225 September 1 to November 1 and regular registration, November 2-December 15, will be $325.  Registration information, links and additional details are available on the Wyoming State 4-H Web site at http://4-h.uwyo.edu/WRLF_12.asp

What happens at a Western Regional 4-H Leaders Forum? 
Check out the highlights below, it’s COOL!

• Gather and meet 4-H volunteers from the region during the progressive Welcome event, swap pins and mementos throughout the forum, visit the Share Fair and drop in at the Hospitality Suite
• “Why Do Teens Act That Way??? A survival guide to the teen brain” will be the topic of the keynote address presented by Dr. David Walsh.  The capnote speaker will be from the Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership.  In between, there will be over 83 hours of educational workshops so that all participants will return to their home county with new ideas, re-motivated and ready to take on a new 4-H year
• Make and take activities will be available for anyone who enjoys craft projects and wants to take something home
• Silent auctions, door prizes and much more

Family United             

A UH Manoa/Family Education Training Center Program for Parents and Youth
Fridays, 5:30-8:00 pm, UHM Miller Hall, September 16-December 9, 2011

Parenting Education & Family Leadership Training

• Meet families facing similar challenges
• Set up a cooperative family
• Deal effectively with problems such as: arguing, uncooperativeness, disrespect, homework procrastination, underachievement, sibling conflict, computer addiction, rebellion, substance use and others

Youth Education in Cooperative Group Belonging for small groups of:

• Young children (2-4 year olds)
• School aged children (5-8)
• Intermediates (9-11); and
• Teens (12 and up)

*12 sessions @ $20/3 hour session=$240, includes weekly evening meal for participants; call 956-2248 for further information and to register; leave your contact information for the Family United program and the manager will call you.   Funded by ADAD, Hawaii State Government. Parenting classes are court-approved.  Package Deal: Family United and Outdoor Corps for Teens programs=$30/week

Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program 
Deadline: October 31

Proposals for the following community improvement activities will be considered: repairs, refurbishments, and modifications to low-income and/or transitional housing or community facilities, weatherizing or increasing energy efficiency of low-income and/or transitional housing or community facilities; planting trees or community gardens and/or landscaping community facilities; and development of community parks or green spaces. Grants of up to $5,000 are made in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services. http://bit.ly/eIis5T 

Sodexo Youth Grants
Deadline: September 16

YSA will award 25 Sodexo Youth Grants of $500 each to support youth-led service projects in the United States that address the issue of childhood hunger during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week (November 13-20, 2011).  We're looking for projects that engage your peers, friends, families, neighbors, Sodexo employees, and other community members in creative, youth-inspired solutions to ending childhood hunger in your community. Learn more at www.YSA.org/grants/sodexoyouth      

The Global Green USA's Green School Makeover Competition
Deadline: September 30

Would you like to give your school a 'Green School makeover'? If so, Global Green USA wants to hear about it! To enter 'The Global Green USA's Green School Makeover Competition', work on an essay with a teacher, a parent, or your school's PTA. The winner of the contest will win the grand prize, a $65,000 'Global Green USA Green Makeover' for their school. Global Green USA will also award four finalists $2,500 to be used on green projects within their school. http://bit.ly/mxlHiY  

KaBOOM! Let's Play Spruce Grants
Deadlines: August 15, September 15, October 15, November 15

With support from Dr Pepper Snapple Group, KaBOOM! will be awarding grants of $750 each to communities this year who wish to make their playgrounds cleaner, safer and more inviting. Communities must demonstrate that they have maintained their playspace and they have led an improvement project in the last 60 days. Communities that demonstrate this will receive a $750 gift card to further enhance or improve their playspace. http://bit.ly/qNmqCs

GreenWorks! Grant Opportunity

Project Learning Tree, an award-winning national environmental education program for pre K-12 educators and their students, is providing up to $1,000 for schools and youth organizations that propose environmental service-learning projects. GreenWorks! encourages students to “learn by doing” through community action projects that improve an aspect of their school or their neighborhood’s environment. Some examples of past grant projects include energy conservation, habitat restoration, and watershed improvement. Deadline to submit grant application is September 30, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.plt.org/applyforagrant.

Light Up A Landmark for Lights On Afterschool Contest
Deadline: September 23

Thanks to longtime afterschool champion jcpenney, afterschool programs have another reason to get revved up for Lights On Afterschool this October 20: Tell us what you can light up for your Lights On Afterschool celebration and you may win up to $5,000! Start by registering for Lights On Afterschool and using the Event Planning Kit Eleven event winners will be selected nationwide: one Megawatt award winner: $5,000 and ten Spotlight award winners: $1,000. http://bit.ly/ouOxGF

E-Waste Drive Campaign Scholarship
Deadline: October 1

Do Something is partnering up with Best Buy and ENERGY STAR to run an E-Waste Drive campaign. Collect e-waste, deliver it to your local Best Buy store, and fill out a report back form.  DoSomething.org will be giving out $10,000 to the winning team to be used as an educational scholarship or project grant. Never fear! We'll make sure to split the money evenly among all your team members. Run an e-waste drive and fill out a report back form by October 1: http://bit.ly/qgU13a

UnitedHealth HEROES Grants
Deadline: October 17

The UnitedHealth HEROES program is a service-learning, health literacy initiative that awards grants to help youth, ages 5-25, create and implement local, hands-on programs to fight childhood obesity. The grants encourage semester-long projects that launch on MLK Day of Service  and culminate on Global Youth Service Day. Schools, service-learning coordinators, non-profits, and students in the health professions located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are eligible to apply for the $500 - $1,000 grants. Learn more at www.YSA.org/HEROES

4-H Clover Corner News
For additional articles on 4-H youth development nationwide, check out the National 4-H Clover Corner News at http://www.4hblogs.org/ccn/

We welcome your story ideas.
Please e-mail them to nakatsuk@hawaii.edu

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