Oahu 4-H - Newsletters

Hey 4-Hers! The upcoming county camp will be held on February 13th through the 15th at Camp Mokuleia. More information will be forthcoming. Reserve the dates for a fun filled weekend!

Leaders, please give me a count of how many people will be interested in attending by January 15. You can contact me through email, which is tobikaneshiro@hotmail.com, or you can call me at (808)218-3368. Thank you!

Tobi Kaneshiro

‘Health Rocks’ was visible at three community events for the 2008-2009 year, the American Heart Association Heart Walk, Children & Youth Fair at the Capitol and KidsFest at the Bishop Museum where we joined forces with “Germ City”.

Volunteers from the Pot of Gold Club, Just US, Double Decker II, and Farrington FCCLA created public awareness, with their ‘Health Rocks’ message - we can make healthy lifestyle choices. The participants attending the events had a lot of fun and learned some surprising answers when playing the ‘Fact or Fable’ game. The volunteers shared how important it is for youth to value themselves and taught the public to learn the truth behind what the media says, before deciding to smoke, take drugs or drink alcohol.

The volunteers did an amazing job and all of the events were a success! In fact, letters of appreciation were received from Good Beginnings, sponsors of the AHA Heart Walk and also from Suzanne Chun-Oakland, chairperson for the Children and Youth Day at the Capitol!

Here are photos from the recent fashion revue. Thanks to photographer Daryl Fukunaga for sharing these pictures!

During this holiday season, the Warriors 4-H Club participated in a festive service project. On December 6, 2008, the Warriors wrapped Christmas presents for children of foster families. After suitable gifts were selected for each child, they were wrapped with love and care in brightly colored paper.

On December 13th, the gifts were distributed at the Family Programs Hawaii Christmas party held at the NBC. Each family was given the gifts that were selected especially for them the prior week. When the gifts were delivered, the joy was apparent, not only on the faces of the foster children, but on the Warriors as well. This was a very pleasurable service project that the Warrior will surly participate in again next year.

Extension staff have been visiting some of the military 4-H sites around the island and are excited about what clubs are doing this year. In December, Aliamanu Teen Center’s Cooking Club made “11 minute Jam” using strawberries and pineapple. Youth practiced skills in following a recipe, measuring and cutting with leader Maria Tobin helping. After completing the jam, some youth decided to have a “taste-test” with the store bought jam in the fridge to see which was better. They concluded that while their jam tasted better, the store bought jam had better “jam-like” texture.

Also in December, the Art and Crafts 4-H club at Bennett Youth Center held a regular meeting and conducted the “Pass the Sculpture Please” activity from 4-H curriculum. Although the club has recently shrunk due to families moving away, the four current members are enthusiastic and each has an “officer” role in the meeting.

To help young 4-Hers understand the meaning of family, and all the different kinds of families especially for the holidays, leader Charlene Harvest led the Cloverbuds at Helemano through the “Family Flower Power” activity in the Cloverbuds curriculum. The kinders talked about their family and how many people they have in their family. Some were amazed at how big families can be!

4-H and Nickelodeon Partner to Launch New Online Game
National 4-H Council has partnered with Nickelodeon's "Big Green Help" to create a brand-new, interactive online game-- "Flip N' Flow"--featuring the network's animated boy-genius Jimmy Neutron. The game is in support of 4 H's Science, Engineering and Technology communication campaign to spark youth interest in science and prepare one million new young people for America's technology workforce. Nickelodeon's "The Big Green Help" is a kid-led movement that provides information and tools to help explain climate change to young people, and connects them to energy-saving and earth-friendly activities in their everyday lives.

The "Flip N' Flow" game is available online at 4-H.org. Youth can play the game and access materials to share with friends. Check out this fun activity which gives youth and mentors the opportunity to learn about water conservation and challenges them think about steps they can take to participate in going green!

Make Personal Pledge for Change and Win Chance to Attend Presidential Inauguration
As we usher in this exciting new era of change we recognize that everyone can play a part. So, how will YOU commit to bringing about change in your neighborhood, your community or your nation? America's Promise and the Case Foundation invite people across the nation to join the "Change Begins with Me" campaign by sharing how you will contribute.

Share your commitment in 250 characters or less and enter for your chance to win two tickets to Washington, DC and be a part of the official inauguration and celebratory events, and participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 19. This day offers Americans the opportunity to unite as a country to build stronger communities and create a better nation. Find out how you can take action on this day by donating your time and efforts in honor of one of America's greatest leaders.
For more information and to submit your pledge, visit Case Foundation. Deadline for submission is January 12, 2009 AT 3PM EST.

Also, General Colin Powell and Alma Powell are featured in a public service announcement encouraging individuals and organizations to learn about service projects in their communities and lend time and energy to make the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday a "day on" rather than a "day off." Visit, America's Promise and view the PSA, post it on your web site and social networking sites, and distribute to your network by email.

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/

If you have a disability and require special assistance during any of our planned 4-H activities, please call the applicable County Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent two weeks prior to the event.

We welcome your story ideas and 4-H job listings.
Please e-mail them to nakatsuk@hawaii.edu

Oahu 4-H Newsletter Online