Welcome to the San Miguel Basin 4-H Program!

The San Miguel Basin 4-H Program serves San Miguel and West Montrose counties. Our 4-H enrollment fee for ages 8-18 is $30 for the 1^st project ($35 for 1^st year Horse Projects) and $15 each additional project per year. Cloverbuds (ages 5-7) enrollment fee is $15 per year.

 INTRODUCTION

The 4-H Youth Development Program is a growing, changing and evolving organization of youth, volunteers and salaried staff who work together to provide a safe environment where Colorado 4-H youth develop life skills. The 4-H Youth Development program is unique from other youth organizations through its relationship with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Colorado State University (CSU), the state’s land-grand university; Extension (CE), San Miguel County, and Montrose County. With public, corporate and private-sector funding, the programs are research-based, age-appropriate, and designed for experiential learning. 4-H Youth Development programs are open to all economic, social & cultural groups, for youth ages 5-18 (as of January 1, 2019).

 THE 4-H’s

Head—clearer thinking and decision making. Knowledge useful throughout life.

Heart—greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self-concept, concern for others.

Hands—larger service, community service, workforce preparedness, useful skills.

Health—better living, healthy lifestyles.

 THE 4-H Pledge

I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to great loyalty, my HANDS to larger service and my HEALTH to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

 THE 4-H Value Set

We believe that youth development is the focus of everything we do.

We believe youth/adult partnerships are essential to successful youth development.

We believe that volunteerism is fundamental.

We believe in the strength attained from diversity across the entire range of 4-H experiences.

 THE 4-H PROJECT CLUB

All 4-H clubs have a 4-H adult volunteer leader who specializes in that project, and enjoys working with youth with at least 5 members. In these 4-H project clubs, youth members learn life-skills while learning the hands-on skill of the project. 4-H project clubs meet throughout the year, while focusing on setting goals and completing their 4-H project and record books for the Annual 4-H Exhibit Days in July at the SMB Fair. Our 4-H Exhibit Days & Shows provide opportunities for 4-H members to receive recognition and feedback on their 4-H project work. All 4-H projects earning Champion awards & higher are eligible to enter the 4-H/Colorado State Fair in Pueblo every August. Check out the different clubs on the website.

WHAT EVERY PARENT CAN DO IN 4-H

The most successful 4-H members have the interest and support of their parents.

If you are wondering just how you can help in 4-H, here are some pointers:

*Advise your child in selecting appropriate 4-H projects for your family setting.

*Some of our 4-H Clubs request that parents participate in the project club meetings. If your child is ages 5-7, please talk with your 4-H Leader regarding parent participation in project club meetings.

*Show your interest and enthusiasm for the projects selected.

*Help guide your child with the project, but don’t do it for him/her.

*See that when a project is started, it is completed satisfactorily.

*Projects should be suited to the abilities of your child.

*Keep informed on 4-H information that comes to members of your family.

(i.e. reading 4-H e-mails and marking your calendar/visit our web site/Facebook frequently)

*Offer your services to assist the 4-H volunteer project leader. Get to know your child’s 4-H Club Leader by offering to help set-up or clean-up. Please do not just drop your child off.

Parent’s can really help out & make a club thrive by participating.

*When the need arises, help find a local leader for our 4-H club(s). Always support the leader selected. There is probably a place for you to serve as a volunteer 4-H leader, perhaps a project leader in an area that interests you!

 4-H ENROLLMENT

SMB 4-H year starts early October through April 15th so all returning 4-H members must re-enroll each year by the date unless the rules say different. One can enroll in 4-H at anytime, but there are livestock deadline and requirements for all in order to show at fair. See the SMB Rules as well as the Colorado 4-H Policy Handbook. A current $30 4-H enrollment fee helps pay for club supplies, insurance, State 4-H fees, leader recognition, & awards. Financial Aid scholarships are available if needed. Got o https://co.4honline.com to enroll.

Once enrolled, you will receive our monthly “4-H Upcoming” e-mails with current SMB 4-H projects, events, activities. Then, RSVP to the 4-H office at 327-4393 or by e-mail at jordan.spor@colostate.edu, maryw@sanmiguelcountyco.gov, or yvette.henson@colostate.edu

4-H EXPECTATIONS & GOALS

 CODE OF CONDUCT

All 4-H members, leaders, and clubs are expected to abide by the Colorado 4-H Code of Conduct. The 4-H Code of Conduct is listed on your 4-H Enrollment Form and on our San Miguel County 4-H web site.

 MEMBER & CLUB COMMITMENT

4-H Members are expected to participate in all or most of the 4-H Project Club meetings throughout the year. When a child misses several classes, it is difficult for them to “catch up” to where the rest of the club is at on their 4-H projects. 4-H Leaders and Clubs are more productive and effective when their 4-H Members are all working at the same stage on their projects. Attendance at six club meetings is required to complete your project. If you do not meet the six meeting requirement, you cannot show or sell your animal at the SMB Fair.

 4-H RECORD BOOKS

All 4-H Members (ages 8-18) are required to complete 4-H Record Books for each one of their chosen project(s). Parents are encouraged to help your child complete their 4-H Record Books throughout the year. 4-H Livestock and Horse Record Books are due on the second Friday of August. If it is turned in late, you will not be eligible for any record book awards. 4-H General Project Record Books are due at the time of the General Project judging during fair. All 4-H Record Books are available on the the State/CSU 4-H web site at

http://co4h.colostate.edu/program-areas/projects/e-records/

Your 4-H Leaders will also assist 4-H Members on completing their 4-H Record Books. If you need your record book printed, please visit us in the office and we can print you a copy.

 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

All 4-H Members are expected to participate in at least one Community Service Project each year. Many of our 4-H clubs host different community service projects throughout the year—all 4-H members are encouraged to participate.

 STAY INFORMED

Please stay informed on all 4-H information by attending 4-H Club meetings, staying in touch with your 4-H Leader, and by frequently visiting our 4-H web sites listed below:

Facebook: Colorado State University Extension, San Miguel Basin, 4-H

State/CSU 4-H: http://co4h.colostate.edu/

4-H Shooting Sports: www.co4hshooting.org/

Thank you and welcome to San Miguel &West Montrose Counties (SMB) 4-H!

Jordan Spor, Extension Program Coordinator
4-H Youth Development
PHONE 970-327-4393; Fax: 970-327-4090
Jordan.Spor@colostate.edu

CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.