State 4-H Events

State 4-H Sheep Project Clinic
Held annually in February at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus, this event is open to New England 4-H members, leaders and parents as well.   There are separate workshop tracks for juniors and seniors.   Learn more about evaluating sheep, meat and carcass evaluation, health care, working with wool and participate in a skill-a-thon and quiz bowl.

State 4-H Dairy Clinic
Annual event held in March at the UConn Storrs campus.   The 4-H Dairy Clinic is open to any 4-H member interested in learning about dairy animals.   It features an opening general session followed by hands-on, skill-a-thon workshops on topics of dairy feeds, animal health, dairy products and a dairy jeopardy game.

Connecticut 4-H Goat Day
Annual event held at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus in early April.   The program is designed for enrolled Connecticut 4-H'ers ages 7-18, parents and 4-H leaders.    Examples of workshops include showmanship and dairy goat judging, goat nutrition, Mastitis testing for dairy goats, cheese making, soap making, safe milk handling, fun activities and door prizes as well.

State 4-H Public Presentation Contest
The 4-H Public Speaking Program provides an opportunity for 4-H'ers to develop poise and self confidence while speaking about what's important to them.   4-H'ers prepare an original speech on any topic.   The State 4-H Public Presentation Contest is the culmination of the local public presentation events held at the county level.   The contest has been expanded to include the additional category of "visual presentation".  Each county may send one senior (age 13-18 as of the current program year) finalist in the speech category (using note cards only) and one senior finalist in the visual presentation category.  Visual presentations may be a demonstration (one person, not a team), illustrated talk or power point presentation.  The event is held annually in early April.

State 4-H Fashion Revue
Annual event held in early April.   Senior 4-H members, 13 and over as of January 1 of the current program year, may be selected for participation in the State 4-H Fashion Revue in one of two categories; a sewn project or a consumer education project.  In the sewn project category (Incredible Creations) the participant must sew the complete outfit.  They must attend the evaluation with their garment and accessories, model in their local area revue and receive a blue ribbon, and be selected to the local court of honor.  In the consumer education project (Smart Shopper) the participant uses the Smart Shopper Workbook to assess their needs.  Using the workbook, they complete a notebook and purchase a complete outfit for $35.00 or less.  Participants must attend the evaluation with the notebook and the purchased outfit, model in their local area revue and receive a blue ribbon, and be selected to the local area court of honor.  At the State 4-H Fashion Revue a Court of Honor will be named for both the sewn project and the consumer education category.

State 4-H Photography and Art Contests
The contest is open to all registered Connecticut 4-H members, ages 7-19. Membership in a 4-H photography project or expressive arts project is not required.   The contest has two categories which are photography and artwork.   There are two separate divisions for each contest that may be entered - Junior ages 7-12 or Senior ages 13-19.     Individuals may submit up to two items for each contest.   Entries are due to the State 4-H Office by February 15 and ribbons are distributed at the annual State 4-H Day held in early April.

Contest Guidelines

State 4-H Talent Show

The talent show is open to all registered Connecticut 4-H members, ages 7-19.  The purpose of this event is to provide 4-H members with another opportunity to demonstrate their creativity through the performing arts.  Talent acts may be presented by an individual or group and may be drawn from dance, dramatic, variety, instrumental and vocal arts.  Entries must include registration form along with a standard vhs videotape, cd or dvd of the intended performance.

Talent Show Guidelines

State 4-H Citizenship Day
Youth observe state government by participating in workshops at the state Capitol as well as meeting with legislators and other government officials.   Workshops may include holding mock debates and votes on a selected topic of interest to teens.   Held annually in April, for ages 12-18.   Teens are invited to be on a planning committee for this event.

State 4-H Marine Science Day
4-H Marine Science day is an annual event held in August at the University of Connecticut, Avery Point Campus for youth aged 11 and up with accompanying chaperon.   Youth have the opportunity to participate in an on-shore workshop learning about the different types of coastal environments and species of seaweed, mollusks and other beach organisms.   Additional workshops may be offered, however, the highlight of the day is the two-and-a-half hour boat trip aboard the Project Oceanology Envirolab vessel.   Here participants get to use onboard instruments, and set the trawl net and help pull up their catch which is then examined with a marine biologist.

Registration Form

4-H Teen Connection Conference
Held on even numbered years at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus in July, this conference provides experiences in personal development, leadership education, and career exploration in a college setting.   The event is open to all teens entering ninth through twelfth grades.   Teen Ambassadors assist with conference planning.  

The Ragged Hill Woods Environmental Education Program

The Ragged Hill Woods Environmental Education Program has been providing quality programming in Connecticut's northeast corner since 1975.  The purpose of the program is to foster understanding of the complexities and interconnections that characterize our planet; to nurture a life-long respect for our environment; to cultivate a sense of wonder.  The program complements state science standards and enhances existing classroom curriculum with hands-on experiential lessons.

The Program is a unique model of collaboration between the Connecticut Audubon Society, Eastern Connecticut State University, the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System, and the Windham County 4-H Foundation, Inc.

Ragged Hill Woods Registration/Program Information

Teen Leadership Weekend
Connecticut teens ages 13-18 have an opportunity to participate in this conference to learn about and practice leadership skills.   Emphasis is on developing and improving leadership skills; teens are not required to already be in a leadership role.    Teen Ambassadors assist with planning of this annual conference held in November.

Regional 4-H Events

Southern New England 4-H Poultry Show and Showmanship Contest
Annual event held in March at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus. This event is open to 7-19 year olds with a limit of three birds per exhibitor.   Please see web site for details including registration form:  

New England 4-H Dog Clinic
The New England 4-H Dog Clinic is a one-day event which is open to all registered 4-H Dog Project members 9-18 years of age and their registered 4-H project dog.  This interactive workshop day provides an opportunity for 4-H dog project members to further develop project skills in dog showmanship and obedience as well as to gain new knowledge in areas such as grooming, agility, general dog knowledge and careers.  4-H dog project youth members from all New England States are invited to attend this event each April.  Enrollment in the New England 4-H Dog Clinic is limited to 50 participants.

4-H Programs at Eastern States Exposition
Youth 4-H members ages 12 and over have opportunities to participate in 4-H livestock programs as well as non-animal programs at Eastern States Exposition.   Each animal program has its own criteria for delegate selection and age; see Connecticut selection criteria below.   Applications, and in some cases, tryouts are required for selection as a delegate.   Delegates represent Connecticut 4-H in their animal project area in livestock competitions held at Eastern States Exposition during The Big E.   Opportunities to participate in the New England Center for non-animal activities are also available during The Big E.   4-H clubs can demonstrate a variety of activities.   Opportunities are also available to perform a talent or demonstrate a skill on the stage in the New England Center.

Connecticut Selection Criteria

http://www.thebige.com/agriculture/4-H/index.html

National 4-H Events

Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup
This is the national culminating activity for senior (14-19 year old) state winners of the eligible Academic Horse Contests and Horse Speaking Contests.   The Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup is traditionally held in Louisville, KY in early November.   Winning teams are responsible for a portion of their expenses.   You must be a registered 4-H volunteer to enter a team or individual on the state level in contests.   Interested coaches who are not 4-H volunteers should contact their local 4-H office for more information.

http://www.4hroundup.com

In order to be considered for any of the opportunities listed below, teens must complete and return the Connecticut 4-H Recognition Form to their local 4-H Office by the due date issued by that local 4-H Office.   A selection process of all those submitting forms occurs first at the county level; those recommended proceed to a state level evaluation which includes an interview and application review process.   Candidates selected for these opportunities will then be contacted by the State 4-H Office.

Citizenship Washington Focus

CWF provides an opportunity for selected Connecticut teen delegates to visit Washington, D.C. to learn more about our national government through workshops, meetings with national legislators, and with other teens from throughout the country.   Teens must be ages 15-18, and complete a Connecticut 4-H Recognition Form by the County turn-in date.   Held on odd-numbered years during July.   Delegates are responsible for part of the cost.
http://www.4hcwf.org

National 4-H Congress
Teens ages 14-18 (as of January 1 of the current program year) may apply to become a Connecticut State Delegate to this leadership forum.   Youth delegates are exposed to current leadership, philosophy and research in critical areas such as agriculture, environment, community, families, youth and children and communications and technology.   Teens participate in a variety of hands-on workshops as well as other interactive events. Candidates must complete the Connecticut 4-H Recognition Form by their county's May due date each year.   Those applicants who are recommended then complete an interview process.   This is a Connecticut 4-H award trip; all trip expenses are paid by the Connecticut 4-H Program*.
http://www.national4-hcongress.com
 
National 4-H Conference
Teens ages 15-18 (as of January 1 of the current program year) may apply for this Connecticut State 4-H Award trip by completing the Connecticut 4-H Recognition Form and returning it to their county 4-H Office by the required December due date.   This conference raises the youth voice around issues and concerns facing youth in communities, provides opportunities for youth and adults to work cooperatively around real issues, and gives delegates the opportunity to help provide ideas for future 4-H program directions.   This is a Connecticut 4-H award trip; all trip expenses are paid by the Connecticut 4-H Program*.
http://4hconf.4-h.org
 
National 4-H Dairy Conference
Teens 15-18 (as of January 1 of the current program year) involved in the dairy or dairy goat projects may apply for this conference by completing the Connecticut 4-H Recognition Form by their county's May deadline.   Those nominated at a county level go on to a statewide interview process.   Those selected as delegates will travel to Madison, WI in September to meet with youth and adults from approximately thirty-five states.   The conference provides an opportunity for youth to meet with members of the dairy industry and develop a better understanding of the production and marketing of dairy products as well as provide a broad understanding of careers available in the dairy industry.
http://4h.uwex.edu/events/dairyconf/index.cfm

*costs paid for by the Connecticut 4-H Program do not include State Night Out, t-shirts, personal expenses, and extra night's stay.

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