Our primary objectives in the Share-the-Fun program are to encourage 4-H members to: 1) discover and develop their talents and 2) to develop confidence in self and performing before others. This score sheet is designed to have judges evaluate 4-H members’ performances, give members feedback to assist with their continuous development, and assist in the selection of acts that can be used in an exciting, entertaining variety show.

To help youth develop skills in the preparation and use of chicken and to acquire the ability to express their ideas proficiently and efficiently through participation in projects, talks, discussions, demonstrations and exhibits.

Public Speaking challenges the contestants to develop and deliver a message that informs, influences or entertains an intended audience. They will plan and deliver a speech with an effective beginning, middle and conclusion. The audience, appropriate topic, purpose, research of supporting materials, and appropriate methods of delivery will be considered.

The Virginia 4‑H Turkey Barbecue Contest Guide provides comprehensive guidelines for youth participating in competitive turkey barbecue events at the unit, district, state, and national levels. This publication outlines contest objectives, age eligibility requirements, rules and procedures, scoring criteria, and award structures while emphasizing food safety, proper poultry preparation techniques, and nutritional education. Contest components include sensory evaluation, barbecue skills, and an illustrated oral presentation covering the turkey industry, food safety practices, and nutritional value. Designed to support experiential learning and youth skill development, this guide serves as an essential resource for 4‑H members, educators, and Extension agents preparing for the Virginia 4‑H Turkey‑Que competition and the National 4‑H Poultry and Egg Conference.

The Radio and Public Address contests provide 4-H youth with an opportunity to express themselves clearly,organize their ideas and have confidence. By competing in this contest, youth learn valuable life skills in effective communication that they will use throughout their lifetime.

The Science Fair Presentation& Display Contest provides youth with the opportunity to communicate scientific experiment by using the scientific method.

Extemporaneous Speaking challenges contestants to think quickly and prepare a speech on an assigned topic with little preparation. Participants will draw three possible topics, choose one, prepare for 15-30 minutes, and then deliver a 2-5 minute speech response.

Fashion Revue is a contest that aims to increase youths’ knowledge of consumerism, textiles, and garment construction while providing opportunities to express fashion trends and appropriately present themselves. Categories exist for purchased and constructed garments.

During the summer months of 2017, a team of Virginia 4-H extension agents and a 4-H extension specialist surveyed currently active teens and their parents/guardians to gather insight on how they became involved in 4-H, what keeps them engaged in the program, what they have learned as a result of their participation, how they are utilizing what they have learned, and their familiarity with the variety of opportunities available to teen 4-H members. As a result, 233 teens and 388 parents/guardians responded to the survey, representing all four districts and 71 of our 106 counties and cities in Virginia. The age range of teen respondents was 13-19 years old. This publication highlights the key findings from the study.

During the summer months of 2017, a team of Virginia 4-H Extension Agents and a 4-H Extension Specialist surveyed currently active teens and their parents/guardians to gather insight on how they became involved in 4-H, what keeps them engaged in the program, what they have learned as a result of their participation, how they are utilizing what they have learned, and their familiarity with the variety of opportunities available to teen 4-H members. As a result, 233 teens and 388 parents/guardians responded to the survey, representing all four districts and 71 of our 106 counties and cities in Virginia. The age range of teen respondents was 13-19 years old. This publication highlights the key findings from the study.

This video is for family members who are looking to gain more ideas to enjoy time together, especially with varying age groups and interests.

In light of elevated conversations around race and racism, this session shares an avenue for adults to provide space for youth to voice their thoughts, concerns and ideas in a brave manner that seeks to bridge, and not divide.

The presenters and panelists discuss ways to reach, serve and support youth from all racial and ethnic backgrounds in programming efforts.

A panel of youth share their ideas and perspectives on the current conversations about race and racial justice, including the role of youth in supporting community healing. Current programming examples in Virginia and North Carolina that amplify youth voice using various art forms and digital media are also shared.

From how to spend the holidays, budget choices, and how to manage a home or work challenge, we’re making an unprecedented number of decisions right now. Join as mental health specialist Alan Rasmussen shares strategies we can use right now and for life!

What do you want to accomplish in 2021? How can you set the goal and ensure you meet it? Whether it's health-related, financial, relationships, work, or other arenas, this session will help you chart a path to reaching your goals. Join as Alan Rasmussen shares strategies that can be applied across all dimensions of our lives.

This session fosters greater resiliency to support individuals' ability to not only overcome adversity but also to accomplish goals by building solid self-competence and self-confidence. We take a look at signs of low self-esteem, what may have contributed, and how to build healthy self-esteem.

Strategies are shared to help adults move forward through tough and challenging circumstances.

Summer learning loss is when students fall behind in their learning during the long summer break. Following a year of schooling during COVID-19, the learning loss may be even more pronounced since many kids lost access to traditional education models and resources provided in K-12 schools. In this session, Dr. Tori Gelbert shares strategies that adults can use to help support continued engagement and learning during the summer in fun ways, including at-home activities and some formal programs.

Are you or someone in your life experiencing fear or anxiety? Many people are feeling the same way. Fear or anxiety can last for a short period of time or linger. Sometimes fear or anxiety can keep you from doing things you want or need to do. They can also affect your health and impact your ability to eat, sleep, concentrate, enjoy life, leave the house, or go to work or school. This session will provide strategies to help ourselves and others dealing with fear or anxiety.

Are you living the good life… or would you like to? Despite how things appear, it is possible! Certainly, there are enough hard things happening that we can lose sight of the positive. We may also feel overwhelmed with circumstances at times. In this session, Dr. Kim Allen shares strategies for how we can create a “good life” for ourselves. Using our strengths to our advantage, connecting with others, having fun, and focusing on the positive are some of the tips that will be addressed. Dr. Allen never disappoints and is sure to encourage, support, and inspire us in this session!

This past year, there has been a lot to keep up with on the money end. And now there are additional changes coming. Thankfully, financial management expert Dr. Travis Mountain provides important personal and family finance tips, along with information and updates on: • Advance child tax credit payments • Stimulus payments and dependents • Student loan repayments that will resume soon • Eviction moratorium coming to an end

So many of us feel like our minds are constantly racing, we're having to make more decisions than ever, and it's harder to concentrate, plan, and focus. With the ongoing pandemic and the related shifts and adjustments we keep making, it's no wonder we're struggling with planning, organizing, or even having clarity of thought. Join as Dawn Burton guides us in ways to intentionally slow down and regain the focus we need to avoid errors or short-sighted decisions that lead to additional stressors. Let’s prevent (or break) this cycle!

How adults model healthy resilience strategies for youth is more important than anything they could say about it. So what exactly is resilience, why is it so important, and how do we help build that youth skill? This session will give an overview of the key components of resilience that are important for anyone to know, whether as a parent or just part of the village it takes to support our youth in today’s world!

The number and types of stressors related to heading back to school are unprecedented, as is the mental toll it is taking on adults and youth. As adults, how can we manage the barrage of emotions we’re feeling? How can we support the students in our lives as many are returning to in-person school for the first time in over one year. For others, the new Delta variant and conversations about masking are adding to the stress overload. In this session, Mental Health America of Fauquier County will share strategies we can all use.

There's been a lot of discussion lately about the connections between social media use and mental health among both teens and adults. In fact, the US Surgeon General issued a report about the issue. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf In this session, we delve into the pros, cons, and recommendations for using social media in ways that are helpful and strategies to avoid harmful practices.

Virginia Cooperative Extension takes pride in the premise that vital programming is based on the issues, problems, and needs of the people. A thorough analysis of the situation provides context for understanding and addressing these problems. Each local office updates their situation analysis every 4-5 years.

Onboarding new agent hires is a collaborative effort at the state, district, and local levels. Unit Coordinators (UCs) play a vital role in this process. It is important that UCs know all aspects of the VCE Onboarding process as they begin planning for a new hire in their unit office.

A career in Extension offers a diverse and rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community. This publication is based on a webinar with experienced Extension professionals who shared insights, tips, and encouragement for building a successful career in Extension. The information below is derived from that conversation and is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather a starting point for defining your strategies for success as you embark on your career. Finding your place in the diverse world of Extension takes time, relationships, conversations, and self-honesty. You have a network of colleagues cheering for your success!

Extension offers many paths to leadership at the district and state level. This publication is based on an online seminar with experienced Extension professionals sharing their insights, tips, and experiences applying and interviewing for various district and state roles. The information below is derived from that conversation and is intended to offer strategies and advice for district and state level applications and interviews.

One key responsibility of VCE unit leader positions is the preparation, submission and approval of local budget requests. UCs/UEDs must also manage locally appropriated funds in full compliance with Virginia Tech (VT) and VCE policies and procedures.

VCE unit leaders foster strong relationships and maintaining open communication with local government officials to keep them informed of Extension activities and included in relevant initiatives. Unit leaders actively engage with local government, support community priorities, and seek opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that align with Extension’s mission and the needs of the locality.

VCE unit leaders use a coaching style to motivate, encourage, and support unit staff. Leaders foster a positive work environment and manage interpersonal dynamics within the unit, including conflict, to ensure a collaborative and productive team culture.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, represent VCE in negotiations with local government regarding new or updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations between VCE and local partners while ensuring alignment with current VCE and Virginia Tech policies, guidance, and strategic priorities.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, represent VCE in negotiations with local government regarding new or updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations between VCE and local partners while ensuring alignment with current VCE and Virginia Tech policies, guidance, and strategic priorities.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, work with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Human Resources office to develop and recruit for classified staff, wage and faculty employment positions. Unit Leaders ensure that hiring efforts align with VCE’s standards and attract candidates who are well-suited to serve the needs of the local community.

Unit leaders are expected to organize regular unit meetings, designed to foster team cohesion and identify opportunities for collaboration. Unit Leaders also share key district and state-level initiatives, and reinforce policies and expectations to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.

VCE unit leader positions cultivate strong local relationships and partnerships which help the unit identify individuals who can serve on Extension Leadership Council (ELC) to reflect the needs and priorities of the community. Units can leverage the collective input of an ELC to guide programming decisions. and ensure that Extension programs remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with local interests.