Camp Cherry Lake The Myth - The Legend - The Camp

4-H CAMP CHERRY LAKE

    

The theme is “The Myth, The Legend, The Camp” 

Baker will be camping with Madison and Nassau counties again this year, The week of June 27th - July 1st . 

It promises to be a ton of fun.  Kayak and Canoeing; Swimming, Environmental Education topics, Archery, and Photography are a few of the classes to choose from.  Night time camp fires, singing, and line dancing galore.

It is important to get your pre-registration returned as soon as possible after April 1^st as sign-ups for classes will be on a first come first served basis. 

Pre-registration forms will be sent to all the campers from last summer as well as any 4-H members that are ages 8 to 12.   You will have a pre-registration to save your spot at camp that includes a way to pick your class choices.  By returning this registration with a deposit of $50.00 toward tuition we can begin your enrollment in camp this year.  A more complete camp registration packet will be required and that is available at the office after April 1st.

 

Camp is $200.00 to cover all the expenses, plus canteen, T-Shirt and bus travel.  

We have devised a budget system to help you with the costs of camp.  At this point, families can split the cost of camp up and pay $50.00 deposit in April and half the remaining balance in May the final balance in early June.  Make checks to Baker County 4-H  in the name of your sponsored child for Camp Cherry Lake.

Sponsorships and donations are also accepted if you would like to help sponsor a child in need.  Contact the office for details.  

SEE YOU AT CAMP!!!!

National Children's Study in Baker County

The National Children’s Study is having an open house celebration on Saturday, March 26^th from 10AM to 2PM.  Please come by and enjoy clowns, bounce houses, refreshments, the fire department and truck, the police department, Smokey the Bear, games, entertainment and more.  The best part is – IT’S ALL FREE! 

The National Children’s Study works with health care leaders in our community to learn more about how things in the environment, community and our homes affect our children’s health.  The goal of the Study is to improve the health and well-being of our children. 

Baker County was fortunate to be selected as one of the 105 communities that will be participating in the study.  The folks at the National Children’s Study will visit homes in Baker County to look for people who want to participate.  “Baker County is one of the most welcoming communities I have ever worked in”, said Battelle Data Collection Manager, Brenda Esprit. 

We want to thank the residents of Baker County for the warm reception.  Please join us at 884 South Sixth Street in Macclenny.  For more information you can call 904-253-7885, or you can check out the National Children’s Study Website at http://www.nationalchildrensstudy.gov

Thanks, see you there!

County Events Day

County Events is Coming April 2nd 

10am to 2pm

Ag Center Auditorium

We are going to have some fun this year.  I’m going to award a handmade 4-H Champion Club Banner.  Your Club could win this AWESOME Banner to display at your club meetings and receive Braggin’ Rights for an Entire Year just for fun!  Points will be counted based on your club’s participation at County Events. Get your members signed up today!

 I hope each club leader and parent will promote county events and get your members to participate.  A fun day is planned with speeches, demonstrations, poster contest, photography contest, share the fun and fashion revue. 

After that, members will be able to blow off some steam with fun games and competitions to laugh and have a good time together while scores are tabulated for the events. Hoola Hoop Contest, Rabbit Race, Leaning Tower of Cheeza and more.

The club with the most participation for the evening will win the Baker County 4-H County Events Banner to proudly display at their club meetings for the year and full braggin’ rights.

We are just getting county events back into focus so believe me we’ll go easy and make it a learning experience.  If you have members that need help putting together a demonstration or speech let me know and I’ll be glad to help them.

Registration form is attached to this e-mail.  It will be also be available on line at http://baker.ifas.ufl.edu.  

Registration closes April 1^st so please contact me ASAP to let me know if you are interested. 

This event will only be held based on registrations.

Remember leaders to direct your members to the 4-H blog at http://4hbakerco.blogspot.com  The Month of November, 2010 has about 12 teaching blogs about county events participation.  

4-H County Events Day

County Events Day Get Ready!

In November I published a lot of blog articles about county events and some of the more interesting activities you can participate in.  Take a look at County Events titled articles in November, 2010 for more detailed information. 

Registration forms are available on the Extension office website at Http://baker.ifas.ufl.edu under 4-H.  Take a look below at all the detailed rules.  

If Ms. Renee' can help you prepare your demonstration or exhibit give her a call at the office 904-259-3520

COUNTY EVENTS RULES AND REGULATIONS

County Events is a competitive event designed to allow youth an opportunity to gain experiences and develop techniques in preparing and presenting educational information to the public. 

1.            Age Qualifications

a.    CLOVERBUD DIVISION:  5-7 Years of age may exhibit or share project information.  This age is ineligible to participate in competitive activities.  They will receive participation ribbons.

b.    JUNIOR DIVISION participants must be 8 years old but not have passed their 10^th birthday by September 1 of the current year. 

c.    INTERMEDIATE DIVISION participants must be 11 years old but not have passed their 13^th birthday by September 1 of the current year.

d.    SENIOR DIVISION participants must be 14 years old prior to September 1, not have graduated from high school, or passed their 19^th birthday.

2.       Participation                                                                                                                                                           

A 4-Her must be an active member to participate in County Events.  An active member is one who attends 60% of the 4-H meetings starting September 1, has attended three meetings in a row, and has not missed three meetings in a row.

      3.         Enrollment:

Each 4-H member must be enrolled and participating in the project area for the event entered.  Exception:  Cake Baking, Poster, Photo Exhibit, Creed. 

4.       Creed Contest
1. This is restricted to junior age members.  Previous first place winners are not eligible to compete again.  

The National 4-H Creed for Members:
I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen.

I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, to plan and to reason.

I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to become kind, sympathetic and true.

I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be helpful, useful and skillful.

I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.

I believe in my country, my State, and my community, and in my responsibility for their development.

4.      4-H Pledge
1. This is restricted to Cloverbud (age 5-7) members.  They will have the opportunity to say the 4-H flag pledge.  

I Pledge...
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service, and,
My Health for better living,
for My Club, my Community, my Country, and my World.

4.       Demonstrations/Illustrated Talks More Information can be found at
1. NO LIVING VERTEBRATES OF FIREARMS may be brought to County Events.
2. Participants must provide all equipment and supplies for their presentations.
3. Neat, clean green and white or black and white attire is appropriate.
4. If a member is participating with a similar demonstration or illustrated talk as the previous year the demonstration or illustrated talk must be changed to include more depth and growth in the project area. 
5. A 4-Her may not enter the same category after they have won first place at state competition at 4-H Congress.
6. Demonstrations must be first place blue ribbon in the age division, category, and class (individual or team) to advance to District Events.
7. First place blue ribbon individual and team demonstrations at District Events will advance to state competition at 4-H Congress.
5.       Public Speaking Contest – General
1. Speech must be original and specifically related to 4-H in a demonstrable way.  The entire speech does not necessarily have to feature 4-H, but every contestant must, at some point in the speech, mention 4-H and its relationship to the material being presented.  
2. Speech must have been specifically prepared for, as part of, the 4-H Public Speaking Project. 
3. Participants must be currently enrolled in the 4-H Public Speaking Project.
6.      Share the Fun Program
1. Acts may be presented as individual or group
2. Group acts must have participants that are all in the same age division (all Junior, all Intermediate, or all Senior)
3. Acts can be in one of the following classifications:

                                          i.    Instrumental:  musical instruments of all descriptions

                                         ii.    Vocal:  singing numbers

                                        iii.    Dance:  all dance, baton, and acrobatic routines

                                       iv.    Dramatic and Novelty:  skits, stunts, pantomimes, monologues, puppetry, ventriloquism, impersonations, etc.

                                        v.    General:  acts which include two or more of the above classifications

9.       Fashion Revue
1. This contest has two division:  1) Clothing Construction and 2) Clothing Selection
2. 4-H members may enter one outfit or ensemble in the following categories of entries in either the construction or selection divisons

                                          i.    Active Sports Wear:  One, two, or three piece outfits from coordinated fabrics for a total look for your favorite leisure activities.  No swimwear permitted.

                                         ii.    School/Informal Wear:  Non-tailored, casual outfits of one or more garments, coordinated for a total look acceptable for non formal events like school, youth activities, etc.

                                        iii.    Dress for Work (Seniors Only!):  Dresses, suits, or tailored sportswear suitable for a business setting.

                                       iv.    Special Occasion:  Dressy ensembles appropriate for special occasions.

                                        v.    My Choice:  Costumes, western wear, lounge wear or other garments that do not fit another category. 

3. SKILL-A-THON- ALL FASHION REVUE PARTICIPANTS MUST PARTICIPATE IN A FASHION REVUE SKILL-A-THON AS PART OF COUNTY EVENTS DAY.  STUDY MATERIALS FOR THE SKILL-A-THON ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Get Information here on the Clothing Skill A Thon

10.       Time Allowances
1. Junior Demonstrations                        3-12 Minutes
2. Intermediate Demonstrations             3-12 Minutes
3. Senior Demonstrations                       5-12 Minutes
4. Junior Public Speaking                       3-7 Minutes
5. Intermediate Public Speaking             3-7 Minutes
6. Senior Public Speaking                      5-7 Minutes
7. Junior Horse Public Speaking            3-7 Minutes
8. Intermediate Horse Public Speaking  3-7 Minutes
9. Senior Horse Public Speaking            8-10 Minutes
10. Share the Fun Acts                             3-5 Minutes
11.      Cake Baking Contest
1. Must participate in at least one other event, excluding photography and poster exhibits. 
2. Must make cake and icing from scratch, no cake or icing mixes accepted.
3. Recipe must accompany the cake and be typed or printed on 3”X5” cards.
4. There will be no pies, candy, cookies, brownies, fancy breads or deserts.
5. Top 3 Senior, top 3 Intermediate, and top 3 Junior cakes will be sold at auction if exhibitor approves. 
6. Bring cakes on something disposable or something you don’t want back.  This is in case your cake is auctioned off.
7. Remaining cakes are encouraged to be offered as part of desert for lunch.
12.       Photography.  New RULES New Rules for Photography including score sheet
    

13.       Poster Art:       Theme:
    Poster submissions can fall into one of three themes: Healthy Lifestyles, S.E.T. (Science,
    Engineering and Technology), and Citizenship. The themes are based upon the nationwide 4-H
    mission mandated established through the leadership of 4-H National Headquarters, USDA and
    the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.   PDF with New Poster Guidelines and Rules

FOR MORE ASSISTANCE CONSULT YOUR FLORIDA 4-H EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK (AVAILABLE AT THE EXTENSION OFFICE).

Archery Club Practice Day

The worst of the cold weather has passed and Archery Club took advantage of the sunshine on Saturday and brushed up on their archer skills.

Now that winter is passing and day light savings is around the corner call Ms. Renee for how you can get involved in Archery club.  The group decided that since Saturday mornings have gotten really busy with other activities they will meet on Wednesday March 16th and March 20th at 5p.m. at the Ag center Classroom and try shooting in the late afternoons as we go into spring.

904-259-3520 4-H Office.

Teen Drinking

This is take from the Susie Vanderlip/Legacy of Hope weekly electronic newsletter. 

Parenting Style Plays a Role in Teen Drinking
Jan 06, 2011 - CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coaltions of America) article

Researchers at Brigham Young University have found that teenagers who grow up with parents who are either too strict or too permissive tend to binge drink more than their peers. The study was published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

"While parents didn't have much of an effect on whether their teens tried alcohol, they can have a significant impact on the more dangerous type of drinking," study author Stephen Bahr, a professor of sociology at BYU, told National Public Radio.

As part of the survey of 5,000 teens, researchers asked 7th- to 12th-grade students a series of questions about their alcohol such as how frequently they binge drink, how often they communicated, in general, with their parents, and what kind of parenting style did they think their parents possessed.

The teens being raised by “indulgent” parents who tend to give their children praise and warmth, but who don’t monitor bad behavior were among the biggest alcohol abusers.

"They were about three times more likely to participate in heavy drinking," Bahr said.

This was also true for teens whose parents were strict.

"Kids in that environment tend not to internalize the values and understand why they shouldn't drink," Bahr said. They were more than twice as likely to binge drink.

The parenting style that led to the lowest levels of problem drinking struck a balance between both styles: accountability and support.

Bill Heltemes

NE Region Specialized 4-H Agent

University of Florida

Club Spotlight CLOVER LEAF CLOGGERS 4-H CLUB

Hello Baker County 4-H Members. The Cloverleaf Cloggers is a great group that meets on Every Thursday night at 7p.m in the Baker County Community. They learn the clogging style of dance. Their goal is to learn new dances to be able to perform at different community functions during the year. The group is looking for more members and is open to young people...BOYS AND GIRLS....TEENS... of 4-H age (8 to 18). This is a great way to explore performing arts 4-H projects thru dance as well as healthy life style choices as dancing is great exercise. Check with Ms. Renee' if you would like to get involved in this group.

Youth Development Institute - Day 3 - Thursday

Today was a satisfying day teaching workshops and networking with agents and volunteers.  I taught a workshop this morning on the Cloverbud Aged Children.  "CLOVERBUDS; Sprouting Young Minds in the 4-H Tradition".  This workshop introduced participants to the ages and stages of 5 to 7 year old development.  We taught how to use experiential learning with Cloverbuds in the simple model of Do, Reflect and Apply.  With 5 to 7 year olds doing simple activities, reflecting in asking things like, tell me about your picture or What did you like best about doing that XYZ?  And Applying in asking, how can you do this again? at home? What would you do differently next time?.  A whole host of materials and skills in dealing with children in these years was gained thru participation.  Praise versus Encouragement was a highlighted topic.  I could go on and on.  Kate Fogarty, Youth Development Specialist was my partner in crime for teaching this workshop.

Baker County is looking for a volunteer leader to work with the Cloverbud children ages 5 to 7 years old.  Let me know if you are interested.

This afternoon my workshop was on "What's Hoppin with Rabbits on line."  I taught leaders and agents about the on line rabbit project and how to use it in their clubs to support youth involved in rabbit projects.  Go to Http://florida4h.org.  click on curriculum then individual projects.  From there go into Rabbits and scroll down to enter the world of rabbits on line.  There are wonderful teaching aids for leaders and members to learn more about the rabbit project.

Jeannette Lee our Rabbit and Poultry project leader was here at Youth Development Institute for the day.  The leaders received a great overview of what is available for their use and the holistic philosophy of educational experiences linked to events and activities, linked to record book reporting and then recognition to make a package of 4-H project experience.

I have had a great time learning and teaching at this wonderful conference.  Tomorrow is the end of our Youth Development Institute 2011 but friendships have been strengthened and leaders as well as agents re-energized to provide opportunities for youth around Florida.

I am excited to think about using some of the new materials I picked up here at the conference for workshops  and trainings in Baker County.

Youth Development Institute - Day 2 - Wednesday

This morning it was up bright and shinny for a work out at the conference center gym at 6:40a.m.  Tredmill, and Eliptical.  Whew, health lifestyle choices sometimes involves a little sacrifice.  I wanted to stay cozy in my room but I felt better for having made the effort.

The First Session I attended was "BULLYING, IT'S A PROBLEM"  this session was taught by a team by Youth Development Specialist Kate Fogarty and others from the Army Partnership

It was very very interesting.  We looked at statistics on bullying, and learned ways to identify, increase awareness and decrease incidence of bullying.

Bullying is worst in transition times.  Not only transitions of the day but in over all transitional periods of development.  Kids that are different in appearance, friend / social structure, sexual minority youth... all are at higher risk for being bullied.

Even to the extent that as these bullies grow up they gravitate toward positions of power and authority in their careers.  As adults if someone in your workplace  uses words or threats to take power away from you rather than correcting the problem they might be a bully all grown up.

Sometimes volunteers bully each other or youth.  Children bully each other.  Anything that ends up with the goal to gain power, humiliate and gain dominance are examples of bullying.  These negative interactions decrease productivity, cause stress, insomnia, digestive problems, anxiety.  Remember itis not about you...it is not your problem.

The bully is not usually interested in solving the problem.  Just gaining power.  If you ask them for ideas on how to solve the problem...they won't have any ideas.

Baker County 4-H has a policy of zero tolerance for Bullying Behavior.  If you are being bullied, tell someone in authority...and keep telling until someone listens.  Call me for ways to handle it and an intervention if necessary.

Volunteers, both Counselors and Leaders can expect in-service education on Bullying this year to learn ways to identify and combat these destructive behaviors.

This was a very interesting workshop and well worth the time learning about this crucial youth development subject.

After that workshop I attended the curriculum fair and assembled materials that I will need tomorrow for the Rabbits on Line Workshop I am teaching.

Wow, it's lunch time and where has the morning gone.  This afternoon from 1 until 5 p.m. I am going to go to the workshop on "THE HOW TO'S OF TEAM BUILDING"  I am really looking forward to that!

Ms. Renee'

Youth Development Institute - DAY 1 - Tuesday

Youth Development Institute actually began for me yesterday.  Being on the life skills focus team.  I came early to try to help.  The committee had everything under control.  The first event of the week was the retirement reception for Dr. Joy Jordan.  She is been the Curriculum Development specialist for the University of Florida for the past 22 years.  She has been my mentor and friend.  If I had to pick one person who has been an inspiration to me it would be Joy Jordan.

She actually interviewed me for my first job in extension.  The interview process to be an extension agent is ....   well it is a little bit about being the guest hot dog at a forth of July picnic if you get my drift.  My interview schedule was on Valentines day and the first interviewer of the day didn't show up.  The support staff called Joy and explained the problem and she said, "Of course, I can do that."  Her I can do it attitude with only a moment's notice and continual striving for excellence are two of her life messages that have impressed me over the years.  She gave me a great interview and helped me step forward into the rest of the day with a more confident attitude.

From that nebulous beginning to being co-chair of her Life Skills Focus team, she has been there to support, nurture and mentor me to strive for excellence and professionalism.  I don't have the words to say how much I will miss her and how much I know she deserves this time to enjoy life.

Then it was off and running to the Opening Session of 2011 Youth Development Institute.  Chris DeCubellis gave a rousing motivations speech to the assembled audience.  We laughed, we cried.  He did an awesome job of setting the tone and opening the session.

Following the opening session we had the opportunity for dinner, networking and settling in to be ready for the events of the week.  I found the gym and discovered that there are free fitness videos on the T.V.

I'm excited at what lies ahead for Youth Development Institute 2011

Youth Development Institute

Later this week I will be blogging to you from the Youth Development Institute in Gainesville January 25th through January 28th.  This is the annual conference for volunteers, agents and foundation board members to come and learn about all kinds of 4-H-ee things.  If you haven't taken a look yet go to Http://florida4h.org and explore the workshops that will be offered.

I will be teaching about What's Hoppin with  Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits the online project that is available for members to build their own rabbits project.  I will also be teaching with Kate Fogerty the Cloverbuds workshop for leaders guiding the youngest 4-H Members.  It's called "Cloverbugs; Sprouting young minds in the 4-H tradition.

So come on by and say hello!

Livestock and Horse Judging at the Florida State Fair in Tampa

Hi kids, this message from Ms. Wendy at the State office, Animal Science Department.  The forms she mentions are available on the web and I have them as attachments in an email from Ms. Wendy.  So If you are working on livestock or horse judging this season and want to participate let Ms. Renee' know.  jrgore@ufl.edu 904-259-3520

Hello all!  Just a reminder about the upcoming 4-H Livestock and Horse Judging events at the Florida State Fair.  Both events are Saturday, February 12, and the registration for both is due Monday, January 31.

FSF 4-H Livestock Judging Contest

·   Each county may enter one team of up to four members.  Youth may be any age (8-18) and will all be competing equally.

·   Registration form is attached, “FSFformL.pdf”

·   *New* - there is a $15 entry fee for every Livestock team.

·   Check-in begins at 8:00am, contest begins at 9:00am.

·   Contest will have placing classes, cattle/hog evaluation, and one questions class (breeding cattle w/ performance data).

·   http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/livestock/livestockJudgingStateFair.shtml for full details.

FSF 4-H Horse Judging Contest

·   Each county may enter up to two teams:  one senior team of up to four members (14 & over), and one any age (8-18) team of up to four members.  All youth will be competing equally.

·   Registration form is attached, “FSFformH.pdf”

·   Check-in begins at 12:30pm, contest begins at 1:30pm.

·   There is no entry fee for the Horse Judging Contest.

·   Planned classes include (subject to change if horse availability changes):  stock halter, hunter in hand, Arab halter, western pleasure, western riding, hunter under saddle, and hunt seat equitation.  The western riding pattern is AQHA pattern one.  The HS equitation pattern will be provided at the event.

·   http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/horse/stateFair.shtml for full details.

Please note that this registration and contest information is for 4-H teams only.  FFA have different entry and contest procedures so they should check the FFA website.  As always, you can check if your 4-H team is registered at http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/Entries.shtml.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Tampa!

Wendy

Junior Master Gardeners Rock the House

Last night Ms. Renee' gave a HOW TO DO COUNTY EVENTS presentation to the 4-H Junior Master Gardener Club.  This year County Events is going to be a lot of fun.  Will your club participate and see if you can win the BAKER COUNTY EVENTS DAY BANNER?

For More Information about County Events see the blog articles posted in November and December of 2010 on archive here.  All of those blogs start with the title.  COUNTY EVENTS:  followed by their specific subject matter from what each of the contests are to what to wear.  Keep posted to this blog for more COUNTY EVENTS DAY blogs and information.

If you have questions contact Ms. Renee'  County Events will be Saturday April 2nd here in Baker County at the Ag Center.  Registration will open in March and close March 23rd.  Forms will be posted here and on the Baker County Extension Web Site

They had a lot of good questions and great ideas for how they would like to participate in COUNTY EVENTS DAY.  It was a great meeting.  After Ms. Renee's presentation the Junior Master Gardeners harvested their water garden lettuce.

Hunter Braids for Showing

A 4-H Alumni from Brevard County shows how to do Hunter Braids for showing your horse.  Take a look and pass her video along.  I think she plans on doing more self help videos for kids in the 4-H Horse Project.

Madison and How to do Hunter Braids.

Horse Judging Event

The 3^rd Annual Northwest Florida Horse Judging Clinic/Contest will be held Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Jackson County Ag Center in Marianna, FL.  The event is open to 4-H and FFA members.  The contest begins at 9:00 am Central time, with check-in at 8:30am.  Please see below for the full schedule and registration information.

Registration forms are due to Kim Barber at Malone FFA by January 13^th.

$10.00 Registration fee for students

$5.00 Registration fee for adults (to cover lunch)

If you have any questions, please call or email Kim Barber at: kim.barber@jcsb.org, 850-482-9930 ext 234, cell 850-209-1635.

3rd Annual Northwest Florida

Horse Judging Clinic/Contest

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Jackson County Ag Center

$10.00 Registration fee for students

$5.00 Registration fee for adults (to cover lunch)

Make checks payable to:  Malone FFA

Please have your registration forms turned in by:  Jan. 13th

AGENDA

8:30 AM              Registration

9:00 AM              Horse Training and Judging Contest

12:30 PM     Lunch

1:30  PM       Awards

2:00 PM       Dismissal

*All times are CENTRAL

Please return this portion of the form along with your registration fee to Kim Barber, Malone FFA, PO Box 68, Malone, FL  32445.  If you have any questions, call or email to:

kim.barber@jcsb.org, 850-482-9930 ext 234, cell 850-209-1635

Advisor/Leader Name _______________ Phone # ____________

Address _________________________________________________

Number and category of Teams ___________________________

You know your teams and how they are divided, just tell me how many teams and whether they are what we consider middle school or high school… a young division and an more advanced division.

Number of students _________  Number of adults __________

Share your Talents

Each year 4-H Sponsors the Share the Fun contest as part of the County Events Day activities.  Last year one of our 4-H members surprised and impressed me with his talent as he played the guitar for our Share the Fun.  I didn't know guitar was his hobby.  I had a chance to think 'gee I wish I could play like that' (lol).  He moved on to the District level of the competition.

So, in this new year look for an interest that you can develop.  You might have a hidden talent you didn't realize. Learning new things can bring you a lot of joy in accomplishing something.  But remember learning a skill of any kind takes time and commitment.  I'm sure Brad didn't learn to play the guitar as well as he does in just a couple of weeks.

I later learned that Brad has also taught his brother to play the guitar.  Brad Rigdon is branching out and taking his talent of guitar and teaching to the next level by guitar lessons this year. It is $50 a month for lessons that includes a 30 minute lesson each week.  Call LeAnn Rigdon to set up a schedule by calling 904 - 629-8964.

Create with Pop Top Tabs

Can you imagine all the things that you can make with the aluminum pop top tabs.  Here are a few ideas that just floored me.

Pop top bags had several ideas for bracelets and purse's.  They used some fibers to make this granny square type basis for some of their purses.

This dragon looks awesome  recycled craft bulletin board posted this. ((Remember before going anywhere on line have your parent check it out and guide you in your participation))

Bracelets 

And Purses in all varieties.

What can you imagine?

Craft Stick Creativity

During the holiday break we talked a lot about the model horse hobby.  It sparked an investigation of all the things you can make with craft sticks, match sticks and metal pop tops.  We will explore some of those topics in weeks to come.  How about a craft stick project on New Years Day to have something fun to do.

Here is the first to get your creativity on line with some of the things you can do with Craft Sticks.  You know the wooden Popsicle stick things.  They come in a variety of sizes from tiny to the big tongue depressor size.

How about a catapult.  This idea from The Science Store On Line  I can see lobbing mini marshmellows with this handy thing.

Or a Craft Stick Kazoo for a musical instrument.

The Craft Club gave us this idea.

The Craft Elf can help you make a trinket box.

a Holiday reindeer ornament.

A What I am Thankful for Holiday Turkey visual.

a photo frame

An intricately engineered architectural wonder...Bridge???

A hot pot trivet thing

or a little red barn

Exercise your imagination and create something wonderful, strange, ordinary, useful and fun.

Send me email with photos of your creations if you want me to highlight them on a future blog.  Have fun creating.

Ms. Renee'