Hi All!
Today is April 19 and it has been a while since I last communicated with you regarding 4-H Technology. WSU sent a communication yesterday to all on distribution through 4-H Online. Hopefully, you were able to get that update directly. If not, you can find it here. Of key importance for today is the extension of the suspension through June 19th for any in-person activities across the 4-H Program. Of course, this takes us well into summer. We also heard that the Arlington Fly-In normally scheduled in August has been cancelled this year. As I hear of more schedule adjustments, I will be sure to communicate them. WSU Extension has published a resource page with multiple on-line opportunities for learning during this challenging time.
At the national level, 4-H has published their STEM Challenge. Previously called National Youth Science Day, the 2020 STEM Challenge, found here, is a look into living on Mars! Definitely a thing to look forward to in October when this event launches with the start of the new 4-H year! Also at the national level, you will find additional resources for conduction 4-H at home. As a reminder, don’t forget to take a note of all you did during our virtual time period! It looks good in a record book or on a job application of how you were able to adapt and thrive despite a challenge!
FIRST has also been busy looking at virtual opportunities for robotics teams. FIRST@Home is a new initiative from FIRST targeted at providing at home experiences that parents and youth can do together. I highly encourage you to check out these links as they are a clearinghouse of multiple ideas to keep skill development going in a virtual environment.
The Evergreen State Fair continues to hold to their schedule! We are hopeful that things turn the corner in the late summer and we will be able to return to some level of normalcy. From the Fair Board, this year's theme is:
Wonder and Wander the Evergreen: 112 Years of Genuine Fair Fun!
August 27 - September 7, 2020
The spirit of this year's Fair theme is all about exploring, experiencing and discovering all of the wonderful things about the area we live in. Like being on vacation, but all of the excitement is right in your own back yard. We are inviting our fairgoers to stroll through the Fair where they will encounter diverse entertainment, tasty fair food, furry animals and thrilling carnival rides. The Evergreen State Fair is a place to come together as a community, celebrate tradition, and make new memories. It does not matter if this is your first or your 100th time to the Fair, there is always something new to write home about.
Just as a reminder, we have a number of on-line resources to help us stay connected. Our website is at http://snoco4htech.org. We are on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/202435919813131/. We also have a Slack group to keep leaders informed.
Regards and stay safe!
Kenny Swope