I am very close to wrapping up my staff for the summer of 2011...after combing, literally the globe, I might - MIGHT - have pieced together the perfect staff, at least on paper. They get better every year.
I got up at 4:00 am this morning to watch the Royal Wedding. Yes, Kate's dress was pretty spectacular, the Queen looked regal, and the Prince looked uber-masculine. I had bed-head...so maybe I wasn't dressed appropriately, but I "twern't" on camera, either.
The nostalgia of the Royal Wedding and staffing has led me to publish last year's Staff Slideshow...a compilation of staff pictures throughout the summer coupled with trendy music, and nostalgic Dr. Seuss.
Here's the link to watch and enjoy last year's staff...I have no responsibility for the additional youtube postings that might coincide with it's presence, and I am grateful for the words of Dr. Seuss, Oleander, The Verve, and Alterbridge...
Enjoy the weekend...
April 29, 2011
April 28, 2011
Tornadoes
Good morning folks...if you woke up early like I did - and if you turned on the local news - you more than likely saw some unfortunate and tragic news about a new wave of tornadoes that spun their way through Dixie yesterday. Those same tornadoes are beelining for North Carolina, too...again.
As many of you know, I'm originally from Alabama. The 120 some odd people that have died as a result of this latest outbreak in my old home state is certainly heartbreaking. Tuscaloosa, home of arch-rival University if Alabama, suffered devastation of monumental proportions. Only two weeks ago, my new home state of North Carolina saw disaster and tragedy unmatched until yesterday. The poor souls of Bertie County, Onslow County, and Wake County will only begin their cleanup by the time this next wave comes through. Meteorologists are expecting the outbreak to be severe, but not as bad as two weeks ago. Here's hoping the weatherman is actually correct for the first time. The meteorologist is the only person that can come to work, predict incorrectly, and still be regaled as a genius.
Aside from what has happened, it's time to focus on tornado safety...growing up in Alabama, tornadoes were more common than snow falls. So we were always prepared. My parents even have a storm shelter...the shelter is a sunken concrete building - so it's pretty solid. It is also out in the forest, in a low-lying place. Every year, my mom take sit upon herself to go and run out the snakes, mice, and squirrels, so that we aren't scared to run in...
Nevertheless, in preparation for a tornado, folks must understand that you cannot prepare the day or hours before. This must take place well before tornado season, preferably in good weather. Here are some things to consider:
Make a Tornado Safety Kit: This would include things like a battery powered flashlight, bottles water, and first aid kit, and some non-perishable snacks. Store this kit in a readily available place, but hide it well enough to keep folks from eating the beef jerky. Also - remember to have some gloves and sturdy shoes available, too.
Establish a Safety Zone: The Safety Zone is a place where a person or family can retreat to just as the area is placed under a tornado warning. For folks living in sturdy homes, an interior hallway, bathroom, or bedroom is great place, as long as there are no large windows around. Keep in mind, that it is debris that often injures people, so places where there are lots of picture frames, books, or tolls are not the best places. Mobile homes are especially susceptible to tornado damage. If you live in a mobile home park, speak to the landlord to determine where residents should retreat to during a storm. If you are a t a hotel, shopping mall, or conference center, management of these locations should be prepared to handle such emergencies. While tornado likelihood can be predicted, actual tornado locations cannot...so try to limit travel, if possible, when a severe weather outbreak is predicted.
Concerning homes...it is a recommended to have written instructions on how to shutdown a home's utilities. This can be imperative if a family has to cleanup the area afterward.
So today, as these storms bear down on our area in eastern NC, be prepared and hopeful. Be safe.
Enjoy the day...
As many of you know, I'm originally from Alabama. The 120 some odd people that have died as a result of this latest outbreak in my old home state is certainly heartbreaking. Tuscaloosa, home of arch-rival University if Alabama, suffered devastation of monumental proportions. Only two weeks ago, my new home state of North Carolina saw disaster and tragedy unmatched until yesterday. The poor souls of Bertie County, Onslow County, and Wake County will only begin their cleanup by the time this next wave comes through. Meteorologists are expecting the outbreak to be severe, but not as bad as two weeks ago. Here's hoping the weatherman is actually correct for the first time. The meteorologist is the only person that can come to work, predict incorrectly, and still be regaled as a genius.
Aside from what has happened, it's time to focus on tornado safety...growing up in Alabama, tornadoes were more common than snow falls. So we were always prepared. My parents even have a storm shelter...the shelter is a sunken concrete building - so it's pretty solid. It is also out in the forest, in a low-lying place. Every year, my mom take sit upon herself to go and run out the snakes, mice, and squirrels, so that we aren't scared to run in...
Nevertheless, in preparation for a tornado, folks must understand that you cannot prepare the day or hours before. This must take place well before tornado season, preferably in good weather. Here are some things to consider:
Make a Tornado Safety Kit: This would include things like a battery powered flashlight, bottles water, and first aid kit, and some non-perishable snacks. Store this kit in a readily available place, but hide it well enough to keep folks from eating the beef jerky. Also - remember to have some gloves and sturdy shoes available, too.
Establish a Safety Zone: The Safety Zone is a place where a person or family can retreat to just as the area is placed under a tornado warning. For folks living in sturdy homes, an interior hallway, bathroom, or bedroom is great place, as long as there are no large windows around. Keep in mind, that it is debris that often injures people, so places where there are lots of picture frames, books, or tolls are not the best places. Mobile homes are especially susceptible to tornado damage. If you live in a mobile home park, speak to the landlord to determine where residents should retreat to during a storm. If you are a t a hotel, shopping mall, or conference center, management of these locations should be prepared to handle such emergencies. While tornado likelihood can be predicted, actual tornado locations cannot...so try to limit travel, if possible, when a severe weather outbreak is predicted.
Concerning homes...it is a recommended to have written instructions on how to shutdown a home's utilities. This can be imperative if a family has to cleanup the area afterward.
So today, as these storms bear down on our area in eastern NC, be prepared and hopeful. Be safe.
Enjoy the day...
April 27, 2011
Summer Camp Staff Bucket list
Eastrn north Carolinais famous for its landmarks, barbecue, and easy way of life. Every Spring, Summer, and Fall the Eastern 4-H Center and its summer camp program brings in staff from both near and far. This spring, Rachel and Stephanie have served as program staff - They have done everything from challenge course facilitation, inventory & maintenance, to serving food at banquets. With a working life that busy, it's hard to find time to enjoy the bounties of the coast. Until this Saturday.
This Saturday, I will attempt to reward the hard work with a little Bucket List trip. Sure, they receive a pay check, but with little time to spend it, I have decided that it's my duty to help them squander their money, take cliche photographs, and to touch the Atlantic Ocean.
About two weeks ago, I was made aware of this Bucket List. On the list, the ladies included the following:
See a Black Bear (we can do that almost anytime)
See an Alligator (I have the inside track on these lizards)
Kayak the Sound (Anytime they please, no problem)
Touch the Atlantic (Easy!)
Ride a ferry (not as cool as they think it is...)
See the wild horses at Ocracoke (yep, I know where they feed 'em...)
See Mattamuskeet Lake (My favorite part of the list)
Go Crabbing (Easily arranged...)
There were others, too.
However, we'll depart early in the morning. I have given them the rules of the road. They are allowed 10 stops - we have to this hurriedly - 8 planned, and two unplanned. The trip will be fun...but I take a lot of pride in showing of the neighborhood, too.
This is not the first time a bucket trip has been conducted. Other seasonal staff have taken advantage of my willingness to showcase the coast. Additionally, we have taken "bear safaris" with summer staff, and even had pig pickin's...even the vegetarians on our staff liked to see the pig be cooked...
There are lots of ways to showcase the coast, even here at the Eastern 4-H Center. Obviously, our aquatics program is pretty awesome...we teach children how to kayak, canoe, fish, crab, and sometimes - sail.
I'm currently building new environmental education lesson plans to better illustrate the highlights of the coast. Programs on migratory birds, striped bass, hurricanes, and Atlantic Blue Crabs are the cornerstones of the program. I look forward to seeing them instructed for the first time...it'll be something different than what any other similar facility on the coast is currently doing. Creating unique and sustainable programming has always been on my bucket list...
What does your bucket list look like?
Enjoy the day...
This Saturday, I will attempt to reward the hard work with a little Bucket List trip. Sure, they receive a pay check, but with little time to spend it, I have decided that it's my duty to help them squander their money, take cliche photographs, and to touch the Atlantic Ocean.
About two weeks ago, I was made aware of this Bucket List. On the list, the ladies included the following:
See a Black Bear (we can do that almost anytime)
See an Alligator (I have the inside track on these lizards)
Kayak the Sound (Anytime they please, no problem)
Touch the Atlantic (Easy!)
Ride a ferry (not as cool as they think it is...)
See the wild horses at Ocracoke (yep, I know where they feed 'em...)
See Mattamuskeet Lake (My favorite part of the list)
Go Crabbing (Easily arranged...)
There were others, too.
However, we'll depart early in the morning. I have given them the rules of the road. They are allowed 10 stops - we have to this hurriedly - 8 planned, and two unplanned. The trip will be fun...but I take a lot of pride in showing of the neighborhood, too.
This is not the first time a bucket trip has been conducted. Other seasonal staff have taken advantage of my willingness to showcase the coast. Additionally, we have taken "bear safaris" with summer staff, and even had pig pickin's...even the vegetarians on our staff liked to see the pig be cooked...
There are lots of ways to showcase the coast, even here at the Eastern 4-H Center. Obviously, our aquatics program is pretty awesome...we teach children how to kayak, canoe, fish, crab, and sometimes - sail.
I'm currently building new environmental education lesson plans to better illustrate the highlights of the coast. Programs on migratory birds, striped bass, hurricanes, and Atlantic Blue Crabs are the cornerstones of the program. I look forward to seeing them instructed for the first time...it'll be something different than what any other similar facility on the coast is currently doing. Creating unique and sustainable programming has always been on my bucket list...
What does your bucket list look like?
Enjoy the day...
April 26, 2011
Dock of The Bay
Hey folks..."On The Dock of The Bay" is just around the corner...the 10 day corner, that is. Sara, our Marketing Director is fast at work shoring up the final details. Here's what I know...
The band will, again, be the world-famous Mighty Saints of Soul. They are known for their smooth tunes and tones, and the beach music beats are the best around.
Beach Music?! Well, when you are on the coast, you absolutely must pound out beachy rhythms so that the men and women can shag.
Shag?! That's right...it's a dance. At first I was perplexed. I thought it was a strange hair do worn to further exaggerate the dance moves, but alas, it is the dance itself. I believe this will be the third year in a row that The Mighty Saints of Soul will provide the background (and foreground) music to hundreds of patrons supporting the Eastern 4-H Center and it's summer camp program.
Support?! Yep...the proceeds go to helping to support the northeast district 4-H programs, so that they can provide camp scholarships to our summer camp program. While supporting the summer camp program, the patrons will also be allowed to eat, or feed, in my instance.
Eat?! Uh-huh. There will be food. Both high in quantity and quality. While I have no knowledge of or input in to the menu (thankfully), I can wager a guess at what will be aboard the buffet tables. Generally, the food procession begins around 6:00. Patrons start by selecting a plate and fork and napkin. After the eating surface and implements are secured, the first mountain of food to conquer is generally spinach dip with assorted premium crackers and wafers. After deliberating at this stop for about 30 seconds, the diner must then overcome the mounds of fresh fruit and gourmet cheeses. This is best done with a bucket, but we do not allow buckets. However tongs can be used to select the fruits of your choice. Traditionally, the strawberries are the highlights, with some as large a kiwi fruit. After succumbing to the fruit mound, the patron will move towards the brie wheel. A wheel of molten cheese is clearly one of the great gifts to humanity. After this, steamed shrimp are made available by the gallon, all on ice. Last year, I steamed and the shrimp and they were reported to be the best ever. I would have to agree, even though I never, ever ate one of the shrimp. After the shrimp, one might find the crab dip, which is usually filled with Albemarle or Pamlico Sound crab meat. It's my personal fave. Following the food corridor to the last stop, one will find the beef and pork loins that are sliced to order. Oh yeah - there's beverages of all types for the adults to enjoy... If you do not like good food, please steer clear of this event. And yes, there will be dessert.
Dessert?! Other than the crab dip, dessert is where I can really help to lighten the load on the legs of the table. There has been a chocolate fountain, surrounded by delicious brownies (and blondies), cookies, macaroons, fresh fruit, and marshmallows. While the torrent of chocolate is certainly good enough to enjoy from a cup, it is proper etiquette to only dip fruit and food in it - not fingers, hands, or steins...I hope to get it right this year.
Nevertheless, for a $40 ticket, one can enjoy the bounty of the beaches on our beautiful shoreline, decide over the top desserts, deliberate over the expansiveness of the buffet, and even have a chance at the gigantic silent auction. I like auctions, especially silent ones...it's a game of cat and mouse. Generally, I come out as the mouse, though.
Please call the Center to make plans to attend. It's the best way that you can spend my birthday...it's on Saturday, May 7! What else would one do on May 7? Other than it being National Roasted Leg of Lamb Day, there's nothing else worthy of competition. Heck, one could even stay the night in Columbia and help me celebrate May 8 - which is National No Socks Day.
So come out and see the Center, eat some great food, shag, and bid on great silent auction items such as vacation packages, spa treatments, and golf retreats...all for a great cause - supporting North Carolina's youth!
Enjoy the day....
The band will, again, be the world-famous Mighty Saints of Soul. They are known for their smooth tunes and tones, and the beach music beats are the best around.
Beach Music?! Well, when you are on the coast, you absolutely must pound out beachy rhythms so that the men and women can shag.
Shag?! That's right...it's a dance. At first I was perplexed. I thought it was a strange hair do worn to further exaggerate the dance moves, but alas, it is the dance itself. I believe this will be the third year in a row that The Mighty Saints of Soul will provide the background (and foreground) music to hundreds of patrons supporting the Eastern 4-H Center and it's summer camp program.
Support?! Yep...the proceeds go to helping to support the northeast district 4-H programs, so that they can provide camp scholarships to our summer camp program. While supporting the summer camp program, the patrons will also be allowed to eat, or feed, in my instance.
Eat?! Uh-huh. There will be food. Both high in quantity and quality. While I have no knowledge of or input in to the menu (thankfully), I can wager a guess at what will be aboard the buffet tables. Generally, the food procession begins around 6:00. Patrons start by selecting a plate and fork and napkin. After the eating surface and implements are secured, the first mountain of food to conquer is generally spinach dip with assorted premium crackers and wafers. After deliberating at this stop for about 30 seconds, the diner must then overcome the mounds of fresh fruit and gourmet cheeses. This is best done with a bucket, but we do not allow buckets. However tongs can be used to select the fruits of your choice. Traditionally, the strawberries are the highlights, with some as large a kiwi fruit. After succumbing to the fruit mound, the patron will move towards the brie wheel. A wheel of molten cheese is clearly one of the great gifts to humanity. After this, steamed shrimp are made available by the gallon, all on ice. Last year, I steamed and the shrimp and they were reported to be the best ever. I would have to agree, even though I never, ever ate one of the shrimp. After the shrimp, one might find the crab dip, which is usually filled with Albemarle or Pamlico Sound crab meat. It's my personal fave. Following the food corridor to the last stop, one will find the beef and pork loins that are sliced to order. Oh yeah - there's beverages of all types for the adults to enjoy... If you do not like good food, please steer clear of this event. And yes, there will be dessert.
Dessert?! Other than the crab dip, dessert is where I can really help to lighten the load on the legs of the table. There has been a chocolate fountain, surrounded by delicious brownies (and blondies), cookies, macaroons, fresh fruit, and marshmallows. While the torrent of chocolate is certainly good enough to enjoy from a cup, it is proper etiquette to only dip fruit and food in it - not fingers, hands, or steins...I hope to get it right this year.
Nevertheless, for a $40 ticket, one can enjoy the bounty of the beaches on our beautiful shoreline, decide over the top desserts, deliberate over the expansiveness of the buffet, and even have a chance at the gigantic silent auction. I like auctions, especially silent ones...it's a game of cat and mouse. Generally, I come out as the mouse, though.
Please call the Center to make plans to attend. It's the best way that you can spend my birthday...it's on Saturday, May 7! What else would one do on May 7? Other than it being National Roasted Leg of Lamb Day, there's nothing else worthy of competition. Heck, one could even stay the night in Columbia and help me celebrate May 8 - which is National No Socks Day.
So come out and see the Center, eat some great food, shag, and bid on great silent auction items such as vacation packages, spa treatments, and golf retreats...all for a great cause - supporting North Carolina's youth!
Enjoy the day....
April 25, 2011
My Watch and Summer Camp in Eastern North Carolina
I lost my watch, or somebody has it and will not return it, or it has turned to flesh tone...nevertheless, I'll have to make do without it. If you find a watch, send me a picture message so that I can identify it. I need it. I'm slightly obsessive over not necessarily being on time, but knowing the time. I guess it's a management thing. If you know the time, you know the schedule, you can plan and cross-plan, and you have control. I need my watch for the summer, too.
Summer's just around the corner! On June 6, we'll start our training. Two weeks of in-depth, in yer face trainin'. I'll show all of our summer staff almost everything I know about how to smoothly operate a camp. However, you can prepare for everything, especially the never-seen-before occurrences. However, I'll try to outfit them with decision making skills to be better prepared for those scenarios, should they arise. This year we have staff from as close by as Columbia, NC (2), to New Zealand (1). I also have staff members from South Africa, England, and Plymouth...all distant faraway places.
On June 19 we'll have week 1 of 4-H Camp...I can't wait for that one. Summer is my favorite time of year...warm temperatures, warm water, and warm smiles abound here on Bulls Bay, and I'm the purveyor of fun and nostalgia. We have some openings in our summer camp that week.
One June 26, we will host the second week of traditional 4-H Camp...more of the same, but an opportunity to get better as a camp and a program. And we don't like to squander chances. This session of summer camp is crowded, but reservations can still be made...
The week of July 3 is open for sale...want to have your own camp? Give us a call and we can set you up for the youth camp of your wildest (or tamest) dreams...
July 10 is Grange Camp.While I am probably required to say that 4-H Camp is A#1, Grange is a very close A#2. I love the tradition that they bring to our facility.
July 17 is specialty week...Camp Cloverbud for the littles (ages 5-8), Camp Canvasback for the waterfowl lover (Ages 12-17) and Marine Science and Sailing for the aspiring oceanographer or pirate (Ages 12-17) will all take place that week.
July 24-August 12 is our very own, unique, Take Off 4-Health camp. Health lifestyle camps can be found all over the country, but very few, if any, sport the dynamics that this partnership between NC 4-H and East Carolina's Brody School of Medicine has created...it's available for 12-18 year old campers.
Im also looking to design staff t-shirts. I'm taking any and all considerations. I'm really high on Flesh Tone for some reason...
Enjoy the day...
Summer's just around the corner! On June 6, we'll start our training. Two weeks of in-depth, in yer face trainin'. I'll show all of our summer staff almost everything I know about how to smoothly operate a camp. However, you can prepare for everything, especially the never-seen-before occurrences. However, I'll try to outfit them with decision making skills to be better prepared for those scenarios, should they arise. This year we have staff from as close by as Columbia, NC (2), to New Zealand (1). I also have staff members from South Africa, England, and Plymouth...all distant faraway places.
On June 19 we'll have week 1 of 4-H Camp...I can't wait for that one. Summer is my favorite time of year...warm temperatures, warm water, and warm smiles abound here on Bulls Bay, and I'm the purveyor of fun and nostalgia. We have some openings in our summer camp that week.
One June 26, we will host the second week of traditional 4-H Camp...more of the same, but an opportunity to get better as a camp and a program. And we don't like to squander chances. This session of summer camp is crowded, but reservations can still be made...
The week of July 3 is open for sale...want to have your own camp? Give us a call and we can set you up for the youth camp of your wildest (or tamest) dreams...
July 10 is Grange Camp.While I am probably required to say that 4-H Camp is A#1, Grange is a very close A#2. I love the tradition that they bring to our facility.
July 17 is specialty week...Camp Cloverbud for the littles (ages 5-8), Camp Canvasback for the waterfowl lover (Ages 12-17) and Marine Science and Sailing for the aspiring oceanographer or pirate (Ages 12-17) will all take place that week.
July 24-August 12 is our very own, unique, Take Off 4-Health camp. Health lifestyle camps can be found all over the country, but very few, if any, sport the dynamics that this partnership between NC 4-H and East Carolina's Brody School of Medicine has created...it's available for 12-18 year old campers.
Im also looking to design staff t-shirts. I'm taking any and all considerations. I'm really high on Flesh Tone for some reason...
Enjoy the day...
April 22, 2011
Good Friday and New School Field Trip Programs for North Carolina
Today is Good Friday. Most Fridays are good. Often, very good. This one is gooder than most.
Here at the Center, We are hosting the Duke University Nicholas School for the Environment. I'll be around to cater to whims, both expected and unexpected. The Program Staff, or Programites, as I lke to call them will be spending time with their family and friends. Good for them. I'll spend some time with my friends, too.
Also, though, I 'll be working on a new curriculum for our Environmental Education program. Quite frankly, the first one I made bores me a little bit. It's just what everybody else does...and I want to be different. And I will. In the coming weeks, I'll eliminate old ecology and environmental education activities and replace them with some that are more focused on marshes, waterfowl, the sound, and eastern NC culture. Obviously, at this point, I am accepting requests...I'll comsider anything. Nevertheless, every school field trip that arrives here should be able to catch a blue crab or a white perch, as well as meet "Joe Waterman"*.
Enjoy the weekend...
* I am considering creating a "replica" of an old timer Waterman. Waterman are those men (and often times, women) that plied the Sounds for fish, waterfowl, and shellfish. Waterman lore and tradition is deep and rich. This program might include me, Lee, or hopefully, program staff dressing in period clothing for night time discussions on pre-modern times in and around Albemarle Sound...
Here at the Center, We are hosting the Duke University Nicholas School for the Environment. I'll be around to cater to whims, both expected and unexpected. The Program Staff, or Programites, as I lke to call them will be spending time with their family and friends. Good for them. I'll spend some time with my friends, too.
Also, though, I 'll be working on a new curriculum for our Environmental Education program. Quite frankly, the first one I made bores me a little bit. It's just what everybody else does...and I want to be different. And I will. In the coming weeks, I'll eliminate old ecology and environmental education activities and replace them with some that are more focused on marshes, waterfowl, the sound, and eastern NC culture. Obviously, at this point, I am accepting requests...I'll comsider anything. Nevertheless, every school field trip that arrives here should be able to catch a blue crab or a white perch, as well as meet "Joe Waterman"*.
Enjoy the weekend...
* I am considering creating a "replica" of an old timer Waterman. Waterman are those men (and often times, women) that plied the Sounds for fish, waterfowl, and shellfish. Waterman lore and tradition is deep and rich. This program might include me, Lee, or hopefully, program staff dressing in period clothing for night time discussions on pre-modern times in and around Albemarle Sound...
April 21, 2011
Tyrrell County Livestock Show
Yesterday, one of the hallmark 4-H events in Tyrrell County took place. The Livestock Show is the farm animal extravaganza of the Century (annually). What happens at a livestock show, you might ask...
1) Animals (goats, pigs, lambs) are raised by area 4-H'ers. They raise them for this specific competition. How are they evaluated? Well, a child will win the event if their respective animal has the most "marketable" traits...muscle expression, standard appearance, and overall appearance. They'll feed them corn or hay to get them there. Why is it important? Well, livestock is a majr and traditional part of North Carolina's economy, and training children to learn livestock production by doing it is just the 4-H way.
2) On Show Day, animals are weighed and sheared and showed, at Tyrrell Hall. The County 4-H Agent, and other Extension Agents rally together to orchestrate the big undertaking.
3) The animals are finally shown...market class, then showmanship. Showmanship gives the 4-H'ers an opportunity to show what they have learned - and not just how well their animal appears. A successful showman will always keep the animal in between themselves and the judge, will continue to exercise control over the animal, will "set-up" the animal so that it's feet are squared, and will answer some tricky questions about their respective animal. Ribbons are awarded to top placements in market class and showmanship.
4) The fundraising aspect follows the show. There is almost always a catered meal. The catered meal is easily my favorite portion of the festivities. Nine times out of ten, the meal is barbecue with boiled potatoes, corn bread fritters, and cole slaw. It's hard to go wrong with that...but the baked goods that accompany the meal are what I'm there for...
5) The end.
I'm happy to report that Lee, our Director, is alright after his day of weighing lambs and goats and pigs. He is proficient in the ways of the livestock and really loves helping. I like to help, but love to watch. I, too, have shown in livestock shows, but that was 20 years ago. I will accept your congratulations for my Reserve Championdom in my email inbox...
Enjoy the day...
1) Animals (goats, pigs, lambs) are raised by area 4-H'ers. They raise them for this specific competition. How are they evaluated? Well, a child will win the event if their respective animal has the most "marketable" traits...muscle expression, standard appearance, and overall appearance. They'll feed them corn or hay to get them there. Why is it important? Well, livestock is a majr and traditional part of North Carolina's economy, and training children to learn livestock production by doing it is just the 4-H way.
2) On Show Day, animals are weighed and sheared and showed, at Tyrrell Hall. The County 4-H Agent, and other Extension Agents rally together to orchestrate the big undertaking.
3) The animals are finally shown...market class, then showmanship. Showmanship gives the 4-H'ers an opportunity to show what they have learned - and not just how well their animal appears. A successful showman will always keep the animal in between themselves and the judge, will continue to exercise control over the animal, will "set-up" the animal so that it's feet are squared, and will answer some tricky questions about their respective animal. Ribbons are awarded to top placements in market class and showmanship.
4) The fundraising aspect follows the show. There is almost always a catered meal. The catered meal is easily my favorite portion of the festivities. Nine times out of ten, the meal is barbecue with boiled potatoes, corn bread fritters, and cole slaw. It's hard to go wrong with that...but the baked goods that accompany the meal are what I'm there for...
5) The end.
I'm happy to report that Lee, our Director, is alright after his day of weighing lambs and goats and pigs. He is proficient in the ways of the livestock and really loves helping. I like to help, but love to watch. I, too, have shown in livestock shows, but that was 20 years ago. I will accept your congratulations for my Reserve Championdom in my email inbox...
Enjoy the day...
April 19, 2011
Summer Camp Staff
So, every spring, I am charged with going and finding the very best staff one could hope to find. these staff are important, as they serve our campers needs and wants throughout the summer. Our summer camp kids vary greatly. The diversity of our programs is conducive to hosting a wide variety of summer camp kids.
Many camps have the luxury of pulling "alumni campers" back in to the fold. We just don't have that, since our summer camp is only about 10 years old. It'll start to pay off soon, but being an alumnus does not necessarily transfer into a great staff member...here's what I look for...
Excited...if a counselor is not excited in an interview and at the opportunity to work at the best place there is, then what do they get excited about. High energy is a must, and children want an excited counselor, as one candidate recently said to me.
Responsible...not just to campers, but to parents, and the Center. The best interest of the child is also the best interest of the parents and Center. Ensuring that all things are safe and fun is part of it, but honesty when things are not going perfect is good, too.
Punctual...all the time. Late for lunch? Not possible in my world, unless certain circumstances occur, like extra swim time or something. Late for flag raising...guh! That starts the day off late. Never, ever should campers be late...
Experience with children and informal education...is very important. A counselor's first interaction with children should not be at summer camp. Tell me something in the the interview that will lead me to believe that you know, understand, and love children.
There's much more, but I don't want to give all of the secrets to the other camps vying for the same great staff that I place every year at summer camp.
Here's where we are...about 5/6 off the staff are hired...contingent on a cleared background check, that is.
I still need an Ecology instructor (interviewing Friday!) and a rock climbing instructor...if you know someone that you would let care for your children, point them in our direction. Eastern north Carolina is not for great beaches, great barbecue, and soon to be, GREAT summer camp experiences at the Eastern 4-H Center...
Enjoy the day...
Many camps have the luxury of pulling "alumni campers" back in to the fold. We just don't have that, since our summer camp is only about 10 years old. It'll start to pay off soon, but being an alumnus does not necessarily transfer into a great staff member...here's what I look for...
Excited...if a counselor is not excited in an interview and at the opportunity to work at the best place there is, then what do they get excited about. High energy is a must, and children want an excited counselor, as one candidate recently said to me.
Responsible...not just to campers, but to parents, and the Center. The best interest of the child is also the best interest of the parents and Center. Ensuring that all things are safe and fun is part of it, but honesty when things are not going perfect is good, too.
Punctual...all the time. Late for lunch? Not possible in my world, unless certain circumstances occur, like extra swim time or something. Late for flag raising...guh! That starts the day off late. Never, ever should campers be late...
Experience with children and informal education...is very important. A counselor's first interaction with children should not be at summer camp. Tell me something in the the interview that will lead me to believe that you know, understand, and love children.
There's much more, but I don't want to give all of the secrets to the other camps vying for the same great staff that I place every year at summer camp.
Here's where we are...about 5/6 off the staff are hired...contingent on a cleared background check, that is.
I still need an Ecology instructor (interviewing Friday!) and a rock climbing instructor...if you know someone that you would let care for your children, point them in our direction. Eastern north Carolina is not for great beaches, great barbecue, and soon to be, GREAT summer camp experiences at the Eastern 4-H Center...
Enjoy the day...
April 18, 2011
RYLA Weekend
Well as many of you know, this past weekend in North Carolina saw events that many would and could call dramatic, traumatic, tragic, and down right nerve-wracking. Tornadoes blew their way through the state, and left notable damage in Sanford, Raleigh, Greene County, and Bertie County.
While there are many tragic stories to tell, some heroics can be found...especially at the Lowes in Sanford.
The Eastern 4-H Center, and Tyrrell County, were placed under a tornado warning, too. Reports stated that a tornado did pass south of Columbia and through the Levels Road area...which is approximately 8 miles from the Center. Nevertheless, the minute the warning was posted our pre-plan became the plan, and it was executed flawlessly. Emergency Action plans are important for all families and businesses, and we take pride in having not only sturdy and modern facilities, but also haveing the institutional knowledge and ability to coordinate emergency situations. You'll never here me say that anything is more important than our visitor's safety.
We only had a few broken limbs in the challenge course area...however during the storm, the 50 mph winds did knock out our electricity. We had electric lanterns and drinking water available 20 minutes beforehand. Anticipation is important when preparing for the worst.
Our RYLA students allegedly had "fun" as they called it during the warning. They were safely tucked away in sturdy bathrooms and hallways, along with our on site adults. The storm cause a little nervousness, but radio communication made it possible to update the children and adults - and to keep them at ease.
Anyway, we have trails to clean...
Enjoy the day...
While there are many tragic stories to tell, some heroics can be found...especially at the Lowes in Sanford.
The Eastern 4-H Center, and Tyrrell County, were placed under a tornado warning, too. Reports stated that a tornado did pass south of Columbia and through the Levels Road area...which is approximately 8 miles from the Center. Nevertheless, the minute the warning was posted our pre-plan became the plan, and it was executed flawlessly. Emergency Action plans are important for all families and businesses, and we take pride in having not only sturdy and modern facilities, but also haveing the institutional knowledge and ability to coordinate emergency situations. You'll never here me say that anything is more important than our visitor's safety.
We only had a few broken limbs in the challenge course area...however during the storm, the 50 mph winds did knock out our electricity. We had electric lanterns and drinking water available 20 minutes beforehand. Anticipation is important when preparing for the worst.
Our RYLA students allegedly had "fun" as they called it during the warning. They were safely tucked away in sturdy bathrooms and hallways, along with our on site adults. The storm cause a little nervousness, but radio communication made it possible to update the children and adults - and to keep them at ease.
Anyway, we have trails to clean...
Enjoy the day...
April 13, 2011
Summer on the Horizon
Hey folks...look way out in the future. You might need to squint...see it? That's summer camp. Calling all new and old campers, those that have never camped, and those that will forever camp! We have a few openings. Deliberate too long, and you might be left out! Here's hoping you're not! I'll post the calendar soon!
And, yes, I'm back! And as excited about it as anything possible...
Enjoy the day!
And, yes, I'm back! And as excited about it as anything possible...
Enjoy the day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)