• Nov. 25-26: University holidays, offices closed
• Nov. 26-30: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA
• Dec. 6: Youth Fund Board meeting, Campus
• Dec. 15: IFYE Ambassador applications due, State 4-H office
• Dec. 22-24: University holidays, offices closed
• Dec. 31: University holiday, offices closed

• State 4-H Conference Planning Committee form
• Chuck Urano Memorial Scholarship application

2005 Youth Fest

Mark your calendar for the 2005 Youth Fest! This fun and engaging weekend is sponsored by the State 4-H Senate for 4-H'ers ages nine to 13. Youth Fest will be held Feb.18-20 at the Ponderosa Retreat and Conference Center in Larkspur. The registration fee for this event is $90. Please send registration information to Lorri Arnhold, Las Animas County Extension Director, 101 CCH, 200 E. 1st Street, Trinidad, 81082-3000 by Feb. 1, 2005. Registration is limited to the first 175 paid campers.

For further details go to 4hweb.ext.colostate.edu/youthfest. Please call if you have questions. Thank you! - Katy Kohnen

Colorado State 4-H Conference Planning Committee

Attached is a nomination form for participation on the State 4-H Conference Planning Team. We're looking for youth, volunteers and agents from the four corners of the state to take the leadership for the overall format and content of this annual conference. Nominate yourself and others who you think would benefit from this experience and have a great deal to offer! This opportunity is open to any youth over the age of 14, and volunteers and agents in the state who have had some previous experience participating in this event. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 15. - Dale Leidheiser

GPS/GIS Training Kit

Beginning Jan. 1, 2005 we will have a complete training kit with four GPS units and a laptop with GIS software available for counties to check out and use with youth interested in this area of technology. Please keep this in mind as you think about county training. We will offer additional training in this area at the 2005 State 4-H Conference. - Dale Leidheiser

Chuck Urano Memorial Scholarship

The Chuck Urano Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Colorado Farm Show, will award six $1000 scholarships. High school seniors and college students who are enrolled, or going to enroll in an agricultural program are eligible. The two-page application is attached and is due by Jan. 7, 2005. - Katy Kohnen

4-H Award Pins

There is still an abundant supply of 4-H award pins available if you have a need for them. We have 26 swine pins, 75 horse pins, and 157 textile/clothing pins. These will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis. Please let me know how many you would like. Thanks! - Katy Kohnen

Masonic Range Science Scholarship

The Society for Range Management (SRM) Masonic-Range Science Scholarship offers financial assistance and recognition to a high school senior, college freshman or college sophomore planning to major in, or is presently majoring in range science and/or a closely related field. The recipient of the scholarship must be planning to attend or be currently enrolled at a college or university with a range science program.

Applicants must be sponsored by a member of the Society for Range Management (SRM), the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), or the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). The SRM Student Affairs Committee will select the recipient(s) and announce their selection at the SRM annual meeting held in February 2005.

Applications are due by Jan. 15. This is a new date. For the application and more information go to http://www.rangelands.org/education_masonicscholarship.shtml. - Katy Kohnen

International Update

The 4-H/Japanese Intern Program offers an opportunity to have an in-depth experience of the Japanese culture. This full-year program includes living with Japanese host families, working with the sponsoring Japanese exchange organization (Labo, Lex, or Utrek), and learning about Japanese culture through formal classes and independent research. Interns are provided with round-trip airfare to Japan, one month stipend, medical and accident insurance coverage, and housing. Interns leave for Japan in September and return to the United States the following August. Basic criteria for selection are: the applicant must be at least 18 years old by Jan. 1 of the program year, but no older than 25, a high school graduate (one year of college preferred), past experience in a 4-H short-term exchange program in Japan (preferred but not required), and some ability to understand and communicate in Japanese (preferred but not required). The Intern Selection Committee reviews applications during mid-January and qualified applicants are invited to Seattle (expenses paid) for personal interviews and selection. Please contact me at 970.491.2711 or e-mail cloflin@coop.ext.colostate.edu for further information and an application if you are interested in this opportunity. - Courtney Loflin