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Family & Consumer Sciences Meeting Minutes
Fall 2003The 4-H FCS curriculum committee met by e-mail in November and December 2003. The curriculum inputs are being shared with all 4-H and FCS agents in January to receive continued support for the purchase, development and printing of materials. The following provided input: Helaine Brown, Wanda Braymer, Dottie Bromley, Mary Ehret, Cathy Guffey, Janice Ronan, Ev Simmons, Nancy Stephenson, Denise Talko and Carolyn Wissenbach.
1. My thought on the foods projects is not to spend a lot of money (stocking the mailroom) until you know what and when the food pyramid will change. If the new plan is 4 years down the road that is one thing, but if change will be coming next fall that is something else to consider.
2. The new food pyramid is planned to be out in 2005, I believe. You may want to wait until then to purchase new curricula (in large quantities), which will have updated information. With the focus on obesity/overweight prevention, I suggest materials that have nutrition content and healthy lifestyle/choices (in addition to the basic cooking and food prep skills). Lessons on how calories work (gaining/losing weight and being physically active should be a part of this. Maybe evaluating fad diets (which is in the lessons now) and how to review food advertisements and marketing. I am not sure if that is available. I find making quick and easy foods which are healthy is better for any clubs in our low income areas, where there is no "leader' or facility for cooking. This may be part of NEP and not the 4-H program. I am not as familiar with the goals of 4-H. I am more (familiar) with nutrition initiatives. Let me know how to help further. I suggest that the committee "meet" via email, rather than heading to PSU. I am (also) available during March Inservice Week, as others may be.
3. I am a little confused about the development of new curriculum. I know it is costly to buy project books, but it seems like it is also costly to develop our own in terms of time and travel. I am very pleased by the new project books that you have shared. This feeling is shared by 4-H leaders I have shown them to. At this time, it's not that I wouldn't be willing to work on developing new curricula, it's just that it doesn't seem worth the time when these new books are already developed. Maybe, I am misunderstanding, but that's my two cents worth!
4. Two projects which I see relate to other issues going on are childhood weight management, body image and increasing physical activity. I would like to see us develop a PSU 4-H project or if you know of one on the web, let me know. The second project which I need to find is foof safety, but
5. You say in your note that you may be developing new foods curriculum- that is in addition to the new series we just received? I'd like to see the leaders learn to use these newest food projects a few years before we offer yet another series. They just got familiar with the last set and haven't even used these new ones yet. I like the idea of a home improvement or room improvement project.
6. I think we have a good group of foods projects now with the new ones that were introduced last spring. I think a room decoration, home interior, craft project would be great.
7. I think (home improvement) would be a wonderful addition! I've heard several adults speak of their experience with such a project; it made quite an impression and empowered them in the direction of home decorating.
8. I feel we need to utilize the foods projects we have now, but work toward developing some of our own so we are not at the mercy of other states and can adapt more easily when nutrition guidelines change. We do need a room improvement project.
9. I had a thought about a possible project need. What about something on personal improvement to look and feel your best which would support self-esteem. As I watch the world go by many people do not know how to dress to flatter their figure. With the increase in obesity, this can be a significant issue. Consider color, line, pattern, fabric type, etc. Of course, the fashions available and money that the person has to spend are an issue. Other areas that might be addressed include make-up, hair care, nail care, selecting eye wear, undergarment selection, etc. Maybe something on language. I work with one professional who is prone to foul language at meetings. I know a secretary who uses poor English. Of course, it would have to be packaged to get kids interested. One thought I had was to use the make over idea approach since that seems to be so popular right now.
10. We need more (foods) project books as we are loaning them to leaders.
11. Maybe the committee could operate via phone conference call. I am on two committees that are working very well that way. I would be glad to serve on your committee if I didn't have to journey to PSU to serve on it! Count me in , if you go the phone route.