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Natural Resources Curriculum Committee Meeting Minutes
Telephone Conference Call Notes
June 7th, 2006
Members Present: Debbie Beisel, Jennifer Fetter, Helaine Brown, Kathy Sacco, Sanford “Sandy” Smith (chair). Absent (with good excuses): Chad Barclay, Margaret Brittingham, Susan Taylor, and Susan Bowser
Items Discussed:
1) Curriculum Updates and Revisions
- The Trees + Me 4-H Forestry book was revised and reprinted this past year and it is much improved. Sandy recommended counties discard the old versions. There is some confusion as to which version is which, since they appear similar in design, however the newest one has the 2006 date right inside the front cover.
- Planting Trees in Your Community Forest book was also revised and reprinted this past month. This is a great tree planting guide for youth and adults. Check it out.
- The 4HCCS Fishing Projects Books have gone like hotcakes. Over 1500 were distributed this past fall and spring. We are working at getting more Level 1 books, but there may be a printing delay until the fall. Sandy requested that counties share any extras they have with those that need more.
- A new Orienteering project is needed for PA, preferable one that has two levels, and is easy to understand. Sandy has search across the USA for other 4-H Orienteering books and come up empty-handed. Sandy is interested in seeking a corporate sponsor and permission to use existing text and illustrations to make this idea happen. If anyone has a contact in Brunton, Silva, of Suunto, please pass it along to him. All in attendance agreed to do so.
- We need to make our Forestry Judging and Wildlife Habitat Judging Project Books acceptable to County 4-H programs as 4-H Projects. Debbie will get the format from Carol Schurman that she recommends. Sandy would like to work these into next year’s editions of the books.
2) Brainstorming Curriculum Priorities
Our State 4-H Leader, Christy Bartley, reported to us via email that she would like our curriculum committee to identify new subject matter areas that would address the learning needs and interests of older 4-Hers. She wants our suggestions on emerging issues and topics that would support the math and science academic standards. We discussed potential topics such as Taxidermy, Conservation Biology, Invasive Plants, and Habitat Restoration, and we know there are many others out there. Sandy requested that everyone on the committee send him a list of ideas with a brief descriptions by September 15. The suggestions from each committee will be summarized and shared with extension educators to help prioritize project areas for development by a paid author.
3) The next conference call is proposed for Friday, Nov. 3, 2006 at 9:00 AM