How to Register...

I know I promised to put this up here weeks ago...sorry...better late than never, right?

If your child had not turned 5 before September 1st than you don't need to register with the county. While they are more than welcome to participate in club activities with us, they won't be considered "official" 4-H members this year and as such don't need to register.

For the rest of you here's how you do it...

1) Read the instructions found here..( http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/4h/Florida%204-H%20Online%20Instruction%20Manual%20-%20Family%20Section.pdf ). I know it's long, but trust me, it will make it easier on you.

2) After reading the instructions, go here to set up your family account and add members.
 https://florida.4honline.com/Login.aspx?404B4D4B61784A716F4B38773D

At this time you only need to add your children's information, unless you plan on volunteering with the 4-H program in a more official capacity (co-club leader anyone...anyone ?) than you won't need to set up a profile for yourself.

Some helpful hints...

1) It took me about 30 minute to complete the whole registration. I admit it's a rather tedious process as far as online registrations go. Plan to register when you have some downtime, put the kids to bed first and make yourself a cup of tea. Good news is you only have to do it once, for re-enrollment purposes in the future you'll only have to adjust information as need (new address, food allergies, etc.).

2) Our club name is "Growing Green 4-H" you'll need to know that. The official project we're working on this year is called "Exploring 4-H" (or something very close to that). You may choose to completed additional projects on  your own through the year, but for registration purposes that will be the one you select.  When it asks you about a workbook...just skip to the next step (I'll coordinate getting books through the County 4-H Agent directly)

3) If it seems like a question/category doesn't apply to you...it probably doesn't. Just skip it and move on to the next step (especially towards the end of the registration process).

4) If you get stumped in the middle, send me a text (352-219-8077) and I'll call you back as soon as I'm able.

You can do it! I believe in you!
Amanda

Let's Dig Us A Garden!

When: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 2:30 -4:30pm
Where: The usual meeting place (email ALEmslie@yahoo.com if you need the address/directions)

What to Bring: 
We will be clearing garden plot(s) and planting seeds. 

This is definitely a "become one with the soil" kind of activity so I strongly recommend bringing a change of clothes(towels?) and some insect repellent. (I'll provide the hose to spray 'em down after, lol)

Plan to remain outdoors for the duration of the meeting, water bottles and sunblock are encouraged.

Bring any gardening tools you think may be useful for your kids and/or to share. I purchased about 14 seed packets today which should get us started. If you'd like to bring some to contribute you are more than welcome. I'll have a donation jar set up inside if anyone wants to help cover the cost of seeds (totally voluntary, no pressure). This is what I picked up mostly based on season/availability....

They are all Seed of Change Organic seeds...
2x Genovese Basil
2x Dill
2x Cherry Radish
2x Colorful Beet Mix
2x Tyee F1 Spinach
2x Simpson Lettuce
2x Fordhook Chard

I was told the soil in the existing beds is pretty well prepared already, but obviously won't know for sure till we get down to clearing it out. If anyone would like to bring compost/topsoil it couldn't hurt (anything not used in the beds can be set aside for containers at a future meeting).

Call if you have any questions: 352-219-8077

Look forward to seeing you there!

Amanda Emslie

Join Us On Facebook...

For those of you on Facebook who'd like to join our group page, here is the direct link...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GG4HClub/

It's a "closed group" so anyone can see the group but only members will be able to see and add posts.

~Amanda

Club Kick-Off & Registration Open House

Hi All!
   Our first event is going to be a club kick-off and registration open house on September 5th from 2:30 - 4:30pm. There will be some fun activities and ice cream for the kiddos to enjoy while they get to know each other and learn a bit more about 4-H. This will also be a chance for parents to register and fill out paperwork (and I guess we can enjoy some ice cream too). This is a casual open house style event so feel free to drop by anytime between 2:30 and 4:30.

 If you'd like to participate just send me an email and I will send you the address and directions (ALEmslie@yahoo.com).

If you're planning on joining the club but can't make it on September 5th I will be more than happy to get registration information to you at another time.

I will be posting more information here soon with regards to the goals and plans for the club this year and also a little bit of info about the 4-H program in general.

If you'd like to work as a parent volunteer or have any other questions feel free to call or email. I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Amanda Emslie
352-219-8077
ALEmslie@yahoo.com