Opportunities for Individual Recognition
Colorado Clover Guide >> Opportunities for Individual Recognition

4-H RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITES

One important responsibility of adults who work with youth in 4-H is to provide the participants with recognition and encouragement so that they understand they are worthy and valued individuals. The 4-H program has a highly diverse youth audience. Its members include all racial and ethnic groups; live in rural, urban and suburban areas; and range in age from 8 to 18. All adults who work with 4-H youth are encouraged to assist in the recognition of 4-H members while building the support needed from this diverse audience. Successful youth-development programs incorporate all five ways to recognize youth, including recognizing youth for:

  • Participating in educational experiences
  • Progressing toward self-set goals
  • Achieving a standard of excellence
  • Accomplishments through peer competition
  • Developing a team concept through cooperation
Listed Awards
I DARE YOU (Recognized at the county achievement)

William H. Danforth’s book, I Dare You, was first published in 1931. It is still considered one of the most influential books in the area of personal motivation. The book is published and distributed by the American Youth Foundation through its I Dare You Committee. The I Dare You Leadership Award is not a contest or competition. High school principals and county agents are asked to select (or have a staff or committee select) nominees. The award consists of a copy of I Dare You, a certificate, and an invitation to apply for a scholarship to attend a seven-day International Leadership Conference (ILC) at one of AYF’s three sites (Michigan, New Hampshire and California). The award recognizes excellence in character, well-balanced personal development, and potential for leadership. A prepaid processing fee of $20.00 is required whether one or two selections are made. The fees must accompany the selection forms. I Dare You application forms and ILC brochures, posters and information packets are available from the American Youth Foundation, Attn: I Dare You Committee, Dept.620, St. Louis, MO 63179, phone (314) 646-6000 or at www.ayf.com.

The Gloria Barron prize for Young Heroes recognizes young people ages 8 to 18 who have shown leadership and courage in public service to people and our planet. Application is due on April 30.

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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CITIZENSHIP

Honors 4-H members for their citizenship experiences, including activities that contributed to the welfare of their clubs or group members, other individuals outside their families, or their communities. Overall recognition includes citizenship experiences outside of 4-H in school, youth, community, or religious organizations. Applications are due by June 1 at the Colorado State 4-H Office. Applicants must be 14 years of age as of December 31 of previous year.

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COOPERATIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP

This award is for a scholarship to attend the Leadership Camp held in June at William Jewell College. This scholarship is sponsored by local cooperatives. Agents will need to check with local cooperatives for more information on this award.

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NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE

The National 4-H Conference is an annual event planned and conducted by the National 4-H Headquarters Families, 4-H, and Nutrition units of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The purpose of the conference is to solicit input from a diverse cross-section of the Extension Sysytem to strengthen and expand the 4-H Youth Development program at local, state, and national levels. This event brings together youth, volunteer leaders, state, and county Extension staff members from across the U.S., its territories, and the Canadian Provinces. The National 4-H Conference is each spring. Members must be between 15 and 18 years of age as of December 31 of the previous year to participate. Each county may nominate two delegates. Nominaees submit an application form. The committee identifies a pool of eight to twelve potential delegates and final selection will be made after interviews at State Fair.

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OUTSTANDING 4-H SENATE YOUTH LEADER

The 4-H Senate will select an outstanding 4-H Youth for recognition at State 4-H Conference in June. The State 4-H Senate’s objective is to honor an outstanding youth leader. Applications are due at the Colorado State 4-H Office by June 1.

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SEA WORLD/BUSH GARDEN/FUJIFILM ENVIRONMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

Since 1993, this award has recognized the outstanding efforts of students and teachers across the country working at the grass-roots level to protect and preserve the environment. Students at all U.S. schools are eligible. Projects must be sponsored by a formally recognized school group (i.e., grade level, classroom or club). Public, private and licensed home schools are all eligible to apply. Individual students (representing science fair projects, etc.) and previous award-winning schools are not eligible to apply. Applications should be sent to Sea World/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards; c/o SeaWold Orlando Educaiton Department, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, no later than December 19 at 5:00 p.m.

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OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD

Recognizes two outstanding 4-H members who have demonstrated leadership through activities and experiences in which they have either participated or lead and have contributed to the welfare of their clubs or group members, other individuals outside their families, or their communities. Applications are due at the Colorado State 4-H Office by June 1. Applicants must be 14 years of age as of December 31 of previous year.

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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ADULT VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITES

Adult volunteers play an important role in the 4-H program. Volunteers coordinate local community clubs and help to plan and conduct local, district, regional, state and national 4-H events. Adult volunteers need to be recognized for all their hard work and dedication to the 4-H program, as well as encouraged to continue their leadership and guidance in molding future citizens and leaders.

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FRIEND OF 4-H

The Colorado Association of Extension 4-H Agents sponsors the Friend of 4-H Award for any individual outside of Extension who has provided continual, dedicated support to the 4-H program. Nominations are submitted by CAE4-HA members as part of the award-selection process. The winner is selected by a vote of membership. A plaque is presented to one recipient during the CAE4-HA Award Banquet at Extension Forum.

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4-H LEADER’S COUNCIL LEADER AWARD

Colorado State 4-H Leaders’ Council has presented an annual “Thank You for Extraordinary Leadership” Award since 1992. The recipient of this award is to be an active leader (or a couple) that has had a zeal for 4-H in their county, district and state. They also need to have been leaders for 15 or more years.

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4-H SENATE OUTSTANDING LEADER AWARD

The 4-H Member Senate will select an outstanding 4-H Adult for recognition at the

State 4-H Conference, in June. Their objective is to honor an outstanding adult who has been directly involved with 4-H youth, either as a club leader or county council leader representative for a minimum of five (5) years.

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4-H ALUMNI AWARD

The Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award is to recognize continued support to the 4-H Youth Development Program by individuals who were 4-H members, either in Colorado or another state. This award is sponsored by the Colorado 4-H Foundation. The Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award winners will be selected based upon the following criteria:

  • Support to the 4-H program in their county, region/state level
  • Contributions to their community via clubs, boards, committees, etc.
  • Involvement in regional/statewide efforts

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

Sponsored by the Colorado 4-H Foundation. Individual clubs, county 4-H officials or other 4-H units may apply. Applications are due at the State 4-H Office by June 1. Complete the application for Community Development Grants for consideration. Certificates are available for counties upon request. Amounts of grant award to be determined by State Committee.

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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NATIONAL 4-H HALL OF FAME

This award is sponsored by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents. Individuals who have made a significant impact on 4-H and members over the past 100 years are eligible for this award. Applications are due by June 1.

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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NATIONAL PARTNER IN 4-H

This award is sponsored by Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service, USDA. Individuals, groups, business organizations, foundations, associations, governmental bodies and other institutions who have worked closely with the Extension System contributing to 4-H Youth Development are eligible for this award. Application is due by June 1.

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE—LIFETIME VOLUNTEER

This award is sponsored by National 4-H Council. The award is for an individual who has served as a 4-H volunteer for 10 years or more and has made a significant, positive impact on youth through their 4-H experiences. Applications are due by June 1 to the State 4-H Office.

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE ---VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

This award is sponsored by the National 4-H Council. The award is for an individual who has served as a 4-H volunteer for up to nine years and has made a significant, positive impact on youth through their 4-H experiences. Application is due by June 1 to the State 4-H Office.

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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NATIONAL 4-H WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES ADULT VOLUNTEER LEADER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

This award is sponsored by Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service, USDA. The award is for an outstanding 4-H Adult Volunteer Leader in Wildlife and Fisheries. Application is due by October 15.

For more information on this award, go to the 4-H website at: http://www.colorado4h.org/events_opportunities/volunteer/volunteer.shtml

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Updated Friday, February 08, 2008.