CYFAR Conference 2007
Chicago, IL

CYFAR 2007 Workshops


Early Childhood | School Age | Teen | Parent/Family | Community | Display All | Collapse All | Print
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Fostering Reading-enriched Environments for At-Risk


Cara Poon and Daniel Perkins, Pennsylvania State University

This workshop presented the Reading Wizards program for preschool and school age children that enable county extension educators to provide schools and libraries with practical ideas and resources about reading to parents. These resources include a kickoff event to motivate parents and children to read together. The programs are available on-line for free to educators.

Great Beginnings for Families Program


Kimberly Greder and Donna Andrusyk, Iowa State University

Great Beginnings for Families is a research based, interactive parenting education curriculum (Spanish and English) for parents of children 0-6 years that focuses on child development, play and encouragement, guidance and discipline, building family strengths, and anger management. Program evaluation data reveals that parents who have participated in the program strengthen their parenting knowledge and skills.

Outdoor Learning for Young Children: It's play plus much more!


Karen DeBord, North Carolina State University

Today, outdoor play is especially important to counteract sedentary lifestyles and obesity. This workshop will offer guidance to childcare professionals and site administrators in evaluating outdoor spaces using the newly developed Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale (POEMS). POEMS is a comprehensive scale that provides a way to assess the physical environment, interactions, programming, materials, and the teacher's role. CYFAR staff who work in early childhood settings should be on the cutting edge of new and emerging resources and knowledge.

The Reality Classroom


Karen Benson, Delfi Wilson, and Susan Seal, Mississippi State University

Families across America are tuning into “reality” programming for education and entertainment. Through distance education and the use of electronic media, educators can design child care provider training and parent education that keep learners tuned in to subject matter. Learn how to develop presentation styles, follow-up activities, and group interaction techniques that keep your audience virtually involved.

The What, Why, and How of Programs of Distinction


Suzanne Le Menestrel, National 4-H Headquarters; CSREES/USDA
June P. Mead, Cornell University
Jan Carroll, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension

Programs of Distinction (POD) are high-quality youth development programs occurring across the United States. Participants will learn about the POD peer review process, how to submit a manuscript, and the roles and responsibilities of a peer reviewer. The workshop will include a combination of presentation and group discussion and small group exercises.

4-H Health Officers: Smiles for a Lifetime


Elaine Bowen, Zona Hutson and Vada Zinn Woodford, West Virginia University Extension Service

Integrating dental health education with the 4-H network, this initiative's youth-driven format, creative and engaging curriculum, and collaborations focus on these habits: brushing, flossing, healthy snacks and drinks, tobacco education, mouthguards, and fluoride. The initiative energizes youth leadership, the Health H, and demonstrates West Virginia University Extension's capacity to impact critical knowledge and behaviors.

Building Social Capital through Fun, Food, and Friends Hispanic Summer Camp


Sheri Seibold, Barbara Farner, and German Cutz, University of Illinois Extension
Susan Farner, University of Illinois Kinesiology and Community Health Dept.

Description: This workshop on Fun, Food, and Friends Summer Camp will lead participants through the planning, implementation, (including: site selection, staffing needs and training, marketing, registration, partnerships, curriculum content, budget, and risk management) and evaluation steps taken to develop and deliver a program to Hispanic audiences by Extension in Will County. Discussion, small group work, and a power point presentation will be used. Tools and resources will be shared.

Bunny Who Knows Money Sweeps Maryland Schools!


Megan O’Neil-Haight and Amy Rhodes, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension

Program Highlights from a series of twelve in-school assemblies with "Sammy the Saver" and author Sam X. Renick plus initial findings from student pre and post tests.

Eielson’s Amazing Base Race


Candi Dierenfield, University of Alaska–Fairbanks
Jacalyn Dunn and Deborah Conklin, Eielson Air Force Base

Eielson’s Amazing Base Race youth program uses learning bicycle safety, GPS techniques, and teamwork while traveling around the installation on their bikes to earn the most points and become “Amazing Base Race Champs.” This presentation will show how to plan your Amazing Race including the clues (using GPS), detours (team building challenges), and road blocks (obstacle courses).

Engaging Youth: After-School Programs Responding to National Heath and Wellness Policy


Vickie L. Greve, Lisa C. Kaslon, Marla K. Kurtenbach, Hollie Randles, Kristi M. Rastede and Lee Sherry
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension

In response to the 2006–2007 deadline set by U.S. Congress to implement wellness policies in schools, this interactive program highlights unique sources to help meet requirements and teach after-school programs on health, physical activity and nutrition. Through after-school newsletters, games, PowerPoint presentations, MyPyramid, lesson plans, and worksheets, participants learn new and exciting ways to engage children in healthy lifestyle choices.
    This presentation was made using PowerPoint 2007 and is not compatible with earlier versions of PowerPoint. Any Windows user can view the presentation by first downloading and installing the PowerPoint 2007 Viewer form Microsoft’s website. This is only needed for the presentation file not the other PowerPoints.
  • Presentation

Get Up & Move! Healthy Lifestyles Program for Youth


Patricia C. McGlaughlin, Natalie Bosecker, Barbara Farner, Sheri Seibold, University of Illinois Extension
Mary Ann Halpin, Kinesiology and Community Health Department, University of Illinois

Get Up and Move! encourages youth from diverse settings to increase physical activity, addressing a growing concern of sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles. The program promotes physical activity and healthy eating; involves youth leaders in teaching and modeling behavior with their peers; and provides easy-to-use activities for groups. Resources shared will include strategies for extending learning to family and community settings.

Jump Into Foods and Fitness


Janet Olsen, Michigan State University Extension

Revised recently to reflect USDA’s new food guidelines, Michigan State University’s Jump Into Foods and Fitness (JIFF) (2006) curriculum contains eight active-learning lessons. Experience hands-on lessons in this research-based program that helps youth make healthy nutrition choices and build active lifestyles. Learn how teen health educators are developing leadership and career skills while teaching JIFF to younger youth.

Un Libro, Un Niño Youth Literacy/Teen Leadership Project


Carolyn L. Belczyk, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Ohio State Extension
Jacqueline Buluje, Bilingual Aide, Badger High School, Lake Geneva, WI

The Un Libro, Un Niño Youth Literacy/Teen Leadership Project is an outreach initiative that pairs Latino youth with teen mentors. The pairs participate in shared reading and activities. Latinos enhance their English literacy and learn about 4-H while mentors increase their multi-cultural understanding, leadership, and Spanish language skills. A CD with the complete curriculum may be obtained by emailing Carolyn Belczyk at belczyk.1@cfaes.osu.edu.

Media Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active


Jill Martz, Montana State University
Pat Whitaker, University of Tennessee

Explore the connections between physical activity, food and nutrition, and media as they create a "big production" to share their knowledge and skills with others.

Munchy Adventures


Norma Samuel and Natasha Masciarelli, University of Florida Extension Service, Marion County

Getting kids to eat healthily can be challenging. Munchy Adventures, a 4-H nutrition and fitness curriculum, introduces youth ages 8 to 10 to simple, healthy lifestyle habits through fun and engaging activities. The program mascot, Chef Nicky, the fruit- and vegetable-loving guinea pig, takes youth on an exploration of MyPyramid, energy requirements, exercise activities, and easy to prepare, healthy snacks.
  • Presentation (14.2 MB Zipped, just unzip and double click run.bat)

Project Butterfly WINGS


Kathy C. Malone, Nikole K. Kadel and Marilyn M. Martin, University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History

Project Butterfly WINGS (Winning Investigative Network for Great Science) is a new 4-H citizen science program designed to promote interest and long-term involvement in science. youth in fourth through eighth grades design projects about local butterflies and participate in hands-on research. WINGS integrates 4-H life skills through experiential and cooperative science learning. Complimentary copies of the curriculum are provided at the workshop.

Get SET for an Exciting Adventure in Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET)


Byron Garrett and Jim Kahler, National 4-H Headquarters
Robert Horton, Ohio State University
Kathleen Jamison, Virginia Tech
Jay Staker, Iowa State University

America's young people are not prepared with the necessary science, engineering and technology skills they need for the 21st century. 4-H SET is designed to address this and ensure 4-H youth develop the skills they need to remain competitive in the 21st century. Come learn about 4-H SET, available curricula and how to involve youth in this important work.

A Silver Lining in Every Cloud? Or Chasing Away the Clouds? Teaching Optimism


Marilyn F. Rasmussen, Rose Stee, and Christine Kayl, South Dakota State University

Optimism about life’s challenges can be developed during childhood with support of parents but also through the assistance and intentional programming of caring adults in after-school care and youth organizations. Optimism is influenced by a person’s ability to accurately assess challenges, identify feelings, and plan for the best outcomes. Participants will practice a model for promoting optimism in children.

TeRRiFiCC Teachable Moments: Reinforcing Our Character Education Efforts


Judy Taylor, Tessa Hobbs-Curley, Patti Faughn, Sheri Merry and Brenda Eyler, University of Illinois

Everyday parents, teachers and childcare providers encounter behaviors they’d like to diminish and behaviors they’d like to encourage. This program allows participants to experience hands-on, minds-on activities for PreK-6 grade children, developed to address everyday situations almost immediately. Accompanying materials include: lesson plan, handouts, PowerPoint presentation, marketing materials, evaluation tools, certificates. Copies of TeRRiFiCC Teachable Moments are available at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/character/. Quantity discounts are available.

Building Sustainability: From One Youth Voices Project to a Youth Community Action Movement


Barbara A. Baker, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
JoAnne Baldini, Cornell Cooperative Extension
Tracy McGee, Erie 1 BOCES

As a result of this session, participants will be able to: a) Broaden knowledge and skills for sustainability planning that is interactive and attractive to youth/adult collaborators; b) Reflect upon current research behind emerging practice in Youth Community Development; c) Inspire each other, identify others as resources, and take home valuable materials; d) Create a Back-Home Plan.

Climbing Along the Personal Journey


James P. Marshall and H. Wallace Goddard, University of Arkansas

Many common beliefs about teen well-being and development have been shown to be flawed. However, recent discoveries in human development point a clear path toward the fundamental principles of well-being. University of Arkansas family life faculty have used these discoveries to develop an innovative teen curriculum, The Personal Journey, that describes the key elements for human well-being and thriving. Participants will be provided with simple, practical tips for greater happiness and effectiveness.

Community Service Goes High Tech: Media Presentation Skills for Teens


Rachel Everett, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Kelly Elam, New Jersey 4-H Member

Young Heroes is an 18-minute video designed and produced by a youth adult partnership through New Jersey Operation: Military Kids. This workshop provided the model used by the NJ team. Participants view the entire video and participate in a youth-led discussion. The project materials include the implementation plan for the resulting broad-based community service project.

Flipping the Script: Lessons Learned from African American Male Students about Strategies for Closing the Achievement Gap


Doris Houston, Illinois State University
Samuel Smith, University of Illinois Laboratory High School
Jason Jackson and Eric Houston, University of Illinois Students

Using youth as co-presenters, the workshop will present the results of a video-journal project that emerged as a culturally responsive model for youth leadership and development. The video-journal project, undertaken by high school youth leaders, offers candid insights and perspectives on the life experiences, educational needs, frustrations, and dreams of African American male students who are striving to overcome barriers to educational success. Workshop participants will leave equipped with the tools they need to become “achievement gap closers” in their communities.

The Forgotten Half: Fostering the Leadership Potential of Underserved Youth


Steve Wagoner and Madonna Weese, University of Illinois Extension

Research says there is a gap in youth leadership development called “the forgotten half.” Many teens not already involved in leadership roles and not behaviorally challenged never experience opportunities to develop their leadership potential. Important tips are shared in this workshop on how to successfully provide those opportunities for underserved youth. Teen program success stories are also shared.

The Genesis After-School Program: Using the Experiential Learning Model with High-Risk Juvenile Offenders


Maggie E. Magoon, Ohio State University
Sarah J. Lewis and Judge Brad Culbert, Sandusky County Juvenile Court

The Genesis Program is an intensive, after-school program for high-risk, court-involved youths and their families. Collaboration among youth, parents/families, Juvenile Court and Extension staff, schools, treatment providers, and the community is essential. The curriculum incorporates cognitive-behavioral approaches to change with Experiential Learning. Program implementation, operation, evaluation, outcomes, and challenges will be discussed, as well as interactive examples of program activities.

Give ’Em Roots and They’ll Be Successful: Community-Supported At-Risk Youth Programming


Linda Strieter, Debi Cole, Luanne Hughes, and Susan Makres, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Rutgers University

The New Jersey New Communities Project features two county programs, Roots of Knowledge and Seeds to Success, both of which effectively build the capacity of children by developing life skills vital to their future employability and healthy lifestyles. The presenters will focus on training methodologies, major accomplishments, and plans for sustainability.

Healthy Choices


Carole A. Paterson, University of California
Jewel Fink, Planned Parenthood Shasta Diablo
Courtney Wu, Fighting Back Partnership Vallejo

This workshop will introduce participants to strategies used to increase teen access to reproductive health care. Using a teen-developed discussion guide, participants will experience the process of the National Issue Forum methodology. Included are take-home tips for developing a teen outreach corps, examples of tools and techniques used to monitor youth access, and an evaluation tool to gauge knowledge-gain and behavior change.

Keepin' Love Real: Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships among Teens


Charles G. Go, University of California Cooperative Extension, Alameda
Clifford Yee, Asian Health Services, Oakland, California

Teen dating violence is a rising issue in the U.S. today. Not surprisingly, teens in the Alameda County CYFAR project, Teens 4 Teens, selected this as a topic to address in their community project. In this workshop, we will share the teen developed workshop along with their successes and challenges.

Reaching Teens: Using Peer Input, Advice and Stories to Bolster Programs


Brian Raison, 4-H Youth & Community Development, Ohio State University - Department of Extension, Montgomery County
Dianne Weber, Family Living Educator, University of Wisconsin – Department of Extension, Washburn County
Lori Zierl, Family Living Educator, University of Wisconsin – Department of Extension, Pierce County
Annette Bjorklund, Family Living Educator, University of Wisconsin – Department of Extension

Program development for teenagers is a difficult task. They appear, talk and often act invincible. Helping them gain an understanding of ______ (fill in the blank with your most important teen program) may prove even more difficult. Workshop participants will learn academic, research-based, processes to glean compelling stories from teens to give programs more impact and credibility. “College 101: Strategies for Success” will be the example.

Strengthening Families: Project MAGIC, a Program for Juvenile Offenders


Marilyn Smith and Bill Evans, University of Nevada

Project MAGIC is one of five programs in the nation to receive the 2006 4-H Families Count: Family Strengthening Award. This program for juvenile offenders and their families is proven to be effective with entry-level offenders. Workshop participants will get an overview of the project, an opportunity to review the curriculum, discuss the built-in program evaluation, and the process for working with the juvenile justice system to implement local programs.

If You Build It, Will They Come, and Come Back? Recruitment and Retention of At-Risk Teens


Kay Telfer and Vicki Giarratano, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Broome County
Jackie Davis-Manigaulte and Jamila Simon, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York City
June P. Mead, Cornell University

This workshop addressed two components essential to successful programs for at-risk teens-recruitment and retention. Drawing on their combined years of working with hard-to-reach young people, the facilitators shared innovative strategies being used in New York's new CYFAR Program, Community Improvement Through Youth-the CITY Project. Handouts used during the workshop include practical strategies for building community collaborations and youth/adult partnerships, promoting youth voice, and using employment and other incentives as recruitment and retention tools.

Youth as Community Change Partners


Ann J. Sparke and Amy Mayhill, Kansas State Research and Extension, Morris

In this session youth and adult members from the Morris County Community Change Team will share the projects they have initiated to lead their communities to be more physically active and address the childhood obesity epidemic. You will leave this workshop with practical action activities that can be implemented in your communities to address such issues.

Building Capacity in Evidence-based Programs: The Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10 – 14


Pam Peterson, University of Wisconsin Extension, Door County
Kristen Bruder, University of Wisconsin Extension, Dunn County

Implementing evidence-based programs (EBP) can be a time-consuming task. Learn the benefits of using EBP in your community and how Wisconsin has built statewide capacity for Strengthening Families 10 – 14, an evidence-based program. Learn about Wisconsin’s experiences developing resources and materials that can be used to implement evidence-based programs. Lessons learned and hands-on program activities are shared.

Coming Full Circle


Kimberly C. Porter, Latoya Freeman and Demetrius Brown, University of Wisconsin

Building safe neighborhoods for families and children requires dialogue, educational programming, and action. Learn how UW Extension, Milwaukee County helps residents, businesses, youth and educational institutions to combat crime, poverty, unemployment, youth issues and other community concerns through a process called Study Circles. Additionally, this workshop highlights a pre college program which has been successful at preparing youth ages 12 to 18 for the workforce, college and beyond in low income neighborhoods.

Deal or No Deal: Lots of Questions, Lots of Answers for Parent Education


Judy Branch, University of Vermont Extension
Jackie Davis-Manigaulte, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York City
Karen DeBord, North Carolina State University
H. Wallace Goddard, University of Arkansas
Joseph Maiorano, Ohio State University Extension
June P. Mead, Cornell University
Gerri Peeples, University of Illinois

The CYFERnet Parent/Family Editorial Board used a series of popular game shows to involve the audience in testing their parent education skills and demonstrating how CYFERnet can be used to answer parents' questions and support extension staff who work with parents, grandparents, stepfamilies, and others who contribute to raising children. Participants received a CD with examples of CYFERnet resources and the PowerPoint presentation of "Deal or No Deal" that they could adapt to their own programs.

One Size Does Not Fit All: How a Model Program can be Adapated to Work for Different Populations


Pat Davenport, FAST National Training and Evaluation Center

As model programs that are theory-driven and well-evaluated are implemented more frequently, they need to be adapted to local circumstances, but at the same time maintain a delicate balance between program fidelity and adaptation. This session focuses on how Families and Schools Together (FAST) balances program fidelity and program adaptation in order to make the program work for different populations.

Parenting is More Than a Game


Patti Faughn and Janice McCoy, University of Illinois

Teaching parents and child care professionals about risky developmental stages of young children is accomplished in this workshop through the use of an interactive electronic game, slide presentation and activities. Focus is on making learning fun and attractive through using the game as both a marketing and educational tool. This tool is part of the Your Young Child training curriculum.

Parenting for School Success


Kathleen Olson and Patricia Stoppa, Family Relations Educators, University of Minnesota Extension

What can parents do to help children be the best students they can be? Six factors were found to help children learn, based on a literature review by Dr. Sandra Christenson, University of Minnesota. These six factors will be reviewed, using practical, everyday suggestions and ideas for parents of children K–12 for both English- and Spanish-speaking parents.

The Redesigned Family Tree: Parents and Children in Stepfamilies


Nancy Recker and Lois Clark, Ohio State University

Stepfamilies will soon outnumber all other forms of families. Participants who enroll in this state university peer reviewed presentation will engage in activities to better help them understand stepfamily living and the needs of stepchildren. The presentation will provide research based resources to use in programming as well as a compilation of practical and inspirational advice from focus group participants.

Understanding the Role of Race and Ethnicity on Family Values and Parenting


Jennifer Best, Iowa State University

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of ethnic minorities in the United States will continue to grow faster than the “Anglo majority.” Are human service providers prepared to offer culturally relevant programs and services to this diverse audience? This presentation will focus on what research reveals about traditional roles and value systems in minority families, and how they relate to providers’ ability to offer programs to, partner with, and build the capacity of ethnically diverse communities.

Assessing the Youth Cultural Competence of Youth Development Practitioners


Bonita Williams, Lincoln University

This quantitative study will assess several factors related to program planning, program design and implementation, program evaluation and accountability and the incorporation of cultural competence. The purpose of this study is to develop a valid and reliable instrument that assesses the level of cultural competence for youth development professionals and paraprofessionals. A self-assessment tool was developed and used to assess the level of cultural competence in the programming process.

Building Capacity for Working with Youth Who Live in Poverty


Kerri Wade and Donna Patton, West Virginia University Extension Service

The socioeconomic class in which an individual is raised affects how that individual learns, behaves, makes decisions, and assigns value. This workshop will provide participants with research from Betty Hart, Todd Risley, Reuven Feuerstein, and Ruby Payne. Participants will learn strategies that will help all youth and families to succeed and excel in organized settings-especially those from poverty.

Community Participatory Action Research: What is it and why should we do it?


Autumn Guin & Susan Jakes, North Carolina State University

For professionals wanting to use participatory action research as the foundation for strong community programs, this workshop will outline the participatory action research process, provide an overview of seven essential components necessary to conduct participatory action research, and explore the use of participatory action research for building sustainable community programs.

Crossing Generational and Cultural Boundaries: Leadership Development in Highly Diverse Rural Communities


Sharon M. S. Gibson and Sue Chapman, University of Georgia
Louise Hill, University of Georgia Fanning Institute for Leadership Development
Debbie Purvis, Luz Cooper, and Mailyn Perez, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

This workshop focuses on the leadership development component of the Colquitt County, Georgia, CYFAR project. The workshop addresses the county’s need to bridge new immigrant community members with long-term residents and to develop the leadership potential of all segments. A cross-disciplinary approach was a critical part of program success. Data documenting the impact of the program will be presented.

Leading from Anywhere


Kendra L. Wells, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, University of Maryland
Nia Imani Grant, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, University of Maryland

CYFAR community projects can be sustained when community leadership is developed and strengthened. CYFAR staff can provide learning experiences and create environments to support community leadership and, in turn, support strong, vibrant communities.
The goals of this workshop are to:
1. Introduce the concepts of community leadership
2. Provide participants with tools they can use to identify and build the leadership assets of community members in their CYFAR projects.

Maintaining Boundaries When Working with At-Risk Audiences


Alayne Torretta, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Warren County

To be most effective in making positive, healthy changes with at-risk clientele, professionals must remember to maintain and reinforce healthy boundaries. This workshop outlines professional boundaries as well as what to do if unhealthy client boundaries are recognized. Unhealthy boundaries can create many problems for the professional, including decreased job satisfaction, health issues, and increased frustrations of not being effective.

Making a Difference: Measuring the Effectiveness of Our Programs


Alice Black, Ohio State University

Documenting program outcomes and their effectiveness is a challenging task but a required step in program change, funding and support. This session explores measuring program outcomes on individual, organizational and community levels by using a new evaluation tool called EvaluLEAD. Session participants will learn how to use the EvaluLEAD framework in evaluating the outcomes of their programs.

Measure Your Success, Share Your Impact! Increasing Program Development, Evaluation and Scholarship Capacity in Organizations.


Giesela Grumbach, Emma Theuri, Maurice Ogutu, Nigel Austin, and Kay Doll, University of Illinois Extension
Lydia B. Blalock, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Building sustainable programs requires solid program development and evaluation skills. Learn how University of Illinois Extension, Northeast Region increased their capacity to create community-driven programs; document success; and improve outreach scholarship. Results, processes, and resources will be shared, including tools that moved staff beyond the logic model to the “meat and potatoes” of evaluation-based program development.

Obesity Prevention through Games: Overview of Exergames and How to Use Them


Barbara Chamberlin, Jeanne Gleason and Pamela Martinez, New Mexico State University

Dance Pad games, gaming exercise equipment, and video games that encourage physical activity can be integrated easily with after-school and community- based programs. This workshop will introduce these "exergames" and review some of the ways programs use them, share research on effectiveness of programs, and discuss challenges in integrating games into obesity-prevention efforts.

TLC (Tender Loving Care) for Grumpy Groups


Deborah Thomason and Kellye S. Rembert, Clemson University

Collaborations are essential for program development, delivery, and evaluation. Collaborations consist of diverse identities and may sometimes experience growing pains that can impede progress. This interactive presentation will provide information that attendees can adapt and apply to their own work. Participants will be engaged by participating in active learning processes that will help them effectively work with diverse groups.