Information for the State Forestry Team Coach or Extension Leader

The 2008 National 4-H Forestry Invitational, the "Super Bowl of 4-H Forestry", will be here before we know it, and, we're glad you've decided to be a part of this exciting youth education program! As you read through the registration and general information below, it should help answer any questions you have about the Invitational, and how you can enter and begin preparing your state team for the competition with very little effort. Most everything you need to prepare you team should be here at your finger tips within this web site.

The Invitational Handbook is your 'road map' for beginning your team's training. It describes all of the competitive events and identifies the 'official' references around which the events are built. You can download the 'Handbook' from this web site, print off a copy on your printer, and make photo-copies for your team members to use.

Similarly, all of the references for the Tree Identification, Compass-Traverse, Topographic Maps, Insect and Disease Identification, Forest Evaluation, Forestry Bowl, and Written Examination events are but a few clicks away from this page. Access training references for these contest events by clicking on the embedded links or the "Training" tab above. The only 'official' reference not found on this web site is the commercial textbook entitled Forests and Forestry (5th edition). Contact your State 4-H Office for your state's Invitational Trunk. This trunk contains 4 copies of the this textbook for use by your state forestry team. The trunk also contains equipment and other training materials your team will need to compete in the Invitational.

Additional forest insect and disease references are listed in the Invitational Handbook reference list. However, these references are not 'official' or 'mandatory' because of their cost ,and therefore, are only suggestions as additional reference materials that can assist you in preparing your team for the Invitational competition. These reference books are Insects That Feed on Trees and Shrubs and Diseases of Trees and Shrubs. The Invitational Trunk contains a set of forest insect and disease contest flashcards.

Arrival Day: Sunday, July 26, 2009

We encourage your team to arrive mid-afternoon on Sunday, July 26. If you arrive earlier, you will likely have to wait on groups leaving Camp. When you arrive at Jackson's Mill, come to the Conference Center Registration/Administration Building where you will find our Registration Desk (click on the "Location" tab for a map and description of the Camp and Conference Center). We'll get you checked in and assigned to your lodging accommodations. We hope your team will attend the Welcome Bar-B-Q at the Camp at 6:30 p.m. This meal is included in the cost of your stay at Jackson's Mill, and is the first 'official' meal of the Invitational.

The first official evening program takes place on arrival day.  Team members are required to participate in a competition ice-breaker activity.  At the end of the ice-breaker, team members traditionally exchange state pins or some other inexpensive trading item.  Please come prepared to participate!

Click here for a copy of the Invitational Agenda for more information on the hour-by-hour happenings at the Invitational.

Campfire Program

Each state delegation will be called upon to perform at least one song, skit or campfire activity to the other state delegations at Invitational campfires on Monday and Wednesday. Team members or coaches who play an instrument are encouraged to bring their guitar, banjo, harmonica, etc. Campfires are good times at the Invitational!

Team Pictures

There is time on the agenda to take team pictures at the Invitational. Please note that we will take team pictures for post-event publicity. If you already have a good, current picture you'd like to us to use, send it with your Media Contact Forms and we'll use it instead of a picture taken in West Virginia. Be sure to attach a note listing the names, addresses, ages and hometown of everyone in the photo.

West Virginia Tourism Information and Travel Planning

To help plan your trip to West Virginia, you may want to contact the WV Tourism Division to receive information about the state. To make your own inquiries call 1-800-CALL-WVA or click on one of the options below for more information. Plan to see some points of interest in wild and wonderful West Virginia. 

Team Financial/Scholarship Support

Each state will receive a $132.00 scholarship per team member (maximum of 4 team members) provided by the Farm Credit System to be applied toward the team's food and lodging expenses at the camp. In addition, we will help pay your team's travel expenses. You will be reimbursed for your travel at $.25 per mile for an average round trip from your state. Access the Mileage Reimbursement Form and information here. Coaches will pay any remaining balance for their team's expenses at Jackson's Mill from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at the Registration/Administration Building. Please check on this arrangement at the Invitational Registration Desk when your team arrives at Jackson's Mill. Jackson's Mill accepts VISA and MasterCard.

Clothing and Supplies

A pair of safety glasses is required for each team member and coach/chaperone unless the participant wears glasses.  States must provide safety glasses for each team member and coach/chaperone.  The Invitational will provide a hard hat for each participant. As a point of safety, team members and coaches will be expected to wear their hard hat and safety glasses any time they are in the field at Jackson's Mill.  Hard hats will be distributed to participants at registration/check-in and will be collected prior to the Awards Banquet.

Team members are also required to wear closed-toe shoes during all outdoor Invitational events.  This includes optional outdoor events such as the for fun forestry outdoor skills events (cross cut saw, pulp toss, and log roll) that take place on the last evening of the competition.

Insect repellent, rain gear, and a flashlight are also suggested.

Clothing for the Awards Banquet

Many state delegations consider it appropriate to wear a coat and tie or a nice dress to the Awards Breakfast.  It is your option, but when you're representing your state away from home, do your best to look your best.

Questions??

If you have any questions, please call or e-mail us.  We look forward to meeting you and having your state participate in the "Super Bowl of 4-H Forestry".