Youth Section

The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to:

SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Questions? Call 800-727-7578

This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor (listed on page 2), or State Fraternal Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

State Fraternal Director shares May youth updates

Calling All Youth Club Members! Plan to Join in the May 16 Webcast

Due to Mother’s Day being the second Sunday in May, we are moving the webcast to Sunday, May 16. Youth Leaders, please talk to your youth and parents about the webcast. The format will be Zoom and will be a 20- to 25-minute webcast. It will be a fun way to get reacquainted as well as address questions that you may have regarding camp and the upcoming online Youth Achievement Day. To make things a little more interesting, everybody who signs up and participates will have a chance to win some prizes. This is an important meeting as it can be applied to attending this year’s SPJST Summer Camp if you still need to make up a meeting.

To register for the May 16 webcast, visit www.spjst.org, click on Events then click on Second Sunday Youth Webcast to register. You can sign up as late as 6 p.m. on the day of the webcast. After you register as a participant in the webcast, you will receive an email confirming that you have registered to participate. Facebook Private Group for DYCs and Youth Leaders

The two Facebook closed groups were launched Wednesday, April 14. The first is for the SPJST Youth Leadership DYCs, youth leaders, officers, and directors. This will help communicate events, reports that are due, and answer questions. Since everyone is bombarded with junk email, I felt this would be a better way to communicate with notification.

The other closed group will be for parents and their children. DYCs and youth leaders will have access to this page as well. The idea is to routinely and easily share information - including questions and answers - on the Facebook format which so many are accustomed to using.

Flag Day Essay Contest

All SPJST youth between the ages of five and high school senior are encouraged to enter this year’s Flag Day Essay Contest. This contest will promote patriotism and creative literacy.

There will also be a coloring contest for members ages eight and under. Several prizes will be awarded in the Flag Day Essay Contest. All of the winners will be announced in the Vestnik leading up Flag Day on Friday, June 14. The deadline for all entries is May 31. Please make reference to the Flag Day Essay Contest guidelines in the SPJST Youth Handbook which is available at spjst.org. This year’s theme is “United We Stand.”

Online District Youth Achievement Day (YAD)

The online District YAD registration is now open to all youth and will stay open until Sunday, June 13 at 11:59 p.m. Parents, please don’t wait until the 11th hour to start registration. High traffic volume may cause the website to slow down and longer times to up load images and videos. The link https://spjst.org/yad/ will take you directly to the page to sign in for registration or to create a new account for those members who did not participate in the online competition last year.

Questions about YAD entries in some categories.

Scrapbooks - Theme is “Diving Deep” with SPJST/Pandemic (only on scrapbook). The included dates are from June 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. This is due to the Covid-19 breakout. All lodge scrapbooks will be judged in Temple on Saturday, July 31 at Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center. No district judging. Only one youth member or leader from your club needs to register the scrapbook online. Instead of using a youth’s name, use the lodge number and city.

Poster - The poster - with theme “Diving Deep with SPJST” - is going to be judged digitally. The youth leader will email the image(s) to frankh@spjst.com. If poster is one dimensional, I will only need one photo. If poster is two dimensional, please email two to three images.

Craft Categories: Constructed Items, Handicraft, Hobby Kits, Needlework, Sewing, and Science and Education - upload a short 360-degree video of your completed craft project. This should be long enough for the judge to see all sides of the project.

Sewing and Needlework - we need to see front and back to show stitching.

Constructed Items, Hobby Kits, and Handicraft - we need top, bottom, and all sides.

District Seven Royalty Reigns

Congratulations to 2020-2021 District Seven Queen Madeline O’Gorman, right, and her duchess Sydney Haag, both of Lodge 185, New Braunfels! They went on to the state round of competition and won second runners-up. District Seven is very proud of their accomplishments! Due to the 2020 pandemic, they were unable to spread the SPJST spirit like they had planned, but these young ladies will represent District Seven beautifully for the remainder of their reign. —Submitted by April Howard

District Seven Youth Counselor

Photography and Pictorial Arts These are the two categories that do not need a video. However, they do need a digital image uploaded at registration.

Photography - the subject “Joy” should be something that strikes up an emotion of joy in your heart.

State Youth Achievement Day (YAD)

Please mark your calendar for State YAD on Saturday, July 31 in Temple at Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center. Plans are to have an onsite YAD in Temple. This may change if Covid cases are increasing during that time. 2021 Quarterly Reports and Recording Merit Points

Thank you, leaders, for getting in your first quarter merit points reports.

Reports must be in on or before the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter for a youth club to qualify for its quarterly incentives. The next report will be due on Thursday, July 15.

Second Quarter (April, May, June)

Due Thursday, July 15

Third Quarter (July, August, September)

Due Friday, October 15 Fourth Quarter (October, November, December)

Due Saturday, January 15, 2022

2021 SPJST Camp Dates Leaders-in-Training Camp/Teen Camp

Wednesday, June 23 to Sunday, June 27

Junior Camp Session One* Districts Three, Four, Five, and Seven

Wednesday, July 7 to Sunday, July 11

Junior Camp Session Two* Districts One, Two, and Six

Wednesday, July 14 to Sunday, July 18

*Campers who have a conflict may opt to attend either of the two junior camp sessions. LIT and chaperone registration dates have been extended. Junior camper applications are due Friday, June 4. LIT applications are due Friday, May 28. Chaperone applications are due Friday, May 28.

Online Camp Registration is Open

Please know, all campers must have finished kindergarten to high school senior to go to camp. For camp registration, go to spjst.org. Under Programs, click on Summer Camp Registration that will direct you to the CampDoc website to register.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Spreads Love for Valentine’s Day

At the February meeting, Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club members and parents made more than 120 homemade Valentine cards for residents of St. Joseph Manor and Copperas Hollow Nursing Homes in Caldwell. Mrs. Betty Suehs made treat bags with bananas and raisins donated by Lodge 17, New Tabor adult lodge. The cards and bags were delivered on February 13, 2021, by Mrs. Betty, Macy Narro, and Carson Parker in frigid temperatures. Due to Covid restrictions, staff and administrators personally delivered the goodie bags to each resident. They loved them so much. It made their Valentine’s Day extra special. —Submitted by Holly Narro, Youth Leader

Camp Chaperone Training Online

In 2021, SPJST Summer Camp Chaperone Training is mandatory. I will check CampDoc on a weekly basis to set up the training for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention program. Chaperones will receive an email notification from TrainRight. This training is based on Texas laws.

Camp Kubena chaperone training will be conducted online by webinar. SPJST will be offering a number of training dates to choose from. Camp Kubena training will be conducted by Camp Director Rob Clift and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak.

All chaperones are required to be at camp for the entirety of camp.

Decorated Rock Contest

This year’s Decorated Rock Contest will be held in the districts onsite. It will be up to the District Youth Counselor to determine the time, date, and location. The event may be held in conjunction with the district meeting; however, it may also be held apart from the district meeting.

First place winning rocks are to be photographed and emailed to me for the Věstník. All participating youth will have the choice to donate their decorated rock to be displayed at Camp Kubena Rock Garden. If you are unable to deliver your rock while attending camp, please let your DYC know, and she can collect them and bring them to camp. A $25 gift card will be awarded in each of these age groups: Kindergarten to 8 years, 9 to 11 years, 12 to 14 years, and 15 to high school senior. Vestnik Project

The June Vestnik Project will focus on District One Youth Counselor Hannah Kovar. SPJST youth members and leaders will get to know Hannah when she was young and what her interests were while growing up. Hannah also grew up in the SPJST Youth Program.

Youth leaders, please let the parents of youth club members know that the monthly Vestnik Projects are to be completed and submitted online. If you receive the Vestnik by U.S. mail, you will need to scan the QR code to be directed to the online Vestnik Project. If you receive your Vestnik by email, click on the link under the QR code to direct you to the project. All 2021 Vestnik Projects will be accessible on the www.spjst.org webpage under the Youth Program tab. Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth ready for STAAR test to be over

Dear Vestnik Readers,

This month is the best because no more cold! Yay! Anyways . . . another cool thing is coming up. It’s our annual lodge picnic. I can’t wait. We are already hanging posters for it.

School has a lot of things coming up. We are getting a class pet. My mom signed a paper so I can hold it. It is a guinea pig. Here soon, we will be taking the STAAR test. I can’t wait to get it over with. I did good on my practice STAAR so I hope I do good on the real one. Soon school will be out. Yeah!

We’re starting to play with our neighbor a lot. We’re mostly riding our bikes. Sometimes we play in the backyard. Talk to you in May. Fraternally, Travis Ordogne, age 8 —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth rides bike without training wheels

Dear Vestnik Readers,

I had fun this weekend. I went to Hutto to go get a tree. I can ride my bike without training wheels. I am very, very, very, very, very happy that I can ride my bike without training wheels. It is more fun. I got to ride my bike to the park yesterday.

Last week for soccer, I played against my old team - the Gray Wolves. My team’s name is the Gators. The Gray Wolves are very good. It was a tie. Fraternally, Andrew Ordogne, age 5 —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club elects officers

Dear Readers,

The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas continue to meet monthly via Zoom. At our April monthly meeting, Youth Leader Lynda reminded us that we need to continue with submitting our Vestnik Projects, the monthly webcasts, and the upcoming State YAD. She made sure we knew that the deadline for submitting our Youth Achievement Day entries online is Sunday, June 13 at 11:59 p.m.

We also elected officers. They are:

President Kendall Tucker Vice President Ryan Ruzicka Secretary Josh Tucker Reporter Josh Tucker Sergeant-at-Arms Kalyne Tucker Flag Bearer Megan Ruzicka

We covered a lot in a short time and as always, we continue to practice safety against Covid. Fraternally, Josh Tucker, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club gives to Impact Burleson County; Blessing Box in Caldwell

In March, Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club donated food items to Impact Burleson County and the Blessing Box in Caldwell to help people in need of food. The food donation was very generous and much appreciated. Thank you, Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club members and parents, for your generosity with this project! —Submitted by Holly Narro, Youth Leader

Creative Mother's Day celebration and gift ideas

On Sunday, May 9, 2021, millions of people will celebrate the special women in their lives, particularly the mothers, grandmothers, and stepmothers who often tirelessly care for those they love.

Created by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century and designated an official United States holiday in 1914, Mother’s Day is a special day in many families. Apart from birthdays, primary female caregivers may not always get the recognition they deserve, nor be entitled to a day to kick back and relax and let others take the helm. Mother’s Day entitles them to something special.

Even though the way people have been living has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mother’s Day may be the first holiday on the calendar when the world can finally regain some sense of normalcy. But caution should still prevail during Mother’s Day celebrations. Thankfully, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate mothers and mother figures this year.

Dine truly “al fresco.”

Outdoor dining has become commonplace, and even before it was a safety measure, enjoying a meal on a sunsoaked patio or overlooking a body of water was popular. If you’re worried about limited restaurant space or crowds, plan a picnic at a scenic location, such as a botanical garden or county park. Include Mom’s favorite foods and enjoy the fresh air and delicious foods together. Create a photo slideshow.

Digital photos have eclipsed prints in many people’s hearts. But too often digital photos never get seen after they’re initially taken. That can change when you compile a slideshow of favorite photos from childhood and even present-day photos that Mom is sure to appreciate. Use sentimental music or Mom’s favorite songs as the soundtrack, and include some inspirational quotations or personal voiceovers. This is one gift that can be shared in person or over group meeting apps. Get involved together.

An especially meaningful way to honor a mother who is always giving her time and love is to become involved in a difference-making organization. Joint volunteerism is a great way to spend more time together working toward a worthy goal.

Enjoy her hobbies and interests.

Devote a day or more to trying Mom’s interests and hobbies, whether they include hitting the links, knitting, singing in the church choir, or digging in her garden. Send an edible gift.

If you can’t be there to celebrate with Mom in person, have a special meal delivered to her door. Then enjoy the same foods with her via Google Meet, Facetime or Zoom.

Mother’s Day celebrations can be unique, heartfelt, and customized based on family needs. —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club shares April meeting scenes

Dear Readers,

On Sunday, April 18, 2021, some of the youth were able to meet in person at the lodge. While enjoying socialization and yummy pizza, we talked about upcoming YAD and camp registration deadlines as well as National Polka Festival scheduled for the last weekend in May and our 50th anniversary lodge celebration to be held November 13. Everyone received an Easter goodie bag. It was so good to see everyone! Fraternally yours, Rita Holland Youth Leader

—SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: It’s Chad, left, Preston, and Misty pictured in front of the yummy pizza! ABOVE: Youth Leader Rita Holland, left, is pictured with the Oliver girls with their prizes.

Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club hosts SPJST Float in Youth Fair Parade

ABOVE: Karen (Bender) Hargraves mimics flying like the eagle on the float. Karen served as the 1996 SPJST State Queen. She and her family are now active members of Lodge 81, Needville.

Lodge 81, Needville Youth Club hosted the SPJST Float in the Needville Youth Fair Parade on Saturday, April 17, 2021. LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are Tripp Hargraves and Youth Leader Krystle Bender. In back is Assistant Youth Leader Karen Hargraves. PHOTO 2: Tripp Hargraves is all smiles with his aunt Krystle. PHOTO 3: Nathan Hargraves is excited about riding the float.