Douglas 4-H Buzz
November 2026 Edition
Fair reminders
- Lost and found - necklace, hats, clothes, water bottles and clippers.
- Market livestock auction checks were mailed October 1. Please cash checks ASAP!
- Please cash 4-H county fair premium checks ASAP, don't wait!!!
- We still have exhibits and awards from the county and state fair in the Extension office. Please pick up your exhibits as soon as possible!
Share your photos with us
If you have photos from county fair or state events that you'd like to share, feel free to email them to us at mnext-douglas@umn.edu or add them to a Google folder and share with us. We'll download and add them to SmugMug!
It's time to re-enroll for the 2026-2027 4-H year
October 1 kicked off our new 4-H year and that means it's time to re-enroll! Remember the 4-H year runs from October 1 to September 30. For those that enroll/re-enroll by October 31, your name will be entered into a drawing for a fun prize; this is for both youth and adult volunteers. More on the website about how to re-enroll in 4HOnline.
Remember, you will not be able to register for events in 4HOnline until you have re-enrolled in 4HOnline and your enrollment has been reviewed and accepted by regional staff so don't delay.
Dairy clinic
Join Pope County 4-H for a dairy clinic on Sunday, November 15 to learn all about advanced dairy care and learn from professionals working at the UMN Morris. Check-in begins at 2:35 p.m. and ends at 2:55 p.m. This is open to all 4-H'ers and their families, as well as volunteers for the dairy project.
This is an exciting opportunity for youth of all ages to learn about dairy and the dairy industry. Clinics and other innovative animal science experiences give 4-H the opportunity to apply for bonus trips and increase our state fair quotas. Even if you do not participate in the dairy project or in any animal science project, we invite you to come experience an engaging day of agriculture learning.
Learn more and register at z.umn.edu/pope4hdairyclinic. Registration deadline is November 10.
Webinar for new club leaders - November 17
Stepping into a 4-H club leadership role? Join our New Club Leader Orientation webinar to connect with others and gain the tools you need for a successful year. November 17 at 6:30 p.m.! To register visit https://z.umn.edu/leadertrain
Participants will gain a better understanding of the nuts and bolts of how 4-H clubs work including strategies to design the essential elements for thriving clubs, resources to use and next steps that can support them in the growth of their 4-H club. Youth leaders from clubs are welcome to join too.
Yeti Fest
What helps you thrive? At Yeti Fest, youth grades 7 and up can expect hands-on art, meaningful conversations, and plenty of time for games, music, and laughter. You'll collaborate, create, and leave with new friends and fresh ideas for how you can spark change in your school and community.
November 21 and 22 at Camp Friendship in Annandale, MN. Learn more at z.umn.edu/Yetifest. Registration deadline is Friday, November 6. Cost is $ 110 dollars, (Douglas County 4-H will cover $ 55 for participating members leaving families to pay $ 55.
Connect with other leaders while we explore six pillars of wellbeing through connection, creativity, reflection, movement, and conversation. Discover what matters to you, what helps you feel grounded, and what helps you grow. We'll explore the six pillars of wellness: physical, mental and emotional, nutritional, occupational, financial and social.
Event Information
A 4-H favorite for K-2nd graders is just around the corner! It's not December without a 4-H Pajama Party! All K-2nd graders are welcome so have your friends register too by completing enrollment form. There's a lot packed into this three hour event led by youth leaders including games, crafts, activities, sub sandwiches, snacks and new friendships. Participants wear their favorite pajamas and can bring their favorite stuffed animal and slippers if they like. We have fun and make some cool crafts so don't miss it! Registration will close once all 30 spots are filled! Cost is $ 5 per youth or $ 10 per family. To secure your spot, please ensure your registration fee is paid by Monday, November 30. To register, visit mn.4honline.com, login, select events on the left and search for Douglas County 4-H PJ Party. You may refer to this event registration guide for step by step instruction. If you need assistance, please contact the Extension office.
Welcome new families at your club meetings
This time of year, is when many people attend your club meetings for the first time and remember that even though we are finishing up the year, they are experiencing your club for the first time. Check out information here to include some welcoming activities, and get to know you activities for youth and adults coming to your club for the first time.
4-H coin war - now through February 22
Club members can collect their spare change in jars, and club leaders can bring it to the February Leaders Council meeting. All collected change will be taken to the bank, and the club that contributes the most will earn a pizza party. Proceeds will support the Minnesota 4‑H Exhibit Building remodel and will be credited to your club.
Save the date - annual volunteer training
Our annual volunteer training will be Monday, November 23 at 6 p.m. with Leader's Council to follow. This event will take place in conference room c in the Douglas County Courthouse (2nd floor). All screened volunteers are welcome to attend. Watch for registration materials coming soon.
BLU workshops coming soon for youth grades 6-10
Watch for registration information to come out November 1 for Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) workshops in mn4hOnline.com.
Overnight events begin and end at 10 a.m.
· Feb. 6-7 at Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji
· Feb. 6-7 at Camp Victory, Zumbro Falls
· Feb. 13-14 at Camp Courage, Maple Lake
· Feb. 20-21 at Long Lake Conservation Center, Palisade
Single-day event
The single-day event begins at 10 a.m. and will conclude by 6 p.m.
· Feb. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall (single-day version)
Cost for overnight BLU events is $110, for one day BLU event is $65. Douglas County pays half the registration fee.
Douglas County 4-H project guide
It can be confusing as to what is available to do or learn about in the many different project areas that Minnesota 4-H offers, and how that might connect to creating an exhibit for the county fair to showcase what you learned. To discover more about a specific category check out the Douglas County 4-H project guide to learn more.
Holiday dates Extension will be closed
The Extension office will be closed for the holidays these dates:
- November 11 (Veteran's Day)
- November 26 - 27 (Thanksgiving
- December 24-25 (Christmas)
- January 1 (New Year's Day)
- January 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- February 15 (Presidents Day)
Contact Information:
Jodi Hintzen, Extension Educator, hintz010@umn.edu
Jackie Kokett, Extension Educator, jkokett@umn.edu
Douglas County Extension
Email: mnext-douglas@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu/douglas
Address: 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308 (Courthouse, 2nd floor)
Phone: 320-762-3890
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNDouglasCounty4H/
Twitter: @UMNExt
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