Sherburne County 4-H Newsletter
April 4, 2025
Happy Friday and long weekend!
Reminder to re-enroll and if you have not paid your federation dues for 2026-2027 please do so. It is $15 per youth with a family max of $45. You can send a check to the extension office, drop off cash or see the link below to pay via credit card. Thank you!
Club charters are due on October 31st!
As always let me know if you have any questions.
Sam Stone
Extension Educator, Sherburne County 4-H Youth Development | Sherburne County Extension | University of Minnesota | umn.edu
ston0392@umn.edu | 763-765-3077
4-H Ag Ed Leader Exchange
Explore, lead, advocate
Discover your future in agriculture! The 2026 4-H Ag Ed Leader Exchange will be held Nov. 13 - 14 on the UMN St. Paul campus and we want to fill the campus with curious, engaged 4-H youth!
Youth in grades 7+ will spend two days exploring agriculture, building leadership skills, learning how to advocate for agriculture, connecting with the UMN Agricultural Education Department, and discovering careers connected to CFANS. This year, we'll focus on corn.
Youth will stay at a hotel near campus, spend time with other 4-H youth from across Minnesota, experience campus day life, and make connections that go beyond the classroom. Housing will also be available Thursday evening, Nov. 12 for youth traveling more than two hours from the Twin Cities, making it easier for them to take part in the full experience.
Please help us share this opportunity with youth in your county. Think of youth interested in agriculture, leadership, or careers—or those ready for their next adventure. Share the opportunity with your clubs, families, volunteers, and local partners.
Registration is $100 and closes Oct. 20.
4-H Science Sprouts Fall Edition
What can you discover with a pumpkin, a little curiosity, and some science? Find out with 4-H Science Sprouts! Youth in grades 3-5 are invited to explore pumpkins, wheat, and indoor gardening through three fun, hands-on virtual STEM adventures on Oct. 26, Nov. 23, and Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 6 p.m. This virtual learning opportunity is free! Register by Oct. 15 to receive a special supply kit in the mail. Come curious. Get growing. Explore plant science! Learn more and register.
Pups and Learning (PAL) Program
Amazing opportunity! We are looking for youth and families to be a part of the 4-H Pups and Learning (PAL) Program. The Pups and Learning (PAL) Program partners 4-H youth and their families with a 1-year-old assistance dog-in-training for six months. Youth attend training classes with the dog, take it on public outings, and learn about the lives and rights of people with disabilities. 4-H’ers and families will gain hands-on experience in dog training and help dogs practice core obedience and socialization skills for their future roles as assistance dogs. Participants also learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act. This rewarding program is an amazing way for youth to learn as well as provide a service and allow you time to appreciate the dog in one opportunity!
- Youth age 14-19 are eligible to be a part of this outstanding program opportunity.
- Youth and families to fill out an interest form which will get you connected to a staff person to answer your questions you may have and learn more about the program. Interest form due October 26! (completing this form doesn’t lock you into the program or guarantee dog placement
- After connecting with staff you will be invited to complete the volunteer paperwork with Can Do Canines for placement approval if you choose.
- You will be required to attend an orientation session on either November 9 or December 7 at Can Do Canines in New Hope, MN
- Dogs will be placed on January 22 with placement lasting until June.
- Showcase opportunity at the Minnesota State Fair in 2027
Promote 4-H youth leadership with the Helping Hands and Food Partner Challenges
Get ready to empower Minnesota 4-H youth to lead real change in their communities! Applications for both the Helping Hands Challenge and the Food Partner Challenge are live. Start sharing this exciting news with your local clubs, leaders, and youth now so they can begin brainstorming ideas.
These two distinct funding opportunities give 4-H members the resources to turn ideas into action and address pressing community needs. The Helping Hands Challenge offers $300 to $2,000 for broad, youth-led service projects across focus areas like STEM, environmental stewardship, arts, and mental health. The Food Partner Challenge provides $500 for youth-led groups to partner with local food shelves, food assistance programs, or community organizations to tackle food insecurity, with a focus on going beyond simple donations to create deeper, sustainable local impact. Both initiatives emphasize youth leadership, hands-on community engagement, and storytelling.
Mark your calendars for key program deadlines:
- Applications for both challenges close Nov. 6.
- Volunteer teams will review submissions through November.
- Award decisions will be announced in December.
- Funding checks will reach local clubs in January.
Encourage your 4-H members to dream big and start drafting their project proposals today! You can access general program information on 4-H scholarships, grants and awards page under the awards section, or go directly to the applications:
Explorers in Agriculture: Explore agriculture around the world!
Grab your virtual passport and get ready for a 5-week journey around the world! Join us Nov. 17 through Dec. 8 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. as we explore agriculture in Turkey, Ghana, and Mexico. Discover unique crops, farming practices, foods, and traditions while participating in hands-on activities, meeting guest speakers, and connecting with Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors. No passport needed—just bring your curiosity and sense of adventure! Registration deadline: Nov. 5. Learn more and register.
