We are currently looking for Judge’s Assistants for Achievement/Entry Day on August 6th and 7th, and we’d love your help! This is a fantastic learning opportunity for youth and adults are welcome to participate too! Wednesday will be located will be located at the County Annex ECE (Multi Media Room) and Thursday will be located at the Lac qui Parle Fairgrounds.

Time slots are 45 minutes long, and you can sign up for one or multiple, whatever fits your schedule. Whether you're helping for one session or a few, your support will make a big difference in making this event a success.

Sign up here: Sign Up Genius link

Just a reminder: Don’t forget to leave time for your own project judging, too!

Please sign up by July 23, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Your help and energy are what make events like this possible and fun!

During the transition within the Extension Educator position the "Lac qui Parle County 4-H" page was unactive. Please follow the "University of Minnesota - Lac qui Parle County 4-H" page for further posts and social media updates!

Please download the spond app and use the link below to register for the Lac qui Parle County 4-H notification system. We will be sharing updates, deadlines, and reminders through this app!

https://z.umn.edu/spondinvite

Budgeting Committee Meeting - Thursday July 17 at 7:00 pm

Location: Extension Office Conference Room

Leader's Council Meeting - Sunday July 20 at 5:00 pm

Location: Extension Office Conference Room

The Leader's Council has a Secretary position open. Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested!

Ready to dig in and get your hands dirty? In this hands-on program young gardeners will learn to grow foods, explore the basics of the soil, sun and watering, as well as planting seeds and care for the growing plants. Take home a starter plant to grow in your own backyard, balcony, or windowsill! Whether you are dreaming of juicy tomatoes or crunchy carrots, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to grow your own food–starting now!

Location: Madison Mercantile

Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Get ready to be creative in this fun filled art adventure! During this program youth will explore their artistic abilities while letting their imaginations soar. BONUS! After the completion of the program each youth’s masterpiece will be proudly displayed at the Madison Mercantile gallery for family, friends, and the community to see!

Location: Madison TBD

Date: Monday, July 14, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Dawson-Boyd High School Art Room

Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Join our dynamic program designed to equip you with the crucial skills needed for life after school. From managing your finances to acing job interviews, we’ve got you covered! Come to one session or come to them all!

Sessions:

Kitchen Confidence: Level up your kitchen game! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or roommates, this is your ticket to mastering your confidence in the kitchen. Learn about healthy recipes, swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, understand the importance of cleanliness and safe cooking practices, and get familiar with kitchen must-haves.

Ready, Set, Rent!: Ready to learn how to find your dream space? Learn to spot the perfect place by understanding what to look for in listings. Discover the amenities and features that make the space feel like home. Understand the important documents and agreements that come with it. Whether you are buying or renting, be prepared to find your perfect space!

Start your Engines: Ready to hit the road with confidence? Learn hands-on skills designed to equip you with the knowledge and skill to make informed decisions when buying your first car and keeping it running smoothly. Learn how to spot the perfect car by understanding what to look for in listings. Understand the pros and cons of buying from private sellers versus dealerships. Master the essential skills like checking and changing oil, airing up tires, and changing a flat.

Swipe Smart: Ready to take control of your cash and build a solid financial future? Learn how to understand credit card responsibility and build strong credit. Learn the importance of timely payments and how they impact your credit score. Discover the basics of loans and what lenders look for. Explore how to save money and the magic of interest rates. Whether you’re dreaming of your first car, planning for college, or just want to be smart with your money, this class gives you the tools to make it happen.

Job Jumpstart: Ready to take your first step into the workforce? This session is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to land your dream job! Discover the best places to find job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Learn how to format and craft a resume that highlights your strengths and experiences. Gain tips on how to add volunteer work, school projects, and other experiences to enhance your resume. Master the art of making a great first impression with proper attire and confident communication.

Dates: Wednesday, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23

Location: Mercantile Madison

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Ready to turn a simple golf shot into an epic chain reaction? Join us for a hands-on, three-day adventure where you’ll design, build, and test your own Rube Goldberg machine with the ultimate goal: sinking a hole-in-one!

Day 1 - Design & Plan: brainstorm your machine and start putting together your pieces

Day 2 - Build & Tinker: continue the construction of your machine

Day 3 - Test & Showcase: Test, tweak, and perfect your design for the final showcase of the complete machine

Dates: Tuesday, July 29, Wednesday, July 30, Thursday, July 31

Location: Madison TBD

Time: 9:00-11:30 am

Location: Dawson-Boyd High School STEM Room

Time: 1:00-3:30 pm

Cost: Free

Minnesota 4-H State Arts-In is an opportunity to explore new skills and advance existing skills. Learn about one of the four areas: technical theater, band, performing arts, or costuming. This event is offered for youth grades 9+.

Prep week is August 7 through August 14 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Each area will prepare for the upcoming events at the State Fair.

• Technical: construct the stage and props, paint and finish the stage, and learn how to run sound, lights and backstage tech piece
• Costumes: sew costumes, shop for accessories and additional costume pieces, and fit costumes for each participant
• Band: prepare all of the instrumental music for the show, rehearse as a band, learn to play together, and learn the art of self-coaching as you work individual and in small groups
• Performers: put together the performance, rehearse vocal parts and dialogue, and learn choreography and blocking

State Fair prep days is August 19 and 20 is for the finishing touches on everything from prep week before the start of the State Fair. During the State Fair, August 21 through September 1, during this time there will be three to four shows a day. Along with the shows there will be participant lead and supported events and multiple other State Art-In unique events.

For more information and registration go to the link provided. https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-minnesota-state-fair/minnesota-4-h-state-arts

Take on the challenge and form a 4-H plant science crop scouting team! Teams are made up of youth grades 6+ from one or multiple counties. Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested.

Crop Scouting Registration Opens: May 1 deadline to register is July 15

State Crop Scouting Event: Monday, July 28

https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-showcase-events/4-hffa-crop-scouting

For more information and registration go to the link provided.

4-H video: Explore filmmaking at our summer workshop

Join other 4-H’ers who love filmmaking for our summer video workshop! Youth in grades 8+ are invited to join us Aug. 5-7 on the UMN St. Paul Campus and Minnesota State Fairgrounds for this exciting opportunity to work with other 4-H’ers who love filmmaking! Whether this is your first video or you already have experience, this camp is for you! Through this 3-day 4-H video workshop, you’ll learn how to use video equipment, develop a storyboard, and practice skills using lighting, sound, and editing—all while creating a short film. Instructors include University faculty who teach video production and professional filmmakers. The workshop will also include a field trip related to video. You’ll be filming with the Minnesota State Fairgrounds as a backdrop, and sleeping and eating in the 4-H Building. The cost of $100 is supplemented by the state 4-H video committee donors. Contact Anne Stevenson (steve020@un.edu) for workshop details and Lauren Backes (backes@umn.edu) with registration questions. Learn more and register.

4-H Animal Science on Wheels: Livestock tour

Join us for this unique opportunity for youth in grades 7+. This 3-day, 2-night experience will take place Oct. 16-18, and will give young people the opportunity to explore general livestock in southwestern Minnesota and southeastern South Dakota. During the tour, youth will have the chance to explore the livestock industry with potential stops at SDSU in Brookings, several cattle and sheep operations, a veterinary clinic, meat processing facilities, and more! Learn more and register.

4-H dairy tour

Join us for the 4-H dairy tour– a unique opportunity for youth in grades 7+. This 3-day, 2-night experience will take place Oct. 16-18, and will give young people the opportunity to explore the dairy landscape in southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa, and southeastern South Dakota. During the tour, youth will have the chance to explore different dairy farms, processing facilities, and careers within the dairy industry. Learn more and register.

Every Minnesota county sends youth to the Minnesota State Fair at the end of August through early September. The Minnesota State Fair is the culminating showcase event of a 4-H youth’s project year. Every county needs to send their delegation of youth with adult chaperones. State fair chaperones work alongside 4-H staff to create a safe and positive environment for 4-H members attending the state fair. Chaperones must be 21 years of age or older, have the physical and emotional endurance to function in a group living situation with a busy schedule, and have a sincere interest in supporting youth in their learning and personal development. The livestock encampment is 5 days/4 nights, and the general project encampment is 3 days/2 nights. The 4-H state fair chaperone resources web page shares more details about this role as well as resources to orient, train, and support chaperones in their role. If you are interested in volunteering for a state fair chaperone position, reach out to your local Extension educator. They will share their process for selecting chaperones for the Minnesota State Fair. If you don’t know who to contact, fill out our volunteer interest form.

There are many ways to continue learning in 4-H beyond County Fair! If you have any interest in participating in Livestock Judging, Horse Bowl, Crop Scouting or anything else please let me know! I am happy to look into it for you!

Volunteers Make The World Go Around!

To learn more about becoming an official 4-H Volunteer please follow this link! Volunteers are needed in so many aspects of 4-H! Completing the Volunteer application is easy! https://extension.umn.edu/volunteer-4-h/apply-become-4-h-volunteer

Email: thom8004@umn.edu

Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/lac-qui-parle

Location: 422 5th Avenue, Suite 305, Madison, MN, USA

Phone: 320-598-3325

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/University-of-Minnesota-Lac-qui-Parle-County-4-H/61576096021802/

Twitter: @UMNExt

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