Washington County 4-H Newsletter

Welcome to our Family Newsletter! The most up-to-date information about events and activities going on in or near Washington County. Please pass along to friends and family that might be interested in attending a 4-H event. Once you have enrolled, you will also receive the monthly Clover Update at the beginning of each month highlighting regional and state events.

Is your newsletter getting cut off? The best way to view our newsletter is to open it in a new browser on a computer.

Washington County 4-H would like to honor the class of 2026. 4-H wants to celebrate your accomplishments by highlighting you on our Facebook/Instagram accounts in the coming weeks. To participate please email the following to Kathy at; eber0002@umn.edu no later than May 31st.

• A photo of yourself
• Brief description of plans after graduation
• Favorite 4-H memory

Thank you to those who have sent me things so far, they will begin posting to Facebook and Instagram starting tomorrow.

Only one more week before the newsletter will no longer be sent to those who have not re-enrolled. May 15 is the deadline.

This is a reminder that you need to re-enroll each year in the 4-H program. Please go into your family account in 4honline and update all those enrolling for the 2025-2026 4-H year. If you are not currently enrolled please go to: https://v2.4honline.com/

Animal ID's can also be entered for the coming fair season. Market Beef ID's were due Feb. 17. Other animals need to be ID'ed by May 15. Please check your specific species requirement on the state website at https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-projects/4-h-animal-id

We want to welcome our new families, we know it can be challenging to navigate the 4-H year the first time but please don't hesitate to reach out to your club leaders, established 4-H families or staff with any questions you might have along the way.

Join us for an upcycling workshop with the staff at Basic Needs Thrift Shop! Youth and their adult will learn about upcycling principles and why recycling old items is so important. Participants will have approximately 30 minutes to shop in the store and find items that could be upcycled into a new outfit or home décor item. We will share upcycling plans with each other and learn how to bring a finished upcycling project to the county fair.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

5:30pm-7pm

Basic Needs Thrift Shop

6990 80th St S #200, Cottage Grove, MN 55016

A $20 participation fee will be due to Basic Needs at the beginning of the workshop. Upon payment, you will receive a $10 gift certificate towards a purchase that evening. Registration is limited to enrolled 4-H members grades 3+. Registration will close Friday, May 8th or after 20 participants have registered. Registration: https://Upcycling.4honline.com

With questions or concerns, please contact Hani Abukar - habukar@umn.edu (Ramsey County EE)

A Hands-On Science & Food Adventure

Get ready to explore the magical world of fermentation! In this exciting class, kids will discover how tiny living helpers—like yeast and friendly bacteria—turn simple ingredients into tasty treats and amazing creations. We’ll experiment and watch science in action!

Along the way, we’ll learn:

• What fermentation is and why it’s important

• How it’s used to make foods we love

• The role of microbes in keeping our food (and our bodies!) healthy

This class is perfect for curious minds who love science!

May 27 from 6:00-7:00PM at Hooley Hall on the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Please pre-register at https://z.umn.edu/FunwithFermentation

Are you a new family to Washington County 4-H that has never experienced the excitement around the county fair? Come find out what all the fuss is about on Thursday, May 28th beginning at 6:30 pm at the fairgrounds in Hooley Hall. We will discuss Fair Entry (entering your projects), project judging, animal shows, and the Food Stand just to name a few. We will end the evening with a tour of the fairgrounds (weather permitting). Pre-register at https://z.umn.edu/WCNewFamilyFair

The Food Stand Committee oversees one of our largest fundraisers of the year! The Committee is making plans for the 2026 County Fair! Foodie Challenge winners are invited to participate in these meetings to learn about the processes, planning, pricing, ordering, & scheduling necessary to pull off this fundraiser! The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd. It will be held over Zoom to go over pricing! If you would like to be a part of this fun committee, contact Ann at churc109@umn.edu for details!

**Currently accepting water donations. If you would like to donate or have a business willing to donate, please let us know! **

Arts-In is a performing arts and leadership experience for youth that have completed grades 7-13. Participants will work together with a team of talented Directors and Student Directors to put together a 30-minute musical that will be performed at the Washington County Fair and Minnesota State Fair. Participants will choose which major they would like to participate in: performing, band, or technical. Auditions will take place on July 5, with the encampment starting the following week, July 12-15. See registration form for specific dates and times of auditions, encampment, and performances.

Cost is $90. Deadline to register is July 1! Late fees of an additional $25 will apply after July 1. Online payment option - https://z.umn.edu/ArtsInPayment

Volunteer requirement: 2+ hours of adult volunteer time is required for each child participating in Arts-In. A separate $100.00 check per family must be included with registration. This deposit will be shredded if the volunteer commitment is completed.

You will need to complete all three forms:

Registration Form: https://z.umn.edu/CountyArtsIn

Volunteer Form: https://z.umn.edu/ArtsInVolunteer

Conflict Form: https://z.umn.edu/ArtsInConflict

Alongside Mounds View Community Education, Ramsey County 4-H will be offering three summer day camp options for youth in grades 6-8. Consider joining us for one, or all! All camps will take place at Chippewa Middle School in North Oaks, MN.

• July - 6th-9th, 9am - Noon: Snackable Day Camp; a hands-on cooking and snacking experience!
• July - 6th-9th, 1pm - 4pm: Outdoor Adventures Day Camp; nature exploration and an appreciation for the outdoors!
• July 13th-16th, 9am - Noon: Brainwaves Day Camp; a deep-dive into understanding the brain and exploring the world of neuroscience!

4-H members of Washington and Ramsey counties are invited to participate in the 4-H Fashion Revue on Thursday, July 16th! You do not need to be registered in the Clothing Project to participate in this event. Fill out this form to let us know you'd like to participate. We'll reach out as we get closer to the judging date to gather more details about your outfits.

***Judging and the fashion show will be held on the same day***

Schedule for Thursday, July 16th:

Judging @ Oakdale Discovery Center : 12pm - 4pm

Dinner Break: 4pm-5pm

Fashion Show Rehearsal: 5pm - 6pm

Fashion Show: 6:30pm - 7:30pm @ Oakdale Discovery Center

Notes:

• Cloverbuds will not be judged, but they can take part in the rehearsal and Fashion Show
• State Fair trips will be selected in grades 6 and up

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 1st!

The google form for registration is here

Contact Hani (habukar@umn.edu) or Bri (fishe866@umn.edu) for more information.

For project guides, resources, and judging criteria, please visit the Clothing & Textiles project page.

Youth and adults are welcome to attend the May Horse PDC Meeting scheduled for Monday, May 11, beginning at 6:30 pm at the Gov’t Center. Horse Camp and County Fair Show information will be on the agenda. Any questions, contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu

Animal ID letters have been emailed to families enrolled in the animal science projects as of March 1. Families interested in exhibiting animals at the county fair need to be enrolled in 4-H.

Livestock - https://z.umn.edu/Animal-ID-Letter

Horse - https://z.umn.edu/Horse-ID

Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics (LQA&E) training prepares youth to provide responsible, high-quality care for food animals while promoting a strong commitment to food safety for consumers. Training is designed to enhance the educational value of 4-H animal science projects. Youth grade 6+ are required to complete LQA&E training to be eligible to exhibit beef, dairy, sheep, swine, goats, llama-alpaca, rabbits, and poultry at the State Fair. Training is good for three fair seasons. Dakota County 4-H is hosting an in-person training on June 12; 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Schaffer Family (Elmegca Farm) in Cannon Falls. Cost: $5. This training includes Washington County 4-H members.

The 2026 Dog training season has started! If you still wish to join please follow these steps.

1. Are you enrolled in 4-H? If not go to https://v2.4honline.com/
2. Complete the registration form
3. Complete the Dog ID, and upload to 4honline BEFORE May 15. (Proof of vaccinations must be on file before attending trainings).
4. Pay the $40/youth registration fee. Online payment at, https://link.clover.com/urlshortener/PsdSFr
5. Join Band Messaging Service (QR Code on page 24 of Dog Orientation Overview).
6. Attending trainings!

Contact Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.

Fees need to be paid by first practice, online payment available at https://link.clover.com/urlshortener/rCqKDb

In order to be eligible for state shoot, you must be enrolled in 4-H by May 15. Besides the 15 hours of instruction you will need 8 hours of wildlife training. Now, is a great time to get these hours in before the busy summer schedule begins. Any questions about the Shooting Sports Program can be directed to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu

4-H youth attending the State Shoot are required to have completed 8 hours of wildlife training in the prior year. PLEASE do not wait until the summer months to complete your required hours.

Examples of activities that can count for full or partial hours:

• Attend a club service project for habitat restoration at a local park (full hours)

• Do a demonstration on deer anatomy at your 4-H club (full hours)

• Go hunting (partial hours)

• Plan out your pollinator garden and do a fair project on it (full hours)

• Start a phenology journal and keep notes when you go hiking (partial hours unless you teach the skill to others, then you can get full hours)

• The list goes on and on!

If you are taking a course that counts toward wildlife hours, be sure to bring your Wildlife Hours Tracking Form to collect an instructor signature!

The county fair is less than 80 days away! The county fair is the highlight for the majority of 4-H’ers and their families! You won’t want to miss the fun, friendships and learning that the fair experience offers! Everything you need to know about the fair can be found in the 2026 Washington County Fair Information/Premium Book found here; https://z.umn.edu/WashCoPremiumBook

If you have questions, please plan to attend the New Family Orientation scheduled for Thursday, May 28 (see article in this newsletter), or contact our office at ext-washington@umn.edu

Washington County has a wonderful Food Stand Committee that is already planning for the 2026 County Fair! This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! All families are expected to volunteer time in the Food Stand during the fair. Shifts are available on all 5 days of the fair, vary in length, and type of work. Please read the instructions on the SignUp Genius so you understand the expectations. Cloverbuds must be accompanied by an adult! !Clubs and designated project areas will receive financial incentives based on the number of youth and adults that sign up from each club! Sign-up here: 2026 Food Stand sign up genius! Extended family and friends can sign up too and designate their time to your club/project area!

Have any of your projects made a positive difference in your community? Earn recognition at the county fair for your Community Impact by showing it in your exhibit and telling the judge about it.z.umn.edu/4HCommunityImpact

Washington County 4-H youth who plan to graduate out of 4-H this year (your last year of 4-H, typically one year post high school) are encouraged to complete the 2026 Graduation Application Youth who complete the Graduation Application will be recognized during the Sunday Night Awards (August 2) at County Fair. Graduation Applications are due by July 1st. Please email them to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu

With FairEntry opening after the May 15 deadline, now is your chance to read through the 4-H Premium/Information Book and make a list of all the things you might want to bring to the county fair. General project judging is Saturday, July 25 while the animal shows are spread out from July 25 to Aug. 2. This must be completed by July 1st.

TO REGISTER FOR THE FAIR GO TO; http://washington-county.fairentry.com

Would you like to take your leadership skills to the next level? We will be electing the 2026-2027 Washington County Executive Board Officers on Tuesday, June 23, beginning at 7:00 pm at Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds. The Exec Board is a leadership team similar to club officers, but they serve on the county level. The officer team is made up of a; President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and 6 District Reps. We also have 6 adults who serve 2 year terms. If you are interested in serving as an adult on the Board, please let Ann know at; churc109@umn.edu and you will be put on the ballot.

All 4-H members and volunteers are invited to attend this Federation Meeting. We need at least one half of all the clubs ‘present’ to vote!

If you are a 4-H member who has completed 7th grade or older and would like to apply, please complete the application here: Federation Officer Application

What is the Washington County 4-H Federation?

The Washington County 4-H Federation is the county-level program and policy decision-making body for the Washington County 4-H club program. The full Federation is composed of youth and adult leaders from all 4-H clubs. The Federation meets quarterly, in October, January, April, and June. The organization is guided by an Executive Board composed of eleven youth and six adult representatives. The Executive Board meets the months between Federation meetings; September, November, February, March, May.

Who is eligible to be on the Executive Board?

The Washington County 4-H Federation Constitution states that youth officers "shall be elected for a term of one year only, but any given 4-H youth leader can hold a different office or position in ensuing years, providing it is not the same office or position held in a previous year. At the June Annual Meeting, youth who have completed grades 7-12 are eligible to vote and run for office. Youth must be enrolled in the Youth Leadership project in the year in which you are a Federation officer."

What is the time commitment?

Officer candidates should consider their other time commitments when applying. Please make sure you are available to attend meetings on the fourth Monday of each month. We cannot run a meeting without officers! Please direct any questions to Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu

Save the date! Tuesday, June 23 for the Ambassador Social at the fairgrounds. More details to come!

If you're in grades 7-13, we want you to join the Washington County 4-H Ambassador Team. The Ambassadors meet once a month at the Washington County Government Center and plan Cloverbud Workshops, Service Projects, Social events - all while building their leadership skills and having fun! Reach out to Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions!

Sign up to be an Ambassador here!

County 4-H scholarships open to Washington County youth can be found on our website and are due July 1, 2026. All scholarships will be awarded at the County Fair Awards Program, Sunday, Aug. 2

• Farm Bureau Scholarship (Due July 1, 2026)
• Washington County Federation & Memorial Scholarships (Due July 1, 2026)
• Adele Clemens Memorial Scholarship (Due July 1, 2026)

4-H is proud of its youth leaders! The Key Award recognizes the contributions youth have made in their clubs, county and community! Winners of the Key Award will be announced at the Sunday Night Awards at the county fair! To be eligible;

• 4-H member must have completed their sophomore year in high school

• Be a 4-H member for at least five years

• Have at least 3 years of active 4-H youth leadership

• Must meet seven of nine leadership requirements (see attached application)

Minnesota 4-H Key Award Application Applications are due by July 1. Please email to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu

6 Minnesota 4-H youth were selected as delegates for this annual conference on April 10-15, in Washington, DC. Nearly 250 youth from across the United States, U.S. territories, tribal nations, and military installations participated in the 99th annual National 4-H Conference. The conference engages youth in developing a briefing to a federal agency on an issue of interest for both the youth and the agency.

Elise Kleppe and Olivia Majeski were two of 6 Minnesota 4-H teens who attended this year’s event. The delegates were competitively selected based on past leadership through 4-H and their interest in growing their skills for future community leadership. At the event, each youth delegate was placed on a team and paired with a federal agency or department to develop a briefing on a topic of interest to the federal partner. The delegates also visited congressional offices of Minnesota’s US Senators & Representatives. Other conference activities included networking events, a career fair, and several sightseeing excursions.

“This conference challenges youth to work with a diverse team of peers to research, prepare, and deliver a presentation to a federal agency or department,” said Jacquie Lonning, Extension 4-H Youth Development Director of Civic Engagement & Leadership. “It’s an incredible experience that builds skills in teamwork, critical thinking, public speaking, decision-making, and collaboration.”

2026 youth delegates and their partner agencies include:

• Aayush Nori, Hennepin County: Preparing youth for the AI workforce, US Department of War
• Ashlyn Reiter, Olmsted County: Technology and the workforce, US Department of Energy
• Elise Kleppe, Washington County: Engaging teens in museum spaces, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
• Greta Gronfeld, Traverse County: Reducing barriers to work readiness and self-sufficiency, US Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Olivia Majeski, Washington County: Preserving recreation access for teens, US Department of Agriculture Forest Service

Special thanks to Megan Slater for helping chaperone the delegation this year. Application information for the 2027 delegation is anticipated to post in summer/fall of 2026, pending release of information from the USDA. The experience will be open for application to youth in grades 10-12.

The two-year project will be the largest in the history of the State Fair and the University of Minnesota Extension, which are partnering to remake the building.

By Tim Harlow - The Minnesota Star Tribune

The Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota 4-H are jointly raising $35 million to renovate the recognizable 4-H Building on the fairgrounds and expand youth programming throughout the state.

Donors have already kicked in about 60% of the cost of what fair officials say will be the largest project of its kind for both the fair and University of Minnesota Extension. That’s the arm of the U that provides hands-on learning in subjects ranging from agriculture to creative arts to video and filmmaking for students in kindergarten through one year after high school.

“We’re deeply grateful for the early generosity that has helped launched this effort,” said the fair’s CEO, Renee Alexander. “The 4-H Building is an iconic part of our historic fairgrounds, and this investment is about making sure it continues to serve Minnesota’s youth for generations.”

Built with federal assistance during the Great Depression, the concrete structure with its signature tower opened in 1939. For the past 85 years, fairgoers have gone to the sprawling building on Cosgrove Street to see exhibits, music and dance performances and a variety of demonstrations.

Over the next two years, the building’s interior will get new stages, updates to spaces for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) presentations and judging, a kitchen, media studio and flexible spaces for workshops and community gatherings.

Other upgrades include new windows, elevators, fire alarms, improved electrical and technological capacity, better ventilation and expanded bathrooms and shower facilities.

Work on the exterior of the building is already underway. A majority of the restoration will take place after this year’s fair closes Sept. 7 and is expected to be complete before the 2027 Great Minnesota Get Together, fair officials said.

Minnesota 4-H is experiencing somewhat of a resurgence. Nearly 58,000 students from all 87 counties participate in programs, up about 33% over the past four years. The program has a goal of growing to 100,000, officials said.

Have you explored the 4-H Building campaign microsite? It's a place where you can find our campaign video and see our progress so far.

The April Meeting of the Woodbury 4-H club was held on April 20th at Llama Dan’s llama Farm. We learned all of their names, got to feed them, pet them, and some of us even hugged them! (but they ran away) Then we said goodbye to the llamas and went to Dairy Queen, where the club bought all the members a free treat!

Thank you to all who participated, volunteered, attended and helped with these performances at Oak-Land Middle School on April 24. It was a fun evening and we wish congratulations to our winners! Check out Facebook for more photos (April 29).

Photo: St. Croix Clovers - One Act Play - Historical Friction

Many thanks to State Ambassador Elsa Swenson from Anoka County for coming to share her presentation about 4-H leadership opportunities with us at the April Federation Meeting! Also, special thanks to Amy Delaney who ‘fulfilled the dream’ of the older youth requesting that we decorate cupcakes as an activity! Fun was had by all!

Activities and Events (Registration links with articles above)

• May 20 - Upcycling Workshop with Basic Needs (register through 4honline)
• May 27 - STEM: Fun with Fermentation
• May 28 - New Family Fair Orientation
• June 12 - LQA & E in-person training. Cannon Falls, MN.(register through 4honline)
• June 23 - Ambassador social, Club Leader dinner and Federation elections.
• July 16 - Fashion Revue - Oakdale Discovery Center 12-8pm

Dog

• Apr. 21 - Dog Training began (Dog ID must be submitted before attending training)
• May 15 - Dog ID submitted online deadline
• July 25-26 - County 4-H Dog Show
• Sept. 20-21- State 4-H Dog Show - MN State Fair

Horse

• June 7-10 - Washington County 4-H Horse Camp. Registration closed.
• Sept. 17-21 - State Horse Show - MN State Fair

Livestock Reminders - 2026

• Feb. 17 - Market Beef and Dairy Steer Animal ID deadline. (Info emailed to members 1/5/26)
• May 15 - Animal ID deadline (Dog, Horse, Llama, Rabbit, Dairy, Breeding Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goat (market & dairy) and leased poultry).
• July 1 - County Fair registration due
• LQA Training - Livestock Quality Assurance training needs to be completed BEFORE County Fair to be eligible for a State Fair trip with an animal (Must have completed 6th grade to attend State Fair with an animal). In-person training lasts 3 fair seasons versus online training which is good for 1 year and has a fee. In-person training will take place June 12, 2026 in Cannon Falls, MN. Please register through 4HOnline.
• July 29 - Aug. 2 - Washington County Fair
• Aug. 26-30 - MN State Fair 4-H Livestock Encampment
• Sept 5 - 7 - MN State Fair General Encampment
• Interested in being an adult chaperone at State Fair? Complete your adult volunteer screening before County Fair

Performing Arts

• July 5 - Arts-In Auditions (evening)
• July 12-15 - Arts-In Encampment
• July 28 - Dress Rehearsal (evening)
• July 29-Aug 2 - Performances at the Washington County Fair
• Aug. 22 OR 23 - State Fair Rehearsal

• State Fair Performances: TBD

Rabbit

• July 12 - Agility & Knowledge practices (meet by the rabbit barn at fairgrounds) from 3-5 PM

• July 19 - Agility & Knowledge practices (meet by the rabbit barn at fairgrounds) from 3-5 PM

• July 26: 1:30 PM Rabbit Barn Setup; 3–5 PM Practice & Cage Assembly

Shooting Sports

• May 15 - Must be enrolled in 4-H and Shooting Sports project. Fees paid by first training date.
• June 8 - Aug. 24 - Summer Session - Mondays (Archery, BB, Pellet Gun)
• June 9 - Sept. 8 - Summer Session - Tuesdays (Trap, .22 Rifle, Black Powder)
• Sept. 11-13 - State Shoot in Alexandra, MN

Summer Camps

• June 7-11 - Washington County 4-H Horse Camp. Registration closed.
• June 9-12 - YELLO (Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities) Open to grades 7+ and will take place at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Registration closed.
• June 15-17 - Washington/Dakota 4-H Overnight Camp - Grades 3-8 - Baker Outdoor Learning Center. Maple Plain, MN. (Camp is full)
• July 6-9 - 4-H Summer Day Camps will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, Day Camps are open to grades K-6. (Registration not yet open)

Washington County Fair 2026

• July 1 - County fair registration deadline. Final selection of projects and animals need to be entered in FairEntry by this date. Late entries accepted for ribbon only.
• July 25 - 4-H General project judging (Saturday) Includes Pet Show!
• July 29- Aug. 2 - Washington County Fair

Youth enrollment and animal ID deadline

• May 15, 2026 - Enrollment deadline for full County Fair participation and eligibility for State Fair, State Shoot, State Horse Show and State Dog Show.
• Participation is limited after May 15 (Not eligible for champions, auction, state trips) Blue, red and white ribbons only.

Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a statewide floral and foliage photo workshop to youth in grades K-13.

The Zoom workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. Learn from MN 4‑H Photography Committee members Cora, Michele and MaryAnn as they guide you through creative, hands-on techniques to elevate your flower and foliage photography. Participants will explore ways to capture striking textures, vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and unique perspectives that transform ordinary plants into captivating, eye‑catching images.

Find more information here: https://extension.umn.edu/event/buds-and-blooms-4-h-photography-workshop

Register at: https://budsandbloomsworkshop.4honline.com

Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.

Do you have youth in your 4-H program that would like to learn more about livestock evaluation? Do you have young members on a general livestock judging team who need help with structuring, completing, and presenting a set of oral reasons? Are you interested in starting a livestock judging team in your county? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Minnesota 4-H livestock judging camp is an event they should participate in!

Presented by the University of Minnesota livestock judging team and coach Kyle Rozeboom, youth will learn the fundamentals of judging and evaluation, receive instruction with oral reasons, and become more confident with livestock judging.

Camp will be held June 15 - 17 on the St. Paul campus.

Learn more and register.

Take a chance and work together toward one show, one goal with State Arts-In! Youth in grades 9+ learn about teamwork, goal setting, and leadership as they put together a 30-minute show. Participants work in one of four majors: Tech crew, band, costuming, or performing. Early bird pricing is now available. Learn more and register.

We’re excited to offer this day camp experience for youth of all abilities in grades 3+. Whether you’re a budding scientist, a nature explorer, or just love being outdoors, these field days provide the perfect mix of learning, discovery, and fun. Step into real Minnesota fields and farms as you explore how plants grow, identify common pests and weeds, scout for crop health issues, and build your agricultural skills. This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a full day of hands-on activities, games, and outdoor exploration in beautiful settings. Crop scouting teams are encouraged to attend! This is a great way to prepare for the Minnesota 4-H Crop Scouting Challenge later in the month. Registration deadline: June 30. Choose the date and location that works best for you:

• July 7 in Lamberton

• July 15 in Rosemount

• July 15 in Crookston

Check out our free, searchable online Youth Development Curriculum Library for fun, educational lesson and activity resources designed for youth workers, volunteers, and youth themselves!

190 resources and counting! More content is added every month.

A few highlights:

• Independent learning guides to support youth project learning, such as this Microgreen Growing Guide

• Resources on project areas from Animals and Livestock, to Social-Emotional Learning, to Environment and Earth Science, to STEM, and much more!

4-H volunteers contribute to youth thriving. They make their communities stronger and develop skills they can use in other settings. These are all great reasons to take a step to becoming a volunteer—If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure where to start there are steps you can take to learn more:

1. Complete our volunteer interest form. The info you share will be given to 4-H staff so they can work with you to find or create a volunteer role that meets your skills, interests, and availability.
2. Reach out directly to your local 4-H staff to inquire about specific volunteer opportunities in your community.

Whether you join us for one day or for multiple events, we value the impact we make together for our youth and our communities! For more information contact MN4-HVol@umn.edu.

University of Minnesota Extension works across the lifespan. We create and support positive non-formal learning opportunities for youth. We foster resilient, healthy and secure futures for families and seniors. Extension works with Minnesotans to make informed decisions leading to better health and well-being. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/working-youth/contacts-families-and-youth

University of Minnesota Extension improves food literacy, physical activity, food safety and healthy food access for Minnesotans and the food service industry. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/food-health-and-nutrition

The best plants and gardening practices for Minnesota gardeners, homeowners and hobbyists to grow healthy lawns, landscapes and gardens. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden

Ann Church - Livestock (Beef, Dairy, Llama, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, Rabbit), Horse, Shooting Sports, Federation, Community Clubs, Fair, Charters and Finance, Foods & Creative Arts projects and Food Stand.

Megan Slater - Youth Teaching Youth, Ambassadors, Performing Arts, Overnight/Day Camps, Dog, Goat, Cloverbud workshops.

Currently open - STEM, New Families, Promotion, Outreach, and Project Workshops.

Contact information is listed below.