Isanti County 4-H News

Email: mnext-isanti@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/isanti
Location: 555 18th Avenue Southwest, Cambridge, MN, USA. We are in the Isanti County Government Center in the Extension office. Office hours M-F 8am-4:30pm.
Phone: 763-689-1810
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isanticounty4h
Twitter: @IsantiCounty4H

Give to Isanti County 4-H: z.umn.edu/DonateToIsanti4H

Congratulations to our newly elected Council Officers, chosen at the October 26 Council Meeting! We look forward to their leadership, ideas, and dedication as they help guide our council during the 2026-27 4-H year.

Youth Officers:

• President: Cailtyn W.
• Vice President: Emily H.
• Secretary: Caroline L.
• Treasurer: Paige W.
• Youth Representative: Landon H.

Adult Officers:

• President: Jami Wilking
• Vice President: Lyle Usher
• Secretary: Jenni Skiba
• Treasurer: Kristi Hass
• Youth Representative: Kevin Gross

Our records indicate there are currently more than 100 outstanding checks that have not yet been deposited. If you have received a check from our program, please take a moment to verify whether it has been deposited and do so as soon as possible.

Checks that remain outstanding for an extended period may need to be voided and reissued. In some cases, your bank may no longer accept an older check for deposit, which could result in delays and additional processing. If you are unable to deposit a check you have received, or if you believe a check has been lost, please contact our office so we can assist you.

Thank you for helping us keep our financial records up to date.

Over 100 people attended our Shooting Sports and Wildlife Awards Night on October 12th at the Cambridge Library. Thank you to Connie and Dan for their work organizing this event. And congratulations to all the youth, coaches, parents, and supporters who made this season possible!

More photos for awards night can be found here.

Ten participants joined us on October 20th at Springvale County Park to learn about seed biology, seed dispersal, and best practices for collecting and storing seeds from perennial flowers. Participants left with seeds they collected during the program to plant and enjoy in the seasons ahead.

Thank you to Isanti County Master Gardener Volunteers Julie, Sandi, and Audrey for making this event possible!

Check out the handout we distributed at the event if you want to learn more about saving perennial flower seeds.

The Isanti County 4-H Robotics Program sparks curiosity and fosters early interest in robotics engineering and technology among youth. Through hands-on learning, participants will explore the design, construction, and programming of robots using a variety of platforms and software tools. In addition to building technical skills, the team will have opportunities to take part in optional tours of industry-leading organizations and businesses, offering real-world insights into the field of robotics.

The project meets 1-2 Monday evenings per month 6pm-7pm approximately October 2026 - May 2027 at the Cambridge Public Library and other locations.

Enrollment in 4-H is required in order to register for the program (z.umn.edu/Join4H).

Contact Cliff Woodruff, Isanti 4-H Robotics Project Leader Volunteer, at 763-328-4545 or woodruff.cliff@gmail.com for more information.

In this fun, hands-on 1.5 hour class, kids will dive into the exciting world of 3D design using TinkerCAD. Students will learn how to build their own custom bookmark or dice by combining shapes, resizing objects, and experimenting with simple modeling tools. By the end of the session, they will have designed their own custom 3D model and discovered how their ideas can become real objects through 3D printing.

Audience: Isanti 4-H youth in grades 6 and up. If your child falls outside the listed age range but is interested in participating, please contact Cora to discuss eligibility. Not enrolled in 4-H? Join today at z.umn.edu/join4h

Cost $5 per participant.

Registrations limited to 5 participants per 1.5 hour time slot. There are 2 spots remaining as of sending this message. There will be two timeslots on Saturday November 14th (2pm-3:30pm and 3:30pm-5pm) at the Isanti Government Center. Participants may have to pickup their 3D printed items at a later date.

Registration closes Monday November 2nd. Register today at https://Isanti3D.4honline.com

Re-Enrollment (Rollover) Process

Each year, Sept. 15 marks Minnesota 4-H rollover in 4-H Online and the beginning of the renewal period (in preparation for the new Program Year on Oct. 1). On Sept. 15, 2026, all members and volunteers who were approved in Program Year 2025-26 were be moved to a "Not Enrolled" status in 4-H Online.

To Do:

1. Re-enroll on 4-H Online starting September 15th.
2. Log into 4-H Online and on the member list page there will be a blue link that says "Enroll Now" next to each youth member and adult volunteer. Check out the enrollment guide for more information.
3. Update information such as emergency contact info, mailing address, projects your children are interested in, health questions, etc.
4. Submit the enrollment for each youth member for the 2026-2027 4-H year (October 2026 - September 2027. See our Important Dates to Know document for key dates and deadlines during the year.

Tips/ Reminders:

• Selecting a project in 4-H Online simply lets us know what topics you’re interested in, so we can add you to project email lists and send you events and opportunities in that area throughout the year. It is not a commitment or a formal registration to bring that project to the county fair.
• If you don't know what club to join select "undecided" and we will send you more information. Or check out our club list here.
• Your "family email" is the email you use to log into 4-H Online and it is displayed at the top of the member list under your family's last name. It is crucial that this email address is checked regularly and is the main email we use for the newsletter and other important messages. You may also add a "member email" under each member's profile to receive messages related to the projects they selected. If you no longer have access to your family email or would like to change the email address, please let us know.

If you do not enroll by the end of October and until you re-enroll, you will not:

• Receive direct communications from us about new opportunities.
• Be allowed to serve as an officer in a 4-H club, federation/council or other organized group.
• Be allowed in any 4-H event.

Volunteer Re-Enrollment

Watch for an email from Elaine with steps to complete your volunteer renewal. Videos are available that show click by click steps to complete renewal. Check them out on the volunteer renewal webpage or use these direct links.

• 4-H volunteer renewal: Introduction
• 4-H volunteer renewal: Completing Safety of Minors
• 4-H volunteer renewal: Re-enrolling in 4honline

You must fill out this form when you are requesting reimbursement for purchases that were approved in your project budgets. Printed copies are available at our office.

• Please note that it takes us 2-4 weeks to process check payments from the time that you turn in the form. So make sure you are planning ahead when you need checks or cash boxes.

• This form and your receipt must be submitted to the office within 90 days of purchasing the item(s). After 90 days, purchasers are no longer eligible for reimbursement.

In many cases, it's more efficient for us to pay the vendor directly so this is our preferred method. This also allows us to set up the transaction as tax-exempt.

• Cora may be able to order supplies for your project with the 4-H debit card.
• Some businesses will allow you to send us the bill/invoice and we can mail a check payment to the business after you pick up the items.

If you use Facebook, your club or project may have a dedicated group or page where members can share photos, ask questions, and stay informed about upcoming activities. Check out our Project Leader List and Club List for more information and the links.

• Join us for the next meeting 1/11/27 6:30 p.m. at the Isanti Government Center. OR Register for the Zoom Meeting (click here).
• Agenda and minutes:
• Auction (January Meeting Agenda, all 2026-27 auction committee meeting documents click here)
• Animal Science (January Meeting Agenda, all 2026-27 animal science committee meeting documents click here).
• We will be electing committee officers, roles, discussing goals and more!
• There will be no November or December meetings for the auction and animal science committees.

• Join us for the next meeting 1/25/27 6:30 p.m. at the Isanti Government Center. OR Register for the Zoom Meeting (click here).
• Agenda and minutes (January Meeting Agenda, all 2026-27 council meeting documents here).
• There will be no November or December meetings for the council.
• We will continue discussing updating the continuing education scholarship criteria, goals, and more.

Other key documents:

• Review the approved 2026-27 Council Budget here.
• Increased scholarships for BLU, TEEL, YELLO and State Arts-In.
• New line item for partnership supplies (such as supplies for home school co-ops using 4-H curriculum)
• Review the approved project/ program 2026-27 budgets here.

Projects

4-H refers to topic areas of interest as “projects”. For the full list of projects offered in MN 4-H visit z.umn.edu/4hproject. You should select projects that interest your child on 4-H Online to get emails about events and opportunities in that area. Within the county we have volunteer project leaders that are here to help you learn about that topic and answer your questions. If a project has no listed leader, we may still offer occasional statewide, regional, or county events in that topic area, or you can explore it independently through self‑guided learning.

Clubs

A 4-H club is a group of youth and adults who meet on a regular basis (usually monthly) and together practice positive youth development and cooperative learning.

4-H clubs strive to create, within their group, a quality learning environment that gives members a chance to be an active part of the decision making process; values and respects the voices of all; provides members an opportunity to reflect on and demonstrate their learning; connects members to their community through service; encourages the development of positive relationships with peers and adults; is welcoming and accessible to all; celebrates individual and group achievements; challenges youth to establish and meet individual goals; and provides for the physical and emotional safety of all.

• Add a 4-H volunteer opportunity to the list
• Say that you are interested in volunteering for one of the opportunities below

Robotics Program Helpers:

• Support or lead teams of youth participants as they explore the design, construction, and programming of robots using a variety of platforms and software tools. A variety of roles are available and no prior robotics experience is necessary.
• Practices are 2 Monday evenings a month 6pm-7pm at the Cambridge Public Library or other locations as noted near Cambridge.
• See program flyer for more information.

Annual Volunteer Training Helpers:

• TBD November evening.
• Help setup room, serve food, and cleanup.

Project Workshop Day Instructors:

• Is there a topic, game, or lesson you're interested in sharing with youth? Let us know! We are planning several workshop days this year.
• Sessions are typically 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• TBD Saturday morning February 2027

Shooting Sports Coaches

• Our shooting sports and wildlife program is growing and we need more volunteers to coach a variety of disciplines (especially BB/ Air Rifle, Archery, and Muzzleloading).
• Weekly practices on Monday evenings May-August at the Isanti Sportsmen's Club in Cambridge, MN. The volunteer term is one season, however many of our coaches remain in this role for several years.
• Coaches must complete a certification training hosted by the state. Coach training fees are paid by the county program, so there will be no out of pocket cost to you. Find a list of upcoming trainings here. Contact Cora for assistance registering for a training.

Ambassador Program Leaders

• 7-10 meetings throughout the year or as determined with 4-H staff.
• Time to assist youth leaders in planning and coordinating county events, fundraisers, and community service opportunities.
• Read the full role description here.

• Anyone who is at least 18 years old by Sept. 1 can apply to become a screened and approved 4-H volunteer.
• 18-year-olds must be post-high school/GED and cannot be enrolled as both a 4-H member and a Minnesota 4-H volunteer. Once accepted as a Minnesota 4-H volunteer, they are no longer eligible for 4-H membership.
• To ensure program quality and youth safety, we ask all of our volunteer applicants to go through a three-step screening process, including a criminal background check.
  

• Online Annual Volunteer Training (AVT) Library: Did you miss AVT this year or want to explore the resources from past trainings? Check out the AVT library here.
• Introduction to the core skills training videos: 4-H volunteers are on the front lines of delivering positive youth development experiences to young people across the Minnesota 4-H program. This training series will equip you with core skills and competencies in your role as a 4-H volunteer.
• Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA): UMN Extension is a standard access YIPA member and that means our staff, interns and volunteers have access to hundreds of online learning opportunities through The Professional Youth Worker, YIPA's training platform for youth-serving professionals. Email Samantha Schindler (schin143@umn.edu) to be added to YIPA’s Learning Management System (LMS). Once you've created an account, start with the E-library for video tutorials and the user guide. Browse the full training catalog and filter by topic, skill, or format to find exactly what you need. Learn about topics that matter to your work—trauma-informed care, mental health, youth development, ethics, intercultural engagement, crisis intervention, self-care, leadership, and much more.
• Supporting Youth with Disabilities in 4-H Judging Experiences (24 minute video)

Amazing opportunity! We are looking for youth and families to be a part of the 4-H Pups and Learning (PAL) Program. The 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!

Details:

• 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

Come for a fun-filled day of project workshops for Cloverbuds through adult volunteers. Sessions include a Cloverbud Outdoor Day Camp, environmental service leadership, outdoor recreation, and more!

The 2026 4-H Outdoor Education Summit will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, MN.

Registration opens on 4-H Online on October 1 and closes November 13. Learn more at https://extension.umn.edu/event/4-h-outdoor-education-summit

We're excited to announce a new era of Minnesota 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair! With support from across the state and in partnership with the Minnesota State Fair, we're transforming the 4-H Building - a cherished space - into a home that will strengthen Minnesota 4-H for generations to come. Learn more about the renovation plans, which are expected to be complete for the 2027 fair, and how to donate to bring them to life.

Save this link, the catalog is updated throughout the year.

The 4-H Clover Update newsletter features news about Minnesota 4-H.

The Pine and Isanti County Ag Update is a local publication which includes timely information on agriculture, horticulture, natural resources and more! Included in the newsletter are upcoming events and topics of interest.

If you wish to receive a newsletter from Ag Extension in Pine County, please register using this link.

Email Cora or Jennifer to reserve a kit or stop by the Extension Office in the Isanti County Government Center M-F from 8am-4:30pm.

Accommodations Kit:

• This kit has been created to help strengthen our commitment to welcoming all youth – we cherish and value the diversity of humanity and believe in the power of ALL young people. 4-H strongly encourages you to utilize this kit to help foster inclusive spaces and provide simple accommodations for those engaged in our programs.
• The kit was made possible through the generous support of the Leonard and Maxine Harkness Endowment Fund at the UMN Foundation.
  
• Click here to learn more and see what's in the kit.

Calm Kit:

• This kit focuses on mental health and tools to actively build resilience in youth.
• The kit was made possible by the Bend, Don't Break Grant.
• Items include: conversation starters, a program guide, sensory fidgets, grounding activities, and more.

Email: mnext-isanti@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/isanti
Location: 555 18th Avenue Southwest, Cambridge, MN, USA. We are in the Isanti County Government Center in the Extension office. Office hours M-F 8am-4:30pm.
Phone: 763-689-1810
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isanticounty4h
Twitter: @IsantiCounty4H

Give to Isanti County 4-H: z.umn.edu/DonateToIsanti4H