Sherburne County 4-H Newsletter
April 4, 2025
Happy Friday!
Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22!
Get ready for an evening of fun, family-friendly activities at the Elk River Landfill. Enjoy hands-on projects, recycling games, STEM activities, make‑n‑take crafts, prizes, and snacks. Don’t forget to register for this free event using the link below!
National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 19–25
Next week, we celebrate our incredible volunteers. Their dedication makes so much of our work possible. Please take a moment to thank and recognize the outstanding individuals who contribute so much to our success.
ATV Safety Training – Registration Still Open
There is still time to register youth participants for ATV safety training. Use the link below to sign up.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Sam Stone
Extension Educator, Sherburne County 4-H Youth Development | Sherburne County Extension | University of Minnesota | umn.edu
ston0392@umn.edu | 763-765-3077
Central region 4-H poultry workshop
All central region 4-H poultry project members are invited to a workshop with poultry and pigeon instructors Mike Kutzke and Aaron Marquette.
- April 25, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Carver County Public Works Building, 11360 Hwy 212 W, Cologne MN
With a mix of lecture and audience participation, attendees will learn showmanship tips and what to expect during the judging process from Mike Kutzke. Aaron Marquette will present the basics of poultry judging, carcasses, eggs and laying hens, in 4-H.
This workshop will cover pigeons/doves, chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys.
Birds will be provided.
Registration opens ASAP and the registration deadline is April 24, 2026. To register, log in, or if new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent or contact devarati@umn.edu
County 4-H Volunteer Connection
Being a 4-H club or group leader can be a challenging (and rewarding!) job. Join other leaders in McLeod, Meeker, Stearns, Sherburne, & Wright for a series of calls where we will talk about timely subjects and have time for questions.
All calls will take place on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May 7, 2026 - Register
Fair Registration
County fair
Learning opportunities (camps, clinics, workshops)
September 17, 2026 - Register
Club charters
Budgets and Fiscal Management
Shared leadership strategies & succession planning
Have a question that’s not about the planned topics? That’s okay! Bring whatever questions you may have!
Minnesota's aquatic wonders: 4-H fishing series
Calling all youth interested in fish, fishing and exploring Minnesota's wonderful world of water! Join 4-H to learn about the fish and waterways of Minnesota. In this new series, we will hear from experts that celebrate Minnesota's long tradition of fishing.
Learn about lakes, rivers, the Great Lakes and native fish in this webinar series held on Tuesdays from April 28 to June 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom.
Audience
Youth in grades K and up
Cost
Free
4-H Tasty Tuesdays: a flavorful fiesta
Join us for a lively virtual cooking experience designed for youth in kindergarten and up. Participants will learn about the traditions and celebration of Cinco de Mayo and then prepare a dish inspired by the holiday.
Youth will develop basic kitchen skills, practice simple food safety and explore new flavors — all from the comfort of their home.
We'll meet on May 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for an engaging and educational program that brings culture, learning and cooking together in a meaningful way.
Buds & Blooms Photo Workshop
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.
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu
FarmHouse Fraternity Scholarship Opportunity
Hi! My name is Caiden Strosahl, a second year student at the University Minnesota and Vice President of Recruitment for the Minnesota Chapter of FarmHouse Fraternity. FarmHouse has always had strong ties to 4-H, with many FarmHouse alumni having served as state ambassadors. I am reaching out to inform you of a scholarship opportunity for male high school juniors and seniors who plan to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Multiple scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded each year to University of Minnesota freshmen, regardless of their major, based on academic achievement, leadership experience, extracurricular involvement, and career motivation, not their likelihood to join a fraternity. FarmHouse is a alcohol and substance free house, which provides a safe environment for future gophers. Attached is a flyer containing more information about the scholarship, which includes the application. Please distribute this information to clubs in your area and to any male high school junior or senior you know that is interested. Thank you!
FarmHouse Scholarship Application 2026
The application deadline is April 13, 2026
4-H STEM Beyond Ready Series: From Minnesota to Mission Control
Ready to launch your future? Join Major General (Retired) Timothy A. Sejba as he shares how his journey—from a University of Minnesota, Duluth student to a top leader in the U.S. Space Forcer, took him to the forefront of space operations. Discover how curiosity, STEM, and leadership can take you beyond ready!
Registration deadline: May 1.
2026 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge!
Step right up! Join us for the 2026 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge kickoff! This year’s theme? Midway Madness! Design a Rube Goldberg™ machine that can win a carnival game every time and celebrate the win! An informational webinar will take place on April 29 from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Learn more and register.
