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.

Here we are starting another 4-H year!

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 2026-2027 4-H year, including adults if you are a screened volunteer. https://www.4honline.com/

Complete 6 steps

1. Choose a club (new to 4-H or undecided is only intended for the first year) you can always change clubs.
2. Include all project areas you are interested in so when we do targeted emails you are included, this is especially important for animal projects.
3. Questions (general questions)
4. Health (any health concerns)
5. Consents (Code of Conduct/Photo release)
6. Confirm (often times this is the one step that is missed)

* Optional * We always welcome new volunteers, additional volunteers are needed to help provide quality programming for the coming year. Please consider being a screened volunteer by completing three steps. Instructions can be found at, https://z.umn.edu/4-Hvolunteer

1. Application
2. Orientation video
3. Background check

We want to say welcome to our new families, we know it can be a challenging to navigate the 4-H year the first year or two but we hope you learned some tips and tricks to make this coming year even better. We can’t wait to venture into the 2026-2027 4-H year! We look forward to working with all of you to continue to grow and improve your 4-H experience.

Washington County 4-H volunteers are invited to join us for our Annual Volunteer Training (AVT) on November 7 from 8:00–9:30 a.m. at Hooley Hall. 12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082

This year’s training will focus on interpersonal skills, shared leadership in 4-H clubs, and Cloverbud training. All volunteers are encouraged to attend, especially new club leaders and volunteers stepping into new roles. This training is a great opportunity to build skills, connect with other volunteers, and feel prepared and confident as we begin a new 4-H year.

We will provide a small breakfast and refreshments. We hope you can join us!

Please register below so we can get an accurate headcount.

https://z.umn.edu/AVTandClubLeaders

There will be a Club Leader meeting following the Annual Volunteer Training on Saturday, November 7th from 9:30 - 10:30 am at Hooley Hall! These meetings provide an opportunity for Club Leaders to ask questions, share resources, and connect with the other leaders in the county! If you haven't already signed up for AVT, please register at: https://z.umn.edu/AVTandClubLeaders

New to 4-H or still figuring out how it all works? Join us for New Family Orientation on Thursday, November 12 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Washington County Government Center in the basement in conference room LL16.

Families will learn about 4-H clubs, projects, activities, and opportunities available throughout the year, plus get answers to questions and learn how to get involved. This is a great chance to get familiar with 4-H and feel ready for the year ahead!

Questions? Contact Lani Xiong at xion1389@umn.edu

Please register ahead of time to help us make sure we have enough materials for everyone! https://z.umn.edu/NewFamily

STEM: Birds & Trees Workshop
Wednesday, November 18
Grades 3+
6:00-7:00 PM
Hooley Hall - Washington County Fairgrounds
12300 40th Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082

Do you Ever Wonder What Happens to the Birds Once the Leaves Fall?

The leaves fall, and the birds have to hide and eat. What do they do when it gets colder? Peter Fritz, head of the Master Gardener Tree Squad, knows a lot about trees, but he also knows a lot about birds. He's discovered the secrets of what birds do in the winter and what trees provide for them. In this workshop, you'll learn what trees and birds share in the winter. You can also make a simple bird feeder. This will be an interesting time of learning and doing.

Limited to 15 so register early!

https://z.umn.edu/BirdsandTrees

Cloverbud Fall Workshop
Saturday, November 21
9 AM - NOON
Christ Lutheran Church in Lake Elmo

Join us for the Cloverbud Fall Workshop - This "Fall Fun" event for Cloverbuds is planned and led by our own Washington County 4-H Ambassadors and will include a morning of creativity, games, and meeting new friends! All Cloverbuds and non 4-Hers in grades K-2 are invited to meet new friends and participate in hands-on project learning. Participants will play games, make hand turkeys, pie crafts, and enjoy a trail mix snack before lunch at 11:45 a.m. We look forward to a fun morning of making, playing, and celebrating the season together!

Pre-register at; https://z.umn.edu/FallCloverbudWorkshop

Must enroll in 4-H to participate - https://v2.4honline.com/

Cost is $10.00 and should be pre-paid. Online payment option https://link.clover.com/urlshortener/7kGf4R
Or mail check made out to Washington County 4-H, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082

Questions? Email Abbey Verdick at radem181@umn.edu

Join us on Saturday, December 12th from 9 AM to 12:30 PM at the Baytown Community Center, 4020 McDonald Dr N, Stillwater, MN 55082

Youth in grades 3+ are invited to explore and participate in three different craft projects and will conclude the day with a pizza lunch.

Participants will create a variety of crafts and gift items, including creating a grapevine wreath, painting coasters, and learning how to make sugar scrubs and lip balm! At the end of the day, a gift-wrapping station will be available for wrapping your crafts for family and friends for the holidays.

The workshop costs $25, which includes all materials and lunch. This event is open to youth in grades 3 and above. Registration is $25 and must be completed before the event. After December 4th, the price increases to $50. Don’t delay; register and pre-pay now!

Register at: https://z.umn.edu/DecemberProjectPursuit

Online payment: https://link.clover.com/urlshortener/bJMS4M

We are thrilled to announce the establishment of a Rabbit Project Development Committee! This dynamic group will meet as needed to oversee the rabbit project area, organize workshops, and set exhibition standards for the Washington County Fair and beyond. We invite you to join us in shaping a vibrant and impactful program for our youth! Both adults and youth welcome. If interested, please contact Sara Delaney at saradelaney2010@gmail.com

Registration is available in 4-H Online. You must be a screened volunteer in order to register. You still need to advise your local Extension educator that you plan to register and still complete all steps.

November 21, 2026

• Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, MN (Wildlife only). Register by November 13.

February 13, 2027

• Marshall, MN area (Archery, Shotgun, Rifle/Pistol, and Wildlife). Register by February 5, 2027.

You must complete the following to become a fully certified 4-H SS&W Instructor:

1. Be a fully screened 4-H Volunteer in your local program.
2. SS&W Leader Certification Pre-work Course - A link will be sent to you to complete a newly designed online course for completion of required information. If you have completed the old Steps 1-2 since 2020, you do not need to complete this updated pre-work.
3. Attend a one-day in-person discipline training (training fee - $50 Washington County covers this cost).

Please read thoroughly the Minnesota 4-H SS&W Leader Certification Information for additional details for youth and recertifications. Recertifications (REQUIRED every 7 years)

State Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program

Consider applying to represent Minnesota 4-H at the National 4-H Conference, an exciting 4-H experience that takes place in Washington, DC and the surrounding area. The National 4-H Conference is a unique opportunity for 4-H members to share their voice with national decision-makers. It is the pinnacle experience in 4-H civic engagement, providing the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, nation and world. Youth currently in grades 10-12 are invited to apply. Application deadline: Nov. 22. Learn more and apply.

Join the exciting world of Washington County 4-H Ambassadors! We invite youth in grades 7-13 to step into a leadership role at the county level. As Ambassadors, you'll have the chance to plan fun cloverbud workshops, meaningful service projects, and social events that bring our community together.

Our meetings take place once a month, usually at the Stillwater Government Center, on the fourth Monday of the month. You decide which events you can help with and participate in. We enjoy snacks, play games, build leadership skills, and share lots of laughs! Mark your calendars for our next meeting on Monday, November 23, from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Stillwater Government Center. We’d love to see you there!

Upcoming events that we need Ambassadors for are the Fall Cloverbud Workshop (Nov. 21) and Project Pursuit (Dec. 12).

Ready to make a difference? Sign up to be an Ambassador here! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Abbey Verdick at radem181@umn.edu. We can't wait to welcome you to our team!

Our October meeting was held on October 8, 2026, at the Oakdale Library, and we had a very productive and fun evening!

Before diving into club business, our Cloverbuds were dismissed to enjoy a creative leaf-rubbing activity. Meanwhile, the older members focused on several key items:

• Old Business: We reminded members to complete their annual registration and shared details about the upcoming club officer training.
• New Business: The group reviewed parliamentary procedures and officially voted to approve our budget and goals for the upcoming year.
• Officer Induction: We proudly introduced our new club officers for the year! Congratulations to our new student leaders.

To wrap up the evening, the Cloverbuds rejoined the main group for snacks and a lively popsicle stick bridge-building competition, where members split into four teams to test their engineering skills.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the meeting a success!

Best regards,

Olivia Dahle, Club Reporter

The Lucky Aces met at Kari's Create and Paint on October 19th to paint pumpkin candle holders. We talked about the November banquet. We also voted to watch Home Alone at our December meeting.
Sincerely,

Kaiya Egler, Reporter

Congratulations to the new 2026-2027 Exec Board!

The new Executive Board youth were installed at the October Federation Meeting (held in conjunction with Club Officer Training).

President - Aubrey Delaney

Vice President - Theo Kruse

Secretary - Liesel Doll

Treasurer - Joseph Doll

Historian - Aemilia Wollak

District Reps: Olivia Salitros, Spencer Richter, David Gerboth, Wynnie Bye, Taylor Schoonover, & Ollie Stolzenburg. Adult Reps: Jayleen Stolzenburg, Kim Salitros, Abbey Rademacher, Laura Kruse, Sara Delaney, & Sean Boll.

Thank you to all these youth and adults for their leadership in Washington County 4-H!

Missing from picture, Sean Boll, Jayleen Stolzenburg, Laura Kruse, Ollie Stolzenburg & David Gerboth

A huge thank you to the Club Leaders for submitting the Club Charter’s by last week’s deadline! We had 100% of the Charters in on time!!! Way to go!

We had over 55 youth who attended Club Officer Training in October! The evening consists of an Ambassador Meeting, a Financial Review Committee, a pizza dinner, the Installation of the new Exec Board, a short Federation Meeting and Club Officer Training! We trust the youth who attended the evening learned something new that will help them grow as leaders in your club!

We celebrated Megan Slater with a cake. Many thanks to Megan for her dedication to Washington County 4-H youth over the past 8 years. Her work was appreciated and we will miss her!

4-H summer intern positions are available across Minnesota. Working alongside Extension educators, undergraduate college students gain hands-on youth development experience in 8-13 week roles starting mid-May to early June 2027. Eligibility: Applicants must have a high school diploma and be enrolled as an undergraduate student through August, 2027.

It’s never too early to think about summer! We are seeking college students for two internships with Washington County 4-H this coming summer. If you are enthusiastic about youth programs, livestock, summer camps, promotion, and the county fair, we want you on our team! Your days will be filled with hands-on activities and community involvement. Apply now to be a 4-H Youth Development Intern and gain meaningful real-world experience.

Apply By: November 29, 2026

Interview Date: Initial interviews will be held December 3-9, 2026, via Zoom.

Learn more and apply.

Events

• Nov. 7 - Fall Volunteer Training and Club Leader Meeting (registration above)
• Nov. 12 - New Family Orientation (registration above)
• Nov. 18 - STEM: Birds & Trees (registration above)
• Nov. 21 - Fall Cloverbud Workshop (registration above)
• Dec. 12 - Project Pursuit (We will be making Holiday gifts, registration above)
• Dec. 16 - STEM Workshop by Fabian Stolzenburg (Save the date)
• July 31, 2027 - Washington County Fair 4-H General Project Judging Day
• Aug. 4 - 8, 2027 - Washington County Fair

Livestock Reminders - 2027

• Feb. 15 - Market Beef and Dairy Steer Animal ID deadline. (Must be enrolled in Beef project to receive email reminders) This is a statewide deadline.
• May 15 - Animal ID deadline (Dog, Horse, Llama, Rabbit, Dairy, Breeding Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goat (market & dairy) and leased poultry). Must be enrolled in an animal project to get email reminders. This is also a statewide deadline, you only have one week to use an exemption if this deadline is missed.
• July 1 - County Fair registration due (Using FairEntry, tell us which animals and classes you will be participating in) This a county deadline with consequences if missed.
• 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 only good for 1 year and has a fee.
• Aug. 4 - 8 - Washington County Fair
• Aug. 25-29 - MN State Fair 4-H Livestock Encampment

Youth enrollment and animal ID deadline

• May 15, 2027 - 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.

State Fair 2027

• Aug. 25-29 - MN State Fair 4-H Livestock Encampment
• Sept. TBD - MN State Fair 4-H General Encampment

Shooting Sports

• Sept. 10-12 - 2027 State Shoot - Alexandria, MN

Pack your virtual bags and get ready for a four-week adventure around the world! Join us Nov. 10 through Dec. 8 as we explore agriculture in Turkey, Ghana and Mexico and discover how geography, culture, climate and traditions shape the way food is grown and produced around the globe.

Each week, you’ll dive into a new global agriculture adventure, exploring unique crops, farming practices, foods, traditions and the people behind agriculture in each country. Along the way, you’ll hear from guest speakers, take part in hands-on activities and connect with Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors who will help bring each country to life.

This free virtual series is designed for youth in grades 6-8, but older youth are welcome to participate. Registration is through 4honline and is due Nov. 5. Learn more and register.

Get ready for a weekend that’s all about creativity, connection, and change-making! Invite youth to join us Nov. 21-22 at True Friends Camp Friendship in Annandale.

At YETI Fest, we’re diving into what supports youth thriving and understanding our physical, social, mental and emotional selves. Open to youth in grades 6+, YETI Fest brings together teens across the state for hands-on art, meaningful conversations, wellness exploration, and collaboration. Through this leadership style summit, youth will have plenty of time to create, connect, and build lasting friendships with people who spark ideas for change!

Register by Friday, Nov. 6.

Haven’t signed up for the fall edition of 4-H Science Sprouts yet? No worries! There’s still time to join the fun. Youth in grades 3-5 can join our upcoming virtual STEM adventures and gather simple supplies from their kitchen cabinets—no special supply kit needed! Join us on Nov. 23 and Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 6 p.m. to explore plant science through fun, hands-on activities. This virtual learning opportunity is free. Register today and get ready to explore, experiment and discover with Minnesota 4-H Science Sprouts! Learn more and register.

The 2026 4-H Outdoor Education Summit will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel. Come for a fun-filled day of project workshops for Cloverbuds through adult volunteers! Sessions will include Cloverbud outdoor day camp, wilderness survival, skull identification, environmental service leadership, and more. Adult sessions include SS&W certification training and curriculum training. Registration is live in 4-H Online. Learn more and register. Registration closes Nov. 15.

Gear up for an off-road adventure in Trailblazers: ATV Safety Golden Rules! In this interactive experience, you’ll select your rider and ATV, explore exciting trail challenges, and learn the essential safety rules every responsible rider should know. Test your skills, earn patches along the trail, and become an official trailblazer as you master safe ATV riding in this interactive experience. Sign up at the CLOVER online learning community and set off for adventure!

Join us on the ultimate wilderness road trip! We’ll join the new Minnesota Wildlife Passport to Adventure program, travel across the state, and visit the International Owl Center (Houston, Minn.), National Eagle Center (Wabasha), International Wolf Center (Ely), National Loon Center (Crosslake), and North American Bear Center (Ely), while camping at state parks along the way. Participants will be expected to join monthly Zoom meetings from February through July for trip preparation. This trip will be limited to 25 youth (grades 8+ or those who have completed the 4-H OWLS program) and total cost is $1000, which includes outfitter guides, equipment, food, lodging, and transportation. Trip dates: Aug. 2-7. The registration deadline is Jan. 5 and requires a $350 deposit (additional payments of $350 due March 15, and $300 due May 15). Register through 4-H Online! (FYI - This does take place during the Washington County Fair)

Do you have an interest in dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama-alpaca, poultry, rabbit, or in Project Bowl in general? Or do you know someone who does? The Minnesota 4-H Project Bowl program is looking for adult volunteers to support this year’s activities! Whether you are interested in a volunteer role at the regional or state contests or would like to connect with a county program, we’d love to hear from you! Complete this volunteer interest form to learn more about opportunities to get involved with Minnesota 4-H Project Bowl.

This winter 4-H will be hosting a 4-H Skillathon contest focusing on general livestock and another contest focusing on wildlife! Potential team coaches, parents and youth participants are invited to join us for an info session to learn more about these contests on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn more and register.

We have many new leaders coming up this fall! Please consider joining this zoom call to help support you in your role as a club leader. Do you want to learn alongside other volunteers and connect with quality resources and tools to support your club?

• Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

This 75-minute online training is open to Minnesota 4-H volunteers, potential volunteers, and youth leaders as part of our statewide volunteer development webinar program. While the content is geared towards new club leaders, anyone providing leadership and support to a 4-H members' experience will benefit from the material. Registration is open now and will be available until one week before the webinar. Contact 4-H Volunteer Systems Director Jeremy Freeman at jeremyf@umn.edu with any questions. Learn more and register.

We always welcome new volunteers as our numbers continue to grow, additional volunteers are needed to help provide quality programming for the coming year. Please consider being a screened volunteer by completing three steps. Instructions can be found at, https://z.umn.edu/4-Hvolunteer

1. Application
2. Orientation video
3. Background check

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 and Goat), Horse, Shooting Sports, Federation, Community Clubs, Fair, Charters and Finance, Foods & Creative Arts projects and Food Stand.

Lani Xiong - Youth Teaching Youth , Outreach, and New Families.

Open position - Ambassadors, Performing Arts, Overnight/Day Camps, Dog, Cloverbud workshops, Promotion, STEM, Shooting Sports and Project Workshops.

Contact information is listed below.