Benton 4-H Update January 2026

What a FUN time to be part of Benton County 4-H! As we celebrate 100 years of Benton County 4-H, we are reminded of just how special our 4-H community truly is. For nearly a century, dedicated volunteers, supportive families, and incredible youth have helped make Benton County 4-H what it is today—and we have so much to be thankful for!

Our 4-H youth continue to amaze us with their creativity, leadership, willingness to try new things, and the ways they step up to help others. Behind those youth are families and volunteers who give countless hours, share their talents, and make opportunities possible. We couldn't do what we do without you!

November is the perfect time to reflect on all we have to be grateful for, and we are especially looking forward to celebrating our dedicated volunteers and club leaders at our Volunteer Recognition Banquet on November 22! It is one of our favorite opportunities to recognize the people who give so much to make a difference in the lives of our youth.

As we continue celebrate our 2027 Centennial, we look forward to sharing more memories, celebrating our traditions, and creating new experiences for the next generation of Benton County 4-H!

Here's to 100 years of memories, a community worth celebrating, and so much to be thankful for!

All our best,

Ann Olson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Benton County
Megan Gerads, Extension Support Staff, Benton County

We are so proud of our 4-H clubs for stepping up to the National 4-H Week Club Challenge! Our clubs put their creativity, teamwork, and 4-H pride into action by creating displays throughout their communities to promote 4-H and share the amazing opportunities it offers youth.

Thank you to all the youth, families, and volunteers who helped bring these displays to life! Your hard work and enthusiasm helped spread the word about 4-H and showed our communities what makes Benton County 4-H so special.

Congratulations to our top four clubs and our Pizza Party winner, Elk River Critters 4-H Club!

We also want to give a special shout-out to Granite Clouds 4-H Club and Central MN Llama Club for participating in the challenge! We appreciate the time, creativity, and effort you put into promoting 4-H in your communities.

Thank you to ALL our participating clubs for sharing your 4-H pride!

A big shout-out to the first four 4-H clubs to complete their 2026–2027 club charters!

1st – Granite Clouds 4-H Club
2nd – Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club
3rd – Pioneers 4-H Club
4th – Cornerstone Clovers 4-H Club

And a little something SWEET for our first-place finishers!

Granite Clouds 4-H Club has earned a Root Beer Float Party, our treat! We can't wait to celebrate your great start to the year with some delicious floats, laughter, and time together as a club. You've earned it!

Thank you to our club officers and leaders for getting a great start on the new 4-H year! Completing your club charter is an important step in setting goals, planning activities, and preparing for another year of learning, leadership, and fun.

Way to start the year strong, Benton County 4-H!

Auction checks have been mailed. Please be sure to cash these BEFORE November 13th.

Hi 4-H Club Leaders, parents and adult volunteers!

Whether you joined us for Monday evening's volunteer training or couldn't attend, I have attached the resources we shared, along with a letter highlighting key conversations and information from the evening.

NEW! I've also created an opportunity for adult volunteers who couldn't attend to review the materials and complete a short Q&A worksheet to earn partial attendance credit. Please encourage your club's adult volunteers to take advantage of this opportunity! Resources available at z.umn.edu/BentonSharedResources

Another option is an upcoming state-offered online volunteer training. While the topic is different from what we covered with our youth and volunteers Monday evening, it is another valuable learning opportunity.

Becoming Fluent in Conflict
Monday, November 30 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Register here

What a wonderful evening of celebration at our 4-H Open House, Achievement Night & Centennial Kickoff on October 4! We recognized the outstanding accomplishments, leadership, growth and dedication of our 4-H youth, celebrated award recipients and welcomed new families interested in 4-H. One of the highlights was gathering for a special group photo with green clovers and colorful streamers as we officially kicked off the countdown to 100 years of Benton County 4-H in 2027! A huge thank-you to our members, families, volunteers and supporters who made the evening so special. We can't wait for all the exciting things ahead as we celebrate our Centennial year!

Attention Grades 7-13th

APPLY TODAY to be a 2026-2027 Benton County 4-H Ambassador

Completed applications are due by October 14th. Returning and New Ambassadors must complete an application and have a short chat with Ann.

Please review the Benton County 4-H Ambassador Program Guide https://z.umn.edu/BentonAmbassadorInfo

Before applying, it is essential to understand the expectations and responsibilities of Ambassadors. For a paper copy, contact the office. Applicants must be in grades 7-13 by September of the current year and be enrolled in Benton County 4-H.

Apply here

https://z.umn.edu/BentonAmbassadorApp2026

Saturday, January 16, from 9 am - 3 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Foley. Come ready to learn some new things and have fun! There will be leadership, team building & communication activities, build relationships, creative brainstorming & planning 4-H Lock in for grades 3-6th on Friday, March 5th, and much MORE!

Just $20 for the event. Please register by Tuesday, January 13th, to ensure we have sufficient time to obtain all necessary supplies. You do not want to miss this!

Ready to lead, learn, and make new friends? 🎉

Join us at BLU (Building Leadership and Understanding) — a fun, hands-on leadership workshop hosted by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors!

Youth in grades 6-10 will engage in interactive learning, make new friends from across the region and leave feeling inspired and ready to incorporate their skills into their clubs, schools and communities.

Don’t miss out — register now at https://z.umn.edu/4-HBLU!

Dates: Thursdays, November 5 & 19

Time: 6:30-7:30 pm, with a bonus session for adult treasurers on 11/19, from 7:30-8:00 pm

Audience: All youth treasurers, parents of youth treasurers, and any adult on 4-H bank accounts

Location: Zoom

Content: Financial best practices and policies, roles of the financial team, importance of youth treasurers, how to make roles meaningful, how to help treasurers develop financial management life skills, hands-on practice in completing our treasurer’s book, and tips for mentoring and supporting youth treasurers.

Register at https://z.umn.edu/4HTreasurerTraining

See online event information for more details.

Join us for the 4-H Leaders’ & Adult Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on Sunday, November 22, at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm. This special evening, dedicated exclusively to adults, is our opportunity to celebrate and honor your incredible contributions.

The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a chance to socialize and connect with fellow volunteers, an essential part of our community. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., featuring delicious ham, baby reds, caesar salad, and a dinner roll, followed by a delightful dessert. After the meal, we will present awards in recognition of our devoted 4-H volunteers and hold an exciting draw for door prizes.

There is no fee to attend this year, but reservations are essential to ensure we prepare enough food, as we will incur charges for no-shows.

Plates are valued at $20 per person, so please remember to RSVP! Your presence is what makes this gathering truly special.

Register https://z.umn.edu/2026LeadersBanquet

The committee has been working hard making plans for the Benton County 4- H Centennial. One exciting thing we are planning is yard signs for 4-H families for the spring of 2027. Pictured here is the sign mock up.

If you would like to stop in the office and look through historical photos and documents, please contact the extension office. It would be wonderful to sift through and decide what cool things that we want to feature during the Centennial.

Please complete this link https://z.umn.edu/Benton4H100yrsSupport

Be sure to begin planning now for the incredible Benton County 4-H day camps and Camp Benton.

Get ready for another exciting summer of Benton County 4-H Day Camps! This year will feature three exciting themes, with details to be announced at a later date.

For youth who have completed Kindergarten–6th grade
Time: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 per day camp

Foley – Tuesdays

June 8, 15 & 22
Foley Elementary School Cafeteria

Sauk Rapids – Thursdays

June 10, 17 & 24
Benton County Fairgrounds

Campers should bring a refillable water bottle and bag lunch each day.

Watch for the announcement of our three exciting 2027 Day Camp themes and registration details!

Get ready for 2½ days of summer fun at beautiful Camp Koronis! Campers will enjoy swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, crafts, games, campfires, team challenges, the Wibit, lake slide and more—all while building confidence, making friends and creating great memories.

Camp 1: July 12–14

Completed Grades 2–5
11:00 AM July 12 – 1:30 PM July 14
Bus departs Extension Office at 9:00 AM

Camp 2: July 14–16

Completed Grades 5–8
11:00 AM July 14 – 2:15 PM July 16
Bus departs Extension Office at 9:00 AM

Families of 5th graders may be asked to attend one session or the other.

Cost: $140 per camper
Includes 2 nights lodging, 10 meals + snacks, camp T-shirt, activities and supplies.

Whether it’s your first year or you’re a returning camper, Camp Benton is a great place to try new things, make new friends and have an unforgettable summer adventure!

In order to remain enrolled, you will need to show your family’s intent to participate by logging in to 4-H Online and reviewing, updating and submitting the following information:

• Your family's contact and demographic information, including club, school and grade.
• Each family member's health and emergency contact information.
• Project areas of interest for this coming year.
• Parental consent required for youth participating in shooting sports/wildlife programs.

Just a reminder that your enrollment must be "active" in 4-H Online.com to participate. After you enroll, your enrollment must be "approved" before you can then view or register for any county level 4-H events. This process takes at least one working day so be sure to plan ahead.

NEW & NEED TO CHOOSE A CLUB? 4-H Club List

REMINDER- Please be sure to update all areas of interest for each member. These numbers are super important to our county. They are used to determine our state fair quotas.

Make a Lasting Impact

Interested in volunteering? Your time and talents help shape the future of our youth and strengthen our community. Explore the volunteerism section of the update for current needs.

4-H volunteers contribute to youth thriving.

1. Attend our virtual volunteer information session to learn more about what volunteering means to 4-H and meet 4-H staff who can support you in being connected to future opportunities.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Are you stepping into a leadership role in a 4-H club this coming year? Join us for the New Club Leader Orientation webinar to gain practical tools, strategies, and resources to support your success! This 75-minute online session is open to Minnesota 4-H volunteers, potential volunteers, and youth leaders.

Whether you're brand new or simply want a refresher, this training will cover:

• An overview of club volunteer roles and how to build a volunteer team.
• An understanding of the nuts and bolts of 4-H clubs.
• Strategies to design the essential elements for thriving clubs.
• Resources to use and next steps that can support you in the growth of your 4-H club.
• 
  

Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 pm

The content will be the same for both sessions. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with other 4-H club leaders across the state! Register at: https://z.umn.edu/leadertrain

4-H volunteers are on the front lines of delivering positive youth development experiences to young people across the Minnesota 4-H program. We want to support volunteers with relevant and accessible training that can positively impact youth. volunteer training videos The core skills training videos range from 4 - 14 minutes, and each includes handouts and a learning guide to support personal and group reflection.

Check out this amazing resource!

Digital Copy 4-H Club Leader Handbook

Volunteers,

Each year we have had multiple requests to change shirt sizes on our list for our volunteers complimentary county fair shirts.

Please complete the questions below so we can get the best size for each of you.

Also, we have so many amazing volunteers in our county with different abilities and hobbies that we would like to share some of that with our 4-H youth. The bottom few questions are to help us share your talents.

Please complete if you haven't https://z.umn.edu/4HVolunteerQuestions

Please refer to the information below.

The activities and opportunities listed below are OPTIONAL for 4-H clubs. Clubs are not required to participate in all of them. However, participation, attendance, and timely completion of club responsibilities will earn points that help determine the order in

which clubs select their 4-H Lunch Stand shifts for the Benton County Fair.

We will continue using a point system for lunch shift selection. While no system can make the process perfectly equal for every club, our goal is to recognize clubs that are actively involved and completing important responsibilities throughout the 4-H year.

How Clubs Earn Points

Check details in https://z.umn.edu/BentonSharedResources

All club and project meetings, activities, and events must be added to the Benton County 4-H Google Calendar:

http://z.umn.edu/benton4hevents

This helps avoid conflicts, ensures youth don’t have to choose between events, and is required for 4-H insurance coverage.

If your charter did not include exact dates, times, or locations, email updates to Ann (olso7616@umn.edu) and Megan (gerad049@umn.edu) with “CLUB EVENTS” in the subject line.

➡️ A full address is required for insurance coverage. Events without an address are not covered.

Before any fundraising—including donation requests, letters, or fairgrounds cleanup—clubs must submit the Income Generating Application for approval.

This helps prevent over-soliciting businesses and keeps all fundraising coordinated and compliant with 4-H financial procedures.

➡️ All fundraising must be approved in advance. Contact Ann before proceeding.

The fundraising form is not required for grants, but you must notify the office before applying.

Grant opportunities include:

• Helping Hands Grants – Available in December, due February 14
• Benton Telephone Grants – $80 grants, due November 30
• Central Minnesota Arts Board – Available year-round for arts-related projects
• Compeer Grant- This grant is one of the Fairboard/Benton County Ag Society and 4-H work on together. If there are any concerns that you would like to talk to the Fairboard about. REMINDER- You must speak to Ann first.

Please email all club and project meeting minutes to Ann (olso7616@umn.edu) with “MINUTES” in the subject line.

This helps document activities, update the calendar, and meet insurance requirements.
➡️ Addresses are required for coverage (home addresses will not be publicly displayed).

Sharing information on Facebook, GroupMe, or other platforms does not replace this step.

We want to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the Benton County Ag Society/Fairboard for the incredible support they continue to give our Benton County 4-H program year after year.

So much of what our youth experience through 4-H and the county fair is possible because of their generosity, partnership, and willingness to invest in our program.

We are incredibly grateful for all they do, including:

• Giving 4-H priority for the use of fairgrounds buildings and grounds throughout the year
• Paying for our 4-H ribbons each year — totaling $2,000–$3,000
• Covering all 4-H member premiums — over $16,000
• Paying for our 4-H judges — over $6,000
• Helping advertise and promote our events before, during, and even after the county fair

Their support goes far beyond fair week, and it makes a meaningful difference for our young people, families, volunteers, and program as a whole.

How Can We Show Our Appreciation?

The best way we can say thank you is by doing our part.

• Helping set up the barns before fair and cleaning them up afterward
• Assisting with setup and cleanup in other areas around the fairgrounds when needed
• Respecting the buildings, grounds, and all guidelines whenever we use the facilities

We are truly fortunate to have a Fairboard that believes in 4-H and continues to support the growth, learning, and success of our youth. Their generosity does not go unnoticed, and we are deeply thankful for all they do.

Look for 4-H events in 4-H Online- more offerings from outside Benton County!

When you are in 4hOnline.com, be sure to check out the "events" tab! For each 4-H'er, events they are eligible to participate in are listed. This includes a variety of programs that youth can tap into that are organized outside of Benton County. Some of these programs are captured in the Central Region 4-H Catalog of Opportunities. There are also other 4-H camps outside of Benton County that youth can participate in.

Our Benton County 4-H Facebook page is buzzing with activity! We’re spotlighting our busy 4-H’ers through “stay-at-home” activities, celebrating our high school graduates, and sharing engaging videos, learning resources, and fun activity ideas for all ages.

👉 Check it out, like our page, and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!

Check it out Facebook link

Follow Benton County 4-H at @benton_4h for updates, reminders, highlights, and youth-focused content shared regularly. Many of our 4-H’ers are already there—encourage your youth to follow along! https://www.instagram.com/benton_4h/

If you are looking for photos, check out Benton County 4-H on SMUGMUG. http://benton4h.smugmug.com/

All the pictures that we take and those that are sent to us are downloaded to this site. Leaders, reporters, historians, parents, etc., can print off pictures that they would like. You can purchase a printed copy through SmugMug or simply download it to your desktop. Please continue to send us photos, and we will add them as they arrive.

Here is the link to the Benton County 4-H website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/benton

We are working hard to continue to keep our Extension Website updated with current information.

This shared folder includes a variety of resources to help families have a successful year in the 4-H program and at the Benton County Fair. It contains the Benton County 4-H Premium Book; county fair resources such as fair registration information, county fair scholarship details, club fair work schedules, and links to sign up for fair jobs; state fair resources; animal ID information; the county fair schedule; and the lunch stand schedule.

This folder will be updated regularly as new information becomes available, so please check back often. Here is the link https://z.umn.edu/BentonSharedResources

We are excited that your family is interested in getting involved in the Benton County 4-H program! 4-H offers a wide variety of opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and explore their interests—and we are here to help you find the best fit for your family.

The Benton County Extension website is a great place to get started and includes a wealth of helpful resources for new families, such as:

• How to enroll in 4-H

• New family guides to help you get started

• Short informational videos explaining how 4-H works

• A helpful glossary of common 4-H terms

These resources are designed to answer your questions and make your transition into 4-H smooth and enjoyable. If you need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help every step of the way! 🍀

Check it out here

NOVEMBER

2 Nursing Home Lights

9 CEC Meeting

22 Adult Volunteer Banquet

26-27 Office Closed

DECEMBER

25 Office Closed

28 Office Closed

JANUARY

1 Office Closed

16 Ambassador Retreat

17 Leader’s Council

18 Home Ec Clothing Camp #1

23 Home Ec Clothing Camp #2

26 Virtual Cake Series 6-7:30

FEBRUARY

2 Virtual Cake Series 6-7:30

9 Virtual Cake Series 6-7:30

15 Head Counselors CC Interviews

15 Presidents Day

16 Market Animal ID Deadline

16 Virtual Cake Series6-7:30

20 Get Frosted 9-12

27 Camp Counselor Training

MARCH

5 Youth 3-6th Activity Night

6 Project Adventure Day

14 Leader’s Council

APRIL

3 or 10 State Bowl- Camp Counselor Trng

3 or 10 State Bowl- Camp Counselor Trng

9 Possible Fun Ambie Event

MAY

8 ALL Camp Counselor Training

16 Leader’s Council & Committees

17 Animal ID Deadline

17 Premium Book Live

17 Fair Entry Opens

31 Office Closed-Memorial Day

JUNE

8 Foley Day Camp

9 Project Showcase Night 5:30-8

9 Performing Arts Judging

10 Sauk Rapids Day Camp 8am-3pm

15 Foley Day Camp 8am-3pm

17 Sauk Rapids Day Camp 8am-3pm

22 Foley Day Camp 8am-3pm

24 Sauk Rapids Day Camp 8am-3pm

18 Office Closed-Juneteenth Observed

22 Camp Benton Deadline

JULY

1 Fair Entry Deadline

8 Camp Benton Counselor Packing

12-16 Camp Benton

20 Clothing/Quilt/Textile/Fashion Judging Day

20 Rocket Launch Judging

22 Pie Day

22 Barn Set up Swine, Poultry (Part 1)

22 Exhibit Building (Part 1)

25 Committee Meetings

25 Exhibit Building Clean-up (Part 2)

27 Horse Pre-Fair Meeting

29 Barn/Arena Set up (Part 2)

29 Club Booth Set Up 4-7pm

AUGUST

1 Club Booth Set Up 5-7:30

1 Stall Décor 5pm-9pm 5-9

2 Entry Day & Weigh Ins

Benton County Fair August 3-8, 2027

Our website events tab - Head to the "Events" tab for a listing of all events available to Benton County 4-H members.

Google calendar - For a listing of just Benton county events, deadlines, etc. we keep an additional Google calendar. Calendar event link back to our website.

Both options allow you to add events to your own google calendar!

One page to print Benton County 4-H Calendar

Email: mnext-benton@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu/local/benton
Location: 531 Dewey Street Foley, MN, 56239 USA

Mailing: PO Box 650 Foley, MN,56329 USA
Phone: 320-968-5077
Facebook: UMN Benton County 4-H

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