Pine County 4-H Update

Please note the upcoming changes to the Extension Office Schedule:

• Staff will be available remotely only (phone or email) on: Wednesday, September 30; Friday, October 2; Friday, October 9

The new 4-H program year officially kicks off Oct. 1! Youth need to be re-enrolled each year in order to fully participate in 4-H activities.

Here are a few important tips for getting the most out of the enrollment process:

• Ensure youth are listed in the correct club - changing clubs is A-OK! To ensure you're getting accurate information, double check that the club listed for each youth is the correct one.
• Add or delete project areas - think of the project list like areas of interest. Staff use these lists to ensure you get information about the things you may be interested in. Example: if you don't want to miss out on Dog Training in the spring, make sure you select the Dog project during enrollment.
• Update important health information - please ensure that information about allergies, dietary needs, and health conditions is accurate. This information is password protected, but staff uses it to ensure everyone's safety and provide the best instruction techniques. If you have questions or concerns about this information, please reach out to Sarah.
• Answer demographic questions - please consider answering all demographic questions for your youth and family. Staff uses this information as a group across 4-H, not individually. Accurate demographic information helps ensure we comply with State and Federal laws.

Find the 4-H enrollment site, a user guide, and more information at z.umn.edu/join4h. If you have questions, or prefer paper copies, please contact Joanna at 320-591-1651 or jgechas@umn.edu.

Showcase season isn't done yet! Help us cheer on fellow 4-H members as they head to State Dog Show and Northeast Livestock Show September 26-27.

Join us Monday, September 28 at 7 p.m. for our Federation meeting. The Federation is open to all 4-H members and screened volunteers. It works to provide learning and leadership opportunities to all members of Pine County 4-H. We ask that at least one youth and one adult from each club join us for the meeting. The more voices we have, the stronger our work!

A full agenda will be available one week before the meeting. Agenda items will include officer nominations for the 26-27 Federation Executive Board and budget recommendations.

The meeting will be held at the Pine County Courthouse Boardroom. If you would like to attend virtually, visit z.umn.edu/PineVirtualFederation.

The Pine County 4-H Federation is currently seeking nominations for youth officers for the 2026-2027 program year (which begins October 1, 2026). Youth officers must have completed 8th grade, with the exception of the Vice President, who must have completed 6th grade. We welcome you to nominate yourself!

The Pine County 4-H Federation meets 4 times per year on the last Monday of February, April, June, and September at 7pm. Add your nomination at z.umn.edu/Pine4HOfficers

Cloverbud Saturday Club is back! All youth in grades K-2 are invited to participate in 4-H Cloverbud Saturday Club. Each session will highlight a different 4-H project area and give youth the opportunity to explore, complete hands-on projects, make new friends and learn new skills.

Join us Saturday, October 10 as we learn about 4-H Superheroes!

Not a 4-H member? You're still welcome to join us! Youth who are not members will need a responsible adult in attendance with them.

Learn more and RSVP at z.umn.edu/PineCloverbuds

4-H families and volunteers - join us Saturday, October 10 for the 2026 Pine County 4-H Recognition Night. This year's theme is The Future is Bright! Wear your brightest neon clothing–glowsticks will be provided!

We will share dinner, celebrate members and volunteers with awards, and watch a movie together. We will also have a short annual Federation meeting to elect new officers and approve the budget.

Who: All Pine County 4-H members, volunteers, and families
When: October 10, 2026; dinner at 6pm, awards at 6:30, meeting & movie to follow
Where: Grand Cinema Hinckley, 845 Weber Ave S, Hinckley
Cost: Free, thanks to the Pine County 4-H Federation

RSVP by October 2 at z.umn.edu/PineRecognition or by calling 320-591-1650.

Nominate someone for an award for the 2026 Pine County 4-H Recognition Night! Youth or adults may nominate someone in any of the categories. Awards include: Outstanding Adult Leader, Outstanding Youth Leader, Friend of 4-H, and more.

Nominations must be received by September 28, 2026. Visit z.umn.edu/PineAwardsForm or reach out to Sarah at 320-591-1654 or sodendah@umn.edu with questions.

Calling all high school graduates! 4-H members who graduated in the past 5 years, including spring 2026, are invited to apply for the Pine County 4-H Higher Education Scholarship. $250 scholarships will be awarded to up to 8 applicants who are pursuing any form of post-secondary education from an accredited program.

Applications are due September 30. Find the application online or reach out to Sarah with questions at 320-591-1654 or sodendah@umn.edu.

National 4-H Week is coming up October 4-10! Join us on social media and in person for a variety of activities including:

• Monday, October 5: Go Green! Wear green & share 4-H in your community. Post a pic and tag us @pine4h
• Thursday, October 8: Thankful Thursday! Celebrate someone who makes a difference in your community in-person and online.
• Saturday, October 10: Cloverbud Saturday Club (see details above)
• Saturday, October 10: Recognition Night (see details above)

Keep an eye on the mail! Information on the annual 4-H cheese fundraiser will arrive in the next two weeks.

Orders will be due on Friday, November 13 for delivery on Friday, December 11.

Make your voice heard! The Pine County Community Extension Committee is looking for two students, preferably one junior and one senior, that would serve as youth liaison from September 2026 to August 2027. Youth liaisons would attend committee meetings, offer feedback to adult committee members, and provide suggestions for the direction of Extension offerings in Pine County. For more information and to apply, visit z.umn.edu/PineCECInterest

Want to keep up to date with Pine County 4-H? There are a few ways to stay up to date.

1. Visit our county web events calendar anytime to see what is coming up.
2. If you use Google Calendar, subscribe to our Pine County Google calendar to see all our 4-H events in the same place as your other activities.
3. You can also view our Pine County Google calendar without subscribing.

Email: sodendah@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu/local/pine
Location: 635 Northridge Drive Northwest, Pine City, MN, USA
Phone: 320-591-1654