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

Construction is in the final phases in the parking lot at the Isanti Government Center. If you plan to visit the Extension Office in the coming weeks, please be aware that signage will be posted to direct you to the appropriate parking areas. The project is expected to be completed on Friday, October 9th.

Fifteen county 4-H members proudly represented our program at the State 4-H Dog Show at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, showcasing the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship they have developed throughout the year. Participants competed in a variety of events, demonstrating their skills in training, handling, and caring for their canine partners. In addition to their success in the show ring, youth had the opportunity to connect with 4-H members from across the state, learn from one another, and gain valuable experience in goal setting, responsibility, and teamwork. We are proud of all 15 exhibitors for their commitment to the 4-H Dog Project and for serving as outstanding ambassadors for our county program.

Thank you to our Dog Project lead volunteers, Elizabeth and Angie, as well as our parents, volunteers, and supporters for their dedication and encouragement. Your commitment helps our members learn, grow, and succeed.

Photos from the state dog show

Thirty-four county 4-H members represented our program at the NE Livestock Show at the Morrison County Fairgrounds in Little Falls, demonstrating the hard work, dedication, and skills they developed through their livestock projects. We congratulate all of our exhibitors for their accomplishments and for representing our county with pride.

Thank you to our livestock project leaders Dawn, Jenni, Joan, Julie, Kayty, Nate, Nick, Robin, and Tressa, as well as our volunteers, parents, and supporters for helping our members learn, grow, and succeed.

Photos from the NE Livestock Show - Upload your photos here

Twenty-one county 4-H horse project members recently represented our county at the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show in St. Paul, showcasing their skills, sportsmanship, and dedication across a wide range of events. From the precision and teamwork of Drill Team to the knowledge-based contests of Hippology and Horse Judging, as well as the excitement of Games and the skill demonstrated in Training and Pleasure classes, our exhibitors proudly shared the results of countless hours of learning, practice, and horsemanship. Congratulations to all 21 exhibitors for their hard work and accomplishments at the state level!

A special thank you goes to our horse project leader volunteers Anna G, Anna W, Angie, Erin, Izzy, Kari, Katy, Kelly, Krisanne, Mo, Shelby, and Stacey, whose guidance, encouragement, and countless hours of planning and mentoring make these opportunities possible. We also extend our appreciation to the many parents, volunteers, families, and supporters who help our youth succeed both in and out of the show ring.

Photos from the state horse show

The State Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational in Alexandria wrapped up this past weekend, showcasing 36 outstanding exhibitors from Isanti County. Our youth competed in archery, BB gun, air rifle, .22 rifle, trap, and wildlife/skills events, demonstrating focus, sportsmanship, and incredible effort.

A huge thank-you to project leader Dan, our committed coaches Andy, Brian, Cliff, Connie, Erica, Jason, Joe, Justin, Leo, Matt, Michael, and Ron, and the parents and supporters who make opportunities like this possible. Your guidance and encouragement truly shape these experiences.

Photos from the state shoot

More than 40 youth, parents, and community members attended the Isanti County 4-H Robotics Open House to kick off the 2026-27 season. Guests enjoyed robot and 3D printer demonstrations, met current members and coaches, and learned about upcoming opportunities in the robotics program. A highlight of the evening was a police drone technology demonstration, showcasing real-world STEM applications. Thank you to our robotics members, coaches, volunteers, special guests, and families for helping make the event a success and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

National 4-H Week is an annual celebration that highlights the positive impact and achievements of the 4-H youth development program. This year 4-H week is October 4th-10th.

Daily Themes:

• Monday, October 5: Go Green - Show your 4-H spirit! Wear a green hat, face paint, or your favorite 4-H attire!
• Tuesday, October 6 : Throwback Tuesday - Share an older photo of you participating in a 4-H activity.
• Wednesday, October 7: Building a Future (4-H Building Day) Share your enthusiasm for a renovated 4-H Building! See the changes at 4Hbuilding.org.
• Thursday, October 9: Thankful Thursday - Give a shoutout to a 4-H youth or volunteer making a positive impact.
• Friday, October 8: Did you know? Share a fun or unique fact about 4-H!

Four, $500 scholarships are awarded by the Isanti County 4-H Leaders Council each year. Click here more information, criteria, and the application (due 10/15).

There is a limited pool of youth who qualify for these scholarships, so if you apply, you have an excellent chance of being selected.

The council will review applications at the 10/26/26 meeting. Youth selected will receive an email and be recognized on social media and bi-weekly newsletter. Awards are based on 4-H accomplishments, scholastic achievement, and financial need. You are eligible to win one of these scholarships throughout your 4-H career.

Previous Scholarship Recipients (2023-2025): Anna W, Ella W, Allison F, Ella L, Mikayla S, Bryce W, Alison M, Christina M, Hailey W, & Charlie Z.

Join us on Friday, October 2nd from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Isanti County Fairgrounds (4‑H Café) for a free meal and an introduction to our Ambassador Program. Meet current ambassadors, learn what the program is all about, and discover how you can get involved.

The deadline to apply for the Isanti County 4‑H Ambassador Program is October 23rd. If you’re entering 7th grade through one year post–high school, consider taking your 4‑H experience to the next level by becoming a County Ambassador.

Ambassadors make a meaningful impact by addressing community needs, promoting 4‑H, supporting educational outreach, and building leadership skills through county events such as B‑BOP, Project Workshop Day, and the County Fair. As an ambassador, you’ll collaborate with motivated youth, help design and lead community projects, serve as a positive role model, and grow your confidence as a leader.

If you’re ready to make a difference and help strengthen 4‑H, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply by October 23rd!

Isanti Soil and Water Conservation District invites people of all ages to a free, hands-on Tree Seed and Cone Collection Field Day at Becklin Homestead Park!

This educational community event is open to all ages and experience levels. No previous tree identification or seed collection experience is needed.

Participants will connect with University of Minnesota Extension staff and local and state conservation professionals while learning how to:

• Identify trees and high-quality seed sources
• Properly collect seeds and cones
• Process and prepare collected seeds
• Sell or donate seeds to the Minnesota DNR

Saturday, October 3, 2026. 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Becklin Homestead Park, 34605 Holly St. NW, Cambridge, MN 55008

Coffee, morning treats, and check-in begin at 9:00 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., participants will head out on the trails to begin collecting. All collection tools will be provided. Participants may travel off trail, so sturdy boots, long pants, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Register HERE

An optional webinar recording offers helpful background on identifying quality seed trees and properly collecting and storing seeds.

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

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.

Club charters are due October 31st, 2026. Here is the link to the Isanti 2026-27 Club Charter application.

Gather required financial documents and records. Ensure the club officers are enrolled, and lead volunteers have enrolled and completed the screening process for the 2026-27 year.

Visit the Leading a 4-H Club website for more information and resources.

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 10/26/26 6:30 p.m. at the Isanti Government Center. OR Register for the Zoom Meeting (click here).
• Agenda and minutes (2025-26 here and 2026-27 here).
• We will be voting on remaining 2026-2027 proposed project budgets which include the Cafe, EWD, and Rabbit. Reviewing and voting on the Isanti County 4-H Council Budget, Financial Summary Review, Continuing Education Scholarships & Council Officer Elections at this meeting.
• Is there a county-level 4-H program, scholarship, event, or opportunity you would like to see offered in the coming year? This is a great opportunity to share ideas and make funding recommendations to support future county initiatives.
• Pizza will be provided at this meeting, please encourage families to attend!

Other key documents:

• Review the approved 2025-26 Council Budget here.
• Review project/ program 2025-26 budgets here and the 2026-27 budgets here.

• 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).
• There will be no October, November, or December meetings for the auction and animal science committees.
• Agenda and minutes: Auction (click here) and Animal Science (click here).
• We will be electing committee officers, roles, and discussing goals.

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.

Fall Prairie Seed Collection Event Helpers:

• We’re exploring a possible fall event in Isanti County where youth, adults, and community members of all ages can learn how to collect prairie perennial seeds and save them for planting next year. Right now, we’re gauging interest and seeing whether we have enough help to move forward.

• This would be a one‑time, 1.5-2 hour event held sometime between mid‑October and early November at Springvale County Park (3361 Hwy 95 NW, Cambridge, MN 55008).

• Depending on volunteer interest, the event may include learning stations on topics such as natural seed dispersal, seed dormancy, and collecting native seeds in the park, or it may be structured as a single group learning experience. If you are knowledgeable in any of these areas and would like to be a speaker or activity leader, please reach out. If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact Cora by 9/30. We will hold a virtual planning call on Monday, October 5th at 3 PM to choose a date for the event and finalize event details.

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)

Registration is now open for the 2026-27 cohort! This is a ONE-YEAR adventure-based leadership

program designed to provide youth in grades 6 and older with intensive hands-on exploration in an area of interest associated with the outdoors, a Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip, and support to lead a conservation project.

The cohort follows the 4-H program year from October 2026 through September 2027. The deadline is October 4, 2026. The cost is $600, which includes two retreats and the canoe trip, and can be paid in installments. More information and dates are available at z.umn.edu/4HOWLS, and registration is through 4-H Online. Contact Cora for scholarship info!

Youth in grades 3 - 5 are invited to join 4-H Science Sprouts for three fun, 30-minute virtual plant science STEM adventures! Explore pumpkins, wheat, and indoor gardening through hands-on activities while connecting with youth from across Minnesota. Virtual sessions will take place Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Registration is open throughout the program, so it’s never too late to join! Youth registered by Oct. 15 will receive a special supply kit in the mail. Come curious. Get growing. Explore plant science! Learn more and register.

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. October Update not available as of sending this message.

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