Washington County 4-H Newsletter
June 18, 2026
County Fair Food Stand Sign Up!
Washington County has a wonderful Food Stand Committee! This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! All families are expected to volunteer time in the Food Stand during the fair. Shifts are available on all 5 days of the fair, vary in length, and type of work. Please read the instructions on the SignUp Genius so you understand the expectations. Cloverbuds must be accompanied by an adult! Clubs and designated project areas will receive financial incentives based on the number of youth and adults that sign up from each club! Sign-up here: 2026 Food Stand sign up genius! Extended family and friends can sign up too and designate their time to your club/project area!
If you know of a business that might be wiling to donate water bottles, please let us know by contacting the office at mnext-washington@umn.edu
STEM Field Trip - June 30
Explore Wild Places: Join the STEM Field Trip to Belwin!
Are you ready to spark your passion for the outdoors and explore wild places? Washington County 4-H is wrapping up June with an exciting, hands-on environmental education adventure at the Belwin Conservancy!
What: A fun-filled STEM Field Trip featuring environmental education led by an expert Naturalist. Youth will dive into immersive nature walks, outdoor exploration, and more. Plus, if you are a 4-H Shooting Sports member, this is a fantastic opportunity to earn your Wildlife hours!
Who: Open to youth in Grades 3 and up. Grades K-2 are also very welcome to attend with a parent or guardian.
When: Tuesday, June 30th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Where: Belwin Conservancy (https://belwin.org/). Come discover beautiful acres of woodlands, prairies, and trails right here in our region! 1553 Stagecoach Trail S. Afton,MN 55001
Why: Spending time in nature keeps us active and helps us discover how the green world works. This field trip is a wonderful way to learn about local ecosystems, hang out with fellow 4-H’ers, and practice hands-on STEM skills outside the classroom!
How to Sign Up: Space is limited, so don’t wait! Head over to the Google registration form at https://forms.gle/TacQN9rmnQBNizgS6
July Day Camps! July 6-9 (Reg. due June 24)
Washington County 4-H is excited to share the 2026 July Day Camps! The day camps run from Monday, July 6 to Thursday, July 9th from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. On July 6th, 7th, & 9th, campers will spend the entire day at the Washington County Fairgrounds. On July 8th, campers will be taking a field trip to Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River. Campers should bring a lunch, a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray to each day of camp. These day camps are open to anyone in grades K-6th. Grades 7-13th can participate as a counselor by filling out the Counselor Form
Monday, July 6th
Crafty Campers
We are kicking off the week with a day packed full of creative activity and get-to-know-you games. From DIY bird feeders to silly skits, campers will bond with new friends and connect with the great outdoors.
Tuesday, July 7th
Super Scientists
Campers will expand their scientist sides as they dive into exciting STEM challenges and activities. On this day, campers will get to shake up their own ice-cream snacks, launch bottle rockets, and face-off in a team bridge-building competition.
Wednesday, July 8
Field Trip to Oliver Kelley Farm
Campers will enjoy the great outdoors while learning about farm life in the mid-18th century!
***You must register by June 24th to attend the field trip***
Thursday, July 9
Olympic Day
For the last day of summer camp, campers will be participating in an Olympic-themed day! This day includes obstacle courses, water games, and Olympic-themed crafts.
If you have any questions please contact Ingrid Medgyesy | imedgyes@umn.edu
Daily fees are $30.00 per day or $100.00 for all 4 days if we receive payment BEFORE June 24th
Online payment option (this will take you to another site (Clover), please return or finish registration first)
Cash or check only made out to Washington County 4-H. All physical payments should be sent to the following address;
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Fees after June 24th are $40.00 per day or $120.00 for all 4 days. Camp t-shirts will NOT be available for late registrations.
Counselors for July Day Camps - June 24
Washington County 4-H is excited to share the 2026 July Day Camps and we would love to have your help as a camp counselor!
The day camps run from July 6th-9th from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, counselors would need to arrive each day by 8:30 am and be released by 4:15 pm.
July 6th, 7th, and 9th will be at the Washington County Fairgrounds and July 8th will be at Oliver Kelley Farm on a field trip.
Monday, June 29th, 12:00 - 4:00: Mandatory Counselor Training @ Washington County fairgrounds
Sign up June 24 at; https://forms.gle/jfx9grX4aFyniWne6
If you have any questions please contact Ingrid Medgyesy | imedgyes@umn.edu
4-H Summer Camps for Middle Schoolers - July
Alongside Mounds View Community Education, Ramsey County 4-H will be offering three summer day camp options for youth in grades 6-8. Consider joining us for one, or all! All camps will take place at Chippewa Middle School in North Oaks, MN.
- July - 6th-9th, 9am - Noon: Snackable Day Camp; a hands-on cooking and snacking experience!
- July - 6th-9th, 1pm - 4pm: Outdoor Adventures Day Camp; nature exploration and an appreciation for the outdoors!
- July 13th-16th, 9am - Noon: Brainwaves Day Camp; a deep-dive into understanding the brain and exploring the world of neuroscience!
Arts-In Registration - Deadline is July 1
Arts-In is a performing arts and leadership experience for youth that have completed grades 7-13. Participants will work together with a team of talented Directors and Student Directors to put together a 30-minute musical that will be performed at the Washington County Fair and Minnesota State Fair. Participants will choose which major they would like to participate in: performing, band, or technical. Auditions will take place on July 5, with the encampment starting the following week, July 12-15. See registration form for specific dates and times of auditions, encampment, and performances.
Cost is $90. Deadline to register is July 1! Late fees of an additional $25 will apply after July 1. Online payment option - https://z.umn.edu/ArtsInPayment
Volunteer requirement: 2+ hours of adult volunteer time is required for each child participating in Arts-In. A separate $100.00 check per family must be included with registration. This deposit will be shredded if the volunteer commitment is completed.
You will need to complete all three forms:
Registration Form: https://z.umn.edu/CountyArtsIn
Volunteer Form: https://z.umn.edu/ArtsInVolunteer
Conflict Form: https://z.umn.edu/ArtsInConflict
2026 Fashion Revue - July 16 (Registration due July 1)
4-H members of Washington and Ramsey counties are invited to participate in the 4-H Fashion Revue on Thursday, July 16th! You do not need to be registered in the Clothing Project to participate in this event. Fill out this form to let us know you'd like to participate. We'll reach out as we get closer to the judging date to gather more details about your outfits.
***Judging and the fashion show will be held on the same day***
Schedule for Thursday, July 16th:
Judging @ Oakdale Discovery Center : 12pm - 4pm
Dinner Break: 4pm-5pm
Fashion Show Rehearsal: 5pm - 6pm
Fashion Show: 6:30pm - 7:30pm @ Oakdale Discovery Center
Notes:
- Cloverbuds will not be judged, but they can take part in the rehearsal and Fashion Show
- State Fair trips will be selected in grades 6 and up
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 1st!
The google form for registration is here
Contact Hani (habukar@umn.edu) or Bri (fishe866@umn.edu) for more information.
For project guides, resources, and judging criteria, please visit the Clothing & Textiles project page.
Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training
If you missed Washington/Dakota’s in-person training on June 12, please find another option and get certified before the county fair!
All youth participating as a State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat, and llama/alpaca must have completed Livestock Quality Assurance Training prior to the Washington County Fair. Certification is good for 3 fair seasons. To check your LQA status for 2026, log into your family account, click on member, and then click on ‘trainings’ for that member (left column). If LQA is current, it will be listed; if nothing is listed, you will need to complete the 2026 LQA training.
If you are due to be certified, there are two training options available;
Option 1 - LQA&E face-to-face Training
Participation in a face-to-face 3-hour Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) training is offered in various locations around the state. This certification is valid for three fair seasons. This training is designed for 4-Hers in 6th grade and up. Typically, Level I is designed for grades 6 - 8th, and Level II is designed for grades 9th - 13. 4-Hers completing grades 6-8 may be certified in either Level I or Level II. The determination of which Level to certify at for grades 6-8 should be based on the livestock project experience the 4-Her possesses. To find in-person options, go to: LQA & E in-person options
Option 2 - YQCA online Training
4-H members have the option of completing the 1-hour online course offered via distance learning. This certification is valid for one fair season. The cost of this training is $12/child and is paid at the time of online registration with a credit card. Since training is good for one fair season, it will need to be completed annually. This is a nationally offered program, and the registration fee is utilized to upkeep the system and update the training. To access information on how to complete the YPCA course, go to: Youth for the Quality Care of Animal Instructions LQA & E Trainings promote responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care, and providing safe consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion. Additional information concerning any Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics training in our county will be listed in upcoming 4-H newsletters.
LQA Training June 12
LQA Training June 12
Horse Clinics - July 6 & 20
We are in the process of setting up two Horse Clinics, one on the evening of Monday, July 6, the other on Monday, July 20th at the fairgrounds. Details will be sent out directly to Horse Project members once plans are in place!
Rabbit Project Summer Practices starts June 28
Fair season is almost here! Join us at the rabbit barn for some fun, learning, and hands-on practice with your rabbits.
Practice Dates
- Sun, June 28: 3–5 PM
- Sun, July 12: 3–5 PM
- Sun, July 19: 3–5 PM
- Mon, July 20: 4–6 PM
- Sun, July 26: Practice & Cage Assembly from 3–5 PM
We'll be practicing rabbit agility, showmanship, and rabbit knowledge to help everyone feel confident and ready for the fair. Whether you're brand new to rabbits or have been showing for years, there's something for everyone!
We're also excited to announce that two brand-new agility events will be making their debut this year. Want a sneak peek? Come to practice and be among the first to try them out!
New this year: We're adding one Monday evening practice on July 20 to give members who can't usually attend Sunday practices a chance to join the fun.
Cloverbuds are welcome to participate with the help of an adult.
Stay up-to-date on important dates, practices, weather, and project news by joining the Rabbit Project BAND group: https://band.us/n/aca6b51fc9s6W
State Shoot Registration Material!
Those wanting to participate in the State Shoot in 2026 need to read the following information! To attend the State Shoot, first year attendees need 15 hours of training in the discipline they plan to participate in at the State Shoot and 8 hours of wildlife training. Second year participants need 8 hours of training behind the line and 8 hours of wildlife training.
The Minnesota State 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Invitational will be held at the Alexandria Shooting Park, 6533 County Road 87 SE, Alexandria, MN on September 11-13, 2026. Additional location information can be found at alexandriashootingpark.com.
The event rules have been posted on the Minnesota 4-H website. The event rules can be found at z.umn.edu/4h-sswinvitational.
Registration process & information
Completed registration forms and checks are due to the Washington County Extension office by July 15, 2026.
The Family Information sheet can be found here: family information document.
Please complete the registration form registration form. You will need your Trainer to sign off on the registration form that you have completed your required number of training hours for your particular discipline. Ashley Schwartz (amkelly6@gmail.com) will need to sign off on Wildlife Hours!
The weekend schedule can be found on the State Shoot webpage.
Individual schedules will be sent to participating counties in late August.
Wildlife Hours
4-H youth attending the State Shoot are required to have completed 8 hours of wildlife training in the prior year.
Examples of activities that can count for full or partial hours:
Attend a club service project for habitat restoration at a local park (full hours)
Do a demonstration on deer anatomy at your 4-H club (full hours)
Go hunting (partial hours)
Plan out your pollinator garden and do a fair project on it (full hours)
Start a phenology journal and keep notes when you go hiking (partial hours unless you teach the skill to others, then you can get full hours)
The list goes on and on!
If you are taking a course that counts toward wildlife hours, be sure to bring your Wildlife Hours Tracking Form to collect an instructor signature!
2026 Washington County Fair Information/Premium Book!
The county fair is coming up quickly! The county fair is the highlight for the majority of 4-H’ers and their families! You won’t want to miss the fun, friendships and learning that the fair experience offers! Everything you need to know about the fair can be found in the 2026 Washington County Fair Information/Premium Book found here; https://z.umn.edu/WashCoPremiumBook
If you have questions, contact our office at ext-washington@umn.edu
FairEntry now open! - Must be completed by July 1
Welcome to FairEntry for the 2026 Washington County Fair! This is where you will register the projects and animals you intend to bring to the fair.
Please sign in by using your 4HOnline email and password once you are in FairEntry. It will be helpful to have a link to the 2026 Washington County Fair 4-H Information Book for general fair rules and project details. This book is also available on the Washington County Extension website. Please note that classes are based on the grade completed, NOT the grade going into.
DEADLINES!
- Online registration must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.
- Or a list of classes emailed to the Extension Office by 11:59 p.m. on Wed., July 1.
Good luck! Please contact the Extension Office at 651-430-6800 with questions or concerns, (leave a message with name and number and what it is regarding) Emails are preferred.
BEFORE July 1. FairEntry questions can also be directed to Kathy at eber0002@umn.edu
TO REGISTER FOR THE FAIR GO TO; http://washington-county.fairentry.com
Vegetable judging reference
We're excited to introduce the new 4-H vegetable judging reference guide a hands-on resource designed to help youth develop confidence and skill in evaluating vegetable quality like true horticulture professionals. Filled with practical judging tips and easy-to-understand standards, the guide teaches participants how to evaluate size, shape, color, maturity, and overall quality across a variety of vegetable crops. Preparing for a county fair, judging youth will gain valuable skills in observation, decision-making, and communication. This updated guide modernizes and replaces outdated materials for vegetable judging while serving as a valuable resource for youth, volunteers, coaches, and fair judges alike. The vegetable judging reference guide is intended to be used not only for participant preparation but also as a consistent reference for judges’ books and evaluation standards at local and regional events. As a shared, up-to-date resource, the guide helps strengthen consistency, learning, and enthusiasm for plant science and agricultural education across the 4-H program.
Community Impact Recognition
Have any of your projects made a positive difference in your community? Earn recognition at the county fair for your Community Impact by showing it in your exhibit and telling the judge about it.z.umn.edu/4HCommunityImpact
4-H Graduation application - Due July 1
Washington County 4-H youth who plan to graduate out of 4-H this year (your last year of 4-H, typically one year post high school) are encouraged to complete the 2026 Graduation Application Youth who complete the Graduation Application will be recognized during the Sunday Night Awards (August 2) at County Fair. Graduation Applications are due by July 1st. Please email them to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Champion Program
Dear Friends of 4-H,
We are excited to return to the Washington County Fair for our 26th season of the Grand Champion
Program. This program recognizes youth who receive grand champion awards during their county fair exhibition, is staffed by youth and adult volunteers, and is made possible by sponsors from the community. The Grand Champion Program has grown successfully and continues its efforts in
recognition of positive goals and inspiration.
For a tax-deductible sponsorship fee of $25, the Grand Champion 4-Her in your selected project area will receive a specially designed Champion t-shirt. The 4-H champions proudly wear their t-shirts during the county and state fairs, and often throughout the entire year. If you are interested in this opportunity to sponsor a champion, please complete the attached sponsorship form. Sponsors can request specific project areas, which are prioritized by the order received.
In return for your generosity, sponsors will receive a certificate with their award recipient’s photograph and a written thank you card. The lasting impact earning a Grand Champion has for a 4-Her is significant. Youth dedicate time to their projects, learn lifelong skills and cherish the opportunity to display their work to the community.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this request; this program and the recognition provided to 4-H youth could not be possible without the support of our 4-H community.
We appreciate you and all you do for our program!
Sincerely,
Champion Program Team
Washington County 4-H
4-H Graduates at the Fair!
Start working on your posters and sharing your 4-H memories! We are looking forward to acknowledging you at this years County Fair. We would appreciate having a poster board of you displaying pics of your 4-H memories/experiences. These posters will be on display in the 4-H building during the county fair. Please bring your poster to our office in the 4-H building on General Judging Day, Saturday, July 25 between 10-4. Or the first day of the fair.
Ambassador Picnic - June 23
Join us for our annual Ambassador Picnic on Tuesday, June 23, at 5:30 PM at Hooley Hall on the Washington County Fairgrounds! Youth who have completed 6th grade and up are welcome to attend this event and learn more about our Ambassador program. We will kick off with a taco dinner, then we will take group pictures to display at the fair, so please wear your Ambassador shirt if you have one! We will also be getting ready for Summer Day Camps and the County Fair! Stick around at 7 PM for the election of the new 2026-2027 Executive Board.
Seeking Federation Officer Candidates! - Applications due Monday, June 22!
Would you like to take your leadership skills to the next level? We will be electing the 2026-2027 Washington County Executive Board Officers on Tuesday, June 23, beginning at 7:00 pm at Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds. The Exec Board is a leadership team similar to club officers, but they serve on the county level. The officer team is made up of a; President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and 6 District Reps. We also have 6 adults who serve 2 year terms. If you are interested in serving as an adult on the Board, please let Ann know at; churc109@umn.edu and you will be put on the ballot.
All 4-H members and volunteers are invited to attend this Federation Meeting. We need at least one half of all the clubs ‘present’ to vote!
If you are a 4-H member who has completed 7th grade or older and would like to apply, please complete the application here: Federation Officer Application
What is the Washington County 4-H Federation?
The Washington County 4-H Federation is the county-level program and policy decision-making body for the Washington County 4-H club program. The full Federation is composed of youth and adult leaders from all 4-H clubs. The Federation meets quarterly, in October, January, April, and June. The organization is guided by an Executive Board composed of eleven youth and six adult representatives. The Executive Board meets the months between Federation meetings; September, November, February, March, May.
Who is eligible to be on the Executive Board?
The Washington County 4-H Federation Constitution states that youth officers "shall be elected for a term of one year only, but any given 4-H youth leader can hold a different office or position in ensuing years, providing it is not the same office or position held in a previous year. At the June Annual Meeting, youth who have completed grades 7-12 are eligible to vote and run for office. Youth must be enrolled in the Youth Leadership project in the year in which you are a Federation officer."
What is the time commitment?
Officer candidates should consider their other time commitments when applying. Please make sure you are available to attend meetings on the fourth Monday of each month. We cannot run a meeting without officers! Please direct any questions to Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu
Join the Washington County 4-H Ambassador Team!
Save the date! Tuesday, June 23 for the Ambassador Social at the fairgrounds. More details to come!
If you're in grades 7-13, we want you to join the Washington County 4-H Ambassador Team. The Ambassadors meet once a month at the Washington County Government Center and plan Cloverbud Workshops, Service Projects, Social events - all while building their leadership skills and having fun! Reach out to Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions!
2026 County 4-H scholarships - Due July 1
County 4-H scholarships open to Washington County youth can be found on our website and are due July 1, 2026. All scholarships will be awarded at the County Fair Awards Program, Sunday, Aug. 2
- Farm Bureau Scholarship (Due July 1, 2026)
- Washington County Federation & Memorial Scholarships (Due July 1, 2026)
- Mike & Adele Clemens Memorial Scholarship (Due July 1, 2026)
2026 Key Award application - Due July 1
4-H is proud of its youth leaders! The Key Award recognizes the contributions youth have made in their clubs, county and community! Winners of the Key Award will be announced at the Sunday Night Awards at the county fair! To be eligible;
4-H member must have completed their sophomore year in high school
Be a 4-H member for at least five years
Have at least 3 years of active 4-H youth leadership
Must meet seven of nine leadership requirements (see attached application)
Minnesota 4-H Key Award Application Applications are due by July 1. Please email to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Recycling and Energy Center Tour
Thank you to Emily Murphy, Riverside Routers Club Leader for overseeing a tour of the Recycle and Energy Center in Newport, MN last night. We appreciate when clubs include the county to join in their club's programming.
2026 Overnight Camp
2026 Overnight Camp Counselors
Archery night
Archery night
Horse Camp 2026
Horse Camp Committee 2026
Cloverbuds
Club goals
Working on club banner
Learn about volunteering with 4-H
4-H volunteers contribute to youth thriving. They make their communities stronger and develop skills they can use in other settings. These are all great reasons to take a step to becoming a volunteer—If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure where to start there are steps you can take to learn more:
- 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.
- 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.
Families and youth
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
Food, health and nutrition
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
Yard and garden
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
Roles of Local Youth Educators
Ann Church - Livestock (Beef, Dairy, Llama, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, Rabbit), Horse, Shooting Sports, Federation, Community Clubs, Fair, Charters and Finance, Foods & Creative Arts projects and Food Stand.
Megan Slater - Youth Teaching Youth, Ambassadors, Performing Arts, Overnight/Day Camps, Dog, Goat, Cloverbud workshops.
Interim Lindsay Othen - STEM, New Families, Promotion, Outreach, and Project Workshops.
Contact information is listed below.