Thank you for your dedication and years of being a 4-H member of Lac qui Parle County. Congratulations and best of luck on your future plans!

Please remember to fill out the intent to graduate form and return it to the office by July 1st.

During the transition within the Extension Educator position the "Lac qui Parle County 4-H" page was unactive. Please follow the "University of Minnesota - Lac qui Parle County 4-H" page for further posts and social media updates!

Please download the spond app and use the link below to register for the Lac qui Parle County 4-H notification system. We will be sharing updates, deadlines, and reminders through this app!

https://z.umn.edu/spondinvite

Food Stand Committee Meeting - Monday June 9 at 7:00 pm

Location: Lac qui Parle 4-H Food Stand

Youth Livestock Awards Meeting - Monday June 16 at 7:00 pm

Location: Extension Office Conference Room

Livestock Committee Meeting - Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 pm

Location: Extension Office Conference Room

Budgeting Committee Meeting - Thursday July 17 at 7:00 pm

Location: Extension Office Conference Room

Leader's Council Meeting - Sunday July 20 at 5:00 pm

Location: Extension Office Conference Room

The Leader's Council has a Secretary position open. Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested!

Ready to dig in and get your hands dirty? In this hands-on program young gardeners will learn to grow foods, explore the basics of the soil, sun and watering, as well as planting seeds and care for the growing plants. Take home a starter plant to grow in your own backyard, balcony, or windowsill! Whether you are dreaming of juicy tomatoes or crunchy carrots, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to grow your own food–starting now!

Location: Madison Mercantile

Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Food Revue project training focuses on learning about nutrition and safe food handling, while applying that knowledge in the preparation of a recipe and building of a menu.

This training is open to 4-H members who have completed grades 3-12, and adult volunteers. The maximum number of youth to participate is 16.

Cost: Free

Please register at https://z.umn.edu/foodrevuetraining

Get ready to be creative in this fun filled art adventure! During this program youth will explore their artistic abilities while letting their imaginations soar. BONUS! After the completion of the program each youth’s masterpiece will be proudly displayed at the Madison Mercantile gallery for family, friends, and the community to see!

Location: Madison TBD

Date: Monday, July 14, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Dawson-Boyd High School Art Room

Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Join our dynamic program designed to equip you with the crucial skills needed for life after school. From managing your finances to acing job interviews, we’ve got you covered! Come to one session or come to them all!

Sessions:

Kitchen Confidence: Level up your kitchen game! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or roommates, this is your ticket to mastering your confidence in the kitchen. Learn about healthy recipes, swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, understand the importance of cleanliness and safe cooking practices, and get familiar with kitchen must-haves.

Ready, Set, Rent!: Ready to learn how to find your dream space? Learn to spot the perfect place by understanding what to look for in listings. Discover the amenities and features that make the space feel like home. Understand the important documents and agreements that come with it. Whether you are buying or renting, be prepared to find your perfect space!

Start your Engines: Ready to hit the road with confidence? Learn hands-on skills designed to equip you with the knowledge and skill to make informed decisions when buying your first car and keeping it running smoothly. Learn how to spot the perfect car by understanding what to look for in listings. Understand the pros and cons of buying from private sellers versus dealerships. Master the essential skills like checking and changing oil, airing up tires, and changing a flat.

Swipe Smart: Ready to take control of your cash and build a solid financial future? Learn how to understand credit card responsibility and build strong credit. Learn the importance of timely payments and how they impact your credit score. Discover the basics of loans and what lenders look for. Explore how to save money and the magic of interest rates. Whether you’re dreaming of your first car, planning for college, or just want to be smart with your money, this class gives you the tools to make it happen.

Job Jumpstart: Ready to take your first step into the workforce? This session is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to land your dream job! Discover the best places to find job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Learn how to format and craft a resume that highlights your strengths and experiences. Gain tips on how to add volunteer work, school projects, and other experiences to enhance your resume. Master the art of making a great first impression with proper attire and confident communication.

Dates: Wednesday, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23

Location: Mercantile Madison

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Ready to turn a simple golf shot into an epic chain reaction? Join us for a hands-on, three-day adventure where you’ll design, build, and test your own Rube Goldberg machine with the ultimate goal: sinking a hole-in-one!

Day 1 - Design & Plan: brainstorm your machine and start putting together your pieces

Day 2 - Build & Tinker: continue the construction of your machine

Day 3 - Test & Showcase: Test, tweak, and perfect your design for the final showcase of the complete machine

Dates: Tuesday, July 29, Wednesday, July 30, Thursday, July 31

Location: Madison TBD

Time: 9:00-11:30 am

Location: Dawson-Boyd High School STEM Room

Time: 1:00-3:30 pm

Cost: Free

A camp for all youth who have completed grades 3-6 to experience the full benefits of 4-H and a place for kids to be kids!

What to Expect: At camp, youth participate in program offerings packed with educational sessions, large and small group activities, and a whole lot of fun! Youth learn new skills and make new friendships.

Educational Tracks: 15-20 youth campers, an adult educator and youth counselors will meet four times during camp to learn about a new topic. Campers are invited to rank all tracks choices they are interested in.

• Seeds to Survival (Plant Sci/Outdoor Adventures)
• Paws, Claws, and Hooves (Exploring Animals)
• Pop, Fizz, Boom (STEM)
• Nourish & Flourish (Food & Nutrition)
• Made by Me (Crafts & Fine Arts)
• Needle & Knot (Sewing, Needle Art)

Small Groups: Campers will be assigned to a small group consisting of 8-10 youth campers and two teenage counselors, who will lead them for camp activities.

Large Groups: Includes water activities, various speakers, games, evening programs, and campfire.

Amenities: Located on the University of Minnesota, Morris campus, campers will experience immersion into the campus life.

Lodging: Campers are housed in a secure dormitory on the University of Minnesota Morris campus. Each room accommodates two youths; campers are allowed to choose their own roommate when arriving at camp.

Meals: Campers will dine at the Morris Dining Hall on campus with many options to choose from. Dietary needs can be accommodated.

Transportation: Busing is provided from various locations; subject to camper sign-up.

Leadership: 4-H program staff and teenage counselors provide leadership for all camp activities. They work to create positive learning experiences based upon research that meets the key elements to youth development: Independence, Belonging, Generosity, and Mastery.

Cost: Cost is $160 - Contact your local 4-H Extension Educator to find out if your county 4-H program pays a portion.

If you have any questions please contact Leah Thompson

For more information and to Register online. Brochures are also available in the Extension Office.

Minnesota 4-H State Arts-In is an opportunity to explore new skills and advance existing skills. Learn about one of the four areas: technical theater, band, performing arts, or costuming. This event is offered for youth grades 9+.

Prep week is August 7 through August 14 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Each area will prepare for the upcoming events at the State Fair.

• Technical: construct the stage and props, paint and finish the stage, and learn how to run sound, lights and backstage tech piece
• Costumes: sew costumes, shop for accessories and additional costume pieces, and fit costumes for each participant
• Band: prepare all of the instrumental music for the show, rehearse as a band, learn to play together, and learn the art of self-coaching as you work individual and in small groups
• Performers: put together the performance, rehearse vocal parts and dialogue, and learn choreography and blocking

State Fair prep days is August 19 and 20 is for the finishing touches on everything from prep week before the start of the State Fair. During the State Fair, August 21 through September 1, during this time there will be three to four shows a day. Along with the shows there will be participant lead and supported events and multiple other State Art-In unique events.

For more information and registration go to the link provided. https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-minnesota-state-fair/minnesota-4-h-state-arts

Take on the challenge and form a 4-H plant science crop scouting team! Teams are made up of youth grades 6+ from one or multiple counties. Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested.

Crop Scouting Registration Opens: May 1

State Crop Scouting Event: Monday, July 28

https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-showcase-events/4-hffa-crop-scouting

For more information and registration go to the link provided.

There are many ways to continue learning in 4-H beyond County Fair! If you have any interest in participating in Livestock Judging, Horse Bowl, Crop Scouting or anything else please let me know! I am happy to look into it for you!

Volunteers Make The World Go Around!

To learn more about becoming an official 4-H Volunteer please follow this link! Volunteers are needed in so many aspects of 4-H! Completing the Volunteer application is easy! https://extension.umn.edu/volunteer-4-h/apply-become-4-h-volunteer

Email: thom8004@umn.edu

Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/lac-qui-parle

Location: 422 5th Avenue, Suite 305, Madison, MN, USA

Phone: 320-598-3325

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/University-of-Minnesota-Lac-qui-Parle-County-4-H/61576096021802/

Twitter: @UMNExt

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