Washington County 4-H Newsletter

Welcome to our Family Newsletter! The most up-to-date information about events and activities going on in Washington County 4-H. Please pass along to friends and family that might be interested in attending a 4-H event. Once you have enrolled, you will also receive the monthly Clover Update at the beginning of each month highlighting regional and state events.

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This is a reminder that you need to re-enroll each year in the 4-H program. Please go into your family account in 4honline and update all those enrolling for the 2025-2026 4-H year.

As of January 2026, animal ID's can also be entered for the coming fair season. Horses and Dogs can be uploaded as new Coggins and vaccinations are updated. Beef ID's are due Feb. 17. Most animals need to be ID'ed by May 15. Please check your specific species requirement on the state website at https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-projects/4-h-animal-id

We want to welcome our new families, we know it can be a challenging to navigate the 4-H year the first time but please don't hesitate to reach out to your club leaders, established 4-H families or staff with any questions you might have along the way.

Results from the Jan. 22 poll: Would you rather travel to the past or the future? 100% reported they would rather travel to the past. While we can’t travel in time, recognizing the importance of the present can help us appreciate our current moments and choices.

The 25th Winter Olympics will begin on Friday, February 6, in Italy. The event features the iconic Olympic rings. As athletes carry flags and the Olympic flag is displayed, it encourages viewers to appreciate the deeper meaning behind this global celebration. What is the meaning behind the Olympic rings, and what do they stand for?

• Symbolism of Unity: The rings represent the gathering of athletes from around the world to compete in a spirit of friendship and sportsmanship.

• Colors and Flags: Contrary to popular belief, the colors do not represent specific continents. Instead, the colors (blue, yellow, black, green, red) and the white background were chosen because they appeared on the flags of every nation competing at the time of the emblem's creation in 1913

• Significance of the Design: The five rings are equal in size and interlock to represent the equality of all participating nations.

Just like the Olympic flag has meaning, so does the 4-H Clover. The 4-H logo, a four-leaf clover with an "H" on each leaf, represents

• Head (Clearer Thinking): Developing brainpower, rational thought, and life skills.

• Heart (Greater Loyalty): Fostering compassion, empathy, and positive relationships.

• Hands (Larger Service): Encouraging civic responsibility, manual skills, and helping others.

• Health (Better Living): Promoting physical well-being, nutrition, and healthy choices.

So that brings us to this week's poll question.

Join us for our next Ambassador meeting from 6-7:15 PM at the Washington County Government Center! We will continue our plans for a spring cloverbud workshop, service project, and social event. We will also have a guest speaker to do a short workshop presentation on interviewing skills! Reach out to Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions! New to Ambassadors? Register to be a Washington County Ambassador here!

4-H youth in grades 7+ are invited to attend a workshop on ‘Interviewing Skills’ on Monday, February 23, beginning at 6:30 pm at the Stillwater Gov’t Center. Come learn skills to prepare you for your first job. What you can expect, questions you may be asked, and how to present yourself most effectively! Please register in advance so we know how many to expect and in case of inclement weather.

https://z.umn.edu/InterviewingSkills

The 2026 overnight camp counselor application is now live! Join us at our 4-H Overnight Camp at Baker Outdoor Learning Center, June 15-17, 2026. Counselors and staff from both Washington and Dakota Counties provide an overnight camp experience, complete with canoeing, archery, crafts, smores, songs, swimming, and so much more! Any youth who has completed 9th grade through one year past high school (by summer 2026) is invited to apply to become a 4-H Camp Counselor.

Applications are due March 10. Applicants self-select a virtual interview time on either March 19, 24, or 25. The tentative training dates for camp are April 30, May 31, June 11.

Any questions regarding this leadership role, contact Megan Slater at 651-434-1339 or slate187@umn.edu.

Are you passionate about animal science? If so, consider applying to be a Minnesota 4-H Animal Science Ambassador (formerly the animal science youth leadership team). Youth on this team will add youth voice to animal science programming, practice leadership skills, explore their passions, and network with others. Project area(s): beef, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, swine, and llama/alpaca. Application deadline: Feb. 6. Learn more and apply.

Have a dog at home? Do you love spending time with it? Then come join us for a winter dog workshop on Saturday, February 28th from 1-3 PM! You will learn more about the dog project from some of the junior trainers, learn some tricks and then learn about rally and do some practice courses.

Bring LOTS of tiny soft treats, water for you and the dog. Dogs should have a flat collar and 6 foot lead. In order to participate, dogs will need to be AT LEAST 6 months old and have their rabies vaccine current. 4-Hers must be enrolled to participate! There is no cost. Parents will need to stay with their youth for the duration of this class.

Location: The Greater Dog 1815 Greeley St S, Stillwater, MN 550821

Please register no later than February 23.

Register here!

Get your hands dirty and your skills sharpened! Youth grades 3rd and up, including adults are welcome to join Dakota County 4-H’s Calving, Care and Confidence Beef workshop that will feature interactive stations including a calving simulator and a cow head for hands-on practice with shots, tattoos, and livestock care techniques. A must-attend event for anyone interested in beef projects or livestock management.

Calving, Care & Confidence: Beef Workshop

Saturday, Feb. 28th - 1-4 pm

Dakota County Fairgrounds - Agricultural Experience Building

4008 220th St W. Farmington, MN 55024

Grades: 3rd and up, including adults

Register by: Friday. Feb 20 (4honline)

Cost: $5 per person

Questions regarding the event or registration, contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn,edu.

4-H’ers interested in participating in the Llama Project this year are invited to a kick-off meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 12, beginning at 7:00 pm at Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds! Dan Whittaker will share information about his leasing program and the opportunities he offers 4-H youth to learn and show llamas. Any questions prior to the meeting, please contact Dan at llamadan@aol.com

You won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to learn about feeding your 4-H project animals (beef, sheep, swine & market goats). Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 21, from 9:00 - 11:30 AM. Families welcome and encouraged! This workshop will take place at Herdsman Feeds (E 1353 Hwy 64, Connorsville, WI), about 40 minute drive from Stillwater, MN. To learn more and pre-register go to https://z.umn.edu/HungryCritter. Pre-register by March 6th.

Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics (LQA&E) training prepares youth to provide responsible, high-quality care for food animals while promoting a strong commitment to food safety for consumers. Training is designed to enhance the educational value of 4-H animal science projects. Youth grade 6+ are required to complete LQA&E training to be eligible to exhibit beef, dairy, sheep, swine, goats, llama-alpaca, rabbits, and poultry at the State Fair. Training is good for three fair seasons. Dakota County 4-H is hosting an in-person training on June 12; 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Schaffer Family (Elmegca Farm) in Cannon Falls. Cost: $5. This training includes Washington County 4-H members.

St. Croix Knoll Stable is hosting a fundraiser for the Washington County 4-H Horse project on Saturday, March 28 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. Seeking sellers and vendors. $30 for a 10 x10 area, you must provide your own table. Volunteers will also be accepting donations of clean, usable and in good condition horse tack and related items to be sold by 4-H youth during the Tack Swap. Register through the QR code on flyer. For questions, email info@stcroixknollstable.com or contact Jill at 651-329-0141 or Lisa at 651-470-9314. Please help us spread the word with attached flyers.

We are now accepting applications for the Arts-In Director position for our 2026 show season! This is a paid position that works with the Performing Arts Development Committee and student directors to write the script, select music, and put together all aspects of the Arts-In encampment. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and previous Arts-In experience is preferred. Applications are due to the Extension office no later than February 20, 2026. Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions. Application can be found at https://z.umn.edu/ArtsInDirector2026

Our Performing Arts Night will be held on Friday, April 24 from 6-9 PM at Oak-Land Middle School. The evening will consist of Share the Fun skits, Talent Acts and One Act plays.

Families interested in learning about the 4-H Shooting Sports program that is offered In Washington County are invited to attend an Orientation scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9 beginning at 6:30 pm in the lower level of the Stillwater Gov’t Center. Staff and Trainers will be available to talk about the various disciplines that are offered, expectations, schedules, State Shoot requirements, etc. Since the cost to participate is minimal, we would like Shooting Sports families to participate in the Pheasants Forever Raffle fundraiser to help keep our costs low. Tickets will be available to pick up at this meeting. Please let us know if you plan to attend by pre-registering at; https://z.umn.edu/ShootingSportsOrientation

Any questions, contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu

Get ready to explore the amazing world of wildlife right outside your door! Join us on Wednesday evenings for Wildlife Wednesdays, a fun and interactive virtual series where we'll dive into the fascinating lives of animals and plants with the help of wildlife experts, biologists, and Master Naturalists.

Each week, you'll discover something new and inspiring about nature—from secret animal behaviors to incredible ecosystems—all while learning how to protect and respect the environment around us. Whether you're just curious, have a love for animals, or looking for a midweek adventure, this series is your gateway to conservation knowledge and a lifelong love of nature.

Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Sessions will be held virtually on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1,8. 4-H youth can earn up to four wildlife hours for participating in 4 of the virtual sessions! Let’s get started on those Wildlife hours for next year’s State Shoot! Learn more and register.

If you are hoping to attend the 2026 State Shooting Sports Invitational, please remember to start tracking your Wildlife Hours NOW!!!

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)

• Wildlife Wednesdays is a great virtual option to earn hours! (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!

As our Shooting Sports Program continues to grow, we are in need of additional Trainers! We would welcome new Trainers in these disciplines: BB gun/Pellet Rifle, Archery, .22 Rifle, and Trap! Training for the 4-H youth begins the first week of June - end of August. Archery and BB/Pellet training takes place on the Washington County fairgrounds. Archery, .22, Trap and Black Powder take place at the Oakdale Gun Club.

To become a 4-H Certified Trainer, you must first become a 4-H screened volunteer:

Steps to become a 4-H screened volunteer

Once you have completed your screening process, 4-H Shooting Sports Trainers are required to complete 4-H certification to become Trainers. Pre-work is completed before attending an in-person training. Training is held throughout fall and spring months in various locations around the state. For more information go to; How to become a Certified Shooting Sports Trainer Registration fees are paid by our 4-H program.

2026 shooting sports and wildlife leader certification trainings

• March 7 - Sleepy Eye (archery, wildlife) - Registration deadline: Feb. 26
• March 28 - Austin (archery, rifle/pistol, wildlife) - Registration deadline: March 19
• April 11 - Sleepy Eye (rifle/pistol, shotgun) - Registration deadline: April 2
• April 11 - Marshall (archery, rifle/pistol, muzzleloading, shotgun, wildlife) - Registration deadline: April 2

Register for 4-H shooting sports and wildlife leader certification! These events are designed for adults and youth (grades 9+) who lead or would like to lead training in shooting sports or wildlife. Classes will be offered in the disciplines of archery, rifle/pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and wildlife. Additional dates and locations will be added soon. Learn more and register.

We are also in need of adult(s) to oversee the Wildlife Project that is required for those attending the State Shoot. Each county is required to present a Wildlife Project at the State Shoot. This does not need to be an elaborate project.

If you are interested in helping with the Shooting Sports Program in anyway, please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu

Stevens County 4-H is super EXCITED to share that they are hosting their 3rd Stevens County 4-H Archery Invitational state-wide event! Mark your calendars for April 11th! There will also be an opportunity to test your knowledge with a wildlife skillathon! Funds raised through this event will go towards helping the Stevens County 4-H Shooting Sports Club update their equipment. Deadline to register is April 1st. This event can count for archery and wildlife hours for those interested in competing at the state shoot this fall!

When: April 11, 2026

*Registration begins at 9am, competition begins at 10 am

*Youth are able to select what time works best for them to compete (there are time slot options)

Where: Morris Area Elementary School

Who: Youth in grades 4th-13th grade

Cost: $20 ($25 for walk-ins/late payment)

Find more details and register here: https://extension.umn.edu/event/stevens-county-archery-invitational

For questions, please connect with Stevens County 4-H Extension Staff at next-stevens@umn.edu or call the Stevens County Extension Office at (320) 208-6575!

Are you passionate about animal science? If so, consider applying to be a Minnesota 4-H Animal Science Ambassador (formerly the animal science youth leadership team). Youth on this team will add youth voice to animal science programming, practice leadership skills, explore their passions, and network with others. Project area(s): beef, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, swine, and llama/alpaca. Application deadline: Feb. 6. Learn more and apply.

Join us for our next Ambassador meeting from 6-7:15 PM at the Washington County Government Center! We will continue our plans for a spring cloverbud workshop, service project, and social event. We will also have a guest speaker to do a short workshop presentation on interviewing skills! Reach out to Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions!

Join the Ambassadors for Board Night on Saturday, February 28 from 5-8 PM at Jerry’s Foods Community Room in Woodbury! Youth are invited to bring a charcuterie board to share and a board game for an evening of fun! Youth in grades 7 and up and wanting to learn more about Ambassadors are welcome!

Register here!

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!

Sign up to be an Ambassador here!

Minnesota Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs offers scholarships for students in horticulture and related studies. Students in four-year and graduate programs are eligible for $4,000 scholarships. Students in two-year programs are eligible for $2,000 scholarships.

Applicants must major in one of the following studies:

• Agriculture Education • Floriculture • Landscape Design • Botany, Biology • Plant Pathology/Science • Forestry • Agronomy • Wildlife Science • City (Rural & Urban) Planning • Horticulture • Habitat or Forest/Systems Ecology • Environmental Concerns (Management: Environmental, Horticulture Resource/Environmental Behavior) • Environmental Conservation (inc. Engineering, Law, etc.) • Land Management and/or other related or allied subjects

Application forms are available online at www.mngardenclubs.com with a MARCH 1, 2026, deadline for the Community and Technical College Application Form and the University Scholarship Form.

For a student’s application to also be considered for a National Garden Club $4,000 scholarship, applicants must apply on-line at www.gardenclub.org with a deadline of FEBRUARY 1, 2026.

Students may reach out to Jessica (Lamker) Thue, Scholarship Chair, Minnesota Federated Garden Clubs with any questions. 952-380-7091, jessicalamker@gmail.com

Dear 4-H families and members,

I am writing to let you know that my last day with Washington County 4-H will be February 13th.

It has been wonderful to be part of such a great community of youth and volunteers! The passion and dedication each of you brings to 4-H inspires me to continue my work with youth development through other avenues. I'm so grateful for the fun and learning I've shared with you all.

My position will be posted on December 17th. When the hiring process is complete, we will keep you up to date on the transition. In the meantime, if you have any questions or requests, please reach out to me. I will have access to my email until the end of day on February 13th.

Thank you for the past three years!

Ashton Kulesa

Activities and Events (Registration links with articles above)

• Feb. 7 - Food Revue (Grades K+)/Foodie Challenge (Grades 6+) Registration closed.
• Feb. 9 - Shooting Sports Open House
• Feb. 11 - Virtual Wildlife (Get your wildlife hours in for Shooting Sports now)
• Feb. 13 - Creative Arts Night (Grades 3+) Registration open until Feb. 6 - https://forms.gle/PDDqzXnCmTMbiyaD6
• Feb. 16 - Backstage pass: Ordway (Grades 6+) Registration closed.
• Feb. 23 - Ambassador Meeting
• Feb. 23 - Interviewing Skills Workshop
• Feb. 28 - Dog Workshop
• Feb. 28 - Ambassador Social
• Mar. 10 - Overnight Camp Counselor Applications Due
• Mar. 12 - Llama Kick-off Meeting
• Mar. 21 - Feed My Hungry Critter Livestock Workshop
• Mar. 28 - Washington County Horse Tack Swap
• Apr. 18 - Spring Cloverbud Workshop - Plant theme (save the date)
• Apr. 24 - Performing Arts Festival (save the date)
• June 12 - LQA & E in-person training. Cannon Falls, MN.

Dog

• Feb. 28 - Winter Workshop
• Mar. 31 - Dog Orientation
• Apr. 7 - Dog Class Demo
• Apr. 14 - Dog Training begins (Dog ID must be submitted before attending training)
• May 15 - Dog ID submitted online deadline
• July 25-26 - County 4-H Dog Show
• Sept. - State 4-H Dog Show (usually last weekend of Sept.)

Livestock Reminders - 2026

• Feb. 17 - Market Beef and Dairy Steer Animal ID deadline. (Info emailed to members 1/5/26)
• May 15 - Animal ID deadline (Dog, Horse, Llama, Rabbit, Dairy, Breeding Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goat (market & dairy) and leased poultry).
• July 1 - County Fair registration due
• LQA Training - Livestock Quality Assurance training needs to be completed BEFORE County Fair to be eligible for a State Fair trip with an animal (Must have completed 6th grade to attend State Fair with an animal). In-person training lasts 3 fair seasons versus online training which is good for 1 year and has a fee. In-person training will take place June 12, 2026 in Cannon Falls, MN. Please register through 4HOnline.
• July 29 - Aug. 2 - Washington County Fair
• Aug. 26-30 - MN State Fair 4-H Livestock Encampment (Interested in being an adult chaperone? Complete your adult volunteer screening before County Fair)

Performing Arts

• Feb. 16 - Backstage pass: Ordway (Grades 6+)
• Feb. 20 - County Arts-In Director Application Due
• April 24 - Performing Arts Festival

Shooting Sports

• Feb. 9 - Shooting Sports Open House
• May 15 - Must be enrolled in 4-H and Shooting Sports project. Fees paid by first training date.
• June 8 - Aug. 24 - Summer Session - Mondays (Archery, BB, Pellet Gun)
• June 9 - Sept. 8 - Summer Session - Tuesdays (Trap, .22 Rifle, Black Powder)
• Sept. 11-13 - State Shoot in Alexandra, MN

Summer Camps

• June 7-11 - Washington County 4-H Horse Camp. Registration will be emailed to those who have completed grade 4 and registered for the Horse project in early April. (Must bring your own horse)
• June 9-12 - YELLO (Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities) Open to grades 7+ and will take place at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. (Registration not yet open)
• June 15-17 - Washington/Dakota 4-H Overnight Camp - Grades 3-8 - Baker Outdoor Learning Center. Maple Plain, MN. (Registration not yet open)
• July 6-9 - 4-H Summer Day Camps will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, Day Camps are open to grades K-6. (Registration available early June.)

Washington County Fair 2026

• July 1 - County fair registration deadline. Final selection of projects and animals need to be entered in FairEntry by this date. Late entries accepted for ribbon only.
• July 25 - 4-H General project judging (Saturday) Includes Pet Show!
• July 29- Aug. 2 - Washington County Fair

Youth enrollment and animal ID deadline

• May 15, 2026 - Enrollment deadline for full County Fair participation and eligibility for State Fair, State Shoot, State Horse Show and State Dog Show.
• Participation is limited after May 15 (Not eligible for champions, auction, state trips) Blue, red and white ribbons only.

Check out our free, searchable online Youth Development Curriculum Library for fun, educational lesson and activity resources designed for youth workers, volunteers, and youth themselves!

190 resources and counting! More content is added every month.

A few highlights:

• Independent learning guides to support youth project learning, such as this Microgreen Growing Guide

• Resources on project areas from Animals and Livestock, to Social-Emotional Learning, to Environment and Earth Science, to STEM, and much more!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

The decision to cancel a planned activity is no simple matter. The safety and well-being of 4-H members, volunteers and Extension employees is the top priority.

4-H programs, activities and outings should be prepared to modify programming as needed in extreme cold weather.

• Outdoor wind chill of 20 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit or lower.

The following will be considered when deciding whether to cancel a meeting or program:

• The ability to safely operate vehicles (ice, snow, visibility)

• Total predicted snowfall

• Predicted temperature and wind chill factor

• Schools are canceled

Emails will be sent to those who pre-registered for a county event being cancelled. Club Leaders should also notify members if club events are being cancelled.

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

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

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

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.

Ashton Kulesa - STEM, New Families, Promotion, Outreach, Fashion Revue and Project Workshops.

Contact information is listed below.