Carlton County 4-H
March 2026 Newsletter
UPCOMING EVENTS:
March:
- 9th - Carlton County 4-H Poultry Chat
- 14th - 4-H Cloverbud Project 10 to 11:30 a.m. - Carlton County Transportation Building
- 14th - Carlton County Clover Plus Club 10 to 11:30 a.m. - Carlton County Transportation Building
- 25th - Kwik Trip Car Wash Fundraiser order forms and money due
For all of the latest 4-H events and opportunities, please visit our website and look under Events and News for 4-H.
Carlton County Cloverbud Club
All Kindergartners-2nd graders are invited to participate in the 4-H Cloverbud Project Days Club! Youth in grades 3-6 are invited to join us for the Clover Plus Club! Each session will highlight a different 4-H project area and give youth the opportunity to explore and complete a hands-on project, make new friends, and learn new skills.
Join us on Saturday March 14th to make I Spy bottles! The session runs from 10:00-11:30 am and there is no cost to attend. Join us at the Carlton County Transportation Building, 1630 Co Rd 61, Carlton, MN 55718.
Carlton County Clover Plus Club
Join us for our next Clover Plus Club meeting on March 14th from 10:00–11:30 AM at the Transportation Building. This session is open to all youth in 3rd–6th grade.
This month’s project focuses on the power of kindness. Participants will create heartfelt cards and messages for children in hospitals across the United States. Once completed, the cards will be mailed out to be shared with kids who could use a little extra encouragement and joy.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for youth to give back, be creative, and make a meaningful impact on others.
Please email Katie if you are intrested in attending silta006@umn.edu
Fundraiser
Kwik Trip Fundraiser
The Kwik Trip fundraiser orders are due by March 25 to the Carlton County Extension Office by 4:00 p.m. All submissions must include order forms and payment. Funds raised will support scholarships for state and regional events, helping participants access valuable opportunities. Be sure to submit on time to contribute to this important cause! Car wash cards are $36 each and will be good for 5 ultimate washes.
Carlton County 4-H Poultry Chat
Youth and families are invited to join us on March 9 at 6:30 PM for a virtual Carlton County 4‑H Poultry Chat with Sam and Kora Webster. This session is a great opportunity for new and returning poultry exhibitors to get ready for the upcoming fair season.
The conversation will focus on what youth need to know about showing chickens, including preparing birds for fair, understanding showmanship expectations, and keeping poultry healthy. Sam and Kora will also answer questions from participants, making this a helpful and interactive way to build confidence before fair time.
Contact Katie for the zoom link!
Online core volunteer skills training
4-H volunteers are on the front lines of delivering positive youth development experiences to young people across the Minnesota 4-H program. We want to support volunteers with relevant and accessible training that can positively impact youth. The newly released online core volunteer skills training series will equip you with fundamental skills for your role as a 4-H volunteer. The on-demand series consists of six short videos ranging from 4-14 minutes, handouts and a learning guide to reflect on how you will apply content within your 4-H group. Check out the videos to strengthen your abilities in creating positive experiences for youth!
NE 4-H Camp at Long Lake Conservation Center
Calling all explorers in grades 3–6! 🌲🔥
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure with NE 4-H Camp at Long Lake Conservation Center. Dive into nature with hands-on activities, outdoor recreation, and classic camp games during a 3-day, 2-night experience from July 22–24, 2026, at the beautiful Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade, Minnesota.
Camp kicks off Wednesday, July 22, and wraps up Friday, July 24. Registration opens February 16 and closes May 31, 2026, in 4-H Online.
The $180 camp fee includes lodging, meals, a camp t-shirt, and all supplies needed for an amazing experience. Scholarships may be available. Please check with your Local Extension office.
Non-4-H members are welcome! Youth will simply need to enroll in 4-H Online and select “In Person 4-H Camp/Event” as their club option. Once your enrollment is approved, find NE 4-H Camp under Events.
Need help registering or have questions? Contact Kate Preiner at henry250@umn.edu or 651-402-2744.
NE 4-H Camp Counselor Applications
Become a 4-H Camp Counselor at NE 4-H Camp at Long Lake Conservation Center ⛺🔥
Ready to lead, grow, and make a lasting impact this summer? As a 4-H Camp Counselor, you’ll play a key role in creating a fun, welcoming, and meaningful camp experience for younger youth while building skills that last far beyond camp.
As a counselor, you will:
Build leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
Mentor and support campers in grades 3–6
Help plan and lead games, activities, and camp traditions
Gain hands-on leadership experience that strengthens college and job applications
Connect with and build friendships with youth leaders from across the state
Youth in 8th grade and above are encouraged to apply!
Counselor Application Timeline
Applications open: February 16, 2026
Applications close: March 16, 2026
Interviews: March 30–April 1, 2026
Virtual Meet and Greet: June 16, 2026
Counselor Training #1: June 20, 2026
Counselor Training #2: July 21, 2026
Camp: July 22-24, 2026
Step into a leadership role, make a difference, and be part of what makes camp memorable!
Learn more and apply at z.umn.edu/ne4hcampcounselor
Stevens County 4-H archery invitational
Stevens County 4-H is super excited to host the third annual Stevens County 4-H archery invitational, a statewide event, on April 11!
Youth will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and learn from peers, coaches, and volunteers in a positive environment! They will also have an opportunity to test their 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. This event can count for archery and wildlife hours for those interested in competing at the state shoot this fall!
- When: April 11 - Registration begins at 9 a.m. and competition begins at 10 a.m. 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 4+
- Cost: $20 ($25 for walk-ins/late payment)
Registration deadline: April 1.
For questions, please connect with Stevens County 4-H Extension staff at mnext-stevens@umn.edu or call the Stevens County Extension office at 320-208-6575.
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.
Webinar: Updates to 4-H dog obedience rules
Register now to join Minnesota 4-H dog PDC members as they walk through the updated rules for 4-H dog obedience that will be in effect for the 2026 training and show season. The webinar will take place via Zoom on Thursday, March 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more and register.
Office Closures
No office closures this month, but as always, please call ahead if you plan to stop in to ensure someone is in the office to assist you. Happy St. Patty's Day! 🍀
Extension has something for everyone!
Read the March Extension Connection to learn about upcoming events and connection classes. Join us at the upcoming seed saving workshop and check out family news and events to learn more about topics such as making ends meet, healthy eating patterns and planning for retirement and so much more.
Contact
4-H Youth Development: Katie Diggs, silta006@umn.edu
Email: mnext-Carlton@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu
Location: 317 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton, MN, USA
Phone: 218-384-3511
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarltonCounty4H