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

We hope your new 4-H year is off to a fantastic start and that you're enjoying the opportunities, learning experiences, and connections that make 4-H so rewarding!

Please note that Cora will be out of the office attending a regional staff meeting in Grand Rapids on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23. Jennifer will be available in the office during that time and can assist with any questions or needs that arise.

We look forward to working with you throughout another great year of 4-H!

Join us for the next Council Meeting on Monday October 26th at 6:30pm at the Isanti Government Center (or via zoom) as we elect officers and finalize the 2026-27 county budget. See the full agenda here. We encourage every club to have representation at the meeting, and we especially hope to see youth who are interested in leadership opportunities at the county level.

This is your chance to help shape the future of our county 4-H program by sharing ideas, providing input on budget priorities, and helping guide the decisions that impact members, clubs, and programs in the coming year.

Please help us spread the word within your club and networks and encourage members, families, and volunteers to attend. Increasing participation helps ensure that a wide range of perspectives are represented as we make decisions for the coming year.

Pizza will be provided, so come hungry and ready to participate. We look forward to seeing all clubs as well as independent members represented and hearing your voice!

Testimonials from Isanti County 4-H Ambassadors:

• "This will be my 4th year as a County Ambassador. Throughout the years I have grown in my leadership, public speaking, and communication." - Caitlyn W.
• "Everyone no matter how small can contribute to achieve a common goal. I have learned that there is much a community can accomplish together" - Pierce J.
• "I have become better at public speaking." - Nora C.
• "I am excited to work with previous and incoming ambassadors and collaborate our ideas to strengthen our community." - Caitlyn W.
• "[I want to help] educate more young and promising 4Hers" - Joy M.

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

The Long Lake Leaders Club created a window display promoting 4-H at the Cambridge Public Library.

Join us Tuesday, October 20th 4pm-5:30pm for a hands-on introduction to perennial flower seed saving at Springvale County Park, 3361 Hwy 95 NW, Cambridge, MN 55008. We will meet at the park pavilion, and a map and more information will be emailed to those who register.

Participants of all ages will learn about seed biology, natural seed dispersal strategies and ecological impact, and best practices for collecting and storing seeds from perennial flowers. Through guided exploration and interactive activities, we'll discover how seeds develop, spread, and survive in nature.

Participants will have the opportunity to collect seeds during the program and take home the seeds they harvest to plant and enjoy next year. No experience is necessary.

Register by 10/19 here: https://z.umn.edu/IsantiSeedCollecting

In this fun, hands-on 1.5 hour class, kids will dive into the exciting world of 3D design using TinkerCAD. Students will learn how to build their own custom bookmark or dice by combining shapes, resizing objects, and experimenting with simple modeling tools. By the end of the session, they will have designed their own custom 3D model and discovered how their ideas can become real objects through 3D printing.

Audience: Isanti 4-H youth in grades 6 and up. If your child falls outside the listed age range but is interested in participating, please contact Cora to discuss eligibility. Not enrolled in 4-H? Join today at z.umn.edu/join4h

Cost $5 per participant.

Registrations limited to 5 participants per 1.5 hour time slot. There are 5 spots remaining as of sending this message. There will be two timeslots on Saturday November 14th (2pm-3:30pm and 3:30pm-5pm) at the Isanti Government Center. Participants may have to pickup their 3D printed items at a later date.

Registration closes Monday November 2nd. Register today at https://Isanti3D.4honline.com

Youth in grades 6+ are invited to Central Lakes College in Staples on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. for a day of hands-on learning!

Learn about food safety, carcass grading, meat science & anatomy, careers in the industry, and what happens from farm to table—all while learning from industry professionals!

$10/person - includes lunch & supplies. Scholarships are available contact Cora.

Space is limited. Register by October 19 in 4-HOnline. z.umn.edu/MeatScienceDay

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.

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

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.

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)

Amazing opportunity! We are looking for youth and families to be a part of the 4-H Pups and Learning (PAL) Program. The PAL Program partners 4-H youth and their families with a 1-year-old assistance dog-in-training for six months. Youth attend training classes with the dog, take it on public outings, and learn about the lives and rights of people with disabilities. 4-H’ers and families will gain hands-on experience in dog training and help dogs practice core obedience and socialization skills for their future roles as assistance dogs. Participants also learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act. This rewarding program is an amazing way for youth to learn as well as provide a service and allow you time to appreciate the dog in one opportunity!

Details:

• Youth age 14-19 are eligible to be a part of this outstanding program opportunity.
• Youth and families to fill out an interest form which will get you connected to a staff person to answer your questions you may have and learn more about the program. Interest form due October 26! (completing this form doesn’t lock you into the program or guarantee dog placement).
• After connecting with staff you will be invited to complete the volunteer paperwork with Can Do Canines for placement approval if you choose.
• You will be required to attend an orientation session on either November 9 or December 7 at Can Do Canines in New Hope, MN
• Dogs will be placed on January 22 with placement lasting until June.
• Showcase opportunity at the Minnesota State Fair in 2027

Come for a fun-filled day of project workshops for Cloverbuds through adult volunteers. Sessions include a Cloverbud Outdoor Day Camp, environmental service leadership, outdoor recreation, and more!

The 2026 4-H Outdoor Education Summit will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, MN.

Registration opens on 4-H Online on October 1 and closes November 13. Learn more at https://extension.umn.edu/event/4-h-outdoor-education-summit

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