MURRAY COUNTY 4-H NEWSLETTER
December 15, 2025
Come celebrate our year in review!
The Murray County 4-H Annual Awards Banquet will be held on January 11, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. in the Murray County 4-H Building (3048 Broadway Ave., Slayton, MN 56172). *This year, we are trying a new date! Currie Poco-a-Poco will be hosting with a theme of "You Cannoli do your Best," a pasta bar and desserts will be served. Please RSVP for the banquet at https://z.umn.edu/MCawardsbanquet
Open to new and existing poultry exhibitors!
Due to last week's Blizzard, this has been rescheduled to Dec 15. Feel free to join us tonight!
Murray County 4-H is inviting you to join us for our first ever Poultry Night event! With the increased interest in the poultry project area, we thought this would be beneficial to host this workshop open to new, current or interested 4-H members.
When: Tuesday, December 15 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Murray County 4-H Building (3048 Broadway Ave., Slayton, MN 56172)
Cost: FREE
Things you will learn:
- How and why to select certain breeds of birds
- What class do my birds belong to at the fair
- General care of poultry
- Showmanship, rules and etiquette
There will be a meal provided.
Bloom into Leadership – A Growth Opportunity for Your Child
Looking for a way to help your child build confidence and leadership skills? BLU (Building Leadership and Understanding) is a hands-on workshop hosted by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors for youth in grades 6 and up. Participants will learn communication strategies, practice conflict resolution, and engage in service projects focused on Disaster Relief & Emergency Response. No prior leadership experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to learn! Bloom into Leadership and register today: https://z.umn.edu/4-HBLU
Open Now!
Yes, it's that time of year already...Re-enrollment for Murray County 4-H opens today! It allows you to update your family information, address, email, etc. This is also the time to select your primary club with the option the enroll in a secondary club (for example Horse Club or Llama/ Alpaca Club). Staff want to make sure you are getting the information you need and answer any questions you may have!
Every year, starting September 15, each youth from Cloverbud to grade 13 need to be enrolled. Families can do that by visiting https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in. Update all the info, share any new project areas you might be interested in learning about so you can receive the appropriate emails throughout the year regarding information and deadlines for those particular project areas.
Here is a 4-H Online 'Tip Sheet' for enrolling/ re-enrolling to help with the process offering step-by-step instructions.
Volunteers need to be updated every third year. You should have received a message prior to September 15 if it's your year to renew. It will include directions as well as the link https://4-h-volunteer.extension.umn.edu/welcome-or-renew/renew. If it's not your year, 4-H staff will handle the rollover for you.
Thank you for taking the time to do this - the sooner your enrollment gets completed, the less emails and reminders you will receive.
Thank you for making Murray County 4-H the best it can be!😃
Registration is open!
Attached are the flyers that will be sent home with MCC and Fulda youth grades K - 6. We would love to have your 4-H youth join us once a month for our After-School-Adventures program. Youth do not need to be a member of a 4-H community club, but do need to complete the 4-H online registration
(https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in) to participate. Youth do not need to attend MCC or Fulda Schools to participate.
Visit https://z.umn.edu/2025-2026afterschoo4HAdventures to get a flyer if your youth does not attend MCC or Fulda. Please note that each school location has different dates, so be sure to sign up for the location that best works for you.
Virtual Program
Get ready to turn up the heat and bring on the holiday cheer! Let’s cook it up on Tuesdays throughout the season as our youth chefs take over the kitchen to prepare their favorite holiday dishes—from cozy comfort foods to sweet festive treats. Along with cooking, participants will share the stories and traditions behind their dishes, celebrating the memories and flavors that make the holidays special. It’s all about creativity, culture, and connection as we share recipes, learn new skills, and taste the magic of the season together.
Join us from the comfort of your own kitchen on the following dates:
Dec. 16, and 23
from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
For youth in grades K-13. Registration is through 4-H Online. There is no deadline to register.
Virtual Program
Get ready to explore the wild side of Minnesota—right from home! Discover amazing amphibians and reptiles, learn how they survive in our lakes, forests and wetlands, and find out why they’re so important to nature. We’ll also share simple, fun ways to help protect these incredible creatures and their habitats. This exciting program is full of learning and discovery, designed to spark curiosity and a love of wildlife.
Dates:
December: 18
January: 8, 15 & 22
from 7 - 8 p.m.
For grades K - 13. Registration is through 4-H online and there is no deadline to register.
Are you interested in learning more about sewing, or want to improve the skills you already have? 🧵
Join Nobles, Jackson, and Martin County 4-H on Monday, December 29, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., for a sewing workshop at Jackson Middle School (703 Mill Rd E, Lakefield, MN 56150).
Open to all levels of sewers in grades 3+, from beginners to experts! 4-H will lead the group through a few simple fun projects, but you are welcome to bring a project you have already started.
Register using 4-H Online by going to z.umn.edu/TriCountySewingWorkshop before December 22!
Virtual Program
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: Dec. 17; Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1,8. 4-H youth can earn up to four virtual hours of wildlife for shooting sports.
Questions? Contact Stacy Johnson or Suzanne Souza.
Murray County 4-H 2025 - 2026 Schedule of Events
Please take a moment to download or print the 2024 - 2025 Murray County 4-H calendar.
We're excited to invite you to our Super Sitters virtual series this winter! Whether you're new to babysitting or looking to sharpen your skills, this engaging and interactive series will give you the tools and confidence to become a super sitter hero!
Dates: Dec. 16
Time: 5:45 to 7 p.m.
Who: Youth in grades 4+
Cost: Absolutely free!
Each session will be packed with useful tips, engaging activities, and practical knowledge to help you succeed in caring for younger children safely and responsibly. Don’t miss out—become the sitter every family wants!
Can download on Apple or Android Devices!
We have an app available that provides easy access to all things Murray County 4-H and Fair season!
Please take the time to download and utilize for access to show programs, stalling survey, Foodstand menu and so much more!
Available in the Apple App Store or Google Play! Search 'Minnesota 4-H' to download!
Become a Murray County 4-H Ambassador!
Join the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors! We meet typically once a month for leadership opportunities, youth engagement, ambassador outings, and service projects. Youth in grades 8 and up are invited to join the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors. Fill out the attached link
https://z.umn.edu/MCAmbassador
There will not be an ambassador meeting in January, but Ambassadors will be helping out at the awards banquet on January 11.
Looking to volunteer with Murray County 4-H?
Contact the Extension staff at (507)-836-6927
We would love to see the positive impact you could make in our program!
Murray County 4-H would like to welcome Jazilyn Buys as our newest volunteer. Jazilyn was an amazing member of our Horse project and the Chandler Hilltoppers's during her years of Murray County 4-H. She is planning on helping out with horse practices this summer. Welcome Back Jazi!
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1144 ✉️hausek@umn.edu
SLAYTON, MN 56172
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1145
SLAYTON, MN 56172