Friday Forecast - 4/8/22
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter- April 8, 2022
Welcome to the Dakota County 4-H Friday Forecast
Enroll in Dakota County 4-H before participating in 4-H activities
Youth are required to re-enroll each year in 4-H Online 2.0. For liability purposes, 4-H’ers need to have a completed enrollment on file to participate in club, county and regional/state events. Enrollment support can be found here.
Families should submit the Family Member Dues Payment Form 2021-2022 prior to participating in 4-H events. Contact Cherie at frand004@umn.edu if you have questions. Dues payments can be mailed to the Extension Office or placed in the drop box between the front doors of the Extension Office. Scholarships are available to cover dues if needed and can be requested by completing the dues payment form.
How to register in 4-H Online for 4-H events/workshops
Registration for 4-H workshops and events will take place in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide has step-by-step instructions to walk you through how to register. To register for an event in 4-H Online, the participant must be an active member in 4-H Online. If you are new to 4-H, please select the “Virtual 4-H” or “In Person Camp/Event” club for your county. In the projects field, choose the project your primary focus is on and any other project areas you have an interest in. Please contact Cherie if you have questions.
Animal Science Identification Deadline - May 16; details now posted
The animal science identification information is available on the Dakota County 4-H website under Events and news. The deadline to order MN 4-H ear tags is April 18, to allow time for tag distribution. Complete the Tag Request Form to order tags and reserve an ear tagger. Tags and tagger will be distributed from the Dakota County Extension office in Farmington.
No Sheep and Goat Weigh In for 2022; families self ID and weigh animals by May 16
In 2022 there will not be a central weigh in for sheep and goat. ALL market animals must be tagged (identified) with a MN 4-H ear tag by 4-H families before the May 16 deadline. Having a beginning weight is optional for families. Families who would like to participate in the rate of gain classes at the county fair, must weigh their own animals in addition to tagging their own animals. To participate in the rate of gain classes at the county fair, youth will have to register for the rate of gain class in FairEntry by the county fair registration deadline.
**ALL families should complete the Tag Request Form by April 18, even if they are not ordering 4-H ear tags. Tags must be pre-ordered by April 18 and cost $2 per tag.
Farm Service Agency loans available for youth
Minnesota State Fair Scholarship due Aug. 1
Specialized agricultural license plate benefitting Minnesota 4-H and FFA now available
YELLO Leadership Conference registration opens April 1; exciting changes for 2022! Register by May 20
The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are excited to invite youth in grades 7+ to take part in Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) at Bemidji State University June 14 - 17.
YELLO is a 4-day, 3-night leadership development experience that is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors. YELLO includes messages from nationally-recognized speakers, group networking experiences, field trips and opportunities to contribute to the local community through service.
New this year: Youth will be able to opt in to ride the bus to YELLO! There will be routes throughout the state with several stops on each route for participants to get on the bus to go to YELLO. Youth will be able to pick their choice for stops when they register in 4-HOnline. Also new this year, a day-long deep dive experience named “Destination Exploration”. On Thursday of the conference, youth will spend a full day exploring a topic of their choosing. Sessions will include hands-on activities and campus/community immersion, with connection to potential careers, academic programs, and/or 4-H project areas. Youth participants will rank their topic during the registration process. See the tentative schedule for more details. The YELLO Frequently Asked Questions is a great place to start if you have questions.
The cost to attend YELLO is $250, with an additional $40 fee for opting in to ride the bus. Youth will register via 4-H Online. Dakota County 4-H Federation will be covering the cost of the bus for Dakota County 4-H members and providing a scholarship of $125 to off-set the registration fee, in exchange for working an additional food or malt stand shift at the fair. Registration deadline is May 20. Please direct questions about YELLO to yello@umn.edu.
Grade K-2: Earth Wise Cloverbud Workshop April 23; register by April 15
Sign up to join the fun on Saturday, April 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington for this in-person, fun earth-themed workshop. Activities include learning about water and how to care for the world around us, making crafts, and participating in hands-on fun. Cloverbud workshops are fun-filled events led by the Dakota County 4-H Ambassador team. Workshops feature age-appropriate programs focusing on fun, safe, non-competitive activities meant to engage youth and create new friendships. The University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Cloverbud Program is designed specifically for youth in grades Kindergarten through second grade (K-2). Participants must be enrolled in Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of Sept. 1 of the current year to enroll as a Cloverbud. Dakota County 4-H Cloverbud members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends (grade K-2) to workshops too! All youth must pre-register in 4-H Online. Registration is due Friday, April 15. Contact Cherie if you have questions. Remaining Cloverbud workshop: May 14
Grade 3-5: Earth Wise Sprouts Workshop April 23; register by April 15
The Dakota County 4-H Sprouts program is back for the 2021-22 year. The April 23 workshop will be Earth-themed. This free in-person workshop will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Activities include learning about water and how to take care of the world around us, making crafts, and participating in hands-on fun. Workshops and activities are geared toward 4-H youth currently in grades 3-5. Sprouts is a new group designed as a continuation of the cloverbud program. New and returning members are welcome to join in on the fun! At the Sprouts workshops, youth will meet new friends, participate and practice leading activities, and create exciting projects! All youth must pre-register in 4-H Online. Registration is due Friday, April 15. Contact Cherie if you have questions. Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have any questions about the workshop. Remaining Sprouts workshop: May 14.
Summer Day Camp Counselor Opportunities - apply by May 31
Dakota County 4-H staff are looking for enthusiastic, positive youth leaders to volunteer as day camp counselors for two different day camps this summer. Any youth who has completed 7th grade and up is welcome to apply.
· Wednesday, June 29- K-3rd Grade (7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.); Training: June 22 (6-7:30 p.m.)
· Thursday, July 13- 4-5th Grade (7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.); Training: July 6 (6-7:30 p.m.)
Camps will be in-person, day-long experiences at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington. Responsibilities of camp counselors include: leading small groups through activities where youth will learn about butterflies, caterpillars, bugs, and bees (no live bees), playing games, activities, and crafts. Counselors must attend the mandatory training sessions prior to camp to review activities. Counselors receive a free camp t-shirt as well as snacks and beverages.
Applications are due May 31 via 4honline 2.0. If you have any questions contact Kirsten Pederson or Rachel Rezac.
Apply to a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador; online application due April 15
We are looking for youth leaders to serve on the 2022 - 2023 Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador team!
The State Ambassador team is composed of youth from across Minnesota who are selected to a one-year term. They contribute meaningfully to 4-H and their communities through service, promotion and education on civic engagement and leadership. Together, the team represents the diversity of 4-H projects and program types and participants that come from all corners of Minnesota. Online application due April 15.
State Ambassadors are role models for other youth involved in the Minnesota 4-H program, and are expected to positively represent the 4-H program. During their one-year term, they take part in a variety of activities to promote and represent 4-H. They plan and implement high-quality programming for Minnesota’s youth. State Ambassadors gather in person four times per year for personal leadership development activities, and to work as a team to create opportunities for middle and high school youth. At regional leadership workshops BLU (Building Leadership and Understanding) and the statewide leadership conference YELLO (Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities), the State Ambassadors carry out their plans, and teach and facilitate educational sessions for the youth participants. In addition to these great events, the State Ambassadors also host Ambassador Connecting with Ambassadors, their podcast Cloverchat and a statewide service project!
Hop to it with the 4-H Rabbit Project series starting April 11; register by April 10
This 4-week virtual learning series is open to all youth interested in learning more about the MN 4-H Rabbit Project.
Webinar is 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the following nights:
April 11: Grow with your project: Large rabbit breed exploration
April 18: Small but mighty: Let's learn about small breed rabbits
April 25: A fryer?? What you need to know about market rabbits
May 2: Happy & Healthy: Rabbit health
Registration required by April 10 in 4-H Online.
Cost is free.
New Regional Club Leader Training - April 12; register by April 8
You are invited to register to attend the Central Region Roundtable for New 4-H Club Leaders. This is specifically planned for club leaders who have been in the role for two or fewer years. We know that being a club leader during this timeframe has been especially challenging due to the chaos of COVID and therefore you may or may not have experienced what it’s “normally” like being a club leader. You may have likely had to figure out how to meet virtually, in-person and even in a combination of both of these and may now be facing some unique challenges in revitalizing your club. Based on feedback from other new club leaders in our region, we are offering this as an opportunity to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and get support for the important work you are doing with young people in 4-H. This will also be an exciting opportunity to connect with leaders both from and outside of your county.
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: Online/Zoom
Register online at https://z.umn.edu/LeaderRoundtable by April 8.
MN Horse Tack Sale - April 14-16 at MN State Fairgrounds; volunteers needed April 12-16
Interested in buying or selling tack gear and/or supplies? If so, plan to attend the State Horse Expo on April 14, 15, 16 held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
Volunteers are needed to help with the Tack Sale April 12-16. Funds are used for the State 4-H Horse Program. For information on how you can help, visit Horse Expo Tack Sale.
SPAM Museum Tour - April 30; register by April 19
Everyone is invited to join the Dakota County 4-H Swine project on a tour of the SPAM Museum on April 30 in Austin, MN. We will be leaving the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington at 9 a.m. and returning at 2 p.m. Field trip is open to youth grades 3 and older, however 3 & 4th graders must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The cost is $10 per person which covers the cost of transportation and lunch at Pizza Ranch on on our way home..
Register in 4-H Online by April 19. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent or contact Cherie at frand004@umn.edu.
4-H Camp Registration - only a few spots remain!
Registration Form -Dakota and Washington County 4-H Camp - Grades 3-8
4-H Day Camp Dates for 2022
Save the dates for the 2022 4-H day camps at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington! Campers will learn about the world of butterflies, caterpillars, bugs, and bees (NO LIVE BEES). This entomology-inspired camp will feature live animals, games, activities, and crafts. All participants receive a camp t-shirt if registered by camp deadline. Campers must have completed Kindergarten to attend. University of Minnesota staff and trained counselors will ensure your camper has a blast! Camp is open to youth in grades K-5, so invite your non-4-H friends to join you for a day of fun! Camp will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $35/camper.
- Camp for grades K-3: Wednesday, June 29
- Camp for grades 4-5: Wednesday, July 13
Note: Current health and safety protocol issued from the University of Minnesota, in regards to Covid, will be followed at the time of camp. Staff strive to hold as many activities outdoors as is possible, weather permitting.
Babysitters Training Series starting April 26; register by April 21
In this online webinar 5 part series 4-H staff and guest presenters will help you gain the skills needed to take care of the kids in your neighborhood. Created for both young babysitters and those wanting a refresher this series gives you the opportunity to sharpen your skills and become a safe, reliable babysitter. Register by April 21 to receive link to join.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Who: Youth grade 5+
The deadline to register is April 21. To register, log in, or if new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent or contact torg0016@umn.edu
Fillmore County 4-H Rabbit Fun Show & Education Clinics - April 30
Cost is $2 per rabbit for the show; FREE education clinics
Show registration: 9-10 a.m.
Show begins: 11 a.m. (MN State Fair breed classes and a Cloverbud class)
Showmanship, Tattooing, & Judging Clinics: Begin at 9:30 a.m.
Awards Given: Best in Show, Reserve in Show, Best of Breeds, and 1st-3rd ribbons for each class. Champion and Reserve Junior, Intermediate and Senior Showmanship.
-Food stand hosted by Fillmore County 4-H Rabbit Project
-Please feel free to bring rabbis available for sale.
All proceeds will go to help fund the Fillmore County Rabbit project for educational clinics and resources.
This is a 4-H event and all 4-H rules and policies will be followed. All participants must be enrolled in 4-H upon showing. If not currently enrolled, paperwork will be available for youth to have one day membership.
Please contact the Fillmore County Extension Office at507-765-3896 or phill684@umn.edu
2022-23 Federation Officer Election
The Dakota County 4-H Federation is run by youth officers that help to lead meetings for both our Federation and our Executive Board. Meetings take place on the second Monday of each month. To run for an officer position, youth must have completed 6th grade and have completed two years of membership in 4-H.
Available positions to run for include: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and eight Youth Representatives. We are also in need of two adults to serve as adult representatives. All youth positions are one-year terms and the adult positions are two-year terms.
Duties of each office include:
President: presides over meetings, helps build and craft the agenda, assures the meetings run in an orderly manner and strives to make sure all member's opinions are heard
Vice President: fills in for the president and presides over the meeting if the president is absent, assists with committees
Secretary: records all of the business of the meeting and keeps a record of attendance, responsible for providing a report of the previous months minutes at each meeting
Treasurer: responsible for keeping track of and reporting the income and expenses for the Federation, writing checks and working with the adult treasurer and finance team to draft an annual budget
Youth and Adult Representatives: help with guiding the decisions and overall structure of the program
We encourage you to join us on Monday, May 9 starting at 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, we ask that you plan on participating in our annual meeting where we will be voting for our 2022-2023 4-H officers.
Additional nominations for officer positions will be accepted during the meeting.
The form to nominate or sign up can be found here: https://forms.gle/hBk7zhMXUmBQp2Ns8
Dakota County Extension Committee, Apply Today!
Provide youth voice on the Dakota County Extension Committee - Apply Today!
There are two open positions on the Dakota County Extension Committee for youth in grades 10-12 who live in Dakota County. These positions are important in providing input to the University of Minnesota Extension and Dakota County partnership, which includes the 4-H program. The commitment is four evening meetings a year for a one year term. Please contact Tammy McCulloch, Extension Regional Director to learn more and apply at tammym@umn.edu or 612-735-6161. What a great way to learn about local government, build your resume and ensure that Extension programs address community needs!
Provide Community Voice on the Dakota County Extension Committee - Apply Today
There are two open positions on the Dakota County Extension Committee for district 1 (Cities of Coates, Farmington, Hampton, Hastings, Miesville, New Trier, Randolph, Vermillion, Northfield Precinct 2; Townships of Castle Rock, Douglas, Empire, Eureka, Greenvale, Hampton, Marshan, Nininger, Randolph, Ravenna, Sciota, Vermillion and Waterford) and district 6 (City of Lakeville). These positions are important in providing input to the University of Minnesota Extension and Dakota County partnership, which includes the 4-H and Master Gardener programming. The commitment is four evening meetings a year for a two-year term. What a great way to learn about local government and ensure that Extension programs address community needs! You can learn more and apply at https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Government/CAC/Extension. Feel free to contact Tammy McCulloch with questions at 612.735.6161 or tammym@umn.edu.
4-H Zooming into Wildlife series begins April 18; register by April 11
Calling all wildlife lovers - registration is now open for another round of Zooming into Wildlife! This unique series will give youth the opportunity to use a trail camera while meeting weekly over Zoom to share their photos, plus hear from engaging guest speakers. Speakers will include the MN Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Osprey Wilds, Three Rivers Park District, Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology, and more! Trail cameras are a great way to explore wildlife habits and learn about the environment outdoors. Participants have the opportunity to purchase an affordable trail camera if they do not currently have one. The Zooming into Wildlife Spring Series is geared towards youth 4th grade and up, but younger 4-H members can participate with parental guidance. Participants must be in "active" member status to participate. Go to 4-H Online to register by the April 11 deadline.
Ambassadors Connecting with Ambassadors, April 11
The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors will be hosting ACWA (Ambassadors Connecting with Ambassadors). Join with youth from across the state to build connections.
Were you unable to attend Building Leadership and Understanding? Have no fear. You will be able to participate in an online version of one of the sessions taught at BLU 2022 and get a sneak peek at what is happening at YELLO! Registration required.
When: Monday, April 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hosted by the State Ambassadors for Local Ambassadors.
Audience: Youth in grades 6+.
4-H Ag & Hort Afternoon Adventures - April 12: Farm Safety
This 4-H Ag & Hort Afternoon Adventure will take a look at driverless tractors, drones, and GPS. This 4-H Ag & Hort Afternoon Adventure will look at how technology is helping in agriculture. This series is open to youth in grades 3-5 and is a free event. Registration required.
Other classes include: May 10: Crop Damage
Get Into Goats! at the Wadena County in-person workshop series starting April 23; register by April 15
The cost for this camp is $30 per family. See 2022 Wadena Goat Camp for more information about each session. Register for the 2022 Wadena Goat Camp in 4-H Online by April 15. Enrollment must be approved in 4-H Online before registration. Contact welcome4h@umn.edu with enrollment questions.
Engineering Design Challenge- teams forming now
In the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge, youth develop critical thinking, creativity, innovation and problem solving skills, and have fun at the same time! Each year, teams of youth in grades 3 and up and family teams solve a theme-based engineering challenge. The 2022 challenge is to design and build a machine to save energy by turning a light on and off.
While working with caring adults, teams apply engineering principles to plan and build a machine that completes a task. Minnesota 4-H supports volunteer coaches every step of the way with curriculum, project ideas and learning activities. No expertise is required.
If you are interested in being on a team email Abby at torg0016@umn.edu. We are looking for coaches too!
Statewide 4-H Dairy Net Merit Workshop - April 28; register April 22
Have you wondered what net merit is and the importance it plays in the evaluation of your dairy cattle? A virtual workshop on dairy net merit on April 28 for youth in grades 6+ will take a deeper look at the importance of investing in genetics when choosing dairy animals by incorporating genetics and genomics can influence lifetime profitability. Emphasis will be placed on show animals for the fair season to better understand how the formula is used to calculate net merit. This online workshop will be from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28. Registration deadline is April 22.
Enroll in 4-H online for the 2021-2022 year - if you haven’t already done so
Please register for the 4-H Dairy Net Merit workshop in the “Events” section of 4HOnline. This 4-H Online event registration guide may be helpful. You will need to register each youth individually.
4-H Lamb Lead Workshop - May 1; register by April 25
Do you participate in Lamb Lead? Have you wanted to but did not know where to start? Now is the perfect time to start learning more on how to select an outfit, review and practice interview questions and learn tips and tricks for in the show ring to impress the judge.
The 4-H Lamb Lead Workshop will meet virtually on Sunday, May 1 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Register in 4-H Online by April 25 to receive the link to participate. To register, log in, or if new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent.
On My Own - virtual series starts May 5; register by April 25
We are excited to offer a new On my own virtual series to prepare youth in grades 3 -6, who are now or will be staying home on their own. This class will be held in three virtual sessions from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, May 5, 12 & 19.
Topics will include:
Emergency situations
First aid checklist
Kitchen safety
Fire safety
Making a 911 call
Internet safety
We will make a home fire escape plan, review questions to ask with parents before staying home alone and many more activities.
Register for this free event in MN.4Honline.com
Questions? Email Becky Moe, moexx045@umn.edu or Stacy Hall, smhall@umn.edu
What's Your Dill? Pickles and Pickling 4-H Food Preservation Program starts May 17; register by May 5
Do you love pickles? Join us for this 4-H Food Preservation series as we explore pickles and pickling! Participants will learn to make their own refrigerator pickles, dill pickles and more. Open to 4-H members in grades 3-13. Online learning series is free. Registration required by May 5.
We'll gather on May 17 at 7 p.m. to kick off our event. Learn about what to expect, how our session will work, and get to know other participants. Before you start making pickles, join us for an online informational session on July 6 at 7 p.m. In this session, we will discuss food preservation safety, basics of canning and the equipment you'll need to preserve pickles. A Zoom link will be provided to registered participants. Our program will wrap up on August 15, when we'll meet on Zoom at 7 p.m. to talk about our favorite pickles and reflect on our experience.
Grade K-2: Farm Fun Cloverbud Workshop May 14; register by May 6
Grade 3-5: Farm Fun Sprouts Workshop May 14; register by May 6
The Dakota County 4-H Sprouts program is back for the 2021-22 year. The May 14 workshop will be farm-themed. This free in-person workshop will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Youth will learn about all things farm-related, make crafts and participate in hands-on fun. Workshops and activities are geared toward 4-H youth currently in grades 3-5. Sprouts is a new group designed as a continuation of the cloverbud program. New and returning members are welcome to join in on the fun! At the Sprouts workshops, youth will meet new friends, participate and practice leading activities, and create exciting projects! Register for the Sprouts workshops in 4-H Online. Registration is due Friday, May 6. Contact Cherie if you have questions. Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have any questions about the workshop.
4-H Photography Virtual Workshop - May 21; register by May 13
Gopher Dairy Camp - June 23-25; registration due May 6
Gopher Dairy Camp is June 23-25 at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul Campus and is hosted by the University of Minnesota's Gopher Dairy Club in cooperation with the Minnesota 4-H Dairy Project Committee and Minnesota Livestock Breeder's Association. Camp is open to youth who have completed grades 6-9 in June 2022, but haven't yet started grade 10.
Cost is $75; registration deadline is May 6. Camp is limited to 100 youth and registration is first come, first serve.
Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp - June 13-15; register by June 3
Do you need help with structuring, completing and presenting a set of oral reasons? Do you want to enhance your livestock evaluation and selection skills? Do you want to become better with oral reasons? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp is for you! Camp will be held June 13-15 and is open to youth in grades 6-12. Cost is $130 and covers meals, lodging, activities, supplies and a camp t-shirt. Registration is due June 3.
Presented by the University of Minnesota Livestock Judging Team and Coach Kyle Rozeboom, you will learn the basic fundamentals of livestock judging and evaluation, receive instruction with oral reasons, and become more confident with livestock judging!
Space Exploration
4-H and JOANN
Purchases made with the JOANN 4-H Rewards card help support the opportunity for all kids to experience hands on learning. Custom 4-H fabric is now available at JOANN stores or online. See the fabric designs. Share your creations on social media with #JOANNLOVES4H.
Sign up to become a Dakota County 4-H Ambassador!
Sign-up here to participate in the 2021-22 Ambassador program.
The Dakota County 4-H Ambassador program allows youth to take part in activities to help them become leaders and good citizens. A 4-H Ambassador is a self-motivated, enthusiastic leader who promotes the organization using the skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities acquired in 4-H. They serve to strengthen the 4-H program through public relations and serve as a positive role model for younger members. Some past activities include: participating in community service projects, planning and leading Cloverbud activities, and promoting 4-H throughout Dakota County. Contact Rachel for information on the Ambassador program.
4-H Horseless Horse Program continues
It's not too late to join the 4-H Horseless Horse program for the 2021–22 4-H year! Sessions are held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. The HLH program is for Dakota County youth enrolled in grade 3 or older. Participants must enroll in 4-H Online and register for the Horseless Horse project. See the family user's guide for assistance with 4-H Online enrollment. A schedule and more details are available on the Dakota County 4-H website. Events are the 2nd and 4th Thursday nights beginning at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $60/participant. Pre-registration required.
Upcoming sessions include: April 14 (virtual) and April 28 (In-person)
Steppin' Outdoors with Minnesota 4-H Challenge
Participants can use any step counter/mile tracker including smartphone apps or pedometers. Once each individual registers, our team will send a personalized form to track distance and time outdoors. And for some extra fun (and a little competition), we will offer monthly mini-challenges that integrate outdoor skills and 4-H projects. We might even see which county can get outdoors the most!
Register in 4-H Online, search for Steppin’ Outdoor Challenge. See the event registration guide for assistance with registration. If you are new to 4-H, please select the "In Person Camp/Event" club for your county.
Volunteers needed to become certified Shooting Sports and Wildlife Instructors
4-H Dog Supersession open to all dog enthusiasts - May 21
4-H Dog Supersession is a super fun learning experience for all dog project members. Youth in grades 3+, their families, trainers, and youth and adult dog project leaders are all welcome to attend. Participants will bring their project dogs and gain experience in obedience, rally, showmanship and agility classes as well as learn about how they can enjoy their dogs throughout their lives. Special presentations by an AKC representative will encourage 4-H members to explore activities like barn hunt, disk dog, tricks and dock diving. The session will also encourage positive methods for retrieving, nosework/scentwork, grooming, presenting, and careers with dogs.
4-H Dog Supersession will be held at the Twin Cities Obedience Training Club in Minneapolis on May 21. More details on registration to come.
MN 4-H Outdoor Adventure projects
- Shooting Sports and wildlife
- Fishing
- Wildlife biology
- ATV safety
- Hiking
- Self-determined
4-H Plastic Art Sculpture Challenge is back for 2022
Youth, clubs and families are invited to make an amazing piece of art by repurposing (upcycling) single-use or "found" plastics! So much fun is in store! Watch for details, tips, and news of the 4-H BIG Build in the coming weeks!
This great challenge combines art, engineering design, science, environmental sustainability, service, and creativity! The challenge is open to all ages as individuals, teams, clubs, and family groups!
How to become a 4-H judge for fairs and 4-H events
Judging makes 4-H competitions possible! To be a judge, you don't need to be 4-H alum or an expert. You do need to know how to evaluate the learning that a 4-H'er has done. We will train you to do that.
Once you are signed up as a judge and have done your basic training, your name will be in our judges database, which 4-H staff use to locate judges for events. Some projects require specialist judging training. Find out how to become a judge.
Seeking 4-H Project Workshop Instructors and Ideas
Do you have a special interest or skill to share? Have an idea for a workshop or a connection for a workshop that you feel the 4-H’ers would enjoy? Let us know!!! 4-H staff are looking for volunteers to help lead new workshops this winter. If you have an interest in leading a workshop or have a suggestion of a great new idea please contact Abby.
Some specific classes looking for instructors include;
- Valentines Candy/ Cookie Decorating
- Fishing Sports- fishing lure making
- Graphic Design
- Cultural Cooking
- Shop/ Wood Science
- Photography
- Drama/ Theatre/ Performing Arts
- Career Exploration
- Demonstrations
Hosts Needed for Free Little Pantries
University of MN Center for Family Development FREE webinars
Join us to learn about educational resources and tools to help families navigate financial choices. Together we'll work on building knowledge and skills around homeownership, credit, budgeting and saving, and changing financial needs across the lifespan. We'll also share culturally appropriate tools and educational resources to support American Indian and Latino communities. These online webinars are for individuals, families, educators and agency staff.
April 12 - Make Money Make Sense
April 14 - Thrifty Thursdays - Budgeting Using Apps or Excel
April 19 - Get Ready, Get Set, Get Going: A Guide to Money Management
April 21 - Thrifty Thursdays - Budgeting with an Envelope System
April 28 - Thrifty Thursdays - Plugging Your Spending Leaks
Family Friendly Earth Care Series
Join Extension for a webinar series for families to learn more and take actions for global health and wellness. Learn about ways to eat healthier for the planet, including reducing food waste, composting and reducing your family's carbon footprint. Learn hands-on activities for all ages that promote wellness through being in nature.
April 21 - Reducing your Family’s Carbon Footprint
The leading a 4-H club web page has launched
Resources for club leaders and volunteers leading a 4-H club have been reorganized. Explore these categories: Beginning the 4-H year, leading a 4-H club meeting (organized around a sample agenda), managing 4-H club operations, and ways to support club members. Suggest improvements to the site by using the gray “feedback” button on the right side of the screen.
Club Project Kits Available
- Crop art
- Geology
- Water Color
- MN Birds
- STEM
- Wood Burning
- Snowshoes
- Cooking Kits
Summer State and Regional Offerings:
June 14-17, YELLO
September 9-11, State Shooting Sports Invitational
Summer Camps:
June 13-15 - Resident Camp - Grades 3-8- Baker Outdoor Learning Center in Maple Plain
June 29 - Day camp - grade K-3 - Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington
July 13 - Day camp - grade 4-5 - Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington
Judging Dates/ Fair Dates:
- July 11 - Fair Entry registrations due in FairEntry.com
- July 20 - Photography, Computer, and Video judging
- July 21 - Demonstration and Illustrated Presentation judging
- August 3 - Clothing and Fashion Revue judging
- August 5 - Oversized exhibit drop off
- August 6 - Static/Indoor project judging
- August 8-14 - Dakota County Fair
Dakota County 4-H Contacts
Abby Wagner: torg0016@umn.edu, 651-480-7752
Anja Johnson: akoester@umn.edu, 651-480-7758
Rachel Rezac: reza0027@umn.edu, 651-480-7754
Kirsten Pederson: kapeders@umn.edu, 651-480-7722
Cherie Frandrup: frand004@umn.edu, 651-480-7702
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/dakota
Location: 4100 220th Street West, Suite 101, Farmington, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dakota.county4h