Things to do to get off to a good start
Enroll/Re-enroll youth for the 2022-2023 4-H year through 4honline. (4-H year runs from Oct. 1 - Sept. 30) To participate fully in county fair you must be enrolled by May 15.
- Enroll/Re-enroll as an adult volunteer. Complete the process now so you are ready to step in when you want to or are needed. Volunteer application.
- Pay County membership fee $25/youth or $100 max/family (youth only).
- Once your enrollment is complete you can start registering for events and activities. Save time and complete the enrollment process now. 4honline
- All links and information about enrollment/fees can be found at the end of this newsletter.
Still looking for a club to join?? Contact the club to confirm their meeting place and time. Feel free to attend multiple club meetings to find the right fit for your family. Once you have decided what club to join, please contact the club to make sure you are on their email list.
Feel like you missed something? All Family Newsletters are posted on our county website under resources.
January Food Drive - Jan. 28
Don't forget our 4-H food drive this Saturday! Let's take a moment to help our neighbors and donate items everyone could use.
Top Food Shelf Needs
- Cash: $25 cash donation goes a long way in purchasing food
- Spices and Oil: Salt/pepper, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, salad dressing, condiments, olive oil
- Canned Meats: Tuna, chicken, salmon, sardines
- Grains: Pasta, whole grain pasta, rice, quinoa, couscous
- Household Paper Items: Paper towels, toilet paper
- Shelf Stable Items: Whole grain, hot or cold, kid-friendly cereal and ready to eat soup
- Hygiene Products: Soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers (sizes 5&6), tampons, maxipads
This event is being held in conjunction with our 4-H Food Revue and Fair Foodie Challenge. Come take a look at what our 4-H members are cooking up while leaving a donation for the local food shelf. We will be accepting donations from 9 - 11 AM on Saturday, January 28 at Hooley Hall. Your community thanks you!
Shooting Sports orientation night - Jan. 30
4-H families who would like to learn about the Washington County 4-H Shooting Sports program are invited to attend an Informational evening on Monday, Jan 30th beginning at 7:00 pm at the Stillwater Gov’t Center(14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater).
4-H offers the following disciplines;
· BB Gun
· Pellet Rifle/Pistol
· Archery
· 22 Rifle
· Trap
· Black Powder
Our Trainers will be available to talk about the program and answer your questions. Registration material for the coming year will be available.
Note to current 4-H families participating in the Shooting Sports Program – On Monday evening, we will also kick off the Pheasants Forever Fundraiser to help keep registration fees low. Current 4-H members who participate in the Shooting Sports Program should come to this meeting to sign up and pick up your raffle tickets! If this fundraiser is not successful, the registration fee will be increased for those participating in the program!
Please pre-register if possible so we have enough materials on hand and we can contact you in case of inclement weather.
Youth Leadership Opportunity
Looking for youth voice on the Washington County Extension Committee. There are two open positions on the Washington County Extension Committee for youth in grades 9-12 who live in Washington County. These positions are important in providing input to the University of Minnesota Extension and Washington County partnership, which includes the 4-H and Extension Master Gardener program. The commitment is five 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!
Market Beef and Dairy Steer ID Deadline - Feb. 15
The animal ID deadline for Market Beef and Dairy Steers is Wednesday, Feb. 15th. An email has been sent to all 4-H members enrolled in the Beef Project with details on how to obtain 4-H ear tags and enter their data into 4honline. The Feb. 15th deadline is a state non-negotiable deadline. The breeding beef deadline is May 15th. If you plan to show market beef at the county fair and have questions, contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Creative Arts Night - Feb. 24
Join us for Creative Arts Night on Friday, February 24 at Hooley Hall starting at 5 pm sharp! We plan to finish up by 8:00 pm.
We could use a few parent volunteers, please indicate on the registration form if you can help.
Please fill out the form below, ranking the classes according to your interest. Your favorite class should be #1 and your least favorite # 6.
You will be taking three of the classes during the evening, we will try to get you into the ones you like.
Registration Deadline is February 13.
PLEASE:
- Be on time so you do not miss out on anything
- Wear old clothes or bring a paint shirt
- Bring a tray or low flat box to take your items home (some may still be wet)
Cost will be $15/participant. Payments should be made out to Washington County 4-H and sent to. Pre-registration is required. Payment at the door is $20.
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Pizza will be served for dinner.(gluten free can be added under food allergies)
Class Descriptions:
A. Linoleum Block Printing: Students should come with an idea, or sketch of a simple design they want to carve on a 3” X 4.5” block. After carving they will apply ink and print several cards. This is a hands-on course with very sharp carving knives. Safety carving boards (which ensure the student is always carving away from him or herself) will be provided.B. Fluid Art Painting: *Advanced course for 4-Hers in 5th grade or older.* The Acrylic pouring technique allows artists to apply color in puddles, pools and marble-like patterns. Learn how to make the paint to the correct consistency and what adding in silicone can do to the paint you create. This is a messy project, please wear old clothes or bring a painting shirt. Also, a low box to transport home up to 14x14 painting that will still be wet.
C. Polymer Clay 101 Class: The basics of working with polymer clay will be demonstrated, along with how to bake the clay for completed projects. Then there will be opportunities for free design, where participants can explore projects as they want. Or they may use the guides for whimsical projects such as, Smiley Snail picture holder, Rainbow Hedgehog Picture Holder, Dinosaur Pencil Topper, and Dancing Polar Bear Ornament.
D. Acrylic Painting: Together, step by step, we will paint a calm moonlight picture on canvas board. You will learn blending, how to show water reflections, and how to make a starry, moonlit night sky.
E. Weaving: Learn the fun art of weaving when you create a one-of-a-kind project. You will be using bright colored yarns and fabrics in your woven creation. You can also make pom poms using a fork to add to your weaving. Sign up for a simple adventure in weaving?
F. Wood burning: This class teaches texture and shading techniques that will be used to decorate a wooden item. You’re welcome to bring a pattern you want to burn from home or make up your own on the spot; there will also be a variety of patterns and ideas provided at class.
Calling all aspiring Graphic Designers! - Feb. 24
The County Fair Food Stand Committee would like to have advertising graphics done by you! The following posters are on the wish list.
Ice Pops (Otter Pops)
Breakfast at Hooley Hall
Daily Breakfast Special*
Daily Lunch/Dinner Special*
Soft Pretzels
Please have your final graphics completed on 8.5 x 11 paper and bring it to Creative Arts Night Friday, Feb. 24th beginning at 5:00 pm to be judged by your 4-H peers! The artwork will be then scanned for reproduction during the County Fair. Think about legibility, ease of read from a distance and walking by, catching people’s eyes, promoting food sales and 4-H. Please have a spot for hours to be applied for Breakfast and Daily Specials
* At this year’s Food Review, Foodie Challenge Winners will be selected to be highlighted as Daily Specials at the Food Stand during the county fair. The advertising should leave a 4x6 spot to attach a picture of the special and room for a description of the new product. There will be limited servings of the special.
Dog Project Workshop - Tricks Feb. 25
Join us on Saturday, February 25th from 9 AM - 11 AM at The Greater Dog for a sample of the Dog Project! This workshop is open to all youth in grades 3 and up, who would like to teach their dogs some new tricks! This is a great opportunity for youth to begin building a relationship with their dog, prior to dog training starting in the spring. We will learn 12 new tricks that you can show off to your friends!
In order to participate, dogs will need to be AT LEAST 4 months old and have their rabies vaccine current. Parents will need to stay with their youth for the duration of this class.
Performing Arts Workshop - Feb. 25
Are you interested in learning more about the Performing Arts? Does your club want to put together a Share the Fun skit, but you’re not sure where to start? Then this workshop is for you! Join experienced Performing Arts and Share the Fun volunteers on Saturday, February 25th at Baytown Hall from 1-3 PM for an immersive workshop. Both youth leaders and adults are welcome - Youth leaders, parents, and club volunteers will learn how to create a Share the Fun skit! No cost to participate, must be registered by Feb. 15. Contact Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu with any questions. Register here!
Llama - Alpaca project meetings starting - Feb. 28
4-H members have an opportunity to learn and work with Llama’s, thanks to the generosity of Dan Whittaker. Project meetings will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 28, Tuesday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 28 at Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds beginning at 7:00 pm. Dan will introduce the llama/alpaca project along with basic terminology and care of the animals prior to working with the live animals on his farm later in the spring. If you are interested, please contact Dan directly at; llamadan@aol.com or Ann Church at; churc109@umn.edu If any of these meetings are canceled due to weather, a message will be left at; 651-430-6809.
Minnesota 4-H Science Sprouts: Winter series
Did you know that you can change the color of plants? Have you ever seen beautiful flowers and wondered how they become that color? Youth in grades 3+ are invited to join us as we learn how to make multi-colored plants with food coloring. This online series will take place Jan. 16, Feb. 20, and March 20. In January, we’re going to experiment with test tubes, food coloring, and succulent plants! Sign-up by Jan. 9 to ensure you receive your test tubes in time. You’ll also receive a list of additional materials needed for the experiments. You may join at any time – participate in one or all three sessions!
Virtual plant science trivia nights begin in January
Have you ever tested your plant science knowledge? Would you like to learn more while playing in an interactive way through virtual games? Join us on the second Thursday of each month from January to March from 7 - 7:30 p.m. to have some fun! No experience necessary!
4-H Animal Discovery: Dog & Poultry
Youth in grades 3+ are invited to join 4-H Animal Discovery, an exploratory learning series highlighting two animal species: dog and poultry. This 5-session virtual series kicks off on Feb. 6. Youth can expect fun, interactive lessons, at-home challenges and group reflection supported by 4-H members, volunteers and staff. Mark your calendars – registration opens Jan. 3.
Passport to Tasty Tuesdays... Foods from Around the World
Get your food passports ready as we travel to a different country, learn about their culture and create some of their favorite meals or desserts! Our destination will be a mystery until you get your ingredient list! You don't want to miss out on this exciting food adventure! Our arrival dates for our mystery destinations are: February 14, 28; March 14, 28; April 4 and 11 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Registration is currently open and there is no deadline.
https://z.umn.edu/TastyTuesdaysPassport
Registration is currently open and there is no registration deadline. To register, log in, or if Registration is new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent
Zooming Into Wildlife
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.
Learn more at z.umn.edu/2023ZoomingIntoWildlife
Register at z.umn.edu/4-HZoomingIntoWildlife2023Reg
Amazing Amphibians and Roaming Reptiles
What do frogs, snakes and turtles have in common? Join us and learn more about Herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles. We will go undercover and discover the mysteries of our cold blooded friends as we learn how they can become one of your new 4-H projects! Hop and slither to the sessions on the following dates: February 2, 16; March 2,16,30; and April 6, 20 from 7pm - 8pm via Zoom. Registration is open and there is no deadline. For grades K -13
https://z.umn.edu/AmazingAmphibiansandRoamingReptiles
Registration is currently open and there is no registration deadline. 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
Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series
Choose Your 4-H Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series
February 13 - 4-H SS&W Alumni
Join us for an exciting presentation from three 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program alumni who are now shooting collegiately, professionally, and on her way to the Olympics! They will share their 4-H story, where they are today, and tips for current youth in the program! Registration is required at https://umn.zoom.us/.../register/WN_e_H_cDfbSmmHS2-K3g2Wlw. Come and support this young adults!
Quilting Quest 2023
Youth in grades 4 and up are invited to join us for a fun-filled quilting adventure. Participants will meet virtually to make a quilt top using the fat quarter fizz pattern. Together we will explore tips and techniques for quilt-making.
Sessions will be held via Zoom from 5 to 6 p.m. on the following Sundays:
- Feb. 26
- March 5
- March 12
- March 26
- April 2
- April 30
In addition to the virtual sessions, how-to videos will be available for assistance.
Register in 4-H Online by Feb. 22.
Workers for 2023 Midwest Mopars in the Park National Car Show
Last year, many 4-H’ers enjoyed working at the Midwest Mopars Show held at the Washington County Fairgrounds. 4-H youth will be hired to help at the front gate with putting on Wristbands. Others will be helping park cars.
Dates of the event are; June 2, 3, and 4.
Time: 7:45 am until approximately 4:00 pm
$15.00 an hour CASH. Includes travel time also. Paid at the end of each day. If you are interested, please contact Dan Nielson Director, Midwest Mopars in the Park, Spectator Entry, 763-843-1510 Cell call or text. Dan will need to know if you are interested no later than May 15th.
2023 SS&W Leader Certification Trainings — Feb. 1 deadline
Washington County 4-H welcomes any adults willing to work with our Shooting Sports Program. The Shooting Sports Program includes the following disciplines; bb/pellet, archery, trap, black powder and rifle. We start the summer program in June. Archery and bb/pellet training is held on Monday evenings at the fairgrounds, while trap, black powder and rifle training takes place at the Oakdale Gun Club on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer. The season ends at the State Shoot competition in early September for youth who have completed the required training and wildlife hours.
To be a Certified Trainer for 4-H, you will find the steps necessary to become a Certified Instructor at; https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/4-h-shooting-sports-and-wildlife-leader-certification#registration-893960
Upcoming Trainings-
February 11 - Redwood Falls, MN (Rifle/Pistol, Archery, Wildlife, ATV) Deadline February 1
**Volunteers NEEDED**
Looking for volunteers to share their knowledge with youth. Maybe facilitate a tour of your place of employment or business related to a 4-H project area or better yet show youth how to make or build something. We are searching for winter project workshop ideas and need your help in determining what we should explore. Think about where your passion fits best.
What projects can I choose from?
- Cloverbuds – an exploratory workshop for youth in K-2nd grade
- Animal Science - Beef, Cat, Dairy, Goat, Dog, Horse, Lama, Pets, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, Swine, Veterinary Science, Exploring Animals
- Expressive & Communication Arts - Crafts & Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Photography, Video, Demonstrations
- Family Consumer Science - Child & Family Development, Clothing & Textiles, Food & Nutrition, Food Review
- Mechanical Science - Aerospace, Bicycle, Computer, Electric, Robotics, Wood Shop or Metal Shop, Small Engines, Tractor, Aquatics Robotics, Engineering Design, Rube Goldberg Machines
- Natural Resources - Entomology, Exploring the Environment, Fishing Sports, Forest Resources, Geology, Shooting Sports/Wildlife Management, Water/Wetlands, Wildlife/Biology
- Personal Growth & Development - Citizenship, Consumer Education, Global Connections, Health, Safety, Youth Leadership
- Plant Sciences - Crop Sciences, Flower Gardening, Fruit, Indoor Gardening, Lawn & Landscape Design, Plant & Soil Science, Potatoes, Vegetable Gardening
Let's chat and see what adventure we can go on together! mnext-washington@umn.edu or call 651-430-6800.
Volunteer & Club Leader Helpful Resources
Check out this state page for helpful resources!
https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/4-h-volunteer/
Apply to be a 4-H screened volunteer
Enroll before May 15
Families are encouraged to enroll/re-enroll early in the fall to get the most out of 4-H in the coming year. The most important part of re-enrolling is updating your information. Maybe you have a new email, new projects to add, changing to a different club, updating the grade you are in or changing health information. All of this and more can be done though your family account in 4honline. https://v2.4honline.com/
Enrollment is required annually to participate in 4-H! If you have any problems with registrations or need more information on enrollment please contact our office by email at mnext-washington@umn.edu or phone at 651-430-6800. While the 4-H year is a year-round organization, you must be enrolled BEFORE May 15th to avoid any penalties. This is also the deadline that all animals must be identified in your family account if you intend on participating in dog training or showing at the county fair.
Still looking for a club to join?? Please contact the club to make sure you are on their email list.
Yearly Membership Fee
As you may have noticed, shortly after you enrolled online you were approved. Monthly email reminders are sent to families who have not paid their county fees up until the County Fair. Members who do not pay or fill out a scholarship request are flagged at the county fair. We continue to accept checks/cash at any time. Please pay your membership fee, county fees are used not only for programming but also towards salaries for county personnel. Without this income we will be forced to raise fees for all events.
Washington County has a yearly enrollment fee of $25.00 per member (youth only) or $100 max per family for 4 or more children. We ask that you please send payment to our office address listed below.
Checks should be made out to Washington County 4-H and sent to the following address:
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
**For those using online banking, please be sure to include Washington County 4-H as checks made out to just Washington County go directly to the property tax office**
We don't want anyone to miss out so please just let us know by completing the scholarship form.
Washington County Extension Website
- Current and past Family Newsletters
- County Animal ID letters
- News articles about our larger ongoing project areas
- Events calendar
- County club map with contacts
- County Fair information as it becomes available
- Much more
4-H Event cancellations based on weather
Staff will evaluate weather conditions and make a decision as to whether events will be canceled. Decisions to cancel an event will be based on;
• Forecasted low temperature and wind chill
• Total predicted snowfall
• The ability to safely operate vehicles (ice, snow, visibility)
• If area schools are canceled
To communicate a last minute cancellation, the staff leading the event will update their phone message to reflect the change of plans.
Roles of Local Youth Educators
Ann Church - Livestock (Beef, Dairy, Llama, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, Rabbit), Horse, Shooting Sports, Federation, Community Clubs, Fair, Charters and Finance, Grant writing, Foods & Creative Arts projects.
Megan Slater - Youth Teaching Youth, Ambassadors, Performing Arts, Resident/Day Camps, Dog, Goat and Cloverbud workshops.
Ashton Kulesa - STEM, Project Workshops, New Families, Food Stand, Outreach and Libraries.
Contact information is listed below.
Ann Church
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6809
churc109@umn.edu
Megan Slater
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6805
slate187@umn.edu
Ashton Kulesa
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6807
Kathy Erf
Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
(651) 430-6800 or (651) 430-6803
eber0002@umn.edu
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
(We are located in the Stillwater Government Center)
Office hours - Please call ahead as staff hours do vary.
8:00am-4:30pm (Monday-Thursday)
Friday by appointment
651-430-6800 or mnext-washington@umn.edu