Friday Forecast
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter- January 7, 2022
Welcome to Friday Forecast
Enroll in Dakota County 4-H today!
4-H Online enrollment is open for the 2021-22 4-H year! 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. 4-H membership dues must be paid to be entered in the incentive drawings.
4-H members who re-enroll in 4-H Online AND submit their annual dues payment to the Dakota County Extension Office by January 15 will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card. Both steps must be completed to be entered in the drawing. Families need to submit the Family Member Dues Payment Form 2021-2022 with payment to be included in the drawing. 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.
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 at tor0016@umn.edu.
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
4-H Cake Decorating Series starts Jan. 20
4-H Horseless Horse Program Continues Jan. 13
Join us for the 4-H Horseless Horse program for the 2021–22 4-H year! We will be holding twice a month sessions throughout the fall/winter months before heading into a weekly/biweekly program schedule in the spring/summer. 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.
All events begin at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $60/participant. Pre-registration required.
Native American Beadwork Workshop - Jan. 22; registration due Jan. 14
Grade K-2: Mechanics In Motion Cloverbud Workshop - Jan. 22; must register by Jan. 14
Sign up to join the fun on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington for this in-person, fun motion-themed workshop. Other activities include learning about automatons, creating 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! Participants will register for the cloverbud workshop in 4-H Online. Registration due Friday, Jan. 14. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions. 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.
Cloverbud workshop: Feb. 12, March 5, April 23, May 14Grade 3-5: Mechanics In Motion Sprouts Workshop - Jan. 22; must register by Jan. 14
The Dakota County 4-H Sprouts program is back for the 2021-22 year. The Jan. 22 workshop will be motion-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. Other activities include learning about automatons, creating 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! Participants will register for the Sprouts workshops in 4-H Online. Registration due Friday, Jan. 14. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions. 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. Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have any questions about the workshop.
Sprouts workshops: Feb. 12, March 5, April 23, May 14.
Fused Glass project workshop
Join us on Friday, Feb. 4 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension Office in Farmington. At this workshop, we will be working with a local artist as we create a fused glass heart valentines suncatcher! In addition to making a beautiful piece of are you will also learn about the history of glass, tools, and forms of glass!
The cost to participate is $15 and space is limited. Youth in grades 3+ are able to attend; youth in grades 3-5 should have an adult helper.
Participants will register for the fused glass workshop in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register.
Registration is due Friday, Jan. 14. Contact Abby if you have questions.
Quillow Project Workshop - Jan. 29; register by Jan. 14
What is a Quillow? A Quillow is a lap quilt that folds in to a built-in pocket, creating a pillow. Workshop is for 4-H members grade 3 and older; however 3-5th grade members and members with minimal sewing experience must bring an adult helper to assist them. Participants should be comfortable with a sewing machine. If possible, please bring your own sewing machine if you have one so you are familiar with the machine. A limited number of machines are available to use at the workshop; please reserve a machine when registering. Instruction booklet will be handed out so you can finish at home if you do not finish in class. Class Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension Office. Participants have the option of providing their own fabric kit (workshop cost $12) or having the instructor provide a fabric kit (workshop cost $32). Both options include batting to complete your project. Registration required by Jan. 14 to allow time for the instructor to purchase/prepare supplies. Space is limited. Participants will register for this workshop in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions.
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 reza0027@umn.edu for information on the Ambassador program.
4-H Winter Lock-In - Jan. 28-29 for youth grade 6+; register by Jan. 25
Do you love staying up all night with friends and having a good time? Then the 4-H Winter Lock-In is for you! Carver, Scott, Le Sueur and Dakota County 4-H programs will be putting on their annual 4-H Winter Lock-In. New this year, the lock-in will be held at the Chaska Community Center from 10:30 p.m. Fri., Jan 28 to 3:30 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 29. Meet youth from across the region while trying out new activities including basketball, racquetball, ice skating, swimming and more! Cost is $30 and includes optional busing from the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Registration and payment is due by Tuesday. Jan 25. More information and how to register can be found here. Contact Rachel if you have questions.
Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) for grades 6-9
The 4-H Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) program is an exciting and fun leadership adventure that brings together youth from across the state of Minnesota. Hosted by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors, each retreat uses a youth-teaching-youth model to teach a leadership topic, participate in team-building activities, and meet other youth from their region. This year's theme is "Find Your Path" and youth will learn about identifying and finding their passions. BLU will be held at five different locations with one day and overnight experiences offered:
Feb. 5 - 6: Northeast - Long Lake Conservation Center, Palisade; register by Jan. 14
Feb. 5 - 6: Southeast - Camp Victory, Zumbro Falls; register by Jan. 14
Feb. 12 - 13: Northwest - Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes; register by Jan. 21
Feb. 19: Southwest - Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall; register by Feb. 4
Feb. 26: Central- University of Minnesota-St Paul Student Center; register by Feb. 4
Registration includes a long sleeve t-shirt, a take home item, meals and materials for workshop activities.
4-H Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) leadership workshop for grades 10-12
The 4-H Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) program is an exciting and fun leadership adventure that brings together youth from across the state of Minnesota. TEEL is a workshop that builds on the leadership skills older youth have developed at BLU and through their lived experience both within and outside of 4-H. Teens will engage in large and small group discussions and learning designed and facilitated by a team of older youth and young adult leaders.
TEEL will be held at five different locations with one day and overnight experiences offered:Feb. 5 - 6: Northeast - Long Lake Conservation Center, Palisade; register by Jan. 14
Feb. 5 - 6: Southeast - Camp Victory, Zumbro Falls; register by Jan. 14
Feb. 12 - 13: Northwest - Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes; register by Jan. 21
Feb. 19: Southwest - Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall; register by Feb. 4
Feb. 26: Central- University of Minnesota-St Paul Student Center; register by Feb. 4
Registration includes a long sleeve t-shirt, a take home item, meals and materials for workshop activities.
MN 4-H Photography Scavenger Hunt
Hosts Needed for Free Little Pantries
Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) team forming
4-H WHEP is a hands-on environmental education program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to youth in grades 3-13. WHEP provides participants an opportunity to test their wildlife knowledge in an annual friendly competition with teams of 3-4 similarly aged individuals. The Minnesota 4-H State WHEP Competition will be held April 30. The winning senior WHEP team (14-19 years of age) will attend the annual National WHEP Contest, typically held the last full week of July.
You will learn:
- Wildlife terms and concepts
- Wildlife habitats
- How to judge the quality of wildlife habitats
- Wildlife habitat management practices
- Wildlife damage management
If you are interested in being part of a team or coaching, contact Abby Learn more about being a WHEP coach. WHEP coaches training is Jan. 11.
4-H Hooked on Fishing series starts Jan. 25
4-H Wild About Wildlife: Life Below Freezing starts Jan. 24
Discover the world of wildlife with 4-H! All youth in grades K-6 are invited to participate in 4-H Wild About Wildlife: Life Below Freezing! Youth will complete hands-on activities during each session and learn from experts in the field of wildlife.
4-H Wild About Wildlife: Life Below Freezing online webinar series will meet weekly on Mondays from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- January 24 - Career Exploration
- January 31 - Hibernation
- February 7 - Horizontal Migration
- February 21 - Vertical Migration
- February 28 - Insects in Winter
- March 7 - How active animals stay warm in winter
Register in 4-H Online by Jan. 31. Cost is free; registration
Looking for Volunteers to become certified Shooting Sports and Wildlife Instructors
Dates and information and registration can be found at; https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/4-h-shooting-sports-and-wildlife-leader-certification
4-H Explorers in Agriculture starts January 10
4-H explorers will experience farming practices in different countries including Brazil, Norway, Greenland, Italy, Mexico, China and Madagascar. This interactive, self-guided exploration will provide a new country for youth to learn about every few weeks. Explorers will have time to learn about the country and their farming practices. This opportunity is for youth grades 6-8th. The Zoom kick-off will be Jan. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. A Google Site has been created for youth to explore a country once a week concluding on February 15. A guide has been developed to help the participant explore the farming practice of that country. 4-H Ag Ambassadors will be guided and check in every week to see what they are learning. Registration required; cost is free.
4-H Ag and Hort Afternoon Adventures: Grow Lab - Jan. 11
Registration is required.
Upcoming classes in this series:
February 8: Feed Types
March 8: Ag Technology
April 12: Farm Safety
May 10: Crop Damage
Livestock PDC Kickoff Webinar- hosted by the state Animal Science Team, January 10
What exactly is the role of the Project Development Committee? How does it support the mission of the MN 4-H program and local county program? How do we structure our committee? How do finances work? Who gets to make rules and policies? Join us for an informational webinar to help kickoff your Animal Science PDC work for the year!
January 10, 7-8 pm
Find out more at: https://z.umn.edu/4HPDCKickoff
4-H STEM Inventors
Explore the possibilities of inventions with 4-H! We will look to past inventors for inspiration and have the opportunity to design new inventions or research an inventor of choice. Series for youth in grades 3-6. Registration required and closes Jan. 31.
4-H Inventors will meet weekly via Zoom on Wednesday from 3:30-4:15 p.m. on the following dates:
- January 26
- February 2
- February 9
- February 16
- February 23
- March 2
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)
In the summer of 2022, Minnesota 4-H will bring youth to the Washington, DC, area to participate in the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) conference. At CWF, youth will explore careers, engage in workshops, tour historic landmarks in DC, and meet other teens from across the US. Each participants will also develop a plan to take action on an issue they care about when they return home. This experience is open to youth members who are at least 14 years old and complete with the 9th grade at the time of the trip.
Minnesota 4-H will attend CWF June 19-24 (potential travel day on June 18, TBD in January). Virtual pre-departure meetings are monthly, starting in March. Registration for this experience is currently open through January 10, and is limited to 45 youth at this time. Chaperone information will be posted in late January. More information is available at: https://z.umn.edu/4H-CWF
4-H Market Beef Identification Changes
4-H Beef families - watch your email for information on identifying your 4-H market beef (market steer, market heifers and dairy steers) projects. Email information will be sent to youth enrolled in 4-H who are signed up for the beef project. If you have not yet re-enrolled for this 4-H year, do so immediately so you don't miss important communication regarding the changes to the beef project.
A response to the beef ID survey is needed by Jan. 14. Watch email for more details and link.
Horse Project Bowl begins January 11
General Livestock Project Bowl- starts January 16
2022 Helping Hands Award Applications are now open!
The new deadline to submit applications is Feb. 1, 2022 (must be postmarked or emailed).
The Helping Hands Award helps fund worthy youth development programs or projects that Minnesota 4-H club youth seek to pursue in partnership with supportive adults, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. Project emphasis can focus on leadership, service, citizenship, brick and mortar, or new ideas. Average awards are between $200 and $2,000.
Horse and Horseless Horse Project Meeting, March 1
Join the Horse Project committee on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. for an informational meeting combined with some fun activities. You won’t want to miss this meeting! Mark your calendar and watch for more details in future Friday Forecast.
Dakota County 4-H college scholarship applications due March 15
Dakota County 4-H members who are high school seniors that will be graduating in 2022 and will be attending an accredited college, university, community college or technical college during the fall 2022 quarter/semester are eligible to apply for the following scholarships. Review each scholarship application for specific application requirements. Please note these scholarships are open to all enrolled Dakota County 4-H members. Contact Anja if you have questions.
Minnesota 4-H has many college scholarship opportunities
See the MN 4-H scholarships, grants, and awards page for specific details for each scholarship. Review each scholarship for specific details and application deadlines.
SAVE THE DATES!
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