Jackson Journal
November 2023
County Update
Novem-buuurrrrr is Here!
Wow, it is hard to believe October is over and we are 2 months away from 2024!
The next couple months will be filled with various holidays, celebrations, events, and moments spent with family and friends not only in your personal lives but also in 4-H!
One thing we are very excited for in the Extension Office is the upcoming Jackson County Awards and Recognition Banquet. The deadline to RSVP is Nov. 8. Please keep reading the Jackson Journal to find more information about the banquet. In addition, we encourage you to take the time and give a HUGE THANK YOU to the 4-H clubs, Rost-Sioux Valley Hustlers and LaCrosse Loyal Workers, as they are this year's hosts and have planned a soon to be great banquet!
As we head into the winter months please take a look at all the county, regional, and state 4-H events and programs happening in person or virtually (at the bottom of the Jackson Journal). There is so much to do and with winter weather not always being cooperative, the virtual events are a great way to stay active in the 4-H program!
Finally, we realize that November is a month usually associated with thanks and gratefulness. Please take the time to thank a 4-H member, youth leader, adult leader, volunteer, supporter, and/or community member that you feel has made an impact somehow to the Jackson County 4-H program within this past 4-H year. It takes a village to nurture and support a quality youth program like 4-H and we are truly blessed to be working for a great organization that sees the impact it can make in the life of a child.
Stay warm and thanks for all you do to help keep the 4-H program in Jackson County thriving!
Caitlyn and Jazlyn
Club and 4-H Member Information
Plan to Re-enroll in 4-H!
The new 4-H year began Oct. 1. In order to remain enrolled in 4-H and participate in any 4-H activity (club meetings, programs, events), you will need to show your family’s intent to participate by logging in to 4-H Online and reviewing, updating and submitting the following information:
Your family's contact and demographic information, including club, school and grade.
Each family member's health and emergency contact information.
Project areas of interest for this coming year.
Parental consent required for youth participating in shooting sports/wildlife programs.
You can login to 4-H Online to complete the re-enrollment process NOW. This guide has more information.
You have until Jan.1 to do so if you plan on exhibiting projects (livestock and general/non-livestock) at the Jackson County Fair.
Jackson County 4-H Promotions
Club Spotlight
Most 4-H members join a local club at some point. Clubs are fun, regular gatherings where you are able to make friends, find help with 4-H projects, take advantage of leadership opportunities, and take part in culturally specific activities and other activities and events.
We want to offer our community and potential new members an opportunity to learn about all our 4-H clubs! Be on the look out for your Club Spotlight, this promotional spotlight will be posted on Facebook and shared with your club leaders to print and hang up around the community!
Fill Out 4-H Member and/or 4-H Volunteer Spotlights
Save These Dates
Annual Volunteer Training Watch Party for Jackson County Volunteers
Jackson County Adult Leaders, Supporters, Volunteers please save the date, Nov. 14 6:30-8:30pm, for the upcoming in-person watch party for the 2023 Annual Volunteer Training "4-H is for all Abilities".
Location will be at the Lakefield Public Library. Meal provided 30 min before start of webinar.
Please RSVP here by Nov. 12 to make sure enough food is ordered: https://z.umn.edu/2023JacksonVolTraining
It is strongly encouraged that adults volunteering in 4-H take this statewide training. 2 remaining online webinars will be on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7-8:30 p.m. (**Jackson county will be viewing this at our watch party 6:30-8:30pm)
- Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.
If you are unable to make it to the Jackson Co. in-person watch party, please plan to take the training on your own time by registering here: https://umn.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwrdOivqTsjHtc7zdcy759LaCqu6lmWkxpG#/registration
Awards & Recognition Banquet - Nov. 19 at 5:30pm
Join us for food, fun and celebration at the Jackson County 4-H Recognition Banquet!
Who: All Jackson County 4-H youth, their families, volunteers, supporters, and businesses
When: November 19th at 5:30pm
Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 604 Bush Street, Lakefield MN 56150
Kindly RSVP by November 8 2023 to ensure there is enough food for those in attendance.
Questions, please contact the Jackson County 4-H Extension office at mnext-jackson@umn.edu or 507-662-5293.
RSVP HERE: https://z.umn.edu/BanquetRSVP
Southwest Regional 4-H Officer Training
Let’s get ready to explore what it takes to be a 4-H officer! Join youth officers from across the Southwest region for two days of learning, laughing, and collaboration, live, from the comfort of your own home. This is a fantastic opportunity for officers new and old!
Click here to register: https://z.umn.edu/SW-Region-officer-training
Regional Officer Retreat Schedule
- Sunday, November 26 at 7-8 pm - Session #1 - Clubs where youth want to be! - 4-H is all about learning by doing! Join this hour to practice helping people feel like 4-H is a place for them through fun activities, games, and even education. Learn about designing a club meeting time where youth want to come back!
- Tuesday, November 28 at 7-8 pm - Session #2 - Club Officer Roles and Parli Pro - I move to properly learn to run a meeting. Can I get a second... Practice parliamentary procedure and learn some easy tips to take back to your club. Learn more about your specific officer role and how your officer team works together.
You will receive an email on November 26 with a zoom link to connect to the sessions.
By registering you attend both sessions. Deadline to register is November 20. Registering by the deadline ensures your supplies arrive in your mailbox on time!
Jackson County 4-H Ambassadors Meeting and Santa's Workshop - Nov. 25 10am-1pm
Ambassador aged youth (grades 6-13) in Jackson County are invited to the November meeting on Nov. 25 from 9:00am - 9:45am prior to the Santa's Workshop Event.
After the meeting we plan to help with the Santa's Workshop event in Riverside Elementary on Nov. 25 from 10am to 1pm. If you can't participate in the whole day, it's ok! Join when you can!
More details will be emailed soon.
What's Hatching in Jackson County 4-H?
Youth and families interested within Jackson Co and the surrounding counties are invited to learn more about the 4-H Poultry project at this in person event. Learn how to select your poultry project, materials needed, and how to raise your poultry to exhibit at the county fair.
Join us Dec. 9 at the Jackson County Public Library - 311 3rd St, Jackson, MN 56143 from 9am - 11am.
Cost is FREE to attend and open to youth grades K-13 and their families by registering through 4-H Online.
Register by Dec. 1
Minimum of 5 participants to hold event. Maximum allowed to register is 25.
For more information and to register visit: https://WhatshatchinginJacksonMN4H.4honline.com
Advisory Board and Federation Meeting - Jan. 22, 2024
Stay up to date about 4-H in Jackson County by reading the past agenda and the minutes from the September Federation Meeting we had on Oct. 16, 2023.
Please encourage one adult and one youth to represent your club at the next Federation meeting happening Jan. 22 at 7:30pm at the multipurpose building in Lakefield. Advisory Board meeting will take place at 6:30pm prior to the Federation meeting.
Get Involved!
4-H Opportunities in the Southwest and Statewide
Apply for the 4-H Animal Science Youth Leadership Team:
This is a new opportunity for animal science youth to join a leadership program that is project specific! The group will be doing several cool learning opportunities and projects throughout the year.
It is open to youth in grades 8 and up and applications are due December 15.
For more information and to apply, click here: https://extension.umn.edu/statewide-4-h-news/apply-be-animal-science-youth-leadership-team
SW MN Down on the Farm Virtual Events
Explore the wonderful world of animal science through hands-on activities and guest speakers.
We’ll learn about beef cattle, horses, swine and chickens from industry professionals. Sessions will be offered virtually on Saturday mornings January 6-27 from 10-10:30 a.m.
Find full details & register at: https://z.umn.edu/2024DownOnTheFarm
Stay Connected with 4-H!
Contact and Follow Jackson County 4-H
Jackson County 4-H
607 State Highway 86, Lakefield, MN
Email: mnext-jackson@umn.edu
Phone: 507-662-5293
Website: extension.umn.edu/jackson
Follow us on Facebook
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