Friday Forecast
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter- January 21 , 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.
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.
Directions for registering for events/workshops in 4-H Online
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.
Project Bowl Update
4-H Poultry Project Bowl Practice Starts Sunday, January 23
Join the Poultry Project Bowl team on Sunday, Jan. 23 to learn about project bowl and join in on the first project bowl practice.
Senior poultry project bowl team practice (grade 9+) will be held in-person on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension Conservation Center in Farmington. Future dates and practice location will be determined at this Sunday’s meeting.
Junior Poultry Project Bowl team (grades 3-8) will be held virtually on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m.; practices will be held virtually until further notice. Fill out the participant information form so you receive a link to the virtual meeting.
Please fill out the Poultry 4-H Project Bowl Participant Information form. This information will help the coaches sign teams up for the regional project bowl in March. Once you have filled out a project bowl information form be sure to watch for an email from your coach regarding any specific information or the link to your virtual meeting.
General Livestock Project Bowl Practice Continues on Thursday evenings
Are you interested in participating in the General Livestock Project Bowl? It’s not too late to join! Practices are held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Randolph. Please RSVP by filling out the participation form so that the coaches have contact information for those interested in participating and to complete team registration forms. Please fill out form prior to attending practice.
4-H Rabbit Project Bowl starts Thursday, January 27
Are you interested in participating in the rabbit project bowl? Join us on Thursday, January 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension Conservation Center in Farmington. You will have a chance to learn about project bowl and start practicing.
Rabbit Project Bowl practices will continue on Thursday evenings, in-person. If you need a link to participate virtually please contact Anja so she can connect you with the coach who will have a Zoom link for that evenings practice.
To help us determine who is interested please fill out the Rabbit 4-H Project Bowl Participant Information form. This information will help the coaches organize teams for the regional project bowl in March.
To prepare for the project bowl if you have not participated before go to the state project bowl reference page for links to the ARBA website and order the ARBA Standard and a copy of Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies.
Volunteer Opportunity! Project Bowl Volunteers Needed March 11 & 12
Bowling 101- project bowl; try it out!
4-H Camps
Save the date for 4-H Overnight Camp!
4-H Overnight camp is scheduled for June 13-15. 4-H camp is a great opportunity to connect with new and old friends, enjoy nature and try new things! 4-H camps offer a hands-on approach to developing the excitement and skills necessary for youth to succeed in a safe and fun setting. Dakota County will be holding camp again at Baker Near Wilderness Center in Maple Plaine. 4-H camp is open to youth in grades 3-8 and youth in grades 9+ can serve as camp counselors. If our first session of camp fills up we will hold a waiting list and see if we have enough campers to offer a second session on June 15-17. Watch for registration materials to come out soon!
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.
Looking for camp counselors for 4-H overnight camp! Applications due March 1
Do you enjoy working with youth? Do you love getting out in nature? Do you consider yourself a leader or want the chance to expand your leadership skills? If yes, we hope you apply to become a 4-H camp counselor! Camp counselors must be in grades 9+. 4-H camp is scheduled for June 13-15 and is an overnight camp for youth in grades 3-8. Applications are due March 1. Camp Counselor Application. Interviews and training dates TBD.
Reading Pillow Sewing Workshop Feb. 11; register by Feb. 1
Grade K-2: Pop on Over Cloverbud Workshop Feb. 12; register by Feb. 4
Sign up to join the fun on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington for this in-person, fun pop-themed workshop. Activities include learning about creating their own beverage flavor, 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! Participants will register for the cloverbud workshop in 4-H Online. Registration due Friday, Feb. 4. Contact Cherie if you have questions. Remaining Cloverbud workshops: March 5, April 23, May 14
Grade 3-5: Pop on Over Sprouts Workshop Feb. 12; register by Feb. 4
The Dakota County 4-H Sprouts program is back for the 2021-22 year. The Feb. 12 workshop will be pop-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 creating their own beverage flavor, 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! Participants will register for the Sprouts workshops in 4-H Online. Registration due Friday, Feb. 4. Contact Cherie if you have questions. Contact Rachel if you have any questions about the workshop. Remaining Sprouts workshops: March 5, April 23, May 14.
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 Winter Lock-In Jan. 28-29 for youth grade 6+
Cancelled due to low registrations. 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.
4-H Wild About Wildlife: Life Below Freezing starts Jan. 24; register by Jan. 31
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 required.
4-H Hooked on Fishing series starts Jan. 25; register by Feb. 1
Learn American Sign Language with 4-H starts Feb. 17
Join as we learn American Sign Language (ASL) with 4-H! We will start with the basic skills in learning a new language, such as colors & numbers, and learn & grow together from there! This online program is open to youth in 5th grade and up. This program takes place every Thursday starting Feb. 17 through March 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. through Zoom. Registration required.
4-H Comfort Food: Soups and Stews series starts Feb. 7; register by Feb. 2
Winter is the perfect time to learn how to make deliciously comforting soups & stews! Youth in 3rd grade & up are invited to learn from 4-H and make supper for your family once/week in February! The soups and stews series will run February 7 - 28. Participants will make a soup or stew weekly and share our results on FlipGrid. We'll also learn about Foods & Nutrition as well as Meat Science. A shopping list and recipe will be provided each Monday for you to use in making your soup or stew. Register by Feb. 2. A shopping list and recipe will be provided to registered participants.
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.
Looking for Volunteers to become certified Shooting Sports and Wildlife Instructors
4-H STEM Inventors series starts Jan. 26; register by Jan. 31
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
Video Production Workshop begins Feb. 7; register by Jan. 31
Do you love making and sharing videos? This video production course is for you! Minnesota 4-H & FilmNorth are putting together a six week course for you to up your video production game! Work with industry experts and professionals to immerse yourself in everything video production. Each week we will have a new and fun activity for you to up your video production skills while you learn some tricks of the trade. Each week we will meet with an industry expert as we dive deeper into the world of video production. Open to youth of all abilities grade 8+. Registration deadline is January 31, 2022. Cost is $15. Registration due Jan. 30.
4-H agronomy and horticulture forage project kits; order kit by Jan. 25
Interested in learning more about forages used in animal agriculture, wildlife conservation and turf management? Then the forage project kit is for you! The forages project kit contains most of the supplies needed to join us in exploring forages. The kit will contain supplies to start forage seeds, observe the growth and root structure and a detailed tutorial, and is mailed right to your home! Along with the kit, you are encouraged to join us for our Forages Live Sessions via Zoom. Registration closes Jan. 25.
Spring your Taste Buds into Tasty Tuesdays!
Join us as we test our taste buds with a variety of foods from appetizers to main dishes, to healthy snacks - you will leave each session with an explosion of flavor to enjoy! We will also explore the science behind our edible creations. Participants will receive a recipe book at the end to build from for a future Food and Nutrition Project. Virtual event for youth in K- 13.
Series runs Feb. 15 through April 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. Register in 4-H Online.
2022 Helping Hands Award Applications are now open!
The deadline to submit applications is Feb. 1 (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.
Animal Science Meeting February 28
Join us virtually on Monday, Feb. 28 to begin planning spring/summer programming. We will be reviewing the thoughts and ideas from our fall meeting and put some of those items into action. This group is for youth 6th grade and older and screen adults who are willing to help volunteer and bring ideas forward to continue making our animal science programming better! This meeting will be for those who have an interest in: beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine project areas. We are hoping to use this meeting to plan in person activities for the youth. Please RSVP by Monday, Feb. 28 at 8 a.m. so you will receive the link to participate in the meeting.
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.
Let's talk about gender indentity
Let’s Talk about Gender Identity is a five-session series designed to provide a safe place for youth to have important conversations about gender identity. This series demonstrates to LGBTQ+ youth that they are valued and welcomed by 4-H. And it gives all youth the tools to be supportive and effective allies.
Session highlights include gender identity basics, a panel of LGBTQ+ and ally 4-H alumni, and tools to interrupt harassment and bias.
Online sessions will take place at the end of January and beginning of February on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8:00pm. Jan 25, 27, February 1, 3, 8, and 10 (just in case date).
New to 4-H? Need help registering? Participants must first be enrolled (no participation commitment is required beyond this event). Register to attend through 4-H online by January 24th. Limited to 20 participants. This tip sheet can help you with the process.
Audience: grade 6+
https://extension.umn.edu/event/lets-talk-about-gender-identity
Volunteer Training Opportunity
If you missed the Fall Volunteer Training, there will be another chance to participate! Any 4-H volunteer is welcome to register and participate in the virtual training. Read more about Facilitating Youth Sparks at; Facilitating Youth Sparks. Volunteer training will be offered on Wednesday, February 9th, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
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.
January 25 - Taxes 101 - Part 1
January 27 - Taxes 101 - Part 2
March 1 - Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?
March 31 - Thrifty Thursdays - Building Credit with a Credit Card
April 7 - Thrifty Thursdays - Budgeting with a Calendar System
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.
January 27 - Intro to (Virtual) Forest Bathing
February 3 - Increasing Plant-Based Foods in your diet
February 24 - Reducing Food Waste
March 3 - Edibles and Decoratives from the Woods or Backyard
April 7 - Food Composting 101
April 21 - Reducing your Family’s Carbon Footprint
Members of the Wild Westcott's 4-H Club participated in a sled dog program over MLK day!
SAVE THE DATES!
Static/indoor project judging day will take place on Saturday, August 6.
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