Dear Minnesota 4-H Volunteers,

Enduring in service

After one more snowfall, one more coldsnap or one week of too many gray skies, Minnesota winters have a way of pushing us to endure. When we serve our youth, the same can be said. As a volunteer myself, I know firsthand there are weeks that seem too full, or days that seem too heavy to invest in service. But the gift of service is that the opportunity takes me outside of myself, and lets me see something on the horizon that will endure beyond my day, my feelings and my experiences.

Thank you all for enduring and making a commitment to serve our youth through Minnesota 4-H this year

Transitioning roles and responsibilities

Yet there comes seasons and times when enduring is not the answer. Life happens, and we may come to say honestly, I’ve reached an end (not the end). It may be an end due to lack of time, health, passion or just a need to set a new course. Whatever the reason, 4-H staff are here to support you if you are considering transitioning out of your role at the end of this year, or if you need support in delegating responsibilities to others so you can invest deeper.

If you are in need of a transition this year, or need support delegating your responsibilities to others, take note of these the steps you can take:

• Be clear in communication - It’s important to have clear communication about your needs and next steps as a volunteer with 4-H staff so staff can develop a plan.

• Be involved, to a degree. When transition happens, we value the insight and recommendations you have about how to continue the program; however it is not the role of a volunteer to appoint and place new volunteers.

• Be willing to see change - Allowing others to step in and volunteer means things will inevitably change as new perspectives and skills are utilized

• Be focused on the mission - Remember that while styles may change, the core outcome of the program is the focus for all MN 4-H volunteers

• Be a cheerleader- Just because you are not serving, doesn’t mean you cannot continue to invest and support 4-H. We value our volunteers for who they are, not just what they bring. Stay in touch with the program and show support as available.

Upcoming leader connection - Delegating and transitioning responsibilities

I encourage you to attend an upcoming virtual connection opportunity. Join me on February 16 at 7:00 pm as we talk through further strategies to support volunteers as you transition out of your role, or look to delegate responsibilities to new volunteers in your program. You are welcome to attend and bring other needs and questions as a volunteer. For more information, visit z.umn.edu/leadertrain

Sincerely,

Jeremy Freeman, Extension Education, Volunteer Systems (NE region)
jeremyf@umn.edu / 763-310-1987

Fair time will be here before you know it and the Extension office has already started to plan. We need your help! 4-H youth of any age are invited to design the next 4-H fair t-shirt!

T-shirt design guidelines:

The design must include the words “Crow Wing County 4-H 2023”.

Must be your original work.

Draw the design on an 8 ½ by 11” piece of paper.

The design will be on the FRONT of the shirt. Sponsors are placed on the back.

The top three designs will be selected by the Extension office and be voted anonymously by Crow Wing County 4-H members.

Must be enrolled in Crow Wing County 4-H.

The winner gets to choose the t-shirt color this year and will win an additional t-shirt! Please submit your designs via email to tgiza@umn.edu on or before March 1, 2023, by 4:30 pm. NO LATE ENTRIES will be accepted!

We can't wait to see your designs!

Extension Development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for 4-H youth who are pursuing post-secondary studies at accredited colleges and universities. Eligible 4-H youth are encouraged to visit the Extension 4-H scholarship website for detailed information on the applications, letters of recommendation needed, and amounts awarded.

Please note that applications are available and accepted online only. The online application form does not auto-save. We suggest applicants prepare their responses in another document and copy/paste them into the scholarship form when they have enough time to complete the process. Scholarship applications are no longer accepted via email or mail.

Application deadline: April 1.

There may be supply costs: a sewing machine, needles, thread, material, etc. A supply list will be provided upon registration.

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.

Learn more and register.

Registration deadline: Feb. 22.

Share the Fun with an added Talent Show is to be held on March 26th, 2023 at the Pequot Lakes High School.

More information and registration forms will be available next week!

During this two-session workshop, learn the basics of needle felting, the types of materials used and where they come from, and how to further your project learning in the needle arts.

Walk away with a ready-to-enter fair exhibit and the knowledge to share with a judge on how to needle felt.

The two sessions are on Thursday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 28 from 5:30-8:00 pm at the Land Services Building [322 Laurel Street Brainerd, MN 56401].

The cost is $10 per person, check or cash, by Feb. 16 to the County Extension Office [326 Laurel Street Brainerd, MN 56401].

A light snack and juice box will be provided. Grades 5+. Registration closes on Monday, February 20, 2023. To learn more and register: https://z.umn.edu/needlefelting

Your springy gnome is sure to light up any room!

Virtual

Interested in coding, different gaming platforms, and socializing with other gamers? Join this Ambassador-led six-session Minecraft gaming project club to learn more!

Sessions will be held via Zoom and participants must have a computer or laptop with Minecraft available. Online safety will be weaved throughout the program and adult volunteers will be present.

The cost to participants is free and members will have the opportunity for additional play times outside of the gaming club.

Session times are Fridays from 6:00-7:30 pm on Feb. 17, Mar. 3, 17, 31, Apr. 14, and 28. Grades 5+.

Zoom links will be sent via email the Wednesday before each session. Registration is from Jan. 30 to Feb. 14, 2023, and the program has a maximum of eight participants.

To learn more and register: https://z.umn.edu/MinecraftGaming

Hosted by Hubbard County | all ages

In person

Save the date!

Info:

Date: Saturday, February 18th at the Akeley ARCC

Clinics and Registration start at 9:30 am; the Show starts at 10:30 am

Judge: Haley Maday

Cost: $3 per rabbit entered

- Cloverbud Showmanship Clinic

- Market Rabbit Selection and Beginner/selection showmanship Clinic

- Showmanship classes during the show

- Bring a tarp for under the carriers

- Silent Auction

- Food Stand Available

Statewide offering | all ages Virtual 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

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

Statewide offering | grades K-13

Virtual

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 7 pm - 8 pm 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

The Chick Chain Program is designed to give an opportunity for new and existing 4-H members, including Cloverbuds, to learn more about raising backyard chickens. Youth have an opportunity to learn life skills while having fun learning about chickens and the poultry industry.

Now in its 10th year, the 4-H Poultry Club will be awarding 10 egg-laying chicks (likely red or black sexlink birds) for eligible 4-H participants that qualify for the program. Chicks will be purchased from a reputable hatchery.

Registration and fee must be received by February 10, 2023.

Read more and register here: https://z.umn.edu/2023ChickChain

All market [including market steers, market heifers, and dairy steers] beef MUST be owned, tagged with a MN 4-H ear tag, and identified by February 15, 2023.

Breeding heifers, cow/calf pairs, and prospect calves (steers and heifers) must be owned or leased, tagged or tattooed, and identified by May 15, 2023. Please note that Cloverbuds do not need to identify beef animals at this time.

Contact the Extension office to arrange a pick up time for tags.

Access the Yearly Calendar events HERE.