Olmsted County 4-H News
February, 2022
Notes from Kristina
As you will see in this newsletter, we have many exciting events happening this Spring/Summer, so please feel free to invite friends not currently in our 4-H program or post the link to our Spring/Summer Program catalog and Rochester Project Day Flyer in networks you are a part of! z.umn.edu/OlmstedSummer and z.umn.edu/RochesterProjectDay
Thank you to all clubs that had representatives at our Full Council meeting in January! After a good discussion on volunteer roles in the county and food stand pros/cons, it was decided that in 2022 we will not have a food stand at the county fair and will focus our efforts on our Fall Festival event. To help ensure the success of this event, we need the representation of all clubs on our Fall Festival Committee. Not only does this disperse the leadership of the event beyond just a few volunteers, it makes sure that your club is hearing all the information shared, getting tickets, etc. For more information on what this role, entails see the description in the County Timeline for 4-H Clubs document.
Also at the meeting, a draft of an organizational chart was shared showing the current breadth of opportunities in Olmsted County. I am delaying the publishing of this document until the March Newsletter to allow me to ensure it is fully up to date and user friendly including links to see more information on areas you would like to learn more about. Our next full council meeting is on Monday March 21st at 7pm. Click to add to your google calendar
All Event Registrations are now in 4HOnline!
Log in to your family's account, select your youth's name, and then events to see all County, Regional and Statewide Events!
If you're inviting friends not currently enrolled in 4-H, have them enroll in 4-HOnline in the "In-Person 4-H Camp/Event" Club to register.
Upcoming Programs
Fast Approaching Spring Opportunities: February & March
Regional Project Day (Grades K-9) - Saturday, March 5, register by February 25th
Sign up for a half or full-day experience of project exploration!
- Grade K-2 Project Exploration - a variety of hands-on learning activities and project creation you can use for fair projects.
- Grades 3-5 Project Exploration - Learn from volunteers from a naturalist on animal tracking through cameras to a gardening service-project, to hands-on stem activities and more!
- Grades 6-9 UMR Career Pathways in Health Science - Led by UMR faculty and staff, this session will provide learning activities, a tour of campus, and a guide to paths to higher ed.
4-H Cloverbud Club at Spark (Grades K-2) - Thursdays, starting March 17, 5-6pm
Join us for a 6-week Cloverbud (K-2) experience of hands-on learning from shop to STEM! We ask that a parent join their Cloverbud as we do experiments and create projects they can take home and even bring to the County Fair! Register open until spots are filled. There is a fee of $15 to cover supplies - contact the office if this is a burden to your participation. z.umn.edu/OlmstedSpark
Food Revue & Cake Decorating (all ages) - Saturday, April 2nd at 4pm.
Open to all youth interested in either project area! This judging will be where State Fair trips for these projects, which are both State Fair-eligible are earned. Youth will spend part of the time meeting with a judge and hearing others present their place settings, and the other part on food science education and building skills and knowledge to help them grow in the project area. For more information, check out our website article. Registration is now open in 4HOnline. An absentee judging option is available - contact Kristina for more information.
Horse Project Meeting (all ages) - February 8th at 7pm at the 4-H Building
Our February meeting will be a project meeting introducing youth to all the various ways you can be involved in the 4-H Horse Project (with or without a horse). This will include project bowl, judging team, drill team, Horseless Horse, county fair, and much more. The meeting will be informational and interactive and youth of all ages are welcome to attend! (Click to add Horse Project Meetings to your google calendar or Facebook)
Horse Project Tack Swap - March 5th 10am-3pm
Whether you need new horse gear or want to reserve a table to sell, this event is for you! Make sure to spread the word - early bird pricing is valid through February 21st. See flyer and Facebook event.
Dog Training Project - Informational Meeting March 17th at 6:30 pm
Interested in learning about Dog Training? In Olmsted County, the project includes practices for Rally, Obedience, and Showmanship, as well as Agility, each leading up to a county Dog Show and the opportunity to participate at the State Dog Show. Interested? Sign-up in 4HOnline to attend the informational meeting. Contact the Dog Project leaders at dogprojectoc@gmail.com with any questions in the meantime.
Introduction to Shooting Spots & Wildlife Event (Grades 4+) - March 20, 4pm
Ever wondered what our Shooting Sports program is about? Or what the role is like for our youth and adult instructors? Save the date for this introduction event to hear from current volunteers and try out air rifle and archery!
Aquarium Education - Interest Survey
Do you have a fish tank or are you interested in starting one? Do you want to use your tank as a 4-H project? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please complete this survey to share your thoughts about how becoming an aquarist can be a part of 4-H!
MN 4-H Scholarships for college-bound youth: Apply online by April 1
Extension Youth Development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for 4-H youth who are pursuing post-secondary studies at accredited colleges and universities. Over $20,000 is awarded annually through a competitive application process, including scholarships specific to Olmsted County youth. Learn more and apply.
Summer Experiences
Explore Gardening: Seedlings of Hope 4-H Club (Grades 3-8)
Interested in learning about plants, gardening, forestry and native and invasive species? Join Olmsted County 4-H, Revolutionary Earth, and People of Hope ELCA for this hands-on opportunity to learn and practice growing organic vegetables for those in need in the Rochester community. Interested youth can also use this experience to earn a Jr. Master Gardener Certification. The club will run for 6-weekly sessions from 6-7:30 pm, starting on June 16. z.umn.edu/OlmstedSeedlings
4-H Camp in Olmsted County (Grades K-5)
This year, you can join us for only $25 a session on Wednesdays in June and July for a fun-filled day of hands-on project exploration, service learning, and fun! Youth in grades K-5 are invited to participate. The day will consist of some activities as a large group and some divided into age groups (K-2 and 3-5) to ensure activities are engaging for all. Camps will take place in Rochester from 9:30 am-3:30 pm. We are also offering an extended day option for those wishing to participate from 8 am-4:30 pm. z.umn.edu/OlmstedDayCamp
Become a Day Camp Counselor (Grades 6+)
Interested in building leadership skills and participating in a fun camp experience? Join us as a Day Camp Counselor! We are now accepting applications for Day Camp Counselors in 4HOnline. Click on your youth's name, select Events, and then Day Camp Counselor Application. Youth do not need to attend every session to be eligible. Training will be provided to those selected. Note - We have a limited number of spots and applications received by March 15th will receive priority. z.umn.edu/OlmstedDayCamp
4-H Camp at Whitewater State Park (Grades 3-8)
Join our regional 4-H camp experience! June 20-22 for Grades 6-8 and June 22-24 for Grades 3-5. Full details can be found here. Registration is now open and usually fills up fast! (Note: This event qualifies for half reimbursement from Olmsted County 4-H; form found here)
Become a Regional Camp Counselor (Grades 9+) - deadline February 11
If you are in 9th grade or above and would like an opportunity to utilize your leadership skills, make friends, and work with youth, we need you as a camp counselor! Youth are encouraged to complete an application for the 2022 4-H Southeast Regional Summer Camp, which will be held at Whitewater State Park (June 19-25). The deadline to apply is Friday, February 11. Learn more and apply.
4-H at the Olmsted County Fair
We are 173 days away from fair, but some judging events and deadlines are approaching sooner! To support your family’s project learning and involvement at the fair, our 4-H fair webpage is now live! z.umn.edu/AllAboutFair will be updated with all information shared via mail, emails, etc. You can also find a list of helpful documents on the Olmsted County Extension homepage, under "4-H at the Olmsted County Fair".
Some Highlights:
- February 12 - Intro to 4-H Poultry Project Session 1 (virtual) Learn more here.
- February 15th - Market Beef and Dairy Steer ID Deadline
- March 5 - Regional Project Day Click here to learn more
- April 2 - Food Revue Judging and Educational event Click here to learn more
- April 9 - Olmsted County Livestock Quality Assurance Training Click here to learn more
We are in search of adult volunteers to support Sheep and Swine at the County Fair. Volunteers are needed to put on these livestock shows. Please reach out to Kristina for more information on what the roles, responsibilities, and time commitment are.
Key deadlines to mark on your calendars:
- February 15 - Animal ID - Market Beef & Dairy Steer - Add to google calendar
- May 16 - Animal ID - All species - Add to google calendar
- June 15 - FairEntry registration - Add to google calendar
Information for Youth and Adult Club Leaders
We know that it takes many youth & adult leaders to support 4-H clubs. This article summarizes all information that would previously be sent just to the club leader so that more of your leadership team can be aware of upcoming deadlines and opportunities. Whether you are in an official or unofficial leadership position, this article is for you.
Fall Festival Committee Club Representation Needed
As mentioned above, we need your club to have someone on this committee. Historically, clubs were asked to have reps on multiple committees year-round. In response to the burden this put on clubs and volunteers, many of our models have been revised. However, a few roles like this remain, and it's crucial to have your support on our largest fundraising event of the year. This event allows for no countywide membership dues, increases access to 4-H for all, covers portions of fees for many leadership events at the regional and state level (including camp, BLU, State Fair, etc.), and supports the staff and program supplies needed to grow opportunities.
Treasurer Check-In Opportunity - Tuesday, March 8th at 7pm on Zoom
In response to requests for more support to treasurers at fall officer training, local educator Kim Stehr in Winona County is offering a brief training opportunity. This is geared towards youth and adults currently involved with the club treasurer role. Participants will work together to utilize the 4-H training documents by walking through entering information into them, asking questions, and gaining a better understanding of the treasurer role and the importance of keeping good financial records!
The MN 4-H - "Leading a 4-H club webpage" has launched
Resources for club leaders and volunteers leading a 4-H club have been reorganized! Explore these categories: Beginning the 4-H year, leading a 4-H club meeting (organized around a sample agenda), managing 4-H club operations, and ways to support club members. Suggest improvements to the site by using the gray “feedback” button on the right side of the screen. Explore the new site.
Contact Information
Email: mnext-olmsted@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu/olmsted
Location: 1421 3rd Avenue Southeast, Rochester, MN, USA
Phone: 507-328-6214
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Olmsted4H