Washington County 4-H Newsletter
December 7, 2023
Welcome to our Family Newsletter! The most up-to-date information about events and activities going on in Washington County 4-H. Please pass along to friends and family that might be interested in attending a 4-H event. You will also receive the monthly Clover Update at the beginning of each month highlighting regional and state events.
Re-enroll now!
Families are encouraged to enroll/re-enroll early to get the most out of 4-H in the coming year. The most important part of re-enrolling is updating your information. Maybe you have a new email, new projects to add, changing to a different club, updating the grade you are in or any health updates. All of this and more can be done though your family account in 4honline. https://v2.4honline.com/
Remember you must re-enroll yearly to participate in 4-H! If you have any problems with registrations or need more information on enrollment please contact our office by email at mnext-washington@umn.edu or phone at 651-430-6800. While the 4-H year is a year-round organization, you must be enrolled BEFORE May 15th to avoid any penalties. This is also the deadline that all animals must be identified in your family account.
Enrollment fee
As you will notice, shortly (perhaps a day or two) after you enroll online you are approved. Monthly email reminders are sent to families to pay their membership fee. Membership fees help keep our programs affordable for all, please pay your membership fee or fill out a scholarship form below. We accept checks/cash at any time. Sorry no credit cards.
Washington County has a yearly enrollment fee of $25.00 per member (youth only) or $100 max per family for 4 or more children. We ask that you please send payment to our office or use the drop box at the main entrance of the Stillwater Government Center in a clearly marked envelope.
Checks should be made out to Washington County 4-H and sent to the following address:
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
**For those using online banking, please be sure to include Washington County 4-H as checks made out to just Washington County go directly to the property tax office**
We don't want anyone to miss out so if you need help, please just let us know by completing a scholarship form.
Order your Washington County 4-H T-shirt today!
Show your 4-H pride with our new 2023-2024 t-shirt! This year’s design is printed on heather gray.
Youth who have paid their yearly enrollment fee can order a shirt for $10. Adults shirts are $20.
Use this link to order shirts for you and your family: z.umn.edu/Washington4-Hshirts
**Hint - These would make a great gift or stocking stuffer**
Upcoming events
Looking for some activities you can do from home this winter break?
Free at-home project kits and learning resources for youth K-8 will be available to pick up at the 4-H office starting the week of December 11th! We are located in the Stillwater Government Center, on the 4th floor. Building hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday-Friday. They will be self-serve from a cart outside our office door through January or until gone. Topics include STEM, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and social-emotional learning. Please fill out this form for more info: z.umn.edu/4Hwinterkits
Arts-In Reunion - January 6 (Pre-Register by Jan. 2)
Calling all 2023 Arts-In Cast members and those interested in learning more about Arts-In! Join us on Saturday, January 6th from 4:00 - 8:00pm for the Arts-In Reunion at Hooley Hall. The evening will include a Murder Mystery game, the video premiere of Into the Jungle, IMPROV, food and fun!
Please bring a snack or beverage to share. Pizza will be ordered for dinner.
Registration is due NO LATER than January 2nd. You won't want to miss this year's Arts-In Reunion! Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.
New Family Night - January 18
New families are welcome to a New Family Night, Thursday, January 18 from 6-7pm at the Stillwater Government Center (Stillwater, MN) Use main entrance, not courts.
If your family has joined 4-H in the past year or so, please join us to learn about upcoming events, county fair deadlines, and more! This quarterly event is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet other 4-H families, and get more involved in the program. Pizza and beverages will be served.
For more information and to register, please visit: z.umn.edu/WashCoNewFamilyNight
Please contact Ashton at kules010@umn.edu for more information.
4-H Food Revue - Feb. 3 (Registration Due - Jan. 22)
Who: Washington County 4-H Members, grades K-13th
What: Food Revue is a county-level event where youth prepare a meal/dish (one serving), and create a table setting to go with the theme of the food item. Youth in grades 6th and above have an opportunity to earn a State Fair Trip!
Returning is the 2024 4-H Fair Foodie Challenge that will take place the same morning! Youth can participate in both events!
When: Saturday, February 3, 2024 beginning at 9:30 AM
Set-up: 9:00 – 9:30 AM
Judging starts: 9:30 AM until done for both events
Exhibits must remain on display until judging is completed.
Where: Hooley Hall, Washington County Fairgrounds – 12300 North 40th St., Stillwater, MN
Contact Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu with any questions.
4-H Fair Foodie Challenge! Registration Due - Jan. 22
4-H members have the opportunity to create a menu item that will enhance a current menu item sold at the County Fair Food Stand! The Challenge competition will take place on the same day as our annual Food Revue event scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd. The winner will have their food item featured during the county fair!
Who: Washington County 4-H Members, grades 6th and older. Individuals or teams of 2 may participate!
When: Saturday, February 3, 2024 @ Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds
Set up at: 9:30 am
Categories will include:
-Breakfast Item
-Lunch/Supper Item
You can enter in both categories.
Requirements of entries:
-the food item will need to contain 65% of items currently inventoried for the Food Stand (See list of ingredients on registration)
-the food item can contain up to 35% new ingredients
Entries will be judged on:
- Creativity
- Simplicity to replicate for large quantities and speed
- Presentation
- Taste
The Challenge winner will:
-Have the opportunity to learn about food prep and sales working with the Food Stand Committee.
-Will need to attend 2 Food Stand Committee Meetings prior to County Fair to learn about ordering food, prepping food, sales, etc.
-The 4-H member will need to be available during the county fair to prep your food item each day it is served. There may be a limit on how many of the featured food items will be sold each day at the County Fair.
-Work with the Food Stand Committee to figure out how much added cost there will be to add their featured ingredients.
-4-H member will have the opportunity to learn the sales side (profit margins) when selling food.
-Experience what it is like to work in food service.
-Prizes included!
To REGISTER go to Food Stand Challenge
Arts-In Director Application - Due February 23
We are now accepting applications for the Arts-In Director position for our 2024 show season! This is a paid position that works with the Performing Arts Development Committee and student directors to write the script, select music, and put together all aspects of the Arts-In encampment. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and previous Arts-In experience is preferred. Applications are due to the Extension office no later than February 23, 2024. Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions. Application can be found here!
Project Bowl teams forming now!
Are Washington County 4-H’ers ready to start forming Project Bowl teams for the 2024 competitions? Check out the information below to see if this is something for you! Additional details can be found here; Minnesota Project Bowl information
What is 4-H Project Bowl?
Project Bowl teams are made up of 3-6 youth. Each has two divisions: Junior (grades 3-8) and Senior (grades 4 through 4-H graduation). 4-H areas: dairy, dog, general livestock(includes all of the following species; beef, sheep, swine & market goat), horse, llama/alpaca, poultry, and rabbit.
New in 2024, the age divisions have been restructured to provide three age categories with the dairy and general livestock contests. The new team divisions for dairy and general livestock will be junior (grades 3-5), intermediate (grades 3-8) and senior (grades 4+).
Why should I consider participating in Project Bowl?
Participating in Project Bowl will not only help prepare youth for County Fair Knowledge Quizzes, State Fair Interviews, etc., but many youth acknowledge how it has prepared them for many high school and college science classes!
Who coaches teams? Each team will need 2 screened 4-H volunteers to coach a team. Coaches will set up practice schedules with team members and work with resources to help team members prepare for the contest.
When? Project Bowl teams typically start practicing either in-person and/or virtually in the months of December or January. There are 3 Regional Competitions held in the state during the month of March. The nearest one to Washington County would be held on Saturday, March 9th at Hastings High School. Typically it is an all day event, based on if the team advances to the finals.
How? Resources are listed on the Minnesota 4-H website under Project Bowl. Questions for the contests are taken from these resources.
Regional winners advance to the 4-H State Project Bowl. Winners at the state level in dairy, general livestock, horse and poultry go on to national contests!
Now is the time to gather your friends together, recruit a coach, study hard, and most of all have fun during the project bowl season! If you are interested in participating or coaching, please contact Ann @ churc109@umn.edu
Ambassador Registration
Don’t forget to register to be a 2023-2024 Washington County 4-H Ambassador! County Ambassadors are youth enrolled in grades 7-13 who want to take their leadership skills to the next level. Some opportunities include:
Planning and leading cloverbud workshops, service projects, and social events
Serving as a counselor at workshops and day camps
Running the Ambassador Booth at the County Fair
Serving as a spokesperson for the Washington County 4-H Program
Other outreach opportunities as assigned
Meeting new friends throughout the county and state!
If these opportunities interest you, fill out the Ambassador Application here! If you have questions, contact Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu or Abbey Rademacher at abbeyrademacher25@gmail.com for more information.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Seeking adults and teens who can knit, sew, quilt, and more!
We are looking for volunteers to help teach workshops this spring on any of the following skills:
Clothing and textiles: sewing, alterations, weaving, apparel technology, etc.
Needle Arts: knitting, crocheting, embroidery and crewel, counted cross stitch, needlepoint, hardanger, weaving, appliqué, latchhook, tatting, hand embellishments, felting, or hand embroidery
Please contact Ashton at kules010@umn.edu for more information.
Attend 2023 annual volunteer training: 4-H for All Abilities - Creating Inclusive Environments for Youth with Disabilities
Join 4-H volunteers from across the state to learn about creating inclusive learning environments. Almost 17% of public school students in Minnesota receive special education services - this means that all 4-H programs have participants with disabilities. Join us to explore how Minnesota 4-H volunteers can build their capacity to better support this important underserved audience of young people. We all have a stake in this work. This 90-minute volunteer training will increase your understanding of how to support the unique needs of all youth. Adult volunteers and teen-aged youth leaders are invited. Local 4-H programs are working hard to ensure that 2-3 volunteers from each club, project, activity, or event attend this annual volunteer training on behalf of their 4-H club, project area, or group. Statewide webinars are just one way to attend. Connect with your local 4-H Extension educator to learn more about this hybrid training and in-person options. Or, register to join us for one of the next statewide offerings on Dec. 13. Learn more and register.
Save the dates - 2024!
Food Revue - Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024
Creative Arts Night - Friday, March 1, 2024
Washington County Horse Camp June 9 - June 12, 2024
Washington County Fair static judging - Saturday, July 27, 2024
Washington County Fair July 31 - August 4, 2024
Statewide Events
In-Person Opportunities
Apply to be on the animal science youth leadership team
Washington County animal science enthusiasts, don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Youth team members in grades 8+ will have the opportunity to plan, implement and evaluate a variety of animal science programs while exploring their passions and practicing leadership skills. You will serve as positive role models for Minnesota 4-H and the animal science program. This experience will offer an opportunity to network with peers, mentors and industry professionals. This program is a 1-year commitment from January, 2024 to December, 2024. Application deadline: Dec. 15. Learn more and apply.
Winter Round Up - Early Bird Registration due Dec. 18
Winter Round Up 2024 registrations are now open!! Register through 4-H Online. Open to youth grades 6 and up, adult horse project leaders. Early bird registration deadline Dec. 18th. Final registration January 10, 2024. More information available https://z.umn.edu/winterround-up
Register for BLU and TEEL leadership workshops
February leadership workshop registration is now open! Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) is a youth-led workshop for youth in grades 6-9 that strengthens leadership, communication, and relationship skills. Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) is for youth in grades 10+ who want to boost their leadership skills. Become better leaders while having a great time! Learn more and register.
National 4-H leadership opportunity
Consider applying to participate in Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), a 4-H experience that takes place in Washington, DC, and the surrounding area..
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) brings youth together from across the US to gain skills and experiences to become effective change agents. This experience is open to 4-H youth currently in grades 9+. Registration will open Nov. 15, and close Dec. 15.
Virtual Learning Opportunities
“A Day in the Life” 4-H Photography Challenge
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer another statewide photography challenge open to youth in grades K-13.! Capture a moment in your life each day for a week! Document your daily activities as they unfold naturally - mealtime, friends, family, hobbies, backyard, animals, etc. Select five of your seven images (with no or minimal editing) taken between December 15-January 15. From your five images, select one to write 1-2 sentences on why that photo is important to you. Submit five (5) jpg or jpeg images and your statement in one email to fourhphoto@umn.edu by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on January 15, 2024. Please type “A Day in the Life” in the email Subject line, and in the email include the participant’s name, grade, state, your 1-2 sentence statement, and which photo you wrote your statement about, as indicated in the rules.
Register at: https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.
Minnesota 4-H livestock in a box series
This year's 4-H livestock in a box series will focus on the animal science project areas of pets (dog and cat), beef, sheep and swine. Each box will include all of the supplies necessary to complete lessons on breed identification, nutrition, health, care and associated careers. The lessons and hands-on learning activities are designed for youth in grades 4-7 to explore with little to no adult assistance. Boxes are $25 each, which includes shipping directly to homes. Families may select individual boxes or order the entire series. Learn more and register.
4-H Animal Discovery: Dairy cattle and goat
Youth in grades 3+ are invited to join this exploratory learning series highlighting two animal species: dairy and goat. This 5-session virtual series kicks off Feb. 5. Youth can expect fun, interactive lessons, at-home challenges and group reflection supported by 4-H members, volunteers and staff. Registration opens Dec. 4 and closes on Jan. 29. Learn more and register.
Let's Talk about Mental Health
Let's Talk about Mental Health is a 5-session series designed to provide a safe place for youth in grades 6 and up to have important conversations about mental health and wellbeing. This series demonstrates to youth that they are valued and welcomed by 4-H, and gives all youth the tools to be supportive and effective. The curriculum was created by Minnesota 4-H leaders in equity alongside local Extension educators.
Sessions include:
-Let's talk about mental health
-Words and culture matter
-A walk in their shoes (panel discussion with youth and adults impacted by mental health)
-What can I do?
-World cafe
Youth will be able to connect, share, and hear from facilitators in a safe and supportive environment online Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, and Feb. 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more and register at https://extension.umn.edu/news/lets-talk-about-mental-health
Winter wonders: Explore plant growth and roots with 4-H Science Sprouts!
Discover how gravity influences plant growth and observe roots in action! Join us for an exciting winter series of 4-H Science Sprouts. This opportunity is open to youth in grades 3+ who are interested in plants and science. Online sessions will take place Jan. 22, Feb. 26, and March 25 from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Throughout this series, we'll explore how gravity affects plant life and delve into the fascinating world of root growth. We'll cover agronomy and horticulture topics tailored to the season using STEM. While there's no cost for the program, we'll share a list of optional supplies for those who want to try hands-on experiments at home. We'll send the list out a week before each gathering. Let's explore the wonders of science together in this engaging winter series! Learn more and register.
Join the virtual 4-H plant science team: Meet others who share the same passions and make new friends
The 4-H plant science team has tested virtual teams and found them to be effective in providing equal opportunities for youth to participate in showcase events. Last year, several teams used virtual practices to get ready for in-person events like the 4-H plant science project bowl and crop scouting. This format has helped 4-H plant science programming reach more youth across the state, who can join virtual teams without having to form teams within their county. The 4-H plant science team is eager to form more virtual teams and welcomes interested youth to join and make new friends statewide. Fill out this form to indicate your interest.
Virtual plant science trivia nights are back!
Do you love plants and want to have some fun? Join us for virtual plant science trivia nights starting in January! Every second week we have different days scheduled, so you have multiple options if a specific date doesn't work. Our first session is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11, from 7:30 to 8 p.m. – test your plant knowledge and learn new facts while playing interactive games. No experience is necessary, just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm! Learn more and register.
Hybrid Opportunities
4-H Outdoor Wilderness Leadership and Service (OWLS) Program
Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 cohort! This 2-year adventure-based leadership program is designed to provide youth in grades 6-11 with intensive hands-on exploration in an area of interest associated with the outdoors, a Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip, and support to lead a conservation project. Cost is $350 for the two years, which includes three retreats and the canoe trip. Application deadline: Dec. 22. Learn more and apply.
2024 4-H Environmental Service Learning (ESL) Adventure Trip
New in the summer of 2024! This trip is designed for youth in grades 9+ to experience the beautiful Isle Royale National Park while backpacking, camping, and working with biologists to study the unique ecosystem and wildlife of the island. Participants will be expected to join monthly Zoom meetings from February through July for trip preparation – we’ll determine these meeting dates to accommodate the group. Trip dates are Aug. 4-10. This trip is limited to 8 youth and will cost $600. Fees include most transportation to and from the island, food during the backpacking trip, park fees, some gear, and the 4-H Backpacking Expedition curriculum. Participants will need to provide some gear, transportation to and from pick up points for the van, and food during van travel. Contact Nicole Pokorney at pokorney@umn.edu with any questions. Registration deadline: Dec. 29. Learn more and register.
4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)
The 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) is a hands-on environmental education program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to youth. It provides participants an opportunity to test their wildlife knowledge in a friendly competition with teams of 3-4 similarly aged individuals, led by a local 4-H volunteer coach. The winning senior WHEP team (14-19 years old) will have the opportunity to attend the annual National WHEP contest, typically held the last full week of July. 4-H WHEP replaced Wildlife Project Bowl. Learn more about WHEP.
Club Corner
Spreading Holiday Cheer
The 4-H Ambassadors and Exec Board teamed up to assemble 90 floral arrangements for the resident’s of Greeley and Linden Estates in Stillwater! So much joy was delivered to these residents! Special thanks to 4-H alum Beth Kroening for teaching us how to make floral arrangements! After making the arrangements, we talked about the importance of being grateful and learned how to write impactful thank you’s!
Happy Hornets 4-H Club
The Happy Hornets had so much fun at their December meeting! They had a quick business meeting followed by winter crafts, and an egg roll demonstration. Everyone enjoyed learning how to make the egg roll filling, roll their own egg rolls, and taste what they made.
Lucky Aces 4-H Club
The Lucky Aces had their annual holiday potluck and toys for tots collection at Hooley Hall, on Monday, November 20th, 2023. The food was fantastic and we had a nice variety and something from all the food groups.
Special thanks to everyone for your help and contributions to help make this a memorable Christmas for families in need. Part of being a good 4-H member is thinking of others and how we can help our local communities.
We would also like to give a special thanks to our Cloverbud Leader Jana Collyard for your creativity and craft supply contributions and to our club leader Brynna Turnau of another fun year in the books your generosity and commitment to our club doesn't go unnoticed and we are extremely lucky to have you.
Reminder we are off in December and we will catch up with you all again in January 2024. Wishing you all Happy Holidays.
Calling all club reporters or secretaries!
Please send a short report about your club's activities. Email Kathy at eber0002@umn.edu after you have had your monthly meeting or an event! Include 1-3 photos if you can. Thank you!
Code of Conduct update
Consent to the code of conduct is part of enrollment. The code of conduct for youth, parents and volunteers has been updated to prohibit the possession or use of marijuana.
Roles of Local Youth Educators
Ann Church - Livestock (Beef, Dairy, Llama, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, Rabbit), Horse, Shooting Sports, Federation, Community Clubs, Fair, Charters and Finance, Grant writing, Foods & Creative Arts projects.
Megan Slater - Youth Teaching Youth, Ambassadors, Performing Arts, Resident/Day Camps, Dog, Goat, Cloverbud.
Ashton Kulesa - STEM, Project Workshops, New Families, Food Stand, Outreach and Libraries.
Contact information is listed below.
University of Minnesota Extension
Families and youth
University of Minnesota Extension works across the lifespan. We create and support positive non-formal learning opportunities for youth. We foster resilient, healthy and secure futures for families and seniors. Extension works with Minnesotans to make informed decisions leading to better health and well-being. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth
Food, health and nutrition
University of Minnesota Extension improves food literacy, physical activity, food safety and healthy food access for Minnesotans and the food service industry. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/food-health-and-nutrition
Yard and garden
The best plants and gardening practices for Minnesota gardeners, homeowners and hobbyists to grow healthy lawns, landscapes and gardens. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden
Ann Church
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6809
churc109@umn.edu
Megan Slater
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6805
slate187@umn.edu
Ashton Kulesa
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6807
Kathy Erf
Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
(651) 430-6800 or (651) 430-6803
eber0002@umn.edu
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
(We are located in the Stillwater Government Center)
Office hours - Please call ahead as staff hours do vary.
8:00am-4:30pm (Monday-Thursday)
Friday by appointment
651-430-6800 or mnext-washington@umn.edu
© 2023, Regents of the University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this publication/material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612-624-2116.