December
Family Newsletter - December 22, 2021
4-H families, volunteers and friends
As we come to the close of 2021, we would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your involvement in Washington County 4-H!
- Parents - thank you for enrolling your children in 4-H and seeing the benefits that the 4-H program offers youth!
- Volunteers - we could not offer the programs we do without your time, energy and passion to work with youth and the various programs! Whether you are a Club Leader, PDC member, or someone who helps with one activity/event per year, you all make a difference! As staff, we see the overall impact you all have on our program!
- Stakeholders - many thanks to our County Commissioners for their support of our program as well as those who support our program financially through donations, giving programs, grants, etc.
We hope this season brings you joy, rest and peace! May you have some time to enjoy family and friends!
Looking forward to kicking off 2022!
Ann, Megan, Kathy and Caitlin
Remember you must re-enroll yearly!
Upcoming events & activities
One Act Play
Are you interested in acting? St. Croix Clover is looking for more 4-Hers to join them for the cast of this year's One Act Play. The production will be The Pied Piper. Any 4-Her in 3rd grade and up is welcome to participate. Auditions will take place in early January with rehearsals starting later in January. The play will be performed during the Performing Arts Festival in May. Please contact Liberty Belter, 651-428-5185 or tenderheartschildcare@yahoo.com
Share the Fun & Performing Arts Workshop
Do you want to participate in our Performing Arts Night in May, but you’re not sure where to begin? You’re in luck! Our Performing Arts PDC would like to put on a Share the Fun & Performing Arts workshop for interested clubs. Come and learn how to put together a Share the Fun skit and One Act Play, or learn more about the Performing Arts in general. Please let us know what would best help the adult leaders coordinating these projects for their club!
Horse Bowl 2022 - Calling all horse enthusiasts
Project Bowl
Project Bowl is a long-standing program in Minnesota 4-H and is the second-most attended event of the year. In Project Bowl, teams of 3-6 youth build skills working and thinking together while testing their knowledge in these 4-H areas: dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama/alpaca, poultry, and rabbit.
There are four regional bowls, which lead to the state competition. Each has two divisions: Junior (grades 3-8) and Senior (grades 4 through 4-H graduation). 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!
Get your friends together, recruit a coach, study hard, and most of all have fun during the project bowl season! If you would like to be on or coach a team, please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Bowling with a County Ambassador
Join us on Saturday, January 22nd from 1-3 PM for bowling and socializing at Stillwater Bowl!
If you're in 7th grade and up and interested in learning more about the Washington County Ambassador program, this event is for you! Come hang out with the Ambassadors, meet new friends, bowl, eat pizza and HAVE FUN! Register here.
Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.
Livestock PDC Meeting
The Livestock PDC (Project Development Committee) will kick off the new year with a meeting on Wednesday, January 19th beginning at 7:00 pm over zoom. Anyone interested in getting involved in the livestock projects is welcome to join us! Topics typically discussed at the January Meeting include; tagging/identification process, yearly budget, and potential educational events. If you are not currently on the committee and would like to be a part of this group, contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu for the zoom link! New members are always welcome!
STEM Workshop
Have an interest in Chemistry and Biology? Register today for the January STEM Workshop, January 29th from 9:00 am to noon at Hooley Hall. Any 4-H member in 5th through 9th grade is welcome to join. Activities will include some experiments, teamwork, and meeting some live animals! Cost is $10, and will be collected at the door but you must pre-register. We hope to see you there! Contact Caitlin Rademacher at crademac@umn.edu with any questions you may have.
Register at: https://z.umn.edu/januarystemworkshop
January Federation Meeting
4-H families are invited to attend Federation Meetings held in October, January, April and June. There will be a business meeting along with a program. The next Federation Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 24th, beginning at 7:00 pm over zoom. Our program for the evening will be Paige Newcomb sharing her experience attending the National 4-H Congress that was recently held in Atlanta, Georgia. Contact Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu for zoom link.
January Ambassador Meeting
Are you interested in expanding your leadership skills at the county level? Join us at our next Ambassador meeting on Monday, January 24th at 6 PM via zoom. After some games and socializing, we will be planning our next Cloverbud workshop, scheduled for Saturday, February 19th! Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.
Join the meeting here!
New Family Orientation Zoom Meeting
4-H staff will host a New Family Orientation on Tuesday, January 25th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. This Orientation will be held over zoom. Topics covered will include; 4-H basics, project areas, upcoming spring project registrations, etc. We will allow extra time for your questions! If you can join us, please sign up. The zoom link will be sent to those who pre-register.
Food Revue/Foods Workshop
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 5th for Food Review 2022! Join us for this fun event where you can showcase your cooking skills and qualify for a State Fair trip (grade 6 and above). Open to all 4-H members including Cloverbuds! Learn more by reading the flyer below.
Plans are also being made to offer a Valentine's Food Workshop that will be held in conjunction with Food Review on Saturday, Feb. 5 at Hooley Hall. Anyone participating in Food Review will also be able to participate in the Foods Workshop around your judging time. Watch for more details to come!
Arts-In Director Applications - Due February 4th
We are now accepting applications for the Arts-In Director position for our 2022 show season! This is a paid position that works with the Performing Arts Development Committee and student directors to write a 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 4th, 2022. Contact Megan with any questions at slate187@umn.edu.
Cloverbud Workshop
Calling all Cloverbuds! Join us at Hooley Hall on Saturday, February 19th from 9 AM - Noon for a day full of STEM. We will have guest scientists, Ambassador led experiments, games, food and fun. All Cloverbuds and non 4-Hers in grades K-2 are invited to come meet new friends and participate in hands-on project learning. We plan to spend time outside, so come dressed for the weather! Pizza lunch will be included.
Cost is $10 if sent in by the deadline of February 9. After February 9, cost is $20 and must be prepaid for supplies and pizza.
Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu or Caitlin at crademac@umn.edu with any questions.
Statewide events
Western Heritage Meeting (Horse)
We will be holding a Western Heritage kickoff meeting on Sunday January 2, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. for people interested in learning more about the project. You will be able to learn about what western heritage is, what the requirements are and what the opportunities are for participation and events for the 2022 4-H year. Please join us for the Western Heritage kickoff webinar.
Winter Round Up
Winter Round Up is scheduled for January 21-23, 2021 in Palisade, MN at Long Lake Conservation Center. Winter Round Up is an exciting three-day, two-night conference of adult and youth leadership and 4-H Horse Project learning. It's for youth in sixth grade or older who are interested in horses. Their families and adult 4-H volunteers are also welcome.
Winter Round Up includes speakers, educational workshops and many hands-on activities in a beautiful outdoor setting. In addition to gaining useful information and participating in activities, there are opportunities to share information, network with other horse project leaders and youth, make new friends and have fun! This conference is geared towards 4-H'ers in sixth grade and above and adult horse project leaders. The cost is $90 if you register before December 29, 2021 and $100 after the December date until registration deadline of January 10, 2022. For more details click on the Winter Round Up link.
Hope to see you in January!
Youth Leadership
Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU)
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.
BLU will be held at five different locations with one day and overnight experiences offered:
Feb. 5 - 6: Northeast - Long Lake Conservation Center, Palisade.
Feb. 5 - 6: Southeast - Camp Victory, Zumbro Falls.
Feb. 12 - 13: Northwest - Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes.
Feb. 19: Southwest - Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall.
Feb. 26: Central- University of Minnesota-St Paul Student Center
To learn more about BLU and register visit z.umn.edu/4-HBLU.
4-H Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) leadership workshop
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.
This year TEEL will be held in five different locations:
Feb. 5 - 6: Northeast - Long Lake Conservation Center, Palisade.
Feb. 5 - 6: Southeast - Camp Victory, Zumbro Falls.
Feb. 12 - 13: Northwest - Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes.
Feb. 19: Southwest - Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall.
Feb. 26: Central- University of Minnesota-St Paul Student Center
To learn more about TEEL and register visit z.umn.edu/4-HTEEL.
National 4-H Conference
Know a youth who would like to would like to use their voice to impact the direction of the 4-H Youth Development Program?
National 4-H Conference might be the opportunity for them! Learn more about the program, which includes a trip to Washington D.C., and the competitive application process due January 9 at z.umn.edu/N4HC
Washington Focus
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a 4-H leadership program for high school youth. Teens from across the country gather near Washington, D.C., to learn what it means to be a strong leader in their community, country, and world. Learn more at z.umn.edu/4H-CWF. Registration closes January 10 or until filled, so don't delay!
Washington County leadership activities
Teen Teachers needed for reading buddies in Forest Lake & Lake Elmo!
We're bringing the reading buddy experience back in 2022, in-person! Washington County 4-H is partnering with the Washington County Libraries to pair children with a 4-H reading buddy and staff member. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their reading skills with a 4-H mentor for 15-minute sessions at the Hardwood Creek Library in Forest Lake, and the Lake Elmo Library. Young readers who are interested can sign up through the Washington County Library system.
Sessions will take place on various Tuesday's and Thursday’s starting in January. Volunteers are able to sign up for as many sessions as they are able. See specific dates and locations in registration form. Additional dates/times will be added as we move into the spring. Register to be a teen teacher here.
Sign up to be a 2021-2022 Washington County Ambassador!
Are you in 7th grade or above? Do you want to build your leadership skills and meet new friends? The Washington County 4-H Ambassadors meet once a month to plan workshops and camps for younger members, service projects, and fun social events! This is a great opportunity to expand your leadership to the next level while meeting friends from around the county. All skill levels and experience are welcome!
Fill out this quick google form to show your interest in the Washington County 4-H Ambassador program:
Teen Teachers needed for Youth Teaching Youth!
Are you in grades 9-12 and interested in teaching your younger peers? Youth Teaching Youth is for you! Teen Teachers teach in elementary school classrooms and library settings. Training and guided curriculum options are provided. We are looking for teens in the South Washington County, Stillwater, and Forest Lake Area Schools. Don't miss this opportunity to build your resume and improve your public speaking skills in a supportive environment. Contact Megan Slater if you are interested in learning more at slate187@umn.edu.
Upcoming Events/Activities and Deadlines
Animal Science
- February 15 - All Market Beef and Dairy Steers will need to be identified by the Feb. 15th ID deadline. More information will be emailed directly to those enrolled in the beef project in mid January.
- May 16 - Animal identification deadline - All animals coming to the fair need to be identified by this date in your 4honline family account. This is a state deadline and consequences apply (no state trips, no premium, no auction, etc.) if you miss this deadline. Only exceptions are as follows; market beef (due Feb. 15), poultry (leased birds and doves/pigeons need to be ID'ed) & pet show animals.
- June 12-15 - Washington County Horse Camp. Must be enrolled in 4-H and provide your own horse. Registration opens April 1 and will be emailed to those enrolled in the Horse project.
- July 30-31 - County Dog Show
- Aug. 3-7 - Washington County Fair (All animal shows except Dog)
STEM - Cloverbud Workshop
- Feb. 19 - Hooley Hall from 9:00am-12:00pm (Details above)
Performing Arts
- May 13 - Performing Arts Night - Our Performing Arts Night is scheduled for Friday, May 13th at the Park Pavilion on the Washington County Fairgrounds. This will be a night for Share the Fun skits, One Act plays, and Performing Arts judging.
- NEW THIS YEAR - Performing Arts will be judged on this day rather than during the General Project Judging day before the County Fair. This is to give participants a chance to showcase their talents and perform in front of an audience. Conference judging will still take place after the performances.
Youth enrollment and animal ID deadline
- May 16, 2022
Washington County Fair
- July 1 - County fair registration deadline. All projects/animals need to be entered in FairEntry by this date.
- July 30 - 4-H General/Static project judging (Saturday)
- Aug. 3-7 - Washington County Fair
Looking for a craft day leader!
No matter what winter may look like, we want to stay ahead of cabin fever and plan some fun winter workshops. It has been a few years but we would like to bring back “Creative Arts Day''. So we are looking for a volunteer or group of volunteers to help organize this workshop by coming up with a project or projects youth can make in an afternoon or morning. This would also include finding presenters to teach. If interested please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Project Bowl Coaches & Members Needed!
Project Bowl is a competition that tests the knowledge of a team of 4 for a specific species or wildlife.
Starting in early January, Project Bowl Teams begin to meet and practice for the Regional Contest held in March. Youth build skills working and thinking together while testing their knowledge in one of the following areas: dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama/alpaca, poultry, and rabbit. Coaches are needed to work with the teams and prepare them for the contest. Resources are listed on the state website. For more information, check out; https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/regional-state-project-bowls
If you are interested in coaching one of these areas, please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Looking for volunteers to become Certified Shooting Sports Trainers!
We are always in need of additional Trainers for our Shooting Sports program! Requirements to train are that you are a ‘screened volunteer’ and that you complete the Leader Certification Training. Below are upcoming trainings around Minnesota! If this is something you can help us with, please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
2021-22 SS&W Leader Certification Training
Date: Saturday, January 15, 2022
Location: TBD, Mora, MN
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Disciplines: Rifle/Pistol and Archery
Dates: Tuesdays, January 25 and February 1, 2022
ONLINE
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Discipline: Coordinator
Additional dates and information and registration can be found at; https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/4-h-shooting-sports-and-wildlife-leader-certification
Get prepared NOW to attend an in-person training by completing Steps 1 and 2!
The following steps must be completed to become fully certified in a NEW SS&W discipline:
Complete the National 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor online training course - This online training will fulfill many traditionally in-person instruction hours in volunteerism and positive youth development. There is no end date to complete, but will need to be completed prior to attending a one-day in-person discipline training and is good for many years. This course takes about 5 hours to complete. Registration form
View recorded Minnesota 4-H SS&W Risk Management webinar - This recorded session will be 50 minutes in length and the link will be emailed to you once you have completed step 1.
Attend a one-day in-person training - dates are listed above. Each day is scheduled from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. You can register for any one of the days to receive a discipline certification. Each day completed = one discipline certified.
Volunteers needing Recertification in a discipline must ensure they have viewed the Minnesota 4-H SS&W Risk Management webinar and attend a one-day training.
Registration forms will be available soon on the SS&W Leader Certification page. Please check back 3-4 weeks prior to each date for the most recent training information.
Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)
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, 2022. 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
A few families have indicated interest in being a part of a team. If we have interested youth, we will need a coach. During practices and the contest, 4-H requires 2 screened adults be present. If you are interested in coaching a WHEP team or have youth interested in being a part of a team, please contact; Ann at: churc@umn.edu Learn more about being a WHEP coach.
New Family Survey
We invite new families who have been enrolled in 4-H for less than 2 years to take a short survey.
We want to take this opportunity to gather some information on how to better serve you and make your 4-H experience a positive one like it has been for so many 4-H families before you. With all the project areas and directions that 4-Hers can explore and develop from we need your help in finding what areas we as staff need to focus on to meet the current needs of our families. Our goal is to take the results of this survey and implement future programming
This will only take a few minutes to complete and we thank you for your input.
Washington County Extension website - the place to find information!
- Current and past Family Newsletters
- County Animal ID letters
- News articles about our larger ongoing project areas
- Events calendar
- County club map with contacts
- County Fair information as it becomes available
- Much more
County membership fee update!
As you may have noticed, shortly after you enrolled online you were approved. Invoices will be sent to those who haven't paid after the first of the year. We continue to accept checks/cash at any time. Please pay your membership fee, county fees are used not only for programming but also towards salaries for county personnel.
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 address listed below.
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 please just let us know if you need a scholarship for enrollment. You will find the scholarship link below. Also, if you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, this can be done at any time. Scholarship requests have increased dramatically in the past few years.
Holiday Office Hours
Our staff wishes all of our 4-H friends and families a wonderful Holiday Season!
Our office will be closed from Dec. 22 – January 3rd for staff to enjoy time with their families. We hope you can all take some time to reflect, relax, and rejuvenate so we are ready to roll in 2022!
Happy Holidays!
Ann, Megan, Caitlin and Kathy
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
Caitlin Rademacher
Interim Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6807
Kathy Erf
Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
(651) 430-6800
eber0002@umn.edu
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
(We are located in the Stillwater Government Center)
Office hours - 8:00am-4:30pm (Monday-Thursday)
Friday by appointment
651-430-6800 or mnext-washington@umn.edu