As the year progresses youth in your programs are likely beginning to define for themselves the learning and leadership goals they have. This is a core commitment we have in Minnesota 4-H. Your role in helping guide youth to pursue project learning is essential.

For many young people, especially new members, taking the step from interest in a project to a finished product can be confusing and difficult, especially if there is not a formed group providing guidance to learning opportunities. This is where you as a caring Minnesota 4-H volunteer can come in. There are many strategies you can use to ensure young people pursue learning opportunities.

• Help focus a young person's goals so they know exactly what they want to learn

• Build a pathway to gain new skills with short-term achievable activities

• Connect them to mentors in your club, 4-H program or community

• Host special workshops or speakers to provide encouragement and skill building

• Provide relevant information and resources for them to pursue their own learning outside of club opportunities.

• Our MN 4-H Project page is a great place to start.

• Iowa 4-H has more tip sheets and support

If you need any support in helping guide your 4-H members in their project learning, reach out to your Extension Educator for support.

Thank you for your service and support of our youth and families through 4-H.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Freeman

Extension Educator, Volunteer Systems, NE Region

Regional offering | grades 6-9, grades 10+

In person

Registration is now open for youth leadership workshops BLU (for youth in grades 6 - 9) and TEEL (for youth in grades 10+). Both workshops will take place in February and this year's theme is "Seasons of Growth."

Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU)

At BLU, youth in grades 6-9 will have the chance to build leadership skills, form relationships with other youth and learn to work together. Youth will also learn about leadership while connecting to their own personal story through hands-on activities and discussions led by the Minnesota 4-H Ambassadors.

Learn more and register.

Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL)

TEEL is a workshop for youth in grades 10+ to gain valuable leadership skills while connecting with peers from other counties and regions. This workshop 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. They will also enhance their leadership skills through hands-on activities and discussions led by the older 4-H youth and recent 4-H alumni.

Learn more and register.

Statewide offering | All ages

Virtual

Join us on Jan. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom for a PDC kickoff webinar to get your animal science committees off to a great start. Members of the state animal science team will cover the basics of a PDC, its purpose, policies and rules, finances, and ideas for educational experiences.
Learn more and register.

Statewide offering | Youth and Adult Leaders

Did you miss the Minnesota 4-H annual volunteer training, Learning as Adventure? A closed-captioned recording of the Oct. 25 statewide webinar is now available for online viewing. On the annual volunteer training library page, you’ll also find links to handouts and videos referenced in the webinar recording. The video will remain available through Spring 2023 at which point, it will be removed.
Learn more and view the recording.

Statewide offering | grades 3+

Virtual

Youth in grades 3+ are invited to join 4-H Animal Discovery, an exploratory learning series highlighting two animal species: dog and poultry.

This 5-session virtual series kicks off on Feb. 6. Youth can expect fun, interactive lessons, at-home challenges and group reflection supported by 4-H members, volunteers, and staff.

Mark your calendars – registration opens on Jan. 3.
Learn more and register.

Statewide offering | grades 3+

Virtual

It's not too late to sign up to join the 4-H agronomy and horticulture team for some fun science experiments in December. We’re going to be focusing on evergreen trees this month!

Virtual sessions will take place Dec. 19. If you sign up by Dec. 12, we’ll send you the list of supplies needed for the experiment if you want to try them along with us (supplies are optional).
Learn more and register.

Are you looking for work experience in the youth development field?

University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development is offering county and region-based 4-H summer intern positions throughout the state of Minnesota. Each internship will provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the University of Minnesota Extension and explore job opportunities in 4-H Youth Development. Positions range from eight to thirteen weeks, with flexible starting dates.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Candidates must be currently enrolled as undergraduate college students, may not have completed their undergraduate program, and may not have graduated in the spring of 2023.

Candidates must apply online through the University of Minnesota employment site. The application materials will include a standard application, resume, cover letter, and an unofficial college transcript. A link will be provided listing which counties have open positions and allowing you to select your preferences.

Learn more and apply.

The application deadline is open until positions are filled with a preference of candidates who apply by Dec. 20, 2022.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Grimes, Youth Development hiring coordinator at sagrimes@umn.edu.

Local offering | Program for ALL Crow Wing County 4-H members

In person

We will enjoy a meal together. Please bring a dish according to your last name:

A-D Main dish

E-S Side dish or salad

T-Z Dessert, bars, or cookies

The Federation will provide a beverage, plate, cups, utensils, etc.

Location: Land Services Building
Time: 5:00pm
Date: Thursday, December 8, 2022

Can't wait to see you there!
-CWC Ambassadors🎉

Local offering | All ages

In person

Attention all Crow Wing County 4-H Club Members,

The Long Lake Beavers 4-H Club is inviting you to join them in some winter fun!

• Sing your heart out around Gregory Park on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 6:00 pm. Meet at the water fountain first.
• Cruise down the sledding hill at Trinity Luthern Church on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 1:00 pm.
• Gracefully skate at Gregory Park on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Ice skate rentals are available.

Contact Angie Hins at 218-330-4559 to give her a heads up you'll be joining!

Virtual

Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a statewide photography challenge to youth in grades K-13.

In the "Snowscapes" 4-H photo challenge, youth are encouraged to select their best winter wonderland photo taken during the 2022-2023 4-H year and tell the committee why it’s special to them. Submit one (1) image (with no or minimal editing) with up to two (2) sentences explaining why it’s important by 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2023.

Find more information and rules https://extension.umn.edu/event/minnesota-4-h-snowscapes-photo-challenge.

Access the Yearly Calendar events HERE.