Washington County 4-H Newsletter
April 4, 2024
Welcome to our County 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.
4-H Family Tips
Things to do to get off to a good start
Enroll/Re-enroll youth for the 2023-2024 4-H year through 4honline. (4-H year runs from Oct. 1 - Sept. 30) To participate fully in county fair and state events you must be enrolled by May 15.
- Enroll/Re-enroll as an adult volunteer. Complete the process now so you are ready to step in when you want to or are needed. Volunteer application.
- Pay County membership fee $25/youth or $100 max/family (youth only). Scholarships available.
- Once your enrollment is complete you can start registering for events and activities. Save time and complete the enrollment process now. 4honline
- All links and information about enrollment/fees can be found at the end of this newsletter.
Still looking for a club to join?? Contact the club to confirm their meeting place and time. Feel free to attend multiple club meetings to find the right fit for your family. Once you have decided what club to join, please contact the club to make sure you are on their email list.
Feel like you missed something? All Family Newsletters are posted on our county website under 4-H family newsletter.
Upcoming county events/activities
Dakota/Washington 4-H Camp Registration Open - camp is currently full, welcome to add to waitlist.
Don’t miss out on our popular overnight 4-H Resident Camp, held at Baker Outdoor Learning Center from June 10-12, 2024. Campers will enjoy: Cabin camping, campfires, challenges, outdoor adventures, crafts, nature experiences, making new friends, and much more! Camp is open to both Washington and Dakota County 4-Her’s. Cost is $150/camper and includes all meals and lodging, activities, t-shirt, and bus transportation from the Dakota County Northern Service Center to camp. Campers must have completed grades 3-8 during the 2023-2024 school year. Camp is currently full but we will accept a few on a waitlist. No payment would be due until you have been notified there is room. Register here!
Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions!
Teen Career Conversations - April 15
Join one of our local 4-H coordinators, Ashton Kulesa, at a career panel for teens! Washington County Community Services and Washington County libraries have partnered to offer a Teen Career Conversations event in Forest Lake. This is an informational event featuring professionals who are working in a variety of occupations. Panelists share what it is like, how they decided to enter the field, and how they prepared. Sometimes the paths are direct and sometimes they are quite meandering! This is a chance for middle school aged teens to start imagining their own career pathways. Teens will be encouraged to ask questions and have conversations.
Monday, April 15, 2024
4:30-6:30pm
Hardwood Creek Library, Forest Lake
Textile Arts Day - April 20
Join us for a day of learning about sewing, embroidery, weaving, felting, and more! A knowledgeable crew of 4-H volunteers and alumni will lead hands-on activities with youth to create projects they can take home and show at the fair this summer! Lunch will be provided.
Saturday, April 20th
10am - 3pm
Hooley Hall
$15
Grades 3+
Registration has been paused on this event. If interested in being put on a waitlist, please contact Ashton at ashton@umn.edu
Federation Meeting - April 22
Federation Meeting ***The program will focus on how 4-H impacted the careers of 4-H alum!***
Join us on Monday, April 22 at 6:30 pm at the Stillwater Gov’t Center for the April Federation Meeting! The Exec Board and Ambassadors will come together at 6:30 pm to hear Washington County 4-H alum share how their 4-H experience led them to their future career! All are invited to attend!
Cloverbud Workshop - April 27
Cost is $10 if sent in by the deadline of April 19. After April 19, cost is $20 and must be prepaid for supplies and pizza. Registration now open!
Please contact the office to get non-4-Hers enrolled for "event only" membership at mnext-washington@umn.edu
New Family Night - May 2
Attention new 4-H families! Please join us for an info session about the county fair and other summer events. We will meet at the Washington County fairgrounds to talk about registration, deadlines, and dates to mark on your calendar, then take a tour of the fairgrounds.
Register at z.umn.edu/WashCoNewFamilyNight
Thurs. May 2
6pm-7:30pm
Hooley Hall
Contact Ashton with questions, ashton@umn.edu
Upcycling Workshop - May 15
Join 4-H for a fashion upcycling workshop taught by the great staff at Basic Needs Thrift Shop! Youth and their parent/caregiver will learn about upcycling principles and why recycling clothing is so important. Participants will have approximately 30 minutes to shop in the store and find items that could be upcycled into a new, fun outfit! We will share our fashion plans with each other and learn how to bring a finished upcycling project to the county fair.
REGISTER HERE: z.umn.edu/basicneedsupcycling
Wed. May 15, 2024
6pm-7pm
6990 80th St S #200, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
$20 (paid to Basic Needs at the workshop. Upon payment, you will receive a $10 gift certificate towards a clothing purchase that evening.)
If you have questions, contact Ashton Kulesa at ashton@umn.edu
Animal Science
2024 Dog Training Registration now Open!
Registration is now open for the 2024 Dog Training season! To complete registration, you will need to complete the registration form, Dog ID, and pay the $40 registration fee (& $25 county dues if you haven’t already).
If you missed the Dog Orientation this past Tuesday, join us for Dog Demonstration Night on April 9 from 6-8 PM at the dog pavilion area across the street from Hooley Hall. Again, please do not bring your dog until training begins on April 16, weather permitting. Dog ID must be uploaded to your family account in 4hOnline before attending trainings. Bring a copy of your ID to training so trainers know your vaccinations are up to date.
Contact Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.
Horse Camp Registration is open!
Washington County Horse Camp registration is now open!
A reminder to Horse project members,
- Must be enrolled in 4-H
- Pay your membership fee $25.
- Have a current Coggins paper
- ID your horses, if you have any thoughts of showing at the Washington County Fair you must ID BEFORE May 15. You can ID multiple horses in case of injury.
- Sign up for Horse Camp!
General Livestock Judging Team Kick-off - April 18
Youth interested in being a part of the Dakota-Washington General Livestock Judging Team(s) are invited to attend a kick off meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension Office (4100 220th St. West, Suite 101 Farmington, MN 55024).
Why participate on a General Livestock Judging Team?
All 4-H youth (3rd grade and up) are welcome to participate in judging teams. Being on a judging team is a great way to learn how to evaluate breeding and market animals (beef, meat goat, sheep and swine). You will learn how to evaluate these species in classes of 4, while justifying their placings through oral reasons. Youth do not need to raise or exhibit these species to be involved on a judging team. To learn about judging, teams meet at farms in Washington and Dakota Counties to evaluate these species. You will also meet other 4-H youth with the same passions! If you would like to participate on a Jr. or Sr. Team, please contact Ann @ churc109@umn.edu so we can let Dakota County know how many youth are interested!
Rabbit 101 Workshop! - April 21
Rabbit Project members are invited to attend a Rabbit Workshop on Sunday, April 21st, from 2pm to 4pm at Hooley Hall. The following topics will be covered; Rabbit care, what it's like to own a Rabbit, what to expect at the county fair, and how to lease rabbits, along with any other questions you bring to the workshop! No cost to attend! Any questions, please contact Kara at; karamt30@gmail.com
Rabbits available
I have 5 rabbits that need to be rehomed. 3 of which are showable. 3 are females and 2 are males. The 2 males have never been separated and are brothers. This is my daughter's last year doing 4H and we are moving and don't have the space for them anymore. If you know any 4-H kids that would be interested. I honestly would like them to go to good safe homes. Please contact Victoria at parkbandgeek2008@yahoo.com
male dob 5-24-2020 has tattoo with papers
male dob 5-24-2020 has tattoo with papers
female dob- 11-16-2022 has tattoo - needs cage
female dob 11-16-2022 no tattoo comes with cage and all supplies
female dob 6-15-2020 comes with cage and all supplies
4-H Rabbit Fun Show in Douglas County - April 28
Are you looking for a rabbit judging experience before the county fair? Do you need to purchase a rabbit for showing before the May 15 deadline? Need your rabbit tattooed or are you in the market for rabbit supplies?
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 28 and attend the Douglas County 4-H Rabbit Fun Show annual event. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and judging begins at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $ 3 per rabbit entered.
Rabbits for sale
Rabbit tattooing available
Ribbons and medallions awarded
Food stand on site
Door prizes and silent auction offered
Register day of show at the door.
This show has lots to offer! For more information or questions, contact the Douglas County Extension office at 320-762-3890 or mnext-douglas@umn.edu.
Learn about Pigeons
Interested in learning more about Pigeons?
Pigeons are included under the Poultry Project. A group recently met to learn more about Pigeon Racing. We have a volunteer willing to work with 4-H youth in everything related to pigeons; selecting/accessing birds for the fair, racing, training, and showing. Below are the categories for Pigeons being entered at the county fair;
PIGEONS
Pigeons - Utility, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Utility, 1 Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
Pigeons - Fancy, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Fancy, Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
Pigeons - Flying, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Flying, Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
If you would like to learn more, please contact Mark Augustine directly at; 651-210-2396 or MarkRay476@aol.com Mark has contacts that are eager to help 4-H youth get involved with the Pigeon Project!
LQA&E Training - June 21
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics training (LQA&E). Training will be held on Friday, June 21 from 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Dee Brothers LLC in Farmington, MN. More information to come.
LQA&E training is required for any youth 6th grade and above that would take a state fair trip. It is required for youth exhibiting dairy, beef, sheep, swine, goats, llama, rabbit and poultry to complete this course every three years.
If you are unable to attend the in-person training on June 21 you have the option of completing the YQCA online training, good for one year, or attending a training hosted by another county.
All LQA&E training needs to be completed before Washington County Fair to be eligible to accept a MN 4-H state fair livestock trip, if given the opportunity. Please register through your family account in 4hOnline.
IMPORTANT CLOVERBUD RULE CHANGE
The Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Cloverbud policy creates a uniform set of rules for participation to maintain developmental appropriateness and safety for our youngest 4-H members. A rule related to Cloverbuds and animals has been updated.
When Cloverbuds and animals are together at a 4-H program, families may now choose one of two acceptable ways to guide and monitor involvement in non-mounted activities:
1. The responsible person is in control of the animal with the Cloverbud at their side.
2. The Cloverbud is in control of the animal with the responsible person at their side to assist or take control of the animal when needed or as directed by staff, volunteers, or show managers.
In the horse project, the second option does not apply to mounted activities. When a Cloverbud is mounted on a horse, the horse must always have a lead line and be under the control of the responsible person.
Cloverbud families may choose either option. Either way, Cloverbud exhibitions will continue to be non-competitive. Complete Cloverbud rules are found in the Cloverbud information sheet.
***ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION DEADLINE - May 15!*** State Deadline!
4-H animals that will be exhibited at the county fair need to be Identified (tracked) in 4honline. This requirement ensures health, safety and fairness of animals/exhibitors. Animals that need to be identified by the May 15th deadline include; beef(breeding and prospects), dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama-alpaca, meat goat, poultry (breeding), rabbit, sheep and swine.
4-H’ers currently enrolled in the Animal Science projects will receive an email explaining the Identification process.
This is a state requirement. If you miss the May 15th deadline, you are not eligible for any championship, state trip, premium money, or auction eligibility.
Identifying your animal(s) is different from ‘registering’ the animal(s) for the county fair! The county fair registration deadline is July 1 and completed through Fair Entry. Watch for more information on Fair Entry in June!
***HORSE IDENTIFICATION DEADLINE - May 15!*** State Deadline!
4-H Horse Project Members,
It is that time of year that 4-H members identify their project animals! Please read over the attached letter carefully and complete your Identification information on 4honline.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office!
Performing Arts
Performing Arts Night - April 19 - Deadline Extended to April 10
The annual Performing Arts Night will be held on Friday, April 19th at Oak-Land Middle School Auditorium from 6-9 PM. The night will consist of Share the Fun, One Act Play, and Talent Acts. We know there is a lot of talent here in Washington County - showcase your skills individually or as a group at the Performing Arts Night!
REMINDER - All Performing Arts projects will be judged on April 19th, there will be no Performing Arts judging on General Project Entry Day. Don’t miss your chance to qualify for the State Fair!
Share the Fun Guidelines & Registration
One Act Play Guidelines & Registration
Talent Guidelines & Registration
Contact Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu with any questions!
County Arts-In Registration - Registration due by July 1
It’s time to start thinking about summer, which means Arts-In will be here before we know it! County Arts-In is a performing arts and leadership experience for youth that have completed grades 7-13. Participants will work together with a team of talented Directors and Student Directors to put together a 30-minute musical that will be performed at the Washington County Fair and Minnesota State Fair. Participants will choose which major they would like to participate in: performing, band, or technical. Auditions will take place on July 7, with the encampment starting the following week, July 14-17. See registration form for specific dates and times of auditions, encampment, and performances.
*Registration Fees Increased*
After April 1, price increased to $90. Deadline to register is July 1. Late fees of an additional $25.00 ($115 total) will apply after July 1!
*Participants will also need to purchase gate passes for the County Fair and State Fair general encampment.
Volunteer Requirement: 2+ hours of adult volunteer time is required for each child participating in Arts-In. A separate $100.00 check per family must be included with registration. This deposit will be shredded if volunteer commitment is completed.
You will need to complete all three forms:
Questions can be directed to Avis Peters at avisapeters@hotmail.com or 651-430-8163. Or
Washington County 4-H Office at 651-430-6800 or mnext-washington@umn.edu
Shooting Sports
Washington County 2024 Shooting Sports Registration Information
You must be enrolled in 4-H and in the Shooting Sports & Wildlife project area in 4honline. Log into your family account and make sure you are enrolled in the project area and that a consent has been signed. The consent form will automatically pop up when adding the project.
4-H’ers registering for 22 Rifle, Trap, and/or Black Powder must have completed a Fire Arms Safety course prior to participating in these 4-H disciplines. A copy of the certificate showing that youth have completed Fire Arms Safety will be required on the first night of training.
Summer sessions for Archery, BB and Pellet will take place on Monday nights at the Washington County Fairgrounds for grades 3 and up. Training will take place on the following Mondays:
June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, Aug 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Summer sessions for 22 Rifle, Trap, and/or Black Powder will take place Tuesday nights at the Oakdale Gun Club for 4-Hers who have their DNR gun safety certificate and have completed 7th grade. Training will take place on the following Tuesday’s:
June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3
Training: 6 pm – 8:00 pm
State Shoot
In 2024, the State Shoot will take place September 6– 8. Youth must have logged 15 hours/
discipline with certified trainers and must attend 8 hours of wildlife training to be eligible for the State Shoot. More information will be shared over the summer months.
Cost
There is a $40.00/participant or $80.00 max per family to help cover expenses of the program. Payment must be received before attending training. Checks should be made out to Washington County 4-H sent to the following address.
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
To register: If you are interested in participating in the upcoming 2024 Shooting Sports Training, please register here!
Certified Instructor Training
We welcome adults who would be willing to become Certified Trainers in Washington County! Washington County has offered a robust Shooting Sports program. To offer our youth this opportunity we are in need of Trainers. All 4-H Trainers need to be screened 4-H volunteers and be certified through the State 4-H program. Washington County 4-H will reimburse Trainers registration fee. More info can be found at;
https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/4-h-shooting-sports-and-wildlife-leader-certification
Questions can be directed to Ann Church churc109@umn.edu
Pheasants Forever tickets
To help defray the cost of equipment and supplies for the Shooting Sports Program, all families are encouraged to participate in selling/purchasing Pheasants Forever raffle tickets! The cost is $10/ticket and all proceeds come back to Washington County 4-H.
Washington County Shooting Sports is looking for support in selling and purchasing Pheasants Forever raffle tickets. This was a great fundraiser for the program last year raising $2000.00! All proceeds come back to our Shooting Sports Program! If you are interested in purchasing or selling tickets please let us know and we can either mail you tickets or have them available for pick up. Email; mnext-washington@umn.edu or stop by the office. If paying by check, please make it out to Washington County Pheasants Forever.
1st Prize: $1000 Scheel's gift card
2nd Prize: CZ-USA 712 G3 Shotgun
3rd Prize: $500 Scheel's Gift Card
4th Prize: Milwaukee M18 Cordless 4 tool set
5th Prize: $250 Scheel's Gift Card
6th Prize: 6ig Frig Badlands 45 QT Cooler
7th Prize: Husqvarna Chainsaw model 120 16 inch
Drawing on 4/25/24 6:30 pm. Tinucci's 396 21st St. Newport MN
Need not be present to win!
Permit # X-03701-24-028
Must be 18 or older to purchase or win.
Winner responsible for all applicable fees or taxes
Tickets need to be returned to our office no later than Thursday, April 18th!
Thank you for your help!
Shooting Sports Wildlife Trainer needed!
We are in desperate need of a Shooting Sports WIldlife Certified Trainer! To learn more, go to; Shooting Sports Certification Each county is required to have a ‘Certified Trainer’ for Wildlife. On April 27th, there is a training that will be offered in Mora. The role of the Wildlife Trainer is to help youth meet the required 8 hours of wildlife training prior to the State Shoot in September. There are plans in place to complete a pollinator garden at the Oakdale Gun Club. If this is something you can help with, please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu Registration for the Mora Training is due by April 17!
STEM
April STEM: Seed Bombs for Spring!
Welcome spring with 4-H! We will be making seed bombs at two library locations in April. Seed bombs are small spheres created with clay, soil, and wildflower seeds that can be dispersed anywhere you'd like to encourage pollinators to be plentiful! This is a fun, easy activity for youth of all abilities.
Drop in during hours listed. No registration required.
Wed. April 10
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Hardwood Creek Library
Forest Lake, MN
Thurs. April 18
2pm - 4pm
Oakdale Library
Oakdale, MN
Recycling & Energy Center Tour - May 9
Curious about where your trash and recycling goes? Love big machines? Interested in keeping our cities and natural spaces clean and healthy?
Join 4-H for a tour of the Recycling & Energy Center of Washington & Ramsey Counties! All trash generated by individuals and businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties is delivered to the R&E Center, where waste is processed to recover recyclables and make fuel for electricity production. Tours highlight how the facility works and how waste is managed in the East Metro as well as how to better reduce, reuse and recycle.
Thursday, May 9 - 6:30pm (tour lasts approx. one hour)
100 Red Rock Rd, Newport, MN 55055
Grades K+ (adults encouraged to attend!)
Free!
Register: z.umn.edu/R-E
Contact Ashton with questions at ashton@umn.edu
Youth Leadership Opportunities
Camp Counselor Application - Due April 5
Join us at our 4-H Summer Resident Camp at Baker Outdoor Learning Center from June 10-12, 2024! Join Washington and Dakota County campers, counselors, and staff for an overnight camp experience, complete with canoeing, archery, crafts, smores, songs, the beach, and so much more! Any youth who have completed 9th grade through one year past high school are invited to apply to become a 4-H Camp Counselor. Sign up here!
Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.
Sign up to be an Ambassador! Save the date - June 24
Youth enrolled in grades 7-13 who want to take their leadership skills to the next level are invited to join current Ambassadors on June 24 @ Washington County Fairgrounds for a Taco dinner and social. Becoming an Ambassador can 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.
Multiple 2024 Minnesota 4-H scholarships are available
Extension development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for college-bound 4-H youth, as well as a workforce training scholarship for an adult 4-H alumni or volunteer. Over $20,000 is awarded annually through a competitive application process. Minnesota 4-H scholarship online applications are now available. Applications require two letters of recommendation, with one being from an Extension educator. Please ask your Extension educator well before the deadline, last minute requests are frowned upon.
Visit the 4-H scholarship web page for detailed information about the various scholarships available and online applications. Direct questions to Fun Fun Cheng at, chen0169@umn.edu, 612-624-8132.
Washington County submission deadline: June 1.
Washington County Scholarships also available on our website.
SAVE THE DATE!
Cloverbuds
- April 27 - Cloverbud Spring Workshop. Registration now open!
- Cloverbuds Rule Change - Cloverbuds will be able to exhibit at the Washington County Fair. General rules can be found in the Cloverbud Information sheet.
Dog Project
- April 2 - 4-H Dog Orientation, learn about how dog training will work in Washington County. Time to schedule those vet visits! Turn in your Dog ID paperwork and training fees. 2024 Dog ID Form
- April 9 - Dog Demo Night. Learn about the different classes offered through live demonstrations.
- April 16 - Dog Training starts (Dog ID must be completed before attending)
- April 21 - Tentative start date for Dog Agility. (Dog ID must be completed before attending)
- July 27-28 - County 4-H Dog Show
- Sept. 21-22 - State Dog Show
Horse
- June 9 - 12 - Washington County Horse Camp (Registration opens April 1)
- July TBD - Practice Horse Show
- July 31 - County 4-H Horse Show
- Sept. 13-16 - State Horse Show
Livestock
- February 15 - Market Beef/Dairy Steer ID deadline
- April 21 - Rabbit 101 Workshop - Hooley Hall - 2:00-4:00PM Register here!
- May 15 - Animal ID deadline (Dog, Horse, Llama, Rabbit, Dairy, Breeding Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goat (market & dairy) and leased poultry). Start entering your animals now.
- June 21 - In person Livestock Quality Assurance Training - Dee Brothers LLC in Northfield, MN - 8:45AM-12:00PM (Registration through 4honline)
New Family
- May 2 - New Family Night - Learn about the County Fair experience. Register at z.umn.edu/WashCoNewFamilyNight
Performing Arts
County Arts-In registration due, rates increased to $90 after April 1
Arts-In is a 30-minute original musical performed daily at the Washington County Fair and twice at the Minnesota State Fair. The show is put together over the 4-day encampment held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in July. The cast consists of performers, band members, and the technical crew. The 2024 dates include: July 7 - auditions, July 14-17 - encampment and July 31-Aug. 4 - performances at the county fair. Additional performances and dates will be listed on the registration form.
April 19 - Performing Arts Night - Performing Arts Night will be held on Friday, April 19 at Oak-Land Middle School Auditorium from 6-9 PM. Now is the time to start brainstorming your One Act Plays and Share the Fun skits with your clubs! All Performing Arts performance and non-performance acts will once again be judged on this night. Reach out to Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu or Avis Peters at avisapeters@hotmail.com with any questions.
Project Workshops
- April 20 - Textile Arts Day. Register and learn more at: z.umn.edu/TextileArtsWorkshop
- May 15 - Upcycling Workshop. Register and learn more at; z.umn.edu/basicneedsupcycling
Shooting Sports
- April 18 - Pheasants Forever Fundraiser - Return tickets and cash to office.
- June 1 - Pre-registration for Shooting Sports deadline. If you are interested in participating in the upcoming 2024 Shooting Sports Training, please register here!
STEM
- April 10 - Hardwood Creek Library - 4:30-6:30PM - Drop in Seed Bomb Project
- April 18 - Oakdale Library - 2:00-4:00PM - Drop in Seed Bomb Project
May 9 -Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center Tour - Register: z.umn.edu/R-E
June 25 - Pond Mucking with Wild Rivers Conservancy
July 17 - Field Trip to the Bell Museum
Summer Camps
- June 10-12 - Our popular 4-H Summer Resident Camp will take place at Baker Outdoor Learning Center. Grades 3-8. CAMP IS FULL.
- July 8-11 - 4-H Summer Day Camps will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, Day Camps are open to grades K-6. Registration available late early June.
Washington County Fair
- July 1 - County fair registration deadline. Final selection of projects and animals need to be entered in FairEntry by this date.
- July 27 - 4-H General project judging (Saturday)
- July 27-28 - County 4-H Dog Show
- July 31- Aug. 4 - Washington County Fair
Youth enrollment and animal ID deadline
- May 15, 2024
- Participation is limited after May 15 (Not eligible for champions, auction, premiums or state trips) Blue, red and white ribbons only.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer with us!
Please pass on your knowledge and skills by becoming a 4-H volunteer! Join an upcoming event or pitch us your idea. Sign up here: z.umn.edu/washington4-Hvolunteers
Shooting Sports Certified Leaders Needed!
We are in need of additional Certified Trainers for the 2024 Season! We have a great group of Trainers, but with our growing program, we can use some additional help! Minnesota 4-H requires that all volunteers become ‘screened’ which is a 3 step process: How to become a screened 4-H Volunteer!
The last two 2024 SS&W Leader Certification Trainings COMING UP! April 20 - Wadena (Archery, Wildlife, Rifle/Pistol) - deadline is April 7, 2024 and April 27 - Mora (Archery, Wildlife, Rifle/Pistol, Muzzleloading, & Shotgun) - deadline is April 14, 2024. Information and registration can be found at: https://extension.umn.edu/.../4-h-shooting-sports-and.... Don't delay in registering!
Certified Trainer classes are offered in the disciplines of archery, rifle/pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and wildlife. Currently, our county could use extra help in the disciplines of archery, and shotgun. We also need a Certified Wildlife Coordinator. Our 4-H program will cover the cost of the class. If this is something you would consider, please contact Ann @ churc109@umn.edu
Statewide Events
In-Person Opportunities
Central Region 4-H Pumpkin Challenge
Learn how to grow pumpkins with the Central Region 4-H Pumpkin Challenge. Choose from 3 registration types: virtual (we will mail seeds to you), in-person kickoff option one, May 21st in Isanti, MN, or in-person kickoff option two, June 4th in St. Michael, MN. In-person kickoff participants receive 2 started pumpkin seedlings (1 normal pumpkin and 1 giant pumpkin), a greenhouse tour, and education on caring for their pumpkins by master gardeners and volunteers. Virtual participants meet May 6th at 6:30pm. Some participants (virtual and in-person) will be randomly selected to receive giant pumpkin seeds from the 2020 world record-winning pumpkin "Tiger King" grown by Travis Gienger. Audience: K-13. Cost: $5 for virtual and $10 for kickoff 1 and kickoff 2. z.umn.edu/PumpkinChallenge24
YELLO to be held at University of Minnesota - Morris campus June 12-15.
The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are excited to announce that the Minnesota 4-H state leadership conference, Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO), is scheduled for June 12-15 at the University of Minnesota - Morris. Registration open April 1-May 10.
YELLO invites youth in grades 7-13 to explore college and career areas, engage in leadership learning, participate in community activities, and build new connections with peers and adults from throughout the state! The multi-day experience involves keynote speakers, interactive workshops, community service projects, social experiences, and youth-led engagement activities.
2024 Engineering Design Challenge
It's time for the 2024 Engineering Design Challenge! Gather a team and put your thinking cap on. Learn more at https://extension.umn.edu/.../4-h-engineering-design...
If interested in coaching a team, please reach out to Ashton Kulesa at ashton@umn.edu
Virtual Learning Opportunities
4-H Photo Contest - "Hit Me with Your Best Shot"
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a multi-state photo contest to youth in grades K-13. In the "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" 4-H photo contest, youth are encouraged to select their best photo and tell the committee why it’s special to them. Submit one (1) image (with no or minimal editing) with up to three sentences on why it’s important to you by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on May 1, 2024. Find more information here: 4-H Hit Me with Your Best Shot Photo Contest | UMN Extension with rules here.
Green Superhero of Science
Calling youth in grades K-3!! Join the Green Superhero of Science and engage in fun weekly experiments that spark curiosity and discovery. Create moon dough (a bio-plastic), explore green chemistry and make a foaming fizzy, engineer materials to build a super soaker, solve a plastic litter mystery and create an art sculpture, and more!
Each youth will receive a kit of materials in the mail before class. Each experiment includes a lesson plan and “How To” recorded video to guide youth in doing the “at home” experiment before a weekly interactive “LIVE” Superheroes gathering. Youth will “show and tell” what they explored, tested, and discovered! Our 4-H Teen Superheros will lead these sharing sessions.
Online sessions will take place on Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Visit MN 4-H for detailed information: https://z.umn.edu/MN4HGSOSSpring2024
Grow a Monster-Melon Challenge
Coming Soon, mark your calendar so you don't miss out!!! Join the Grow a Monster-Melon Challenge for an Epic Backyard Adventure!
Ready to turn your backyard into a vibrant oasis? Look no further! Our challenge is here to transform your summer with giant melon excitement!
Open to Kindergarten and up!
Register by March 20th for a free seed package and planting guide!
Get exclusive tips, content, and videos all summer long!
Share your progress for a chance to grow your melon in a mold!
Showcase your masterpiece at your local fair or fall contest!
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! Join the Grow a Monster-Melon Mystery Challenge, registration begins March 1. Space is limited! Register through 4hOnline.
Wildlife Wednesdays
Have you ever looked out your window and wondered about the animals that share the same environment as you do? How do they stay warm in the winter? Why do some of our winged friends fly south when the weather changes and some hang around? Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Join us, virtually, as we explore and uncover the fascinating lives of the wildlife.
Sessions are held virtually on Wednesdays from 7 pm - 8pm on the following dates: January 31; February 7, 21, 28 ; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17 and 24.
For more information: https://z.umn.edu/WildlifeWednesdaysWinter2024
Clover News
Edible Eclipse
4-H STEM got lucky with some bright sunshine on Edible Eclipse day! Our intrepid space explorers made solar eclipse models using a white chocolate truffle for the earth, a blueberry for the moon, and a brand-new Washington County 4-H yardstick to measure the distance required for their models to be at scale. We caught some rays outside of Park Grove Library and lined our models up to see how the moon can cast a shadow on the earth before snacking on our experiments. After learning about the cultural significance of solar eclipses to the Navajo people, we rolled up our sleeves and learned about the beautiful, colorful star nurseries we call nebulae! Using paint, cotton balls, and water, we made our very own nebula jars to take home and gaze at while we ponder the mysteries of the cosmos.
If you would like to recreate the eclipse experiment, check out the lesson in our free Youth Curriculum Library: z.umn.edu/4Hycl
Seed Bombs
On Wednesday, we celebrated spring by getting our hands dirty with @FamilyMeans at the Cimarron Youth Center! 4-H'ers explored our gardening project area by making wildflower seed bombs and learning about pollinators, erosion, and the history of "guerilla gardening."
If you would like to do this project, check out the activity in our Youth Curriculum Library. (And remember to plant wildflower seeds from your region, to keep your local pollinators happy!)
Thank you
Champion Program changes hands
After working with the Champion Program for many years, Bev Johnson has decided to pass on the torch to Washington County 4-H alum Alex Pendar and Lauren Pendar.
The Champion Program all started about 25 years ago as a Youth Leadership Project for Dawn Pemble. Bev has oversaw the entire program which includes working with the Champion Program team, seeking donations, coming up with the yearly quote, ordering just the right amount of shirts each year 🙂, tracking champions and kids to receive their shirts and medals, and writing their thank you’s. The Champion Program required many hours behind the scenes! Washington County youth love their champion shirts and are proudly worn each year. Thank you Bev for your time and effort!, it has been very much appreciated by many!
Spring is here, start working on County Fair Projects!
Need ideas for upcoming Spring Breaks? The solution - start working on County Fair Projects!
Most 4-H youth would say that the highlight of their 4-H experience is the county and/or state fair. The county fair provides youth an opportunity to showcase their projects and what they have learned over the past year. Most project areas (except for Photography and Creative Arts) do not have a limit on how many exhibits can be entered. Spring break season will soon be here, what better time than to start forming some ideas and getting a start on those fair projects! Need ideas on what to bring to the county fair? Check out the resource guide: County Fair Project Ideas
Remember to keep General/Static Project Judging Day open! - Saturday, July 27
County Fair week is; Wednesday, July 31 - August 4! Don’t miss the fun!
Club Corners
Woodbury 4-H Club
Woodbury 4-H has been busy with community service activities! In February, we worked at Loaves and Fishes in St. Paul, serving 300 meals to those in need. In March, we worked at Every Meal, helping to pack more than 16,000 meals for Minnesota kids in food insecure households to take home over weekends and holidays. Also in March, we worked at Feed My Starving Children, where we helped to pack nearly 25,000 meals for hungry kids around the world.
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!
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
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
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.
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
© 2024, 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.