Douglas 4-H Buzz
March 2024 Edition
New County Fair Registration Deadline - Monday, July 8!
Any exhibit showcased at the county fair must be pre-registered in our county fair registration system. Please note - we have moved our county fair registration deadline up to Monday, July 8, so start thinking about that deadline now! Some helpful tips to make the deadline:
- Read your premium book! This resource has all the details you need! Look for it in your mailbox late May or early June.
- Share this date with your 4-H'er(s). Start conversations early with your kids and start thinking ahead to what exhibits they want to bring to the fair and start gathering information.
- Set a reminder or alarm in your phone for July 8 or maybe even the week prior. Don't wait until the last minute, get organized now!
- Put this date in your virtual calendar if you use one.
- Circle the date on your paper calendar in big bold red ink!
Watch for more information to come.
Get Ready for May 15 Animal Science ID Deadline
The animal science deadline is Wednesday, May 15 for breeding beef, dairy, dairy goat, horse, llama & alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine. In April, information will be mailed directly to families who indicated interest in these projects in 4-HOnline. Please read the information carefully and reach out to staff or club leaders if you have questions! For birthdates and ID guidelines of 4-H animals, access this resource here.
4-H Dog Training Kicks Off in April!
Want to learn how to care for and train a dog?
Tackle leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork?
Compete in a 4-H dog show?
The Douglas County 4-H program is offering dog obedience training starting in April for youth grades 3 and up. Trainers cover obedience, rally, showmanship and agility.
Check out these links for full details:
4-H Dog ID (completed, signed by vet and submitted to Extension prior to attending)
Project to Exhibit Resource
If interested in learning about specific projects, here is a resource with all of the project areas we have featured in our past Buzz newsletters. Get ideas, learn about your project area interest and convert that learning into an exhibit for the county fair.
For new families, we have a workshop just for you on Wednesday, June 12 about the county fair experience. Watch for more information, but we hope you'll save the date!
Cloverbud Policy and Guidelines Updated
There are updates to policies around cloverbuds when interacting with animals. Check out the new updated information here.
Register Now for Morris Regional 4-H Summer Camp
The regional 4-H camp is scheduled for June 25-27 at the University of Minnesota Morris campus. Youth in grades 3-6 are invited to attend this unique camp experience.
Youth participate in program offerings packed with educational sessions, large and small group activities and a whole lot of fun! Youth learn new skills and make new friendships. Includes water activities, various speakers, games, evening programs and campfire!
This year's track topics to choose from include Journal Jamboree, Culinary Quest, Safe & Sound, Design Dynamo, Green Thumbs, Bullseye Bonanza and Outdoor Survivalist 3.0.
Cost is $ 160 but Douglas County 4-H will pay $ 80 towards this fee for enrolled Douglas County 4-H members (active status) that attend. Fee includes lodging in a secure dormitory, meals and transportation.
Register now for best selection in mn.4honline.com or contact the office for assistance. If interested, refer to this guide on how to register for events in mn.4honline https://z.umn.edu/eventguide
4-H Summer Camp at Faith Haven
Join us for 4-H Junior Camp at Faith Haven June 13-14! Youth in grades 3-6 will experience a traditional overnight camp including games, songs, crafts, educational programs, reflective campfire and more. Camp begins at 10 a.m. on June 13 and ends at 3 p.m. on June 14.
Teen counselors will lead campers in activities that allow them to gain knowledge and develop social skills while meeting new friends. 4-H staff and high school aged camp counselors are ready to deliver an exciting overnight camp for you.
Cost is $ 110 but Douglas County 4-H will pay half your registration fee leaving your cost at $ 55. Registration closes on May 13 and space is limited to first come, first served. Please be respectful of the registration deadline. To register, go to mn.4honline.com and search for 4-H Junior Camp at Faith Haven. You may refer to this event registration guide if interested https://z.umn.edu/eventguide. If you need assistance registering, please contact the Extension office.
Overnight Camp Counselor Opportunities for Youth Grades 9 and Up
Counselors are the heart of summer camp, and we are seeking 4-H members (grades 9+) to serve as camp counselors at overnight 4-H camps this summer in Northwest Minnesota! Camp counselors provide active, hands-on, fun and cooperative outdoor programming, lead cabin activities and supervise all aspects of the campers’ day. Selected camp counselors help plan camp and receive required counselor training throughout the planning process.
Counselors gain a wide variety of valuable life skills, from public speaking to program planning. Many past counselors have contributed the skills they gained as a camp counselor to aiding them in gaining employment, receiving scholarships, and being admitted to college. Counselors also have a lot of fun and gain lifelong friendships!
There are three 4-H overnight camp opportunities for you to choose from:
- 4-H Camp @ Sand Hill Lake at Fosston, MN (June 4-6, 2024)
- 4-H Jr Camp @ Faith Haven, Battle Lake, MN (June 13-14, 2024)
- 4-H Outdoor Adventure Camp @ Lake Bronson, MN (August 4-7, 2024)
Please use this application (z.umn.edu/NWCampCounselorApplication)) to apply to be a camp counselor at any of the camps listed above. If you prefer a paper copy, you can find that here.
Please note the application does include specific details on time involved and requirements for each camp.
Applications are due by Monday, March 18, 2024.
If you have questions about camp, or how to apply, you can contact Jodi at hintz010@umn.edu, or the camp specific contact persons listed on the application.
Registration for YELLO Opens in April - Held at U of M Morris Campus
Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth grades 7 and up that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.
The conference, held June 12-15, includes engaging and interactive activities and will take place close by at University of Minnesota Morris. Registration opens April 1 and closes May 10. Cost is $300 but Douglas County 4-H covers half the registration fee.
Youth will:
- Build and learn skills to reach goals and plan for the future.
- Explore careers, college and other topics of interest through interactive workshops.
- Develop positive connections with other youth and adults through small and large groups, workshops and other interactive sessions.
- Take health breaks to recharge and process learning.
Goat Project Workshop
Are you interested in learning more about the goat project? If so, then come and join our goat project workshop on Sunday, March 10 from 1-3 p.m. at Douglas County Public Works.
Dr. Mackenzie Westby, DVM will talk about immunizations and health. We will discuss nutrition, diseases, 4-H identification process and animal selection. There will be two tracks; one for dairy goats and one for meat goats. All ages and parents/guardians are welcome. This clinic is organized and presented by the Bumgarner, Bundermann and Hokanson families. Door prizes, tasting and local MN 4-H State Ag Ambassador will be present! Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity.
A second clinic is planned for Sunday, May 5 at 1 p.m. with the location TBD. Topics for that workshop are daily hair care, clipping, fitting and showmanship demonstrations. Watch for more information to come. To register, please email or call Kelly Bumgarner at kelly@prairielakesdental.com or 320-491-4234. Please register by Wednesday, March 6.
Sunday, Mar 10, 2024, 01:00 PM
Douglas County Public Works, Willow Drive, Alexandria, MN, USA
Annual 4-H Rabbit Fun Show
Looking for a rabbit judging experience before the county fair? Mark your calendars for this fun show and gain experience showing. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., judging begins at 11:30 a.m. This event is sponsored by Douglas County 4-H and Moses and Aaron 4-H Club. Cost is $ 3 for each rabbit entered. For more information or questions, please email Jackie at jkokett@umn.edu
- Rabbits for sale - get yours before the May 15 deadline (4-H breeds only, no crossbreds)
- Please bring a tarp to place under your rabbit carrier
- Rabbit tattooing available
- Ribbons awarded for best of breed and best opposite (classes with five or more same breed)
- Medallions awarded for showmanship in senior, intermediate and junior divisions
- Medallions awarded for best in show and reserve in show
- Food stand, door prizes and silent auction available
- Rabbit Tracks will be on site with a nice selection of rabbit supplies available for purchase
Sunday, Apr 28, 2024, 10:30 AM
Brandon City Hall and Auditorium, 105 Holmes Ave, Brandon, MN 56315
Contact Information:
Jodi Hintzen, Extension Educator, hintz010@umn.edu
Jackie Kokett, Extension Educator, jkokett@umn.edu
Douglas County Extension
Email: mnext-douglas@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu/douglas
Address: 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308 (Courthouse, 2nd floor)
Phone: 320-762-3890
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNDouglasCounty4H/
Twitter: @UMNExt
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