April
Family Newsletter - April 22, 2021
Remember you must be enrolled in 4-H to participate! There are links at the end of this newsletter with more information about enrollment. If you have any problems with registrations or printing forms or need more information on enrollment please contact our office at 430-6800 or email mnext-washington@umn.edu
4-H Volunteers!
During this National Volunteer Week 2021, we would like to thank all of you for your commitment to the youth of Washington County. During this unique time in history, We want you to know of our gratitude for the many ways you continue to support our 4-H families.
Our program’s success is dependent on our volunteers that provide opportunities and experiences for the youth in Washington County. We appreciate that you share your time and talent, you keep young people connected to caring adults, and you help ensure our youth thrive!
Thank you so very much for all that you contribute as a 4-H volunteer!
Ann, Megan, Annamarie & Kathy
Friend of 4-H (Adult Award) Nominations Due June 1
Washington County Extension has a new website!
- 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
Youth Opportunities
Project Pursuit - May 1
Join the Ambassadors on Saturday, May 1st from 9 AM-Noon for Project Pursuit at a NEW LOCATION! We will be meeting at the scenic Arcola Mills, right on the St. Croix River!
The May Project Pursuit will be one event you will not want to miss! The Ambassadors have been planning this event to get participants excited for summer. Some of the fun will include A gardening workshop, exploring STEM with a guest speaker, a short service project, live animals, and much much more!
This event will be open for youth grades K-5th. Registration is $10 and we would prefer it be pre-paid. Please send payment to Washington County 4-H, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082
Introducing the Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) Grant! Due April 30
The Minnesota State Fair is committed to showcasing our state’s finest agriculture, and we recognize the importance of cultivating youth experiences in the livestock industry. We also understand that exhibiting at the Minnesota State Fair can stretch the family budget. Thanks to support from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, we are proud to introduce the Minnesota State Fair Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) Grant!
The BELLE Grant program will gift $500 each to 11 large-animal (beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, horses, llamas, sheep and swine) exhibitors and $250 each to four small-animal (rabbits and poultry) exhibitors who commit to participating in the Minnesota State Fair for the first time in 2021.
To be eligible for the BELLE Grant, applicants must:
• Be a Minnesota resident between the ages of 10 and 18 as of Aug. 26, 2021, who has not previously exhibited at the Minnesota State Fair.
• Complete the online application found here. Belle Scholarship Applications must be received by April 30, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.
• Submit one letter of recommendation from a trusted source who can speak to your livestock show and animal care experience. This letter should be emailed to bellegrant@mnstatefair.org and may be sent by the applicant.
• Participate in the 4-H, FFA or open class show of their preferred species during the 2021 Minnesota State Fair. If you do not show at the State Fair, you will forfeit your grant.
• Sign the BELLE Grant Code of Conduct upon being selected for the program.
• Submit all required materials. Submit materials here Visit here to see a full list of required deliverables.
• Attend the BELLE Grant reception (if able) to meet with members of the competition department, State Fair board of managers, Minnesota State Fair Foundation board of directors and peer-to-peer mentors.
The Minnesota State Fair is also seeking peer-to-peer mentors to help guide BELLE participants. Each mentor will be paired with a grant recipient who exhibits the same species as the mentor. Mentors will be asked to meet with their mentee once in person or via video conference and be available throughout the summer to answer any questions that may arise.
Selected mentors will receive two State Fair admission tickets and a certificate of participation and be invited to the BELLE Grant reception. Apply to be a peer-to-peer mentor today! Peer Mentor
Ambassador Meeting - April 26
Join us for our next Ambassador meeting at 6 PM on Monday, April 26th via Zoom! We will be putting the finishing touches on our upcoming May Project Pursuit, planning the Ambassador’s role in the New Family Orientation, brainstorming for summer and having fun! Reach out to Megan if you have any questions at slate187@umn.edu.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umn.zoom.us/j/96965917692
Federation Meeting - April 26 (Program topic: Careers)
Four Federation Meetings are held each year in Washington County that are open to all 4-H members and volunteers. A Federation meeting is similar to a club meeting, with agenda items being more focused on county-level events and business. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 26th, beginning at 7:00 pm. We hope many of you will join us! Our Program for the evening will be focused on careers. The Adult Reps on the board will share the paths they took that led them to their current career. This meeting will be held over zoom. To obtain the link, email Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Horse Camp Registration closes April 30
It's nearly Horse Camp time again and we are excited about a great in-person camp. The committee strives every year to make this year's camp one to remember. We have had to make changes this year due to Covid. The biggest change is that horses will be allowed to stay overnight at the fairgrounds, but NO camp participants will be allowed to stay overnight in Hooley Hall. We encourage all those who love their horses and want to grow their knowledge in the Horse project to join the fun. Camp is currently open to Washington County enrolled members 10 years old by January 1, 2021 only. You must provide your own horse for this camp.
Hippology - Jr. Coach needed
Hippology teams are forming. We could use a Hippology Coach for the Jr. Team!
Hippology is a fun, friendly competition, 4-H'ers show their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry. Any 4-H'er can join — you don't need to be in the horse project or own a horse. Washington County Jr and Sr. Teams will most likely practice on the same evenings. If you are interested in coaching, please contact Ann at; curc109@umn.edu
The competition is held every September at the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show. Winning teams go on to represent Minnesota in national competitions.
Mark your calendars - May 21, 2021
Friday, May 21 at the Washington County Fairgrounds Park Pavillion.
Once again, we have merged all our incredible performing arts groups into one night. The
audience will enjoy the talents of individuals or groups showcasing their abilities with singing, dancing, musical instruments, monologue, AS WELL as our Share the Fun skits and One Act Plays. We know there are many talented 4-Hers in our county so please help us make this an awesome event! Questions should be directed to Megan Slater - slate187@umn.edu
WE NEED YOU TO SHOW US YOUR TALENT
Talent Show Guidelines
- Performances should be no longer than 5 minutes.
A “talent” includes singing, dancing, musical instruments, monologue, clowning, etc.
No piano is available at the fairgrounds but you may provide your own keyboard.
Open to all 4-H and Cloverbud members.
One form should be submitted per group or individual talent act.
Talent Awards
Each performer receives a participation ribbon.
First, second, and third place pins and certificates will be awarded.
Winners will be offered the opportunity of performing the same act at the Park Pavilion stage at the Washington County fair on the Sunday of the fair at 2 pm.
New Family Open House/Picnic
- May 21, 2021 - Washington County Fairgrounds from 5:30-7:00 pm. Come and learn about what 4-H has to offer. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs!
- 5:30 pm - Come for a summer picnic of hot dogs, chips and dessert. Check out different project areas and ask questions about the 4-H program.
- 6:00 pm - Extension educators will give an overview of summer programming followed by a tour of the fairgrounds.
- Stay for the Performing Arts Festive starting at 7:00 pm.
Resident Camp - sign up deadline May 17th!
4-H Camp may still look a little different this year, but we are excited to be going back to Baker Near Wilderness Center to enjoy time together. The experience this summer will be day-long opportunities for youth in grades 3-8 from Washington and Dakota counties to come and learn about a variety of outdoor educational activities.
Registration is due May 17th - limited spots available so don't delay! The cost to attend is $25. Registration will not be considered complete until payment is received.
Camp will run from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m, including travel time. We will be offering transportation for members to camp. More details to come on a central Washington/Dakota busing pick-up site.
*Please note that we will be running the same camp for both days of each age group. Youth can select which date they would like to attend on the form.
Camp Counselor information coming soon.
Hold the following dates for 2021 4-H Camp:
Sunday, June 13 - Counselor Day
Monday, June 14 & Tuesday, June 15 - Grades 6-8: https://forms.gle/n5z2SM3DqCuCPUdU7
Wednesday, June 16 & Thursday, June 17 - Grades 3-5: https://forms.gle/JwvqEy73wZucvZkQ8
Shooting Sports Registration is now open!
Welcome to the Washington County Shooting Sports Registration.
2021 Important Updates -
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.
• Spring
DNR Firearm Safety class will be NOT be held through 4-H this year. 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 disciples.
• Summer
Summer sessions for Archery, BB and Pellet will take place on Monday nights at the
Washington County Fairgrounds for grades 3 and up starting June 7.
June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 9, 16, 23
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Black powder, .22, and Trap will be Tuesday nights starting June 8 at 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 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 10, 17, 24
Training: 6 pm – 8:00 pm
State Shoot
State Shoot will take place Sept. 10-12 at the Alexandria Shooting Park. We are unsure of the details at this time but in a typical year, youth must have logged 15 hours/discipline with certified trainers and must attend 8 hours of wildlife training.
We also charge an additional fee of $30.00/participant or $60.00 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. Those who paid and did not request a refund for the 2020 season will have fees waived for 2021 unless additional family members are added.
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
We are also in need of additional volunteers to help with Archery, Rifle as well as other tasks related to coordinating things. Volunteers must be 4-H screened and trainers must also be certified.
If you have questions, please contact Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu.
WANTED - Shooting Sports Volunteers
Washington County 4-H Shooting Sports program is in need of Certified Trainers to work with our 4-H youth. Minnesota 4-H requires all Trainers to be ‘certified’ through the MN 4-H Program. There are various roles that we could use extra help with; Trainer, Coordinator, and/or Wildlife Lead.
Adults - If you have questions about volunteering please contact Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu
#1 4-H Memory - County Fair!
Seeking 4-H alumni for a 150th celebration committee.
We are looking for a group of enthusiastic individuals who LOVE the county fair. 150 years is a big deal and we want 4-H to be part of this celebration! Our staff has a few ideas but we would appreciate hearing from you and then working together to pull it off.
We would love to showcase some of our Alumni's 4-H projects over the past 100+ years with a "memory lane", perhaps add a few special project areas in our premium book that all our 4-H members could participate in, or maybe organize a 4-H reunion during the fair. The sky is the limit but we need your help now to start planning.
After missing last year this is an opportunity to create something pretty special. Gather some old and dear 4-H friends and do some brainstorming, many hands make light work and this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a lasting memory for all involved. **Need not be alumni of Washington County 4-H, (any county or state ok)**
Please contact Kathy at eber0002@umn.edu if interested in being part of this committee, limited commitment, the county fair is only 3-months away! Come join the celebration.
150th County Fair Planning Update
The Ag Society is hard at work and planning continues for the 150th anniversary. Committee members are looking for your favorite fair memory. Send your favorite memory to the Secretary at washingtoncofair@gmail.com
To recognize the contributions of the animal exhibitors, the committee is also asking for photos of you with your animal(s) for a special pictorial display in each barn. Ask your friends, your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles for their photos too! We would like to feature as many exhibitors as possible. Please forward a copy of your photo(s) or digital photo(s) to the Secretary at washingtoncofair@gmail.com or 19237 Meadowridge Ln N, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047. Include the name of the exhibitor and the year the photo was taken (or approximate year). Only send copies of photos, originals will not be returned.
ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION DEADLINE May 17th!
It is time to Identify your 4-H project animals for the upcoming show season! All 4-H animals (except Market Beef that were Id’d in Feb.) need to be identified by May 17th. This is a state deadline and consequences apply (no state trips, no premium, no auction, etc) if you miss this deadline. Please read the county ID letter below for more details.
Dairy animals available for leasing!
Don't wait, start entering your animal ID's now!
Due to the fact we are using a newer 4hOnline system, all previous animal IDs did not carry over meaning you will need to enter all your animal information for this year. Some dairy and rabbit was entered by staff due to the volume of ID's for those species. If there are animals already entered for your family, please check that all information is correct, you should be able to edit before the deadline of May 17th.
Before the weather gets any nicer it might be a good time to get your beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama, meat goat, poultry (pigeons/doves), rabbit, sheep, swine ID's entered. You must be enrolled in 4-H to do this. Please be sure to include photographs of your horse, dog and llama. A current Coggins for horse can be added by the family before May 17th (because May 15 falls on a Saturday). After that date, a current Coggins must be emailed to the office staff to upload. Same for registration papers on cattle.
All animals except pets for pet show and poultry (excluding pigeons/doves) need to have an ID in 4hOnline. Directions for families can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1trACACuPmaqfkxOz8krTbe8R7-hWg8wsLbc7mzaxO4w/edit
Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training (Please read-mandatory training!)
LQA&E Training Requirements:
All youth participating as a State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat, and llama must have completed livestock quality assurance training. Certification is good for 3 fair seasons. If you are due to be certified, there are two training options available;
Option 1 - LQA&E face to face Training
Participation in a face-to-face 3-hour Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) training offered in various locations around the state. This certification is valid for three fair seasons. 4-Hers completing grades 3-5 complete Level 1. 4-Hers completing grades 9-13 typically certify in Level 2. 4-Hers completing grades 6-8 may be certified in either Level I or Level II. The determination of which Level to certify at for grades 6-8 should be based on the livestock project experience the 4-Her possesses.
Washington and Dakota County 4-H plan to offer a ‘face to face’ 3-hour training on Friday, June 18 at the U of M Rosemount Beef Facility. (Please watch for updates in the newsletter as time gets closer for more details).
If you are not available to attend training offered by our county, you can attend another county's training. It will be your responsibility to send our office a copy of your completed certificate prior to the Washington County Fair. For additional face to face training dates and locations around the state, visit the state website page at; https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/4-h-livestock-quality-assurance-training-lqa
Option 2 - YQCA on-line Training
4-H members have the option of completing the 1-hour online offered via distance learning. This certification is valid for one fair season. The cost of this training is $12/child and is paid at the time of online registration with a credit card. Since training is good for one fair season, it will need to be completed annually. This is a nationally offered program and a registration fee is utilized to upkeep the system and update the training modules. To learn more about the online option, go to; https://drive.google.com/file/d/1baiyUOgWMIC2QKvdT3I7auCB5fCJjmD0/view
Training promotes responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care, and providing safe consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion. Additional information concerning any Livestock Quality Assurance training in our county will be listed in upcoming 4-H newsletters.
If a 4-H member took the online training in 2020, it will be good for the 2021 fair season as well since there was not an in-person state fair last year.
Other News
2021 High School Graduates
Washington County 4-H would like to honor the class of 2021, we know it has been a rough senior year and you have missed out on many things. However, 4-H wants to celebrate your accomplishments by highlight you on our Facebook page in the coming weeks.
To participate please email the following to Kathy Erf - eber0002@umn.edu no later than May 31st. Thank you!
- A photo of yourself
- Include your plans after graduation
- Answer to one of the following optional questions
Optional but highly encouraged
- What you have missed most over the past year.
- Any memories you are creating while 'staying at home'
- Biggest wish for summer
- Best advice
Apply today for the Minnesota State Fair Scholarship!
The Minnesota State Fair is proud to announce that up to 21 scholarships of $1,000 each are available to young adults from greater Minnesota or those enrolled in an agriculture program in 2020-2021! Twenty of these scholarships are funded by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation while an additional scholarship is being provided by Christensen Family Farms.
Read through the rules and instructions or apply now via the online application. Applications and supporting documents must be received on or before Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.
Scholarship recipients will be notified by phone of their award by Monday, Aug. 16. An announcement of the recipients will be made Friday, Aug. 27 at the 4-H Beef Championship held in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum and Monday, Sept. 6 at the FFA Awards Program held in Compeer Arena.
Requirements for Consideration
- Application must indicate anticipated participation in the current year’s Minnesota State Fair.
- Rural residency or enrollment in an agriculture program required.
- Must be a resident of Minnesota.
- Applicant must be a high school graduate as of the current year’s fair.
- Applicant must be attending or planning to attend a post-secondary school in the current year. No restrictions as to the course of study or choice of school.
- Incomplete applications or applications without a transcript will not be considered.
- Completed applications and transcripts must be received on or before Aug. 2, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.
- Previous Minnesota State Fair Scholarship recipients are ineligible to enter.
- Christensen Family Scholarship recipients must be willing to travel to the Christensen Family headquarters in Sleepy Eye, Minn., at the expense of Christensen Farms.
APPLY NOW at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUfl1EQO4jyG-kLYFbf1mrpXO2eonzpLZktrZw47uT7IWLzw/viewform
Minnesota Key Award (Youth Award)
4-H is proud of its youth leaders! The Key Award recognizes 4-H member’s contributions to their club and the community and encourages youth to grow as outstanding citizens. Key Award recipients will be announced at the County Fair. Please send the completed application to Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu by June 1st.
Congratulations Project Bowl Teams!
Congratulations to our Project Bowl Teams that did a great job representing Washington County in the 2021 virtual Trivia Bowl Contests. The Sr. Horse Team WON the state competition! The Sr. Llama team won 2nd in the state! Way to go teams!!!
Many thanks to our dedicated coaches! Horse Coaches were Amy Delaney and Lisa Kalka with Sr. Team members coaching the Junior Team. Thank you youth! The Llama Team was coached by Barbara Mehta!
The Senior Horse Team place 1st in the State with team members;
Grace Knowlan
Allison Belter
Kassidy Kalka
Morgan Delaney
Junior Horse Team included;
Kylie Montgomery
Bridgette Foley
Wendy Rydeen
Larry Rydeen
The Senior Llama Bowl Team placed 2nd overall in the State with team members;
Cora Mahli
Paige Sahr
Elena Derosier
Kathleen Pothen
Shannon Pothen
2021 County Arts-In Update
Congratulations to our 2021 Arts-In Directors, Elsie Tenpas & Jenny Moran! They have already been working hard to put together a memorable 2021 Arts-In Experience. Although the encampment will not be overnight this summer, the all-day experience will take place at the fairgrounds from July 18-21, with auditions held on July 11.
Resident Camp (Registration in this newsletter)
Washington & Dakota County 4-H will be returning to Baker Outdoor Learning Center in Maple Plain this summer for Day Camps! There will be limited spots available, so you will want to reserve your spot ASAP when registration comes out! Camp Counselor information coming soon.
Sign up deadline is May 17th!
- Sunday, June 13 - Counselor Day
- Monday, June 14 & Tuesday, June 15 - Grades 6-8
- Wednesday, June 16 & Thursday, June 17 - Grades 3-5
Summer Day Camps
- Summer Day Camps - July 12-15, 2021 (In-person) Open to grades K-6. Registration available early June.
Horse
- Horse Camp - June 13-16, 2021 - Washington County Fairgrounds (Registration in this newsletter)
- County Practice Horse Show -TBD - Washington County Fairgrounds
Performing Arts
- May 21, 2021 - Performing Arts Festival
- Arts-In Auditions - Sunday, July 11, 2021 (4:00-10:00 p.m.)
- Arts-In Encampment - July 18-21, 2021 - Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington County Fair & County Show Dates
- NEW - Tentative 4-H General Project Entry Day - Sat. July 31
- County 4-H Dog Show - Sat. July 31 & Sun. Aug. 1
- County 4-H Horse Show - Wed. Aug. 4
- Washington County Fair - Aug. 4 - Aug. 8, 2021
Don't miss out! Newsletters will only be sent to enrolled members starting May 15th
Are you enrolled in 4-H yet? Are you an active member?
You must be enrolled to participate. County fees remain at $25.00 per member/$100 max per family. Checks may be made out and sent to Washington County 4-H. 14949 62nd Street N., Stillwater, MN 55082
Please pay your membership fee
Thank you for enrolling in Washington County 4-H, now let's get you active!
Some of you enrolled a long time ago while others may be just today. Either way, your current status says "awaiting approval". The reason it says that is because Washington County has a yearly enrollment fee of $25.00 per member (including Cloverbuds) or $100 max per family for 4 or more children. We ask that you please send payment to our office address listed below or make an appointment.
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 at the end of this newsletter. If you are looking for additional information or are no longer interested in 4-H, please let us know so we can take you off our email list.
Washington County 4-H
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
Annamarie Zack
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6807
Kathy Erf
Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
(651) 430-6800
eber0002@umn.edu
Email: mnext-washington@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/washington
Location: 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN, USA
Phone: 651-430-6800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonCounty4HMinnesota/?eid=ARD3CbY40ZXk23UD59FlaMaXZPKXCGDBzsQS7-RO0gKl7wFyNEUm8dWZoBgNFIOlA6YV2fuq5GLnRX-s