June
Family Newsletter - June 2, 2022
TASKS TO COMPLETE
Please pay your membership fee
As you may have noticed, shortly after you enrolled online you were approved. Monthly email reminders will be sent to families who have not paid their county fees. 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 by completing the scholarship form.
Upcoming events/activities/deadlines
Last call - Summer Day Camp - June 4
Washington County 4-H is kicking off summer with a Day Camp on June 4th from 10:00 am-2:00 pm at the William O’Brien State Park, Marine on St. Croix. We will be going on a nature walk, creating camp-themed crafts, playing outdoor games, germinating seeds, making a fun snack involving smores, and exploring the outdoors. Anyone in grades K-5th is invited to this fun day!
Attendees should bring their own lunch, sunscreen, and dress for the weather.
The cost of the camp is free but upon arrival at the park, you will be required to buy a day pass which costs $7.00.
The 4-H Shooting Sports season begins next week! June 6
4-H Shooting Sports families-
To participate in the Shooting Sports Program, your child must;
- be enrolled in Washington County 4-H and paid the $25/child fee
- paid the $30/child or $60/family fee for the Shooting Sports Program. (If you have not paid, please bring a check with you written to: Washington County 4-H – checks will be collected on Monday and Tuesday evenings.)
- if participating in training at the Oakdale Gun Club, a signed Parental Consent that was on 4honline when you enrolled in the Shooting Sports project
- if participating in training at the Oakdale Gun Club, a signed Oakdale Gun Club waiver will need to be completed before entering the gate. We will collect these signed waivers on the first night of practice at the Gun Club or you can sign and email them back to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
- if participating in the disciplines at the Oakdale Gun Club, youth must have completed DNR safety training (Firearms Safety Course) – please bring proof that you completed the course.
A few additional items;
Archery and BB Gun Training begin on Monday, June 6, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on the Washington County Fairgrounds. Please meet in the grandstand area off the 40th street entrance. Equipment will be provided. Trainings will be on the following Monday’s; June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, Aug 8, 15, 22, 29.
We are in need of a volunteer with a truck to pull the Shooting Sports Trailer (located on the fairgrounds) to our practice area every Monday night. If this is something you can help with, please let me or a Trainer know.
Trap, Rifle, and Black Powder Training begins on Tuesday, June 7, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Oakdale Gun Club ( 10172 10th St N, Lake Elmo). Training will be on the following Tuesday’s; June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 9, 16, 23, 30, September 6. The locked entrance gate to the Gun Club will only be opened for a very short time around the 6:00 pm start, so please be on time!
IMPORTANT SHOOTING SPORTS COMMUNICATION!
Please join our Shooting Sports 2022 remind app to receive text messages with important updates. This will be our main form of communication. Just click this link https://www.remind.com/join/fc2ga2a
We used this app last year and it worked well for last minute cancellations due to weather, important reminders, etc. Please make sure those in your household that need to get these updates sign up! Messages will be coming from Nicole Filler – thank you Nicole!
STATE SHOOT
In 2022, the State Shoot will take place September 9 – 11 in Alexandria. 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 about the State Shoot can be found at; https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/state-4-h-shooting-sports-and-wildlife-invitational#how-to-sign-up-896261 (Camping reservation info is available now). More information will be in the next newsletter.
Finally, a huge thank you to our dedicated Certified Trainers who you will meet next week. Our Trainers volunteer many hours over the summer to the 4-H Shooting Sports program, we could not offer this program without them! Looking forward to seeing you all next week!
Clothing and Textiles Workshop - June 20 (Registration Due June 13)
There is still time to sign up for the Clothing and Textiles Workshop with the amazing team at Basic Needs! This workshop will include activities on constructed, upcycled, and purchased clothing. 4-Hers will have assistance in creating outfits from professionals that would be a great start to a fashion revue or clothing project. The thrift store, normally closed on Mondays, will be open for 4-Hers and their families from the start of the workshop until 9 pm. This amazing workshop has no cost, but if you want to make a donation to Basic Needs you are welcome to do so.
Register at https://z.umn.edu/ClothingAndTextilesWorkshop
The registration deadline is June 13th. Contact Caitlin if you have any questions.
Community Education - Teen Teachers Needed! June 21
4-H will be at Community Ed again this summer! Join us in introducing 4-H to youth in grades 1-5 by completing a fun 4-H project that they can bring to the fair. We will be at Lake Elmo Elementary on June 21 and Lily Lake Elementary on June 23 from 9 AM - 4 PM. If you are interested in helping, email Megan at slate187@umn.edu or Grace at verdi031@umn.edu!
Seeking Federation Officers - Due June 24
Would you like to take your leadership skills to the next level? We will be electing the 2022-2023 Washington County Executive Board on Monday, June 27 beginning at 7:00 pm at the Gov’t Center. The Exec Board is a leadership team similar to club officers, but on the county level. The officer team is made up of a; President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and 6 District Reps. We also have 6 adults who serve 2 year year terms. If you are interested in serving as an adult on the Board, please let Ann know at; churc109@umn.edu and you will be put on the ballot. All 4-H members and volunteers are invited to attend this Federation Meeting. We need at least one half of all the clubs ‘present’ to vote!
If you are a 4-H member who has completed 7th grade or older and would like to apply, Federation Application
What is the Washington County 4-H Federation?
The Washington County 4-H Federation is the county-level program and policy decision-making body for the Washington County 4-H club program. The full Federation is composed of youth and adult leaders from all 4-H clubs. The Federation meets quarterly, in October, January, April, and June. The organization is guided by an Executive Board composed of eleven youth and six adult representatives. The Executive Board meets the months between Federation meetings; September, November, February, March, May.
Who is eligible to be on the Executive Board?
The Washington County 4-H Federation Constitution states that youth officers "shall be elected for a term of one year only, but any given 4-H youth leader can hold a different office or position in ensuing years, providing it is not the same office or position held in a previous year. At the June Annual Meeting, youth who have completed grades 7-12 are eligible to vote and run for office. Youth must be enrolled in the Youth Leadership project in the year in which you are a Federation officer."
What is the time commitment?
Officer candidates should consider their other time commitments when applying. Please make sure you are available to attend meetings on the fourth Monday of each month. We cannot run a meeting without officers
Ambassador Meeting - June 27
Save the date for our next Ambassador meeting on Monday, June 27th at 6 PM at the Government Center. We will have treats, and discuss all things promotion, day camps, and County Fair! Don’t forget to stick around at 7 PM for Washington County Executive Board elections. If you have any questions reach out to Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu.
Arts-In registration - Due July 1
County Arts-In is a performing arts and leadership experience for youth that have completed grades 7-13. Back by popular demand in 2022 - an overnight encampment! Participants will work together with 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. Those who register will choose which major they would like to participate in: performing, band, or technical. See registration form for specific dates and times of auditions, encampment, and performances. Deadline to register is July 1 with a registration fee of $70. After July 1, a $25 late fee will be applied. Please reach out to Avis Peters at avisapeters@hotmail.com or Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.
July Day Camp Registration is now Open!
Washington County 4-H is excited to share the 2022 July Day Camps! The day camps run from July 11th-14th from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. July 11th, 12th, and 14th will be at the Washington County Fairgrounds and July 13th will be at the Bell Museum. These day camps are open to anyone in grades K-6th.
Monday July 11th - Around the World
Campers will be learning about different snacks, crafts, and games from various countries.
Tuesday July 12th - Earth Exploration
Campers will be learning about animals, astronomy, and the environment they live in.
Wednesday July 13th - Science and History Field Trip
Campers will be going on a Science and History based field trip. They will be bussed to the location.
Thursday July 14th - Luau
Campers will be having a luau to celebrate the end of camp. This day will include water games, ocean activities, and smores! Make sure your 4-Her wears a Hawaiian or luau-themed shirt.
If you have any questions please contact Grace Verdick | verdi031@umn.edu
Daily fees are $25.00 per day or $70.00 for all 4 days if we receive payment BEFORE July 1st. Cash or check only made out to Washington County 4-H. All payments should be sent to the following address;
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Fee's after July 1st are $30.00 per day or $90.00 for all 4 days. Camp t-shirts will NOT be available for late registrations. Register here!
2022 Fashion Revue - July 21
All 4-H members are invited to participate in the 2022 4-H Fashion Revue! You do not need to be enrolled in the Clothing Project to participate in this event. Fill out this form to let us know you'd like to participate. We'll reach out as we get closer to the judging date to gather more details about your outfits.
*** NEW THIS YEAR! Judging and the fashion show will be held on the same day***
Here is the Schedule for the day:
- 1:00-4:00 PM - Judging (time may change depending on the number of members registered)
- 4:00-5:00 PM - Dinner Break
- 5:00-5:30 PM - Fashion Show Rehearsal at Woodbury Central Park Amphitheater
- 6:00-7:00 PM - Fashion show at Woodbury Central Park Amphitheater
Register at https://z.umn.edu/2022WashcoFashionRevue
The registration deadline is June 20th. Contact Caitlin if you have any questions.
Animal Science News
Dakota County Horse & Horseless Horse Camp - Registration due June 3
Washington County 4-H’ers who may have missed our Horse Camp are invited to attend Dakota County’s one day camp.
4-H Horse & Horseless Horse (HLH) camp will be held Monday, June 20 at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Horse and HLH Camp is a great way to expand your horse knowledge and skills. Camp activities include: clinicians teaching pleasure techniques and drills for game patterns; fun clinics including horse treat making, educational talk on grooming, horse nutrition, and more about Western Heritage. Normal 4-H safety rules apply including use of an approved helmet, wearing boots and long pants while riding, no riding double, etc. Registration deadline is June 3.
Horse camp is open to 4-H members in grade 3 and older. Camp participants are required to have a parent/guardian present at all times during camp.
Camp schedule:
· 8 to 9 a.m. - camp registration
· 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Horse and Horseless Horse clinics and fun activities
· 4 to 5 p.m. - OPTIONAL desensitizing clinic.
Cost is $65 for horse participants; $40 for Horseless Horse participants
Registration open in 4-H Online. To register, log in, or if new to 4-H enroll, at 4-H Online. Refer to the 4-H Online event registration guide for step-by-step instructions.
Join the General Livestock Judging Team! June 6
Have you ever wondered what judges are looking for in evaluating your animals during a show? Do you know how to pick out your animals for a show? Have you ever wondered what criteria a judge has to judge the show?
Effectively evaluating breeding and market animals is highly important in the animal industry. Judging is an art developed through patient study and long practice. 4-H'ers interested in dairy, general livestock (beef, meat goat, sheep and swine), horses and rabbits can become good judges by knowing
• The parts of the animal and their locations
• Which parts are most important for meat and breeding stock production
• Making keen observations
• Comparing the animal to the ideal
• Weighing the good and bad points of each animal
We are currently working to put together a 4-H livestock judging team for Dakota and Washington Counties. This program is geared toward youth sixth grade and above however youth in grades 3-5 are welcome to participate! There will be a kick-off meeting on Monday, June 6th at 7:00 pm at the Dakota County Extension office (4100 220th St W #101, Farmington). Practices will be scheduled throughout the summer months along with a few contests typically held at various county fairs. The season ends with the state contest held at the MN State Fair. If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact Ann @ churc109@umn.edu
Open Jackpot Show - June 17-19
4-H’ers interested in getting their animals out to shows prior to our county fair are invited to attend the Dakota County Jackpot Show held June 17-19 in Farmington. The shows will include; beef, sheep, goats and swine. You can find more information at; https://showman.app/shows#/dakota-county-jackpot-show
Rabbit Workshop - June 26
Rabbit project members are invited to attend a pre-county fair workshop on Sunday, June 26, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm outside the Rabbit Barn on the fairgrounds. This workshop will include information on how to prepare you and your rabbit for the county fair! Have you been wondering how the check in process works, what supplies you need, what should you wear as an exhibitor, what will the judge be looking for when judging your rabbit, how does showmanship work??? Sooo many questions! We will have your answers! Come join us on Sunday, June 26! Questions? Please contact Kara at; karamt30@gmail.com or 651-214-4918
LQA & E Training (Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training) June 28
Washington County 4-H will offer an in-person 3 hour LQA & E Training at the U of M (St. Paul Campus) on Tuesday, June 28 from 12:30-3:30 pm. See important information below to see who needs to attend this training! Training must be completed prior to the county fair to confirm trips to the MN State Fair.
If you plan to attend this training ($5. Will be collected at the door for supplies and snacks), you must pre-register at: Washington County LQA 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. In the next few weeks, you will be able to check the Washington County 4-H website for the list of 4-H’ers who are up to date with their LQA & E training for the 2022 fair season.
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 must be certified in Level 1. 4-Hers completing grades 9-13 must be certified 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. Registration for in-person training.
Option 2 - YQCA on-line Training
4-H members have the option of completing the 1-hour online course offered via distance learning. This certification is valid for one fair season. 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 registration fee is utilized to upkeep the system and update the training The YQCA Board of Directors moved YQCA content to a new website. Directions can be found here! Please email a copy of the your completed certificate to our office.
LQA & E Trainings promote responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care and providing safe consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion.
Rabbit Agility Training - starting July 10
Rabbit agility training will take place on Sunday’s: July 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm outside the rabbit barn on the county fairgrounds. Did you really mean rabbit agility? Yes, we did! Youth participating in Rabbit Agility Training will be able to participate in the county fair Rabbit Agility Show held on Friday, August 5 at 10:00 am on the fairgrounds. If you have any questions about Rabbit Agility, please contact Kara at; karamt30@gmail.com
New Ranch Pleasure Horse Class
Horse Project members have received information from MN 4-H regarding the newly added Ranch Pleasure Class.
The Minnesota 4-H Horse Rulebook has been updated and Ranch Pleasure guidelines and rules have been added under the western performance section.
A Ranch Pleasure fact sheet has been developed to help answer questions. It includes links to videos to learn from and clarify the difference between Ranch Pleasure and Western Pleasure. As resources are developed they will be shared with Horse Project Members.
FairEntry is open from June 1 - July 1, 2022
A reminder for new families, completing animal ID's is NOT registering for the fair. You will need to pick what classes your animal will be shown in through the FairEntry registration. Note: you can add entries as needed meaning if you register and decide you want to enter in another area you can do so as long as you complete all entries by July 1.
2022 Wash. Co. Fair 4-H Information Book
The 2022 Washington County Fair 4-H Information (Premium) Book has been posted on our website. Many project areas have been updated from previous years as well as exhibit suggestions! Please take time to carefully READ the Information Book as it has everything you need to know to participate in the County Fair! 4-H’ers need to let us know what projects and classes they intend to participate in at the fair. Projects need to be entered into FairEntry by July 1. FairEntry will be accepting entries after June 1. In the meantime, start thinking about the projects you will want to bring to the fair!
4-H Graduates at the Fair!
We are looking forward to acknowledging you at the County Fair!
There are a few tasks we need from you IF you choose to be recognized:
We would appreciate having a poster board of you displaying pics of your 4-H memories/experiences. These posters will be displayed in the 4-H building during the county fair. (See pic attached of previous posters.) Please bring your poster with you to General Judging Day on Saturday, July 30 between 10-4.
Please complete and return your ‘grad application’ to be recognized Sunday night at our Awards night.
Livestock & Horse Exhibitors are encouraged to fill out the attached ‘Livestock Graduation Questioner’ that will be read during your specific specie livestock/horse show. The completed Livestock Questionnaire needs to be emailed back to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu no later than Monday, July 25th. Please do not wait until the last minute.
Upcoming Events/Activities and Deadlines
Animal Science
June 26 - Rabbit Workshop - Everything you need to know about showing at the fair.
June 28 - LQA (Livestock Quality Assurance) Washington County 4-H will offer an in-person 3 hour LQA & E Training at the U of M (St. Paul Campus) on
Tuesday, June 28 from 12:30-3:30 pm.
- July 30-31 - County Dog Show
- July 10, 17, 24, & 31 - Rabbit Agility Training (Washington County Fairgrounds)
- Aug. 3-7 - Washington County Fair (All animal shows except Dog)
Summer Camps
- June 12-15 - Washington County Horse Camp (Age 10 and up as of Jan. 1, 2022) Must have your own horse. Registration is closed
- June 13-15 - Resident Camp - Grades 3-8 at Baker Outdoor Learning Center in Maple Plain, MN Registration is closed
- June 13-17 - YELLO (Youth Exploring Leadership & Learning Opportunities) Grades 7-13 at Bemidji State University.
- June 22-24 - Archery Camp in Ramsey County
- July 11-14 - Washington County Day Camps at Hooley Hall - Grades K-6 Registration in this newsletter.
Performing Arts
- July 10 - County Arts-In Auditions
- July 17-20 - County Arts-In Encampment
Clothing & Fashion Revue
- June 20 - Clothing & Textiles Workshop (Registration due June 13)
- July 21 - Fashion Revue - NEW this year! Judging and show will take place on the same day.
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)
- July 30-31 - County 4-H Dog Show
- Aug. 3-7 - Washington County Fair
Promotion Committee
Do you want to help share 4-H with families in our county? Well, we are still welcoming people to join the Promotion Committee for Washington County 4-H to help share 4-H with families in Washington County. This committee aims to bring together individuals who are passionate about 4-H and want to help spread the word about the program to others within our community. Some of the things this group COULD do include:
~Find and attend events that we could promote our program
~Create and distribute information about the 4-H to families in our communities
~Help organize and promote already existing promotional events and materials
~Find new ways to connect with new families
We will be planning a meeting date soon. If you have any interest in learning more about this brand new group, whether or not you choose to join, please fill out the survey at https://z.umn.edu/WashingtonCountyPromotionCommittee. If you know someone else who may be interested, we encourage you to share the survey with them or let Caitlin Rademacher know, and she can reach out. If you have any questions, please send them to Caitlin at crademac@umn.edu.
Volunteer & Club Leader Helpful Resouces
Check out this state page for helpful resources!
https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/4-h-volunteer/
Apply to be a 4-H screened volunteer
Town of May 4-H Club
Town of May had a fun May! On Sunday the 22nd we made our way to Poplar Hill Dairy Goat farm where we had our meeting which followed with a potluck and a tour of the goat farm! Then on Monday the 23rd we went back to Birchwood Senior living and planted pretty flowers for the residents!
Respectfully Submitted by Karley Rydeen
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
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
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 - 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