Summer Camp Save the Date
4-H Camp is a great way to have fun outdoors and meet new friends! This multi-county 4-H Camp will be held in the southwest region on the shores of Lake Shetek at Shetek Lutheran Ministries. Youth who have completed grades 3-6 can choose one of two camp sessions (three days/two nights).
- Camp Session 1: Monday, June 19 at 1 p.m. - Wednesday, June 21 at 10:45 a.m.
- Camp Session 2: Wednesday, June 21 at 1 p.m. - Friday, June 23 at 10:45 a.m.
Registration will open by sometime in early March and families can choose either camp session. Registration fee is $150, with a percentage being paid by the Murray County 4-H Federation.
Registration is due in 4-H Online by May 10th!
For more information please go to the 4-H Camps page on the Extension Website
LQA&E Reminder
Murray County 4-H members requiring renewal or initial training will receive a notice from the Extension Office at a later date. For complete policy details: https://z.umn.edu/LQAEpolicy
Murray County will be offering in-person Level 1 and 2 for anyone requiring the training. Register through 4-H Online (go to Events) Sign In (4honline.com)
4-H Fundraiser Sales Totals are in!
A huge congratulations to the Jans/Steinman family who sold over $4,000!!
Have you volunteered to help at delivery day? Many hands make light work. Ask your club leader/ fundraiser coordinator if they have enough volunteers to make delivery day go smoothly. Each club needs a few volunteers at the 4-H Building as well as at your club's designated sorting location.
Fundraiser Pick Up date is Scheduled for March 11, 2023 starting at 6:30 am
Farm Family of the Year
Annual Cloverbuds PJ Party
Leadership Supper & Federation Meeting
Lottery Lamb and Adopt a Lamb are back!
The Adopt a Lamb project is for 1st and 2nd year sheep project members. All the lambs come from the same producer and cost the same amount to buy. When the members get their lambs, they draw a number and that is the lamb they get. Help will be available to them during the summer.
The Lottery Lamb class, each member can request one lamb. The lambs all come from one producer and are very even in size. The members draw a number to see which lamb they get.
Please contact Jake or Dave Herrig if you have any questions or are interested in either class.
Community Events sponsored by Murray County 4-H and Monogram Meats with various community partners
Murray County 4-H received a very generous grant from Monogram Foods to help sponsor Murray County Community Nights. Join us March 3rd from 6 - 8 pm for Game and Trivia Night with walking tacos at the Murray County 4-H Building.
The goal of Monogram Foods Loves Kids and Murray County 4-H is to teach our youth that Murray County is a great place to be a part of. Our community has a lot to offer. Families attending the community nights do not have to be enrolled in 4-H, however we hope that once they learn more about our program, they will find a home with Murray County 4-H. More information will be sent out to registered 4-H families prior to each event. If you would like to help with any of these events, please contact Kim Hause.
New Facebook Page!!
Well it seems we have been sentenced to life in Facebook Jail :( No worries though we have created a new Facebook Page! Our new Facebook Page is called UMN Extension-Murray County 4-H. Please help us spread the word that we have a new page so we can promote our programs to as many people as possible!
We still recommend checking our website and app to stay up to date on everything!
We will also still be sending out our newsletter twice a month to make sure families don't miss anything!!!
A link to the Facebook page, Murray County 4-H app, and Murray County Extension website are listed below!
Please add us to your contact list!
Kim: hausek@umn.edu
Melissa: mkrunck@umn.edu
McKenna: mschreie@umn.edu
Encourage 4-H college-bound youth to apply for Minnesota 4-H scholarships by April 1
Extension Development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for 4-H youth who are pursuing post-secondary studies at accredited colleges and universities. Please encourage eligible 4-H youth to visit the Extension 4-H scholarship website for detailed information on the applications, letters of recommendation needed, and amounts awarded.
Please note that applications are available and accepted online only. The online application form does not auto-save. We suggest applicants prepare their responses in another document and copy/paste into the scholarship form when they have enough time to complete the process. Scholarship applications are no longer accepted via email or mail.
Application deadline: April 1.
Questions can be directed to mnextdev@umn.edu with "attn: scholarships" or call 612-624-7971.
The Great MN 4-H Seed Mystery Project Kit
Each year the 4-H plant science team creates a new project kit for youth to participate in. This year, the team has created a unique kit looking at seeds. Youth will discover and uncover the unknown world of seeds as we look at mystery seeds from across Minnesota's growing zones. Youth will be the detectives and use tools to solve the great seed mystery. The kit comes with the seeds, along with a few detective items. The 4-week virtual series will be held on Mondays, June 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 5 to 5:45 p.m.
There is a $5 fee for the kit. Murray County Farm Bureau Federation has graciously decided to cover the cost of the kit for Murray County 4-H'ers! When enrolling in 4-H online please make sure to not make a payment.
Thank you to Farm Bureau Federation for your donation to pay for the kits!
For more information and how to register please visit https://extension.umn.edu/event/great-seed-mystery
Rockets Away
Is it really Rocket Science? Join us from your launching pad at home and find out. We will discover Bernoulli’s principle of lift, experiment with different types of rockets, and set a date to “blast off” from different locations in our region.
Who: Youth in grades 3 -8
Launching Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1.
Where: Virtually from your “launching pad” at home.
Time: 7 pm - 7:45 pm
Cost: $10 for kit. Murray County 4-H will be covering the cost for the kits!
Each participant will receive a kit with starter supplies for each of our virtual sessions.
*Space is limited to 50 participants- sign up soon.
Register Here and select invoice county for the last question
Deadline to register is March 20th.
For more information contact Brian McNeill, Regional Extension Educator at mcnei006@umn.edu, Sam Jens, Lyon County 4-H Extension Educator @ jens0593@umn.edu or Suzanne Souza, Big Stone County 4-H Local Extension Educator at souza004@umn.edu.
Can you grow a monster sunflower?
Growing sunflowers is fun and beautiful...growing giant sunflowers is even better! Participants will receive their own seeds and instructions on how to plant and care for you sunflower throughout the summer so that you can grow a monster sunflower! How tall do you think your sunflower will get?
Grades K and up are invited to join this free summer challenge. Register by May 1 to receive free sunflower seeds and a guide to help you grow a giant sunflower. Throughout the summer, you'll receive email updates about your sunflower project with fun videos that will help you explore more. Exhibit your giant sunflower at the County Fair or join us for our final contest in the fall. z.umn.edu/GiantSunflower
4-H Youth in Action
The 4‑H Youth in Action program amplifies the diverse stories and leadership of 4‑H youth who are making a difference in their communities every day. It is a premiere community of 4‑H’ers who are preparing for their future while showcasing how 4‑H has changed their lives and equipped them to change the lives of others. Dakota County 4-H alumna, Nicole Cash, is a current YIA spokesperson!
Applicants must be:
- A current 4-H member or recent alumnus.
- At least 15 by March 27, and not have turned 20 before January 1, 2023.
The Youth in Action program is based on the story that a young person can articulate the impact 4-H has made on their lives and how 4-H has inspired them to take positive actions to improve the lives of others. The application has some great guiding questions for youth to consider when applying.
There will be an informational session for youth and families on Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. Even if they cannot attend, they should still register to get a link to the recording.
We're offering an opportunity for youth to get feedback on their applications if they submit them here by March 10. They will receive feedback by March 17, and then have time to submit by March 27.
Save the date: Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO)!
Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7+ that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.
Registration for YELLO will open in April. The cost to attend YELLO is $275, with an additional $50 fee for opting in to ride the bus. Youth will register via 4-H Online.
4-H Dog Train the Trainer
Topics that will be covered include working with youth in obedience, rally, showmanship and agility disciplines. Information shared will benefit beginner and veteran trainers.
Please contact the Murray County Extension Office for more information!
Writing your future: explore careers in publishing
Are you ready to take your love of reading and writing toward a career? Join Minnesota 4-H on Thursdays in March for “Writing your future: explore careers in publishing.” Guest speakers will share their own career journeys, talk about their jobs, and answer questions about how to turn your passion into a career.
This virtual workshop series will take place on Zoom at 6:30pm and is open to youth in grades 6 and up. Learn more and register at z.umn.edu/WritingYourFuture.
Questions about the series? Contact Extension Educators:
Sarah Odendahl, sodendah@umn.edu, 320-591-1654
Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, 651-480-7700
Get Hopping with the 4-H Rabbit Project
Have you been wondering about the 4-H rabbit project? This in-person beginner's event is perfect for you! Come and learn about where to purchase rabbits, different rabbit breeds, how to take care of your rabbit, and answer any questions about showing a rabbit at the fair!
Saturday, May 13
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Tyler, MN (final location dependent on weather)
Grades: 3+
Cost: $5
Registration Deadline: May 8
Super Sitters Virtual Series
We are excited to bring you our super sitters series virtually this spring. Our goal is for you to walk away with the knowledge to be a super sitter hero!
This series will include hands-on learning activities to do at home, information on ages and stages, baby well care, healthy snack ideas, and speakers from public health and local agencies. This series is for youth grades 5 and up.
Sessions will be held from 5:45 to 7 p.m. on March 13, 16, 20, 21 and 23.
The clinic will include:
hands-on learning activities to do at home,
information on ages/stages,
baby well care,
healthy snacks,
speakers from public health and local agencies.
What you receive through email/mail:
Student Handbook
Activities/Recipes
Ages and Stages Handout
Basic First Aid and Emergency Care Booklet
First Aid kit supply list
Register by March 7 in 4-H Online
Murray County 4-H will still be offering a in person babysitting clinic this summer. More details to come at a later date.
Jumpstart your 4-H Livestock Project
It's a new year, and it's time to jumpstart your 4-H livestock project! Join us on March 10 at 5:30 PM at the RTR High School Ag Room to learn more about project selection, goal setting, nutrition and more. Learn more at https://z.umn.edu/JumpstartLivestock
4-H Project Bowl- Virtual Bowling 101
Bowling 101 is a non-competitive opportunity for younger, inexperienced members to try Project Bowl. This event will be held virtually with 4-H'ers joining a Zoom meeting and using the Kahoot! App to participate.
There will be two sessions offered:
Thursday, March 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
No studying is needed for this experience. Bowling 101 uses a trivia format and will not follow the traditional Project Bowl format. There will be no formal competition and no entry fee. Ribbons will be awarded to all participants.
Counties should not form teams. Instead, all participants should sign up as individuals.
Note: Participants cannot be in both Bowling 101 and the regular Project Bowl contests.
For more information and how to register please visit: https://extension.umn.edu/event/4-h-project-bowl-virtual-bowling-101
Quilt Quest
Youth in grades 4 and up are invited to join us for a fun-filled quilting adventure. Participants will meet virtually to make a quilt top using the fat quarter fizz pattern. Together we will explore tips and techniques for quilt-making.
Sessions will be held via Zoom from 5 to 6 p.m. on the following remaining Sundays:
March 5
March 12
March 26
April 2
April 30
In addition to the virtual sessions, how-to videos will be available for assistance.
Registration is free but there may be supply costs: a sewing machine, needles, thread, material, etc. A supply list will be provided upon registration.
Register in 4-H Online by Feb. 22.
For more information or how to register please go to https://extension.umn.edu/event/quilt-quest-2023
Amazing amphibians and roaming reptiles
What do frogs, snakes and turtles have in common? Join us and learn more about Herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles. We will go undercover and discover the mysteries of our cold blooded friends as we learn how they can become one of your new 4-H projects! Hop and slither to the sessions on the following remaining dates: March 2,16,30; and April 6, 20 from 7pm - 8pm via Zoom. Registration is open and there is no deadline. For grades K -13
https://z.umn.edu/AmazingAmphibiansandRoamingReptiles
Registration is currently open and there is no registration deadline. To register, log in, or if new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent
4-H Science Sprouts
This virtual, hands-on and engaging experience allows participants to experiment with both science and plants. Youth in grades 3+ who are interested in diving deeper into exploring plants are invited to attend these fun science experiments with an agronomy feel.
We're currently in the middle of our winter series which will run through March. During the final few months, we'll explore how rootbeer is made and create our own edible sunflower seed gardens. We'll also explore how water moves through plants, using food coloring to see the water movement.
Youth can join at any time. Supply lists will be sent to you a week prior to the monthly virtual learning series in case you want to grab the supplies and do the activities along with the presenters - this means you should register by March. 13 for the March activity.
The winter series still has one session left and will be held March 20 from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Register in 4-H Online one week before the session to receive your supply list to experiment along with us. Registrations will be accepted throughout the series.
Passport to 4-H Tasty Tuesdays: Foods from around the world
Get your food passports ready as we travel to a different country, learn about their culture and create some of their favorite meals or desserts! Our destination will be a mystery until you get your ingredient list! You don't want to miss out on this exciting food adventure! Our remaining arrival dates for our mystery destinations are: March 14, 28; April 4 and 11 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Registration is currently open and there is no deadline.
https://z.umn.edu/TastyTuesdaysPassport
Registration is currently open and there is no registration deadline. To register, log in, or if Registration is new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador Applications Open March 1!
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors aim to reflect the diversity of the 4-H program. They serve as the face and voice of Minnesota 4-H to internal and external stakeholders. In their year-long role, the State Ambassadors attend local and regional 4-H meetings and events, speak and present at state and national conferences and events, visit with alumni and other 4-H supporters, and inspire youth to learn and lead through regional and state leadership workshops and trainings.
Applications are due April 17.
For more information please visit the 4-H Ambassadors Page
Consent and Choice in Youth Development: Creating Empowering Youth Spaces
Kim Hause
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
Email: hausek@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/murray
Location: 2848 Broadway Avenue, Slayton MN USA
Phone: 507-836-1144
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murraycounty4h