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Washington County 4-H Newsletter
June 27, 2024
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Please help Henry fight Cancer!
It's one thing to say we care and another to actually show it. Here is an opportunity to help a fellow 4-H member and their family by showing you care. Teach our youth the importance of thinking beyond themselves and to not take the simple things for granted.
Summer break should mean more time to spend outside or meeting with our friends and enjoying the warm days doing what we love. However, for some their world consists of endless hospital stays, multiple treatments, medications, and that feeling of wanting to be anywhere else.
We understand that many families have experienced the challenges of an illness themselves or to family members but it is especially hard when it is a youth. Henry has been a 4-H member in Washington County for 9 years, belongs to the Soil Savers 4-H club and loves the outdoors. He was diagnosed with leukemia last fall and has been fighting hard to beat this disease. With some recent set backs some encouragement would be welcomed.
Washington County 4-H would like to support Henry through a card drive. We are asking youth, families, clubs to send an encouraging card, note, picture, drawing for Henry while he fights this disease. Perhaps you have firsthand experience and could write Henry about your experiences, advice and what got you through the process. Anything to put a smile on Henry’s face.
We will collect things at our office for the next two weeks and then forward to the family. Thank you to those who have dropped cards off. A simple act of kindness can go a long way to brighten someone's day.
Please send to:
Washington County 4-H
Attn: Henry
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Final Reminders
All Unpaid fees will be flagged at County Fair registration.
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 below. We do not have online payment for enrollment at this time. There is a drop box at the outside of the main entrance of the Stillwater Government Center (not courts entrance). Clearly mark an envelope addressed to Washington County 4-H and we will receive it, you can drop off at any time.
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 do not want anyone to miss out so if you need scholarship funds, please let us know by completing the scholarship form.
- Those unable to pay fees will be asked to complete a scholarship form at the fair.
Washington County Fair News
2024 County Fair Information Book - Premium Book
The 2024 Washington County 4-H Information Book has everything you need to be in the know! Check out the fair schedule, rules, project ideas, etc. Plan ahead, let’s make this the best fair ever! Remember that July 1 is the Fair Entry deadline to let us know what you plan to bring to the fair! To access, click on green button below.
FairEntry closes on July 1
Welcome to FairEntry for the 2024 Washington County Fair! This is where you will register the projects and animals you intend to bring to the fair.
Please sign in using your 4HOnline email and password. It will be helpful to have a link to the 2024 Washington County Fair 4-H Information Book for general fair rules and project details. This book can also be located on the Washington County Extension website. Please note classes are based on grade completed NOT grade going into.
DEADLINES!
- Online registration must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 1.
- Or a list of classes emailed to the Extension Office by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 1.
Food Stand Sign Up
The county fair is just a few weeks away and we are looking for volunteer helpers at the 4-H Food Stand! This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and all proceeds go to supporting 4-H youth programming in Washington County!
Adults and youth (grades 3+) are invited to help us make this fundraiser a success. Tasks include counter service, cooking, food prep, cleaning, stocking, and more.
Sign up early to get your choice shift!
We are also looking for water bottle donations! If your family, 4-H club, business, community group, etc. would like to donate bottles of water to the food stand, please let us know! This is a great way to help 4-H raise money and keep folks hydrated during the fair. (16oz. bottles preferred.)
New this year: Washington County 4-H clubs will receive a slice of the profits! Clubs will receive gifts based on the number of volunteer hours they serve in the food stand!
Community Impact Recognition
Have any of your projects made a positive difference in your community? Earn recognition at the county fair for your Community Impact by showing it in your exhibit and telling the judge about it.z.umn.edu/4HCommunityImpact
Friend of 4-H - seeking applications!
Every year we recognize a volunteer who has dedicated their time and energy to the 4-H program! Is there a 4-H adult who has influenced you, supported you along your 4-H journey, helped you learn about a project, etc? Typically this honor goes to an adult who has served our organization for many years! To nominate an individual, please write a few paragraphs on what this person has done, and how they have impacted you or other 4-H’ers. Please send nominations to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu by July 1. The Executive Board reviews the nominations and makes the final selection! This person will be honored at the County Fair Recognition event.
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. Please bring your poster with you to General Judging Day on Saturday, July 27 between 10-4.
Please complete and return your ‘grad application’ to Ann at: churc109@umn.edu no later than July 1 if you want to be recognized Sunday night at our Awards night! Applications will not be accepted at the County Fair!
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 22nd. Please do not wait until the last minute.
4-H post secondary scholarships! - Due July 1
It is that time of year that 4-H members going on to postsecondary education can apply for the Washington County 4-H Federation and/or Memorial Scholarship. Farm Bureau also offers a scholarship for youth whose parents are Farm Bureau members.
Please read the requirements before you apply! Scholarship winners will be announced at the County Fair Recognition event on Sunday, August 4 at 6:30 pm on the fairgrounds.
Farm Bureau Scholarship (Due July 1, 2024)
Washington County Federation Scholarship (Due July 1, 2024)
Washington County Memorial Scholarship (Due July 1, 2024)
Adele Clemens Memorial Scholarship (Due July 1, 2024)
Judge's Assistant
Being a Judge's Assistant is a great way to learn more about 4-H, and learn about interesting project areas such as aerospace, clothing, crafts, and photography. Judges assistants are needed on July 27th from 9:45 am-12:30 pm and from 12:45-4:00 pm for general projects/ DOg Show and from July 31st- August 4th for livestock. Judges Assistants help keep the project book updated with ribbon placing, help organize the projects, and make sure the judge has enough ribbons and supplies. Sign up today! If you have any questions please contact Abbey Rademacher | radem181@umn.edu
Champion Program
Join the Champion Program Youth Volunteer Team!:
The Champion Program is seeking enthusiastic youth volunteers to join our team. This year, the team is led by former Washington County 4-H members Alex and Lauren Pendar. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to:
Learn the operations of the Champion Booth
- Assist champions in writing thank you letters to sponsors
- Take photos
- Award shirts
- Answer questions during the fair
Each volunteer will be expected to work at least 2 shifts at the booth, with support from Alex or Lauren. Team members will celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H'ers during the fair season and express gratitude to sponsors for their contributions to the program and the development of 4-H'ers.
As a token of appreciation, all team members will receive a customized shirt to wear during their shifts at the table.
If you are interested in joining our team, please contact us at washcochampteam@gmail.com. Include your name, year in 4-H, contact information, and a brief description of why you would like to be part of this team.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Mini MN Meats
Washington County 4-H is excited to share our annual Mini MN Meats Competition! The Mini
MN Meats Competition will be on Friday, August 2nd at 2:00 pm at the north end of the cattle
barn. We will provide grills, equipment, ground beef, fruit, vegetables, spices, seasonings,
cheese, buns, and sauces.
Competition Rules
- Open to any Washington County 4-H member between 6-13.
- Teams must consist of 3-4 members.
- Teams must be registered by July 27th to compete.
- Teams are allowed to bring any additional supplies as long as they are approved by the event
coordinator before the competition.
- Teams will have 40 minutes to prepare one final dish.
- Judges award points: 40% taste, 30% appearance and 30% team knowledge.
Winners will get a “Mini Meats 2024 Champion” Apron.
Register here: Mini Meats Registration
Registration due: June 27th
Be an Ambassador for 4-H
Love talking with people? Know a few things about 4-H? Youth enrolled in grades 7-13 who want to take their leadership skills to the next level are invited to join current Ambassadors in volunteering at the Ambassador Booth at the County Fair! Each shift is 2 hours and worked by two youth. At the Ambassador Booth you will:
-Answer 4-H related questions
-Facilitate 4-H Trivia
-Educate the public about 4-H
Sign up at-
https://z.umn.edu/2024AmbieBooth
If you have questions, contact Abbey Rademacher at radem181@umn.edu for more information.
Upcoming county events/activities
2024 Summer Day Camps- July 8th-11th
Washington County 4-H is excited to share the 2024 July Day Camps! The day camps run from July 8th-11th from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. July 8th, 9th, and 11th will be at the Washington County Fairgrounds and July 10th will be a Field Trip to Como Zoo and Conservatory.
These day camps are open to anyone in grades K-6th. Camp registration
Grades 7-13th can participate as a counselor by filling our the counselor form.
Monday July 8th
Olympics
Campers will be learning about what the Olympics are and the traditions that occur at the Olympics while participating in Olympic like events such as a noodle javelin throw, creating their own gold metals and more!
Tuesday July 9th
Art, Music, and Dance
Campers will be learning a dance, making their instruments, creating tie-dye bookmarks and more!
Wednesday July 10th
Como Zoo and Conservatory Field Trip
Campers will be going on a Como Zoo and Conservatory field trip! They will be bussed to the location, experience all that they have to offer including a class!
***You must register by JULY 1ST to go to the Zoo.***
Thursday July 11th
Luau/Water Day
Campers will be having a luau to celebrate the end of camp! This day will include water games and ocean themed activities! Feel free to have your 4-Her wear a Hawaiian or luau-themed shirt.
Daily fees are $25.00 per day or $90.00 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
Fees after July 1st are $35.00 per day or $115.00 for all 4 days. Camp t-shirts will NOT be available for late registrations.
If you have any questions please contact Abbey Rademacher | radem181@umn.edu
Fashion Revue - July 18
The 4-H Fashion Revue will be held on Thursday, July 18th at the Oakdale Discovery Center. Judging will begin at noon, followed by a Fashion Show at 6:30pm.
Fashion revue is for 4-H members who wish to model a garment they have made or purchased. Participants may model any clothing they have constructed, purchased or upcycled as a part of their 4-H clothing and textiles project. The event is open to all grades.
Check out these resources to learn more:
Register here: z.umn.edu/2024FRwashingtonramsey
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 1st!
Contact Ashton Kulesa with any questions at ashton@umn.edu
Bonsai and succulent workshop - July 20
Washington County 4-H is excited to host a bonsai and succulent workshop on July 20th from 9am to 12 pm in Hooley Hall. This workshop will provide you with materials and direction to create your own bonsai, and succulent garden to take home! Limited space is available so please sign up right away!
Participants can enter their bonsai or succulent garden at the fair. REGISTRATION IS DUE JULY 1ST FOR FAIR ENTRY.
Open to grades 6+
Register here! Bonsai & Succulent Registration
Registration due: July 16th
Animal Science
LQCA Training needs to be completed online
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 year at the Minnesota State Fair.
Don't know if you are current? Check the following link,
LQA certifications completed and valid for 2024
YQCA online training, good for one year
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.
Rabbit Agility starts July 14
All Rabbit Project members (including Cloverbuds) are invited to participate in Rabbit Agility training! What is rabbit agility? It is a sport where rabbits are trained to navigate obstacles in a course. The obstacles can include ramps, tunnels, hoops, etc. similar to dog agility.
Practices will be on Sunday’s July 14th, 21st and 28th from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Washington County Fairgrounds outside the Rabbit Barn.
In addition, we will be setting up Rabbit Cages for the county fair on Sunday, July 28th from 3 pm to 5 pm. More hands light work! Come join the fun!
Poultry Workshop - July 16
All poultry project members are invited to attend a pre-fair Poultry Workshop on Tuesday, July 16 starting at 5 pm. Please meet under the Bingo area next to the Poultry Barn.
Topics that will be included are;
-What to do before the fair (including cleaning,
And when it is ideal to have chicks by for each class, vaccination, etc)
-What to bring to the fair and daily activities
-Important dates/ times for poultry (when you bring birds in, show times, when they are released, etc)
-showmanship
-judging (what to wear, what do you do)
-end of the fair tasks
-state fair
There is no cost to attend this workshop. Please register at Poultry Workshop
Horse Schooling Show - July 16
Excited for the County Fair Horse Show? Come prepare yourself for the show by attending the Horse Schooling Show on Tuesday, July 16, beginning at 6:00 pm at the Main Area on the fairgrounds! Classes will include; Showmanship, English Equitation, Western Horsemanship, Poles, Jumping Figure 8 and Barrels! Cost is $5, please bring the correct amount of cash with you, no pre-registration necessary! Any questions, please contact Barbara @ 763-234-2457.
Horse Hippology
Horse Hippology is a fun competition where 4-H'ers show their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry. Any 4-H'er can join whether you have a horse or not!
The competition is held every September at the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show. Winning teams go on to represent Minnesota in national competitions.
We will have the first practice on Tuesday, July 2 at the Wildwood Library (in Mahtomedi) Conference room 115 from 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm. This meeting will be informational, we will discuss how practices will take place and where and possibly splitting the county in half for regular practices, etc. We will talk about interest in Hippology and/or Horse Judging. Both competitions take place at the MN State 4-H Horse Show on Friday, September 13th. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Kalka at; kalkax2@live.com
Become an Livestock Auction Buyer
BUYERS ARE WINNERS TOO • By becoming a buyer, you reward a 4-Her for achieving excellence in production. YOU inspire youth to go on to greater success. • This is a PREMIUM ONLY auction, buyers do not get the animal. • Youth understand it is an honor to qualify for the 4-H Auction. This is your opportunity to help these youth celebrate their success and encourage them to greater heights of achievement. Livestock plays a major role in youth development and education. • Buyers lend support to the Washington County agricultural economy and the livestock industry. Animal agriculture is an indispensable base for the economy of Minnesota and the United States.
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.
Performing Arts
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 fee is $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
Intro to Arts-In - July 15
If you are in 6th grade and wondering what Arts-In is like, then the 2nd Annual Intro to Arts-In program is for you! Come visit on Monday, July 15, from 5-8 PM during the Washington County 4-H Arts-In Encampment to see what it's all about! Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a theater workshop, visit the different majors (band, performing, and technical), have dinner with the cast, participate in group games, and help with the set!
Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.
STEM
STEM Field Trip - July 17
Join us on our summer STEM field trip to the Bell Museum and Gibbs Farm! Grades 3-12 are invited to hop on the bus at Hooley Hall and have a fun-packed day of learning! We will do some hands-on science, see a planetarium show, and travel back in time to learn about technology from past generations.
Adults- please consider attending as a chaperone!
Wednesday, July 17th
9am - 4pm
Cost: $20 ($15 if not riding bus)
Grades 3-12
*BYO bag lunch
Register: z.umn.edu/BellGibbsFieldTrip
Outdoor Skills & Stories Day Camps - Aug.12-16
Calling all Cloverbuds! Gain some outdoor skills, learn about nature, and read fun books! Grades K - 3 (maximum of 20 participants)
- August 12-16, 2024 10am - 4pm each day
- Sally Manzara Nature Center (Lake Elmo)
- $25/day or $100/week if paid by August 1st. (Read on for more details. Scholarships available.)
- Campers will bring their own lunch. Snacks will be provided.
- Register: z.umn.edu/OSScamp
About Camp:
The topics explored in this five day summer camp are Birding, Water, Hiking, Fishing, and Camping. We will work with local guest teachers on the beautiful grounds at Sunfish Lake Park to get hands-on experience in the outdoors! For examples of the curriculum we'll be using, visit the Outdoor Skills & Stories Day Camp Guide.
Monday: Birding Day
Campers will learn how to become more aware of the natural world around them, how to record observations, and fun facts about birds in our area.
Tuesday: Water Day
The book We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom will set the tone for a day focused on learning about our natural resources and how to care for them. Lessons from indigenous educators and guest speakers will help steer youth towards new skills and understandings.
Wednesday: Fishing Day (camp location will be offsite this day! More info to follow.)
Campers will learn about fishing skills, food chains, and (hopefully) do some real fishing at a local body of water! Through interactive games, videos, and the option of a fishing trip, youth gain a better understanding of fish and fishing!
Thursday: Hiking Day
After learning important preparation skills, campers will get outdoors and explore the trails at Sunfish Lake Park. Closed-toe shoes, water bottles, and backpacks are required this day.
Friday: Camping Day
This day of camp will give youth a chance to experience camping for a few hours. We will have tents, sleeping bags, packs, cooking supplies, and more to set up a fun and educational “campsite.” Everyone will have a chance to practice new skills, keep building on what they’ve learned throughout the week, and reflect on how camp has changed the way they interact with natural spaces!
Daily fees are $25 per day or $100 for all 5 days if we receive payment BEFORE August 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
Fees after August 1st are $30 per day or $130 for all 5 days.
Email ashton@umn.edu to learn more!
Clover News
Congratulations to the newly elected Executive Board!
President; Wyatt Herman
Vice-President: Colton Herman
Secretary: Alexis Petersen
Treasurer; Calissa Newton
Historian: Genevieve Vang
Youth Reps: Alex Kruse, Spencer Richter, Henry Richter, Theo Kruse, Linnea Topper, Ella Ehlers
Adult Reps: Sara Delaney, Laura Kruse, Korene Newton, Sean Boll, Rachel Petersen, Amy Delaney
We look forward to working with this leadership group in the coming year!
Congratulations Norah Leyde
Congratulations to Norah Leyde who was selected as one of 10 recipients of the Youth Leadership Award in the state! The top 10 youth earn a trip to the State Horse Show in September! The Youth Leadership Award requires youth to submit a portfolio and resume along with an application highlighting what they have learned, and participated in through the 4-H Horse Project. Washington County had 4 youth submit applications, which is outstanding! Way to go Norah!
Lucky Aces 4-H Club
The Lucky Aces June 17th meeting started at 6:41 pm. We introduced our new club leaders, Heidi Koehnle and Jayleen Stolzenburg. We talked about our yearly plan for service projects, club meeting ideas, and more. We adjourned our meeting at 7:27 pm, and then our clover buds showed their fairy garden pots that they had made during the meeting.
Sincerely Wendy Rydeen
Community Ed and 4-H
Did you know that Washington County 4-H does outreach programming? We had a ton of fun visiting the Stillwater Community Ed summer sites this month! Youth learned how to plant their own window herb garden with mint, basil, chive, and cilantro seeds! Everyone was able to taste test fresh herbs, learn about the care that goes into helping a seed grow, and take home recipes to try when their plants are big enough to harvest. Big thanks to Stillwater Community Ed for letting us work with these intrepid young garden chefs!
Washington County 4-H Calendar
Cloverbuds
- 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
- July 27-28 - County 4-H Dog Show
- Sept. 21-22 - State Dog Show
Horse
- July 16 - 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
- 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)
Performing Arts
County Arts-In registration due July 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.
July 15 - Intro to Arts-In. Open to 6th graders wanting to learn what Arts-In is all about. More information and registration above in the Performing Arts section.
STEM
July 17 - Field Trip to the Bell Museum & Gibbs Farm (Limited to 30, register early)
Aug. 12-16 - Outdoor Skills & Stories Day Camps (Limited to 20, register early)
Summer Camps
- 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 in this newsletter.
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.
Statewide Events
Virtual & In-Person Opportunities
Register now for State Arts-In!
Youth who have completed 9th grade - 1 year post high school—Come together in August with other teens from across the state. 22 days go by fast as we put together a show (build the set, make the costumes, play in the band, or be on stage)! Experience life at the Minnesota State Fair and discover more of what you are capable of! Register by June 30 for a special discount! Learn more and register.
Join the 4-H Plastic Sculpture Challenge this summer
Youth of any age are invited to create plastic sculptures from unwanted materials and learn about the harmful impacts of our overuse of single-use plastics. Individuals, teams, family groups and club teams can enter. Learn more about how to show at your county fair and the Minnesota State Fair where two sculptures from every county will be on display! Learn more and register.
Join the 2024 Engineering Design Challenge!
Engineering for a Changing Climate is the theme for the 2024 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC). The Engineering Design Challenge helps youth in grades 3+ develop problem solving skills in a team-based atmosphere. Form a team and show your machine locally and at the state EDC showcase event! Explore this year's EDC and access resources available to support teams, like hands-on activities and a webinar on how to use artificial intelligence to help design solutions to this year's challenge. Learn more and register.
Summer 4-H video workshop: Become a filmmaker
Youth in grades 8+ are invited to join us Aug. 6-8 on the UMN St. Paul Campus and Minnesota State Fairgrounds for this exciting opportunity to work with other 4-H’ers who love filmmaking! The in person, overnight workshop will be preceded by three 1-hour virtual learning sessions. Whether this is your first video or you already have experience, this camp is for you! You’ll learn how to use video equipment, develop a storyboard, and practice skills using lighting, sound, and editing—all while creating a short narrative video. You’ll be filming with the Minnesota State Fairgrounds as a backdrop, and sleeping and eating in the 4-H Building. The program will culminate in a film festival with youth films taking center stage in the 4-H Building during the Minnesota State Fair. Instructors include University faculty who teach video production and professional filmmakers. The workshop will also include a field trip related to video. Generous donors to the 4-H video project allow the cost to be kept low for this program—cost is $100 (Scholarships may be available from your local county 4-H program). If an additional scholarship is needed due to financial constraints, please contact Anne Stevenson (steve020@umn.edu) to discuss. Registration deadline: July 9. Learn more and register.
Grow with the Minnesota 4-H plant sciences program!
The Minnesota 4-H plant sciences program is blooming like never before, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on all the exciting developments! By signing up for our listserv, you’ll receive quarterly updates packed with the latest highlights and successes from our statewide programming. Our next update is sprouting soon, so make sure you're on the list to stay in the know. With amazing events and activities happening all across Minnesota, there's so much to share and celebrate. Don’t keep this green goodness to yourself—spread the word and encourage others to sign up too! Stay connected, stay informed, and let's grow together! Sign up for the listserv.
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
Summer Interns
Deidra Meyer
Hi! My name is Deidra Meyer. I am an incoming junior at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities majoring in Agriculture Communication & Marketing. I will be one of your Washington County 4-H Interns this summer! I am from Amery Wisconsin which is a small town just across the St. Croix. I grew up on a hobby farm where we raised swine, goats, and sheep! We called ourselves three-month farmers because we raised animals solely for the fair. I showed animals at the fair for a total of 10 years in both 4-H and FFA. Fair time was always the best time of the year because it was a time to showcase the hard work we put into their animals the months prior. Throughout my time in both 4-H and FFA, I learned the immense value that these organizations provide to the community. I am so excited to be a part of the Washington County community! Deidra can be reached at meye3627@umn.edu
Abbey Rademacher
Hi, my name is Abbey Rademacher and I am so excited to be returning as one of the 2024 Summer Interns! I just finished my junior year studying Elementary Education and specializing in Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. I was in 4-H in Washington County for 14 years and an intern last year. I could not be more excited to continue serving the Washington County 4-H community yet again this year. I hope to get to see many old and new faces throughout the summer and can’t wait to continue making the best better!! Abbey can be reached at radem181@umn.edu
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, Promotion, 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
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