MURRAY COUNTY 4-H NEWSLETTER
APRIL 1, 2025
Beginner Crochet program with 6 classes!
The Murray County 4-H Program is putting on a beginner crochet program that offers six sessions to help youth learn this skill.
There are six sessions involved with this event, each of which start at 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the Murray County 4-H Building on the following dates:
April 7
April 14
April 21
April 28
May 5
May 12
Open to youth in grades 5 - 12.
There is a $10 charge to attend all six sessions (can be paid via check or cash at one of the sessions or the Murray County Extension Office). Spots are very limited!
Sunday, April 6 from 12 - 3 p.m. at the Murray County 4-H Building
The Murray County 4-H program will host an event open to the public called “Discovery Day – come and learn all 4-H has to offer!”
This event will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Murray County 4-H Building from 12 – 3 p.m. This event is FREE to attend and open to all ages! We want to show the community what 4-H all has to offer and how youth and adults can become involved!
"Community members are shocked when they hear about all the opportunities that 4-H has to offer big and small! It goes beyond the county fair, there are countless leadership opportunities and project areas people can be involved in,” said Kim Hause, Extension Youth Development Educator. “This event will bring youth and adults up to speed on the latest information 4-H has.”
Thank you to the Monogram Loves Kids Foundation for helping donate a meal for this event!
June 19 - 20 at the Murray County Fairgrounds
Youth are welcome to attend the 4-H Horse Pleasure clinic hosted by clinician, Kathy Johnson. Topics covered include: showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, ranch riding, ranch pleasure, trail, English equitation, and English pleasure.
Stalling will be available, please bring your own shavings and clean your stall once your time at the clinic has been completed. The clinic will run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days with a lunch provided in the afternoon.
The total cost for the camp will be $175 for both days.
Camping options are available! Each spot is $25/ day for the duration of the clinic. Money will need to be collected before leaving the fairgrounds.
Please contact Jody Jackels if you are interested in attending this event!
Cell: (507)-626-1591
Email: jjackels@outlook.com
Sign-up at the Murray County Extension Office!
As we are prepping for the 2025 Murray County Fair. We wanted to inform you of these opportunities, with the first one being an “Adopt a Lamb Program.” This was started for first- and second-year sheep project members. The lambs all come from the same producer and cost the same amount to buy. When the members get their lambs, they will draw a number and that is the lamb they will get. Help is available during the summer; this is to encourage a strong start for youth in the sheep program.
The second opportunity is the “Lottery Lamb Program,” each member can request one lamb. The lambs all come from the same producer and strive to keep the group as uniform in size as possible. The members draw a number to see what lamb they will receive. They then take them home and see how good they can make them. The winner of the class at the Murray County Fair will receive a $100 cash award. This award is sponsored by Herrig Family Hampshire’s and the Steve Schreier Family.
If you are interested in either of these sheep program opportunities, please reach out to the Murray County Extension staff and we will get you signed up.
June 23 -25 or June 25 - 27
Looking for an unforgettable summer adventure? 4-H Camp is the perfect way for youth to unplug, explore the outdoors, and make new friends! This year’s camp will once again be held at Shetek Lutheran Ministries on the beautiful shores of Lake Shetek.
Youth who have completed grades 3 - 6 can choose from two exciting camp sessions, each lasting two nights and three days.
This multi-county overnight 4-H Camp in southwest Minnesota is packed with engaging educational sessions and classic camp activities, including: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor games, team-building activities, campfires, storytelling and so much more!
High school-aged camp counselors will guide and connect with campers throughout their experience. Campers will stay in group cabins with peers of the same age, and all meals and snacks are included. Adjustments can be made for health and dietary needs, please include info when registering or connect with 4-H staff.
$150 per camper (Early Bird rate through May 10)
$175 per camper (Late registration May 11-30; t-shirt not guaranteed)
Murray County 4-H will pay 75% of youth's registration fee!
Please visit the 4-H Camp at Lake Shetek website for more details and registration!
Join us for this amazing roaming virtual adventure from the comfort of your own home! Explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles as spring awakens and our slithering, cold-blooded, terrestrial friends come to life—along with the birth of new offspring. Learn from passionate herpetology experts and discover exciting career opportunities in this incredible field!
April 17; May 1, 8, 22; June 5 and 19 from 7 - 8 p.m.
The program is free and there is no deadline to sign up!
Participating in these sessions could count for up to the four virtual hours you can receive for wildlife hours for Shooting Sports!
Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Rockin' J Arena
2916 160th Ave. Minneota, MN 56264
About Clinician: Midwest native Julie Kunde, of Julie Kunde Show Horses, is a Nebraska-based trainer specializing in training high-level, all-around AQHA and APHA/Pinto horses and their exhibitors. Her kind nature and sense of humor pairs well with horses and riders of all ages and experience levels. From local shows to World shows, Julie is a highly sought after trainer because of her kindness, humor, and versatile knowledge.
This event will be held rain or shine. Helmets are required as it is a 4-H sponsored event. Concession stand on site Auditing is permitted for a $20 charge. Youth or Adults welcome to ride.
Schedule:
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Check in
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Group 1 Riding
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Group 2 Riding
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Group 1 Riding
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Group 2 Riding
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch Break
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Group 1 Riding
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Group 2 Riding
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Group 1 Riding
4:00 p.m. - p.m. 5:00 Group 2 Riding
Register at: https://z.umn.edu/Lyon4Hhorseclinic25
Cost: $125
Questions? Please contact Traci at (507)-828-4100, Janelle at (507)-530-7787 or Sam at (507)-532-1310.
Sunday, June 22 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Le Sueur County Fairgrounds
The Opportunity for All Livestock Show allows youth with disabilities the opportunity to interact closely with sheep and goats. Each participant will be paired with a mentor and an animal to gain hands-on experience learning about the animals and how to care for and handle them.
Each participant will get the chance to show off their new-found skills in a non-competitive show.
No livestock experience is needed. There will also be sensory experiences and learning opportunities about other animals and parts of agriculture.
Please read through the Opportunity for All Livestock Show participant expectations before requesting accommodations.
Interested in being a mentor? We’re also looking for older youth in grades 10 and up with knowledge of sheep or goats who want to share their skills with others. Learn more and become a mentor.
Cost: Free (Lunch and t-shirt included)
Audience: Grades 3 - 13
Please register by June 1 before 11:59 p.m. labeled as "Opportunity for All Livestock Show - Le Sueur County (Animal, Project Learning)" under the 'events' tab in 4-H Online.
2 Part Series!
Llamazing Alpaca Explorers is a series of independent learning guides for youth in grades 3 and up to get to know llamas and alpacas. Each guide is designed for youth in grades 3 and up to be able to explore on their own, or with the help of a caring adult, through pictures, videos and hands-on activities. Project time: At your own pace
Part 1: Llama-Alpaca Body Bonanza, includes seven activity guides focused on llama/alpaca history and anatomy.
New! Part 2: Llama-Alpaca Herds and Handling, includes four activity guides that teach you how to handle your llama-alpaca safely through pictures, videos and hands-on activities.
Click Llamazing Alpaca Explorers page for more details!
4-H Tasty Tuesdays: Fan favorite dishes from youth chefs
Our young chefs are excited to share their favorite creations with you. Come taste the passion and creativity they've put into every dish!
In this program, participants will have the opportunity to create all kinds of dishes, from mouthwatering side dishes to delicious mains and sweet desserts.
All Tasty Tuesdays will be held virtually from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. on the following dates:
- Apr. 1
- Apr. 8
Audience: Youth in grades K-13.
Cost: Free Sign In
Growing Minds, Growing Skills Academy: Home Alone Series
The University of Minnesota Extension brings you a virtual series that has a goal for youth to be beyond ready and equipped with the knowledge and skills to be safe when staying home along.
There are 3 sessions offered in this series, all starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Dates:
May 12
May 19
June 2
This is a free event and registration is due May 7!
Please visit the Growing Minds, Growing Skills Academy: Home Alone Heroes page to learn more and sign-up!
Calling all youth interested in fish, fishing and exploring Minnesota's wonderful world of water! Join 4-H to learn about the fish and waterways of Minnesota. In this new series, we will hear from experts that celebrate Minnesota's long tradition of fishing.
Learn about lakes, rivers, the Great Lakes and native fish in this webinar series held on Tuesdays from April 29 to May 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom.
Audience: Youth in grades K and up
Cost: Free
Registration: Register in 4-H Online by April 22.
For assistance, refer to the event registration guide.
Due April 21, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer another statewide photography challenge open to youth in grades K-13.!
Capture a thrilling shot or a fast-paced moment! Whether it’s sports or animals in motion or other dynamic events, action photography allows you to freeze movement.
Select five of your seven images (with no or minimal editing) taken between March 21-April 18. Select one image to write 1-2 sentences on why that photo is important to you.
Submit five (5) jpg or jpeg images and your statement in one email to fourhphoto@umn.edu by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on April 21, 2025. Please type “Action” in the email subject line, and in the email include the participant’s name, grade, county, your 1-2 sentence statement, and the one photo submission, as indicated in the rules.
Register at: https://MNActionPhotoContest.4honline.com
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.
July 1 - 2, 2025 at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center - Lamberton
Students entering grades 7-13 can have an adventure in science and career exploration on the prairie in SW Minnesota. University on the Prairie is a unique program that showcases hands-on activities related to animal science, food science, engineering, ag/environmental science and chemistry.
Faculty from the University of Minnesota and SDSU, along with local professionals and SWROC scientists will join teachers from the region to guide students through hands-on exploration of science in five career areas important to the life and future of southwestern Minnesota. The program is unique in the state and offers students an opportunity to open doors to many career paths and will perhaps result in a future soil scientist, pharmacist, or chemist.
The program is full of fun and hands-on activities. It will be held at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center laboratories, classrooms, and outdoor facilities near Lamberton. Check in at the SWROC will be at 10 a.m. on July 1. The program will run from 10:30 a.m. - 6:25 p.m. on July 1 and from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on July 2. An overnight lodging option is available at the SWROC (air mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows are encouraged).
Registration is now open! Total cost is $50 per student. Register by May 31 at https://UonthePrairie.4honline.com
June 10 - 13 - University of Minnesota Morris
Youth in grades 7+ are encouraged to attend Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) June 10 - 13 at the University of Minnesota - Morris!
YELLO is a dynamic 4-H Leadership conference that is facilitated and planned by the Minnesota 4-H Ambassadors.
What happens at YELLO?
This annual event engages youth in leadership development, relationship-building, and planning for future action through hands-on learning experiences, including:
- Major classes – Youth will choose a project-based learning track and dive deep into a topic of interest, receiving six hours of engagement. (4-H staff are invited to apply to present).
- Leadership minor – Youth will explore leadership on a personal, group, and societal level through interactive lessons led by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.
- Service and education – Participants will engage in hands-on service projects focused on civic responsibility. This years’ service theme is mental wellness.
- Social events – Networking opportunities, game nights, dances, and more!
Cost and Registration:
- $300 early bird registration (February 1 - March 31)
- $350 regular registration (April 1 - May 16)
Visit the 4-H YELLO Conference page for more details!
April 28 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Can you see yourself as a judge at local county fairs? Here's your chance to shine! Join our 4-H Virtual Judge Training on April 28 and get ready to evaluate general projects like a pro!
When: April 28
What: Learn, grow, and prep for judging adventures ahead!
Why: Your skills can inspire and educate the next generation!
Don't miss out! Register by April 21 at z.umn.edu/2025virtualjudgestraining.
Let's make judging not just fun but incredibly rewarding!
Minnesota 4-H is powered by the amazing skills and dedication of our judges! Whether you're a pro or just someone who loves to learn and teach, you can be part of our vibrant community. No previous 4-H experience is needed—just bring your passion for education and growth! Help shape the future by evaluating and celebrating the learning journey of young Minnesotans. Our 4-H staff will guide you through everything you need to know, and you can be at the heart of county fairs and exciting events across the state. Ready to dive in?
Sign up at z.umn.edu/2025virtualjudgestraining to join us in making learning fun and rewarding!
Complete as soon as you are able!
Please complete your re-enrollment for the 2024 -2025 year, visit 4-Honline to complete this task.
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Extension staff!
Minnesota 4-H outdoor education offers a variety of programs, from outdoor skills to summer camps, shooting sports, and ATV safety.
The 2025 Minnesota 4-H WHEP contest will be held at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, Minn. on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals and teams will compete in wildlife identification skills and develop wildlife management plans. The top senior team (grades 9+) will earn a trip to the National WHEP contest to be held in July 2025.
Murray County 4-H 2024 - 2025 Schedule of Events
Please take a moment to download or print the 2024 - 2025 Murray County 4-H calendar.
Welcome Kim & Genna!
Kim Konkol is one of our newest Murray County 4-H volunteer! Kim is a familiar face in Murray County and serves on the Murray County Fair board.
Genna Scripture is one of the club leaders for the Bondin Belfast 4-H Club, along with her husband, Todd. They have four kids that are involved in Murray County 4-H.
Thank you for your willingness to give back!
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1144 ✉️hausek@umn.edu
SLAYTON, MN 56172
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1145
SLAYTON, MN 56172