Last call for the project bowl/quizbowl season! Pipestone County has had many teams compete over the years in a variety of project areas, but most recently had teams for dairy and general livestock. With the regional competition in Redwood Falls on March 15 it's time to form teams and start practicing.

Interested in participating on a team? Contact the Extension Office know so teams can be formed based on project area and age levels. Deadline to notifiy the Extension Office of interest is January 10! Project areas available to have teams: dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama/alpaca, poultry, and rabbit. In addition to participants adult coaches are needed to help by volunteering their time. Don't worry, if you've never coached, resource lists are provided and 4-H staff are available to assist and support.

Are you interested in learning more? Contact the Extension Office or you can find more information online.

All Pipestone County 4-H graduating seniors are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Pipestone County 4-H Scholarship. 4-H members are asked to complete the application process as well as participate in an interview that will be set up after the submission deadline. 4-H members are evaluated on their 4-H involvement, skills, and experiences. Scholarships materials and applications are due to the Extension Office via hard copy or digital format (to Brandi, 4-H Extension Educator) by Tuesday, April 1. Contact the Extension Office with any questions.

Apply Here!

The Minnesota 4-H General Livestock SkillaThon is an interactive, hands-on 4-H animal science learning experience.

The SkillaThon is held at 4-H Project Bowl competitions and focuses on many of the same topics as 4-H Project Bowls. However, in the SkillaThon, youth apply their learning to hands-on situations and stations.

Participants rotate through stations identifying feedstuff, livestock tools, livestock breeds, meat science and more. Additional stations focus on solving real-world scenarios related to livestock quality assurance, production and management.

The SkillaThon encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as youth navigate these stations. This interactive approach builds confidence and skills in our youth participants, preparing them for future project experiences and roles in agriculture and animal science.

Youth in grades 3 and up are invited to join 4-H Animal Discovery, an exploratory learning series highlighting animal species: llama-alpaca and general livestock (beef, sheep and swine).

In this five-session virtual series, youth can expect fun, interactive lessons, at-home challenges and group reflection supported by 4-H members, volunteers and staff.

This virtual series will kick off on Feb. 10 and will continue every other week on Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. through March 31.

Live virtual sessions will be followed by at-home learning activities that are easy and fun to complete. Your registration includes participation in all five sessions. Zoom session links will be provided once registration is completed.

Audience

Youth in grades 3 and up with an interest in animal science

Cost

Free

Registration: Register

Registration opens in 4-H Online on Dec. 20 and closes on Jan. 31.

Note: Youth interested in this opportunity must complete 4-H online enrollment. You will need to select which animal you’d like to explore at the time of registration.

For assistance, refer to the event registration guide or contact Katie Johnson at kwending@umn.edu.

This three-session workshop series is designed for beginners. If you want to learn how to make and edit videos, this program is for you!

This fun online intro to filmmaking will teach you how to get the best angles for your film, focus on storyboarding, mobile filmmaking with a cell phone and basics of editing. It will also introduce you to other youth filmmakers across the state.

See more information here!

• Hands-on activities
• Team-building experiences
• Making a difference in their communities

BLU is facilitated by youth leaders from the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador program and supported by a team of adult chaperones.

Youth will:

• Gain leadership skills in empathy, open-mindedness and fostering mutual respect
• Build relationships with other teens
• Develop the understanding of how art and mental wellness connect
• Make an impact through creative stations for local causes
  
  

Pipestone County 4-H Leader's Council will reimburse half of the registration fee

4-H Camp Counseling is a great opportunity to grow as a leader and have fun outdoors! 4-H Camp is held at Shetek Lutheran Ministries on the shores of Lake Shetek; youth who are current 9-12 graders can choose to counsel at one camp session (two nights/three days) or both sessions (four nights/five days).

When:

Training

Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 1:00-6:00 pm at Murray County 4-H Building in Slayton

Planning Meeting

Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 10:00 am-4:00 pm at Shetek Lutheran Ministries, Lake Shetek

Camp

Monday, June 23 at 1:00 pm - Wednesday, June 25 at 10:45 am

Wednesday, June 25 at 1:00 pm - Friday, June 27 at 10:45 am

This multi-county 4-H Camp located in southwest Minnesota will include four one-hour educational tracks. In addition, camp activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor games, campfire, and more! Camp counselors are expected to connect with campers throughout the entire camp experience.

Registration:

Applications can be found here

Application Deadline is January 31, 2025.

Selected Camp Counselors will be notified by February 21, 2025.

All training including meals and materials and the full camp experience including meals and lodging are provided at no cost to the counselors. Stipends for travel expenses are available.

Encourage a friend to apply! No previous 4-H camp experience is required to be a 4-H camp counselor. A new 4-H member? No previous 4-H experience is required to apply. Questions about applying? Contact Karen Beranek at kberanek@umn.edu.

Volunteering with 4-H can be an incredibly rewarding experience for a variety of reasons, whether you're passionate about youth development, community engagement, or simply giving back. Here are some compelling reasons to get involved:
1. Empower Young People
-4-H helps youth develop essential life skills like leadership, communication, and responsibility. By volunteering, you play a direct role in shaping the future of these young people and helping them learn about connection with caring adults.

2. Make a Difference in Your Community
- 4-H emphasizes community service and improvement. As a volunteer, you’ll help address local needs and build a stronger, healthier community.

3. Share Your Expertise
- Whether you're skilled in agriculture, technology, public speaking, arts, or any other area, you can share your knowledge and passion with young learners eager to grow.

4. Learn and Grow Personally
- Volunteering with 4-H is a learning experience for adults too! You'll develop your leadership, mentorship, and interpersonal skills while working with youth and other volunteers.

5. Be Part of a National Network
- 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in the U.S., offering opportunities to connect with others locally and nationally who share your values.

6. Flexible Opportunities
- Whether you have a few hours a month or a more significant amount of time to give, 4-H offers volunteer roles that fit your schedule, from event support to ongoing mentorship, you just have to be willing to get started.

7. Inspire Creativity and Innovation
- 4-H encourages hands-on learning and creative thinking through activities like STEM projects, agriculture programs, and arts initiatives. You'll have the chance to foster curiosity and innovation.

8. Be a Role Model
- As a volunteer, you become a trusted adult in the lives of youth, providing guidance, encouragement, and support during their formative years.

9. Feel Good About Giving Back
- Volunteering is inherently fulfilling. Knowing you’re contributing to the success and development of the next generation brings a sense of purpose and joy.

10. Have Fun!
- 4-H activities are engaging, interactive, and often just plain fun. From fairs and camps to hands-on projects and community events, there’s always something exciting happening.

Adults (anyone age 18+) are welcome to serve as 4-H volunteers. There are many ways adults can support youth learning and leading in 4-H. For some volunteer roles, you will need to complete a background check and for others you'll be in a support role, where it's not required.Would you like more details about specific volunteer roles or how to get started? Contact the Pipestone County Extension Office or 4-H staff to learn more about where you can serve.

Brandi Schaap, Extension Educator, 4-H
bmraatz@umn.edu or 507-825-1194

Macy Hulstein, Administrative Support Specialist
mhulstei@umn.edu or 507-825-1191

Email: mnext-pipestone@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/pipestone
Location: 1016 8th Ave SW., Pipestone, MN 56164
Phone: 507-825-1190
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pipestoneco4h

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