Chisago County 4-H Bi-Weekly News

Happy Friday!

I would like to remind everyone to re-enroll in 4-H Online and pay dues for the 2023-2024 year! Please see the following link for help, if needed:

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QF9641ZSv1CblNAknlhWNqpMxBjJb5B_mje4FXTEscA/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to March! Let's hope this warm weather is a sign of Spring and more enjoyable days to come! I have a few items I would like to update everyone on before you dive head first into all of the information and opportunities in this week's newsletter. Firstly, our 2024 Premium Book is currently being worked on and finished up. We anticipate this will be made available to everyone during the latter portion of this month. Secondly, after having some time to collect photos from Winter Workshop from some wonderful volunteers, I am happy to share some with you all! You can view all photos here!

Have a great weekend!

Josiah

As always if you need help please contact the office. Our hours are M-F 8-4:30 pm*. Please call to make sure someone is in the office to help you, at times our schedules lead us out of the office.

*NOTE: Josiah is only in office Monday-Wednesday. He can still be reached by email (colex300@umn.edu) on Thursday and Friday.

Each newsletter, we will be highlighting one of our wonderful ambassadors that serve as leaders and role models to all of the 4-Hers in our county! Each of these young people are an integral part of sharing the mission of 4-H and ensuring all of the youth in our county have a rewarding experience!

Age: 16

Years in 4-H: 6-7 (I've lost track!)

Years as an Ambassador: 2

Favorite Project Areas: My favorite project areas are rabbit and youth leadership, but I also enjoy needle arts and animal science.

Favorite 4-H Memory: My favorite 4-H memory among many other favorites is my first state fair. My first trip to state fair (2022) was absolutely amazing and I think the most memorable thing for anyone there that year was getting stuck either in the rain or in the barns during a big storm! My group ended up running through the rain and high winds to the 4-H building a few blocks away because we were already on our way back when the storm hit, when we got back we were completely drenched and ready for bed but we had to stay downstairs till the storm subsided. In the end we all got colds and coughs but that was one of the most fun times I think any of us have ever had!

Why You Chose to be an Ambassador: I chose to be an ambassador because I enjoy being in leadership positions that encourage me to speak and lead groups. Another reason I joined was because I was very strongly encouraged by a few adults because they knew that I would like it.

Favorite Part of being an Ambassador: My favorite part about being an ambassador is being able to be a role model and leader to younger members. This program has also prepared me for even more leadership opportunities such as being a camp counselor this year, and even becoming a MN 4-H Agriculture Ambassador!

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.

Join us on Monday from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., March 4, by Zoom to learn more about it! Have you ever watched a working service dog and wondered how they learn all the skills they know? We are partnering with Can Do Canines to implement the new Can Do Canines PAL (Pups and learning) 4-H

program. 4-H’ers and their families will have the opportunity to take in a service dog in training

to help prepare them for final training. This opportunity will help youth experience the dog

project in a new way. If you aren’t sure or just want to learn more, join us on the zoom to learn

more details about this opportunity. This meeting will also be recorded for you to view at a later date if you are unable to attend. Hope to see you on Monday!

Join us on the following date for a fun, wood pallet project! Contact the 4-H office to register!

March 21st

• Hat Rack
• $35

This training session on March 23 is for adult volunteers who work with cloverbud (K-2) youth or for volunteers who would like to establish programming for cloverbuds. This training is open to volunteers from Isanti, Chisago, Sherburne, and Anoka Counties. Chisago has a LARGE number of Cloverbuds enrolled and this is an excellent opportunity to build some background and explore resources to use for Cloverbud-specific programming!

Cost: free

• Free coffee and breakfast bar is provided.

• This training will run simultaneously with our Project workshop day event.

Register in 4-H Online by March 15th, 2024. If you are not a screened volunteer but would like to attend the training please follow the steps to become a volunteer here and email Cora (rostx034@umn.edu) to let her know you plan on attending. Space is limited.

Location: Cambridge Christian School, 2211 Old South Main St, Cambridge, MN 55008

Schedule:

8:30 a.m. Check in & Breakfast Bar

8:45 a.m. Training Begins

9:45 a.m. Reflection and Q&A

10 a.m. Training Ends

Become a volunteer scientist and raise, rear, and release biocontrol beetles in areas of heavy purple loosestrife populations and be rewarded by helping to restore healthy native habitats! Help create a more vigorous native plant community within the St. Croix River watershed, protecting the natural areas you know and love!

What You Will Do: Raise Galerucella beetles for release! Starting in May, volunteers will receive a kit with everything needed to properly raise Galerucella beetles, including purple loosestrife plants, netting, and of course, beetles! Plants will require watering once a week, and a weekly plant evaluation form must be filled out. As the purple loosestrife plants grow, so do the number of beetles in the enclosure, and by the end of the summer, the beetles will be ready for release!

How to Get Involved: To see if you are eligible to contribute your time and resources to this effort, please complete the application by March 18, 2024. Upon review, eligible volunteers will be notified by March 22, 2024. Once selected, you will be required to attend a training session to learn more about the volunteer expectations and to pick up the supplies you will need.

Chisago Air Rifle/Pistol registration is open. Spring classes are Saturdays 9-11 am March 16, 23, 30 April 6, 13 in Almelund.

Air Rifle/Pistol is for grade 6 and up after taking either 4H BB classes or having a firearms safety certificate.

Fee covers all equipment. Coaches are certified. The venue is not heated. Places are limited and youth must be 4H members.

It’s FREE tree time! Chisago County 4-H is partnering with Neighborhood Forest to provide free trees for 4-Hers to plant during Earth Week. Parents/guardians, sign your 4-Her up for a free tree by March 15th! Trees are set to arrive in time for Earth Day 2024. More information regarding when you can come and pick up your tree will come in the coming months! #EarthDay2024

Sign up using this link: https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/parent-registration/?school=65428

Are you curious about the learning opportunities for livestock-related topics that are available in our county? Do you have species-specific questions for your animal? Maybe you have questions regarding the show for your livestock species at the county fair? Or possibly, you want to get involved in a livestock project and don't know where to start!

Look no further than our new 2024 Livestock Calendar! Here you can find more information on upcoming events and contact information for each livestock species. As events are approaching, they will be added to the newsletter with more information, so keep an eye out for those!

Want to learn about or show an animal, but you don't own one? Take advantage of the 4-H animal leasing program!

You'll gain valuable hands-on experience managing and showing animals, and you'll learn from caring adults.

Visit https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-projects/leasing-animal for more information!

When it comes to providing your child with a life-changing experience, there’s nothing quite like 4‑H summer camp. Camp provides the full benefits of a 4‑H experience coupled with the fun and wonder of camping in the great outdoors.

Try something new at a wonderful overnight 4-H summer camp, East Central 4-H Camp! Experience all of the fun that comes along with a resident camp, with a 4-H hands-on learning twist! East Central 4-H Camp is a fun overnight summer residence camp for 4-H’ers brought to you by Isanti, Chisago, Mille Lacs, Sherburne, Carver, and Scott counties and available to all youth.

• Who: Open to 4-H members, grades 3 to 8. (Grade completed in May 2024)

• Location: Timber Bay Camp & Retreat Center (18955 Woodland Rd, Onamia, MN 56359)

• Date: June 24-26, 2024

• Cost: $190/ camper until April 15th, $200 from April 15th to June 1st

• Additional Details: Registration closes on June 1st, 2024

• Registration: Register on 4-H Online

• Contact: colex300@umn.edu or 651-277-0151

Are you or someone you know a registered nurse looking for a fun summer opportunity? Consider volunteering at East Central Camp as our camp nurse! East Central Camp will take place on June 24-26 at Timber Bay Camp & Retreat Center, 18955 Woodland Road, Onamia, MN.

If interested, or if you have any questions contact the Chisago County Extension Office for more information!

Tickets for 4-Hmember is $5.00 and the county with the most 4-H participation will be rewarded $100! This content is best suited for grades 8+.

Looking for something to do this winter/spring? Check out the document below!

Join the Grow a Monster Melon Challenge for an epic backyard adventure!🌱 Ready to turn your backyard into a vibrant oasis? Look no further! Our challenge is here to transform your summer with giant melon excitement!

• 🌟 Open to kindergarten and up!
• 📅 Register by March 20 for a free seed package and planting guide!
• 💌 Get exclusive tips, content, and videos all summer long!
• 🌱 Share your progress for a chance to grow your melon in a mold!
• 🎪 Showcase your masterpiece at your local fair or the fall contest!

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! Join the Grow a Monster Melon Challenge - register here! Space is limited!

Slither into the winter with us as we learn about Minnesota's three little lizards, get to know the state reptile and dig deeper into the secret world of amazing amphibians and roaming reptiles!

Join us from your hibernation spot in your home on Thursday evenings from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. on the following dates:

• March 7
  
• March 14
• April 4
• April 18

Audience: Youth in grades K-13

Cost: Free

Registration: Register in 4-H Online.

Come toss around some flour with us as we create a variety of breads that you can enjoy on their own or partner up with pastas, chilis, and soups, including Minnesota's famous wild rice soup! You might find a dessert bread to add as a treat! We'll learn about the mysterious chemical reactions that are part of making these bountiful breads. This series will bring lots of hands-on learning, and you won't be able to keep your hands off the dough!

Sessions will be held virtually from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: March 5, 12, 19; April 2, 16.

For youth in grades K-13. There are no deadlines for this series.

Learn more and register.

Discover how gravity influences plant growth and observe roots in action! Join us for an exciting winter series of 4-H Science Sprouts. This opportunity is open to youth in grades 3+ who are interested in plants and science. Online sessions will take place Feb. 26 and March 25 from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Throughout this series, we'll explore how gravity affects plant life and delve into the fascinating world of root growth. We'll cover agronomy and horticulture topics tailored to the season using STEM. While there's no cost for the program, we'll share a list of optional supplies for those who want to try hands-on experiments at home. We'll send the list out a week before each gathering. Let's explore the wonders of science together in this engaging winter series!

Learn more and register.

Have you ever looked out your window and wondered about the animals that share the same environment as you do? How do they stay warm in the winter? Why do some of our winged friends fly south when the weather changes and some hang around? Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Join us, virtually, as we explore and uncover the fascinating lives of the wildlife.

Sessions are held virtually on Wednesdays from 7 pm - 8pm on the following dates: March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17 and 24

For more information: https://z.umn.edu/WildlifeWednesdaysWinter2024

This training is for youth treasurers and any adults on the bank accounts. The 1-hour training will cover best practices and policies, roles of the financial team, the importance of youth treasurers, how to make their roles meaningful, and preparing for chartering.

Training will take place March 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Register.

Calling youth in grades K-3!! Join the Green Superhero of Science and engage in fun weekly experiments that spark curiosity and discovery. Create moon dough (a bio-plastic), explore green chemistry and make a foaming fizzy, engineer materials to build a super soaker, solve a plastic litter mystery and create an art sculpture, and more!

Each youth will receive a kit of materials in the mail before class. Each experiment includes a lesson plan and “How To” recorded video to guide youth in doing the “at home” experiment before a weekly interactive “LIVE” Superheroes gathering. Youth will “show and tell” what they explored, tested, and discovered! Our 4-H Teen Superheros will lead these sharing sessions.

Online sessions will take place on Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Our April 30 meeting will be longer, 6:30-7:15 pm.

Visit MN 4-H for detailed information: https://z.umn.edu/MN4HGSOSSpring2024

Do you have some basic knowledge of video creation and editing, but want to bring your videos to the next level? Then you need to join this Zoom video class!! Designed for youth in 8th grade & older who already have a baseline knowledge of video creation and editing, this online program will dive deep into creating the videos that you always dreamed you could make! In this class, you will create a video on a theme with the guidance of a professional instructor!

Deadline to register is March 13, 2024

z.umn.edu/NextLevelVideo

Are you looking for a rabbit judging experience before your county fair? Do you need to purchase a rabbit for showing before the May 15 deadline? Need your rabbit tattooed or are you in the market for rabbit supplies?

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 28 and attend this annual event. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and judging begins at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $ 3 per rabbit entered.

• Ribbons and medallions awarded
• Food stand on site
• Door prizes and silent auction offered

This show has lots to offer! For more information or questions, contact the Douglas County Extension office at 320-762-3890 or mnext-douglas@umn.edu.

Ambassador Meeting:

• First Monday of the Month
• 6:00 pm
• Chisago County Community Center

Management Board:

• First Monday of the Month
• Immediately following Ambassadors Meeting, ~7:00 pm
• Chisago County Community Center

Fair Board Meetings:

• 4th Monday of the Month
• 7:00 pm
• Chisago County Fairgrounds/Chisago Lake Town Hall

Livestock Committee:

• 4th Tuesday of the Month
• 6:30 pm
• Chisago County Community Center

• March 4 - Ambassador/MGMT Board Meeting
  
• March 4 - Can-Do Canine Training
• March 15 - Free Tree Deadline
• March 21 - Industrial Tech Workshop
• March 23 - Cloverbud Training
• April 20 - Food Show (more info coming soon)

1. Read the newsletter!
2. Links to calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r/week? tab=rc,

• https://extension.umn.edu/local/chisago/events?local_program=3416

1. Chisago County 4-H Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/chisago

Email: colex300@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/chisago
Location: 38814 Third Avenue, North Branch, MN, 55056
Phone: 651-277-0150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chisago4H

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chisagocounty.4h/

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