Welcome to our County Newsletter! The most up-to-date information about events and activities going on in Washington County 4-H. Please pass along to friends and family that might be interested in attending a 4-H event. You will also receive the monthly Clover Update at the beginning of each month highlighting regional and state events.
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!
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!!
Things to do to get off to a good start
Enroll/Re-enroll youth for the 2023-2024 4-H year through 4honline. (4-H year runs from Oct. 1 - Sept. 30) To participate fully in county fair and state events you must be enrolled by May 15.
- Enroll/Re-enroll as an adult volunteer. Complete the process now so you are ready to step in when you want to or are needed. Volunteer application.
- Pay County membership fee $25/youth or $100 max/family (youth only). Scholarships available. Fees are not prorated.
- Once your enrollment is complete you can start registering for events and activities. Save time and complete the enrollment process now. 4honline
- All links and information about enrollment/fees can be found at the end of this newsletter.
Still looking for a club to join?? Contact the club to confirm their meeting place and time. Feel free to attend multiple club meetings to find the right fit for your family. Once you have decided what club to join, please contact the club to make sure you are on their email list.
Feel like you missed something? All Family Newsletters are posted on our county website under 4-H family newsletter.
All Fees Due Now - Enrollment/Shooting Sports/Dog
If you have been getting monthly email reminders about enrollment fees, now is the time to pay. 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.
- Shooting Sports has an additional fee of $40 per member with an $80 max per family.
- Dog Training has an additional fee of $40 per member with an $80 max per family.
Please write in check memo what payment is for. Thank you!
Free Quilting Resources!
Thanks to a generous donation from some of our 4-H alumni, we have an incredible library of quilting resources available at our office! Patterns, books, magazines, and more are free for the taking. Please visit our office and browse through items outside our office door at:
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN
4th floor, UMN Extension Office
Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
If you would like some free quilting fabric, please email ashton@umn.edu to set up a time to look at our stash! For quilting project resources, visit our Quilting Project Page and other project pages.
2024 High School Graduates
Washington County 4-H would like to honor the class of 2024. 4-H wants to celebrate your accomplishments by highlighting you on our Facebook/Instagram accounts in the coming weeks.
To participate please email the following to Kathy at; eber0002@umn.edu no later than May 31st.
- A photo of yourself
- Include your plans after graduation
- Favorite 4-H memory
Summer Parades
Many summer parade applications are available now. If your club is interested in using the county float, dog trailer, shooting sports trailer please let us know. The county office will pay the application fee or reimburse your club and have some promotional supplies. We need time to get insurance documentation together, so please decide soon! Please contact Ashton at ashton@umn.edu for assistance.
Foods & Nutrition Day Camp - June 1
Save the Date!
Join Washington County 4-H Summer Staff on June 1st from 9 AM - NOON for a Foods & Nutrition Day Camp! Camp will be open to youth in grades K-6. Some of the activities will include baking, learning about nutrition and My Plate, planting herbs, bingo, and more! Event registration and location coming soon.
Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions!
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
Washington County General Livestock Clinic - May 19
Would you like to learn more about the beef, sheep, swine and meat goat projects? Here is your opportunity to learn about daily livestock care, disease prevention, nutrition, along with tips and tricks for raising and showing these species. Come meet other 4-H families involved in the livestock projects! There will be refreshments and door prizes!
The Clinic will also include a Swap/Consignment Sale! Gently used livestock equipment may be brought, or dropped off before the clinic at the farm. Please tag and label with price and contact information!
Washington and Dakota County 4-H families are welcome to attend this event on Sunday, May 19 from 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm at the Krueger Farm located in Hastings.
Krueger Farm
9819 Neal Ave. S
Hastings, MN 55033
Free event! Register here!
Questions should be directed to Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu
Barnyard Bonanza: Livestock Clinic June 13
LQA&E In-person Training - June 21
Register for the 2024 Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics training (LQA&E). Training will be held on Friday, June 21 from 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Dee Brothers LLC in Farmington, MN. Must register in 4hOnline through your family account.
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 course every three years.
If you are unable to attend the in-person training on June 21 you have the option of completing the YQCA online training, good for one year, or attending a training hosted by another county.
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. Please register through your family account in 4hOnline.
Horse Hippology
In this fun, friendly competition, 4-H'ers show their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry. Any 4-H'er can join — you don't need to be in the horse project or own a horse.The competition is held every September at the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show!. Winning teams go on to represent Minnesota in national competitions. Join on your own or form a team with 2–4 of your 4-H friends. Practices will start in late June/July. If interested, contact Lisa Kalka at; kalkax2@live.com
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.
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.
Washington County 2024 Shooting Sports Registration Information
You must be enrolled in 4-H and in the Shooting Sports & Wildlife project area in 4honline. Log into your family account and make sure you are enrolled in the project area and that a consent has been signed. The consent form will automatically pop up when adding the project. To attend State Shoot you needed to be enrolled by May 15. Anyone enrolling in 4-H after May 15 can still participate at the county level only. To register: If you are interested in participating in the upcoming 2024 Shooting Sports Training, please register here!
4-H’ers registering for 22 Rifle, Trap, and/or Black Powder must have completed a Fire Arms Safety course prior to participating in these 4-H disciplines. A copy of the certificate showing that youth have completed Fire Arms Safety will be required on the first night of training.
Summer sessions for Archery, BB and Pellet will take place on Monday nights at the Washington County Fairgrounds for grades 3 and up. Training will take place on the following Mondays:
June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, Aug 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Summer sessions for 22 Rifle, Trap, and/or Black Powder will take place Tuesday nights at the Oakdale Gun Club for 4-Hers who have their DNR gun safety certificate and have completed 7th grade. Training will take place on the following Tuesday’s:
June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3
Training: 6 pm – 8:00 pm
State Shoot
In 2024, the State Shoot will take place September 6– 8. Youth must have logged 15 hours/
discipline with certified trainers and must attend 8 hours of wildlife training to be eligible for the State Shoot. More information will be shared over the summer months.
Cost
There is a $40.00/participant or $80.00 max per family to help cover expenses of the program. Payment must be received before attending training. Checks should be made out to Washington County 4-H sent to the following address.
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Questions can be directed to Ann Church churc109@umn.edu
Fishing & Pond Mucking with Wild Rivers Conservancy - June 25
Fishing & Pond Mucking with Wild Rivers Conservancy @ Square Lake Park (Stillwater)
Tuesday, June 25th
Pond Mucking: 10am - 12pm Fishing: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Square Lake Park 15450 Square Lake Trail N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Grades K-8 - Please dress in clothing that can get wet and dirty.
A bag lunch is required for anyone attending both sessions!
$15 for both sessions, or $10 for one session Adult helpers welcome for free!
Pond Mucking Session: Join Wild Rivers Conservancy and 4-H to find out what is living in Square Lake! While you may be familiar with fish, turtles, and frogs, there is so much more aquatic life that we often don’t see. WRC will teach us how scientists collect and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates—small animals without a backbone that live in the water. We will also learn why they are important and what they tell us about the water quality of the river. This event is a partnership between Washington County 4-H and Wild Rivers Conservancy.
Fishing Session: Professionals from Wild Rivers Conservancy will teach youth learn fishing basics such as equipment use, fish species identification, fishing regulations & ethics. No experience necessary! All they need to bring is a positive attitude, weather-appropriate clothing and a water bottle! No fishing license? No problem! Program participants will be allowed to fish at this event without a license for CATCH and RELEASE, due to an educational fishing license waiver with MN DNR.
An additional waiver will be required after registration.
30 participant maximum.
If you’re interested in volunteering with STEM programming, please contact Ashton! kules010@umn.edu
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
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!
4-H post secondary scholarships! - Due June 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 June 1, 2024)
Washington County Federation Scholarship (Due June 1, 2024)
Washington County Memorial Scholarship (Due June 1, 2024)
Seeking Federation Officers - Due June 21
Would you like to take your leadership skills to the next level? We will be electing the 2024-2025 Washington County Executive Board on Monday, June 24 beginning at 7:00 pm at Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds. The Exec Board is a leadership team similar to club officers, but on the county level. The officer team is made up of a; President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and 6 District Reps. We also have 6 adults who serve 2 year year terms. If you are interested in serving as an adult on the Board, please let Ann know at; churc109@umn.edu and you will be put on the ballot. All 4-H members and volunteers are invited to attend this Federation Meeting. We need at least one half of all the clubs ‘present’ to vote!
If you are a 4-H member who has completed 7th grade or older and would like to apply, Federation Application
What is the Washington County 4-H Federation?
The Washington County 4-H Federation is the county-level program and policy decision-making body for the Washington County 4-H club program. The full Federation is composed of youth and adult leaders from all 4-H clubs. The Federation meets quarterly, in October, January, April, and June. The organization is guided by an Executive Board composed of eleven youth and six adult representatives. The Executive Board meets the months between Federation meetings; September, November, February, March, May.
Who is eligible to be on the Executive Board?
The Washington County 4-H Federation Constitution states that youth officers "shall be elected for a term of one year only, but any given 4-H youth leader can hold a different office or position in ensuing years, providing it is not the same office or position held in a previous year. At the June Annual Meeting, youth who have completed grades 7-12 are eligible to vote and run for office. Youth must be enrolled in the Youth Leadership project in the year in which you are a Federation officer."
What is the time commitment?
Officer candidates should consider their other time commitments when applying. Please make sure you are available to attend meetings on the fourth Monday of each month. We cannot run a meeting without officers
Please direct any questions to Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu
Sign up to be an Ambassador! Save the date - June 24
Youth enrolled in grades 7-13 who want to take their leadership skills to the next level are invited to join current Ambassadors on June 24 @ Washington County Fairgrounds for a Taco dinner and social. Becoming an Ambassador can include:
Planning and leading cloverbud workshops, service projects, and social events
Serving as a counselor at workshops and day camps
Running the Ambassador Booth at the County Fair
Serving as a spokesperson for the Washington County 4-H Program
Other outreach opportunities as assigned
Meeting new friends throughout the county and state!
If these opportunities interest you, fill out the Ambassador Application here! If you have questions, contact Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu or Abbey Rademacher at abbeyrademacher25@gmail.com for more information.
2024 County Fair Information Book - Premium Book
Summer is right around the corner, which means that the Washington County Fair will be here before we know it! Now is the time to not only identify your project animals, but to start making plans for general projects! The 2024 Washington County 4-H Information Book will give you many exhibit ideas on what to bring to the county fair! 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 now Open! - Must be completed by 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.
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
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.
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 June 1. The Executive Board reviews the nominations and makes the final selection! This person will be honored at the County Fair Recognition event.
Looking for volunteers who can teach woodworking, metal work, mechanics, and more!
Washington County 4-H is looking for volunteers to help host an Industrial Technology project exploration day! If you enjoy working with youth and have experience in any of the following areas, please fill out our volunteer form or email ashton@umn.edu.
- Woodworking
- Metal work
- Shop
- Small engine repair
- Machinery
- Automotive
- Repair or maintenance of items
- or anything related to these areas!
Please pass on your knowledge and skills by becoming a 4-H volunteer!
LAST CALL - YELLO to be held at University of Minnesota - Morris campus - Reg. Closes May 17
YELLO is a 4-day, 3-night leadership development experience that is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors. This event will take place June 12-15 at the University of Minnesota-Morris for youth in grades 7+. YELLO includes messages from nationally-recognized speakers, group networking experiences, field trips, and opportunities to contribute to the local community through service. Additionally, YELLO has educational workshops, group networking experiences, inspiring messages from nationally-recognized speakers, field trips and opportunities to contribute to the local community through service projects.
The cost to attend YELLO is $300, with an additional $50 fee for opting in to ride the bus. Youth will register via 4-H Online by May 10th.
Direct any questions about YELLO to yello@umn.edu.
This year at Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO), we are having 'Major Classes'. These are project-based learning opportunities for diving deeper into a project area that youth are interested in. All majors involve six hours of content and are taught by Minnesota 4-H staff, community and/or campus partners in Morris, or both.
We're offering twelve different classes in six different major areas. Please see major classes being offered below. Learn more about each class here.
Central Region 4-H Pumpkin Challenge
Learn how to grow pumpkins with the Central Region 4-H Pumpkin Challenge. Choose from 3 registration types: virtual (we will mail seeds to you), in-person kickoff option one, May 21st in Isanti, MN, or in-person kickoff option two, June 4th in St. Michael, MN. In-person kickoff participants receive 2 started pumpkin seedlings (1 normal pumpkin and 1 giant pumpkin), a greenhouse tour, and education on caring for their pumpkins by master gardeners and volunteers. Virtual participants meet May 6th at 6:30pm. Some participants (virtual and in-person) will be randomly selected to receive giant pumpkin seeds from the 2020 world record-winning pumpkin "Tiger King" grown by Travis Gienger. Audience: K-13. Cost: $5 for virtual and $10 for kickoff 1 and kickoff 2. z.umn.edu/PumpkinChallenge24
Ag Academy: Passion to Career in Mankato.
Join us, as well as our partners at FFA, for Ag Academy: Passion to Career– a unique opportunity for youth in grades 7-11. This 3-day, 2-night camp runs from June 20-22, and is held at Minnesota State University (MSU) and South Central College (SCC), Mankato, Minn.
At this camp, youth will have the chance to explore different careers in agriculture, food and natural resources while experiencing a college campus. In addition, college professors and industry leaders will provide hands-on learning experiences on topics like animals, communications and more.
Learn more and register.https://extension.umn.edu/event/ag-academy-passion-career
Registration deadline: May 31.
Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp
Do you want to enhance your livestock evaluation and selection skills? Do you want to become better at oral reasons? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then the 2024 Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp is for you! Presented by the University of Minnesota livestock judging team and Coach Kyle Rozeboom, you’ll learn the basic fundamentals of livestock judging and evaluation, receive instruction with oral reasons, and become more confident with livestock judging! Camp begins with check-in at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 17, at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus, and concludes with an awards program at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19. Learn more and register.
4-H Video Workshop-Summer 2024
4-H Video Workshop-Summer 2024 is a hybrid program for beginners and experienced filmmakers alike for youth in grade 8+ and up. Youth will meet virtually for three 1 hour sessions to prepare for the in-person, overnight experience on the U of M St. Paul campus and Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Youth create a short narrative video in teams. This program culminates in a film festival with youth films taking center stage during the Minnesota State Fair!.
Instructors include University faculty who teach video production alongside professional filmmakers. The in-person portion includes field trips related to filmmaking in the Twin Cities. You’ll be filming with the Minnesota State Fairgrounds as a backdrop, and sleeping and eating in the 4-H Building. Generous donors to the 4-H Video project allow the cost to be kept low for this program.
Dates: Online sessions July 15, 22, 29
In person, overnight August 6-8
Cost: $100.
If additional scholarship is needed due to financial constraints, please contact Anne Stevenson (steve020@umn.edu) to discuss.
Audience: New and experienced film/video grades 8 and up
Registration deadline: July 9
Find more information and details on registration at: https://z.umn.edu/4HSummerVideo
Questions? Email Anne at steve020@umn.edu
4-H/FFA crop scouting challenge: Friday, July 26
Take on a challenge and form a 4-H or FFA crop scouting team! By being on a 4-H/FFA crop scouting team, you will learn skills like teamwork, communication, problem solving and predicting outcomes. All of these skills are what your future employers are looking for! To learn more go to; 4-H crop scouting (umn.edu)
Calling all club reporters or secretaries!
Please send a short report about your club's activities. Email Kathy at eber0002@umn.edu after you have had your monthly meeting or an event! Include 1-3 photos if you can. Thank you!
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
The 4-H year runs from October through September and you can join at any time of year however the $25 yearly fee is not prorated. Joining after May 15 means you can participate but will not be eligible for Champions, state trips or livestock auction or premiums at the County Fair. To be eligible for state trips you must have completed 6th grade ( 3rd grade for Dog Project) and be enrolled by May 15. Families are encouraged to enroll/re-enroll early to get the most out of 4-H. The most important part of re-enrolling is updating your information. Maybe you have a new email, new projects to add, changing to a different club, updating the grade you are in or any health updates. All of this and more can be done though your family account in 4honline. https://v2.4honline.com/
Remember you must re-enroll yearly to participate in 4-H! If you have any problems with registrations or need more information on enrollment please contact our office by email at mnext-washington@umn.edu or phone at 651-430-6800. While the 4-H year is a year-round organization, you must be enrolled BEFORE May 15th to avoid any penalties. This is also the deadline that all animals must be identified in your family account.
Enrollment fee
As you will notice, shortly (perhaps a day or two) after you enroll online you are approved. Monthly email reminders are sent to families to pay their membership fee. Membership fees help keep our programs affordable for all, please pay your membership fee or fill out a scholarship form below. We accept checks/cash at any time. Sorry no credit cards.
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 or use the drop box at the main entrance of the Stillwater Government Center in a clearly marked envelope.
Checks should be made out to Washington County 4-H and sent to the following address:
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 don't want anyone to miss out so if you need help, please just let us know by completing a scholarship form.
Order your Washington County 4-H T-shirt today!
Show your 4-H pride with our new 2023-2024 t-shirt! This year’s design is printed on heather gray.
Youth who have paid their yearly enrollment fee can order a shirt for $10. Adults shirts are $20.
Use this link to order shirts for you and your family: z.umn.edu/Washington4-Hshirts
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.