Isanti County 4-H News
June 14, 2024
Isanti County 4-H
Email: mnext-isanti@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/isanti
Location: 555 18th Avenue Southwest, Cambridge, MN, USA
Phone: 763-689-1810
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isanticounty4h
Twitter: @IsantiCounty4H
UPDATES
Celebrating 4-H'ers in their final year
4-H has been a great experience for many youth throughout Isanti County. We wanted to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of our 4-H'ers in their last year, so we asked them to share their favorite 4-H memory with us. We are glad to have been a part of their story and wish them the best of luck on their next adventure! Read what they had to say in this article.
Fair Sign Ups are Now Open - Register today!
2024 Clover Family Cafe Shift Sign-Up
- It is the expectation that all families (at least one youth or adult per family) sign up for a two hour shift at the Clover Family Café (via SignUp Genius) or pay a $20.00 buyout fee. If families do not sign up for shifts and work those shifts they will forfeit their fair board premium checks.
- Tasks will include preparing food, serving food, cleaning, and more.
- Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. There is a 10 minute overlap with the helpers from the previous shift, so you can train in your replacements. Thank you!
- *Please note that if your family signs up for a shift and you are not able to make it for any reason it will be your responsibility to find another family to take your place. The 4-H Office will not be responsible for finding someone to cover for you.
2024 County Fair Judge's Assistants & Building Setup/ Tear down
- Please choose a category and time to be a judge's assistant for the 2024 Isanti County Fair. This role includes assisting judges with: recording placings or evaluation feedback, placing projects on shelves or displays, gathering additional supplies and more!
- 4-H Building setup and tear down is assigned by club or the first letter of your last name for independent members.
- Shifts on this sign up DO NOT fulfill the cafe shift requirement.
- Did you know that there is a livestock demonstration class? Livestock Demonstrations include: Beef, Dairy, Dairy Goat, Llama - Alpaca, Meat Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep and Swine and must include a live animal in the demonstration. Demonstrations are an oral presentation that includes actually demonstrating the hands-on steps required to accomplish a task or process. Examples include: Demonstrate how to care for an animal or prepare it for showing at the fair. Teach others how to tie a halter. A talk on preventative or veterinary care for a species.
- The overall winner of the livestock demonstration class (one person) has the opportunity to go to the state fair with the same species of animal that they demonstrated with if they are in grades 6+*!
- *Certain restrictions apply such as the animal must have been ID'd by May 15th, and cannot be shown by a sibling at the county level. Please reach out to Cora if you have any questions about livestock demos.
2024 Fashion Revue Sign-Up Sign-up is required by Friday, June 28.
Announcing the Garden in a Box Kits provided by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society
I set up the kits with my Mom on 5/3/24. And the Extension office team has been caring for the garden ever since.
We will have several free day camps at the Cambridge Community Garden, where our kits are located, this summer. This is a long term project and the kits will be there for at least 3 years. This year we are growing peppers, eggplant, herbs, kale, cosmos, marigolds, potatoes, onions, strawberries and more! You are welcome to visit the garden and sample some of the crops from the 8 raised beds pictured below. Please do not disturb any of the other garden plots that are rented by community members.
-Cora
REMINDERS
17 Days Left to Register for the Isanti County Fair (7/1 Deadline)
The 2024 Isanti County 4-H Premium Book is available to help you choose the projects you wish to register for. We strongly encourage reading the sections applicable to the projects you plan to enter.
If you need help with the registration process, there are resources available to assist you.
Registrations are due by Monday, July 1st at 11:59 p.m. online via FairEntry.
It is the expectation that all families sign up for a two hour shift at the Clover Family Café (via SignUp Genius) or pay a $20.00 buyout fee. 4-H building setup and teardown duties will be assigned by clubs (or the first letter of your last name for independent members.)
FairEntry is where you will sign up for all of the classes you want to participate in at the Isanti County Fair. Registration opens on June 1st and closes on July 1 at 11:59 p.m.
We will also be offering the following support days and times in the Extension office:
- Monday, June 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Isanti County Government Center.
- Monday, July 1 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Upcoming Day Camps
6/21- Sprout Squad Day Camp
- Friday, June 21st 9am-11am.
- Register by 6/14. Limit 24 participants.
- Grow your green thumb by planting a variety of crops including a salad bowl, potatoes, peas, and root veggies.
- Green Barn Garden Center
- Free
6/27- Strawberry Day Camp
- Rods berry farm ( 28624 Zodiac St NE, North Branch, MN 55056)
- You will learn about strawberries and how the Rod's berry farm runs. You will get a tour around the farm, inside looks, and get to pick strawberries at the end (must purchase strawberries).
- Audience: 5-13 grade
- Please bring a water bottle for the warm weather
- Cost: Free!
- Register by 6/20. This event is limited to 20 kids
7/9- Natural Dye Day Camp!
- Tuesday, July 9th 2pm-5pm
- Register by 7/1. Spaces are limited.
- Kids will learn about natural dyes and will have a chance to dye their own bandanna! They also will get the chance to water paint with the natural dye as well.
- Isanti Community Center
- Free
8/7- Agriculture Dairy day camp
- Are you interested in learning how dairy products come from the farm to the table? This day camp is for any kid wanting to learn about the process, different jobs that help move it from the farm to the table, and are interested in farming!
- Where: Isanti County Fair, 4-H building ( 3101 MN-95, Cambridge, MN 55008)
- Audience: 3-6 grade
- Cost: Free!
- Register by 7/31. This event is limited to 20 kids
8/12- Cloverbud Garden Day Camp
- Kids will learn about the different plants our 4-H garden has and will be able to help take care of them!
- Where: Cambridge Community Garden ( 1700 E Rum River Dr S, Cambridge, MN 55008)
- Audience: Cloverbuds (K-2 grade)
- Cost: Free!
- Register by 8/5. This event is limited to 20 kids
Register in 4-H Online or via the paper form we mailed out this week
Read the 2024 Isanti 4-H Premium Book
The 2024 Isanti County 4-H Premium Book is now available (click here to read the premium book)! Staff along with the council and committee members have been working hard for the past few months to add new classes and clarifications to the premium book. The premium book can also be found on our extension website under the 4-H at the County Fair drawer. We also have a limited number of paper copies in at the Extension Office. They are available on a first come first served basis.
The premium book is a rulebook for all Isanti County 4-H projects that can be exhibited at the Isanti County Fair. This includes deadlines, exhibit guidelines, the fair schedule, animal birthday requirements, and more! If I had one piece of advice for you this year, it would be to read the premium book carefully and ask us if you have any questions!
Major changes and clarifications in the 2024 Premium Book:
- Updated fair schedule and animal check in times (pages 5-7)
- Clarifications on when animals can leave the fairgrounds and consequences for leaving early (page 25)
- New all species costume class (page 25)
- New Cloverbud (K-2) animal policy (page 26)
- State fair trip acceptance deadline has been pushed back two hours to 2pm on Saturday 7/20.
- State fair meeting (for all state exhibitors) has moved up an hour to 9am on Sunday 7/21.
Update on Barn Fees & Wristbands
There are some important changes to barn fees this year. Over the past several months the Isanti 4-H Auction and Animal Science Committees have been discussing barn fees.
Starting this year, barn fees for: cattle, sheep, swine, rabbits, poultry, and goats will be paid for by the Isanti County 4-H Premium Auction (NEW in 2024). Since horses are not in the auction, families showing horses will continue paying barn fees ($20/horse).
Please see the updated barn fee sheet here. Paper copies are available at the extension office. This form and payments should be turned into the office no later than Tuesday 7/16. Your family will not be given fair entry wristbands if your barn fees and family dues ($25) have not been paid. New families (1st year of 4-H) don’t have to pay family dues. NO barn fees will be collected by the superintendents. Everything must be paid into the Extension Office.
Fair entry wristbands will be passed out at the 4-H building office on the fairgrounds on Tuesday 7/16 7:30am-6:30pm. We can also accept payments at this time, but we encourage you to pay barn fees and family dues now to avoid long lines and wait times.
Checks payments should be written to "Isanti County 4-H" with "Family Dues" or "Barn Fees" in the memo line. We can also accept cash and card payments at the Extension office. All card payments have a 3% processing fee. Our office is open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm. And our address is U of M Extension, Isanti County, 555 18th Ave SW, Cambridge, MN 55008-9386.
LQA&E/YQCA is Required for State fair, NE Livestock show, and the Isanti Premium Auction
LQA&E is required for all youth sixth grade and up if they would like to show an animal at the State fair, NE Livestock show, or the Isanti Premium Auction. Exhibitors must complete LQA&E/YQCA training prior to the qualifying event (the Isanti County Fair).
- If you were unable to attend the Isanti training earlier this year there are other trainings around the state of MN.
- Youth can also take Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) online. It is valid for one fair season and costs $12.00.
- You can view the MN 4-H LQA policy here.
If you are unsure if you are up to date on YQCA or LQA&E please contact us or check the Training tab in 4-H Online.
Dog Fun Show 6/29
Join us 6/29 at the Isanti County fairgrounds for the Dog Fun Show. Registration begins at 8am with judging starting at 9am.
Pre-Registration is required by 5/24. Participants from counties other than Isanti County must attach a paper copy of vet signed dog ID. Dogs must have been properly IDd in 4-H Online by 5/15. Mail registrations to: Carollyn Thomas, 1635 SouthHaven Dr, Cambridge, MN 55008.
Entry Fees:
- $3 per class if postmarked by 5/24
- $5 per class after 5/24 to day of show
- One entry form per dog/ handler combo
- All registrations are final
Checks may be written to "Isanti County 4-H" with "dog fun show" in the memo line.
Questions? Call Carollynn at 763-245-9297.
Happy Spring! Pick Up Some FREE Seeds at the Isanti Extension Office
Seeds are available to the public for free at the Isanti Extension Office on a first come, first served basis. We are open Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm. We have a limit of 10 seed packets/person/day to prevent waste.
Limited seeds remain at this time (arugula, lettuce, swiss chard, kale, leek, onion, spinach). We distributed over 1500 seed packets to families so far this year. Due to the success of the seed library we are looking into expanding it in the future.
Pumpkin Experiment Update
The pumpkins are now planted in the Cambridge Community Garden. This will be the final update for a while. We will report back in the fall. Read more about growing pumpkins here.
MEETING DOCUMENTS
Keep up to date with Animal Science and Auction Committee Discussions and Decisions
- Agenda and minutes: Auction (click here) and Animal Science (click here)
- Join us for the next meeting 9/16 6:30pm at the Isanti Government Center
- OR Register for the Zoom Meeting (click here)
Keep up to Date with the Isanti 4-H Council Discussions and Decisions
- Agenda and minutes (click here)
- Join us for the next meeting 6/17 6:30pm at the Isanti Government Center
- OR Register for the Zoom Meeting (click here)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Short Term
Workshop Instructors:
- Is there a topic, game, or lesson you're interested in sharing with youth? Let us know! We are planning several workshop days this year.
- Sessions are typically 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Robotics/ STEM Coach
- 3-5 events per year
- Collaborate with staff and other volunteers to organize robotics and STEM lessons for youth.
Long Term
Ambassador Program Leader
- 9-12 meetings throughout the year or as determined with 4-H staff.
- Time to assist youth leaders in planning and coordinating county events, fundraisers, and community service opportunities.
- Read the full role description here.
Shooting Sports and Wildlife Coach
- Coach weekly practices mid May - August, attend the state shoot in Alexandria in September, and provide input for project budgeting in the fall.
- Time to assist youth in selecting and preparing their equipment, honing their skills and following safety rules.
- Coaches must be fully screened volunteers and must become certified coaches (and re-certify every 7 years). All training costs are covered by Isanti County 4-H.
Contact Cora if you are interested in volunteering.
CENTRAL REGION AND STATEWIDE OPPORTUNITIES
Level 2 LQA&E Training (In-Person)
Learn about livestock and earn your Level 2 LQA&E Certification! Please note that LQA&E is required for youth in grades 6+ in order to be eligible to show at the State Fair or NE Livestock Show. This certification will also be valid for three fair seasons as opposed to YQCA (online option) which is valid for only one fair season. Staff will record completion in 4-H Online.
- Thursday, June 20
- 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
- Chisago County Community Center (38790 6th Ave, North Branch, MN 55056)
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Register in 4-H Online
Level 2 LQA&E Schedule
- 5:00 - 5:20: Check-in and Welcome
- 5:20 - 6:05: Ethics
- 6:05 - 6:50: Antibiotic Use in Agriculture
- 6:50 - 7:00: Break
- 7:00 - 7:40: Food Safety
- 7:40 - 8:30: Managing for Animal Care and Well-Being
For questions or assistance, please contact Josiah at 651-277-0150 or colex300@umn.edu
Water Watchers
Looking for a way to get outside this summer and learn more about Chisago County’s natural resources in the process? Then Water Watcher’s may be the perfect opportunity for you! Become a citizen scientist and explore Chisago County’s natural resources and meet with professionals in the field as we learn more about invasive species and use the real-life tools used by scientists to study their impact on the environment!
This group will meet approximately once-a-week (some weeks will be skipped for holidays and fair time) throughout the summer to explore our county’s bountiful water resources and study the different aspects of citizen science and water resources each session. Water Watchers is available to youth in grades 5-10 and is free to participate (one session will require the payment of a $7.00 state park day pass).
Session 1: Kickoff Event
- Meet with Casey from Chisago County’s Soil and Water Conservation District as she guides us through the We Are Water exhibit that will be on display throughout the summer! We’ll also explore and learn about both common and uncommon aquatic species native to Minnesota.
- Friday, June 21
- North Branch Area Library (6355 379th St, North Branch, MN)
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Session 2: Introduction
- Get to know the other Water Watchers and learn how to design a scientific experiment and make meaningful, detailed observations through an experiment with moss guided by the naturalist, Sean, at Wild River State Park!
- Friday, June 28
- Wild River State Park (39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012)
- 11:30 am - 3:30 pm
- $7.00 day pass/vehicle required to enter park. Passes can be purchased online or at park entrance on the day of the event.
Session 3: Terrestrial Invasive Species
- Visit Lion’s Park in Lindstrom with Maria from Wild River Conservancy as we learn about the difference between native and invasive species. We’ll also begin to learn how to identify some invasive species and see what efforts are being done to limit the spread of these harmful plants!
- Wednesday, July 10
- Lion’s Park, Lindstrom (13292 Sylvan Ave, Lindstrom, MN 55045)
- 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Session 4: Aquatic Invasive Species
- Become an actual scientist and look for aquatic invasive species in West Rush Lake with Susanna and Camden from Chisago County’s Water Resources. Learn how to use the tools that scientists use to survey which species are present in the lake and how to identify them!
- Wednesday, July 24
- Dennis Frandsen County Park (1331 N Lake Dr E, Braham, MN 55006)
- 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Session 5: Recreation
- Explore Chisago County’s waters as a recreational resource in a yet to be determined activity! Current possibilities include fishing, kayaking/canoeing, boating, etc.
- Tuesday, July 30
- Location TBD
- Time TBD
Session 6: Starry Trek*
- In this optional session, meet at Central Park in North Branch with Chisago County Water Resources and Wild River Conservancy where you will receive a brief training on how to identify starry stonewort and other target aquatic invasive species and how to follow the search protocols. Groups are then sent out to nearby priority lakes to follow the protocols and bring back any suspicious organisms!
- Saturday, August 10
- Central Park, North Branch (38780 8th Ave, North Branch, MN 55056)
- 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
- *optional session, we will meet at Central Park before being assigned a local lake to survey. Transportation to the lake will not be provided.
Session 7: Reflection/Celebration
- Celebrate and reflect on the summer!
- Tuesday, August 13
- Central Park, North Branch (38780 8th Ave, North Branch, MN 55056)
- Time TBD (we will choose a time that works best for all participants)
Participation at each session is expected, however, with the business of summer some absences may be excused. If your family is unable to attend a minimum of 5 of the 7 sessions, please reach out to Josiah (colex300@umn.edu).
Participants are welcome to be dropped off at each session and picked up at the conclusion of the day. Parents and siblings may also stay at each session. Pick-up and drop-off locations will also differ depending on the session. This information will be shared prior to each session. Transportation may also be provided to each location, pending participant needs.
Space is limited so make sure to register as soon as possible! Registration deadline is Friday, June 14. Register on 4-H Online!
Contact Josiah Cole at colex300@umn.edu for any questions!
Now hiring: Interim Program Associate, 4-H Youth Development, Sherburne County
The Interim Program Associate manages the day to day coordination and delivery of local 4-H programming. In this role you will:
- Ensure risk and financial management policies are followed.
- Maintain and ensure accessibility and quality to a youth audience through a full range of 4-H experiences (community, site based, project clubs).
- Coordinate youth and volunteer involvement in 4-H Youth Development programs.
- Promote and market the 4-H youth development program.
Part-time to Full-time (20-40 hours/week). Wage is $20.80/hour with additional compensation based on experience. This is a temporary position ~August 2024-October 2024.
More information here
Please send contact information and a resume to Kate Holland, 4-H Interim Hires and Onboarding Coordinator, at kharring@umn.edu.
4-H/FFA youth crop scouting: Registration open until June 15
Crop scouting is a way to inspect crops for potential outcomes and risks. Scouts are people who make systematic observations and predict crop production while considering factors such as weather, inputs like pesticides and herbicides, and risks such as disease and pests.
Learn more at https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-showcase-events/4-hffa-crop-scouting
4-H Video Workshop - Summer 2024
Tell your story. Capture it on video. 4-H Video Workshop -Summer 2024 is an opportunity for youth grades 8 and up to gain skills in video production in a team based environment. Online prep sessions are followed by a 3 day in-person overnight camp on the MN State Fairgrounds. All sessions facilitated by UMN faculty and professional video/filmmakers.
Dates:
- Online sessions July 15, 22, 29
- In person, overnight August 6-8
Cost: $100 (Scholarships may be available from your local county 4-H program). 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
Check Out the Central Region 4-H Catalog of Opportunities
Save this link, the catalog is updated throughout the year.
EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Leaders Council Meeting
Monday, Jun 17, 2024, 06:30 PM
Isanti County Government Center, 18th Avenue Southwest, Cambridge, MN, USA
Sprout Squad Day Camp
Friday, Jun 21, 2024, 09:00 AM
Green Barn Garden Center, Minnesota 65, Isanti, MN, USA
Heggies Pizza Pickup
Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024, 04:00 PM
Isanti County Fairgrounds, Minnesota 95, Cambridge, MN, USA
Strawberry Day Camp
Thursday, Jun 27, 2024, 02:00 PM
Rod's Berry Farm, Zodiac Street Northeast, North Branch, MN, USA
Chisago/ Isanti Fashion Revue
Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024, 02:00 PM
Sunrise Bible Church, 2nd Street, North Branch, MN, USA
Natural Dye Day Camp!
Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024, 02:00 PM
Isanti Community Center, 1st Avenue Northwest, Isanti, MN, USA
Pre-Fair Leaders Meeting
Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024, 06:30 PM
Isanti County Fairgrounds, Minnesota 95, Cambridge, MN, USA
General (Static) Project Judging Day & Wristband Pickup
Tuesday, Jul 16, 2024, 01:00 PM
Isanti County Fairgrounds, Minnesota 95, Cambridge, MN, USA
Kits Available to Borrow at the Isanti Extension Office
Email Cora or Jennifer to reserve a kit or stop by the Extension Office in the Isanti County Government Center M-F 8am-4:30pm.
Accommodations Kit:
- This kit has been created to help strengthen our commitment to welcoming all youth – we cherish and value the diversity of humanity and believe in the power of ALL young people. 4-H strongly encourages you to utilize this kit to help foster inclusive spaces and provide simple accommodations for those engaged in our programs.
- The kit was made possible through the generous support of the Leonard and Maxine Harkness Endowment Fund at the UMN Foundation.
- Click here to learn more and see what's in the kit.
Calm Kit:
- This kit focuses on mental health and tools to actively build resilience in youth.
- The kit was made possible by the Bend, Don't Break Grant.
- Items include: conversation starters, a program guide, sensory fidgets, grounding activities, and more.
Amanda Johnson Memorial Fund
If you or someone you know would like to apply for financial assistance, please contact the Isanti Extension Office (mnext-isanti@umn.edu) or a member of the Amanda Johnson Memorial Fund Committee (Kristi Hass & Robin Gemmill).
ISANTI COUNTY 4-H
Email: mnext-isanti@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/isanti
Location: 555 18th Avenue Southwest, Cambridge, MN, USA
Phone: 763-689-1810
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isanticounty4h
Twitter: @IsantiCounty4H