Stevens County 4-H Winter News

Welcome to the Stevens County 4-H Winter Newsletter!

Happy Holidays!

This winter newsletter will serve to share a glimpse into why “belonging” is essential towards positive youth development. We will also welcome our new Stevens County Extension Office Manager, Katie Kalina, and encourage all to come to Nancy’s retirement party (celebrating 38 years with Stevens County Extension). Finally, you will hear about upcoming 4-H leadership opportunities!

In our fall newsletter, we explored how youth are the next generation of community leaders and that early experiences in life impact adult leadership potential. This week, we are going to explore one of the essential elements of 4-H Youth Development (belonging). As youth workers, each of us has a basic human emotional need to feel that we belong. In order to become the best versions of themselves, youth need to feel connected with others, cared for, and safe. My hope is that our 4-H program here in Stevens County is positively encouraging families to rise to the occasion of fostering positive relationships with the youth in our community.

One example of belonging is “social connectedness”.

Because we want to belong, we strive to feel a part of something beyond ourselves. Social connectedness is an example of this sense of belonging. Another way of thinking about this is asking yourself “how much interaction have I had with others and have I felt valued throughout these experiences?” Why does this matter? When youth feel socially connected, they thrive. They have higher self esteem, genuinely care for others, and are more cooperative. The lack of social connectedness can lead to various negative behaviors.

My hope for Stevens County 4-H is that we can continually grow social relationships and connections that have lasting health impacts for our young people. Will you rise to the occasion? If you already have, how will you make sure that your own cup is also being filled as you pour into others? I am beyond grateful for our family-orientated 4-H clubs who are devoted to providing positive adult mentors to encourage and support our 4-H members. Thank YOU Stevens County 4-H for your devotion towards our youth development program.

- Savannah Aanerud, 4-H Extension Educator

Extra resources:

• Social connectedness in youth

• Space for challenging conversations

• Caring adults enable summer-long experiential learning blog

• Youth work courses

• If there are any courses you are interested in taking that require a fee, please reach out to Savannah Aanerud.

Stampede 4-H Club: Most members in this club are interested in horses and a lot of their activities are around the horse project. They do several community projects throughout the year. The club meets at the Alberta Community Center generally on the first Saturday morning each month. Their club leader is Michelle Manthei. Connect with Savannah Aanerud or Michelle Manthei if you have any questions on learning more about this club.

On December 3, they had a full day spent together as a club. They went shopping for Wish Tree, ate lunch, had a meeting, and then partook in an escape room for their Christmas party!

“Hello, my name is Katie Kalina. I was born and raised in Alexandria, MN. My husband, Luke, and I live on the north end of Lake Reno with our dog, Diesel. I grew up in the world of trapshooting, and I have become an avid trapshooter and advocate for the sport over the years. I enjoy volunteering my time with the Alexandria Area High School Clay Target Team with my family and husband. Other than trapshooting, I enjoy fishing, sneaking in the occasional round or two of golf, and various different crafting activities. I am excited to meet and get to know everyone in our 4-H community! I know I have some big shoes to fill, but I look forward to the task!”

Stevens County 4-H is SO excited to have Katie! Feel free to stop by the Extension Office to meet her or email Katie @ kalinak@umn.edu.

All are welcome to attend Nancy’s retirement party on Friday, December 29, from 2-3:30 p.m. at the county board room (upstairs) in the courthouse.

Hello 4-H families,

The Stevens County Salvation Army Service Unit would like to encourage you to challenge your fellow 4-H Clubs as bell ringers for the Red Kettle Campaign. Their goal is to encourage each club to man the kettle at Willie’s for a day or portion of a day and see which club can collect the most money for the good of our county. The kettle campaign provides the monies we use to help people in multiple ways, ranging from food and clothing, to beds, gas, fuel, etc. The Stevens County Salvation Army Service Unit has set the week of December 17 for the 4-H Food Club Challenge. Shifts are usually an hour or two but whatever you can spare would be great!

Please call Verna at (320) 589-4002 to sign up for a specific day and time.

Learn more about the history of this campaign here.

*Please send Savannah pictures if you participate! As a county 4-H program, I would also value having each club take on this challenge!

“Clover Connect” is a NEW Stevens County 4-H Program that will serve to match 4-H youth with an older member who will help provide guidance and mentorship throughout the 4-H year. Utilizing hands-on engagement, mentors will help provide a positive learning experience in project areas relating to both static and livestock. They can also assist you at the Stevens County Fair with 4-H livestock shows and general entry day!

Learn more about this program and sign up here.

Let’s Talk about Mental Health is a 5-session series designed to provide a safe place for youth to have important conversations about mental health and wellbeing. This series demonstrates to youth that they are valued and welcomed by 4-H and gives all youth the tools to be supportive and effective. The curriculum was created by Minnesota 4-H youth alongside regional and local Extension educators.

Who: 4-H members grades 6 and up

When: Sessions will take place Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom.

Registration deadline is Jan. 2, 2024

Learn more and register here.

BLU/TEEL

Looking for a fun way to meet new people and learn leadership skills? Check out the Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) or the Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) leadership conferences for youth in grades 6+ hosted by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors!

• BLU | Grades 6-9 | Learn more and register at z.umn.edu/4-HBLU.

• TEEL | Grades 9+ | Learn more and register at z.umn.edu/4-HTEEL.

Stevens County 4-H is committed to paying half the cost for youth attending these leadership experiences. Please connect with Savannah Aanerud if you have any questions on cost.

Stevens County 4-H Shooting Sports | January 10, 2024

Jack Mahoney (Stevens County 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator) is planning a shooting sports orientation for ALL families and members who would like to learn more about our shooting sports program and the winter series that we have to offer! We are also looking into hosting an archery competition this winter as well!

Register here.

MN 4-H Outdoor Wilderness Leadership and Service (OWLS) Program

This 2-year adventure-based leadership program is designed to provide youth in grades 6 - 11 with intensive hands-on exploration in an area of interest associated with the outdoors, a Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip, and support to lead a conservation project. Cost is $350 for the two years, which includes three retreats and the canoe trip.

Learn more and register here.

MN 4-H Environmental Service Learning (ESL) Adventure Trip

New in the summer of 2024! This trip is designed for youth in grades 8+ to experience the beautiful Isle Royale National Park while backpacking, camping, and working with biologists to study the unique ecosystem and wildlife of the island. Participants will be expected to join monthly Zoom meetings from February through July for trip preparation – we’ll determine these meeting dates to accommodate the group. Trip dates are Aug. 4-10. This trip is limited to 8 youth members and will cost $600. Fees include most transportation to and from the island, food during the backpacking trip, park fees, some gear, and the 4-H Backpacking Expedition curriculum. Participants will need to provide some gear, transportation to and from pick up points for the van, and food during van travel. Contact Nicole Pokorney at pokorney@umn.edu with any questions.

Learn more and register here.

Project Bowl

Interested in project learning opportunities/experiences within Animal Science? Project Bowls are an exciting way for youth to explore a project area, develop teamwork, build self-confidence and develop decision making skills!

• Fill out the project bowl interest Google Form here.

• Learn more about 4-H Project Bowl here.

2024 Animal ID Requirement Sheet now Updated

View the following links for helpful information cornering ID’ing your animal(s):

• 4-H Animal ID guidelines website page

• 2024 MN 4-H Animal Science Identification Requirements

Horse Opportunities

Horse families learn more about 4-H horse project winter opportunities here.

Helping Hands Award Grant

Does your club or individuals in your club have passionate ideas but need help getting started? The Helping Hands Award is for Minnesota 4-H youth who want to turn their ideas into action! This award funds project ideas that are led by 4-H youth in partnership with supportive adults, local businesses and non-profit organizations. I want to highly encourage folks from our clubs to take advantage of this opportunity!

• The average awards are between $300-$2,000.

• Projects can focus on STEM, agriscience, healthy living, outdoor adventures, equity and leadership, but don’t hold back if you have an idea that falls outside these categories.

Learn more and read about the requirements here.

Were you unable to attend Virtual Club Officer Training? | November 26 & 28

If your club officer youth did not attend the virtual club officer training, they are expected to view the below recordings and resources which will help your clubs have a successful leadership year!

Club Officer Training Resources:

Session 1:

Session One: Welcoming Gatherings - Webinar Recording

Session One, Welcoming Gatherings- Slide Deck with Links & Videos

Session 2:

Session Two: Roles & Procedures - Webinar Recording

Session Two: Roles & Procedures - Slide Deck with Links & Videos

***Resource Folder with important links to activities, officer role descriptions, agendas, etc...

A note for…

Club Reporters | Please encourage club reporters to take pictures of club meetings and activities. They can use these for their club reporter book. It is also highly encouraged for them to write a blurb to put in the newspaper. If these pictures could also be sent to Savannah, that would be great! She can use them for social media/promotional/marketing purposes.

Club Secretaries/Treasurers | Encourage them to fill out the packet that the office provided for them.

If you have questions on this, contact Savannah Aanerud.

A friendly reminder to re-enroll in 4-H/become a screened volunteer/charter your club today!

It is important to complete the re-enrolling process ASAP so that your family can receive Stevens County 4-H updates and appropriate mailings (animal ID information, project day invites, etc.). In addition, ALL 4-H youth and adult club leaders need to be enrolled or screened or their club’s charter will not be approved. View the following links to get started today!

• Join or Re-enroll in 4-H

• Volunteer with 4-H

December | Register for BLU and TEEL

December 17-23 | Stevens County 4-H Red Kettle Campaign Challenge

December 25 | Merry Christmas!!! | Office Closed

December 29 | Nancy’s retirement party

December 29 | MN 4-H Environmental Service Learning (ESL) Adventure Trip registration deadline

January 1 | Happy New Year | Office Closed

January 2 | Let's Talk about Mental Health registration deadline

January TBD | Food Stand Committee meeting

January TBD | Livestock Committee meeting

January 10 | Shooting Sports Orientation

January 15 | Awards and Recognition Committee meeting

January 22 | Ambassador gathering

January 22 | Leaders Council meeting

February | Winter Shooting Sports Series begins

February | BLU and TEEL *a reminder that Stevens County 4-H offers a 50% scholarship to 4-H’ers for camps, conferences, etc.

February-March | Winter Shooting Sports Series

Let Savannah know if you have any questions by calling Stevens County 4-H at 320-208-6575 or email her at aaner032@umn.edu!

• Minnesota 4-H Website
  

• Stevens County 4-H Website

• Stevens County 4-H Facebook Page

• Stevens County 4-H Instagram Page

• Stevens County 4-H Calendar

• Stevens County 4-H SmugMug Pictures

• Join or re-enroll as a 4-H Member

• 4-H Volunteer Page

• Projects 4-H has to offer

Email: mnext-stevens@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu/local/stevens
Location: 400 Colorado Ave., Ste. 103, Morris, MN 56267
Phone: 320-208-6575
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stevens-County-4-H-101660486563830/
Twitter: @UMNExt

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