Jackson Journal
October 2023
County Update
Happy October!
Fall is in the air although it certainly doesn't feel like it as I type this and it's 80 degrees outside. It's so excited to be starting a new 4-H year here in Jackson County.
Thank you all so much for your insight, advice, and 4-H pride as we close the door to summer and begin a new 4-H year.
It was only 5 months ago that Jazlyn and I started and we are so impressed with the youth, families, and volunteers that put in so much time and commitment to growing and sustaining the Jackson County 4-H program. We look forward to what is in store for this new program year!
We encourage you to take the time this month (especially during National 4-H week) to tell YOUR story of why you have chose to be a part of Jackson 4-H by utilizing the Facebook posts, spotlight forms, and any interaction you have with community members to share the great news that Jackson County 4-H is thriving not only during the County fair, but ALL year!
Please see the following newsletter sections that have important information as we start October and be sure to reach out to us here in the office if you have any questions or concerns. We may not have all the answers but we are willing to help find them!
Happy Harvest and have a wonderful October!
Caitlyn and Jazlyn
Club and 4-H Member Information
National 4-H Week is Happening NOW!
The National theme for 4-H week this year is "I Love 4-H"
If your club is planning to do something for 4-H please let the office know! We would love to share it on our Facebook page! Also, if you plan to do window displays please let us know where we should send the judges!
The Extension Office is hosting a coloring contest in the Jackson Area Schools for Grades K-8 with this coloring sheet that has already been shared with the principals.
Here are locker signs you can share with your families to fill out and have youth hang on their lockers/cubbies during 4-H week!
The best way to recruit new members is to share your story so tell it loud and tell it proud!
Plan to Re-enroll in 4-H!
The new 4-H year begins Oct. 1. In order to remain enrolled, you will need to show your family’s intent to participate by logging in to 4-H Online and reviewing, updating and submitting the following information:
Your family's contact and demographic information, including club, school and grade.
Each family member's health and emergency contact information.
Project areas of interest for this coming year.
Parental consent required for youth participating in shooting sports/wildlife programs.
You can login to 4-H Online to complete the re-enrollment process NOW. This guide has more information.
4-H Records
5 things to know about Jackson Co. 4-H Records:
- Club Leaders will judge all records submitted to them at the club level. You will pass on the winning records to the Extension Office to be awarded at the Awards Banquet.
- Club Leaders will keep track of youth who turn in records on or before the Early Bird deadline of Oct. 15 and pass these names along to the Extension office for the prize drawing.
- If your club as 100% record participation on or before the Oct. 15 deadline your club has 5 more entries into the prize drawing.
- See this guide sheet for Jackson County Record Information and share with families.
- Printed copies as well as the record book cover are available for pick up from the Jackson Co. Ext. Office.
Club, 4-H Member and Volunteer Spotlights!
Club Spotlight
Most 4-H members join a local club at some point. Clubs are fun, regular gatherings where you are able to make friends, find help with 4-H projects, take advantage of leadership opportunities, and take part in culturally specific activities and other activities and events.
We want to offer our community and potential new members an opportunity to learn about all our 4-H clubs! Be on the look out for your Club Spotlight, this promotional spotlight will be posted on Facebook and shared with your club leaders to print and hang up around the community!
Save These Dates
Awards & Recognition Banquet - Nov. 19 at 5:30pm
Join us for food, fun and celebration at the Jackson County 4-H Recognition Banquet!
Who: All Jackson County 4-H youth, their families, volunteers, supporters, and businesses
When: November 19th at 5:30pm
Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 604 Bush Street, Lakefield MN 56150
Kindly RSVP by November 8 2023 to ensure there is enough food for those in attendance.
Questions, please contact the Jackson County 4-H Extension office at mnext-jackson@umn.edu or 507-662-5293.
RSVP HERE: https://z.umn.edu/BanquetRSVP
Advisory Board and Federation Meeting - Oct.16 at 7:30pm
Stay up to date about 4-H in Jackson County by reading the past agenda and the minutes from the September Federation Meeting we had on Sept. 18.
Please encourage one adult and one youth to represent your club at the next Federation meeting happening Oct. 16 at 7:30 at the multipurpose building in Lakefield.
Jackson County 4-H Ambassadors Meeting and Trunk or Treat Event - Oct. 28 9:30am-1pm
Ambassador aged youth (grades 6-13) are invited to take part in the Trunk or Treat event in Lakefield's North City Park on Oct. 28th from 10am to 1pm.
Our theme this year is pirates so find your best pirate attire and come out to promote 4-H. We will have a short meeting before the event and hope you can make it! More details will be emailed soon.
Get Involved!
4-H Opportunities in the Southwest and Statewide
Stay Connected with 4-H!
Contact and Follow Jackson County 4-H
Jackson County 4-H
607 State Highway 86, Lakefield, MN
Email: mnext-jackson@umn.edu
Phone: 507-662-5293
Website: extension.umn.edu/jackson
Follow us on Facebook
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE 4-H APP!
Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/al/app/minnesota-4-h/id1478965229
Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.minnesota4h.umn
Get text notifications by signing up on the Remind App - Directions below:
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