Friday Forecast - 9/16/2022

This weekly newsletter will provide you with the most up-to-date information and happenings in the 4-H program.

Kris Vatter will step into the role of Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development in Dakota County on Monday, Sept. 19. Kris is transitioning to Dakota after nearly three years supporting Carver County's educator role. Kris brings experience and expertise in program growth, event management, volunteer development, and DEI advancement, and she is excited to strengthen Dakota County 4-H offerings.

The next Federation meeting will be Monday, Sept. 26 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. We will be discussing a recap of the 2022 Dakota County Fair. All members and volunteers are welcome to attend! The meeting will be followed by Animal Science PDC starting at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served!

4-H Online is open for the 2022-23 4-H year! All 4-H members and volunteers must re-enroll each 4-H year. Re-enroll by Oct. 15 to be entered in the drawing for a $75 Target gift card.

When re-enrolling you will:

• Select your 4-H club
• Sign-up for projects; you will only receive email communication for projects you have signed up for so review your project list to be sure you didn't miss a project

Review and update:

• Family's contact and demographic information
• Each family member's health and emergency contact information

Log in to 4-H Online here to complete the re-enrollment process. See the 4-H Online enrollment guide for step-by-step instructions.

If you have questions or would like to opt-out of 4-H, please email frand004@umn.edu

4-H county membership dues of $25/member are paid every year. Dues should be paid before participating in 4-H events including county fair and state event. Family Member Dues Payment Form 2022-2023

Dues payments can be mailed to the Extension Office or placed in the drop box between the front doors of the Extension Office. Scholarships are available to cover dues if needed and can be requested by completing the dues payment form.

The Dakota County 4-H ambassador program is open to youth in grades 6-13, who enjoy volunteering and working with younger members. The ambassador program is a great way to share your leadership skills while helping your community. The 4-H ambassador program allows youth to take part in activities to help them become leaders and good citizens. A 4-H ambassador is a self-motivated, enthusiastic leader who promotes the organization using the skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities acquired in 4-H. They serve to strengthen the 4-H program through public relations and serve as a positive role model for younger members. Some past activities include: participating in community service projects, planning and leading Cloverbud activities, and promoting 4-H at various events throughout Dakota County.

An informational meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. To RSVP for the meeting, sign-up here. Any questions, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.

Registration for 4-H workshops and events will take place in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide has step-by-step instructions to walk you through how to register. To register for an event in 4-H Online, the participant must be an active member in 4-H Online. If you are new to 4-H, please select the “Virtual 4-H” or “In Person Camp/Event” club for your county. In the projects field, choose the project your primary focus is on and any other project areas you have an interest in. Please contact Cherie if you have questions.

Join the fun at the Cloverbud and Sprouts workshops! The University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Cloverbud (K-2) and Sprouts (3-5) Programs are designed specifically for youth in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. Participants must be enrolled in 4-H Online and be in Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of Sept. 1 of the current year to enroll as a Cloverbud. Dakota County 4-H members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends to workshops! All participants must be enrolled in 4-H Online before attending, for liability purposes.

Events are held one Saturday a month from 9-11 a.m. at the *Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, meet new friends, and more!

Workshop dates:

• October 15; registration deadline Oct. 7

• November 5; registration deadline Oct. 28

• December 3; registration deadline Nov. 25

• January 28; registration deadline Jan. 20

• February 11; registration deadline Feb. 3

• March 4; registration deadline Feb. 24

• April 22; registration deadline April 14

• May 20; registration deadline May 12

*Please note: dates, times and locations are subject to change.

The workshops are FREE but registration is required one week before the workshop to ensure enough supplies are on-hand for participants and to allow ambassadors and staff time to order and prepare materials.

Spots are limited and registration will be through 4-H Online. Directions for how to complete a 4-H Online event registration can be found here. Any questions regarding the K-5 programming, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.

This year's training will focus on learning as adventure and how volunteers can create a place for youth to grow their learning comfort zones. Current and prospective Minnesota 4-H volunteers and youth leaders are invited to join us for an evening of youth development education. Attend one of two Zoom trainings: Oct. 25, 7-8:15 p.m. or Oct. 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Facilitators will share practical activities and tools to support young people in managing stress, stepping into new experiences with courage, and taking ownership of their learning. Registration is required. Learn more and register.

Do you have a special interest or skill to share? Have an idea for a workshop or a connection for a workshop that you feel the 4-H’ers would enjoy? Let us know!!! 4-H staff are looking for volunteers to help lead new workshops this upcoming 4-H year. If you are interested in leading a workshop or have a suggestion for a great new idea please contact Abby.

Some specific classes looking for instructors include;

• Cake decorating
• Canning/food preservation
• Fishing Sports- fishing lure making
• Graphic Design
• Cultural Cooking
• Shop/ Wood Science
• Photography
• Drama/ Theatre/ Performing Arts
• Career Exploration
• Arts
• Demonstrations
• Opportunities are endless, we would love to hear your ideas!!!

Resources for club leaders and volunteers leading a 4-H club have been reorganized. Explore these categories: Beginning the 4-H year, leading a 4-H club meeting (organized around a sample agenda), managing 4-H club operations, and ways to support club members. Suggest improvements to the site by using the gray “feedback” button on the right side of the screen.

Explore the new site.

Volunteer & Club Leader Helpful Resources

Apply to be a 4-H screened volunteer

• Abby Wagner: torg0016@umn.edu, 651-480-7752

• Rachel Rezac: reza0027@umn.edu, 651-480-7754

• Kirsten Pederson: kapeders@umn.edu, 651-480-7722

• Cherie Frandrup: frand004@umn.edu, 651-480-7702

Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/dakota
Location: 4100 220th Street West, Suite 101, Farmington, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dakota.county4h