Friday Forecast 11/11/2022

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

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-enrollment should be completed before participating in any 4-H event including club meetings, workshops and county and state events.

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 club meeting, workshops, 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.

Help staff identify interests, barriers, and preferences for your family by taking this quick 7-question survey. The club with the highest percentage of members to complete the survey will win a $50 gift card to be used for a pizza party. All survey entries are due by Fri., Nov. 18. Any questions can be directed to Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.

If you are brand new to the 4-H program this resource that will help walk you through some of the questions you may have about the program. Questions? Email Abby at torg0016@umn.edu

4-H New Member Resource Guide

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.

All youth grade 6 and above and adult volunteers are invited to the Nov. 14 Federation meeting at 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington.

Join the Dakota County Ambassador team in a fun, hands-on bat house building activity on Monday, Nov. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. This FREE event is open to any youth 6th grade and above. Youth will learn about bats, their dwellings and assemble the kits in teams.

Shooting Sports member that attend can earn wildlife hours toward their required wildlife education requirement to participate in the state SSW invitational.

Participants must be enrolled in 4-H Online for liability purposes. Adult volunteers are encouraged to come and assist! Participants are encouraged to bring their own protective eyewear; staff will have extras on hand for those who need them. Sign-up to attend here.

Any questions, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.

As a service project for the Nov. 14 Federation meeting, Dakota County 4-H is collecting donations of new winter gear and non-freezable goods. All donations will be placed into the Free Little Pantries in South Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, and Farmington.

Suggested donations include:

• Dried goods (pasta, beans, rice, couscous, quinoa)

• Granola Bars

• Cereals

• Dried Fruits

• Winter gear (hats, gloves)

• Individual Kleenex packets

• Hand Warmers

• New Socks

• Gallon and Quart-size zip top bags

If you are able to bring items and goods on Nov. 14, please fill out this form so staff can be prepared for the quantity of items.

Any questions, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.

Youth grade 3 and up are invited to join the 4-H Science Sprouts in an adventure series to explore seasonal agronomy and horticulture topics. November's topic is all about potatoes. In addition to learning about seasonal plants, we will grow together using a sponge. Grab some leftover seeds and a sponge to watch your plants grow! 4-H Science Sprouts series consists of three months of experimenting and growing plants. This virtual, hands-on and engaging experience allows participants to experiment with both science and plants. During the series, we'll explore topics related to agronomy and horticulture that correspond with the season. Youth can join at any time.

Supply lists will be sent to members that pre-register one week prior to the monthly virtual learning series, to allow time to gather the supplies so you can do the activities along with the presenters.

Register in 4-H Online by Nov. 14 to receive your supply list to experiment along with us. See the 4-H Online event registration guide for assistance registering.

Series dates: Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

On Nov. 14, as part of the Choose Your 4-H Outdoor Adventure, Natalie Warren, author of Hudson Bay Bound, will tell of her paddling adventures from Minneapolis to the Hudson Bay. She will engage you with her stories and pictures of the 2000 mile journey -- don’t miss this opportunity! Additional speaker dates include: Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 10, May 8.

The event is intended for youth, but open to anyone. Registration is required.

Visit the 4-H choose your outdoor adventure website for a full list of year-round outdoor adventures and opportunities.

Learn more about 4-H outdoor adventures by exploring project areas on your own time. Each of the topics will guide you through fun activities you can do outside. Open to all, but geared towards youth in grades 5 - 9. Access the series to start your adventures in hiking, birding, and ATV safety. More modules in camping, forestry, and nature connection will be available soon!

Explorers of the Deep is a STEM project focused on ocean exploration, marine science, and the impact of climate change on our oceans. Held on Saturday, Nov. 19 and open to youth grade 3-12+ from 9 a.m. to Noon, with an additional afternoon session from 1 to 3 p.m. for youth 6th grade and up, at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St W, Farmington, MN.

Register via 4-H Online by Nov. 16. Pizza will be provided for 6th graders who register for both sessions.

Contact Kris at kvatter@umn.edu if you have questions.

The next Horseless Horse meetings are Nov. 22 and Dec. 6 at Lucky U Stables, 11050 Manning Ave. S., Hastings from 7 to 8 p.m.

The Horseless Horse project is open to enrolled 4-H youth in 3rd grade and up, whose families do not own or lease horses but would like to learn more about caring for and working with horses. For safety, all youth in the arena must wear helmets, either their own or one of the county’s.

All participants need to complete and bring the Lucky U Stables Waiver to the first night of class.

Meeting sign-up requested by Sunday evening, for each meeting.

Questions can be directed to Carrie Moberg Wilder, mobergc@gmail.com.

Join the fun in a hands-on workshop on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Galaxie Library in Apple Valley (14955 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124). Youth will be engaged in making winter themed crafts, games and more! Workshops feature age-appropriate programs focusing on fun, safe, non-competitive activities meant to engage youth and create new friendships. The University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Cloverbud Program is designed specifically for youth in grades Kindergarten through second grade (K-2). Participants must be enrolled 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 Cloverbud members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends (grade K-2) to workshops too!

Participants register for the cloverbud workshop in 4-H Online. Registration is due Friday, Nov. 25. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions. 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.

Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have any questions about the workshop.

Additional Cloverbud workshop: Jan. 28, Feb. 11, March 4, April 22, May 20

Join the fun in a hands-on workshop on Saturday, Dec. 3 from from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Galaxie Library in Apple Valley (14955 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124). Youth will be engaged in making winter themed crafts, games and more! Sprouts is a group designed as a continuation of the cloverbud program, and is geared toward 4-H youth currently in grades 3-5. New and returning members are welcome to join in on the fun! At the Sprouts workshops, youth will meet new friends, participate in activities, and create exciting projects!

Participants register for the sprouts workshop in 4-H Online. Registration is due Friday, Nov. 25. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions. 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.

Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have any questions about the workshop.

Additional Sprouts workshops: Jan. 28, Feb. 11, March 4, April 22, May 20

WORKSHOP FULL; REGISTRATION CLOSED. Workshop is Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington.

Youth 7th grade and up are invited to express their holiday spirit in clay and create 3 custom ornaments at the Muddy Waters Studio on Saturday, Dec. 3, 10-10:45 am.

In this quick class, youth will cut out and personalize 3 items, using tools, paints, and glazes. The items will be ready for firing at the end of the session. Items will be aged and fired at the studio, and ready to be picked up in time for decorating and gifting.

Cost is $5. Send fee to the Dakota County Extension Office to secure your spot no later than Nov. 30.

Maximum number of participants is 12, minimum of 2. If more than 12 people are interested, a second time-slot can be added from 11 -11:45 a.m.

Participants register for this class in 4-H Online by Nov. 30. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions

Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu 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 Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of September 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.

Participants will engage in hands-on activities, meet new friends, and more!

Workshops are held one Saturday a month, typically from 9-11 a.m. at various locations on the following dates:

• Jan. 28 - location TBD; registration deadline - Jan. 20
  

• Feb. 11 - location TBD; registration deadline - Feb. 3

• March 4 - location TBD; registration deadline - Feb. 24

• April 22 - location TBD; registration deadline - April 14

• May 20 - location TBD; 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.

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.

Meetings are scheduled before Federation at 6 p.m. Additional activities will be held on the off months. Here is a tentative schedule. Please note: dates are subject to change. Parents and guardians are asked to help support the program to ensure compliance with the Safety of Minors policy.

Sign-up here to participate in the 2022-23 Ambassador program.

Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu for more information.

What is project bowl: The 4-H project bowl teams and competition is patterned after the golden-oldie television show College Bowl, 4-H Project Bowls challenge teams of 3-6 youth on their knowledge of these 4-H areas: Dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, poultry and rabbit.

What is my commitment: Each week starting in December/ January teams will gather weekly to practice learning about their project area of interest. In the spring each team will compete at a regional project bowl to test what they learned. If a team does well at the regional competition they can move on to the state completion.

There are four regional bowls, tentatively scheduled in March 2023, which lead to the state competition. Each has two divisions: Junior (grades 3-8) and Senior (grades 4 through 4-H graduation). Regional winners advance to the 4-H State Project Bowl. Winners at the state level in dairy, general livestock, horse, and poultry go on to national contests!

If you are interested in learning more or would like to join a team, please fill out the project bowl interest form by Dec. 1.

More details can be found on the 4-H regional and state project bowl page and by watching the video below.

Join us as we dig dinner with Tasty Tuesdays this fall! Learn how to use food from the garden and farmers market as we explore new recipes to try out with your family.

All Tasty Tuesdays will be held virtually on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Nov. 15: Potato palooza - Learn about the different types of potatoes that come in an array of colors and tastes.
  
• Nov. 29: Squash it up - Pumpkins are not only for carving! Learn how to make fun dishes that everyone will enjoy using varieties of squash.
• Dec. 6: Apples, bees and cows, oh my! - Join us to learn about food preservation while we make a marvelous dinner.
• Dec. 13: Let’s party with pizza - Pepperoni and cheese are not the only things you can put on pizza. We will pull colorful veggies from the garden and delicious fruit from the farmers market to make unique pizzas.

Audience - Youth in grades K-13.

Cost - Free

Registration - Register through 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 "pick the project your primary focus is on" and any other project areas you have an interest in.

For assistance with registration, use this guide or contact Suzanne Souza at souza004@umn.edu.

WHEP is a hands-on environmental education program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to youth. It provides participants an opportunity to test their wildlife knowledge in a friendly competition in teams of 3 - 4 similarly aged individuals. The winning senior WHEP team (14 - 19 years old) will have the opportunity to attend the annual national WHEP contest, typically held the last full week of July. 4-H WHEP will replace Wildlife Project Bowl.

A virtual coaches orientation and youth skills workshop will be held Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. All interested youth, volunteers, and coaches are invited!

Register in advance for this training.

The state 4-H WHEP contest will be held April 22, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More details to follow!

Learn more about WHEP.

CWF is a week-long learning experience in the Washington, DC area. Youth delegates attend a conference focused on building their civic engagement skills and capacity while also exploring Washington, DC, and the nation's landmarks. This experience is coordinated by the National 4-H Council and is open to youth in grades 9+ each summer. Travel dates will be announced in January 2023. Watch for registration to open mid-December.

The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are excited to announce that the 2023 YELLO leadership conference will beheld June 13-16 at Bemidji State University.

Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7+ that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.

What happens at YELLO?

This annual event aims to engage youth in building leadership skills, developing positive relationships with peers and adults, and planning out how to take future action. Activities include youth-led leadership learning, service and education, deep dives and workshop, exploring Bemidji and fun social events.

Registration for YELLO will open in April. More details to come!

The College of Science and Engineering Student Services is excited to announce that applications are open for our Rooted in STEM mentorship program for 10-11th graders.

One Saturday a month during the academic year, Rooted in STEM youth participants will network with peers and their undergraduate mentors, learn about current topics in research and academic programs, and explore potential careers. There will be presentations, laboratory tours, science and technology demonstrations, and Q&A sessions. Presenters will include CSE faculty and graduate researchers, recent alumni in industry, and current undergraduate students.

NO COST | $40k SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

There is no cost to participate, and participants who attend continuously through the fall of their 12th grade year and are admitted into the College of Science and Engineering will receive a $40,000 ($10,000 for four years) 3M scholarship!

APPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 4

Please visit the program webpage for details, including the online application and recommendation form. Applications and recommendations are due Sunday, December 4, 2022, so interested 10-11th grade students are encouraged to begin their applications right away.

Rural youth are affected by a range of unique stressors, including a weak agricultural economy, population loss, healthcare and daycare shortages, and isolation.

Volunteers are invited to join this online session on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of stress and build skills to support young people experiencing rural stress-related challenges. This 90-minute training is open to Minnesota 4-H volunteers, potential volunteers and youth leaders.

Registration is required.

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.

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

We have a new Instagram account! Please follow us at Dakota.County4H or connect via Facebook at DakotaCounty4H.

dakota.county4h

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

• Kris Vatter: kvatter@umn.edu; 651-480-7758
  

• 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