Use the keeping youth safe Google site when planning 4-H activities .. 9
Plan ahead to reduce risk when serving food to the public ................... 9
Keep your 4-H teams safe ..................................................................... 9
Learn more about the Science of Animals Project area and zoonotic diseases ............................................................................................ 9-10
Take part in the Great Neighbor Photo Contest .................................. 10
Take advantage of this great 4-H video-making opportunity! .............. 10
Above: Ambassadors assist youth at Project Fun Day with Tie-Dying Socks!
CONTACT US St. Louis County Extension Northland Office Center 307 1st St. South, Room 105 Virginia, MN 55792 218-749-7120 800-450-9777, Ext. 7120 Nicole Kudrle 4-H Program Coordinator [email protected] Shirley Lantz Support Staff [email protected] www.4-H.umn.edu http://www3.extension.umn.edu/county/st-louis-virginia/4-h www.facebook.com/northstlouis4-H Twitter @nstlouiscount4H Instagram @northstlouiscounty4-H
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Stay up-to-date with NSL 4-H There is always a lot going on in north St. Louis County 4-H. Stay up-to-date by:
- Accessing the County 4-H Calendar- http://z.umn.edu/1czk
- Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/North-St-Louis-County-4-H
- Follow us on Twitter @nstlouiscount4H
- Follow us on Instagram @northstlouiscounty4-H
Trail Class Clinic with Julia Olstad After the long winter, are you ready to get out for a ride? Clinic participants will learn what a judge is looking for in trail class as you and your horse complete a trail pattern. Learn how to teach your horse to negotiate the obstacles. Julia Olstad is a 4-H Alumni and hold judge cards with 4-H and WSCA.
WHO: 4-H youth 3rd grade and up
WHERE: Mower County Fairgrounds – rain (Crane Pavilion) or shine (outdoor arena)
WHEN: Saturday June 1, 2019, Check in - 8:45-9:15 am, Clinic - 9:30 am – noon
COST: $10 per rider
REGISTRATION (pre-registration required). Return registration form with payment to the Mower.
For more information go to: https://z.umn.edu/4crn Youth 4-H Youth Horse Show Saturday June 15, 2019 Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds in Wilmar, MN
ALL 4-H RULES APPLY – Including the helmet and Cloverbud policies Helmets are required for all riding classes (State 4-H Rule)
Cost is $25/horse and rider combination plus $3 office fee– unlimited classes or $3/ class plus $3 Office fee per horse
For more information go to: https://z.umn.edu/youth4-HHorseShow Summer 4-H Dog Training 4-H Dog Training is a great opportunity to train your dog in obedience, showmanship, or agility. You can also participate in the 4-H county or state dog show; but competition is not a requirement. Training is offered in three locations this summer: Embarrass, MN- This is a 10 week summer course open to all 4-H youth. Training occurs on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm starting May 22nd. The cost is free. Ely, MN- This is a summer program open to all 4-H youth of all ability levels. Training occurs on Monday evenings from May-August 6:30-8:00pm. The cost is free. 4-H Healthy Sprouts All youth in grades K-5 are invited to participate in 4-H Healthy Sprouts program at the Minnesota Discovery Center! You will have a chance to care for your very own mini garden plot and explore a variety of “hands on” activities each week including gardening, science, and nutrition. This is a great opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and learn new skills!
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WHERE Minnesota Discovery Center, Chisholm
WHEN Tuesday from 1-3:30pm June 11, 25 July 9, 16, 30 August 13,27
COST: Free!
REGISTRATION: Pre-Registration is required. Deadline to register is Tuesday June 4. To register go to https://forms.gle/Zi4jSMgTMkqkwFZD9 4-H STEM Ambassadors Calling all youth in grades 6 and up to be a Citizen Scientist! Here is an opportunity to expand your leadership skills and to become a scientist. You will have the opportunity to conduct your own research experiment, teach younger youth and explore the world of being a citizen scientist!
WHERE Olcott Park Greenhouse
WHEN Weekly on Wednesdays Starting Wednesday June 12 Tentative Schedule June 12 from 10am-4pm June 19 from 1pm-4pm June 26 from 10am-4pm July 10, 17, & 24 from 1-4pm July 31 from 10am-4pm August 7,14 & 21 from 1-4pm August 18- from 10am-4pm
COST: Free! REGISTRATION: Pre-Registration is required. Deadline to register is Tuesday June 4. To register go to https://forms.gle/xs4p9YX3mSaD2uJ4A
4-H Virginia Grows- Summer Gardening
All youth in grades K-5 are invited to participate in 4-H Virginia Grows Summer Program at the Olcott Park Greenhouse! You will have a chance to care for your very own mini garden plot and explore a variety of “hands on” activities each week including gardening, science, and nutrition. This is a great opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and learn new skills!
WHERE Olcott Park Greenhouse
WHEN Weekly on Thursdays from 1-3:00 pm. Starting Thursday June 13
COST: Free!
REGISTRATION: Pre-Registration is required. Deadline to register is Tuesday June 4. To register go to https://forms.gle/wbFtTEqHbmqoFJVb6 Crow Wing County 4-H Poultry Fun Show Join the Crow Wing County 4-H Poultry Club at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds for their 4th Annual Poultry Fun Show! Together, youth will have an opportunity to participate in showmanship and exhibit all ages and breeds of birds. This is great practice for the county fair!
Date: Saturday, June 8 Location: Crow Wing County Fairgrounds Registration: 9:00am-10:00am Poultry Judging: 10:30am Showmanship directly after judging Entry Fee: $2 per bird ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR: ANY AGE chickens, turkeys, pigeons, duck, geese, etc. ADDITIONAL FUN AWARDS GIVEN FOR: Biggest bird, most beautiful, and others!
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NSL 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Practice Learn important life skills through safe and educational experiences. Trained and certified 4-H leaders throughout Minnesota lead this program.
Disciplines include: archery, air rifle/pistol, and shotgun!
WHERE Hibbing Rifle/Pistol Club Marksmanship RD Hibbing.
WHEN: WEDNESDAY from 6:30-8:00pm Starting June 12th- September 11th.
COST: $10 per youth Checks made payable to: NSL 4-H Federation Volunteering at the County Fair
Your help is needed before, during, and after County Fair both in the 4-H building and on the grounds.
For every hour that 4-H volunteer’s work on the grounds (not in the 4-H building), the Federation receives a financial donation from the County Fair Board.
This donation is used to help fund Federation activities such as State Fair scholarships. If all families work at least one shift it makes a significant contribution to our Federation budget.
For more information on what each volunteer slot entails please go to: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lHqLbJXqnyGf9hfXECbYre2pl3uhMduoypBA6kdn37U/edit?usp=sharing
For more information on what an Adult in Charge entails please go to:
Please sign up by Monday July 15th at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E45A8AD2BA2FC1-county4 County Fair! It is hard to believe that the school year is winding down and the “Five Best Days of Summer” are right around the corner! Lots of families and clubs are kicking their “4-H” life into high gear as we look forward to the July 30th Entry Day! Please contact the office if you have any questions.
St Louis County Fair Guide, Cloverbud Guide, Club Exhibit Registration, Parent letter and a Tentative Schedule can be found on our website under the download section. Fair Entry is Live! It’s time to start registering your County Fair Projects in the Fair Entry System starting Monday June 3 until Sunday July 21st.
The process is very simple and laid out on page 4 of your Fair Guide Book or at the link below. You will use your 4Honline account user name and password to access FairEntry- https://fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/3177 County Fair Work Day A work day at the County Fair is planned for Thursday July 11th at 4:00pm. This work day is to unload all of the 4-H displays into the 4-H building, do some repair work, and set up the 4-H building. Please come dressed and ready to paint and clean.
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Please RSVP by Monday July 8th by calling 218-749-7120 or email [email protected] 4-H Horse Play Day The NSL Horse Ambassadors have been hard at work planning the Horse Play Day 2019! All North St Louis County 4-H’ers are encouraged to take part in this fun event!
When: Sunday July 14th at 10am
Where: St. Louis County Fair Grounds
Cost: $10.00
Registration: Deadline to Register is Wed. July 10th Please fill out the form https://forms.gle/e9y5iYdnjX2A6tJ97 Heart & Hooves Horsemanship 2019
This Heart and Hooves Horsemanship Groundwork and Foundation Riding Clinic will give you a solid foundation to build on for continued growth in natural horsemanship over a period of two-days. Learning why
horses do the things they do, understanding how they communicate with their humans, and having effective training exercises allows you to connect with your equine partner. We will connect the skills you have learned on the ground to our riding relationships. Truly, everything we do with our horses on the ground ends up in the saddle with us! The exercises and activities we teach in this class will help you to gain control on the ground and in the saddle. At the end of the two-day clinic all participants will put their new skills to work during our Second Annual 4-H Dream Team Horsemanship Challenge.
When: Saturday, June 22 & Sunday, June 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 36105 State Highway 6, Deer River, MN 56636
Class Fee: $250 (Itasca County Horse Project Club Scholarship $100 towards registration fee for members) Stall Deposit: $25 (Separate Check) Auditing Fee: $30 Make Checks Payable to: Heart & Hooves Horsemanship
*Camping available onsite: Must be accompanied by an adult.
Register Here *Remember, you must still complete the Waiver and other miscellaneous forms
Bonnie Minor Horse Clinic 2019 Expand your skills in showmanship, western horsemanship, English equitation and trail. Bonnie Minor is a well-known horse judge, trainer and clinician who
specializes in helping riders grow their skills. All riding disciplines and abilities will benefit from this clinic. *ALL HORSES MUST HAVE A CURRENT NEGATIVE COGGINS ON FILE AT THE 4-H OFFICE. STALLING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
When: June 26-27, 2019 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (Tentatively) Who: Enrolled 4-H members currently in grads 3+. Limited to first 15 who register & turn in fee to 4-H office. Where: Itasca County Fairgrounds, 1336 Fairgrounds Rd., Grand Rapids, MN Cost: $100 Make checks payable to: Itasca County 4-H
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Must Bring: A helmet must be worn by all riders. Also bring hay, water bucket, tack, halter, lead rope, manure fork, lounge line, sunscreen, water for participant etc. Meals: Lunch will be provided for participants each day. Registration Required: Register here.
Registration Deadline: June 21- or sooner if filled.
4-H Pocket Pet Show Here is an opportunity for all 4-H youth in Kindergarten through a year past high
school to show your pet at the 1st Annual 4-H Pocket Pet Show at the St. Louis County Fair. This fun show will begin with a short clinic on how to show your pet. Followed by judging based on overall health and knowledge of your pet. The judge will ask basic questions such as what do you feed your pet, what breed is it etc.
Possible Pocket Pets Include: Aquatic Animals or Amphibians, Fish, Salamanders, Frogs, Turtles, Birds, Finches, Parrots and other Non-Poultry eligible birds Mammals Mice, Rats, Hamsters, Lizards And more!
Animal Requirements: - May not be shown in a 4-H or open
class livestock show at the fair. - Animals shown cannot be poisonous - All animals must have some form of
restraint (leash, cage, pet carrier, etc.). - All youth in grades k-2 must have an
adult present and in control of animals at all times.
When: Friday August 2 at 1pm
Where: St. Louis County Fair Grounds
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Deadline to Register is Sunday July 21st Please fill out the form https://forms.gle/mpkbuGaagB91wz3b7
How to talk with youth about violence
Dear 4-H families and volunteers,
Acts of violence seem to face our youth at every turn. According to CNN, 19 school shootings have occurred already this year, most recently taking the life of 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo of Highland Ranch, Colorado. While such violence is difficult to process as adults, we also find that youth look to us for information and guidance on how to react. We can help them feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.
I offer these suggestions for approaching these difficult conversations
1. Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide. Be patient. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, picture books, or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings.
2. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put those feelings into perspective, and assist them in expressing their feelings appropriately.
3. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.
• Early elementary aged children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their programs, schools and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Give simple examples of safety such as locked doors,
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playground supervision, and emergency drills.
• Upper elementary and early middle grade children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their program or school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy or false narratives. Discuss efforts to create safe spaces.
• Upper middle school and high school youth will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence and how to prevent it in society. Emphasize their role in maintaining safe spaces by following safety guidelines, communicating safety concerns to adult leaders, and accessing emotional support.
4. Review safety procedures. Help children identify at least one adult to whom they can go if they feel threatened or at risk.
5. Observe children’s emotional state. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can indicate their level of anxiety or discomfort. Children who have past traumatic experiences or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or have special needs may be at greater risk for more severe reactions. Seek the help of a mental health professional if you are at all concerned.
6. Limit television and social media viewing of these events. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. Be mindful of conversations you have in front of children, even teenagers, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.
7. Maintain a normal routine. Regular schedules can be reassuring and promote
physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.
Emphasize these points when talking to young people about violence
• We all play a role in safety. Be observant and let an adult know if you see or hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, nervous or frightened.
• There is a difference between reporting and tattling or gossiping. Information you share with a trusted adult may prevent harm.
• Sometimes people do bad things that hurt others. They may be unable to handle their anger, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or suffering from mental illness. Adults work very hard to get those people help. It is important for all of us to know how to get help if we feel really upset or angry and to stay away from drugs and alcohol as false coping mechanisms.
• Stay away from weapons. Tell an adult if you know someone has a gun or other weapon. Easy access to weapons is one of the leading risk factors for deadly violence.
• Violence is never a solution to personal problems. Youth can be part of the solution by participating in anti-violence programs, learning conflict mediation skills, and seeking help from a caring adult.
I hope these ideas help you support children and youth amidst acts of violence. I encourage you to visit our website for additional resources on bullying, grief and related topics. Jennifer A. Skuza, PhD Minnesota 4-H state director
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Congratulations 2019 Helping Hands Grant recipients! Extension Development and Minnesota 4-H are happy to announce the 2019 Helping Hands Grant recipients. Of the 31 applications we received, 24 projects totaling $30,300 were awarded to 4-H clubs in 16 counties across the state. Grant amounts varied from $500 to $2,000. Thank you to all the applicants and congratulations to this year's recipients! View the summary of 2019 Helping Hands Grant recipients. The Helping Hands Grant program makes funding available for youth to collaborate with adults on community service related projects that allow them to develop "21st Century Skills" including critical thinking, problem solving, information literacy, applying technology and personal initiative. Grants ranging between $200 and $2,000 fund projects that often involve collaboration with local businesses, schools and non-profit organizations. Register for 2019 State Arts-In! Minnesota 4-H State Arts-In is a 22-day intensive arts experience. Youth prepare a musical to perform 3-4 times daily during the Minnesota State Fair. Each year, State Arts-In youth perform at least 35 shows to more than 12,000 audience members in the 4-H building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. State Arts-In is about:
• Performing arts including singing, dancing, acting, instrumental accompaniment, costume design, set construction and technical work.
• Leadership, goal-setting and teamwork.
Participants continue to work on goals by putting on several daily performances, serving
in leadership roles and acting as 4-H representatives to building visitors. Learn more and register.
Attend statewide one-day livestock trainings We have the perfect one-day training for youth who want to learn more about their
livestock projects from area experts. Minnesota 4-H is offering 4-H livestock day camps at six different locations. At each site, we will look in-depth at topics such as fitting and showmanship, animal health and hoof/foot care, nutrition and biosecurity. Participants must choose one species to learn about. The trainings will focus on youth grade 6 and up; younger members will be welcome if they bring a parent or adult chaperone. Camp dates, locations and species to be covered
• May 18: Stearns County Fairgrounds. Poultry, sheep, beef, swine.
• June 11: Wadena County Fairgrounds. Poultry, sheep, beef, market goat.
• June 13: Winona County Fairgrounds. Poultry, sheep, dairy, meat goat.
• June 14: Washington County Fairgrounds. Poultry, sheep, dairy, dairy goat.
• June 17: Martin County Fairgrounds. Poultry, sheep, beef, dairy goat.
• June 28: Lac Qui Parle County Fairgrounds. Poultry, sheep, dairy goat, rabbit.
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Use the keeping youth safe Google site when planning 4-H activities Summer is an exciting time of year for 4-H members filled with camps, shows and fairs. With so many activities happening it is very important for Minnesota 4-H volunteers and parents to consider potential risk and develop plans in advance to ensure the safety of all youth participating. Visit our keeping youth safe Google site for resources and tools to use when planning 4-H programs. To help assess risk before programs occur, complete the risk management program planning tool. Become familiar with the overall policies and practices covering topics such as: Supervision, scheduling, emergency planning and procedures, facilities, room and sleeping arrangements, transportation, food safety and insurance. A series of information sheets provide more detailed information on topics including: Youth protection, responding to emergencies, animals, activities and outings, and project specific information. These tools and resources can help to ensure safe and healthy environments for youth participating in 4-H programs. Work with your 4-H program coordinator for assistance in planning for risk. Plan ahead to reduce risk when serving food to the public 4-H programs serve food to the public in a variety of ways. Use the guidelines and resources found on the food safety and service site for the following:
• Serving food to the public - food stands and dining halls.
• Serving food or hosting a potluck at a 4-H program.
• Club or federation/council bake sales. •
Careful planning can ensure risk is minimized, local training is provided, any licensing requirements are met and food is handled safely. Questions? Work with your 4-H program coordinator. Keep your 4-H teams safe Minnesota 4-H supports a number of youth teams, including project bowl, judging, science of agriculture, and engineering design. Before teams meet or practice, a couple of items must be in place to provide a safe and supportive environment for youth and adults. A minimum of two active Minnesota 4-H volunteers must be designated to lead the team. At least one of the volunteers must serve as the coach. Also, all youth must be enrolled 4-H members before attending practice. We have provided user guides for club leaders and project leaders to verify volunteer and youth enrollment. Learn more about the Science of Animals Project area and zoonotic diseases A great new informational video outlining the Science of Animals project area is now available on our Minnesota 4-H Youtube Channel! Check it out to learn more about how to explore your passion for animals and exhibit at the fair. Plus, Science of Animals projects who earn a trip to the state fair get to exhibit livestock weekend, without having to earn an animal trip! A second great resource is also available. The Science of Animals project evaluation sheet has
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been updated to help guide you through the creation of your project exhibit. Remember, again this year, Science of Animals projects focused on zoonotic diseases will receive additional premiums at the state fair! To learn more about zoonotic diseases, contact your local program staff for resources including a toolkit with lesson plans and supplies, a board game, and a card game. We hope to see lots of great Science of Animals projects this year! Take part in the Great Neighbor Photo Contest
This week, Tractor Supply Company launched its Great Neighbor Photo Contest - a contest that calls on 4-H and FFA youth to show how they’re making a difference in their community by submitting a photo. This photo contest coincides with Tractor Supply’s Mobile Fair Tour, a 10-stop journey across the United States, which will be stopping at the Minnesota State Fair this summer. Tractor Supply will choose photo contest winners at random and will recognize the local winners at each of the 10 fair stops with a special ceremony. Minnesota 4-H youth are encouraged to submit a photo! Learn more and submit your photo.
Take advantage of this great 4-H video-making opportunity! The state 4-H video committee is planning a 4-H video workshop where you will receive training from Film North, a company which offers equipment and logistical support for
filmmakers and videographers through classes and teen summer camps. In this 4-day workshop you will:
• Learn from professionals in the field of videography and filmmaking.
• Learn the elements of making a video and what needs to be considered when planning.
• Learn about equipment needs and use (cameras, tripods, mics, etc.)
• Edit your raw footage using computer software.
Instructors and committee members will mentor you and provide you with feedback. Your completed video will be shown to the workshop group and in the 4-H photography display area at the Minnesota State Fair. This workshop will provide you with skills that you can share with 4-H members back in your county. Workshop details Who: 4-H members grade 6 and up – limited to 20 participants. When and where: Aug. 22-25 at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Fair during livestock weekend to allow for combining rides with your county delegation. Registration and cost details will be announced next month -- stay tuned!
