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Watonwan County 4-H


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Thank you for visiting our local 4-H site. We are excited to share all that 4-H has to offer! If you have any questions please contact our office

Phone: 507-375-1275

Email: mnext-watonwan@umn.edu

Purpose

4-H Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth grades kindergarten through one year post high school. We offer online, small group and independent learning experiences for youth of all ages. In 4-H, youth choose the topic they find interesting and caring adults support their learning and leadership. From livestock to space exploration and creative arts to outdoor adventures, 4-H has just the right learning experience for young people.

Motto

To Make the Best Better

Pledge

I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking

My HEART to greater loyalty

My HANDS to larger service

My HEALTH to better living

for my family, my club, my community, my country, and my world

We Believe In:

  • all young people's potential

  • developing young people who are empowered, confident, hard-working, determined, responsible, and compassionate-seeing a world beyond themselves so that they have the life-long skills to succeed in college and career.

  • ensuring access and quality for all

  • University of Minnesota Extension brings Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training.

  • the practice of positive youth development by creating a positive learning experiences,

  • caring and trusted adult mentors who cultivate positive relationships with youth,

  • creating safe, diverse and inclusive environments, and

  • meeting young people wherever they are.

Why join 4-H?

  • 4x's more likely to contribute to their communities

  • 2x's more likely to be civically active

  • 2x's more likely to make healthier life choices

  • 2x's more likely to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) projects

  • 1.9x's more likely to get better grades in school

  • 2.1x's more likely to report high school engagement

4-H Community/Family Clubs

The best part of a Community club is the time spent as a family having fun while learning together. You can choose 1 community club , 1 County club and as many project clubs as you like!

  • Fieldon Rustlers - Madelia Area

  • Golden Gleaners - St. James Area

  • Nelson Wide Awake - Godahl/Hanska Area

  • Nifty Thrifty - South Branch Area

  • Riverdale Rockets - Madelia Area

  • Rosendale Skippers - Madelia/St. James Area

  • Speedway Builders - Butterfield Area

4-H County Clubs

Members can join one of the below clubs in addition to a Community club! When joining more than one club your get more fun, activities, events and friends!

Cloverbuds (Grades K-2)

Cloverbuds is a fun, hands-on, educational program specifically designed just for kids in grades Kindergarten to 2nd grade. Cloverbuds meet once a month on a Saturday from October to May. Cloverbuds create fun, educational crafts, learn new topics each month, play engaging games, and enjoy a healthy snack. Cloverbuds are welcome to attend one, some, or all project specific meetings.

Tweens (Grades 3-6)

Tweens engage youth in grades 3-6 with community service, hands on project learning, and attending fun events. Meetings are normally held on Friday evenings with the schedule created at the beginning of the tween year with input from members and families. Depending on the activity planned by the members, parental guidance may be needed so please be open to help if needed.

Youth Leaders/Ambassadors (Grades 7+)

Youth Leaders are youth in grades 7 and up who work on community service & projects, career development, working with younger youth in the 4-H program and exploring new activities and attending fun events. Youth Leaders meet once per month with activities planned by the youth themselves.

4-H Project Clubs

Engineering Design

(aka Rube Goldberg) Learn critical thinking, creativity, innovation and problem solving while working with caring adults. Teams of youth in grades 3 and up solve different engineering themed challenges

Shooting Sports

Hands on with archery, bb gun, pellet gun, and shotgun as well as wildlife management. Trained and experienced adult volunteers supervise youth to sharpen skills and teach techniques and safety.

Horse Project

Learn about horses, horse care, horse clinics, and participate in horse activities with other youth.

Swine Project

Learn about swine and swine care. Experience herdsmanship and showmanship while caring for swine of your own. Options for youth to purchase swine to show at the county fair and state fair with reduced prices and housing! Superintendents assist youth in all aspects of feeding, caring, cleaning, and showing swine.

Poultry Project

Learn showmanship skills, care of poultry and what is expected while showing your poultry at fairs. We offer youth market poultry for them to raise and show at the county fair with the help of trained and experienced superintendents.