4-H Engineering Design Challenge

The 4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC) is a statewide 4-H event designed for youth to work together in teams to design and build a Rube Goldberg™ type machine that solves a 2-step task. A Rube Goldberg™ machine is an overly complex contraption that uses a series of chain-reaction steps that completes a task. The goal of the Challenge is to use engineering to encourage creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking in young people. Check out this video to see more: https://z.umn.edu/edcvideo  

The 2025 4-H Engineering Design Challenge theme is Putt It Together - 4-H Mini Golf Challenge: Hit a golf ball and sink a hole in one! Teams include 3-10 4-H members and two screened adult volunteers.

EDC Information Night

WHEN: Monday, April 21, 7 pm (after Summer Kick-off Night)

WHERE: Wright County Gov’t Center, 3650 Braddock Ave NE, Buffalo

WHAT: Use your creative building skills and learn more about the 2025 EDC Challenge. Adults are invited to attend as well to learn more about becoming involved in supporting their local team as they work towards their goals.

NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Dog Training

WHO: All 4-H’ers

WHEN: 9 Tuesday night sessions starting April 29 at 6:00 pm (times vary by class)

WHERE: Wright County Fairgrounds, 5912 County Rd 6 SW, Howard Lake

COST: $20/member or $30 for a dog being trained by a 4-H parent/guardian.

WHAT: 4-H dog training classes are a great way for youth and their dogs to learn to communicate well with each other. Obedience classes teach dogs skills that help them become well-behaved companions. Showmanship offers an opportunity to work as a team, showing off handling and sportsmanship skills while learning about general dog knowledge, dog breeds, and grooming. In agility, race your dog through an obstacle course, or take a rally class, which combines obedience and agility.

MORE INFORMATION: https://z.umn.edu/wrightdogtraining

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 22. Submit Dog ID's (must be on official 4-H form and signed by vet) before first night of class – current vaccinations required!

Dog Training Information Meeting

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 pm

WHERE: Wright County Government Center, 3650 Braddock Ave NE, Buffalo

WHAT: If you are interested in participating in summer dog trainings, come to this meeting to learn more about the program!

*NOTE: This is a mandatory meeting for members who will be participating in training.

NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR MEETING 

Rabbit Project Clinic

WHO: All 4-H’ers

WHEN/WHERE:

·   Tuesdays, May 6 & June 10, 6:30-8:00 pm Public Works Building Parking Lot, 3500 Braddock Ave. NE, Buffalo

·   Tuesday, July 8, 6:30-8:00 pm at Wright County Fairgrounds, Howard Lake

WHAT: 4-H’ers will have an opportunity to ask questions, have their animals tattooed, learn about showing, and more.

**To be eligible for state fair trips or awards above a blue ribbon, rabbits must be tattooed by May 15.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Day before

Shooting Sports Practices

WHO: Grades 3+, more restrictions depending on discipline

WHEN/WHERE:

·  BB Gun, Air Rifle, Air Pistol: Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm, beginning May 20 at the Wright County Fairgrounds, Howard Lake

·  Archery: Monday nights at 6:00 pm, beginning May 19 at the Wright County Fairgrounds, Howard Lake

·  .22 Rifle: Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm, beginning May 21 at the Monticello Sportsman's Club

·  Trap: Thursday nights at 6:00 pm, beginning May 22 at the Annandale Gun Club

COST: $20.00 per child per discipline (air/bb one fee), $100 family max

WHAT: Trained coaches in BB, Air, Trap, .22 Rifle, and Archery, lead practices to provide youth with a supervised shooting experience emphasizing shooting skills and firearm safety. Equipment is provided for some disciplines.

PRE-REGISTRATION: Participants MUST pre-register through 4HOnline.com at least a day prior to attending their first practice - no exceptions! Youth who are not on our coach's registration lists will not be allowed to practice.

MORE INFORMATION: http://z.umn.edu/wcshootingsports 

Shooting Sports Program Participant Information Meeting

WHO: Grades 3+

WHEN: Tuesday, May 6, 6:30-8:30 pm

WHERE: Wright County Government Center, 3650 Braddock Ave. NE, Buffalo

WHAT: If you are interested in participating in summer 4-H shooting sports trainings, come to this meeting to learn more about the program! We will go over the shooting sports handbook, review current guidelines, discuss details related to each discipline such as equipment, practice times, and locations, and answer questions.

NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR MEETING

OutWest Horse Clinics

WHO: Grades 3+

WHEN: June 12, 19, & 26, 6:30 pm check-in/warm up begins 7:00 pm clinic start time

WHERE: 1490 Gabler Ave SE, Buffalo

COST: $30 per rider per clinic – send payment in advance to Extension Office

WHAT: The Wright County 4-H horse project is hosting summer clinics. Only currently enrolled 4-H'ers may participate in the clinics. As a reminder, for events including horses you must have a paper copy of your coggins within 12 months to leave with volunteers at check-in. Helmets and boots are required for all riding clinics. (10 rider minimum. Waiver will need to be signed by a parent on site)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: One week before clinic

Wildlife Day Camp

DATE: Saturday, June 7

WHERE: Ney Park, 5212 73rd St NW, Maple Lake

COST: $15

WHO/WHAT/TIMES:

·  Grades 3-8 from 9 am - 3 pm (this session earns 6 hours of wildlife training for those participating in the MN 4-H State Shoot). Wildlife demonstrations, games, activities, and tons of fun with the Wright County 4-H Wildlife Coaches!

·  Grades 9+ from 1 pm - 4 pm. You in these grades are asked to bring a wildlife related research project to present to the younger participants in a rotating small group setting. Participants who bring a project will earn 6 hours of wildlife training toward the MN 4-H State Shoot (3 hours for research and project preparation + 3 hours in-person training). Youth who do not bring a wildlife project will earn 3 hours of in-person training.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 23

Day Camps

WHAT: Campers will enjoy a fun-filled one-day camp filled with a variety of crafts, skits, songs & games with our enthusiastic camp counselors who will be with them for every exciting moment! Sign up for just one or come to multiple days. 4-H membership or experience is not required so bring your friends too! Be sure to sign up ASAP, camps fill up fast!

COST: $15/day

*If you register for camp and do not attend, you will be charged half of the camp registration fee. If you cancel more than a week prior to the event, you will not be charged.

WHEN/WHERE/WHO: All Camps 9:00 am—4:00 pm

Completed Grades K-2

·  Tuesday, June 10, Ocean Explorers, Hanover City Park

·  Monday, June 30, Around the World Day Camp, Lake Rebecca

·  Tuesday, July 15, Music Melody, Ney Park, Maple Lake

Completed Grades 3-5

·  Thursday, June 12, Extreme Crafters, Ney Park, Maple Lake

·  Wednesday, July 2, Junior Master Gardener Day Camp, Fairgrounds, Howard Lake

·  Tuesday, July 8, Undercover Clover Day Camp, Lake Rebecca, Rockford

Completed Grades 4-8

·  Tuesday, June 17, Painting in the Park, Otsego Park

·  Thursday, July 10, Wilderness Explorers Day Camp, Ney Park, Maple Lake

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: One week prior to camp.

YELLO

WHO: Grades 7+

WHEN: June 10-13

WHERE: University of Minnesota Morris

COST: $300 before April 1, $350 after April 1

WHAT: Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Out Loud! is an annual, statewide, four-day leadership conference with group discussions, workshops, service opportunities, challenging speakers and hands-on activities designed for youth.

There is a $150 (refund) scholarship through Wright County 4-H for this event; to receive it, your child needs to report at a 4-H Federation meeting about their experience following the event!

MORE INFORMATION: https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/4-h-yello-conference

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 9

4-H ATV Safety Class

WHO: 4-H'ers 4th grade and up and at least 10 years old

WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 8:30am-1:00pm

WHERE: Wright County Fairgrounds

WHAT: In Minnesota, ATV operators born after July 1, 1987, and OHM riders under the age of 16 are required to complete an approved safety course before riding on public lands. Our instructors will show you how these ATV’s work and answer any questions the youth may have about these machines to help ensure ATV safety for our future riders! 4-H'ers must complete the online ATV Safety course at ATVcourse.com. prior to attending and the 4-H course will include the classroom portion and obstacle course to complete your safety course certification. 4-H will provide the ATV's but you may bring your own if they meet the specifications.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: ASAP - space is limited.

Cloverbud Campout

WHO: Grades K-3 & parent or guardian

WHEN: Sunday, June 15, 3:00 pm-Monday, June 16, 11:00 am

WHERE: Collinwood Park, Cokato

COST: $75/youth (parent/guardian incl. in price)

WHAT: Cloverbud are invited to an overnight tenting experience with their parent(s) or guardian(s). Each youth is required at least one adult over the age of 18 (and NOT a 4-H member). This event will include family fun, games, activities, outdoor adventures, campfire cooking and more. All camping gear, meals, and snacks included! This is an event you won't want to miss.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 4

4-H Camp at Koronis

WHO/WHEN:

·  Junior Camp grades 3-5: June 24, 2 pm - June 26, 11 am

·  Senior Camp grades 6-8: June 22, 6 pm - June 26, 11 am

WHERE: Camp Koronis, 15752 Co Rd 181, Paynesville

COST: $125, Junior Camp (Grades 3-5)

$200, Senior Camp (Grades 6-8)

*If you register for camp and do not attend, you will be charged half of the camp registration fee. If you cancel more than a week prior to the event, you will not be charged.

WHAT: Try something new and make new friends at our overnight camp with 4-H hands-on learning and outdoor activities. The camp experience includes games, recreation, dancing, swimming, campfires, unique adventures, skits, singing and fun!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 5

Destination 4-H: Mystery Trip

WHO: Grades 8+

WHEN: July 8-11

WHERE: It’s a mystery surprise trip somewhere in the state of Minnesota.

COST: $150

WHAT: Are you interested in sampling Minnesota in a fun, relaxed, and memorable way? Skip the planning and join 4-H for a mystery trip to a fun (and secret!) destination! Youth will be given a few clues ahead of time, such as what to bring, but will not know the exact destination until the morning of the trip; parents and guardians will also be given all the information at departure time. 4-H'ers will head out by van with 4-H chaperones for an exciting adventure for a couple days of connecting with other 4-H'ers, exploring local attractions and must-see destinations, discovering new things about yourselves!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 15

New 4-H Family County Fair Orientation

WHO: New 4-H Families

WHEN: Monday, July 14, 6:30pm

WHERE: 4-H Building, Wright County Fairgrounds, Howard Lake

WHAT: Join us for this event to help new families learn everything you need to know for exhibiting at the Wright County Fair. Take a tour of the fairgrounds and get your questions answered too!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 12

Wright County Fair

WHEN: July 23-27

Project Drop-Off Day: July 19

General Exhibit Judging Day: July 22

County Fair provides many opportunities for youth to get learn and grow. Exhibiting 4-H projects at the fair is a wonderful way for youth to showcase the things they’ve been working on throughout the year and receive feedback and recognition for their work. Visit with 4-H staff or your Club Leader to learn more about 4-H opportunities at the fair. Letters will be mailed out to all 4-H’ers with registration instructions and information about all you can be a part of will be posted on our website at http://z.umn.edu/wrightcountyfair when it becomes available.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 13

Outdoor Adventures: Kayaking Wright

WHO: Grades 5+

WHEN: Wednesday, July 30, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

WHERE: Bertram Chain of Lakes, 9842 Briarwood Ave NE, Monticello

COST: $20 (includes kayak rental and life vest)

WHAT: Wright County 4-H is partnering with Wright County Parks and Recreation to hold a kayaking day trip this summer. We will be kayaking for most of the day, so be prepared with water, sunscreen, appropriate clothes, water shoes and a lunch. There will not be refrigeration space for lunch. Be sure to bring something that can easily be brought along on the kayaking trip.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 18

Junior Chef Campfire Cuisine

WHO: Grades 4-8

WHERE: Bertram Chain of Lakes, Monticello

WHEN: Thursday, July 31, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

COST: $15

WHAT: Join us for a fun-filled outdoor cooking adventure where youth will learn to cook delicious meals using cast iron! They’ll develop skills in charcoal grill safety, cast iron care, and experiment with the Dutch oven cooking method. Please note this day camp will include these potential allergens: dairy, wheat, and egg. If this or any other dietary restrictions are of concern for your family, please contact staff in advance of registering. Food prepared will be sample size so youth are still asked to bring a lunch and water bottle. Are you a member of the shooting sports program?  This event will count toward wildlife hours!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 17

**Please note this day camp will include these potential allergens: dairy, wheat, and egg. If this or any other dietary restrictions are of concern for your family, please contact staff in advance of registering. Food prepared will be sample sized, so youth are asked to bring a lunch and water.

* This event is also being offered on June 18 in Litchfield (Meeker County) and is open to Wright County 4-H’ers as well. 

4-H at Night!

WHO: Grades 7-8

WHEN: Friday, August 1, 7:00-10:00 pm

WHERE: Bertram Chain of Lakes Park, Monticello

COST: $10

WHAT: The 4-H Ambassadors have lots of games, challenges, and activities planned for the night. The evening will conclude with a campfire. Snacks and 4-H swag is included in the price! Invite all your 4-H friends for an event you are sure to remember.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 29

Performing in the Park

WHO: Grades 3+

WHEN: August 4-6, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

WHERE: Bertram Chain of Lakes Park, 9910 Briarwood Ave NE, Monticello

COST: $55.00 (includes a t-shirt!)

WHAT: Join a three-day deep dive into performing arts, theatre, and costuming. Learn from professional artists from the Ordway Theater in workshops throughout the camp. Youth will have the opportunity to take on the role of costume design, youth director, or as a performer. At the end of the three days, youth will perform for an audience at the park. All family and friends of performers are welcome to attend!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 18