Pope County 4-H

09/14/2026

4-H Youth, Families, and Supporters are invited to join us as we reflect on our 2026 Showcase Experience at the Pope County Fair! From the ring to judging to the 4-H building to cleanup, and every moment in-between, we cherish our time with each other and with the community. It may be almost 365 days away, but our next Showcase at the Pope County Fair is already in the works!

This is a quick reminder that all are welcome to join our joint PDC (Project Development Committee) on September 27th from 5:30-7:30 to reflect, share with each other, and learn together. We will meet in the Community Room of the Pope County Courthouse for this combined meeting of our Animal Science PDC, Auction PDC, Horse PDC, and Food Stand PDC.

09/13/2026

We keep sharing because we are so excited to celebrate how engaged our 4-H program has been this year!

The Capstone Portfolio is our updated Records that benefits ALL 4-H youth, regardless of age and project are. This will help you build skills you'll use professionally, whether applying for jobs, college, or living a healthy life. You WILL be a step ahead because of this program. Check out the template at z.umn.edu/pope4hcapstone

All awards nominations and applications are due September 21st. This includes a special award for our Community Clubs, the Outstanding Club of the Year! This application is updated to involve youth voice, be easier for clubs to complete, and highlights their engagement, community involvement, and supportive environment throughout the 4-H year. Every club should apply- regardless of your club goals, community service project, size, meeting schedule, or projects of interest- every 4-H Community Club could potentially be the Outstanding Club of the Year. Club of the Year's application, and rubric, as well as all other awards, can be found at z.umn.edu/Pope4HAwardInfo

09/13/2026

The deadline is coming up quick!

The Friend of 4-H Award is an opportunity for Pope County 4-H to recognize a business or organization that has supported, helped, been a positive partner with Pope County 4-H. Nominations for the Friend of 4-H recipient close TOMORROW before Council at 6PM, submit nominations at https://z.umn.edu/popefriendof4h

The 4-H Impact Award is an opportunity for Pope County 4-H to recognize an individual who made a significant, positive impact on Pope County 4-H this year. Nominations for the 4-H Impact Award recipient close TOMORROW before Council at 6PM, submit nominations at https://z.umn.edu/4himpactaward

The 4-H Impact Award sponsored by the Pope County 4-H Leaders Council presented to an individual who has had a significant impact on 4-H this year. Whether through service, leadership, or volunteering, this award recognizes the amount of effort they put into the 4-H Program as a whole. This award is...

09/12/2026

The Minnesota State Fair isn't the only state showcase for 4-H youth to showcase their learning, there are others! This weekend is the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Invitational- right in Alexandria!

Pope County 4-H have wildlife, cooking, shooting sports and other outdoor education opportunities all weekend long. Check out their wildlife display.

Good luck Pope County 4-H participants!

09/12/2026

The Premium Livestock Auction takes place every Saturday morning near the end of the Pope County Fair. This is an opportunity for the 4-H program to connect with supporters from all over and for our youth in animal science projects to finalize their showcase experience. They work hard, and the recognition they earn in the auction as well as the funds they receive support their project learning.

This is a huge THANK YOU to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who bid, donate, and who celebrate agriculture alongside our 4-H youth. Our auction and 4-H program are impactful because of your support.

09/12/2026

This upcoming Sunday we start planning for a new year in 4-H with our Council Meeting. We meet from 6-8 in the Community Room of the Courthouse on September 13th to Elect our 4-H officers, draft our budget for the year, and ensure the entire program is set up for success in the new 4-H year.

What is council, exactly? This is the leadership of Pope County 4-H! No set group, all 4-H members are welcome and ENCOURAGED to come as voting members; their votes are just as valuable whether a 4th grader in a community club to a 10th grader in a project club. We want youth to show up as leaders and show that 4-H is a youth-led organization, supported by caring adults.

Because that is Positive Youth Development

09/11/2026

Pope County 4-H is taking a field trip! Any and all youth are invited to join 4-H for a fun trip to Blacklight Adventures. Featuring fun group games like escape rooms, mini golf and more you won’t want to miss out! Fall is crazy, take a few hours to unwind and build connections with 4-H.

Space is limited; check out details and register soon at z.umn.edu/pope4hfieldtrip

09/10/2026

We love learning about our animal science projects in 4-H! This exciting workshop will offer an introduction to a few farmyard animals, and we hope to see you there

🐄🐖🐓 All About Farm Animals 🐑🐐🌽
Pope County 4-H

Join us for a fun-filled fall program in partnership with Pope County 4-H! Participants will learn all about life on the farm through hands-on activities, barnyard-themed crafts, games, and a tasty farm-inspired snack. It’s a great way to explore agriculture while having a blast with friends!

📅 Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:15 – 4:45 PM
📍 Location: Minnewaska Area High School
👦👧 Grades: 4th Grade and up
💲 Cost: $15

Don’t miss this exciting annual fall favorite—spots are limited, so be sure to register early! 🌾🐾

09/09/2026

What does a 4-H Secretary do?

You're organized, informed, and on top of things. You’re the official record keeper—capturing every motion, who made it, who seconded it, and whether it passed or failed. Your notes become the story of progress, and you bring them back at the next meeting for review and approval.
But your role goes beyond minutes. You also play a key part in shaping the future—helping track goals and programs so nothing gets overlooked.

Leaders Council is this upcoming Sunday form 6-8 in the Courthouse Community Room. For the secretary and other officer roles, see details and pre-apply (you can apply whether you are able to attend this Sunday or not) at https://z.umn.edu/pope4hofficerapp

09/09/2026

The 4-H fall catalog is out! Fall is a busy and chaotic time, but there is still plenty of opportunities to explore with Pope County 4-H. From Afterschool with Minnewaska and BBE to Outdoor Education programs, there is an opportunity for everyone! Take a break from everything in yuour busy schedule and take a moment to do some project learning- you won't regret it. Check out the Fall Catalog at https://z.umn.edu/Pope4HCatalog