Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU)

Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) is an engaging leadership workshop and retreat designed for youth in grades 6-10. 

Planned and led by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors, BLU brings together hands-on activities, team-building challenges and meaningful conversations that help young people discover their strengths and step into leadership.

Participants engage in interactive learning, make new friends from across the region and leave feeling inspired and ready to incorporate their skills into their clubs, schools, and communities. 

Youth in grades 11+ are invited to attend BLU as Youth Program Facilitators (YPF). YPF applications will be posted by Oct. 1. 

2027 dates and locations (anticipated)

Locations will be finalized by the time registration opens in November. 

Overnight events

Overnight events begin and end at 10 a.m. 

• Feb. 6-7 at Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji
• Feb. 6-7 at Camp Victory, Zumbro Falls
• Feb. 13-14 at Camp Courage, Maple Lake
• Feb. 20-21 at Long Lake Conservation Center, Palisade

Single-day event

The single-day event begins at 10 a.m. and will conclude by 6 p.m.

• Feb. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall (single-day version)

Registration

Participant registration information will be posted by Nov. 1.