4-H YELLO conference

YELLO includes educational workshops, group networking experiences, inspiring messages from nationally-recognized speakers, field trips and opportunities to contribute to the local community through service projects.

Youth participants will also engage in team-building exercises and opportunities to build life-long skills and get to know other youth from across the state. Leadership lessons will be led by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors throughout the event. Youth will look at leadership through personal, group and societal levels. 

This year will include learning about our personal values, communication and group decision-making.

2026 YELLO event information coming soon!

To register

Youth in grades 7 through one year post-high school are welcome to attend. 

Registration is now open! The early bird registration fee is $300. Starting April 1, the price for YELLO registration will go up to $350, so register today!

If this will be your first 4-H experience, we’d love to have you! Email our team at [email protected]  so we can help you with registration.

Registration details

1. Register in 4-H Online.
   • New to Minnesota 4-H? Participants must first be enrolled (no participation commitment is required beyond YELLO).
     • Learn more about joining 4-H.
     • Note: New youth enrollments must be approved by Extension staff before the member can register for an event, which may take a day or two.
   • Once logged into 4-H Online, complete the following steps to register:
     • Click on the "Member List."
     • Click on "View" for the member you'd like to register, then click on "Register for a new event."
     • Locate and click on the YELLO event. You will then need to complete the registration questions provided.
     • You will also need to select your payment method and click "Finish" to submit your registration.
     • You will receive an email confirmation that your registration has been submitted.
   • For assistance, refer to the event registration guide or contact [email protected].

Cost

• $300 - Early bird registration from Feb. 1 to March 31.

• $350 - Registration from April 1 to May 1.

There will also be an option for a $25 or $50 bus ticket to and from YELLO.

How can I pay?

After you have completed the registration questions in 4-H Online, you will be given two payment options:

• Electronic payment (credit card)
• Pay by check
  • Make a check payable to "University of Minnesota" and submit to:
    YELLO
    U of M Extension 4-H
    1420 Eckles Ave, 475 Coffey Hall
    St. Paul, MN 55108

Financial assistance

Several counties have financial assistance available for local youth to access. Please contact your local 4-H staff directly for more information. 

Some financial support is available from the state 4-H office. Contact Meg Clark at [email protected] to learn more.

Refund/cancellation policy

All cancellations received three weeks before the event will be eligible for a full refund. 

After the three-week mark, $50 of each registration fee will be retained to cover costs that are not recoverable. Note: Cancellations include individuals who do not attend the day of the event due to illness or other issues. 

All cancellations must be emailed to [email protected].

The state 4-H office is offering transportation from various stops around the state. YELLO participants can sign up for a bus ticket and identify preferred stops during registration. Bus tickets are $25 or $50 round trip depending on the bus stop selected. 

Bus route map 

Your local 4-H program may provide alternative transportation; please ask them directly. Participants can also provide their own transportation if preferred.

Youth leaders

The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors work together to plan and facilitate this event. They are youth in grades 11-13 who have been selected to serve a one-year term in planning this and similar events for other youth across the state. 

The 4-H State Ambassadors teach most of the sessions and will lead small groups of youth participants through activities and discussions during the event.

4-H staff

Several Minnesota 4-H staff members will be onsite to assume overall responsibility for the event. The names and contact information of the 4-H staff will be shared with event attendees prior to the event.

Adult volunteer chaperones

Minnesota 4-H volunteers who are at least 21 years of age are needed to chaperone this event. 

Interested adult volunteers should review the YELLO volunteer chaperone role description and apply by completing the online application. They will be contacted if they are selected to attend.

Adult volunteer chaperones work to support the program activities and provide a safe environment for attendees. In addition to supporting the youth attendees, chaperones accomplish a variety of tasks at the event, including, but not limited, to taking photos, helping with meal service and distributing supplies.

If you have further chaperone questions, email [email protected].

Where does YELLO take place?

The 2026 YELLO will take place at University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Youth may also be bussed to different locations for service projects and some educational sessions.

Where do participants stay?

Youth and chaperones will be staying in a residential hall at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. 

Participants will be roomed with youth of similar gender and age and placed close to others from similar geographic areas when possible. Youth may indicate a roommate preference when registering. 

A set of sheets, a blanket and a towel will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.