Extension in Houston County

Mission of 4-H Youth Development 

The mission of the 4-H Youth Development program is to engage youth, in partnership with adults, in quality learning opportunities that enable them to shape and reach their full potential as active citizens in a global community.

The 4 H’s

• The Head is to signify clearer thinking.
• The Heart is to signify greater loyalty.
• The Hands are to signify larger service.
• The Health is to signify better living.

4-H Pledge

“I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my family, my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

4-H  Motto

“To make the best better.”

4-H helps youth develop leadership skills, build self confidence, develop public speaking skills, and other healthy life skills all while having fun and meeting new friends!

You Name it, You can do it! And better yet, you can get a lot of help from adult volunteers and youth leaders. There are mentors who can teach you and help you learn. You can join a 4-H club through 12th grade where you can do all kinds of fun, learning activities.

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member
• How to become a Volunteer
• Volunteering with 4-H

4-H Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth. 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 agronomy to space exploration and creative arts to outdoor adventures, 4-H has just the right learning experience for young people.

There are many ways to participate in 4-H!

Club Activities-Please contact the Extension Office for more information

Houston County Events

SE Minnesota Regional Opportunities 

Minnesota State Opportunities

National Opportunities

The Weekly Update goes out to all registered 4-H members via email on Tuesday's. To receive this newsletter via email - please register for Houston County 4-H through 4HOnline. 

Weekly Newsletter

Important Houston County Fair Updates!

The Houston County Fair is scheduled for August 18-22, 2021 at the Houston County Fairgrounds.

4-H County Fair Packet

Houston County Fair Website

Minnesota State Fair Information

Houston County Clubs(K-13th Grade):

Club and Project Leader Information 

Federation Meeting Information

Family Handbook 

Record Book Information (More coming soon)

Friends of 4H Boosters Application 

Other Resources and Awards

Rebecca Paulson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Houston County

Email: rpaulson@umn.edu 
Phone: 507-725-5807 or 507-218-2946

Jennifer Burrichter,  Administrative Support Staff, Houston County Extension
Email: burrichj@umn.edu
Phone: 507-725-5807

Like our  Houston County 4H   or Houston County Extension pages on Facebook to stay up to date!

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Houston County, and local programming coordinated by the Houston County 4-H Council. 

Give today

Jennifer Burrichter,  Administrative Support Staff, Houston County Extension
Email: burrichj@umn.edu
Phone: 507-725-5807

Like our  Houston County Extension page on Facebook to stay up to date! 

Field Guide Podcast 

For more information about Houston County Master Gardeners . 

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Houston County. These programs are open to families and individuals of all ages who are eligible for benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or who meet Extension’s program income guidelines.

Programs are offered in community settings such as food shelves, schools, community centers and public housing sites. The programs are free to all individuals and families who meet income guidelines, and may be offered in multiple languages, depending on the audience needs and availability of educators.

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.

Annette Shepardson, SNAP-ED Educator

Email:  shepa063@umnedu
Phone: 507-457-6440

Extension's Center for Community Vitality engages Minnesotans to strengthen the social, civic, economic and technological capacity of their communities. We help create vibrant communities and enhance skills and knowledge in economics, leadership and civic engagement, and tourism.

Check our community research page for reports on county and community-focused topics relating to local economics, retaining businesses, growing retail markets, developing tourism, and more.

Local programs can be offered in collaboration with local community organizations and government agencies. Current programs include Minnesota Agricultural and Rural Leadership (MARL).

Contact an educator in your area for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.

Minnesota is a great place to explore, understand and conserve the natural landscape. Extension education, volunteer and community science programs encourage people to become stewards of Minnesota’s public and private lands.

Volunteer. Natural resources volunteers track invasive species, detect forest pests and count native bees, among many other activities. You also can study to become a Minnesota Master Naturalist.

Extension's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) connect Greater Minnesota communities and University of Minnesota knowledge and resources to support local sustainability projects.

Working in partnership, RSDP supports community-driven projects in four focus areas: agriculture and food systems, clean energy, natural resources, and resilient communities. Projects are supported by boards made up of local community members and University faculty and staff.

Learn more about RSDP’s recent work in your county and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.

University of Minnesota Extension 

Houston County 

611 Vista Drive Suite #2

Caledonia, MN 55921

Extension brings Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training. Learn more about Extension by visiting our about page and by browsing this website. 

Like our Houston County 4H   or Houston County Extension pages on Facebook to stay up to date!