Partnering to teach brain science in 4-H
4-H’ers Faustina H. and Karly M. paired up to test nerve sensitivity using chopsticks at 4-H BrainWave Camp, held at LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau. They and other BrainWave campers explored the wonders of the brain through hands-on activities, experiments and career chats. University of Minnesota’s Masonic Institute of the Developing Brain provided an inspiring curriculum.
“They witnessed how different parts of the body react to touch,” said Sandi Weiland, 4-H youth development educator. “They learned how the nervous system prioritizes sensitivity in different areas of the body, and how this can change if we have overpowering pain or if we have brain damage like a stroke.”
“We loved seeing these 4-H’ers get excited about neuroscience and all the possibilities ahead,” said a post on LifeCare Medical Center’s Facebook feed. “It was a week full of learning and exploring what it’s like to work in healthcare.”
Highlights
- Roseau County used local climate projections from the Climate Adaptation Partnership for its Hazard Mitigation Plan, a requirement for federal hazard mitigation grant funding programs and a powerful frontline tool for climate resilience.
- RSDP impact: The city of Badger is turning big ideas — like clean energy, housing and downtown revitalization — into real progress through the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities program.
- Hallee M., a Roseau County 4-H’er, wrapped up her second year as a Minnesota State 4-H Ambassador, serving on the state ambassador leadership team (SALT). Bella J., a Roseau County 4-H’er, was also a 2024-2025 Minnesota State 4-H Ambassador.
- Youth in Grades 4-8 can join the new 4-H Thrive Squad to gain leadership skills and mentor younger youth in 4-H Cloverbud afterschool programming. No prior 4-H experience is needed and youth receive valuable training.
- U of M Farm Family of the Year: The Wilmer Honey Farm now produces honey and provides pollination services across northwestern Minnesota, partnering with area farmers to pollinate canola, sunflowers and sweet clover. A portion of raw honey sales is donated to needs within the community.
- SuperShelf: Roseau Area Food Shelf
Roseau County office
Extension has 14 regional offices supporting all 87 counties in Minnesota.
Roseau County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. More about Extension in our county.
About the Minnesota 87 project
Spend time in any Minnesota county, and you will almost certainly encounter University of Minnesota Extension. Our faculty and staff, volunteers, participants, alumni and partners are woven into the fabric of rural, urban and suburban Minnesota life. This project showcases Extension in action through photos, stories and a sampling of the many ways Extension has touched the lives of people in every county.