Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
Hello!
My name is Sydney, and this is my first year as part of the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador team. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with this amazing group of people throughout the year.
The state ambassador team met in person for our fall retreat during the first weekend in November. This was our first time seeing everyone since the state fair.
We spent the weekend reconnecting as a team, listening to guest speakers, learning about how our leadership strengths work together and, of course, planning BLU.
Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU)
BLU is for youth in grades 6 and up. This year's theme is “The Art of Leadership.”
Whether you’re looking forward to meeting new people from across the state, have a passion for leadership, want to explore new interests or just want to have fun, BLU has something for everyone.
The state ambassador team has been working hard to create an unforgettable experience, and we can’t wait to see you there. Get ready to connect, learn and make new friends!
Mark your calendars to attend one of these experiences
You can attend BLU at any of the four locations throughout the state.
Feb. 1-2 at the Camp Friendship in Annandale
Feb. 8-9 at Redwood Area Community Center in Redwood Falls
Feb. 15-16 at Camp Victory in Zumbro Falls
Feb. 22-23 at Deep Portage in Hackensack
Statewide service project
The 2024-2025 statewide service project theme is “Mental Health and Wellbeing” because mental health affects everyone.
Mental health can look different for many, and definitions vary. The service team defines it as “how you feel emotionally, psychologically and socially on a daily basis and through seasons of life.” I encourage you to educate yourself on this topic and to think of ways to make a difference as an individual, in a team, in your club or community or at school.
For the month of December, we are addressing mental health and wellbeing through the topic of loneliness. Everyone has felt like they had no one to turn to and confide in at some point in their lives. Our goal is to raise awareness about the effects of loneliness on mental health and work towards making our world more connected.
This month, we encourage youth to connect with older adults in their communities by sending cards to local nursing homes. Below, we have provided a phone/email script to help youth reach out to their local nursing homes.
Hello! My name is [name here], and I am a part of [4-H, your club, etc.]. I/My club and I want to create handmade cards for the people at [nursing home name].
Please share your acts of service with us by emailing [email protected].
Year-end reflections and looking ahead
As the year comes to a close, I look forward to drinking hot cocoa and hot apple cider by the fire, surrounded by family and friends. Growing up, I used to love winter: sledding, building snowmen and playing outside with neighbors were my highlights of winter break. As I got older, I started to dislike winter. Purple fingers, icy roads and freezing cold weather just didn't have the same appeal.
Earlier this year, I met a kid from California at school. He has never experienced snow or gotten to build a snowman. It reminded me how much of a privilege it is to get to have these winter experiences.
Although it’s not my favorite season, there is so much beauty in a Minnesota winter - snowflakes falling on your tongue, sipping hot cocoa by the fire, watching movies, the beauty of icicles and, of course, snow days. I plan to make the most of this winter and go into the new year feeling grateful for the small things in my life that are sometimes overlooked.
As you start making goals for the new year, take a few moments to reflect on your accomplishments. No matter how big or small you think they might be, be proud and celebrate them. Reflect on the moments that have challenged or changed you. And thank the people who have helped you along the way.
Here’s to making 2025 unforgettable. Happy Holidays!
Sydney O., Anoka County
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador