Hi,
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
I’m Jordan, a first-year Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador from Blue Earth County.
Youth explore leadership and service at YELLO
One thing that I am excited for this year is Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO).
I am on the service committee, which means I get to help plan the service activities at YELLO. I am really excited for these activities because we have fun things planned related to healthcare, which is a field I am really interested in.
I am also excited to see youth explore all of the amazing opportunities for leadership and education at YELLO.
Youth in grades 7 and up, come join us this year at YELLO! Registration for YELLO closes May 1.
Summer means 4-H camp
Another thing that I am looking forward to is 4-H Camp at Camp Patterson. I will be a third-year camp counselor, and I am on the project sessions team for the second time this year.
Being on the project sessions team means that I get to design an activity that every camper will participate in. This activity teaches youth how to do something new related to crafts, wilderness, science, cooking and more.
Last year, I taught the kids how to make friendship bracelets out of loom bands. Some kids already knew how to make one, but many learned how to for the first time and loved it. Other project sessions taught campers how to canoe and how to make butter.
I am excited to be a camp counselor this year, especially after being a State Ambassador. Being a State Ambassador leader at Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) taught me how to better engage with small groups and how to adjust when things don’t go as planned. There was a snowstorm at the BLU event in Marshall, so we had to learn how to adapt our plans quickly.
Another exciting part of camp is the songs and skits. Before every meal and around the campfire, campers sing fun songs and the counselors act out funny skits. My favorite skit is "The Boy and Girl in a Little Canoe."
Youth in grades 3-6 can sign up for Camp Patterson and other overnight 4-H camps.
Take advantage of 4-H's opportunities
As the 2025-2026 Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador year begins to come to a close, I can reflect on this past year and say that I am so happy with my decision to apply to be a State Ambassador. I wasn’t sure if this opportunity was right for me because I hadn’t been in 4-H for very long, but the State Ambassador team was very welcoming to everyone and made sure everyone felt included.
Since I was newer to 4-H, being a State Ambassador helped me learn more about 4-H and the history behind the program. I’ve also had the opportunity to help plan BLU and YELLO, which is unlike anything I’ve done before.
Being a State Ambassador has definitely helped me learn more about leading events and working with younger kids, and it has helped me gain better communication skills. I also loved meeting everyone on the team and all of the wonderful staff who lead the State Ambassador program. I have made so many friends, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to apply.
If I had to give advice to someone younger in 4-H, I would tell them to make sure they’re taking advantage of every opportunity. Outside of becoming a State Ambassador, going to YELLO or becoming a camp counselor, there are many opportunities that youth in 4-H can try that will teach them important skills. Check with your county 4-H program for more information on these opportunities.
If you’re thinking about applying for anything, just try for it. You never know what might happen.
Happy Summer!
Jordan B., Blue Earth County
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador