This one-year adventure-based program is designed to provide youth in grades 6 and up with intensive hands-on exploration in an outdoor-related area of interest.
What you'll do
Deepen your knowledge about the outdoors.
Explore career opportunities in the outdoor industry.
Learn outdoor leadership and wilderness skills.
Be able to plan and lead conservation efforts at a local level.
Youth will meet through webinars, retreats and a five-day summer trip to learn about your chosen field of interest and other outdoor adventures.
Youth will also learn skills to implement a service-learning conservation project in your local area. You will have the option to showcase your project at the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational.
For participants
The deadline to apply is Oct. 10, 2025.
The application is in 4-H Online.
For assistance with applying in 4-H Online, please refer to the event registration guide. If you are new to 4‑H, please select the "In Person Camp/Event" club for your county. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact your local 4-H Extension educator.
The cost for the program is $400, which includes two retreats and a five-day canoe trip experience. Note: Arrangements can be made to pay in installments.
You must be able to commit to these 2025-2026 scheduled events to maximize your experience in the program:
- Oct. 21, 8-9 p.m. - Webinar
- Nov. 22-23 - Retreat at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel
- Jan. 20, 8-9 p.m. - Webinar
- Feb. 7-8 - Retreat at Koinonia Retreat Center in Paynesville
- March 10, 8-9 p.m. - Webinar
- April 7, 8-9 p.m. - Webinar
- May 12, 8-9 p.m. - Webinar
- June 22-25 - Summer Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) canoe trip experience
2025 4-H OWLS offerings
Water quality
Explore the critical role water plays in our ecosystems and daily lives. From understanding the water cycle to learning about water conservation and pollution prevention, this session is designed to inspire a sense of responsibility toward our most precious resource.
Ecoregions of Minnesota
Explore the four ecological regions of Minnesota and learn more about the plants, animals, climate and unique features found across our state. Youth will have a deeper understanding of how ecoregions impact biodiversity and the importance of protecting these natural areas.
Fishing
Learn the basics of fishing, from knot tying and casting techniques to understanding local fish species and sustainable practices. Youth will be guided through the essentials of responsible fishing, emphasizing the importance of conservation and respect for nature.
Contact
Nicole Pokorney, 4-H youth development educator, [email protected]