Ottertail Lakers 4-H has several events planned this week

October 7-12, is National 4-H Week. Otter Tail County is proud to celebrate the 4-H youth who significantly impact the community while stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world.

The 4-H youth development program provides hands-on experiences that empower youth to “learn by doing,” encouraging them to experiment, innovate, and think independently. 4-H programs are offered in various settings, including school-based programs, after-school activities, summer camps, and community clubs. In these groups, members meet regularly to work on projects, engage in community service and develop essential leadership skills. This unique process equips youth with vital life skills, including problem-solving, decision-making, coping, and effective communication.

“Today’s 4-H projects encompass traditional areas like agriculture and animal science while embracing innovative technology initiatives. Youth are exploring cutting-edge projects such as aquatic robotics, digital photography, and environmental stewardship—like maintaining local hiking trails and testing water quality in area streams for contaminants,” said Rachel Wahlstrom, Extension Educators for 4-H Youth Development in Otter Tail County.

According to recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, young people involved in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than their peers who do not participate. The research emphasizes that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentorship provided in 4-H are crucial in empowering youth to contribute positively to society. 

In Otter Tail County, over 600 4-H members and 85 volunteers actively participate in this transformative program.

To learn more about 4-H in Otter Tail County and discover how to can get involved, visit www.ottertailcounty.gov/department/u-of-mn-extension/ or contact Jessica Mohagen or Rachel Wahlstrom, Extension Educators for 4-H Youth Development, at (218) 998-8760 or via email at mohag150@umn.edu / joh12246@umn.edu.

Ottertail Lakers 4-H Club

The Ottertail  Lakers 4-H Club has a display at the Henning School Library for the month of October showcasing non-livestock projects that 4-H Club members have created and exhibited at the East Otter Tail County Fair along with some of them at the state fair. 

Minnesota State 4H ambassadors are promoting 4H week with special days throughout the week. The days include: 

• Member Monday- Make sure to enroll in 4-H for the year, try and convince others to join, help people with their enrollment.

• Time Machine Tuesday- find some favorite 4-H memories, look through the records and club records.

• Wear It Wednesday- wear 4-H pride on your sleeve, find your favorite 4-H T-shirts and apparel.

• Thankful Thursday- thank 4-H Club members for being there with you, thank your club leaders for all the planning they do, and thank an extension educator for the work they have done.

• Fair Friday- look at last year’s fair, think on what you want to do better for next year, what worked? What didn’t? How can volunteers make the fair promote 4-H for new members 

• Service Saturday- complete an act of service, work on plans for club service projects and look into yearly service projects.