“Minnesota 4-H is still here.”

Those are the words of Dr. Jennifer Skuza, associate dean of the University of Minnesota Center for Youth Development and Director of the Minnesota 4-H Youth Development program.

Because of COVID-19, the staff had been working at home since March 13.

“I've been so proud of all of our staff and how they've been able to move forward,” Skuza said.

It’s an important task. 4-H is the largest youth-serving organization in the state with more than 65,000 young people involved. Additionally, over 11,000 adult volunteers and youth leaders help staff carry out activities.

In the pandemic, those volunteers were trained on how to utilize technology to maintain connections for meetings or online programming. It requires creative thinking, but so far, fresh ideas have been successful.

Skuza gave the example of a photography scavenger hunt. The competition encouraged youth to step outside and away from screens to take pictures of people, places, and things. More than 600 members participated from across the state.

“It got kids outside,” Skuza said. “It got kids moving. It got them involved in learning photography skills and kept them away from being on a screen.”

Although online platforms are not welcome as a replacement for when in-person activities can continue, Skuza noted how virtual access can enhance Minnesota 4-H by expanding boundaries and connecting kids from all regions.

“This is going to change our programming for the future where we can continue to open up access,” she said.

Skuza recognized not all families have access to internet cell coverage, so staff also developed kits for subjects like agronomy or robotics that can be picked up by families and completed at home. They also worked with the school meal delivery system to bring the kits to families with limited transportation abilities.

One of the largest projects Minnesota 4-H is working on is developing ways to showcase youth projects in light of fairs, including the Minnesota State Fair, being postponed until 2021.

“They were keeping safety and health their utmost priorities,” Skuza said. “We’ve been in touch with a number of the county fair boards, the agricultural societies, as well as the State Fair Board on finding ways in which we can develop alternative methods to make sure 4-Hers have a good, safe place to showcase their learning.”

The organizations are looking into both in-person and virtual options that would allow for feedback. Skuza said they have been testing virtual platforms with youth and volunteers to create an ideal experience. In-person events for livestock will be dependent on public health guidelines.

“We have direction coming from the governor as well as aligning this very carefully with our University of Minnesota policies,” Skuza said. “Safety will be our first priority followed by making sure we have a high quality, educational event.”

Those who wish to help can either donate to Minnesota 4-H youth development or volunteer to be a judge, evaluator, or organizer for a showcase event. Individuals can contact their local extension educators to see what services are in need. 

&ldquo;Minnesota 4-H is still here.&rdquo;
Those are the words of Dr. Jennifer Skuza, associate dean of the University of Minnesota Center for Youth Development and Director of the Minnesota 4-H Youth Development program.
Because of COVID-19, the staff had been working at home since March 13.
&ldquo;I've been so proud of all of our staff and how they've been able to move forward,&rdquo; Skuza said.
It&rsquo;s an important task. 4-H is the largest youth-serving organization in the state with more than 65,000 young people involved. Additionally, over 11,000 adult volunteers and youth leaders help staff carry out activities.
In the pandemic, those volunteers were trained on how to utilize technology to maintain connections for meetings or online programming. It requires creative thinking, but so far, <a href="https://extension.umn.edu/4-h/4-h-home">fresh ideas</a> have been successful.
Skuza gave the example of a photography scavenger hunt. The competition encouraged youth to step outside and away from screens to take pictures of people, places, and things. More than 600 members participated from across the state.
&ldquo;It got kids outside,&rdquo; Skuza said. &ldquo;It got kids moving. It got them involved in learning photography skills and kept them away from being on a screen.&rdquo;
Although online platforms are not welcome as a replacement for when in-person activities can continue, Skuza noted how virtual access can enhance Minnesota 4-H by expanding boundaries and connecting kids from all regions.
&ldquo;This is going to change our programming for the future where we can continue to open up access,&rdquo; she said.
Skuza recognized not all families have access to internet cell coverage, so staff also developed kits for subjects like agronomy or robotics that can be picked up by families and completed at home. They also worked with the school meal delivery system to bring the kits to families with limited transportation abilities.
One of the largest projects Minnesota 4-H is working on is developing ways to showcase youth projects in light of fairs, including the Minnesota State Fair, being postponed until 2021.
&ldquo;They were keeping safety and health their utmost priorities,&rdquo; Skuza said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been in touch with a number of the county fair boards, the agricultural societies, as well as the State Fair Board on finding ways in which we can develop alternative methods to make sure 4-Hers have a good, safe place to showcase their learning.&rdquo;
The organizations are looking into both in-person and virtual options that would allow for feedback. Skuza said they have been testing virtual platforms with youth and volunteers to create an ideal experience. In-person events for livestock will be dependent on public health guidelines.
&ldquo;We have direction coming from the governor as well as aligning this very carefully with our University of Minnesota policies,&rdquo; Skuza said. &ldquo;Safety will be our first priority followed by making sure we have a high quality, educational event.&rdquo;
Those who wish to help can either donate to Minnesota 4-H youth development or <a href="https://extension.umn.edu/4-h/volunteering-4-h">volunteer</a> to be a judge, evaluator, or organizer for a showcase event. Individuals can contact their local extension educators to see what services are in need.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

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