Welcome to the New 4-H Year!

Renew to volunteer, invite past members to re-enroll and encourage potential new member to join a club!

Please Consider Joining a 4-H Committee this 4-H Year!

Check out committee descriptions and commitments on page 5!

Service Learning Hours

Apple gleaning is a great way to earn school service learning hours. Would your club like to gather apples, reducing bear attractants this fall, and make jelly to sell as a club fundraiser? The Extension office has a community apple press available to be checked out by 4-H clubs!

On the Horizon

October 1-December 1

  • Re-enrollment ongoing-ZSuite and Extension Office

October 1-31

  • Treasurer's Books Due, Extension Office

October 3

  • Prairie Stars Club Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Greenfield School

October 5

  • Community Cider Press at American Legion Fall Festival, Choteau

October 7-12

  • National 4-H Week, “Beyond Ready”

October 8

  • Shooting Sports Registration Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Rocky Mountain Rifle Club

October 20

  • MIWW District 3 Contest, Fort Benton

November 4

  • 4-H Council Meeting, Hosted by Rocky Mountain Top Shots

November 16

  • Golden Triangle 4-H Volunteer Summit, Shelby MT 9 am - 2 pm

 

Agent's Corner:  The Art of Being Ready

by Jenn Swanson

Randy and I talk about horses a lot....like every night at dinner.In fact, if there is a disorder where all human experiences somehow relate to a horse, cow, or dog story, we may have it.A story I’ve heard often from Randy involves a quote from one of the best horsemen of our time, who often wondered aloud why people expect things from their horse that they haven’t prepared their horse to do.“Getting them to learn something new is plumb easy if you’ve gotten them ready.”

The theme of National 4-H Week this year is Beyond Ready.This surely means different things to different people.To me, it means placing a high value on preparation.Preparation is the learning we do now, in the moment, that opens up possibilities we haven’t even imagined yet.Why not practice leadership skills now, instead of waiting for your dream leadership opportunity and realizing you’re not prepared?

Our world is busy and prioritizing is a challenge for all of us.But if your kids have big dreams for the future, a leadership role in 4-H is a meaningful opportunity in the now.Don’t worry if you don’t feel prepared - 4-H is the preparation, in the form of learning by doing with others.4-H leadership is great preparation for the challenges of adulthood and for building a strong community.

If your child would like to be a club officer, please encourage the grown-up skill of seeking advice and knowledge.Teton County has a strong culture of 4-H - there are current and former club leaders with a wealth of experience they are happy to share.Or, contact one of us at the office and we’ll embark on a learning process together.We are not 4-H experts, but we have4-H resources and lots of life experiences to share.And we love opportunities to know our youth better.So take the plunge, run for office, and give someone a call!You won’t regret it.

Looking Back to Look Forward:  4-H Year 2025

by Shelby Jones-Dozier

The leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping, and winter is just around the corner. This change in season marks time and I have had an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned through my experience at summer camp 2024. There are several changes on the horizon for summer camp 2025.

One of the biggest lessons is the critical role of having enough adult chaperones. I am eternally grateful to the skeleton crew of adult chaperones who went above and beyond.One adult female and one adult male chaperone was not enough. The adults were exhausted by the end of camp. An ideal number of adults would be three adult females and three adult males. This would give the adults the opportunity to take breaks and get enough sleep. Please consider taking part in summer camp 2025 as an adult chaperone. Many hands make light work!

Summer camp 2025 will be held in Choteau at the Teton Antique Steam and Gas Association (TASGA) grounds. By holding camp in Teton County, the hope is that more adults can participate in camp as chaperones and will be able to sign up for shifts. Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested in participating as camp cook, camp nurse, camp director, or one of six adult chaperones.

The rationale for camp is to be youth designed and directed. The camp counselors spend time working as a team to plan and carry out all the parts of the camp experience. This is one of the best ways to learn leadership skills and how to work with a team.

To enhance the experience for camp counselors there are several criteria that all counselors need to meet to be eligible as a counselor:

  • Apply by January 31, 2025. The application will be available in November 2024
  • Be 13 years old as of October 1, 2024
  • Hold an officer position in your club, if those positions are already full, lead an activity for your club. For example, organize a food drive or other community service activity.
  • Attend a state level event:Rec Lab, Congress, Fall Leadership Training, or the Monthly Online 4-H Leadership Academy
  • Obtain a letter of support from your club leader
  • Attend camp planning meetings beginning in February 2025
  • Attend camp retreat in June 2025

Club leaders, please share this information with your clubs as you are deciding on officers. Being an officer is not a requirement to be a camp counselor. Once you decide on your officers, please send this information to the Extension Office.

 

Please Consider Joining a 4-H Committee this 4-H Year!

Teton County 4-H Committees
Teton County 4-H Committee
Description
Meetings
# of Members
(Suggested Minimum)

Standing Committees
Budget & Audit
Develops and then recommends to the   4-H Council an annual budget, which       is voted on at 4-H Council
Meets 1-2 times each year in late Summer and/or Fall

4-H Council Treasurer,

1 agent,

1 adult member,

1 youth member
Communications Day
Promotes development of members’ skills in giving demonstrations and presentation, via training sessions and participation in local, statewide, and/or national competitions/events
Meets 1-2 times each year in Fall and/or Winter, to plan Teton County’s Communications Day in March

1 agent,

1-2 adult members,

1-2 youth members
Fair
Designates annual Fair theme, creates the schedule of Fair activities, develops the Fair publicity plan

Meets 1-2 times each year in Spring, to plan Teton County’s 4-HFair in June

1agent,

1 or 2 adult members,

1 or 2 youth members
Awards
Designates annual awards plan for 4-H competitions; may be the same members and meet at the same time as the Fair Committee

Meets 1-2 times each year in Spring, to plan Teton County’s 4-HFair in June

1 agent,

1 or 2 adult members,

1 or 2 youth members
Livestock
Attends to livestock project areas including animal husbandry education, livestock quality assurance education, safety and rules regarding the 4-H Livestock Sale and Carcass Competition

Meets on the first Monday of every other month

(Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug)

Ag agent,

Officers (Pres, VP, Treasurer, Secretary), livestock superintendents,

1 or more adult members,

1 or more youth members
Horse Committee
Oversees equine education events, rules, regulations and safety of 4-H horse-related events and contests – in the case of an active horse project club, may be comprised of the horse project club members

Meets 3 to 4 times per year, or as needed

Horse project club leader,

1 or more adult members,

1 or more youth members

 
Textile

Overseestextile educational events, offerings and competitions

 

Meets 1 or 2 times per year, in Fall and/or Spring

1 agent,

1 or 2 adult members,

1 or 2 youth members
Special Committees
Meat & Greet

Plans and coordinates the annual 4-H Fair “Meat and Greet” celebration for all 4-H Families and Fair attendees

Meets 2 or 3 times per year, in Spring prior to Teton County’s 4-H Fair in June

1 agent,

1 or 2 adult members,

1 or 2 youth members
Exchange

Currently inactive; will activate when needed.An active committee is not needed to enroll in the Exchange project.

Meets only as need to review Exchange policy

Ad hoc

Teton County 4-H Year

 

Montana 4-H Events to Remember 
October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025
Month
Teton County
State & National
October
  • Livestock Committee Meeting (1st Monday)
  • National 4-H Weed (1st Full Week)
  • 4-H Enrollment Begins (October 1)
  • 4-H Club Meetings/Start New Year
  • Treasurer Reports (Clubs and Committees) due by Oct 31
 
November 
  • 4-H  Council meeting (1st Monday)
  • 4-H Enrollment Continues:  Extension office orders project manuals, free
  • 4-H Fall Leadership Training for Teens and Ambassadors in Billings, Nov 1-3
  • Monthly Online Leadership Academy Begins Nov 17
December
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • Re-Enrollment deadline is Dec 1 ($25 late fee and purchase own project manuals after December 1st)
  • National 4-H Congress (invite only, from State 4-H Congress)
January
  • 4-H Council Meeting (1st Monday)
  • Camp Counselor Application due January 31, 2025
  • Ambasador Application due January 31, 2025
  •  National 4-h Congress (In vite only, from State 4-H Congress)
February
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • Clubs host their Club-level Communications Day
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Planning Meeting #1
Volunteer Institute
March
  • 4-H Council meeting (1st Monday)
  • Clubs host their Club-level Communications Day
  • Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) Workshops
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Planning Meeting #2
  • Scholarship Applications Due on 31st: Anne Wiprud ($400) and Boe Brothers Foundation ($2,000; $5,000; and $10,000)
  • 4-H Recreation “Rec” Lab (March or April, TBD)
April
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Planning Meeting #3
  • County level Communications Day which will include Stir-Ups, Fashion Revue, and Western Heritage Persona Interviews
 
May
  • 4-H Council meeting (1st Monday)
  • LQA and Showmanship Workshops/Weigh-ins
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Planning Meeting #4
  • Fair Registration Deadline on May 21 (Wed before Memorial Day)
 
June
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Retreat
  • Teton County Fair Jun 24-Jun 29 (Wed: Static Exhibit and Interview Judging, Thu: Fashion Revue, Fri-Sat: Livestock Show and Sale)
  • 4-H Congress registration by June 15
  • Summer 2025 Outbound Exchange
July
  • No 4-H Council meeting in July
  • 4-H Camp
  • 4-H Congress in Bozeman
  • Summer Outbound Exchange
August
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • State Western Heritage State Shoot
September
  • 4-H Council meeting (Monday after Labor Day)
  • MT 4-H Working Ranch Horse Show
  • MT 4-H State Horse Show

View Teton County MSU Extension Calendar for Up-to-Date Information

View 4-H State and National Calendar for Up-to-Date Information

Club Commotion

Prairie Stars

Holly Hamilton, the new Prairie Stars leader, sends this update from the September 16, 2024 Prairie Stars meeting, where meeting objectives were discussed for November and December. The next meeting will be October 3, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Greenfield school. The 4-H kids will be decorating pumpkins and will be learning how make and serve root beer floats. Computers will be on hand to help everyone get signed up in ZSuite!

Shooting Sports

There will be a mandatory shooting sports registration meeting for Western Heritage, Air Pistol and Air Rifle projects on Tuesday, October 8 at 7 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Rifle Club, 144 5th Lane NE, Fairfield. Call Brian Bedord with questions at 406-590-9092.

The 4-H Archery program will begin on Monday, January 6 and will run for approximately five weeks.

Challenging Champs

Challengin Champs 4-H Club participated in highway clean up.

MSU Teton County Extension and Cider Press

The new community apple press is being put to good use around Teton County. Here apples are “chipped” before being pressed into juice. Please contact the Extension office for more information or to arrange to check out the press. This could be a great community project to organize if you are interested in a leadership project or being eligible as a camp counselor for summer 2025.

Sign Up!

Re-enrollment for 4-H will begin October 1 on ZSuite.Club leader(s) will have Clover Selection project guides for members to get more information on projects. The deadline for re-enrollment is December 1.

When 4-H youth re-enroll before December 1:

  • Project books will be ordered for you by the office
    • The first project book order will be placed in late October
    • A second project book order will be placed in early December
  • Project books will be paid for by 4-H Council
  • You can sign up for and participate in committees
  • You will receive information from the MSU Extension Office in Teton County

 

IF you re-enroll after December 1 you:

  • Must complete a variance request form, stating why you were unable to re-enroll by December 1
  • Must order and pay for your own project books
  • Cannot serve on 4-H committees
  • Must pay a $25 per member late fee
  • Will not receive any correspondence from MSU Extension Teton County until you are re-enrolled

Your club member dues must be paid before you are "active" and receive the above benefits.

Need Accommodation?

4-H strives to meet our members at their own levels of interest, capacity and capability.If a 4-H member requires accommodations – ranging from food allergies to wheelchair accessibility to sign language interpreters and more – we will gladly try to make those accommodations. We rely upon the members and their families to request these accommodations. To make such a request, please do so in writing or verbally and let us know that you or your child needs accommodations. We are happy to work with you to adapt the 4-H program to fit your needs.

We Welcome All

4-H strives to meet our members at their own levels of interest, capacity and capability. If a 4-H member requires accommodations – ranging from food allergies to wheelchair accessibility to sign language interpreters and more – we will gladly try to make those accommodations. We rely upon the members and their families to request these accommodations. To make such a request, please do so in writing or verbally and let us know that you or your child needs accommodations. We are happy to work with you to adapt the 4-H program to fit your needs.

No Toasting

It is 4-H policy that when parents/volunteers are at a 4-H event, and will be working with 4-H youth, the adult must refrain from purchasing, consuming or having consumed alcohol.

Treasurer Books Due Thursday, October 31, 2024

ALL club and committee treasurer's books are due to the Extension office by October 31. They can be turned in earlier, after including the September bank statement. Items that must be submitted with the treasurer's book are:

  • Checkbooks
  • Receipts
  • Financial records
  • Bank statements

Clubs and committee that do not comply risk losing their charter and association with Montana 4-H and/or Teton County 4-H.

Beyond Ready

Montana 4-H plans to celebrate National 4-H Week October 6-12, 2024. This year’s campaign, “Beyond Ready,” highlights the organization’s aim to prepare youth to become engaged, healthy, and productive youth in their future communities. “We equip youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. Through 4-H, we offer opportunities and experiences that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future,” stated Tracey Robecker, Montana 4-H college and career readiness specialist. “The aim of this year’s campaign is to emphasize the idea that through 4-H programming, Montana youth are ‘beyond ready’ to become tomorrow’s future leaders.” Robecker's position was created to develop and lead a statewide 4-H youth development program that engages youth in college and career readiness. Throughout the week of October 6-12th, 4-H communities across the state will celebrate and spread awareness of the organization by hosting receptions and award ceremonies, preparing window displays in local businesses, hosting community events and activities, and sharing their stories about the impact of 4-H.

Ignite by 4-H

4-H members, ages 13-19, from across the U.S. meet in Washington, D.C. for Ignite by 4-H! The four-day interactive summit helps teens find their spark through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration and connecting with peers. Ignite is a step forward in the journey of becoming beyond ready.

At Ignite, teens collaborate, create and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world- becoming resilient and READY for everything life has to offer.

The possibilities are endless at Ignite by 4-H.

Here is a great opportunity for teens (high school students ages 13-19) to become beyond ready!

Website for Ignite 2025: https://ignite2025.powerappsportals.com/

Early Bird Rate – Available until October 15th

• Teen, $1200 per person (double occupancy)

• Adults, $1650 per person (single occupancy)

Early Bird Special – Available until supplies last

• Teen Ticket Bundle, Buy 4, Get 1 Free - $4,800

General Admission Pricing – Available until November 25th or sell out

• Teen, $1350 per person (double occupancy)

• Adults, $1800 per person (single occupancy)

Register here: https://shop4-h.org/collections/ignite-by-4-h

Scholarships available- apply by September 13th - https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0e86f4358b7d4b5298fd3b6d98850b02

 

2024 Golden Triangle 4-H Volunteer Summit

Saturday, November 16, 2024

First Baptist Church, Shelby, MT

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Lunch Provided

Childcare Pending

Workshops & Networking

All Teton County 4-H Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact your local Extension Office or Kari Lewis, [email protected], 406-873-2239

 

MSU Extension Teton County

Fair Dates

The Teton County Fair is scheduled for the last full weekend in June that includes a Sunday.
2025    June 24-29
2026    June 22-28

Camp Dates

2025   July 22-24

4-H Congress Dates, Bozeman

2025   July 8-11
2026   July 7-10

 

MSU Extension Teton County
P.O. Box 130
Choteau, MT 59422
406-466-2491


Agents:

Shelby Jones-Dozier [email protected]
Jenn Swanson  [email protected]

Assistants:

JoAnn McDowell & Jamie Smith  [email protected]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cody Stone, Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717