UMN Benton County 4-H

UMN Benton County 4-H @2025 Regents of the University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity

What an incredible evening at the 5th Annual Benton County 4-H Showcase & Performing Arts Night!More than 60 youth, fami...
06/14/2026

What an incredible evening at the 5th Annual Benton County 4-H Showcase & Performing Arts Night!

More than 60 youth, families, volunteers, and community members gathered at the Benton County Fairgrounds to explore the many opportunities available through 4-H.

Guests learned about rabbit, photography, poultry, and llama projects, visited with club leaders and ambassadors, and discovered that there truly is something for everyone in 4-H.

A highlight of the evening was hearing from our Benton County 4-H Ambassadors as they shared why they joined 4-H and how the program has helped them build confidence, leadership skills, friendships, and lifelong memories.

The evening concluded with our Share the Fun and Performing Arts Showcase, featuring talented youth performers from across the county.

Congratulations to all participants who earned blue ribbons!

Performing Arts Champions:
-Beginner Division: Hailey Mielke (Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club) – Hip Hop Dance, Lip Gloss
-Intermediate Division: Makenzie Bengtson (Pioneer 4-H Club) – Piano, Incognito
-Senior Division: Mackenzie Dvorak (Central MN Llama Club) – Cello, Bo***ée by George Frideric Handel

We are incredibly proud of all the youth who shared their talents, projects, and passions throughout the evening.

Thank you to our volunteers, ambassadors, families, and participants for making this event such a success!

4-H is more than projects and exhibits—it’s a place where youth discover their spark, develop life skills, and grow into confident leaders.

Part 2 Another Amazing Day at Hooves, Hums & Halters! Rain couldn’t dampen the fun at today’s Benton County 4-H Hooves,...
06/13/2026

Part 2 Another Amazing Day at Hooves, Hums & Halters!

Rain couldn’t dampen the fun at today’s Benton County 4-H Hooves, Hums & Halters Day Camp at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids!

Despite the rainy weather, 85 campers and 26 camp counselors and staff enjoyed a fabulous day filled with animals, hands-on learning, laughter, and new friendships. The enthusiasm and positive attitudes of our campers and counselors made it clear that a little rain wasn’t going to stop the adventure!

Throughout the day, campers:
-Met and learned about horses, llamas, miniature donkey and miniature horses
-Explored the unique world of llamas and discovered the many uses of llama fiber
-Experienced what it feels like to be a llama pack animal during our weighted backpack challenge
-Created their own llama fiber soap to take home
-Participated in Barnyard Olympics and animal-themed challenges
-Captured fun memories with our animal friends
-Practiced teamwork, kindness, and leadership while making new friends

One of the highlights of the day was watching campers embrace every activity with excitement, flexibility, and smiles—even when the weather required us to adapt our plans. Their energy and enthusiasm reminded us that some of the best camp memories happen when we make the most of whatever the day brings.

A huge thank you to our incredible camp counselors, volunteers, animal presenters, and staff whose hard work and dedication made this day possible. We are especially proud of the leadership shown by our counselors, who helped create a positive and welcoming experience for every camper.

Rain or shine, Benton County 4-H Day Camps continue to show what learning by doing is all about!

Part 1 Another Amazing Day at Hooves, Hums & Halters! Rain couldn’t dampen the fun at today’s Benton County 4-H Hooves, ...
06/13/2026

Part 1 Another Amazing Day at Hooves, Hums & Halters!

Rain couldn’t dampen the fun at today’s Benton County 4-H Hooves, Hums & Halters Day Camp at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids!

Despite the rainy weather, 85 campers and 26 camp counselors and staff enjoyed a fabulous day filled with animals, hands-on learning, laughter, and new friendships. The enthusiasm and positive attitudes of our campers and counselors made it clear that a little rain wasn’t going to stop the adventure!

Throughout the day, campers:
-Met and learned about horses, llamas, miniature donkey and miniature horses
-Explored the unique world of llamas and discovered the many uses of llama fiber
-Experienced what it feels like to be a llama pack animal during our weighted backpack challenge
-Created their own llama fiber soap to take home
-Participated in Barnyard Olympics and animal-themed challenges
-Captured fun memories with our animal friends
-Practiced teamwork, kindness, and leadership while making new friends

One of the highlights of the day was watching campers embrace every activity with excitement, flexibility, and smiles—even when the weather required us to adapt our plans. Their energy and enthusiasm reminded us that some of the best camp memories happen when we make the most of whatever the day brings.

A huge thank you to our incredible camp counselors, volunteers, animal presenters, and staff whose hard work and dedication made this day possible. We are especially proud of the leadership shown by our counselors, who helped create a positive and welcoming experience for every camper.

Rain or shine, Benton County 4-H Day Camps continue to show what learning by doing is all about!

Time to sign up for shifts during the 2026 Benton County Fair!From Ann: “For the $50 Scholarship: The shifts must be in ...
06/12/2026

Time to sign up for shifts during the 2026 Benton County Fair!

From Ann: “For the $50 Scholarship: The shifts must be in different areas to for $50 off state fair fees or other programming fees. Youth need to work 6 hours in different areas. The areas include: 4-H Info Booth, Little Red Barn, Kid Fun, Judging Assistant (counts for 4 hours) and Prior Pre-Fair Jobs (with Ann’s approval)”

If you have difficulty signing up or have questions, contact Marissa Mox, Summer Intern at 763.482.1037 or [email protected] or Summer Assistant, Claudia S 320.342.9667 or [email protected]

Thanks in advance!
Marissa & Claudia

COUNTY FAIR HELP AND JUDGING ASSISTANTS NEEDED *******************

You can volunteer for both non-livestock and/or livestock. In return for helping, on Entry Day Monday, August 3rd, you will receive a lunch that day at noon. Plan accordingly. Judge assistants need to arrive by 8:00am and 11:45am for orientations. Morning shift is from 8:30-12 and the Afternoon shift is 11:45-3:30 (includes lunch from 12-12:30).

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050949A5AC2DA2F49-50083187-judges
(JUDGING ASSISTANTS)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050949A5AC2DA2F49-benton1
(LIVESTOCK ASSISTANT)

4-H INFORMATION BOOTHS ***************** This is a fabulous opportunity to share with the public about 4-H and different project areas. You can also have an animal by your booth to show.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050949A5AC2DA2F49-4hinformation1 #/
(4-H INFORMATION BOOTH)

KID FUN EXHIBIT BUILDING ******************* Staff has activities planned activities for you to choose from. You work with kids in the center of the 4-H Exhibit Building.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050949A5AC2DA2F49-50083184-kidfun
(KIDS FUN-EXHIBIT BUILDING)

LITTLE RED BARN ************************This is a popular booth at the fair. Only two workers allowed in the booth at a time.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050949A5AC2DA2F49-little2
(LITTLE RED BARN)

Be sure to wish our Brady Roberts, a very Happy Birthday today!! He is a summer intern in Sherburne but still helping ...
06/12/2026

Be sure to wish our Brady Roberts, a very Happy Birthday today!! He is a summer intern in Sherburne but still helping with Benton County 4-H!

Happy Birthday Brady and thank you for your commitment to 4-H!! We sincerely appreciate you!

Part 2….. Hooves, Hums & Halters Day Camp was one for the books!On Tuesday, 84 campers joined 28 day camp counselors and...
06/11/2026

Part 2….. Hooves, Hums & Halters Day Camp was one for the books!

On Tuesday, 84 campers joined 28 day camp counselors and staff for an unforgettable day of learning, laughter, animals, and adventure at our Foley 4-H Day Camp.

Campers spent the day exploring the amazing world of horses, llamas, miniature horses, and even a mini donkey through hands-on activities and experiences designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.

Highlights from the day included:

Competing in Barnyard Olympics where teamwork, balance, problem-solving, and lots of laughter helped campers complete exciting challenges. One favorite activity had campers wearing weighted backpacks to experience what it might feel like to be a llama pack animal carrying supplies on a trail. The challenge helped campers better understand the important jobs llamas can do while adding a fun twist to the competition.

Learning all about llamas through hands-on experiences, including exploring real llama fiber, discovering how it is used, and creating their own llama fiber soap to take home.

Building confidence in the Mini Horse Agility Arena as campers guided miniature horses through obstacle courses.

Meeting and interacting with llamas while tackling fun obstacle challenges and learning how these unique animals communicate and work with people.

Creating Hoofprint & Heritage Art while comparing horse, miniature horse, llama, and donkey feet and learning how each animal’s hooves help them thrive.

Taking on The Great Nest Builder Challenge using real llama fiber to discover how animals use natural materials to build homes and nests in the wild.

Relaxing in the Photo Corral while grooming animals, asking questions, sharing stories, and capturing memorable photos with fun props alongside their new animal friends.

Throughout the day, campers explored animal care, communication, agriculture, wildlife connections, and the unique characteristics that make each animal special. Most importantly, they practiced kindness, teamwork, curiosity, responsibility, and confidence while making new friends and creating memories that will last long after camp ended.

A huge thank you to our incredible camp counselors, volunteers, animal owners, and staff who helped make this day possible. The leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication shown by our teen counselors helped create an amazing experience for every camper.

We are so proud of all 84 campers for their willingness to try new things, ask questions, care for animals, and make new friends.

Be sure to check out all the photos from an amazing day at Hooves, Hums & Halters!

Part 1…. Hooves, Hums & Halters Day Camp was one for the books!On Tuesday, 84 campers joined 28 day camp counselors and ...
06/11/2026

Part 1…. Hooves, Hums & Halters Day Camp was one for the books!

On Tuesday, 84 campers joined 28 day camp counselors and staff for an unforgettable day of learning, laughter, animals, and adventure at our Foley 4-H Day Camp.

Campers spent the day exploring the amazing world of horses, llamas, miniature horses, and even a mini donkey through hands-on activities and experiences designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.

Highlights from the day included:

Competing in Barnyard Olympics where teamwork, balance, problem-solving, and lots of laughter helped campers complete exciting challenges. One favorite activity had campers wearing weighted backpacks to experience what it might feel like to be a llama pack animal carrying supplies on a trail. The challenge helped campers better understand the important jobs llamas can do while adding a fun twist to the competition.

Learning all about llamas through hands-on experiences, including exploring real llama fiber, discovering how it is used, and creating their own llama fiber soap to take home.

Building confidence in the Mini Horse Agility Arena as campers guided miniature horses through obstacle courses.

Meeting and interacting with llamas while tackling fun obstacle challenges and learning how these unique animals communicate and work with people.

Creating Hoofprint & Heritage Art while comparing horse, miniature horse, llama, and donkey feet and learning how each animal’s hooves help them thrive.

Taking on The Great Nest Builder Challenge using real llama fiber to discover how animals use natural materials to build homes and nests in the wild.

Relaxing in the Photo Corral while grooming animals, asking questions, sharing stories, and capturing memorable photos with fun props alongside their new animal friends.

Throughout the day, campers explored animal care, communication, agriculture, wildlife connections, and the unique characteristics that make each animal special. Most importantly, they practiced kindness, teamwork, curiosity, responsibility, and confidence while making new friends and creating memories that will last long after camp ended.

A huge thank you to our incredible camp counselors, volunteers, animal owners, and staff who helped make this day possible. The leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication shown by our teen counselors helped create an amazing experience for every camper.

We are so proud of all 84 campers for their willingness to try new things, ask questions, care for animals, and make new friends.

Be sure to check out all the photos from an amazing day at Hooves, Hums & Halters!

Weekly Project Highlight from Benton County 4-HThis week features Self Determined!4-H project areas give youth and famil...
06/10/2026

Weekly Project Highlight from Benton County 4-H
This week features Self Determined!

4-H project areas give youth and families the opportunity to learn, create, and grow together through hands-on experiences that build confidence and life skills.

Explore the many project opportunities available to 4-H members:
https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-member-resources/4-h-projects

Exciting!!
06/08/2026

Exciting!!

Benton County 4-H Motivational Monday In 4-H, we’re not just building projects — we’re building confidence, courage, and...
06/08/2026

Benton County 4-H Motivational Monday
In 4-H, we’re not just building projects — we’re building confidence, courage, and character.
This week’s Benton County 4-H reminder:
👉 “Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with the big dreams is more powerful than the person with all the facts.”
Our youth are learning to try new things, take risks, and grow into leaders — one experience at a time.

Address

531 Dewey Street
Foley, MN
56329

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13209685077

Website

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