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Extension and 4‑H staff report enrollment gains, tribal partnerships and fair events
Summary
University of Minnesota Extension staff told the county board that Beltrami County 4‑H has 344 enrolled youth, strong volunteer retention, expanded tribal partnerships with Leech Lake and Red Lake Nation, and upcoming dog shows and fair dates. Staff requested commissioner support and shared outreach plans.
Tony Hansen, regional director for University of Minnesota Extension, and local educators gave the Board a multi‑part update on Extension work and Beltrami County 4‑H.
Ashley Roy, the county Extension educator, said the program currently has 344 youth enrolled, 85 first‑year members and about 87 volunteers, and reported a retention rate of about 81 percent.
"That retention rate is really high," Jan Drodowski, Northeast regional program leader, told the board, citing the program's project development committees (livestock, shooting sports, dog and horse) as a contributor to continued youth engagement.
The presenters highlighted outreach in tribal communities: ongoing partnerships with Leech Lake (collaborative programming with the Boys & Girls Club) and a Red Lake Nation club led locally, and said volunteers and regional staff support programming across county lines.
Local 4‑H youth introduced themselves and invited commissioners to the Beltrami County dog shows on July 30 and August 6 at 5 p.m., and to a demonstration evening on Aug. 12. Staff said fair activities will include many club projects and volunteer‑led showcases.
The board thanked staff and youth; commissioners praised 4‑H's role in youth development and civic engagement.
