Tony Hansen, regional director with the University of Minnesota Extension, told the Crow Wing County Board on Nov. 18 that Extension’s 4‑H program connects university resources to community needs to support youth leadership and life skills.

“Extension's mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and university resources to address critical issues in our state,” Hansen said. Shanna O'Shea, the Crow Wing County 4‑H extension educator, and Cassie Girling, regional educator for Minnesota 4‑H, presented local results and programming highlights.

O'Shea said the local 4‑H program served 315 youth in 2024, including 99 new members across 12 community clubs. She told commissioners the program added two new clubs this year and that 50 of the new members were first‑generation 4‑H participants. “This growth was made possible by the support of 94 dedicated adult volunteers,” O'Shea said.

The presenters described how 4‑H offers a pathway from Cloverbud project clubs for kindergarten through second grade into community clubs, summer camp and advanced leadership opportunities. Staff highlighted the county ambassador program — 17 ambassadors in the past year who served as club officers, mentored younger members and led service projects — as an example of leadership development translating into volunteer and counselor roles.

The board thanked Extension staff for the report and noted the program’s local reach. The presentation closed with a brief recognition of volunteers; the board expressed appreciation for the county’s partnership in supporting 4‑H activities.

The county received facts about participation and program structure; no board action was taken at the meeting.