4-H Newsletter February 2026

On the Horizon

February 2

• Livestock Committee Meeting, Teton County Courthouse (2nd floor) in Choteau, 6-7 p.m.

February 9

• 2026 Camp Counselor applications due, Monday at 5 p.m. on ZSuite

February 10

• Rec Lab Registration Opens in ZSuite

February 14

• MT 4-H Foundation People Parner Grant applications due

February 21

• Workshop:   How to do a Communictions Contest Event, location and time TBD

February 24

• Camp Counselor planning meeting, 6 p.m. at Cascade County Extension Office

March 2

• Council Meeting, Fairfield, Public Library, Tuesday, 6 p.m.

March 6

• Communications Contest Day registration due by Friday at 5 p.m.

March 13

• Record Lab Registration Closes in ZSuite

March 14

• Communications Day Contest, Power Public School

March 27

• Boe Brothers and Anne Wiprud 4-H Scholarships due at the Extension Office

April 1

• Swine Possession Deadline, paperwork, photos, fees due at the Extension Office, Tuesday by 5 p.m.

April 15

• Lamb/Goat Possession Deadline, paperwork, photos, fees due at the Extension Office, Tuesday by 5 p.m.

May 17

• SAVE the DATE!  Poultry and Rabbit Juding @ 2 p.m. at Choteau Fire Hall

Do you Have Your 4-H Project Books?

If you have not received your project books, please contact the office.

Reminder:  Camp council registration closes on February 9, on ZSuite.

Check the January 2026 newsletter for details about 4-H Camp 2026

Everyone is Welcome!  Communications Competition Skill Workshop

Join Teton County Youth Ambassador Ayden DeBruycker on Saturday, February 21

Ayden, one of our 4-H high school seniors from the Eager Eagles club and Teton County 4-H Youth Ambassador, is leading a workshop for her 2026 leadership project. She will share practical lessons from her hard-earned experience delivering award-winning demonstrations at the state level. This project day is open to everyone, regardless of experience level.

Ayden’s goal for this workshop is to enlighten kids from all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Ayden says, “within all these levels I hope to demonstrate what steps and activities it takes to succeed in all levels of competition.”

She will be leading the group in activities that will help on competition day. Specifically, how to properly respond to audience questions and practical strategies to switch posters without “making too much of a scene” Ayden said.

“I encourage all ages that are interested in Communications Day or that may be competing in the following month. If the competitors would like, they may do their presentation at the seminar in front of me or in front of a small audience to work on stage fright and nerves they may be having.”

Location and Time to be determined

If you are interested in attending, RSVP at the Extension Office 406-466-2491 or email teton@montana.edu

Unable to attend the February 21 Event?

Watch a video about how to do demonstrations and illustrative talks.

Teton County Communications Day

The communication event will be on Saturday, March 14, at Power Public School.

Registration is now open and will close on Friday, March 6.

Register for Communications Day 

2026 Stir Ups Challenge

Oatmeal-based on-the-go breakfast bars

Find out more about the 2026 Teton County Stir Ups Competition.

Ag Agent's Cornerby Jenn Swanson

KMON Livestock Judging Contest Results

Ten Spring Creek members honed their skillsat the KMON Livestock Judging contest, bringing home the

FirstPlace 4-H Team Trophywith three members placing inthe top 10 as individuals:

Boaz Lytle - 1st

Libby Redland - 3rd

Polly Lytle - 8th

Get Your Kicks at 6!  Earn 4-H Cash Fast!

Who?Earn $150 for your 4-H Club (minimum of 3 families per crew)

What?Clean up at 8 pm after the concert(takes 30 to 45 minutes)

When?Thursdays at 8:15 to 8:45 pm - July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and Aug 6

Where?At the Bandshell in Choteau City Park

Why?Easy money and enjoy the music and dancing, too!

How?Email Jenn.Swanson@montana.edu or text (406-868-4570) to reserve a spot

Club Leader News

All club leaders plan to attend theMarch 4-H Council meetingon Monday, March 2, at Fairfield Public Library at
6 p.m. We will be reviewing our county level policies and procedures and need your input. Once the county level policies have been reviewed, they will be added to the Teton County 4-H website.

The Teton County Club Leaders webpage has been updated with the most current statewide 4-H financial policies, procedures, and best practices that all clubs and committees (groups with a 4-H bank account) across the state follow. These policies should be reviewed regularly by leaders to ensure their clubs are in good financial standing. Access the 4-H financial policy documents.
Access the 4-H Financial Best Practices.

Reminder:

• • Update signature cards with the name of two current certified volunteer adult club members (could be leader and an assistant leader) and youth treasurer for each 4-H club bank account. Each club needs a minimum of two signers on each account.
  • Update the mailing address for your club’s monthly bank statements to the Teton County Extension Office: P.O. Box 130, Choteau, MT 59422. If your club receives e-statements, update the email address to Teton@montana.edu.
    • Contact the office with your preference to receive paper statements in the mail (mailed to youth treasurer) or electronically.

Club Youth Secretaries

Taking meeting minutes (notes) is the most important job of the club secretary. The goal should be to record the most important information at each meeting, without too much extra information. Make it a goal to summarize your meeting minutes to fit on one page.

Review the downloadable worksheet to make it easier to complete your meeting minutes correctly.

Once you have finished writing your meeting minutes, follow this to-do list:

• Present your meeting minutes at the next meeting for club approval.
• Email or bring a paper copy of the approved meeting minutes to the Extension Office (teton@montana.edu). Each club will have a minimum of 6 business meetings per 4-H year reflected in meeting minutes.
• Give your club treasurer a copy of the approved minutes for the Treasurer’s Binder. Each club will turn in the Treasurer’s Binder to the Extension Office between October 1-31, 2026, for review.

Adult Club Leaders, make sure your secretaries have their own copyof the Secretary’s Handbookthat they can write in.

Opportunities for Adult Volunteers

One cornerstone of 4-H is connecting youth with caring adults. There are numerous ways that adults can get involved in 4-H to support positive youth development. To learn about how you can get more involved, contact the Teton County Extension Office.

Host a Project Meeting!

Do you have a skill or interest, like leathercraft or robotics, that you would like to share with 4-H youth countywide. Host a Project Meeting!You don’t need to be an expert, just a caring adult willing to engage in the messy process of learning alongside a child. The format is up to you- it could be a single day event that lasts a few hours; or it could be several shorter meetings over the course of a few weeks. Give us a call at the Extension Office to help organize a project meeting. If you are already hosting a project meeting and want to invite folks, let us know and we can include it in the 4-H newsletter.

Chaperone for Rec Lab or Congress.

Do you have a teen 4-Her and want to help them connect to other 4-H teens from across the state? Chaperone for Rec Lab or Congress. As a chaperone, you will provide transportation and be that supportive adult as your teen and their 4-H friends explore new places and build Beyond Ready skills through engaging workshops. You will also grow by making new friends with other 4-H parents outside Teton County and taking part in learning workshops at each event. Call the Extension office to learn more.

Chaperone at Camp

This year Teton County is joining Cascade County for summer camp. Adult chaperones are an essential part of making camp a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. While at camp, adult chaperones will be able to play games, take part in learning workshops, and enjoy being a kid again. Camp will begin on Sunday, June 7, and will end on Wednesday, June 10.

Volunteer as a camp chaperone.

Assist Your Club at Fair

Reach out to your club leader to learn what your group’s duties are during the Teton County 4-H Fair. Each club shares responsibilities at Fair and your involvement goes a long way to make this event a great experience for everyone.

Assist with Your Club Meetings

Be an active part of club meetings by engaging with all youth in your club, not just your own kids. Set a good example by listening, participating in the meeting’s activities, keeping side conversations with other adults to a minimum, and staying off your phone. As your club leader for ways that you can help at each meeting.

Local Youth Compete in Season-Opening 4-H Archery & Shooting Sports Meet

by Loren Tacke, Teton County Shooting Sports Coordinator

Bows were drawn and sights were set as local youth traveled to Helena to compete in the first 4-H Shooting Sports event of the year.The annual archery and shooting sports meet brought together some of the areas best young marksmen and women, and local teams delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

Representing the Rocky Mountain Archers were three determined competitors: Dylan Ulsh, Logan Becker, and William Tacke. Coached by Rocky Forseth and Haven Murphy, the trio showed poise and precision on the range, setting the tone for a strong season ahead.

Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountain Top Shots arrived ready to compete, fielding a mix of experienced returning shooters and new talent. Team members included Kyndal Becker, Leah Paulson, Izzy Cornelius, Jack Tacke, Hannah Meyer, Blaise Skierka, Michaela Skierka, Josiah Bacon, and Gibson Franks.

Under the guidance of head coach Brian Bedord and assistant coaches Alan Peace, Holly Hamilton, and Chris Tacke, the team demonstrated discipline and focus, proving that countless hours of practice truly pay off.

Both teams performed well and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and dedication to their sport. The Helena meet provided a great opportunity for these young athletes to test their skills and build confidence as they begin a new competition season. Congratulations to our local 4-H shooting sports teams and coaches on a fantastic start to the year.

Archery

12–15 yrs – Dylan Ulsh: 3rd, 3D Target; 5th, Target Bowhunter Division

9–11 yrs – William Tacke: 3rd, Target Barebow Division

12–15 yrs – Logan Becker: Competed in 3D Target

3-Position Air Rifle

11–12 yrs – Jack Tacke 2nd, Hannah Meyer 3rd, Blaise Skierka 5th

13–14 yrs – Izzy Cornelius 3rd

15–19 yrs – Kyndal Becker 1st

Prone Air Rifle

9–10 yrs – Michaela Skierka 6th

11–12 yrs – Jack Tacke 3rd

13–14 yrs – Izzy Cornelius 2nd

15–19 yrs – Leah Paulson 2nd

Standing (Offhand)

11–12 yrs – Jack Tacke 1st

Air Pistol

9–10 yrs – Josiah Bacon 1st

13–14 yrs – Gibson Franks 8th, Blaise Skierka 9th, Hannah Meyer 10th

15–19 yrs – Leah Paulson 2nd, Kyndal Becker 3rd

4-H Shooting Team Competes in Kalispell

by Loren Tacke-Teton County Shooting Sports Coordinator

Bows were drawn and sights were set as local youth traveled to Helena to compete in the first 4-H Shooting Sports event of the year.The annual archery and shooting sports meet brought together some of the areas best young marksmen and women, and local teams delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

Representing the Rocky Mountain Archers were three determined competitors: Dylan Ulsh, Logan Becker, and William Tacke. Coached by Rocky Forseth and Haven Murphy, the trio showed poise and precision on the range, setting the tone for a strong season ahead.

Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountain Top Shots arrived ready to compete, fielding a mix of experienced returning shooters and new talent. Team members included Kyndal Becker, Leah Paulson, Izzy Cornelius, Jack Tacke, Hannah Meyer, Blaise Skierka, Michaela Skierka, Josiah Bacon, and Gibson Franks.

Under the guidance of head coach Brian Bedord and assistant coaches Alan Peace, Holly Hamilton, and Chris Tacke, the team demonstrated discipline and focus, proving that countless hours of practice truly pay off.

Both teams performed well and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and dedication to their sport. The Helena meet provided a great opportunity for these young athletes to test their skills and build confidence as they begin a new competition season. Congratulations to our local 4-H shooting sports teams and coaches on a fantastic start to the year.

Archery

12–15 yrs – Dylan Ulsh: 3rd, 3D Target; 5th, Target Bowhunter Division

9–11 yrs – William Tacke: 3rd, Target Barebow Division

12–15 yrs – Logan Becker: Competed in 3D Target

3-Position Air Rifle

11–12 yrs – Jack Tacke 2nd, Hannah Meyer 3rd, Blaise Skierka 5th

13–14 yrs – Izzy Cornelius 3rd

15–19 yrs – Kyndal Becker 1st

Prone Air Rifle

9–10 yrs – Michaela Skierka 6th

11–12 yrs – Jack Tacke 3rd

13–14 yrs – Izzy Cornelius 2nd

15–19 yrs – Leah Paulson 2nd

Standing (Offhand)

11–12 yrs – Jack Tacke 1st

Air Pistol

9–10 yrs – Josiah Bacon 1st

13–14 yrs – Gibson Franks 8th, Blaise Skierka 9th, Hannah Meyer 10th

15–19 yrs – Leah Paulson 2nd, Kyndal Becker 3rd

Montana 4-H Rec Lab-March 27-29 in Columbus, MT 

What is Rec Lab? It sounds like a funny name for a 4-H event.Rec Lab stands for Recreation Lab and means that everything is hands-on and fun!

This event is a 4-H member favorite: It provides an opportunity for youth and adults to enhance their leadership, communication, and team building skills in an action-packed and interactive setting.Rec Lab programming provides participants with tips and tricks for being a better club, camp, and community leader.

This event is ideal for younger senior members to attend as a first-time state event. It allows them to form relationships with 4-H peers from across the state, broaden their skills, and widen their network.

Who Can Attend?

• Youth participants must be 13+ as of October 1.
• Adult chaperones must be as least 21 years of age.

Registration

• Parents will need to provide transportation to Columbus and attend as a chaperone.
  • Parents can set up their own carpooling if more than one Teton County youth is attending. Call the office if you are interested and we will help organize.
• Youth participants must be 13+ as of October 1, 2025. Adult chaperones must be as least 21 years of age.
• Registration is $100 and includes lodging, snacks, meals, t-shirts, workshops, and more.
  • Teton County 4-H Council will pay half of the registration fee for youth only, and the cost for youth will be $50.Adult chaperones will pay full price to attend.

4-H Club Commotion

Challenging Champs

The Challenging Champs grilling club created an entire meal on the smoker including steaks, baked potatoes, green beans and even an upside-down pineapple cake.

From left to right: Benjamin Diekhans, Jessica Toeckes, Caleb Toeckes, Abigail Toeckes, Calvin Diekhans, Trevor Woodhouse, and Colin Woodhouse.

Spring Creek

Jenn Swanson came to Spring Creek’s January meeting to share photos and stories of her agricultural tour in Costa Rica.Spring Creek members shared travel tales and parents wowed with Central American fruits and treats!

Spring Creek 4-H member Hannah Meyer attends a chicken workshop held at Mountain View Co-op in Black Eagle onJanuary 14, 2026!

4-H Horse Club Members

4-H members in horse projects attend a riding meeting on January 1, 2026.They practiced roping, horsemanship and worked a cow.New members worked on record books.

Contact Us!  MSU Extension Teton County

• Mailing Address:  PO Box 130, Choteau, MT 59422
• Phone:  466-2491/2492 (phone/voicemail)
• Email:  teton@montana.edu (send club minutes, most questions/issues)
• Text only:  406-530-5373 (checked M-F, 8-5)
• https://teton.msuextension.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/TetonCoExt
• http://montana4h.org/

Fair Dates

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

Camp Dates

2026   June 7-10 @ Camp Rotary

4-H Congress Dates, Bozeman

2026   July 7-10

Agents:

Shelby Jones-Dozier shelby.jonesdozier@montana.edu
Jenn Swanson  jenn.swanson@montana.edu

Assistants:

Jamie Smith  teton@montana.edu

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