Jones County 4-H hosting many events

   For the 2026 year in Jones County, there are 105 Clover Kids enrolled and 304 4-H members. Email jones4h@iastate.edu for more information on enrolling and re-enrolling.

   Financial support to enroll in 4-H is also available through the Iowa 4-H Foundation. The financial aid form is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, and Emily Saveraid is the contact for questions.

Jones County 4-H Ski Night

   The Jones County 4-H and Family Ski Night is slated for Jan. 23 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sundown Mountain.

   Reigstration, forms and payment close on Jan. 19.

Jones County 4-H Volleyball

   The Jones County Council is set to host another year of 4-H Volleyball. This year’s event will be held on Jan. 25 in the new Anamosa High School Gym.

   Clubs can register teams together, or individuals can sign up and be placed with a team. Brackets will be set by age and number of teams registered, with prizes announced closer to the event.

Beef Nutrition Workshop

   A hands-on workshop to dive into the food you’re providing your animals will be held on Feb. 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Youth Development Center in Monticello.

   Denise Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach Beef Field Specialist and the Jones County Beef Producers will be leading the workshop and guiding attendees through evaluating rations and understanding what’s really in your mix. Do not bring your animal in, instead, Denise asks that you bring along either a half-day or full-day of feed to the workshop. Together, you will break down the grain mix and discuss the different ingredients to help make informed decisions for your animals.

YQCA Training

   All youth exhibiting livestock at the county or state level are required to be Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certified by July 1 to exhibit animals in the following classes: Beef, Swine, Dairy (cattle and goat), Sheep, Poultry, Meat Goat and Rabbit.

There are two options for completing YQCA training: 

1.      Participate in an in-person training on either Feb. 25 from 6-7:30pm or April 14 from 5:30-7 pm at the Youth Development Center. This option costs $3.

2.      Complete a web-based training. This option cost $12. 

   Jones County 4-H exhibitors can get one YQCA coupon to help cover the cost of training - either part of the online course or all of an in-person training.

Multi-County Trips

Night at the Museum: River Edition – For 7th-9th Graders

   Get ready for the ultimate 4‑H overnight adventure at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Youth from across the region will come together to explore the museum after hours, take on hands‑on challenges, and enjoy a night full of discovery and fun. 

   When: April 10-11, 2026

   Where: National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Dubuque, IA 

   Cost: $25.00

   Register via 4-H Online by March 10th.

Junior 4-H Camp – For 4th-6th Graders

   Fourth through sixth grade 4‑H members can save the date for Junior 4-H Camp, an overnight adventure at Camp Wapsie in Coggon.

   Junior 4‑H Camp is scheduled for June 2–4, 2026. Spots will be limited, so be prepared to sign up as soon as registration opens.

   Interested in being a camp counselor? Jones County 4-H is looking for 4-H members who are 16 years and older to serve as camp counselors for Junior 4-H Camp as well. If you are interested, reach out to Amelia Klostermann for more information.

4-H Scholarship Opportunities

2026 Jones County 4-H/FFA Scholarship - Due March 1, 2026

   There are many opportunities to help 4-H seniors financially. Jones County scholarship applications are available on the county website (extension.iastate.edu/jones/club-resources).

Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarship – Due February 1, 2026

   Are you an Iowa 4-H’er planning to graduate high school? Apply for an Iowa 4-H Scholarship. Their current scholarship program offers over 90 scholarships worth more than $110,000. Scholarships range in value from $500 to $10,000. To be eligible for any of these scholarships two letters of recommendation are required - one from an Extension staff member or 4-H volunteer and one from a school/college academic advisor or teacher.

   For a list of all 4-H Foundation Scholarships, their criteria and requirements, visit their website.

4-H Rising Star Internship

   Do you know an Iowa State student looking for a meaningful, hands-on summer experience? The 4‑H Rising Star Internship Program is now hiring two summer interns to support youth programming across Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones counties. This is separate from the summer assistant position that Jones County 4-H has within the office that helps with fair and programs. This is an opportunity for students interested in education, youth development, communications, or community outreach. 

What the internship offers

·       Paid summer internship.

·       Mileage reimbursement for travel between counties.

·       Hands-on experience with youth programming (grades K–12).

·       A strong resume-building opportunity with real-world leadership and planning skills.

   Students will help plan and deliver summer camps, assist with program development, and work directly with youth and Extension staff.

   Learn more & apply

·       Internship details: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/.../rising-star-internship

·       Application link: https://go.iastate.edu/9EPIFG

·       After applying, students should email their name and intention to apply to katiejp@iastate.edu so their application can be tracked.