During  registration, participants (both youth and adult) will be asked to select their workshops. Some workshops are limited and once the workshop is full it will be closed. 


Download workshop description PDF

Session 1/2: 9:00 AM - 11:15 
2 hour workshop DO NOT CHOOSE a Session1 or 2 Workshop

Off the Yellow Brick Road - Survival Skills for the Great Outdoors

Richard Balestri and Jack Bazemore

What do you do when your journey takes a turn for the worse and you end up in the ditch rather than on the Yellow Brick Road?  The Survival Skills workshop will provide Rec Lab attendees the opportunity to learn the following survival skills (basic knife skills, primitive shelter building, survival fire building, key knots, map reading, and compass use). 

Slicing Down the Yellow Brick Road

Lisa Terry  

By the end of this knife skills workshop, each young chef will have the knowledge to make their cooking dreams come true - no magic wand required! Participants will create an instant pot meal, which they will enjoy at the end of class.

Wicked Textile Art

Janell Barber  

This workshop combines fabric and science to create a hands-on simple project using dyes and resist techniques. We will discuss fabric characteristics and a few science-related concepts of why the dye wicked or not. Workshop participants will create a textile art project to take home.

 

Session 1: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM  

Activate 4-H

Carter County Ambassadors Weston Hobley and Ainsley Hobley

Get ready for an action-packed workshop where you will learn how to boost engagement and involvement through a variety of creative and fun activities! We will dive into effective communication techniques and strategies to foster a more inclusive and lively community in 4-H and beyond. Through games, skits, and hands-on exercises, you will learn how to supercharge your club meetings and make every 4-H event a memorable one.

Celebrating Year Round with 4-H Star Ornament

Chris England and Kylie Crawford

Creative hands-on workshop where you'll make your very own quilted ball ornament! Using 4-H materials and colors, you'll learn how to sew fabric pieces together to create a beautiful, festive decoration. Perfect for personalizing your holiday space or giving as a handmade gift!

Exploring the Science of Matter

Allison Kosto  

Come explore the science of matter through the creation of three different substances called Glurch, Oobleck and Gak.  Participants will be provided with instructions and recipes for each to be able to replicate at 4-H camps or other 4-H activities.  Be prepared to get messy in this workshop!

Get You Some Gratitude

Josie Evenson  

Gratitude, more importantly practicing gratitude has important benefits. Practicing gratitude improves mental health, physical health, builds stronger relationships, and help in difficult times. This workshop will provide you with tools to practice gratitude.   

Horse Whisperers... Effective Means of "Unbridled" Communication

Sarah Capp  

Ask! Tell! Command! Whisper! Is your team communication worthy of guiding others? Test your skills and grow your expertise at conveying ideas to teammates in ways you may have "neigh"ver thought of before!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Connect the Dots between 4-H activities and workplace success

Campbell Barrett  

Connect the dots between 4-H activities like record sheets, project completion, demonstrations, club participation, fair exhibition, etc., and the skills that business owners say new employees are lacking.

I am protOZoa. The great... and terrible.

Jackie Pondolfino and Park County Teen Leaders

The microbes in your steer, heifer, lamb, and/or goat stomachs largely determine your livestock's ability to convert grass and hay to protein. Let's get up close and personal with some of these microbes!

Paper Quilling Cards

Mandie Reed  

Participants will learn basic forms they can create using paper quilling to create unique and beautiful cards.

Tell Your Story

Samantha Ferrat and  Jodi Koterba

We all have an important story to tell. Through experience, movement & collaboration, learn how to tell that story so you can make an impact in your home and community for agriculture. Explore where your story can make the most impact especially for influencing change and inspiring action.

Session 2: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM  

Charcuterie Creations

Sophie Kolb  

Create your own charcuterie board in this hands-on workshop using a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, and accompaniments. Participants will gain valuable skills in menu planning, food safety, and budgeting, and will end the session by sharing and enjoying their delicious creations! 

*Please communicate any dietary restrictions to Sophie at [email protected] before the workshop.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Connect the Dots between 4-H activities and workplace success

Campbell Barrett  

Connect the dots between 4-H activities like record sheets, project completion, demonstrations, club participation, fair exhibition, etc., and the skills that business owners say new employees are lacking.

Knowing Yourself to Be a Better Leader

Brett Schomer  

Great leadership starts with self-awareness. In this workshop, you'll take a deep dive into understanding your own leadership style, strengths, and areas for growth. Through self-assessment and reflection, you’ll identify what you truly enjoy about being a leader and how to apply your natural strengths to inspire and support others. By the end of the session, you'll have practical tools to enhance your leadership skills and align your leadership approach with your personal values and passions. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to become a more authentic, effective leader.

I am protOZoa. The great... and terrible.

Jackie Pondolfino and Park County Teen Leaders

The microbes in your steer, heifer, lamb, and/or goat stomachs largely determine your livestock's ability to convert grass and hay to protein. Let's get up close and personal with some of these microbes!

Listen Like a Leader: Communication That Makes a Difference

Tracey Robecker  

Have you ever felt like someone wasn’t really hearing what you were saying? Or maybe you’ve caught yourself nodding along in a conversation but not really paying attention? Active listening might seem simple, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to strengthen your relationships, solve conflicts, and step up as a leader. In this workshop, we’ll explore why listening is the key to better leadership. Through hands-on activities, real talk, and fun challenges, you’ll not only learn active listening techniques but also get the chance to practice them in ways that make a difference. Listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about showing respect, building trust, and finding common ground. So, are you ready to listen up and lead the way?

Professor Wogglebug and other Entomological creatures

Tyler Lane and Jesse Fulbright

Dive into the fascinating world of entomology in this hands-on workshop! Learn about the crucial role insects play in our environment and daily lives. Through interactive demonstrations, you'll explore insect specimens, discover useful resources, and get familiar with the tools used by entomologists. Whether you're a beginner or already interested in bugs, this workshop will give you a deeper appreciation for the tiny creatures that make a big impact.

QPR: The Teen Toolkit for Supporting Others

Josie Evenson  

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a proven suicide prevention training helping teens to have the tools they need to support their peers. Participants will learn how to help others who are facing a suicide crisis. Q.P.R. is how to have a conversation with others, it is also applicable to any difficult conversation, not just mental health.

Rug Making

Bonnie Radke and Laura Fisher

Participants will learn how to use scrap fabric to make their own braided rugs. This workshop will be interactive and crafty, with no previous skills required. Participants should plan to bring at least 2 old t-shirts or amounts of scrap fabric that they would like to use in their rugs.

Showmanship Made Easy

Lauren Tadman, Clara Holl and Sierra Gray

In this workshop we will cover the basics of showing pigs using physical props such as show brushes, pig whips, and beach balls to simulate a show ring environment. A short segment about goat showmanship explaining show tools will also be presented on.

Session 3: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Birdhouse Construction

Randy Radke and Patrick Marble

Students will build a birdhouse.  They will cut pieces, drill holes and assemble a birdhouse to take home

Bringing 4-H to Montana's Outdoors

KelleySue Bain, Linda Cooke and Sarah Miller

Be prepared to hit the trails this summer! Come make a healthy trail snack, learn to use radios and satellite communication devices, bear safety and explore how you can make an impact on the environment around you!

Clover Spa

Josie Evenson  

Going to a spa is relaxing and good for our overall health. However, going to a spa can be time consuming, difficult to schedule and costly. Learn how to make some at home spa products and relaxation techniques at the Clover Spa Workshop.

Engaging Families in your Meetings and Projects

Catherine McNeil and Nicole Tholt:  Montana 4-H Leaders Council

Calling all adult volunteers and 4-H leaders! This workshop is designed to help you expand your skills and enhance your club and project activities. You'll have the opportunity to learn new techniques, connect with other passionate leaders, and share creative ideas to make a bigger impact. Whether you're looking to improve your leadership abilities or bring fresh ideas to your 4-H projects, this workshop will provide valuable insights and inspire you to take your volunteering to the next level. Don’t miss the chance to grow alongside fellow leaders and strengthen your 4-H community!

Learning by Doing: An Intro to Experiential Learning

Christine Hodges  

Learn how to teach a workshop that gets others "learning by doing," the 4-H way! Participants will think of a topic they'd like to teach others about and design and practice leading a learning activity that will teach others about their topic using 4-H's Experiential Learning Model. From leading demonstrations to facilitating a class project, understanding how to design activities with intention will help you become a stronger teacher and presenter.

Outdoor Survival Kits

Scott Francis  

Exciting hands-on workshop where you'll learn the essentials of building an outdoor survival kit! You'll discover what tools and supplies are crucial for survival in the wilderness, and even get the chance to make some of the components yourself. Whether you're a budding adventurer or just curious about survival skills, this workshop will equip you with practical knowledge to stay safe and prepared outdoors. Come ready to create and learn!

Prioritizing Self-Care to Strengthen Your Relationships

Kayleen Kidwell 

When we take time to prioritize ourselves, we lay the foundation for stronger relationships with others. In this workshop, participants will engage in hands-on activities to explore how self-care contributes to more meaningful connections and how strong relationships foster teamwork and leadership.

Swing dance

Ellie Weldon, John Weldon and  Jacob Weldon

you'll learn some classic moves and, depending on your skill level, explore more advanced techniques! Whether you're just starting out or have some experience, we'll tailor the session to challenge and grow your abilities.

The Yellow Brick Road to Leadership

The Montana State 4-H Ambassador Officer Team:  Sheila Hamlen, Stella Duran, Cadence Sims, Bonnie Radke and Morgan Sites

Join the Montana 4-H State Ambassador Officer team to learn new leadership skills that will help you in your club, community, country, and world! In this workshop, you will work with each officer to build new skills that will help develop your foundation as a leader. The Yellow Brick Road to Leadership will also be very helpful to anyone looking to be a county or state ambassador one day!

Treat Yourself to Leadership

Clara Bradshaw, Brentlee Bomgardner and Janell Barber

Participants will learn and approach problem solving by working through a "sticky" scenario. This is a hands-on cooking workshop.

Session 4: 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM  

Basic Swing and Line Dance Workshop

Gallatin County 4-H Ambassadors Bonnie Radke and Makinzey Milesnick

Grab your ruby red slippers and get ready to dance because we're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz! Do you often feel "tin man" stiff on the dance floor? Join the Gallatin County 4-H Ambassadors to learn some basic swing and line dances that will have you movin' and groovin' on the dance floor.

Be on the Cutting Edge!

Katie Zumwalt,  Trent Fulbright, Lisa Terry  and Hannah Kultgen

Axe and knife safety is essential for any camp cooking or kitchen adventure.  Learn how to sharpen both tools, whittle a simple object, cut firewood and cut vegetables, all without losing any fingers or toes!

Building Bridges, Building Leaders

MSU Collegiate 4-H: Tara Hedstrom, Greyden McNeil and Victoria Kirby

This workshop puts leadership and teamwork skills to the test! Participants will work in teams to design the strongest bridge using the designated materials available. This fun and interactive competition is all about creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Can your team rise to the challenge to build the best bridge?

Goal-Getter: Achieve More with SMART Goals

Teah Vennes

Learn how to set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to help you achieve your dreams! Whether for school, personal growth, or future plans, this workshop will give you the tools to stay focused, motivated, and organized. Get ready to set goals that work for you and start making progress toward your biggest ambitions!

Meditative Doodling: A Creative Path to Recharge Your Brain

Brett Schomer  

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and mentally drained. But what if you could tap into your creativity to relax, refocus, and recharge your mind? Join us for a calming and rejuvenating workshop on Meditative Doodling — a simple practice designed to enhance mental clarity and well-being through the act of doodling. This hands-on session will teach you how to use drawing and doodling as tools for mindfulness. You'll learn a variety of easy-to-follow techniques that engage both your body and mind, helping you stay focused, reduce stress, and unlock your creative flow. No artistic ability necessary!

Mindful Moments: A Quick Self-Care Boost for Teens

Riley Larson

Join us for a fun and informative workshop on self-care! Learn about mental health, try out stress-relieving activities like cookie decorating and sugar scrub making, and discover simple ways to prioritize your well-being. This workshop is designed to provide practical tools and a supportive environment for improving mental health.

Basics of Public Speaking

Stella Duran and Lexie Davis

Do you want to become more confident in your public speaking skills? This workshop will equip you with skills to confidently communicate your ideas. Learn techniques for a variety of public speaking scenarios, and practice those techniques with your peers!

So You are an Officer...  Now What?!

Allison Kosto and Kayleen Kidwell

Come to this fun interactive workshop to enhance your officer and leadership skills.  Topics include parliamentary procedure, communication and meeting structure.  It will highlight activities from the new 4-H President's Book (in development) in addition to existing resources.

Weaving Together

Andrea Berry  

Learn to weave a small bag while discussing the many meanings of the word “weaving” and how they apply to leadership.