December 10, 2025

December 4‑H Family Update

Dear 4‑H Families,

Happy Holidays! As we wrap up the year, here are some exciting updates and activities:

What’s Happening This Month

Holiday Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

· 1 cup creamy peanut butter
· 2 cups powdered sugar
· 3 cups crushed graham crackers
· 1 cup melted chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and crushed graham crackers until combined.
2. Roll mixture into small balls and place on wax paper.
3. Dip each ball into melted chocolate and let set until firm.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Wishing you and your family a warm, joyful holiday season!
— Marie

Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
UW Extension - Dodge County
920-386-3790
marie.witzel@wisc.edu

If clubs or groups have items to share, send them by noon on Monday to be included in that week’s issue. Anything received after 12 p.m. Monday will be considered for the following week. 

Please send any 4-H or youth development related emails to marie.witzel@wisc.edu

Come Caroling!

Juneau Victorians 4-H club invite all 4-H members and family to join them Caroling at Clearview in Juneau this Sunday, December 14th. 

10:30am - Practice (Song books provided)
11:00am - Caroling on different floors
1:00pm - Cookies & Cocoa

Contact Melissa Lake for ?s @ 920-382-9605

Clearview Address: 198 County Road DF, Juneau (north end of Juneau, off Hwy 26)

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to share a skill, hobby, or area of expertise with youth and families. If you have a hands-on activity, unique talent, or fun idea you’d like to teach, we’d be thrilled to have you present! And if you know someone who would be a great presenter at Family Learning Day, please encourage them to reach out to us!

FREE for youth in grades 7–13 (ages 12–19)

Register by December 17, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

Join us for a fun and informative evening to welcome new families to 4-H!
Meet leaders, ask questions, and enjoy activities led by 4-H youth members. Please sign up so we have a headcount for the evening. Registration is on 4HOnline in the Events section.

There’s something fun for everyone in Dodge County 4-H!

Registration is open until the end of December.  The cost is $23 per person.  All youth must be accompanied by an adult.  Families and guests are also welcome.  Lunch is not provided, so participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. 

This is a virtual opportunity for youth across the nation to come together and make sweet treats and fun crafts for the holidays. There will be LIVE events via Zoom and pre-recorded activities. There is also an option for YOU to submit your own sweet treat or fun craft for other kids to enjoy.

Please join us and have some holiday fun! 

Are you ready to inspire the next generation? Join us as an Adult Advisor or Young Adult Leader at Summer Academy! Help youth grow, learn, and lead—all while having fun. Apply today!

Who Do We Need?
Adult Advisors: Provide mentorship, supervision, and logistical support.
Young Adult Leaders: Serve as role models, lead activities, and support youth engagement.

Why Volunteer?
Make a lasting impact on youth.
Build leadership and mentoring skills.
Be part of a fun, educational summer experience.

What’s Involved?
June 14-18, 2026 at the beautiful University of Wisconsin–Madison campus
Training provided, both virtual and in person to help you prepare for your role
Lodging, meals, and transportation covered 

Application Process
Online form - for all statewide educational experiences
Deadline: February 28, 2026 (for Summer Academy specific applicants)
Contact info: Email lindsay.spindler@wisc.edu for any questions

Wildlife and Woods is Wisconsin 4-H’s statewide natural sciences, wildlife, and forestry monthly, virtual event.

Outdoor enthusiasts connect with other 4-H youth of all ages from around the state. Together, we explore the natural world with a special focus on wildlife, wildlife habitats, and trees. Participants learn about wild places across the United States following the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) and the 4-H Forestry Program. Materials are designed for all ages and knowledge levels, so everyone can benefit. Since the sessions are co-presenter by youth and adult leaders, the youth leadership opportunities are plentiful.

Register for Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series
Log into your family account in 4HOnline. Under the EVENTS tab look for “Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series,” register, and then you will receive an email with the Zoom link. If you need help registering or are registering as a participant, please visit the “Ready to Participate” website.

Save the date for a one-of-a-kind field trip your students will never forget! The 2026 Midwest Horse Fair is excited to announce our brand new Youth Day on Friday, April 17, 2026 that will be fun, educational, affordable and memorable for your students.

Special Discount Youth Ticket Offer:
All youth organizations can now attend Youth Day on Friday April 17, 2026 for just $15 per ticket (youth or leader) instead of the $25 gate price! A minimum of 8 tickets per club is required, and tickets must be purchased by the group leader. Please contact Sherry to sign up. 

DECEMBER

24 & 25 - Office Closed

31 - Office Closed

JANUARY

1- Office Closed

PYD Media Collection Project Resources Follow the link to learn more about the collection and request materials.

4HOnline  Log in to your account at the Wisconsin 4-H Online Sign in page

Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Website

WI 4-H Policy Updates

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension
Dodge County 4-H
Extension Dodge County  127 E. Oak Street  Juneau, WI 53039-1329
tel: 920.386.3790    fax: 920.386.3928