Dear 4-H Families,

Space Camp is just what you think it is – it’s a camp experience where youth learn and experience a ton of different aspects about life as an astronaut, working at NASA, and exploring places beyond Earth! Wisconsin 4-H Space Camp participants experience the Pathfinder Program. The Pathfinder Program is a 3 day experience where youth participate in a variety of simulated space activities, such as:

· A Simulated Space Mission (including roles at mission control, on the ISS, in a space shuttle, and on the surface of the moon) with a team of other 4-Her’s.
· A variety of Space Simulators such as the multi-axis trainer, five degrees of freedom chair, and the space shot.
· Building and launching their own model rocket.
· On-site meals and sleeping habitats simulating a real space training experience.
· Learning all about space exploration and astronaut life in museum tours guided by a Space Camp expert.
· A team quiz bowl where participants test their knowledge against others at the end of camp.

Those are just a few of the activities that youth will experience while at Space Camp. Every activity has an educational purpose with the goal of teaching kids all about space, STEM, and teamwork. All of these activities are done in a team with other 4-H youth and adults from across the state of Wisconsin. Speaking of 4-H, you might be wondering, why does Wisconsin 4-H go to Space Camp every year, when it’s something that anyone can do by going there themselves? Well, Wisconsin 4-H Space Camp is more than just Space Camp!

The Wisconsin 4-H Space Camp Experience

Wisconsin 4-H Space Camp is an educational experience where youth from across the state take a bus down to Huntsville, Alabama, for a 4 day journey. Youth get the opportunity to venture away from home to meet new friends, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and learn all about space. They are led by a team of trained Adult Advisors. As a 4-H program, our goals for youth who go through Space Camp are:

· To have the opportunity to learn in an exciting environment away from school.
· To develop social skills by meeting new people and working as a team.
· To have the opportunity to learn life skills in a situation that is unfamiliar to them.
· To have the opportunity to develop leadership skills.

Check out a couple of pictures in the Hats Offs section of the Dodge County youth who attended!

Have a good week,

Marie

Marie Witzel
4-H Youth Development Educator
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. Thursday will be considered for the following week. The articles should be sent to Marie at marie.witzel@wisc.edu.

If you have Secretary's Minutes to share, please send them to the 4-H / Youth Program Assistant, Terra at: treider@wisc.edu by noon on Monday to be included in that week's issue. You can also contact the office with any questions. Thanks!

Dear Moms,

Your endless support, encouragement, and love help our members grow, learn, and thrive. Driving to meetings, volunteering your time, and cheering from the sidelines, we see how much you give of yourself and the positive impact you leave. Happy Mothers Day-- we appreciate you more than words can say!

Volunteering at the Dairy Brunch is a great opportunity to contribute to a special tradition that celebrates our local dairy heritage. Your support will make a significant impact. 

By volunteering, you'll be part of an unforgettable experience and also help foster a sense of community and togetherness. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the smiles and gratitude of everyone who attends!

Any club interested in having a booth at this years dairy brunch, please
fill out this Google Form 👇 .

Our Dodge County Pig Pals Swine Spectacular Show is looking for 4-H and FFA Swine Project members that are involved with the Swine Project this year. This is a great activity that offers people with disabilities a chance to shine in the show ring with your help. This is also a great way to grow your leadership by partnering or working within the show in a variety of roles. Our show is scheduled for Sunday, August 17th beginning with all arriving at 9:15 am.

We will once again be expecting approximately 20 Pig Pal participants so that means we’ll need: * 20 swine exhibitor mentors to be partners along with 20 well trained pigs (7th gr. & up) 

- barn safety people, lots of them to make it a safe show (youth and adults)
- ring safety workers (youth and adults)
- water safety youth (1st/2nd year swine members)  

Parents and adults associated with swine project members can also volunteer. ALL volunteers will receive a Dodge County Pig Pals T-shirt too. This is a really fun and rewarding opportunity for all involved. T-shirt order due by June 1st.

Please contact Mary Pat Boschert at 920-382-7943, call or text or email at
billboschert@gmail.com to volunteer names and t-shirt sizes, and answer any questions. Thanks everyone!

Orange Cards are Due July 21st, 2025

Dairy-Judging Schedule

May 11: No practice, Mother's Day
May 18: To be determined
May 25: Northcrest Dairy, W11673 Ridge Road, Waterloo, WI 53594, 2 p.m.
June 1: Smith-Crest Holsteins, W7465 County Road Q, Watertown, WI 53098, 2 p.m.
June 8: Nehls Valley, N3365 Level Valley Road, Hustisford, WI 53034, 2 p.m.

Dodge County fitting and showing clinic

The Dodge County Dairy Youth Advisory Committee is excited to host a Dairy Educational Morning on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Jon Powers Farm, 9-11:15 a.m.

Join us to broaden your dairy knowledge with learning opportunities, including:

- Feed and nutrition
- Washing and clipping
- Creating a show pack and preparing fair show supplies
- Showmanship of dairy animals

This event is perfect for all youth involved in the dairy project. Attending counts for a point on your dairy-activity card. See you there. See the image for more details. Sign up here by May 31, 2025.

Wisconsin State Fair Junior Dairy Show

County Communication
Watch for future communication from Mandy Sell (920.253.8773) asking those interested in joining the Dodge-junior-dairy group at state fair to fill out a simple Google Form, so she can create a quick spreadsheet and start making plans.

Official State-Fair Registration

Wisconsin State Fair junior-show registration has started. Here's a link to the rules and schedule. Here's the link to register.

Deadlines:

- May 21, 2025, 7 p.m. CT: Online entries at regular fees close.

- May 28, 2025, 5 p.m. CT: Late online entries (with $130/exhibitor late fee) close. No additional entries will be accepted.

Details:

- for youth 12-19 years old as of Jan. 1, 2025
- for registered dairy cattle
- Sign up for communication and quiz contests must be done when you enter your animals before May 21.
- Junior exhibitors must be YQCA certified at time of entry. The certification must remain active through the dates of state fair (Aug. 10, 2025).
- Dodge County requires all junior-dairy exhibitors to complete the county dairy-activity card in order to exhibit at junior state fair.

General questions? Contact DYAC via e-mail: dodgecountydyac@gmail.com

MAY

20 - 4-H Leaders Executive Board Meeting

26 - Office Closed -  Happy Memorial Day!

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

4-H Volunteer Trainings Follow the link to learn more and complete your required trainings.

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