March 4, 2026

A Message About Space Camp

Last May, I was given the opportunity to go to Wisconsin 4-H Space Camp at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. One of my favorite parts of the entire trip was getting to see the rocket garden at the Space Center. The rocket garden was outside the main building and had multiple retired rockets that you could see and touch. It was really cool to see some of the rockets in comparison to the Saturn V rocket, which was the rocket that NASA designed for the Apollo missions, because next to the Saturn V, the other ones there looked tiny. While I was there, I got to explore their Saturn V building, which was almost like a museum about all of the Apollo missions. Inside the building, there was a Saturn V rocket disassembled and hanging over the rest of the exhibits. I also learned that the Saturn V is the biggest rocket NASA has ever built - even to this day - which I thought was pretty cool. 

Since we were there as part of their camp program, we got to try different astronaut training simulations too. We took part in a space shuttle simulation as a team, and some of us stayed at the “control center” and then there was a group of people on the shuttle “taking off” and a crew at the “space station”. We all had to stay in communication the whole time and collaborate with each other to successfully complete all of our tasks.

While I was there, I also met some friends that were from the same area and interested in the same things as me. Since I didn’t know anyone else there, I had some practice communicating with people I was unfamiliar with as well. Going to this space camp was a really enjoyable experience and I learned a lot from it - not just information about space, but also team working and problem solving strategies.   

Thank you to Elise Hensler for her fantastic write-up about Space Camp! We’re proud to highlight her experience and the way she represented our program.

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

Planning to show at the fair? Don’t forget your YQCA certification! Youth must complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) to be eligible to exhibit — so make sure it’s checked off your list before fair time rolls around. We are offering a YQCA class at Family Learning Day! Remember to complete your online enrollment at yqcaprogram.org

Please note that registration closes on March 11. This is the final day to sign up, and late registrations will not be accepted. Many popular classes fill quickly, so we encourage you to register early for the best chance at securing your top choices.

Registration is open for our Spring Cloverbud Spark Seekers Series—a virtual, hands-on learning adventure designed for youth in grades K–2. Each Wednesday evening in April, Cloverbuds will explore new topics with 4‑H Educators through creative activities that build curiosity and confidence. From discovering personal strengths to diving into plant science, nature, and healthy living, each session offers something new to spark their imagination.

Encourage your Cloverbud to jump in and explore! Most materials are provided; details are included in the registration.

Calling All Builders: The LEGO Brick Build Challenge is Here!
It’s time to dig into your brick collection and let your creativity shine! We are excited to announce the first installment of our statewide LEGO Brick Build Challenge series, inviting participants, youth and adults, from across the state to showcase their skills.

This Month’s Topic: Build Your Spark 
In 4-H, a "spark" is that special interest or passion that makes you come alive. Whether it’s science, art, animals, or sports, we want to see you represent your passion using nothing but bricks!

How to Enter: The challenge is open to both youth and adults. You can participate as an individual or as a team. To enter, visit https://go.wisc.edu/mxa8pj and submit your entry by the deadline.

Submission Guidelines:
-Submit one entry per individual or team.
-Include up to three photos of your model from different perspectives.
-Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026
-Viewing Party with Prizes: April 12, 2026

We can’t wait to see your "sparks" come to life. Happy building!

K.A.M.O. (Kids and Mentors Outdoors) would like to send out an invitation to all Dodge County 4-H Clubs to a day of FREE Bowling on March 29th, 2026. 

The event will be Thursday, April 30 - Saturday, May 2.

Is there a 4-H Club would be interested in doing a fundraiser on Saturday, May 2nd? Our Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and we thought a Tractor/ATV/UTV wash could be a fun option, with all proceeds going to the club.

On Friday, May 1, we’ll also have WBEV here for a live radio show from 1:00-4:00 p.m., which would be a great chance to help spread the word about the fundraiser ahead of time.

Please contact Marie for more information

 Dodge County Farm Bureau appreciates the partnership Farm Bureau and 4-H have had for many years with the Fair Food Stand. There have been some challenges with filling shifts for the past several years. Dodge County Farm Bureau has made some changes for 2026.

• Sign up for the Food Stand will be done through Dodge County Farm Bureau via Signup Genius. Information and the link will be provided for the Wednesday Focus on 4-H.
• 4-H Clubs will have first priority to sign up. Any shifts not filled by May 1 will be
opened up to other youth groups. 4-H can still sign up after May 1, but it is Farm
Bureau’s goal to have all shifts filled by June 15.
• Starting in 2026, 4-H Clubs will receive a donation of at least $200 per shift for
volunteering rather than the total amount going to the Dodge County 4-H Leader’s
Association. This amount will be reduced if the designated number of workers does not
show up or if workers leave early.

Dodge County Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing the long-established relationship with Dodge County 4-H in working together in the Dodge County Farm Bureau/Dodge County 4-H Food Stand at the Dodge County Fair.

Contact dodgecountyfb@gmail.com if you have any questions or need help signing up for shifts. 

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

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.

MARCH

11 - Registration closes for Family Learning Day

17 - Leaders Executive Board Meeting 7:00 PM

21 - Family Learning Day

APRIL

3 - 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