January 28th, 2026
Marie's Message
|
Dear 4-H Families and Friends,
Help kids reduce daily stress with intention setting. Intention setting allows them to be mindful about their mental, emotional and physical selves.
|
What is mindfulness? A state of living in the moment with awareness and acceptance.
What is awareness? Recognizing the thoughts, feelings, sensations and surroundings that may be experienced in a particular moment.
What is acceptance? Not passing judgment or being critical of those thoughts, feelings, sensations and surroundings in that moment and not comparing yourself to others.
Activity Steps
|
-
Select a word or a short phrase to be your intention or “code word” for the practice.
- Sit or lie in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
- Think of a word or phrase that can help you focus on your activities today.
- Think of your code word. As you take your next breath in, say the word in your head. Repeat three more times.
-
Think about the reason you chose the code word. What does this word mean to you? What do you picture? What do you feel?
- Concentrate on that image for a moment as you take a few more deep breaths.
- When you’re ready, gently open your eyes.
|
Have a great week,
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
|
|
|
Lakeside 4-H spent their time together in December visiting local elderly and nursing homes Christmas Caroling and spreading cheer. Ending with a Christmas party at Pizza Ranch in Watertown.
|
|
|
If you’re thinking about college or technical school for the 2026–2027 school year, this is a great time to take a look at scholarships. Dodge County 4-H offers several scholarship opportunities, and you might be more eligible than you think. Even if you’re just starting to explore your options, it’s worth checking out what’s available and giving it a try. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. ✨
|
YQCA scholarships are available. They are due February 15th.
|
Winter Wildlife Camp at Upham Woods! |
Winter fun awaits at Upham Woods! Youth ages 7–11 are invited to explore Wisconsin’s winter wildlife with Upham Woods Outdoor Educators through snowshoeing, den building, animal-sign hikes, and cozy crafts. This drop-off day camp includes snowshoes, a morning snack, and lunch, and takes place Saturday, February 21 from 10 AM–3 PM in Wisconsin Dells. The cost is $45, and registration closes February 1—bundle up and join the adventure! ❄️🐾
|
|
|
✨Learn more at the "4-H Camp: Here We Come" Session at Family Learning Day on February 21st! |
Registration is open in 4-H Online until February 8th, 2026.
|
Registration is open until February 14th, 2026.
|
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.
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.
|
|
|
Know A Potential Youth Sponsor?
The 2026 Dodge County Dairy Youth Program has 96 youth passionate about agriculture, livestock care, and leadership. To keep the program thriving, we’re looking to grow our list of financially supportive businesses.
Think about all the businesses, farms, and organizations your family works with: from propane and fuel contracts to feed mills. Please click on this👉 link and quickly send us a name and any contact information you have access to. We will add your submissions to our sponsorship-contact list. You're also more than welcome to reach out to said businesses yourself, if you wish. Sponsor support helps provide:
✅Educational opportunities
✅ Awards and recognition
✅ Youth t-shirts
✅ Wisconsin Junior State Fair support; and more.
These contributions make a real difference, not just in the barn, but in the confidence and growth of every participant.
|
| Register Your Heifers, Now, For Next Year's County Futurity
Junior dairy youth: You've been working hard at breeding and exhibiting your Holsteins. Don’t miss your chance to participate in the 2027 Dodge County Holstein Futurity at the fair! This exciting event is open to any registered Holstein female born between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025. All animals must have a registration number or EID number at the time of entry to be eligible.
Entries must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2026, with a $25 fee per animal. Send completed entry forms and fees to:
Dodge County Holstein Futurity
c/o Ashley Vande Zande
903 E. Jefferson Street
Waupun, WI 53963
No late entries will be accepted. If you don't have the form, e-mail Ashley Vande Zande at ashvandezande@gmail.com.
|
|
|
FEBRUARY
17 - 4-H Leaders Association Meeting 7:00 PM
13 - Last Day to Register for Family Learning Day
21 - Family Learning Day
MARCH
17 - Leaders Executive Board Meeting 7:00 PM
21 - Family Learning Day
|
In Case You Missed It . . . |
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
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
127 E. Oak St. None | Juneau, WI 53039 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
