Dear 4-H Families,

As National Volunteer Week draws to a close, we want to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to each and every one of the Dodge County volunteers for your incredible dedication and service to our community.

I wanted to focus this week on our youth volunteers. They reported 4089.5 hours of service to the Dodge County 4-H program in 2024. Your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to lend a helping hand have not gone unnoticed. Whether you've been involved in organizing events, assisting with community projects, or simply offering your time and talents wherever needed, your contributions have made a significant impact.

Your commitment to volunteerism at such a young age is truly inspiring. You have shown exceptional leadership, empathy, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Your passion for giving back serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of youth-driven change.

We are immensely grateful for your unwavering support and your willingness to step up and make a difference. Your efforts have touched the lives of many and have helped to strengthen our community in countless ways.

I am especially grateful for our youth who were trained and are helping with the Progressive Ag/Powersports Safety training this week. Thanks to Oscar and Wyatt Stowell and Noah Roberts to sharing their time and teaching younger youth about Safety with Animals, ATV/UTV and Lawn Mowers. Hats off to each of them for taking time out of their schedules to help with these important messages.

Thank you for being shining examples of kindness, compassion, and service. You are the future leaders and change-makers, and we are honored to have you as part of our volunteer family.

Thanks to all of you who volunteer your time to the youth of Dodge County!

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 Thursday 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 Wednesday to be included in that week's issue. You can also contact the office with any questions. Thanks!

Event by Powersports Company
N8309 Kellom Rd, Beaver Dam, WI, Wisconsin 53916

From 10 AM to 12 PM, dive into a world of fun and learning with hands-on safety demonstrations on Farm Equipment, ATV/UTV, Lawn Equipment, and Animal Safety!

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!

Another fitting and showing clinic

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson, Wis. Open to dairy youth in Dane, Dodge, Columbia, Jefferson, Rock, and Waukesha counties. Parents/leaders may accompany students during the workshop. Bring proper footwear for working with animals.

Registration:
No entry fees
Pre-registration required by 6 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025. 

Please reach out to Jefferson County Dairy Youth Committee: Zach Tolzman, 608.642.1400, or Bill Uecker, 920.285.9125, with questions.

Schedule:
9-9:30 a.m.: Registration

9:30 - 9:45 a.m.: How to properly tie a halter

9:45 a.m.-11:30 p.m.: Kids will be spilt into two groups, and rotate between the following sessions:

Session 1: Hoof trimming and feeding (how to feed your heifer at home and at the show)  

Session 2: Vaccines/proper administration and the fine details of showmanship

11:30-Noon: Lunch provided, Q/A, and raffle prizes

Click below to sign up 👇

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

MAY

2 - DNA Envelopes Due

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