Hello Dunn County 4-H Families!

Happy Halloween! However you decide to celebrate, I hope you all have a great time this weekend.

I'm sure most of your lives are getting busier with the holidays approaching. With this in mind, we have kept our 4-H programming to a minimum for the next couple of months. This month's newsletter is full with registrations for events happening at the end of 2026 and start of 2027.

Last year I put out a programming needs assessment. Based on the responses, we have created some new program offerings including the Cloverbud Boxes, and our new Winter Break program. In addition to those programs, you will find information on:

Finally, I want to give one last reminder to re-enroll as a member or volunteer. Returning members and volunteers who do not re-enroll by November 1 should not be participating in 4-H activities until they complete their re-enrollment. Additionally, this is the last time I will be pulling emails from last year's participates to send the newsletter. If you want to stay up to date on all of the great events and programs, complete your re-enrollment soon.

Have a great month!

Zachary Rozmiarek

Dunn County 4-H Educator

715-308-8616

Hello everyone, my name is Bridget Totzke. I am an AmeriCorps member here in Menomonie. I work at the Dunn County extension office where I plan and host programs throughout the year to promote 4-H and bring the community together! I have been an active member in 4-H for 10+ years now, and I'm so excited that I get to share my knowledge and love for 4-H with others and hopefully inspire others to join their local 4-H club! 

Dunn County 4-H had an impressive showing at the State Dog Agility Contest last month. We had 13 youth show from Dunn County. The first and second place finishers are listed below.

A huge thank you to our volunteers who helped to organize the event, and coached the youth!

Looking for easy, engaging activities for members at your club meeting? Check out the new Cloverbud boxes!

 Each box includes supplies and instructions for four hands-on activities that are ready to use. Developed using research-based youth development practices, these lessons help youth learn, create, explore, and build important life skills while having fun. Aimed to serve our youngest members, these activities can be done by anyone!

This year's activities include:

Best of all, the boxes are FREE for clubs! Club leaders, complete the form below to request your box today.

Wisconsin 4-H clubs are invited  to imagine a delicious new ice cream flavor, and come up with an interesting flavor name. Each club may submit up to five entries. 

Five finalists will be selected from all entries received and will receive a Cedar Crest Ice Cream party for their 4-H club.

In addition to an ice cream party, the grand prize winner will  receive a $500 prize for their 4-H club and the winning flavor will be produced as a Cedar Crest Ice Cream Feature Flavor for the month of July! 

To participate in the Flavor Creation Content, 4-H Club Leaders may submit your entry (up to 5 entries per club) using the online form linked below, or by downloading the entry form with submission details. Entries are due by November 15.

Dunn County 4-H is once again sponsoring a food drive for all clubs that wish to participate.

If your club votes to participate, here is what you need to do:

The club with the most non-perishable food items per member will receive an ice cream sundae or root beer float party at their next meeting! (non-dairy options will be available upon request)

Join us on November 14, 9am-noon for the Project Discovery Day!

Project Discovery Day is a great way to learn about, and try out, new 4-H projects. It is open to ALL Dunn County 4-H'ers and guests in grades k-13, so bring your friends! All of the projects will be hands on and interactive. 

This year's projects will include:

Registration Closes November 2nd! Use the buttons below to learn more about the projects and register!

The Menomonie Theater Guild are providing Dunn County 4-H'ers and their families discount tickets for their holiday show "A Christmas Story." 

This is a stage adaptation of the 1983 film that follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker in 1940s Indiana as he tries to convince everyone that he needs a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

The Leaders Council will also be sponsoring a portion of the tickets, to bring the cost down to $8 for 4-H members, $14 for non-member youth, and $16 for adults! We are working with the theater guild to organize a special activity for us after the show.

We will be attending the Sunday, December 6th show at 2pm. We have set aside 60 tickets. They went fast last year, so sign up soon!

 Every once in a while, we all could use a hug. 

The "Hugs" we are talking about are fleece comfort wraps for residents of the Neighbors of Dunn County.  During Winter Break, on December 29 from 1-3 p.m. at the Dunn County Government Building, 4-H Members are invited to lend a helping hand in making Hugs. 

Supplies and snacks will be provided. This rewarding, hands-on experience will give our 4-H’ers a chance to serve their community by providing a little warmth and comfort to those in need.

Become a Camp Counselor for 4-H Camp! 🌟
Camp Dates: June 6–9, 2027 (Outpost & Base Camp)
Applications Due: January 3 by 11:59pm

Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make unforgettable memories? Youth in grades 9 and up are encouraged to apply to be a Camp Counselor for the 2027 Clark, Dunn & Eau Claire 4-H Camp!

As a counselor, you will help shape the camp experience for youth, build leadership skills, and be part of an amazing team. Whether you're new or returning, we want YOU to apply!

Key Dates:
📅 Application Deadline: January 3
💻 Zoom Interviews: January
🛠️ Training Dates: February 6–7, May 2, June 5
🏕️ Camp Dates: June 6–9

The Wisconsin Distance Learning group is excited to announce three Distance Learning programs for 2027!

Registration opens November 1. Register early so you don’t miss out!

Cloverbuds: Wizarding World of 4-H: A Cloverbud Series

Photography: “I signed up for the 4-H Photography Project... Now what?”

Animal Science: The Whole Animal: Co & By-Products Uncovered

Registration in 4-H Online is free. However, some programs will have a tiered pricing fee and additional supplies may need to be purchased.

Learn more about each opportunity on the Distance Learning Website!

Get ready for Winter Academy 2027!

This 100% virtual, FREE program is a 4-week experience for youth grades 8-10! Sessions include:

Registration will be open from November 1-30, 2026. Spots are limited and are available on a first-come first-served basis!

Registration is open today! Explore the Midwest with us at Beyond Wisconsin!

In this new experience, youth in grades 6-8 will travel to St. Louis, Missouri between February 11-15, 2027 for fun, learning, and cultural discovery.

Participants will experience:

Registration will close November 22. Learn more on the Beyond Wisconsin Website.

Get ready for American Spirit 2027!

This program is available to youth grades 9-10 and will be held from June 25-July 3, 2027!

The 4-H American Spirit Experience is an opportunity for youth to immerse themselves in history and heritage through a 7-day bus journey to the East Coast and Canada. This program will also focus on career readiness, leadership development, and experiential learning around history and civics, with an emphasis on diversity and the challenges that different groups of people have faced.

Locations include:

Applications will be open in 4HOnline from November 1-30, 2026.

For more information, visit

As the days are getting shorter, are you looking for something for your cloverbud to do inside?

Check out this simple at home activity, perfect for a cool, rainy afternoon.

Activities like this, and more are can be found in the NEW Cloverbud boxes that are available for clubs to check out. Ask your Club leader to request a box for your next meeting!

There are a lot of great opportunities for older youth that are put on by the state in this month's newsletter. Check them out and consider participating in one! 

Dunn county youth who have participated in state trips and experiences have considered them to be life changing events. They have opened their eyes to new people, places, and experiences. Many of the youth have remained friends with participants they've met from across the state.

The Leaders Council has committed to paying for 25% of the cost of each experience. Additional funding from the Leaders Council and the State may also be available by request.

Check out the full list of state events below!

When you join 4-H, you hear a lot about projects, but what does that mean?

Wisconsin 4-H has a list of 100 project areas to choose from. Some projects are worked on during club meetings, some will have special meeting times, and some you'll work on at home.

In Dunn County, we have project leaders for the most popular projects who are available to help you along the way.

This month's Exploring 4-H focuses on projects and how to pick the right one. Still not sure? Consider checking out the Project Discovery Day on November 14 (see above for registration information).

Being new is scary.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to Zac or your club leader if you have any questions.  We're here to help.

County-wide project meetings are open to any 4-H member who meets the age criteria.  If you are unsure about adding a project area, these meetings are an excellent way to explore and learn more.  Reach out to the extension office or project leaders for more information.

 Projects can be added any time before May 1st in 4honline.com. 

County Government Building, 3001 Us Hwy 12 E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Please park on the West Side of the building and use the Health Department Doors for all programs at the Government Center.

4-H On the Air is a fun and unique opportunity for the youth, and a great way to promote your club and Dunn County 4-H. Interviews can be done at the station or by phone. 

If you are listed here, please take a moment to connect with WAXX: farm@midwestfamilyec.com or call Jill at 715-852-2659.

The Dunn County Leaders Council is excited to help fund your 4-H trip!  The Leaders Council is committed to funding 25% of all state and national trips and experiences. The Leaders Council may fund at greater amounts depending on the number of participants and budgetary allowances.

The Leaders Council supports youth in excelling in 4-H activities by helping to remove financial barriers.  If your youth needs financial assistance for a 4-H project or activity, email zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu.  All requests are voted on by the Leaders Council and are kept confidential.

The Leaders Council will meet on Monday, November 16 at 6:30pm in the Lower Level of the County Government Building.

The Leaders Council isn't just for club leaders.  ALL Dunn County 4-H parents and volunteers are invited to attend.  If you are looking for a way to support the Dunn County 4-H Program, the Leaders Council is for you.

Parents and volunteers are welcome to join online or in person.

The Leaders Council is looking for volunteers who would like to serve on a committee.  If you are passionate about helping youth, and would like to help fund raise, organize events, or assist with awards, reach out to Zac for more information.

An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.