Hello 4-H Families,

It’s hard to believe another school year is just around the corner—and for some of you, it starts in just a few days! I hope your summer was filled with great memories, maybe a few malts from the Snack Bar, and meaningful learning through your project work. As you wrap up your project records, remember that this effort is valuable—not just for now, but for your future. (I’m personally grateful I kept mine when applying for colleges and jobs!)

This year, one of our biggest priorities will be volunteer recruitment and training. With 470 youth members and only 40 approved volunteers, we’re asking for your help. We need volunteers to step up and support our programs—especially through our Leaders Association Committees. Without enough support, some programs may unfortunately need to be cancelled.

And don’t forget—the Extension Office in Chippewa County offers much more than 4-H Positive Youth Development! The staff in our office provide services in Financial Coaching, Crops & Soils, Livestock, Horticulture, FoodWIse, and more. Feel free to reach out to our main office at 715-726-7950 or visit our website to learn more.

Jordan Blue, 4-H Program Educator 

jordan.blue@wisc.edu | 608-893-3183 

Save the date: Get set for 2025! 4-H enrollment & re-enrollment information

Enrollment and re-enrollment for the 2025 4-H year will open on September 8! If you're a returning member, please plan to complete your enrollment by November 1 to stay active and eligible for upcoming events.

The 4-H Online system will be offline at the end of August to prepare for updates, system improvements, and new project area additions.

New record keeping resources!

Great news! Our newly developed Record Reflecting Resource Page is NOW Available! We are excited to offer four types of record options: Cloverbud (K-2), Simplified, Traditional and Enhanced. You can view guidelines and templates on our website, click the button below for more information.

Calling all youth and adults, your help matters!

At the core of our program is a strong commitment to delivering high-quality educational experiences for youth and families. To continue offering county programs at the level our community deserves, we’re inviting both youth and adults to join our Leaders Association Event and Program Planning Committee.

Your involvement is vital. Without volunteer support, some programs may need to be changed—or even cancelled.

We need you, adults and youth!

Being part of a planning committee not only helps shape the future of our programs — it also keeps parents and guardians in the loop, ensuring you're connected to what’s happening and helping us enhance the experience for everyone involved.

As a committee member, you will:

Please take a moment to sign up using this handy SignUpGenius link. We’d love to have at least one representative from each club involved!

Wisconsin 4-H policies: supporting safe & successful programs

As we wrap up another successful 4-H year, we want to share some important policy updates that help us maintain safe, high-quality programs for everyone involved. These updates include information on 4-H Volunteer Requirements, Club Events, and more.

These policies are designed to keep both volunteers and youth members safe. We encourage you to take a moment to review them on the Wisconsin 4-H website.

Have questions or feeling unsure? Your 4-H Educator is here to help! Jordan Blue can support you with logistics, county-specific needs, and the delivery of events.

Together, we can ensure a safe and successful year ahead!

Share your 4-H project interests and win merch

This year, we're excited to expand our 4-H project group offerings—especially knowing that some clubs may not have the capacity to offer certain projects on their own. This form helps us understand what members and volunteers are most interested in, so we can better support their 4-H experience.

4-H Project Groups are open to enrolled 4-H members and typically meet as often—or as little—as the group decides. For example, the Youth Leadership Team might meet every other month, with off-months dedicated to hosting events or programs. If livestock is your passion, a chicken project group might meet a few times leading up to showcase season. Please take a moment to complete this google form to help us identify what types of opportunities we focus on bringing to Chippewa County.

Planning ahead: Adult volunteer training update

Interested in becoming an approved volunteer — whether as a club leader, project group leader, committee member, or chaperone? Be ready when enrollment opens on September 8!

To stay active and involved, please:

Enroll in 4-H Online after September 8

Complete required trainings by November 1

These trainings are essential for keeping our youth and volunteers safe, and ensuring smooth, successful programs.

Need help? Your 4-H Educator, Jordan Blue, is here to support you every step of the way! Contact him at jordan.blue@wisc.edu or call 608-893-3183

Whats happening in Chippewa County 4-H?

For a detailed list of upcoming county events, visit our Chippewa County 4-H Youth Development website at go.wisc.edu/chippewa4hevents. There, you can find all the details on upcoming events, important deadline reminders, and much more.

New & exciting! Leaders Association lawn & window display contest

Chippewa County 4-H clubs and groups are invited to showcase their creativity and 4-H pride by entering the 2025 Leaders Association Lawn & Window Display Contest!

This is a fun and visible way to promote 4-H during National 4-H Week and connect with your local community. Whether it’s a vibrant yard display or a decorated storefront window, we want to see your club spirit shine!

Ready to participate?

Review the contest rules and guidelines in this Google Doc

Once your display is complete, be sure to fill out the submission form

To view upcoming State Opportunities and Experiences, visit the Wisconsin State 4-H Website at: 4h.extension.wisc.edu

Unleash your inner artist at Wisconsin 4-H arts camp!

This is an opportunity for youth in grades 6-8 and will take place on October 4-5, 2025. This camp will allow youth to explore different types of art including theater, music, visual arts, dance, and more!

If you are interested, you can find more information and register here: https://25wi4hartscamp.4honline.com

Worried about cost? The Leaders Association is here to support you!

Don’t let the cost hold you back from attending 4-H events like Arts Camp or other statewide experiences. Financial assistance is available from the Leaders Association to help ensure every youth has the opportunity to participate, grow, and lead.

If your club, group or family could benefit from support, reach out to your 4-H Educator, Jordan Blue at jordan.blue@wisc.edu for guidance on available options and how to apply.

Discover the endless opportunities with Wisconsin 4-H's Updated Project Guide

The new Project Guide will go into effect soon with the start of the new 4-H year, and will be easy-to-use and useful in exploring sparks and finding project ideas. This will be a helpful tool for youth and families as well as club and project leaders.

Take a look at the new Project Guide on our website and continue checking our page for tips on utilizing this tool to its fullest!

Do good, feel great: National 4-H week service project opportunity, are you up to the challenge?

The Wisconsin 4-H Leadership Council invites all Chippewa County 4-H clubs and groups to take part in a Statewide Service Project during National 4-H Week (October 5–11)! This year’s theme, “Beyond Ready to Serve,” celebrates the heart of 4-H — giving back to our communities.

We encourage your club to:

Service is a vital part of 4-H, and this is a great opportunity to live out the pledge: “hands to larger service.”

Ready to get started?

Stay connected! Follow our partners on their website or Facebook page for the latest events and announcements.

Jordan Blue

Chippewa County 4-H Program Educator

711 North Bridge Street #13, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Direct Line: 715-726-7956  | Work Cell: 608-893-3183 
Email: jordan.blue@wisc.edu

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.