July 15th, 2026

Marie's Message

At the end of June and beginning of July, Dodge County 4-H youth embarked on the 10-day American Spirit Experience, traveling across the East Coast and Canada to explore significant historical sites and diverse cultural perspectives. Through hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and meaningful connections with peers and adults from across Wisconsin, participants deepened their understanding of American history, civics, and citizenship.

Here are some highlights from their teachable moments and things to remember for the next group of travelers. Week 1 was Gemma and Alaina. Week 2 was Jacob.

If I could give advice to those going on the American Spirit Experience next year, I’d tell them a couple things. To start off, talk to new people even if you’re nervous to. I’ve made so many new friendships all because I talked to people. Secondly, stay positive! The days are so fun but do become exhausting. Keep an upbeat attitude and you’ll be all good! Finally, appreciate the advisors. They are spending their own time to keep us safe, build relationships, and guide us. Give them thanks!!

I’d like to thank my parents for encouraging me to go on this trip and paying for a portion of it. As well as Wisconsin 4-H and Dodge County for the scholarships!!

- Gemma

After a few wrong turns, we arrived at Fallen Timbers. Fallen Timbers was the decisive 1794 battle that ended the Northwest Indian War and opened the Old Northwest Territory to American settlement. When we got there we circled up and talked about it, then took a small hike. I was surprised that we went to the wrong place and then finally got there. I learned about the soldiers, the settlers, and the Native Americans when they were in that situation. My favorite part was the hike. It was really pretty. My last favorite part was learning the information.  

Alaina's Advice for next year would be sleep well on the bus. Bring your pillow from home and a blanket. Take lots of pictures. Thank you, Dodge County for your support on helping me fund this trip. I really appreciated it and had a very fun time on it and it was very worth it. I just want to thank you again!

- Alaina

We’re not in Wisconsin anymore!

During the fifth day of our trip we experienced many different types of transportation in NYC such as the ferry, bus, and the subway, but the mode of transportation that was most unique was the subway.

I’m Jacob from Dodge County and today was my first time on a Subway. We started off by taking a subway to Central Park. Overall, this opportunity to take a different type of transportation was a great addition to our trip and made it so much more unique.

- Jacob

The Significance of Lexington and Concord

Jacob from Dodge County and Ryan from Adams County taught us about what the battles at Lexington and Concord really meant for the Revolutionary War. Great job and thanks for the competitive game!

Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
marie.witzel@wisc.edu
920-386-3790

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

Astico-Perseverance 4-H partnered with the Columbus Public Library to host Storytime at the Farm in June. Approximately 100 children and their families participated in a morning of stories, activities and hands-on learning.

Despite rainy weather moving the event indoors, families had the opportunity to learn more about dairy farming through a farm scavenger hunt, see robotic milking in action, meet calves and enjoy a special ice cream treat. Learning stations were set up throughout the barn. 

Astico-Perseverance 4-H members helped make the event a success by volunteering throughout the morning. It was a great opportunity to share about dairy with local families.

-- Jolie Bacon

Applications are open for the highest state-level recognition a 4-H member can receive.

4-H'ers who have won the County Key Award in 2024, 2025 or 2026 may apply to be selected as one of the Top 10 Key Award winners. 

Reminder for Dodge County Livestock Exhibitors

Orange Cards and YQCA Certificates may be turned in at the Dodge County Extension Office during regular business hours. A collection basket is available at the front counter for your convenience.

The Meat Animal Sale Committee encourages exhibitors to submit their Orange Cards and YQCA Certificates by July 22, 2026. While this is not a mandatory deadline, submitting materials early helps the Education Committee begin verifying exhibitor requirements before the fair.

Exhibitors who are unable to turn in their paperwork by July 22 should bring their Orange Card and YQCA Certificate to weigh-in day.

Thank you for helping make the check-in process run smoothly!

Youth in grades 7 and up, we need your help! Be a Cloverbud judge at the county fair on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026. Pick from three time slots and sign up for one, two, or all.

New to this? Join our training on August 11 at 6:30pm in the Youth Building. Already a seasoned judge? Skip the training and sign up!

Questions? Ask Anne Rinzel at adrinzel@gmail.com. Thanks for supporting the Cloverbuds!

Help with Recycling at Fair!
The Recycling Program needs youth volunteers to help get ready for the Fair. We will be getting ready for Fair Recycling on Sunday, August 2, 9, & 16th from 1-3pm at the fairgrounds. Please contact Melissa Lake for more details or to sign up.  920-382-9605 or JuneauVictorians4H@gmail.com

There will be up to 3 scholarships for no less than $1,000 each. Applications are due by July 25th of the current year.

Please sign up to help at the Cream Puffs & Carmel Apple Slices stand, the WWA Ice Cream Booth, Fish Pond, and 4-H Promotion Booth! 

While many 4-H youth participate in the Dodge County Fair, UW-Madison Extension and the Dodge County Fair are separate organizations with different responsibilities.

In the past, the Extension Office has accepted Fair paperwork and items as a courtesy for delivery to the Junior Fair Office. Effective immediately, this courtesy will no longer be available.

If you have items to drop off, please leave them with Margot at the Junior Fair Office or in the basket at the County Administrator's Office.

Questions regarding Fair enrollment, policies, or paperwork should be directed to the Dodge County Jr. Fair Office at 920-386-3834 or dodgecountyjrfair@gmail.com. 

Submit animal info for fair book

It's time to submit your junior-dairy-cattle details for the fair book. Please complete one form for each animal you'll be exhibiting. This information helps us plan for the show and create an accurate fair book for spectators. Forms are due July 27, 2026. Questions? E-mail sellcrestfarm@yahoo.com. Here's the form link: https://shorturl.at/ar8HD

Mandatory dairy-exhibitor meeting

In an effort to be more efficient, all dairy-activity cards must be printed and have signatures prior to arrival for the annual mandatory dairy-exhibitor meeting on July 27, 2026, 7 p.m., at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. The exception to this effort is the line for "attendance at the mandatory exhibitor meeting."

Need Dodge dairy historical photos

The Wisconsin State Fair is celebrating 175 years this year, along with America's 250th. The junior-dairy state-fair kids are focusing their state-fair display on the history of Dodge County dairy: parents, grandparents, etc. Photos are needed of animals and/or people to incorporate into the display. Pictures can be e-mailed to brendagudex@gmail.com. Please help the kids by passing this message along to family members who showed dairy with Dodge County throughout the years.

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

JULY

16 - Wild Wacky Weekdays 9 AM

20 - Wild Wacky Weekdays 9 AM

30 - Wild Wacky Weekdays 9 AM

21 - 4-H Leader's Executive Board Meeting, 7 PM

AUGUST

No 4-H Leader's Meeting in August

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