Dear 4-H Families,

May is here and that brings warmer temperatures and a time of renewal.  I love the spring with all of the trees budding, flowers popping up, and baby animals in the fields.  The extra sunshine and longer days are a bonus as well. 

Spring can signify a time of renewal, growth, and change. People may feel a burst of energy and motivation as the weather warms up, leading to an increase in outdoor activities, social gatherings, and community events. This could include things like outdoor festivals, sports competitions, or seasonal markets popping up in neighborhoods.

For our youth this is often a challenging time, as they are anxious to get to the summer months of time off from school.  I would encourage all of you to focus on the final days of school and the fun of summer to come.  Also take this opportunity to work on some of your 4-H projects especially indoors, so you will have more time to enjoy the outdoor time this summer.

I want to thank all of the cloverbud families who joined us for our April Sparks series.  It was a great time of learning and trying new areas of the 4-H program.

I hope everyone is planning something special for next weekend for Mother’s Day.

Happy Spring,

Marie
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. You can also contact the office with any questions. Thanks!

The Dodge County 4-H Leaders & Alumni Scholarship, the Dodge County 4-H Endowment Fund Scholarship, the Pat Hahn Legacy Dodge County 4-H Scholarship, and the Esther Haase Menn Fund Scholarship were awarded. Recipients named above received one or more of these scholarships.

The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation is proud to announce our Senior Spotlight initiative. We are looking to recognize and highlight the incredible Wisconsin 4-H members who are aging out of the Wisconsin 4-H program. This is a great opportunity for our 4-H graduates to reflect on their 4-H experience and be recognized for all their hard work. 

This form and info can also be found on our website at: https://bit.ly/4be1K0s

Submissions will be accepted May 1 - June 30, 2024. Anyone who participates could have their story featured on The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation’s Facebook and Instagram pages and our website. They will also be entered into a random drawing for a prize from the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation. 

Sign up to spend time at Upham Woods canoeing, exploring Blackhawk Island, and making new friends. Registration will open on March 4th at 12pm!

Youth Camp

Who: Any youth entering 4th-8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year.

When: July 7-10, 2024

Registration Fee: $305.00

This year’s schedule will have some changes to make camp exciting for returning youth but many camp favorites like swimming and water carnival will remain the same!

Outpost Camp:

Who: Any youth entering 8th-10th grade for the 2024-2025 school year.

When: August 3-6, 2024

Registration Fee: $315.00

Outpost Camp is an exciting camp experience where youth with spend time canoeing and camping. The camp will start at Upham Woods as everyone learns the basics of camping and canoeing before heading out to paddle the Wisconsin River and spend the next few nights camping on Blackhawk Island.

Dodge County UW Extension hours are Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM

Wisconsin State Fair is seeking agriculture-related groups (such as 4-H clubs, FFA chapters/alumni groups, or community clubs) to staff the Compeer Financial Discovery Barnyard for the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair. Groups should have a passion for educating the public about Wisconsin agriculture. Volunteer Group of the Day will receive a $1000 stipend paid to their group after successful completion of their shift, 1 daily admission ticket for each volunteer, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner ticket for the Tommy G Thompson Youth Center Cafeteria for each volunteer, AND on-site parking!

Are you a youth who is interested in having a voice in shaping the child welfare and/or youth justice system?

Do you have personal experience (past or present) with the foster care or youth justice system?

Do you know a young person who has leadership potential?

Are you considering how to incorporate youth voice into your work?

If yes, please read more about the Department of Children and Families opportunities for youth to have a voice and make an impact.

The purpose of the Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Dairy Grant Program is to support active Dodge County Dairy Youth (4-H, FFA, Junior Breed Associations) with a grant to expand their dairy project. The grant funds are to be utilized to purchase a dairy animal (any breed) to grow the youth’s dairy herd.

$500 grants will be available for the 2024 program. Grant money is made available through proceeds from the Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction, held each year at the Dodge County Fair.

Grant applications will be available anytime up until June 1, 2024. Grant recipients will be notified upon acceptance. 

If you are 18 years or older and interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer, we can help! We will provide new volunteers with training to ensure the safety of all youth and volunteers. The below linked trainings and a background check are required. Answers to questions about reporting and training are available on our FAQ page.

MAY

17 - DNA Envelopes need to be returned to Extension Dodge county office by 4:30 PM

JUNE

1 - 2024 Applications Due for Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Dairy Grant Program 

2 - 44th Annual Dodge County Dairy Brunch

Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Website

WI 4-H Policy Updates

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.

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