December 17, 2025

Marie's Message

Dear 4-H Families,

As we approach the holiday season, we want to take a moment to thank you for your dedication and involvement in 4-H throughout the year. Your commitment to learning, leadership, and community makes a lasting impact, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our 4-H family.

May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and time spent with loved ones. We look forward to an exciting new year full of opportunities to grow, learn, and make memories together!

I also wanted to highlight a couple of opportunities:

Thanks again to all of the 4-H members and parents who helped wrap gifts last Saturday for the Dodge County Shop with Cops programs!

This will be the last Focus on 4-H until January 7.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!
— Marie

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

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

Seasons Greetings 4-H Members & Families!

As 2025 comes to an end it’s often time to look back on accomplishments from 
throughout the year! Youth stepped up as mentors in clubs and on a county level, clubs 
made a difference in many lives in their communities where it mattered most. Individuals excelled in competitions (animal and trivia) on County and National levels. Projects started on a small level expanded into something beyond imagination and is making a great impact on the environment and the community.

These are all accomplishments we as a County, Club, Leaders and especially youth 
should be very proud of!

2026 opens new opportunities for our youth to grow and expand their horizon! Grab 
those and run with them! That is what helps set the foundation for a strong future!

As Leaders/Parents we need to make sure that we help guide our youth down the path 
that is best fit for them and where they have a chance of the most success! It’s for them and their success and not because it is what we want/think they should do. Often, if it’s 
something they have a passion for, the chance of success is greater than if it is 
something they are forced to do.

Another way to excel, learn and build friendships is to attend one (or more) of the many opportunities the county offers for camp/trips. The Dodge County 4-H Leaders 
Association has a block of money set aside to offer some financial aid to those who 
wish to try this out. These past few years there’s been a decline in applications for those trips. I just want to put it out there to make sure that everyone is aware that financial aid is available for these trips regardless of income or status! “Every kid matters”!!

This holiday break is a perfect time to recharge with loved ones, family and friends. 
Thank you all for the creativity, resilience and passion you bring to 4-H. 
May your holidays be merry and bright, and may you return refreshed for another year 
of “sparking” new possibilities for Dodge County 4-H! Your commitment to “Head, Heart, Hands & Health” is very much appreciated!

On behalf of Dodge County 4-H Leaders Association,
Anita Roberts
President

Wednesday, December 24 ---- CLOSED
Thursday, December 25     ---- CLOSED
Friday, December 26          ---- CLOSED

Monday, December 29        ---- Open 8am to 4:30pm
Tuesday, December 30       ---- Open 8am to 4:30pm
Wednesday, December 31  ---- CLOSED
Thursday, January 1            ---- CLOSED
Friday, January 2                 ---- CLOSED
Monday, January 5              ---- Open 8am to 4:30pm

The Wisconsin 4-H Key Award is the highest honor a 4-H youth can receive. Recipients are selected at the county level, based on the young person’s consistent growth in 4-H involvement, their developed and applied leadership skills, and their active participation in the activities of their 4-H club and their community. Each county is responsible for selecting the Key Award recipients in their area, based on an evaluation of a candidate’s total 4-H record, including project work, personal development, leadership, and community involvement. Counties award a specific number of Key Awards, based on the 4-H club enrollment in that county.

This award is given to only about 2% of 4-H members in the state, and I know that 4-H members need the support of their parents to help them achieve this level of involvement. I would like to recognize their parents as well.

This year’s recipients are:

Ryan Clark, son of Randy and Wendy Clark.  He has graduated from the Dodge County 4-H program 

Ryan is currently at Iowa State University majoring in Agriculture Engineering-Vehicle Systems.  He was involved in the Lomira Clover Leaves 4-H Club, and was involved in crops, mechanical sciences, self determined, vegetables and youth leadership. 

Max Luedtke, son of Jason and Tracie Luedtke, is in his 13th year as a Dodge County 4-H member. Max is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin Madison, majoring in Agricultural Business Management. He is a member of the Leipsic 4-H club and was involved in youth leadership, food preservation, houseplants, and foods and nutrition projects.

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to share a skill, hobby, or area of expertise with youth and families. If you have a hands-on activity, unique talent, or fun idea you’d like to teach, we’d be thrilled to have you present! And if you know someone who would be a great presenter at Family Learning Day, please encourage them to reach out to us!

Join us for a fun and informative evening to welcome new families to 4-H! Please sign up so we have a headcount for the evening. Registration is on 4HOnline in the Events section.

There’s something fun for everyone in Dodge County 4-H!

Registration is open until the end of December.  The cost is $23 per person.  All youth must be accompanied by an adult.  Families and guests are also welcome.  Lunch is not provided, so participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. 

This is a virtual opportunity for youth across the nation to come together and make sweet treats and fun crafts for the holidays. There will be LIVE events via Zoom and pre-recorded activities. There is also an option for YOU to submit your own sweet treat or fun craft for other kids to enjoy.

Please join us and have some holiday fun! 

Are you ready to inspire the next generation? Join us as an Adult Advisor or Young Adult Leader at Summer Academy! Help youth grow, learn, and lead—all while having fun. Apply today!

Who Do We Need?
Adult Advisors: Provide mentorship, supervision, and logistical support.
Young Adult Leaders: Serve as role models, lead activities, and support youth engagement.

Why Volunteer?
Make a lasting impact on youth.
Build leadership and mentoring skills.
Be part of a fun, educational summer experience.

What’s Involved?
June 14-18, 2026 at the beautiful University of Wisconsin–Madison campus
Training provided, both virtual and in person to help you prepare for your role
Lodging, meals, and transportation covered 

Application Process
Online form - for all statewide educational experiences
Deadline: February 28, 2026 (for Summer Academy specific applicants)
Contact info: Email lindsay.spindler@wisc.edu for any questions

Wildlife and Woods is Wisconsin 4-H’s statewide natural sciences, wildlife, and forestry monthly, virtual event.

Outdoor enthusiasts connect with other 4-H youth of all ages from around the state. Together, we explore the natural world with a special focus on wildlife, wildlife habitats, and trees. Participants learn about wild places across the United States following the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) and the 4-H Forestry Program. Materials are designed for all ages and knowledge levels, so everyone can benefit. Since the sessions are co-presenter by youth and adult leaders, the youth leadership opportunities are plentiful.

Register for Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series
Log into your family account in 4HOnline. Under the EVENTS tab look for “Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series,” register, and then you will receive an email with the Zoom link. If you need help registering or are registering as a participant, please visit the “Ready to Participate” website.

Save the date for a one-of-a-kind field trip your students will never forget! The 2026 Midwest Horse Fair is excited to announce our brand new Youth Day on Friday, April 17, 2026 that will be fun, educational, affordable and memorable for your students.

Special Discount Youth Ticket Offer:
All youth organizations can now attend Youth Day on Friday April 17, 2026 for just $15 per ticket (youth or leader) instead of the $25 gate price! A minimum of 8 tickets per club is required, and tickets must be purchased by the group leader. Please contact Sherry to sign up. 

DECEMBER

24 - 26  Office Closed

31 - Office Closed

JANUARY

1-2 Office Closed

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