4-H Friday Newsletter

Friday, January 23, 2026

LEADERS, MEMBERS, and PARENTS can contribute to the articles posted weekly by completing a short form and uploading their article and any photos at go.wisc.edu/2665ok. Articles for the current week must be submitted by 12 pm on Wednesday. We would love to hear from you. Secretary minutes can also be submitted here as well! 

Submitted by Lynn Kohlman

Taft 23 4-H held its annual Christmas Goody Bag event. They made close to a dozen different kinds of Christmas goodies and made 100 bags to hand out to loved ones and elderly adults. This is always a fun event for all!

By Misty Jimenez, 4-H Associate Educator

4-H members at The Arc Fond du Lac and Chegwin Boys & Girls Club stepped into the role of young detectives during six-week STEM: CSI programs, where they explored the science behind crime scene investigation through hands-on activities. Participants learned fingerprinting techniques, practiced code-breaking, analyzed evidence, and applied their skills to solve a mini crime scene!

4-H and community youth are invited to attend Family Learning Day! Join us to learn a new skill or gain fresh ideas. It will be a fun, informative day. Parents are encouraged to spend the day with their child and help them find their sessions.

We are finalizing the NEW location for Family Learning Day and will share soon!

*Some sessions have filled already, so please keep that in mind when registering. 

Youth in grades 3-8 will discover nature through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures. Explore animal tracks, identify trees and birds, and learn about Wisconsin wildlife through fun kits from the WCEE program at UW–Stevens Point. Try unique experiences like Pop Can Casting, building Fish Hotels, and examining animal furs. The club will also visit the Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum for real-world learning in the prairie and arboretum.

Wildlife & Woods Explorations are suggested for grades K-5 through elementary school youth and their families. The sessions will be interactive and will include wildlife, forestry, wildlife art and more. Register here: https://26wildlifeexplorations.4honline.com/

Wildlife & Woods Careers & Competitions Series are suggested for middle school through high school youth and their families. The sessions will be interactive and will include guest speakers talking about careers, information about wildlife and forestry competitions and resources available to learn more. Register here: https://26wildlifecareers.4honline.com/

Want to explore new community service projects or fun ways to make meetings more engaging? Have an idea you’d love to share? Join us for Clover Connect idea-sharing Zoom sessions this spring!

Hands to Larger Service: Community Service Ideas
Sunday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 23 at Noon (Same content repeated)

Making 4-H Meetings Fun: Bringing Laughter and Learning to 4-H Meetings
Sunday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, March 23 at Noon (Same content repeated)

Each session will include idea sharing, hands-on learning, and time to connect with other older youth leaders and adult volunteers from across the state. Register for one or both sessions at https://go.wisc.edu/pbm474. Both sessions will be recorded, and resources will be shared with everyone who signs up.

Fond du Lac County Market Livestock Educational Requirements

For specific details regarding educational activities for credit, please visit
https://www.fonddulaccountyfair.com/p/exhibitor-information/market-livestock-committee-and-project

Educational Opportunities

All participants must be currently enrolled WI 4-H Dog Project Youth Members. This camp is ideal for all 4-H dog project junior handlers seeking to refine their agility skills, whether preparing for competition or simply strengthening their partnership with their dog. All experience levels are welcome—activities tailored to individual skill sets and training goals.

When: Saturday, March 7th, 9AM – 2PM
Location: Bark Academy, 2522 Overlook Dr. Wausau, WI 54401
Cost: $10.00 per youth/dog team
Registration deadline is February 18 or when the event is filled to capacity

Space is limited. There are 60 spots available, 1 dog maximum per handler. Youth members must accompanied by a parent/guardian or chaperone. All WI 4-H Dog Project Vaccination Policies will be followed for this event.

For more details, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/wi-state-4-h-dog-learning-days-march-7th-and-october-24th/

Teen Leaders Association (TLA) - January 26, 6:45 pm at Rolling Meadows Meeting Room

Family Learning Day Registration Closes January 26th

Design Your Landscape Kit Distance Learning Program - January 26, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

LEGO Club - January 27, 6:30 pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

4-H Discovery Kit Distance Learning Program - January 27, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

State 4-H Meats Judging Contest - January 31

State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl - February 7

Design Your Landscape Kit Distance Learning Program - February 9, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

4-H Discovery Kit Distance Learning Program - February 10, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

NEW! Wildlife Club - February 19, 6:00pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

Teen Leaders Association (TLA) - February 23, 6:45pm at Rolling Meadows Meeting Room

Design Your Landscape Kit Distance Learning Program - February 23, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

LEGO Club - February 24, 6:30pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

4-H Discovery Kit Distance Learning Program - February 24, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

Family Learning Day - February 28, 9am-3:30pm, Fond du Lac

  Tracy Keifenheim

4-H Program Educator

tracy.keifenheim@wisc.edu

Sarah Stevenson

4-H Program Assistant

sarah.stevenson@wisc.edu

 Misty Jimenez

4-H Associate Educator

misty.jimenez@wisc.edu

The Extension office has moved to the Fond du Lac County Government Center. Visitors must use the north entrance and go through security, then take the elevators in the lobby to the 2nd floor.

UW Extension Fond du Lac County
160 South Macy St, 2nd floor
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 906-4623

http://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/4h/

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