February 18th, 2026
Marie's Message
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Hello everyone,
We are looking forward to welcoming 140 youth learners to Family Learning Day on Saturday, February 21 at Dodgeland School (401 South Western Ave, Juneau, WI). This annual event brings together families, presenters, and community partners for a day filled with creativity, learning, and connection.
Below is the updated event schedule for the day:
Event Schedule – February 21 Family Learning Day
8:45–9:00 AM – Check‑In / Registration
9:00–10:00 AM – Session 1
10:15–11:15 AM – Session 2
11:30 AM–12:15 PM – Lunch-Check out the menu later in the Focus!
12:15–1:15 PM – Session 3 YQCA will probably be finished at this time
1:30–2:30 PM – Session 4
YQCA class participants -- if you are interested in participating in a Session 4 class, please let us know on Saturday. Please note that the Rock Painting class is already full.
When you arrive, please go directly to the registration area. A volunteer will have your packet and session list ready for you.
Weather Information: In case of bad weather, please listen to the following stations for updates: Listen to WBEV 1430 AM or WXRO 95.3 FM – Beaver Dam. If questions arise on Friday evening or Saturday morning, feel free to contact Marie at 920‑210‑3080.
Thank you again for your time, energy, and support of Family Learning Day!
If you have any other questions, please reach out at 920‑386‑3790.
Marie
Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
UW Extension - Dodge County
920-386-3790
marie.witzel@wisc.edu
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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
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Be sure to bring a little cash —there will be a delicious lunch available, plus a pop‑up store featuring fun T‑shirts and other great items!
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If you are taking YQCA, make sure you have enrolled in the course and paid the $3 fee at yqcaprogram.org
- Please note that YQCA will conclude at the end of the 3rd session. This is a change from previously shared information.
- YQCA Participants should ensure their ride is aware that they will be finished at 1:15 PM. Or, if you'd like to participate in a 4th Session class, please let us know on Saturday. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.
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⚠️Hand Knit a Peep Bunny 👇 |
There was no enrollment limit for this class—so if you signed up, you’re all set! We’re excited to have you join us.
Just a quick reminder to bring a skein of chunky yarn for your project. You can find it at Hobby Lobby or Walmart.
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⚠️Matching Beanie & Neck Warmer 👇 |
*Please bring the following if you have them: a pair of fabric scissors, measuring tape, stick pins/clips.
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If you’re thinking about college or technical school for the 2026–2027 school year, this is a great time to take a look at scholarships. Dodge County 4-H offers several scholarship opportunities, and you might be more eligible than you think. Even if you’re just starting to explore your options, it’s worth checking out what’s available and giving it a try. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. ✨
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Are you thinking about heading to Summer Academy, Space Camp, or the American Spirit Experience? Now’s the perfect time to apply for an Educational Experience Scholarship! Dodge County 4‑H Leaders offer scholarships each year to help youth take part in these amazing state and national opportunities. Don’t miss your chance—apply today and take the first step toward an unforgettable adventure!
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4-H Officer Training -- Virtual by Zoom |
Will you be serving as a club officer this year? Or are you interested in learning more about the leadership roles in 4-H? Please join us for a Zoom 4-H Officer Training!
This interactive Zoom training will give you the tools needed to carry out your officer role and information about how to run club meetings effectively. You’ll get some new ideas and meet new 4-H friends from other clubs around the state. 4-H Ambassadors and 4-H Program Staff will lead this training.
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
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Butter Boards & Dairy Promotion Funding: Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 from 7-8pm |
Everyone has heard of charcuterie boards, but have you ever heard of butter boards? It started off as a Tik Tok trend in 2022 and has grown in popularity. A butter board is made with softened butter that is spread onto a board and paired with different ingredients to make a fun and creative way to serve butter. You will be making your own butter boards by making homemade butter and flavoring your butter with some interesting and fun ingredients. You will also learn all about different types of butter and you'll be able to try them all out. We will also be going over the 4-H Dairy Promotion funding (Now at $100/club) and sharing dairy promotion ideas with each other. This session is required if your club is requesting Dairy Promotion funding for this year, with a minimum of one member from each club to attend. This session will also be repeated at the March Family Learning Day on Saturday, March 21st. This session also counts for 1 point on Dairy Project Member Activity Card for the Family Learning Day Session. Please sign-up via Google Forms by Monday, February 23rd. If you have any questions, contact Brenda Conley 262-224-2559 dodgecountydairy@gmail.com
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Registration is open for our Spring Cloverbud Spark Seekers Series—a virtual, hands-on learning adventure designed for youth in grades K–2. Each Wednesday evening in April, Cloverbuds will explore new topics with 4‑H Educators through creative activities that build curiosity and confidence. From discovering personal strengths to diving into plant science, nature, and healthy living, each session offers something new to spark their imagination.
Encourage your Cloverbud to jump in and explore! Most materials are provided; details are included in the registration.
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✨Learn more at the "4-H Camp: Here We Come" Session at Family Learning Day on February 21st! |
Dodge County Farm Bureau/4-H Food Stand – 2026 |
Dodge County Farm Bureau appreciates the partnership Farm Bureau and 4-H have had for many years with the Fair Food Stand. There have been some challenges with filling shifts for the past several years. Dodge County Farm Bureau has made some changes for 2026.
• Sign up for the Food Stand will be done through Dodge County Farm Bureau via Signup Genius. Information and the link will be provided for the Wednesday Focus on 4-H.
• 4-H Clubs will have first priority to sign up. Any shifts not filled by May 1 will be
opened up to other youth groups. 4-H can still sign up after May 1, but it is Farm
Bureau’s goal to have all shifts filled by June 15.
• Starting in 2026, 4-H Clubs will receive a donation of at least $200 per shift for
volunteering rather than the total amount going to the Dodge County 4-H Leader’s
Association. This amount will be reduced if the designated number of workers does not
show up or if workers leave early.
Dodge County Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing the long-established relationship with Dodge County 4-H in working together in the Dodge County Farm Bureau/Dodge County 4-H Food Stand at the Dodge County Fair.
Contact dodgecountyfb@gmail.com if you have any questions or need help signing up for shifts.
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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.
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Wildlife and Woods is Wisconsin 4-H’s statewide natural sciences, wildlife, and forestry monthly, virtual event.
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.
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FEBRUARY
21 - Family Learning Day
MARCH
17 - Leaders Executive Board Meeting 7:00 PM
21 - Family Learning Day
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In Case You Missed It . . . |
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
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