As we turn the calendar to May, we are hopeful that brighter skies and warmer days are just around the corner! While the weather lately may have kept us guessing, one thing is certain, Oconto County 4-H programming is heating up, and summer fun is right around the corner.
This month’s newsletter is packed with exciting opportunities for youth and families to connect, learn, grow, and make memories. Be sure to check out this and upcoming newsletters as well as our FB page for information on overnight camp, day camps, Breakfast on the Farm, fair updates, summer school lessons, project learning opportunities and so much more. Whether your family is looking to try something new, build skills, or simply have fun together, there are plenty of ways to stay involved this season.
We are especially excited to share that our Overnight Camp filled incredibly quickly this year with a record number of campers registered! The excitement for camp is contagious, and our dedicated team of teen counselors and adult volunteers are hard at work planning an unforgettable jungle-themed adventure full of fun, friendships, and memories to last a lifetime. If you missed the registration deadline but would still like to be added to the waiting list, please don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d love to connect with you.
As the days get longer and the energy of summer begins to bloom, we look forward to seeing our 4-H families at programs, events, and activities in the weeks ahead. Thank you, as always, to our amazing volunteers, families, and youth for making Oconto County 4-H such a special place to learn, lead, and grow together.
Wishing you sunshine, smiles, and a wonderful month of May! 🌷☀️
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Please use QR code below to register for the Creative Cut Out Contest!
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Please use QR code below to register for the Flower and Planter Contest!
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Sale of Champion Bidders! Please use QR code here to register for the Sale of Champions to have your paddle waiting for you!
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Please use QR code here to register for the Cake Contest
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Local Events, Opportunities and Updates |
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We appreciate your assistance with our event! There are several job tasks that we are seeking, which are listed on the electronic "sign up form". This form is accessible by clicking the button on the right. A Oconto County BOTF Committee member will be in contact with you regarding your assistance, protocol, and logistics for the event. Several civic organizations in Oconto County have assisted in the recent years; ask your local civic organization if they are already involved in OC-BOTF. Thank you!
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Registration is now open for the Brown County Invitational Shoot! Join us in De Pere for a weekend Shooting Sports competition May 29-30! Register here: https://forms.gle/N75GJpGSMDdnxeyJ7
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4-H, FFA, Dairy Night with Green Bay Blizzard |
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Kewaunee County Swine Showmanship Clinic |
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The Kewaunee County 4-H Swine Project is inviting Oconto County 4-H and FFA members to join them for their showmanship clinic.
Tuesday, May 19
5:30-7:30 PM
Kewaunee County Fairgrounds, 625 3rd St., Luxemburg
Cost is $15 per person at the door
RSVP by May 16- 920-375-0569
*You do not need to bring your own animal
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Looking for more? Officer Support Documents are Available!
Supporting youth leadership just got easier! Wisconsin 4-H has Club Officer Resources designed to help adult volunteers guide club officers with confidence and consistency. These resources provide clear role descriptions, meeting tips, leadership skill-building ideas, and age-appropriate support strategies—making it easier for youth officers to succeed in their roles while growing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned volunteer, these documents offer practical tools to strengthen club meetings and empower youth leaders across Wisconsin 4-H. Be sure to check them out and put them to work in your club this year!
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State-Wide Events and Opportunities |
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| | The Statewide LEGO Challenge showcased incredible creations from our Build Your Spark Challenge—thank you to all the youth who shared their creativity and ideas!
We’re excited to announce the next LEGO Challenge: VEHICLES - Let your imagination take the wheel!
Deadline to submit: June 1
Virtual Watch Party: June 7
Submission Link: https://go.wisc.edu/96x8z9
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The future is yours to create.
We’re challenging YOU to show what youth empowerment in 2076 looks like using AI.
Think:
Leadership
Voice
Community impact
Then bring it to life.
AI image + photo + short reflection
Win gift cards
June 5 deadline
Your ideas could inspire the future.
Enter now: https://go.wisc.edu/2x2za3
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Statewide 4-H Volunteer Awards |
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As we wind down Volunteer Appreciation Week, let’s keep the gratitude going! Do you know an outstanding volunteer in your club or county? Nominate them for the Wisconsin 4-H Volunteer Awards! There are three categories - Emerging Volunteer (1-5 years of service), Outstanding Club Leader, and Outstanding Project Leader. Nominations open May 1st in 4-H Online, and close on August 1st. Application details are available at https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/state-4-h-awards/
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Visit Dog Project Page below for Dog Quiz Bowl Packet
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State 4-H Dog Meeting and Education Day Information - October 24th
Two dates are set for the State 4-H Dog Association Education Days and Meeting. The first portion of the day will be an educational training opportunity, and it will be followed by a State 4-H Dog Association Meeting. Both events will be held at Barks Academy in Wausau. The October 24th date will focus on rally and obedience. More information about the days and how to register will be coming from the State Dog Association soon.
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The save the dates for WI 4-H Area Animal Science Day (AASD) were announced earlier this year and we wanted to make sure they made your calendar.
We are excited to have these contests and events on June 19th in Grant County and June 30th in Clark County. A huge shoutout to these counties for hosting.
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4-H Horse Project Members, mark your calendars for these upcoming events brought to you by the WI 4-H Horse Association.
State 4-H Hunt and Dressage Show: June 26, 27, & 28, 2026
State 4-H Gymkhana Show: September 12, 2026
State 4-H Horse Expo Show: September 18, 19, & 20, 2026
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Wisconsin 4-H is excited to offer two Wildlife & Woods virtual series in 2026 - Explorations and Careers & Competitions!
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/
You can also find the registration in your 4HOnline profile on the events tab.
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2025-2026 Wisconsin 4-H State Programs & Educational Experiences Program Booklet is Ready! |
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Every purchase can make a difference
We’re excited to share that Wisconsin 4-H is now an official Shop 4-H affiliate! When you shop using our affiliate link, a portion of your purchase directly supports Wisconsin 4-H Positive Youth Development programs across the state.
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Science In the Seasons
We will share a monthly opportunity to learn together at home. These lessons are designed for youth ages K-2nd grade (Cloverbuds) and their families. Enjoy this fun winter lesson when you can. These lessons are designed to be short on supplies but long on fun!
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Oconto County 4-H Program Highlights |
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Celebrating Outstanding 4-H Leadership in Oconto County
We’re proud to share that Aimee Elkins, Oconto County Extension 4-H Educator, has been recognized by the Wisconsin Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals with multiple statewide awards!
Communicator Award – for the Oconto County Teen Court promotional package, helping relaunch the program and recruit youth from every school district in the county.
Excellence in Teamwork Award – for collaboration on the 2025 Winter Leadership Camp, creating a welcoming, supportive experience where youth felt valued and empowered.
Excellence in Camping Award – for innovative leadership programming that helped youth build skills, confidence, and lasting connections.
These recognitions highlight Aimee’s dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthening 4-H programs across our community and beyond.
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STEAM + 4-H = Pure Magic! |
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A couple weekends ago some of our amazing Oconto County 4-H members headed to Wausau for a full day of creativity, curiosity, and hands-on fun at the STEAM Gaze Art Camp—and WOW did they make the most of it!
From the kitchen to the canvas, they explored it all—whipping up elevated dishes like fresh berry agua fresca, flower charcuterie pots, and quesadillas with specialty drizzles
They also dove into the science of art, learning about light refraction and color theory before bringing their creativity to life with acrylic painting
And that was just the beginning…
During lunch, they explored “sparks stations” featuring everything from harmonicas and straw rockets to moon sand, dried flower bookmarks, and more!
Add in team-building games, camp songs, and new friendships with youth from 20 counties across Wisconsin… and you’ve got one unforgettable experience
We LOVE seeing our 4-H youth discover their sparks! Interested in joining the fun next time? Stay tuned—your next adventure could be just around the corner
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2026 4-H Photography Contest Winner- Walker Blaser! |
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4th Grader, Walker Blaser, from Willing Worker's 4-H Club WINS "TOP OVERALL PHOTO" with his photo "Ice Storm Sunrise".
Walker wins a cash prize, plus an invitation to the Art Show during Summer Academy on June 17th in Nancy Nicholas Hall, to see the photos displayed.
There will be a short awards ceremony at 4:30 and all who are present will receive recognition.
Congrats, Walker!
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Leaders Association Meeting (5/3) Overview |
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Oconto County 4-H is gearing up for a busy and exciting summer! Fair preparations are underway with opportunities like the Plywood Cutout Contest (due June 30), Flower Planter Contest, and Cake Auction (pre-registration required). Youth involved in animal projects can look forward to educational sessions for sheep, swine, and reptiles in June and July, with additional species dates coming soon. Community events include the Rabbit & Poultry Show and Swap in Seymour and Breakfast on the Farm on June 14 at Riewe Farms, where volunteers are still needed. Updates also include a finalized food stand schedule (featuring mozzarella sticks this year), a new area director has started at Oconto County UW Extention, and continued growth in Teen Court participation with 21 participants.
Summer programming is full, with 95 youth (28 OC youth) already registered for the Jungle-themed Summer Camp (June 23–26) and a waitlist in place. 2 county participants signed up for Space Camp and 2 county participants signed up for American Spirit. Additional opportunities include a July Adventure Day Camp for younger youth, teen cooking and nutrition programs in August, and Cloverbud activities at local libraries. A potential Noah’s Ark trip is being considered for July 2026, with more details to come. Be sure to mark your calendar for the next 4-H meeting on June 21 at 6:00 pm at the Oconto Falls Town Hall, and stay connected for ongoing updates, deadlines, and ways to get involved.
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Oconto County Club Submissions Wanted!
Did you want to share about a successful 4-H event that you just hosted?
Do you have an upcoming 4-H event that you want to promote? Do you have a fun experience or 4-H story to share? Send your news, notes, reports, and articles to us along with a photo, and we’ll include in the next issue. Email Sarah.Schindel@wisc.edu to share!
Deadline: All contributions are due by the 5th of the month to make it into that months newsletter! Feel free to send information from the previous month or months!
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Wisconsin 4-H operates within the guidelines, policies, and procedures of the University of Madison Division of Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture. These policies are established to ensure the educational and administrative integrity of all Wisconsin 4-H programs and activities administered by 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers. Wisconsin 4-H Leadership is committed to supporting staff and volunteers by writing clear and simple policies that will standardize Wisconsin 4-H safety and risk management practices.
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| Something to share? We want to hear from you!
Developing a system for communication/documentation is critical to the health and well-being of any organization. In order to provide a systemized approach to communication/documentation in the Wisconsin 4-H program, the Care to Share form was developed as a simple tool that could be used by members, volunteers, parents and the general public. Find it at: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/contact-us/care-to-share/
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Contact Us:
Aimee Elkins
Oconto County 4-H Program Educator/Teen Court Coordinator
email: aimee.elkins@wisc.edu
Work Cell: 920-857-5019
“The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.”
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301 Washington St | Oconto, WI 54153 US
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