|
Educator Update
Hello 4-H Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. As we enter Spring we will start seeing trees and flowers bud and grow. This makes me think of the growth we see in our 4-H members throughout the year. Our research has shown that if we focus on four concepts while planning programs and activities, it will plant the seed and encourage growth in the youth. These concepts are Sparks, Belonging, Relationships, and Engagement. Focusing on these concepts have shown to have positive short-term and long-term outcomes on youth. As you lead club activities, or work on projects with your own kids, keep one or more of these ideas in mind.
I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Take a look and see if there is an event that fulfills your youth's sparks, belonging, relationships, or engagement. If you have questions about any of the activities in the newsletter, do not hesitate to reach out.
Zachary Rozmiarek, 4-H Educator
715-232-1636
| |
Welcome Ann!I am Ann Lee. I am excited to join the Dunn County 4-H team as the program’s support assistant. I have lived in Dunn County for 35 years. I am a graduate of UW-Stout receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Communications.
Even though I have spent the majority of my time during the last 30 years operating a local business, I felt it was important to set aside time for community work. Over the years, I have organized and run a farmers’ market, a children’s community garden, a civic club, a youth program, a library’s after school program and a town festival.
Since I am also an oil painter, last summer I had the unique opportunity to teach an art class for the Dunn County 4-H Painting Project Day. Because it was such a positive experience for the children who attended and for me, it further sparked my interest in the 4-H program and its benefits to the youth involved.
I am looking forward to assisting with the Dunn County 4-H Program and to meeting all of you.
| |
Sign Up for Projects by May 1st!To be able to show at the Dunn County Fair, you must have signed up for your projects in 4-H online by May 1st. Please reach out to the extension office if you need up signing up or changing projects.
| |
Northwest 4-H Golf Classic
The golf tournament is a great fundraiser for the county, but we need some help! We are looking for teams to participate, hole sponsors, and donation baskets. We will also be looking for adults and youth to volunteer during the event.
See the attached brochure for more information, or contact Missy Hazen (missyhazen@wwt.net) or Zachary Rozmiarek (zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu).
| |
Battle of the Clubs!Registration for Battle of the Clubs will close on April 17th. It will be held on April 27th at 10am in the West Gym of the Sports & Fitness Center on the UW-Stout Campus. There is a $10 entry fee for each team (make checks payable to "Dunn County 4-H Teen Leaders").Battle of the Clubs encourages every club to form teams of 5-9 youth and compete against each other. Clubs may have multiple teams. The events range from trivia, obstacle courses, and problem solving. There will be awards, along with bragging rights, for the winning clubs. We will end with a pizza party for all of the participants!
Contact the extension office if you do not have enough members for a team, and we will help get you on one!
| |
4-H GraduationMembers have the option to have their 4-H graduation recognized on the year they graduate high school, or the following year if they decide to continue with 4-H. If you are graduating from 4-H this year, please fill out the graduation form so you can be recognized at the awards ceremony. It is due by May 31st, 2023.
| |
Adult Leader AwardsWith the support of volunteers and community partners the Dunn County 4-H program is able to prosper while empowering our youth to be strong and dedicated community leaders. We want to make sure to thank and recognize these amazing people. Take some time to fill out the nomination form to honor some of the adults that make Dunn County 4-H great.
Due May 31st, 2023
| |
Camp Volunteers Needed!Summer camp will be held for youth in 3-9 grade from June 6-9th. Grades 3-6 will be at base camp at Kamp Kenwood, while grades 7-9 will be at outpost camp at Lake Wissota State Park. More information about cost and registration will be coming in the next few weeks.
Currently, we are in need of more adult volunteers to make camp happen. We need at least one adult for every ten youth in order to run camp. Follow the link for more information about the benefits of helping with camp, and to fill out an interest form.
| |
Calling All Judges Choice Award Winners If you received a Judges Choice Award from the 2023 Dunn County Fair, Please contact the Extension Office.
The Fair Association District 2 is organizing FREE State Fair transportation for projects that have received the Judges Choice Award. Please let the extension office know by April 1st if you would like to send your project to the State Fair.
| |
Dunn County Fair Meat Animal Project Weigh InSheep and goat weigh in will take place at the Dunn County fair grounds on April 20th from 8-10am.
Project Entry Forms and valid YQCA certificate for sheep, goat and swine are due at that time as well. More information, including species rep contact information, can be found in the MAP rules.
| |
Upcoming Events, Programs, and Activities
| |
Camp is filling up! Register Soon!- June 6-9th
- Kamp Kenwood and Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, WI
- Cost: Covered by Leaders Council
- Register on 4-H online
- Grades 3-9
The Dunn County Leaders council will once again be sponsoring ALL Dunn County 4-H Youth! This means that your child can go to camp with no cost to you! Youth in grades 3-6 will be at base camp at Kamp Kenwood while youth in grades 7-9 will be at Lake Wissota State Park for an Outpost Camp experience. Register today on 4honline.com! Registration closes on April 28th.
| |
Dog Project UpdatesThe first Dog meeting will be with no dogs on April 8th at 6pm in room 60 of the Dunn County Government Building. We will go over rules, elect officers and hand out schedules.
If you have a Vet appointment for your Dog, please make sure they are up to date on rabies, distemper and bordetella (kennel cough). These vaccines are required to bring your dog to training.
Dog training will start April 15th at 6:00 pm at the Dunn County Recreation Park and will continue Monday nights till the Fair July 23rd.
| |
Shooting Sports UpdatesThe Dunn County 4 H Shooting Sports program is preparing for the upcoming season. Program dates will be: Sunday, April 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 1 pm to 3 pm with the Dunn County Fair Shoot taking place on Saturday, May 4 starting at 11:00 am.
All events are scheduled to take place at the Boyceville Rod & Gun Club. Members can choose to participate in archery and air rifle for the 2024 program. Interested participants can access the Program Fact Sheet for more information. They are are also asked to complete the program registration form by Friday, March 29th for planning purposes.
Participants must also sign up in 4H online. Volunteers are also needed to help with program planning and day of support. If you are able to help, please indicate so on the registration form, or reach out to either of the program coordinators: Brian Seguin (608) 213-5074 briangseguin@gmail.com & Tim Holmstadt (715) 556-7202 tholmstadt@yahoo.com
| |
Summer AcademySummer Academy is a career, leadership, & college readiness conference hosted at UW-Madison. The event focuses on preparing young people (grades 8-11) for higher education. Participants will experience life in a residence hall, explore campus, and enjoy the unique elements of higher ed that only Madison can offer.
This year’s theme is Charge your Sparks; Summer Academy is committed to helping youth discover their passions by providing the inspiration and charge to keep their battery full! Participants will take a deep dive into a college and/or career focus of their choice through tracks offered by both UW-Madison and Madison College, and will have many opportunities to network with faculty, students, recent graduates, and peers from across the state.
| |
The Multi-State Photo Contest is Back!Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a multi-state photo contest to youth in grades K-13. In the "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" 4-H photo contest, youth are encouraged to select their best photo from the current 4-H year and tell the committee why it’s special to them. Submit one (1) image (with no or minimal editing) with up to three sentences on why it’s important to you by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on May 1, 2024.
| |
County Wide Project meetings are open to any 4-H member who meets the age criteria. If you are unsure about adding a project area, these meetings are an excellent way to explore and learn more. Reach out to the extension office or project leaders for more information.
Projects can be added any time before May 1st in 4honline.com.
| |
Trip FundingThe Dunn County Leaders Council is excited to help fund your 4-H trip or activity! The Leaders Council is committed to funding 10% of all state and national trips and activities. The Leaders Council may fund at greater amounts depending on the number of participants and budgetary allowances.
| |
Youth Support Fund
The Youth Support Fund is largely supported by donations from community members and businesses. Its purpose is to reduce the cost barrier associated with 4-H events and activities. If you are planning to participate in a 4-H event and feel like you could benefit from this fund, reach out to the extension office at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu for more information.
| |
|
Club and Leader Information
| |
New Volunteer Training
All returning Volunteers are required to take the "Supporting Youth, Supporting You" training. Please take a moment to check your 4H online account to see if you are missing any trainings. A link to training information is below.
| |
|
Leaders Council
The next Leaders Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:30pm in Room 60 of the County Government Building. Please attend if you are available.
| |
|
4-H On the Air Schedule4-H On the Air is a fun and unique opportunity for the youth, and a great way to promote your club and Dunn County 4-H. Interviews can be done at the station or by phone.
If you are listed here, please take a moment to connect with WAXX: farm@midwestfamilyec.com or call Jill at 715-852-2659.
| |
|
|
|
|