Greetings Oconto County 4-H Families,

As we turn the page on a brand-new year, I hope each of you had a chance to enjoy some rest, laughter, and meaningful time with family and friends over the holiday break enjoying all the things that bring you cheer. This season always feels like a fresh start—and in 4-H, that fresh start comes with so many exciting opportunities ahead!

This month’s newsletter is packed with ways for our youth members to explore their sparks, try something new, and dive deeper into the interests that light them up. Whether it’s hands-on projects, leadership experiences, or simply connecting with friends who share similar passions, there truly is something for everyone in Oconto County 4-H. I encourage families to take a few minutes together to look through what’s coming up—you never know which opportunity might turn into a new favorite or even a lifelong interest.

I also want to share a heartfelt thank you to our incredible 4-H families, volunteers, and youth. Your energy, creativity, and commitment make Oconto County 4-H such a special place to learn and grow. I’m feeling very optimistic about the year ahead and can’t wait to see where our members’ curiosity and enthusiasm take them in 2026.

Here’s to a year of growth, discovery, and fun—let’s make it a great one together!

Warmly,
 

Aimee Elkins

Oconto County 4-H Youth Development Educator/Teen Court Coordinator

4-H Online Enrollment is open for youth and adult volunteers to go in and enroll for the 2025-26 4-H year! Login into your 4-H online account here: https://4honline.com/ If you need assistance, here is a guide to help you get started: Family Enrollment Guide 

ATTENTION  4-H ADULT VOLUNTEERS—PLEASE READ

According to Wisconsin 4-H policy—"All returning Wisconsin 4-H volunteers are required to re-enroll annually between September 1 and November 1. All required trainings and background checks must be completed by December 1." Until you have completed the required training and background check, you are not considered an approved 4-H volunteer and you are not covered by the liability coverage provided to volunteers of the University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension if an incident or injury occurs while you perform volunteer duties in 4-H. Adults who are not approved 4-H volunteers cannot be in custodial care of youth." 

Please reach out to Aimee with any questions aimee.elkins@wisc.edu

Adult Camp Staff Needed – 4-H Summer Camp🌲🔥

We are seeking caring, dependable adult camp staff to help make our 4-H summer camp a safe, fun, and memorable experience for youth this summer. Adult staff support counselors, supervise activities, provide mentorship, and help ensure campers’ well-being throughout the week.

Whether you enjoy working with youth, love the outdoors, or want to give back to 4-H, your time and skills are needed. Training and support provided.

👉 Interested? Contact Aimee Elkins at the UW–Madison Division of Extension office to learn more and get involved.

email: aimee.elkins@wisc.edu

Work Cell: 920-857-5019 

4-H ArtBEAT! is the introductory program for Wisconsin 4-H expressive arts and was created for 4-H members in grades 3-5, their parents and leaders. ArtBEAT! provides an opportunity for youth and their parents to experience different art forms in a camping environment at the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. ArtBEAT! The event offers a taste of several arts projects including music, visual arts, Theater, and more! 

Youth participants will rotate through a variety of hands-on sessions held at various sites throughout camp, including outdoors (be sure to dress accordingly). 

Parents are not required to attend but are encouraged to participate as enrolled volunteers. 

Enrolled volunteers will help supervise youth and lead them through the activity rotations (led by the ArtBEAT! Leadership team).  You can easily become a 4-H volunteer by enrolling in 4HOnline and completing all the online training and a background check.

Becoming an enrolled volunteer is easier than ever!  Contact your local county office with any questions.

Come join the excitement of this opportunity available to our most enthusiastic and creative 4-H members!

Grades: 3-5

Location: Upham Woods, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, March 14-15, 2026

Registration: Registration will open Thursday, January 12 and will remain open through Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Space is limited. Once the registration capacity is met, registrations will be placed on a waiting list in the order in which they are received.

Adult chaperones and their children may choose to stay at Upham Friday evening at an additional cost ($35/person) before the program starts Saturday morning.

Volunteers: Parents are encouraged to attend and can sign up as adult volunteers or adult helpers (non-volunteer) through 4HOnline: 26wi4hartbeat.4honline.com.

Questions: Contact Laura Pine (lpine@wisc.edu) or Jay Johnson ( jay.johnson2@wisc.edu) with any questions.

✨ The Quest Log:

Week 1: Character Origin Stories (Virtual/Zoom)

January 20 | Kick off your journey by building a legendary backstory with Alex and Peter Hintz. Then, start your costume blueprints with Outagamie Educator Dana Berger and meet your fellow adventurers!

Week 2: The Forge & The Field (In-Person – Winnebago County)

January 31 | It’s time to build! Bring your costume to life with expert help, master the art of archery with Katrina Poinek, and cook up Dragon Fire Flatbread with Sarah Feider. Plus, craft your own wands and accessories in our Makerspace!

Week 3: World Building (Virtual/Zoom)

February 3 | Design the realm you'll rule. Map out uncharted territories with Tracy Keifenheim and blueprint a massive cardboard kingdom with Jon Hill to be constructed in our final week.

Week 4: The Grand Finale (In-Person – Brown County)

February 14 | Bring your blueprints to life! Develop Leathercraft skills with volunteer Rob Funk and refuel with world-famous Harry Potter Meat Pies and magic potion fizz. Celebrate your creations with a final makerspace session and community sharing!

Calling all heroes, artists, and gamers in Grades 5–12! We’ve expanded Clover Con '26, and your quest begins this January. Join 4-H pros and expert volunteers for a four-week journey into the worlds of cosplay, crafting, and creativity. Registration closes January 16.

Register Now for Clover Con '26, using the button below 

Event Details:

Wausau: April 25, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Marathon County Extension Office, Wausau, WI

Milwaukee: May 16, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
TBD

Low-cost registration makes this opportunity accessible for all. Don’t miss your chance to gaze into the future of STEAM! $ 10.00 per youth participant.

Wisconsin 4-H proudly presents STEAM GAZE, a dynamic, full-day experience designed for curious and creative youth in grades 3–5. This spring, dive into a world of discovery where art meets science through hands-on workshops led by passionate educators and mentors.

Whether your spark is chemistry, theater, visual arts, environmental science, music, or something in between, STEAM GAZE offers multiple interactive tracks to ignite imagination and innovation.

Older 4-H members and professional staff will guide and inspire participants throughout this exciting day of exploration and creativity. It is open to 4-H ers and non 4-Hers. 

Youth must attend with an adult (parent, club leader, teacher, Extension staff, etc.).

Adult attendance is free.

Keep a look out!  Registration will open through 4-H Online at the end of February.

Link to State 4-H Obedience, Rally, and Showmanship Show 

September 26 & 27, 2026, Langlade County Fairgrounds, Antigo

*In addition to the dog competitions, for 2026 there will also be educational contests like speaking and poster contests held during this show.

Link to State 4-H Agility Show

October 10, 2026, Overdale Canine Sports, Spring Valley

Visit Dog Project Page below for Dog Quiz Bowl Packet 

State 4-H Dog Meeting and Education Day Information - March 7th and 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 March 7th meeting date will feature agility and 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. 

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!

The Green Bay Gamblers will be recognizing 4-H and FFA clubs from across Wisconsin at our Gamblers hockey game on Saturday, January 24, at 6:05 PM. 

All club members will receive discounted tickets for $13, and the theme for the evening is Legends of Country.

Come enjoy a night full of entertainment, hockey, and country music at a great price!

Winter Academy 2026 is limited to 20 youth participants and registration closes January 11, 2026. Registration is now open in 4HOnline for youth in grades 8-10. Completion of the Winter Academy program will earn participants a 30% coupon code off registration for Summer Academy in the same year. 

Registration is now open for the first ever Winter Academy!

Winter Academy consists of three virtual sessions which provide youth with tools to set career and college goals, develop soft skills most important to employers, and build problem-solving skills.

By applying, youth agree to actively participate in all three sessions. The sessions will not be recorded for viewing later.

Once registration is closed, participants will receive a Zoom link, syllabus and materials needed to complete the sessions including a LEGO® Serious Play® Kit and a Clifton Strengths workbook for youth.

Learn more on our website: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/winter-academy/ 

We have secured our dates for Summer Camp 2026!

Mark your calendars for June 23-26th.

Watch upcoming newsletters and our FB page for more details on  camp counselor applications and registration to come!

4-H Horse Project Members, mark your calendars for these upcoming events brought to you by the WI 4-H Horse Association.

4-H Horse Education Days:  May 2 & 3, 2026

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

4-H Leaders Association Update

The Oconto County Leaders Association met on December 7th to finalize plans for the upcoming year. Here are the highlights:

Financials & Leadership: The association maintains a healthy balance of $56,150.54. We welcome Ann (Treasurer) and Riley (Vice President) to their new leadership roles!

Funding Your Trip: For the 2025-26 season, the association will cover 75% of costs for most major experiences, including Summer/Winter Camps, Space Camp, and the National Conference. Ambassador Teams and carpool gas remain 100% covered.

Deadlines & Apps: * December 15: Deadline for Leadership Ambassadors and Drama Company.

Next Week: Summer Camp Counselor applications open!

Youth 13+: Don’t forget to complete your Thrive Survey.

Upcoming Travels: We have 10 youth heading to Winter Leadership Camp in Waupaca (Jan 23–25), and registrations are set for Space Camp in Alabama this April.

Next Meeting: Join us February 1st at 6:00 PM at the Oconto Falls Town Hall

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.

Save the Date for the Clover Connect idea sharing zooms this spring! Two engaging and interactive sessions will be held –

Hands to Larger Service: Community Service Ideas
Sunday, Feb 22 at 7 p.m. & Monday, Feb 23 at Noon (same content will be repeated)

Making 4-H Meetings Fun: Bringing Laughter and Learning to 4-H Meetings
Sunday, Mar 22 at 7 p.m. & Monday, Mar 23 at Noon (same content will be repeated)

Register for one or both topics by visiting https://go.wisc.edu/pbm474. Both sessions will be recorded, and resources will be shared with those who sign up!

Zoom connection information will be shared closer to each session date.

Wisconsin 4-H Dairy Bowl registration is now open! To register, head over to 4-H Online and to events.

For more information on the contests and day of events, rules, and more, please visit our website!

https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/.../statew.../dairy-quiz-bowl/

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.

Each year, Wisconsin 4-H recognizes outstanding students in our communities with scholarships that celebrate dedication, leadership, and achievements in 4-H. We're excited to announce that this year we will be awarding more than $20,000 in scholarships to outstanding Wisconsin 4-H members and alumni.

Applications for eligible high school seniors and 4-H alumni opened on Jan. 1, 2026. To apply, applicants must:

• Have been a Wisconsin 4-H member for at least three years
• Have a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll at a university, college, or technical school during the 2026-2027 academic school year
• Have not received a Wisconsin 4-H Collegiate Scholarship

For the application form, specific scholarship information, and complete instructions on how to apply, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/wisconsin-4-h-scholarships/. 

Any members of your family who meet this criteria are encouraged to apply!

Applications must be received electronically by no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 1, 2026. Applicants who are awarded scholarships will be notified via email by mid May.

Thank you for your and your family’s dedication to Wisconsin 4-H!

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!

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! 

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.

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/ 

Behavior Concern Reports

This form is to be used to document behavior concerns of 4-H members or 4-H volunteers participating in 4-H programs, projects or activities. 

Read more about it and locate the form here: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/4h-resources/4-h-behavior-concerns-report-bcr/ 

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.”