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Note from our Office
Dear Calumet County 4-H,
Happy New Year, 4-H Families! 🎉
Welcome to 2026! A new year means new opportunities to learn, grow, and make memories in 4-H. Whether you’re exploring a favorite project or trying something brand new, this is the perfect time to set goals that will help you shine.
Start the Year SMART!
SMART goals are a great way to make your 4-H experience even more rewarding. SMART stands for:
Specific – What exactly do you want to accomplish?
Measurable – How will you know you’ve achieved it?
Achievable – Is it realistic for you?
Relevant – Does it fit your interests and 4-H projects?
Time-bound – When will you complete it?
Example: Instead of saying “I want to learn photography,” try “I will take 50 photos using different lighting techniques by May.”
Project Learning = Fun + Skills
Your 4-H projects are more than just activities—they’re stepping stones to new skills and confidence!
Tips for Success
- Write your goals down and keep them where you can see them.
- Share your goals with your club leader or family—they’ll cheer you on!
- Celebrate progress along the way. Every step counts!
Let’s make 2026 a year of learning, laughter, and leadership!
What SMART goal will you set for your 4-H journey this year? Share your ideas at the next club meeting or on our Facebook page! Here's a worksheet you can use to help you document your goals!
Reach out to our office — we’re here for you! I can be reached on my work cell at 920-483-0646 or by email at carlea.liermann@wisc.edu.
Sincerely,
Carlea Liermann
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| Sunday, January 4Â - 5-6pm - Livestock Practice at Courthouse, Room 025
Thursday, January 8 - 6-7:30pm - Communications Club at Courthouse, Room 025
Thursday, January 8Â - 6-7pm - Horse Project Educational Practice at Courthouse, Rm 017
Saturday, January 10Â - 10am-3pm - Operation Clover Club - STEM Innovation Center Green Bay
Sunday, January 11Â - 5-6pm - Livestock Practice at Courthouse, Room 025
Tuesday, January 13 - 6pm - Extension Education Committee Meeting at Courthouse, Rm 025
Wednesday, January 14 - 7pm - Leaders Council Board Meeting at Courthouse, Room 025
Thursday, January 15 - 6-7pm - Cloverbud Club at Courthouse, Room 025
Thursday, January 15 -Â 6-7pm - Explorers at Courthouse, Room 017
Saturday, January 17 - Kitchen Basics & Skills Food Workshop - Foods Lab Chilton High School
Thursday, January 22Â - 6-7pm - 4-H Horse Project Educational Practice at Courthouse, Rm 017
Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25 - Winter Leadership Camp - Spencer Lake Camp
Tuesday, January 27 - 6-7pm - Poultry Project ChickQuest at Courthouse, Room 025
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National 4-H Week Window Displays
Congratulations to the following Clubs for the work they did to help promote Calumet County 4-H and their Club during National 4-H Week this past October:
1st - Charlesburg Stars 4-H Club
2nd - Farm & Home 4-H Club
3rd - New Horizons 4-H Club
4th - Woodville Stars 4-H Club
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Operation Clover Club
Want to have fun, make new friends, and try something new?
Join our brand-new 4-H Club created for any youth with a parent, guardian, caregiver, or sibling in the military! Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026 10am-3pm at the STEM Innovation Center located in Green Bay.
Enjoy exciting, hands-on activities that YOU help choose. It’s a great way to connect, create, and explore together! Current 4-H membership is not required to participate in this event.
Choose from one of three awesome tracks (space is limited):
Cloverbud Camp (grades 5K-2):  Our younger participants will explore their "sparks" with a day full of hands on learning and fun designed just for them.
4-H in the Kitchen (grades 3 & up): Youth will learn how to make a spaghetti sauce and garlic bread, and then share this with all the participants for lunch. In the afternoon they will bake and decorate cupcakes for all.
Intro to Archery - Bow and Arrow Blast (grades 3 & up): Learn the basics of archery with real archery equipment in the morning. Then, make your own arrows and quiver to take home!
Register here if you'd like to participate:Â https://forms.gle/za4QuBe7ozAWWUfa8
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2025-2026 4-H Theme
Congratulations to Woodville Stars 4-H Club for submitting the winning theme for this year's theme contest: "4-H has all the right ingredients"
As a reminder, this will be the theme we use for the 2026 Calumet County Fair booths and window displays as part of National 4-H Week.
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2025-2026 WI 4-H Program Book Available!
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Wisconsin 4-H Scholarships
Wisconsin 4-H will award more than $20,000 in scholarships from established donor funds to outstanding Wisconsin 4-H members and alumni pursuing higher education this year. Wisconsin 4-H Scholarships are awarded to students based on demonstrated personal growth through 4-H, development and leadership in 4-H, academic performance, and future educational goals.
Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for any Wisconsin 4-H Scholarship, students 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, and be enrolled or planning to enroll at a university, college, or technical school during the following academic school year. Previous scholarship winners are not eligible to receive a second Wisconsin 4-H Scholarship.
Application Instructions
Applicants will submit an online application form and upload a cover letter and résumé as a combined PDF and select all scholarship opportunities that they qualify for. The documents will provide 4-H youth a chance to share their 4-H achievements and future plans. The review committee will be looking for how applicants specifically address the criteria as listed online here.
Applications open Jaunary 1st and closes March 1st.
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Looking for Horse Project Leader!
Purpose:
Provide leadership, guidance, and support to youth enrolled in the 4-H Horse Project. Help members develop knowledge, skills, and responsibility related to horse care, riding, and safety.
Responsibilities:
- Organize and lead regular project meetings and activities
- Ensure all activities follow 4-H safety guidelines and policies
- Encourage positive youth development through hands-on learning and teamwork
- Communicate with families and the 4-H Program Educator about schedules and requirements
- Serve as a role model by demonstrating respect, responsibility, and integrity
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Applications Open for 2026 SheCalMan 4-H Camp Counselors!
Do you love working with youth, being outdoors, and creating unforgettable experiences? Here’s your chance! We’re looking for enthusiastic, responsible, and creative individuals to join our SheCalMan Camp Youth Staff for summer 2026.
Camp Details:
đź“Ť Location: Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
📅 Dates: July 15–18, 2026
Why Be a Camp Counselor?
-Build leadership and teamwork skills
-Make a positive impact on younger campers
-Enjoy outdoor adventures and lifelong friendships
Qualifications:
-At least in 9th grade or older (8th graders may apply, priority given to older youth)
-Willing to be creative, energetic, and compassionate
-Ability to lead and support others
Application Process:
-Apply by February 2, 2026 using this Google Form: https://forms.gle/Yo4xMFEwZnTsndkU8Â
-New applicants: Submit one letter of recommendation OR a completed 4-H Reference Form from a teacher, 4-H leader, or community contact (not a relative).
-Returning staff: No recommendation needed, just complete the questions in the application.
-Interviews: Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Kiel High School.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference and have an amazing summer! 🌲🔥
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STEAM GAZE: A Creative Fusion of Art & Science!
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.Â
Youth must attend with an adult (parent, club leader, teacher, Extension staff, etc.). Adult attendance is free.
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
Location 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.
Registration will open through 4-H Online at the end of February.
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Registration is now open for ArtBEAT!
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!Â
Youth participants will rotate through a variety of hands-on sessions held at various sites throughout camp, including outdoors (be sure to dress accordingly).Â
Parents are not required to attend but are encouraged to participate as enrolled volunteers.Â
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!
 Register by February 8, 2026 to secure your spot!Â
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 14-15, 2026 (9 AM Sat. - 12 PM Sun.)
Where: Upham Woods, Wisconsin Dells
Youth registration: Tiered Pricing - $125, $150, $175; Adult chaperone: $75. Visit: go.wisc.edu/ArtBEATÂ for more information or 26wi4hartbeat.4honline.com to register now!
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Join us for Hands-on Project Learning!
On Friday, April 3rd youth in grades 3-8 are invited to join us in taking the Hilbert Trolley to the Food & Farm Exploration Center located in Plover, WI. youth need to be at the Calumet County Courthouse by 8am, so we can leave on-time as our schedule starts at 10am at the center.
Here's a little bit about what we will be doing:
Schedule:
10:00-10:20Â Â Â Â Â Welcome
10:25-11:25Â Â Â Â Â Cooking with Commodities
11:25-11:50Â Â Â Â Â Lunch
11:55-12:55Â Â Â Â Â Science of the Senses
1:00-2:00       Open Exploration with scavenger hunt
Cooking with Commodities - A hands-on cooking class to explore the rich agricultural bounty of Wisconsin by focusing on key commodity crops. Learners will incorporate nutritious ingredients into delicious and wholesome dishes (recipes will vary by grade).
Science with the Senses - How we perceive flavors is rooted in survival. Humans are born to liking sweet tastes because sugar provides energy, a necessity for survival. Our senses have an impact on consumer preferences and the development of new food and beverage products. Students will explore the science of the senses in this stimulating lab!
There will be an elementary group and a middle school group, so youth will be in groups by their grades/ages. Cost is $12/youth, which includes a lunch and the cost of transportation.Â
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Clover Con: Quests and Creations- Northeast Wisconsin
Clover Con Skills Camp offers 4-H members the opportunity to explore interests in comics, fantasy, and gaming. This hybrid program combines online and in-person sessions focused on various creative and practical skills. Participants will engage in activities such as world building, character development, and costume creation centered around their favorite comic or fantasy themes.Â
This four-week program for youth in grades 5-9 covers the following skill areas:
-Creative writing and character development
-Cardboard world building
-Leather craft
-Theme-based food making
-Archery
-Costume design and building
-Mapmaking
Eligibility and Registration:
The event is open to any 4-H member within the eight-county area (Manitowoc, Brown, Sheboygan, Winnebago, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Kewaunee and Door). Participation is limited to the first 40 individuals who register through the 4-H online system.
Cost:
The program fee is $40 which is $20 for each in person workshop. This includes a meal at each of the in-person workshops and needed supplies.
Schedule and Locations:
January 20: Zoom, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
January 31: Winnebago County, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (In-person workshop)
February 3: Zoom, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
February 14: Brown County, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (In-person workshop)
Any questions, please reach out to Jay Johnson, 4-H Expressive Arts Specialist at jay.johnson2@wisc.edu
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Join the Communications Project!
🚀 Want to boost your confidence, sharpen your communication skills, and level up as a leader?
Come hang out with us every 3rd Thursday from 6–7:30 PM at the Calumet County Courthouse! You’ll discover more about yourself, learn how to connect with others, and practice skills that will help you now and in the future.
✨ What’s in store?
Communication Skills – Crush that interview, build an awesome resume, write like a pro, try out graphic design basics, and even practice giving & receiving feedback.
Leadership 101 – What’s your “elevator pitch”? How do you ask questions that spark great conversations? Learn how YOU think and how others do too.
Speaking Contest Prep – This winter we’ll host special sessions to help you pick a topic, prepare, practice, and then rock the stage with your presentation!
👉 Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your skills, make new friends, and have fun while doing it!
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Dog Project News
Save the Dates - State 4-H Dog Events
September 26 & 27, 2026
4-H Dog Obedience, Showmanship, and Rally
Speaking, Photo, and Poster Contests
Langlade County Fairgrounds, Antigo, WI
October 11, 2026
State 4-H Dog Agility Show
Overdale Canine Sports, Spring Valley
Our county obedience, rally, and showmanship will be starting up again at the end of May. Please keep watching the newsletter for the mandatory meeting for sign-up in March and April. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Trisha Flanigan at gtflanigan@frontier.com
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Step into the Livestock Reality Store
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
Whether you’ve never shown an animal before or you’re a seasoned exhibitor, the Livestock Reality Store is for you! This interactive simulation gives you a real-world look at what it takes to raise and sell a show animal—from start to finish.
What to expect:
New to livestock? Learn the basics of daily care, costs, and record-keeping so you can start your first project with confidence.
Already experienced? Dive deeper into financial management and decision-making to make your next project more profitable and efficient.
Everyone walks away with practical skills to make your livestock project make dollars and sense!
This event is open to both members and non-members and counts as market animal education.
👉 Planning to attend? Please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/fwraGUp8U8rD8SAP8
Don’t miss this chance to experience the real-world side of livestock projects!
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