4-H Friday Newsletter

Friday, October 30, 2026

LEADERS, MEMBERS, and PARENTS can contribute to the articles posted weekly by completing a short form and uploading their article and any photos at go.wisc.edu/2665ok. Articles for the current week must be submitted by 12 pm on Wednesday. We would love to hear from you. Secretary minutes can be submitted here too!

Inside Our Unforgettable Comic Book Class Held 10/25/2026
Submitted by Austyn M.

From dynamic character sketches to bold plot lines, Austyn’s recent comic book class proved to be an absolute triumph of imagination, collaboration and shared excitement. Participants of all skill levels gathered to turn blank pages into vibrant action packed stories, transforming the room into a fun-filled classroom of visual storytelling that was enjoyed by all. EVERYONE in attendance agreed they wanted to see more classes like this offered in the future!

Save the date for the next art workshop on November 29 - more details to come!

We need youth and adult presenters to help make Family Learning Day a success on Saturday, February 27, 2027!

If you have a project, hobby, talent, or skill you enjoy, this is your chance to share it with 4-H youth in grades 5K-13. Sessions can be 45, 60, or 90 minutes, and presenters may teach individually, team up with a co-presenter, or offer their session more than once.

Woodworking, cooking, photography, arts and crafts, livestock, mindfulness, sports and more have all been part of past Family Learning Days. What could you bring to Family Learning Day this year?

Submit your presenter proposal: https://go.wisc.edu/605ez9 by December 1
Questions or need a paper form? Contact Extension Fond du Lac County at 920-906-4623.

🌟 Ever wonder where everyday products really come from? 🌟

Join us for a hands-on, virtual learning adventure designed for youth in grades 3 and up! Discover how animals contribute to products we use every day through fun activities, science exploration, and interactive learning. You do not need to be enrolled in an animal project to participate!

During three live Zoom sessions, youth will: 

• Create a horsehair bracelet
• Make a pie using lard and learn about the ingredients from agriculture
• Use a Foldscope mini microscope to investigate different sheep fibers

From farm to fiber, food to science, come explore the amazing story behind everyday products!

Dates:

• Thursday, January 21 at 6PM: Horse Hair Bracelet
• Thursday, February 11 at 6PM: Compare Fibers using a Foldscope
• Thursday, February 25 at 6PM: Make a Pie Crust

Register via 4-H Online starting November 1, space is limited.

Materials: MOST supplies are provided with program fee, but additional items will need to be purchased ahead of zoom.

Fee: $5-15 Sliding Scale*

*You can choose one of three pricing options that’s right for your family. Simply choose $5, $10 or $15. We value making all programming successful, but $10 closely represents direct costs for this series. Thank you for paying what you are able to make 4-H youth programming possible for all Wisconsin youth.

Turn your snapshots into great shots! Join us for an exciting, five-week distance-learning course designed specifically for beginning and intermediate 4-H photography members. Through hands-on weekly photo challenges, lessons, and activities, you will unlock the secrets to mastering your camera and building a portfolio of work.

Zoom 1: Monday, February 8 (6:30–7:30 PM) – Welcome and Introduction

• Week 1: Learning Your Equipment – Learn how to get the most out of your camera.
• Week 2: Exposure – Learn about the different tools that help you capture the clearest images.
• Week 3: Depth of Field – Using your camera to focus on what’s most important.

Zoom 2: Monday, March 1 (6:30–7:30 PM) – Mid-Way Masterclass

• Week 4: Composition Part 1 – Compose pictures for the highest visual impact.
• Week 5: Composition Part 2 – Use your lens to tell the story you want.

Zoom 3: Monday, March 15 (6:30–7:30 PM) – Sharing the Work (Final Showcase)

What You Need to Participate (No cost!):

• A camera (any type, including smartphones)
• A free Google Account
• A creative mind and a willingness to learn

Ready to Join? Spots are limited, so don't wait! Register via 4-H Online starting November 1.

Hold on to your hats and broomsticks - we are going to have a whirlwind of fun with these hands-on at-home virtual sessions for Cloverbuds in grades K-2!

Interactive Zoom Series-Tuesdays in February at 6PM

• Week 1 (February 2): Crafting Magical Apparel
• Week 2 (February 9): Fantastic Beasts
• Week 3 (February 16): Magical Potions & Quill Making 101
• Week 4 (February 23): Fantastic Foods

Register online between November 1 and November 15 through 4-H Online

Materials: MOST supplies are provided with the program fee, but additional items will need to be purchased before each Zoom.

Fee: $5-15 Sliding Scale*

*You can choose one of three pricing options that’s right for your family. Simply choose $5, $10 or $15. We value making all programming successful, but $10 closely represents direct costs for this series. Thank you for paying what you are able to make 4-H youth programming possible for all Wisconsin youth. 

All 4-H club officers elected for 2026-27 are invited and encouraged to participate in the annual club Officer Training Workshop on Saturday, November 7! Participants will learn the responsibilities of their officer positions, so it is important that all officers attend. Officers will also meet other 4-H members from throughout the county, and this will give them a chance to exchange ideas and build new relationships. Youth do not have to be incoming club officers to attend the training. Spread the word and invite your friends!

Sign up by November 2 at https://go.wisc.edu/271f22

The fall annual Adult Leaders Association Meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, November 5 at the Fond du Lac County Campus in room 205/206. The association will be holding elections of board members and will discuss plans for the 2026-2027 4-H year. ALL adult leaders and youth are invited to attend.

Districts up for election:

• District 1 rep is Beth Schaefer who has decided to step down. District 1 needs a nomination from the following clubs: Alto All Stars, Brandon Tanagers, or a County Leader.
• District 2 rep is Ryan Stommel and he has decided to not run for another term. District 2 needs a nomination from the following clubs: Rosendale, Springvalley, or a County Leader.
• District 6 rep is Judy Bertram and she is not eligible to rerun as she has served 2 consecutive terms. District 6 needs a nomination from the following clubs: Calumet, Ledgers, Taft 23 or a County Leader.
• If you know of a leader or parent who might be interested please let Tracy know, so she can reach out to them about the opportunity. 

We would love to see you participate in the Fond du Lac County 4-H program. The Fond du Lac county deadline for returning 4-H members is Saturday, October 31 at 11:59 pm. We highly encourage youth to enroll in 4Honline as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities. 

The Fair Book Committee is working on the 2027 Fair Book. Please send any requested changes, additions, or concerns to office@fonddulaccountyfair.com before November 15 for consideration.

Tri-County Science Expedition - November 4, Sign up through 4-H Online by Oct 26

Adult Leaders Association Meeting - November 5, 6:30 pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

Officer Training - November 7, 9:30 am, Fond du Lac County Campus

Horse Project Meeting - November 17, 6:30pm, Rolling Meadows

4-H Project Learning Lab: LEGO - November 19, 6:30pm

TLA Meeting - November 23, 6:45 pm, Rolling Meadows

LEGO Club - November 24, 6:30-7:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus, Room 205/206

Extension Office Closed - November 26 & 27

Art Workshop - November 29, 4pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

Wildlife Club - November 30, 6pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

  Tracy Keifenheim

4-H Program Educator

tracy.keifenheim@wisc.edu

Sarah Stevenson

4-H Program Assistant

sarah.stevenson@wisc.edu

 Misty Jimenez

4-H Associate Educator

misty.jimenez@wisc.edu

UW Extension Fond du Lac County
160 South Macy St, 2nd floor
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 906-4623

http://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/4h/

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.