Dunn County Clover Courier |
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UW-Madison Extension Dunn County |
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Hello Dunn County 4-H Families!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and are finding ways to enjoy all of this snow! It was great to see so many of you at the performance of White Christmas. If that show sparked an interest in performing arts, you're in luck. In this month's newsletter you will find information about the Performing Arts Festival and Speaking Contest. Both are great ways to practice speaking and performing in front of a small, friendly group of people.
If performing doesn't interest you we have many other opportunities for you in this month's newsletter. Continue reading to learn about:
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- Announcements from Dunn County Fair
- Battle of the Clubs
- Art U
- Teen Leadership Camp
- State opportunities for 3-5 grade members
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I know a short newsletter entry can't come close to answering all of the questions you might have about our programming. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the events in the newsletter, or anything related to Dunn County 4-H.
I wish everyone a happy and safe New Year! I look forward to getting out to club meetings in the coming months to see everyone!
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| Zachary Rozmiarek
Dunn County 4-H Educator
715-308-8616
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Shooting Sports Leader Wanted
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The Dunn County 4-H Shooting Sports Project is looking for an air rifle leader. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Teaching: Instruct youth in specific shooting disciplines, teaching safety rules, equipment care, and shooting techniques.
- Mentorship: Act as a positive role model for youth, helping them develop life skills
- Adherence to guidelines: Conduct all activities in a professional and ethical manner, following the national 4-H shooting sports guidelines
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Safety supervision: Ensure that all activities are conducted safely, with hands-on or safety instruction only being provided by a certified leader.
- Administrative: Work with the co-leader on administrative tasks such as completing the 4-H Charter and Financial Report, scheduling practices, and communicating with members and the 4-H Educator.
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The Shooting Sports Leader will also need to attend an in person training, the cost of which will be covered by the program. If you are interested, please reach out to Zac at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu or 715-232-1636.
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Dunn County 4-H Food Drive- Extended until February! |
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Dunn County 4-H is once again sponsoring a food drive for all clubs that wish to participate.
If your club votes to participate, here is what you need to do:
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Collect non-perishable food items between now and your February meeting.
- Email a picture of the club members with the items AND the total amount collected to zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu.
- Donate the items to the food pantry of your choice. You can also bring them to the extension office and we will donate them for you.
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The club with the most non-perishable food items per member will receive an ice cream sundae and root beer float party at their next meeting! (non-dairy options will be available upon request)
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Dunn County Fair Beef Weigh in |
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Beef weigh in for the Dunn County Fair will take place on February 14 from 8-10am at the Dunn County Fairgrounds.
Weigh in is optional, unless you are participating in Total Performance. However, Project Entry Forms and valid YQCA certificate must be submitted in person at the initial weigh-in.
If you have any questions, please contact beef superintendent Del Keyes at (715) 308-7049 and check out the 2026 Map Rules document.
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Dunn County Fair Theme Contest |
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| Help the Dunn County Fair create a theme for 2026!
Each 4-H club has until March 2nd to decide on a theme and fill out the form. All entries will be kept anonymous until the winner is announced!
The Dunn County Fair is also offering a $100 donation to the club with the winning theme!
As you come up with your ideas remember to keep your theme:
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- catchy
- memorable
- related to the fair and Dunn County
- easy to decorate around
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One entry per club. Club Leaders, send your entry by using the attached form.
Good Luck!
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Upcoming Events and Programs |
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| The 2026 Battle of the Clubs will be held on February 21st, at 10am in the gym at Alliance Church.
The Battle of the Clubs is a county-wide event where each club forms teams of 5-10 youth to compete in a variety of events. Members of all ages are encouraged to participate.
Clubs may have multiple teams. There will be awards, along with bragging rights, for the winning clubs. It will conclude with an all county pizza party sponsored by the Leaders Council.
The cost is $10 per team which will go to the Youth Activities Council to sponsor older youth programming.
Register your team by February 7th
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Speaking and Demonstration Festival |
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Join us for the 2026 Tri-County Speaking and Demonstration Festival!
This Festival is a fantastic opportunity for 4-H youth to develop life skills, share their passions, and boost their confidence!
Open to all members, including Cloverbuds, this event is set for Saturday, January, 31st, at Elk Mound High School. Check in starts at 9:00 AM, with presentations beginning at 9:30 AM.
Whether presenting solo or as a dynamic duo, participants will practice essential communication skills, inspire others, and have a chance to shine in a supportive environment.
Check out the Speaking and Demonstration Website to learn more about the categories and the event details.
Want to hone your skills before the event? Try the FREE interactive public speaking activity from Clover to practice your skills and help your develop your presentation!
Registration closes on January 16, so sign up soon!
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| Welcome to Art U 2026! This five week program is a partnership between 4-H and UW-Stout's art education department. Youth in grades k-12 will be led in art lessons from UW-Stout Art Education students.
Youth participants in grades K-6 will have virtual instruction while youth participants in grades 7+ will be in-person at UW-Stout. The hour-long instructional sessions will be Thursday nights at 6:30pm, February 12th-March 12th. It will conclude with an in-person celebration and art show at UW-Stout on Thursday, March 12th at 6:30pm.
Art U is open to 4-non-members as well, so bring your friends! The cost is $5 for members, and $10 for non-members. Registration Closes January 13th.
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Performing Arts- Save the Date |
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Start organizing your group!
The 2026 Tri-County Performing Arts Festival will be held on March 7, 2026, at Elk Mound High School, starting at 9am.
Participants can showcase their talents in music and drama categories, with critiques and awards for all. Join us to celebrate creativity and build confidence in a supportive 4-H community!
This event is open to all 4-H members, including Cloverbuds.
Check your email and facebook for registration information in the upcoming weeks.
Questions? Check out our Performing Arts Festival Website.
More Questions? Reach out to Zac at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu.
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Camp Counselors Applications- Last Call!!! |
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| Become a Camp Counselor for 4-H Camp! 🌟
Camp Dates: June 7–10, 2026 (Outpost & Base Camp)
Applications Due: January 4 by 11:59pm
Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make unforgettable memories? Youth in grades 9 and up are encouraged to apply to be a Camp Counselor for the 2026 Clark, Dunn & Eau Claire 4-H Camps!
As a counselor, you will help shape the camp experience for youth, build leadership skills, and be part of an amazing team. Whether you're new or returning, we want YOU to apply!
Key Dates:
📅 Application Deadline: January 4
💻 Zoom Interviews: January
🛠️ Training Dates: February 7–8, May 3, June 5
🏕️ Camp Dates: June 7–10
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Chippewa County 4-H is inviting Eau Claire and Dunn County 4-H members in 6th grade and up to join them for an exciting overnight leadership experience at Camp Nawakwa! Explore leadership, make new friends, and have fun with youth in grades 6 and up.
Activities will include basic first aid, financial literacy, hand-sewn clothing repairs, dressing for success, resume building, professional greetings, and necktie or scarf styling.
The cost is $30 per participant, which includes all meals, a camp t-shirt, and activity supplies. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and lead—all while having fun!
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4-H ArtBEAT! provides an opportunity for youth grades 3-5 to experience art in a camp setting at the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. The event offers a taste of several arts projects including music, visual arts, Theater, and more!
Youth will rotate through a variety of hands-on sessions held at various sites throughout camp.
Parents are not required to attend but are encouraged to participate as enrolled volunteers.
Volunteers will help supervise youth and lead them through the stations. You can easily become a volunteer by enrolling in 4HOnline and completing the online training and a background check.
Register by February 8, 2026 to secure your spot!
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- When: Saturday & Sunday, March 14-15, 2026 (9 AM Sat. - 12 PM Sun.)
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Where: Upham Woods, Wisconsin Dells
- Youth registration: Tiered Pricing - $125, $150, $175; Adult chaperone: $75
- Registration opens January 12 in 4honline
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Steam Gaze- Save the Date |
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Wisconsin 4-H proudly presents STEAM GAZE, a dynamic, full-day experience designed for curious and creative youth in grades 3–5. Dive into a world of discovery where art meets science through hands-on workshops led by passionate educators.
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-Hers and staff will guide and inspire 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.
Event Details:
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- 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 - Cost: $10
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Registration will open through 4-H Online at the end of February.
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Are you looking for something to do with your Cloverbud on a cold, snowy day? Check out the Clover Activities at 4h.org.
These free, interactive activities help to keep the learning going while they are home from school.
Plus, they're fun!
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| The Youth Activities Council will meet on January 27 at 6:30 to continue planning for the Battle of the Clubs.
It's not too late to get in on the action! If you like leading activities and want give back to the county 4-H program, come check out the Youth Activities Council!
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| Have you gotten your Dunn County 4-H tee-shirt and club binder yet?
The extension office has extra tee shirts from last year's order. If you haven't gotten one, reach out to Zac or your Club Leader.
Club binders are available for all families. If your club leader does not have any left, they can get more from the extension office.
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Are you looking for a way to get involved in the 4-H program, but don't know where to start? Check out the Leaders Council.
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County-Wide Meetings and Events |
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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.
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| Youth Activities Council | January 27, 6:30pm at the County Government Building | Practice Battle of the Clubs Activities | | Small Animal Project | February 10, 6:30 at the County Government Building | Create Informational Posters | | Art U | February 12- March 12 online and at UW-Stout |
More Information at go.wisc.edu/artu2026 |
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County Government Building, 3001 Us Hwy 12 E, Menomonie, WI 54751
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4-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.
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| | January | Missouri Valley | | February | Hay River Helpers | | March | Connorsville Comets |
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The Dunn County Leaders Council is excited to help fund your 4-H trip! The Leaders Council is committed to funding 25% of all state and national trips and experiences. The Leaders Council may fund at greater amounts depending on the number of participants and budgetary allowances.
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The Leaders Council supports youth in excelling in 4-H activities by helping to remove financial barriers. If your youth needs financial assistance for a 4-H project or activity, email zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu. All requests are voted on by the Leaders Council and are kept anonymous.
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The Leaders Council will meet on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30pm in the Lower Level of the County Government Building.
The Leaders Council isn't just for club leaders. ALL Dunn County 4-H volunteers are invited to attend. If you are looking for a way to support the Dunn County 4-H Program, the Leaders Council is for you.
Volunteers are welcome to join online or in person.
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The Leaders Council is looking for volunteers who would like to serve on a committee. If you are passionate about helping youth, and would like to help fund raise, organize events, or assist with awards, reach out to Zac for more information.
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Dunn County 4-H Leaders Council Sponsors |
Thank you to our 2025-26 Leaders Council Sponsors! If you, or someone you know, would like to become a 2026-27 sponsor, reach out to Zac, or visit the link below.
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An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.
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3001 US Hwy 12 East Suite 216 | Menomonie, WI 54751 US
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