March 11, 2026

Marie's Message

🌞 We’re excited to offer a camp experience just for Dodge County this year.
June 29 – July 2, 2026 | Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center

We have counselors, we have adults (except we could use another male) but we need CAMPERS!

Summer is on the horizon—and so is an unforgettable adventure for our 3rd–6th grade youth! This year’s 4‑H Summer Camp at Upham Woods invites campers to explore the outdoors, make new friends, develop new skills, and create lifelong memories in one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural settings.

What Campers Can Expect

Our Base Camp program offers a structured, supportive camp experience designed especially for youth in 3rd–6th grades, including both 4‑H members and guests. Campers are placed into cabin groups of 7–10 and guided by trained youth counselors who help them feel welcome, safe, and confident throughout their time at camp. Camp days are full—with activities running from 7:00 AM to lights out at 10:30 PM, giving campers a full and exciting outdoor adventure. Lodging includes large cabins with twin bunkbeds, and campers use a separate shower house with individual private showers for comfort and privacy.

Base Camp includes:

Outpost Camp?

Dodge county is not offering an outpost camp this year as we transition back to a single county camp at Upham Woods.  However, if you are interested in that option, please check out  the Upham Woods page at https://uphamwoods.extension.wisc.edu/summer-camp/ to see more information about their open enrollment camps and outpost.

What’s Included in Registration?
Your camp registration covers:

Registration Details

Questions?

We’re here to help! Contact the Dodge County Extension office with any questions about camp, registration, or forms.

Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
UW Extension - Dodge County
920-386-3790
marie.witzel@wisc.edu

If clubs or groups have items to share, send them by noon on Monday to be included in that week’s issue. Anything received after 12 p.m. Monday will be considered for the following week. 

Please send any 4-H or youth development related emails to marie.witzel@wisc.edu

Astico Perseverance: (Blake Kurth) Rollerskating report: Taya Kurth said she and Jolie Bacon did well at the limbo. The club is planning and Egg Hunt, and Dairy Promotion in the upcoming months.  

Hyland Prairie: (Ryver Ressel) Our members shared a variety of demonstrations this month. Quinn and Corra Zondag showcased several gymnastics skills, while Remington Robbins taught everyone how to tie different knots, and Athena Robbins explained how mixing colors creates new ones. During member reports, Kynedi Lien shared her success at an Iowa rabbit show, earning two Best in Show awards for her guinea pig, and Winston Lichty updated the club about the new public archery facility in Horicon and the start of 4‑H archery practices.

Several neighboring counties are kicking off their 4‑H dog project trainings as early as next week, and families should contact them if they want to participate. If you’re looking for opportunities to build skills, gain experience, and connect with other 4-H dog project members, be sure to check out their schedules. This is a great option since there is not a 4-H dog training program this year in Dodge county

Planning to show at the fair? Don’t forget your YQCA certification! Youth must complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) to be eligible to exhibit — so make sure it’s checked off your list before fair time rolls around. We are offering a YQCA class at Family Learning Day! Remember to complete your online enrollment at yqcaprogram.org

To ensure accurate planning, we are unable to accept late registrations.
Reminder that payment is due today. Please submit your payment as soon as possible.

We will be taking preorders for lunch again! With so many delicious options, you might enjoy choosing your lunch early and bringing the form along. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s one less thing to worry about the day of!

How to participate:

Cook the recipe pictured.
Snap a family photo at mealtime.
Email the photo to asalmon3@uga.edu.
Complete a short questionnaire.
Be entered to win a $25 gift card!

All photos and questionnaires must be submitted by March 31.

Calling All Builders: The LEGO Brick Build Challenge is Here!
It’s time to dig into your brick collection and let your creativity shine! We are excited to announce the first installment of our statewide LEGO Brick Build Challenge series, inviting participants, youth and adults, from across the state to showcase their skills.

This Month’s Topic: Build Your Spark 
In 4-H, a "spark" is that special interest or passion that makes you come alive. Whether it’s science, art, animals, or sports, we want to see you represent your passion using nothing but bricks!

How to Enter: The challenge is open to both youth and adults. You can participate as an individual or as a team. To enter, visit https://go.wisc.edu/mxa8pj and submit your entry by the deadline.

Submission Guidelines:
-Submit one entry per individual or team.
-Include up to three photos of your model from different perspectives.
-Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026
-Viewing Party with Prizes: April 12, 2026

We can’t wait to see your "sparks" come to life. Happy building!

The event will be Thursday, April 30 - Saturday, May 2.

Is there a 4-H Club would be interested in doing a fundraiser on Saturday, May 2nd? Our Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and we thought a Tractor/ATV/UTV wash could be a fun option, with all proceeds going to the club.

On Friday, May 1, we’ll also have WBEV here for a live radio show from 1:00-4:00 p.m., which would be a great chance to help spread the word about the fundraiser ahead of time.

Please contact Marie for more information

Wildlife and Woods is Wisconsin 4-H’s statewide natural sciences, wildlife, and forestry monthly, virtual event.

Register for Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series
Log into your family account in 4HOnline. Under the EVENTS tab look for “Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series,” register, and then you will receive an email with the Zoom link. If you need help registering or are registering as a participant, please visit the “Ready to Participate” website.

Family Learning Dairy dairy-activity-card points

There are three classes at Family Learning Day that can provide you points for your dairy-activity card. Make sure you take your card along, so the presenter can sign it.

LAST CALL Need antique farm stuff for buyer gift

The 2026 Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction buyer gift will be items similar to these photos. If you have rural- and farm-life-related items lying around on your property that you'd be willing to donate for this artwork, please contact Ryan Altreuter at 262.443.9797 by March 15. See photos attached.

Dairy grant program

The Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Committee is offering $500 dairy grants to support active Dodge County dairy youth involved in 4-H, FFA, or junior breed associations. Grant funds may be used to purchase a dairy animal of any breed to expand a youth dairy project. Funding is provided through proceeds from the annual Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction. LINK TO 2026 GRANT APPLICATION

Next DYAC meeting

The next DYAC meeting is tonight, March 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., at Dodge County Administration Building Main Auditorium.

MARCH

11 - Registration closes for Family Learning Day

17 - Leaders Executive Board Meeting 7:00 PM

21 - Family Learning Day

APRIL

3 - Office Closed 

PYD Media Collection Project Resources Follow the link to learn more about the collection and request materials.

4HOnline  Log in to your account at the Wisconsin 4-H Online Sign in page

Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Website

WI 4-H Policy Updates

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

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension
Dodge County 4-H
Extension Dodge County  127 E. Oak Street  Juneau, WI 53039-1329
tel: 920.386.3790    fax: 920.386.3928