January 21st, 2026
Marie's Message
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Dear 4-H Families and Friends,
Exciting Scholarship Opportunities for 4-H Members
As our 4-H youth continue to grow as leaders, innovators, and community contributors, we are proud to support their next steps through a variety of scholarship opportunities. Each year, Dodge County 4-H offers several scholarships to recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our graduating members.
Scholarship applications and detailed eligibility information can be found on our website at the link below. We encourage all eligible youth to take a look, consider applying, and reach out with questions. Whether a member has been involved in project leadership, community service, club activities, or county-wide events, there are opportunities designed to celebrate their unique contributions to 4-H. Visit our 👉 Scholarships Applications Page.
Please help us spread the word to families, club leaders, and graduating seniors. We are excited to support our young people as they pursue their educational and career goals!
You can also find state 4-H scholarships 👉 here.
If you need clarification on any requirements, feel free to contact the Extension office — we’re here to help.
Have a great week,
Marie
Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
UW Extension - Dodge County
920-386-3790
marie.witzel@wisc.edu
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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
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Hats Off to Tori Gillett! |
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Congratulations to Tori Gillett of Hyland Prairie 4-H Club, who has been selected to represent Wisconsin 4-H at the 2026 National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC. Tori was chosen through a competitive application and interview process and will join youth from across the state to meet with legislators and collaborate with a federal agency on solutions to real-world community issues. We are proud to see Dodge County 4-H represented at the national level—well done, Tori!
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If you’re thinking about college or technical school for the 2026–2027 school year, this is a great time to take a look at scholarships. Dodge County 4-H offers several scholarship opportunities, and you might be more eligible than you think. Even if you’re just starting to explore your options, it’s worth checking out what’s available and giving it a try. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. ✨
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YQCA scholarships are available. They are due February 15th.
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Winter Wildlife Camp at Upham Woods! |
Winter fun awaits at Upham Woods! Youth ages 7–11 are invited to explore Wisconsin’s winter wildlife with Upham Woods Outdoor Educators through snowshoeing, den building, animal-sign hikes, and cozy crafts. This drop-off day camp includes snowshoes, a morning snack, and lunch, and takes place Saturday, February 21 from 10 AM–3 PM in Wisconsin Dells. The cost is $45, and registration closes February 1—bundle up and join the adventure! ❄️🐾
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✨Learn more at the "4-H Camp: Here We Come" Session at Family Learning Day on February 21st! |
Registration is open in 4-H Online until February 8th, 2026.
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Registration is open until February 14th, 2026.
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Are you ready to inspire the next generation? Join us as an Adult Advisor or Young Adult Leader at Summer Academy! Help youth grow, learn, and lead—all while having fun. Apply today!
Who Do We Need?
Adult Advisors: Provide mentorship, supervision, and logistical support.
Young Adult Leaders: Serve as role models, lead activities, and support youth engagement.
Why Volunteer?
Make a lasting impact on youth.
Build leadership and mentoring skills.
Be part of a fun, educational summer experience.
What’s Involved?
June 14-18, 2026 at the beautiful University of Wisconsin–Madison campus
Training provided, both virtual and in person to help you prepare for your role
Lodging, meals, and transportation covered
Application Process
Online form - for all statewide educational experiences
Deadline: February 28, 2026 (for Summer Academy specific applicants)
Contact info: Email lindsay.spindler@wisc.edu for any questions.
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Wildlife and Woods is Wisconsin 4-H’s statewide natural sciences, wildlife, and forestry monthly, virtual event.
Outdoor enthusiasts connect with other 4-H youth of all ages from around the state. Together, we explore the natural world with a special focus on wildlife, wildlife habitats, and trees. Participants learn about wild places across the United States following the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) and the 4-H Forestry Program. Materials are designed for all ages and knowledge levels, so everyone can benefit. Since the sessions are co-presenter by youth and adult leaders, the youth leadership opportunities are plentiful.
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.
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Know A Potential Youth Sponsor?
The 2026 Dodge County Dairy Youth Program has 96 youth passionate about agriculture, livestock care, and leadership. To keep the program thriving, we’re looking to grow our list of financially supportive businesses.
Think about all the businesses, farms, and organizations your family works with: from propane and fuel contracts to feed mills. Please click on this👉 link and quickly send us a name and any contact information you have access to. We will add your submissions to our sponsorship-contact list. You're also more than welcome to reach out to said businesses yourself, if you wish. Sponsor support helps provide:
✅Educational opportunities
✅ Awards and recognition
✅ Youth t-shirts
✅ Wisconsin Junior State Fair support; and more.
These contributions make a real difference, not just in the barn, but in the confidence and growth of every participant.
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| Register Your Heifers, Now, For Next Year's County Futurity
Junior dairy youth: You've been working hard at breeding and exhibiting your Holsteins. Don’t miss your chance to participate in the 2027 Dodge County Holstein Futurity at the fair! This exciting event is open to any registered Holstein female born between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025. All animals must have a registration number or EID number at the time of entry to be eligible.
Entries must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2026, with a $25 fee per animal. Send completed entry forms and fees to:
Dodge County Holstein Futurity
c/o Ashley Vande Zande
903 E. Jefferson Street
Waupun, WI 53963
No late entries will be accepted. If you don't have the form, e-mail Ashley Vande Zande at ashvandezande@gmail.com.
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| JANUARY
21 - Small Animal Committee Meeting 6:30 PM
FEBRUARY
17 - 4-H Leaders Association Meeting 7:00 PM
13 - Last Day to Register for Family Learning Day
21 - Family Learning Day
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In Case You Missed It . . . |
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
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