4-H Friday Newsletter

Friday, September 18, 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!

Join us at the Fall Kick-Off on October 7 at 6pm for an evening of hands-on activities, fun challenges and games, connecting with new and returning 4-H families, exploring exciting 4-H project opportunities, and exclusive 4-H swag. Whether you're a new member, a returning member, or just curious about what 4-H has to offer, this is your chance to level up your 4-H experience and kick off an amazing year!

RSVP at go.wisc.edu/35p45n by September 28

This year's theme is From Source To Sea. Every Drop Has A Journey. 

The Conservation Awareness Poster Contest is open to K5 through 12th grade, with posters judged by age group. The contest gives students an opportunity to learn about conservation and express what they've learned through art.

We encourage students to get creative, have fun, and share their ideas about protecting our natural resources!

To learn more and register, visit the FDL County Land & Water website. Posters are due to the FDL County Land & Water Conservation Department located at 400 University Drive, FDL, by December 11.

The Fond du Lac County Land and Water Conservation Committee offers an opportunity for students to share their conservation thoughts through their public speaking skills.  Whether in an urban setting or a rural landscape, conservation has many pictures.  The Conservation & Environmental Awareness Speaking Contest is open to Fond du Lac County students Grades 5-12 and can be used to develop students' awareness of Wisconsin's natural resources.   

To learn more and register, visit the FDL County Land & Water website. Speeches are due via video by January 8, 2027.

A Small Animal Project Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 pm.  This will take place at the Rolling Meadows Dairy Barn.  Please advise that this meeting is one of two mandatory project meetings.  The second meeting will take place in January.

The Fond du Lac Land & Water Conservation Department offers a variety of conservation and environmental education presentations that they can bring directly to your group! You can find a list of available presentations on their website. If you are interested in having them visit your group, please email Amber Jarosch at Amber.Jarosch@fdlco.wi.gov to get your presentation on the calendar. Their schedules tend to fill up quickly.

Wisconsin 4-H clubs are invited to collaborate to imagine a delicious new ice cream flavor, and come up with an interesting flavor name. Each club may submit up to five entries. The contest is open to all Wisconsin 4-H clubs and members. To participate in the Flavor Creation Content, 4-H Club Leaders may submit your entry (up to 5 entries per club) using the online form, or by downloading the entry form with submission details. Entries are due by November 15. More info and the forms can be found at https://cedarcresticecream.com/4H-Flavor-Contest/

Join us for the first-ever 4-H Project Learning Lab! This introductory session will give you a sneak peek at what future Learning Labs will offer, a chance to experience a mini project lesson, and an opportunity to help shape future topics.

September 24 | 6:30-8:00 PM | Virtual

No experience needed!

Each Learning Lab includes:

 Register at https://go.wisc.edu/20435e

TOPICS ADDED - Save the Dates for Future Sessions! Future Learning Labs will be offered in a hybrid format with local in-person participation, virtual presenters, and time for discussion and county planning. Attend the topics that interest you or join them all!

Join us for the 4-H Science Expedition on Wednesday, November 4, 2026!

Youth in grades 6 and older will spend the day at UW-Madison, exploring real-world science through hands-on learning experiences and interactions with university researchers and STEM professionals.

Participation is limited to 20 youth, and two approved adult volunteers are needed to serve as chaperones.

This is a fantastic opportunity for youth to experience campus life, discover exciting areas of science, and explore potential STEM career pathways. Youth who attended last year's expedition are encouraged to participate again, as the sessions and activities will be different this year.

We're finalizing the schedule and itinerary. Watch your county 4-H website and email for registration information and additional event details coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you for another great year with Fond du Lac County 4-H! Enrollment is now open through 4-H Online. Don't wait - sign up now so you don't miss any opportunities!

LEGO Club - September 22, 6:30-7:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

Junior Master Gardener Club - September 24, 4-5:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

4-H Project Learning Lab: Intro to Learning Labs - September 24, 6:30pm, virtual via Zoom

Small Animal Project Meeting - September 27, 3pm, Rolling Meadows

TLA Meeting - September 28, 6:45 pm, Rolling Meadows

Interviews for Key Award & Travel Funding - September 28, 5-8pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

Interviews for Key Award & Travel Funding - September 29, 5-8pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

New Club Leader Crash Course - September 29, 6:30pm - Sign up at go.wisc.edu/6n513a 

National 4-H Week - October 4-10

4-H Fall Kick-Off - October 7, 6-8pm, Fond du Lac County Campus Lighthouse Rooms

Junior Master Gardener Club - October 8, 4-5:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus, Room 205/206

Cloverbud Pumpkin Contest - October 10, 10am, Fond du Lac County Campus

Achievement Banquet - October 18, 12:30pm, Rolling Meadows

Horse Project Meeting - October 20, 6:30pm, Rolling Meadows

4-H Project Learning Lab: Animals - October 21, 6:30pm

TLA Meeting - October 26, 6:45 pm, Rolling Meadows

LEGO Club - October 27, 6:30-7:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus, Room 205/206

Re-Enrollment Deadline for Returning 4-H Members - October 31

  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.