June 24th, 2026

A Message from Vivian about National 4-H Congress

Hi, my name is Vivian Lichty, and I’m from the Hyland Prairie 4-H Club. Back in November, 2025, I attended the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. It was one of my favorite 4-H experiences. At the congress, there was a delegation from every state, but Wisconsin had the largest group. I took this trip with 40 other 4-H youth from Wisconsin, and we all got along very well. On the first day, we all flew down to Georgia. That afternoon, we went to the Atlanta Civil Rights Museum. At the museum, there were several interactive activities that were extremely emotional and taught us what it was like to live in that time period. The following morning, we had four different workshops, including topics such as how to make a good impression, speed networking, and different team-building games that I could bring back to my club. These workshops incorporated a lot of life skills I have used to grow myself as a person.

At night, there was a Night of Culture, where they had food from many different cultures; we also had a dance. The following day, we had mini workshops; I attended one about artificial intelligence and another about team building. That night, we went to the Atlanta History Center. There we walked through the museum and participated in many interactive exhibits on topics such as the Olympics and the Civil War. The morning after, we were split into groups to go do community service. My community service was to pick weeds at the Atlanta History Center. That afternoon, we got the choice between the Atlanta Aquarium and the Coca Cola Museum. I chose the aquarium, because I like all types of animals. That night, there was a fancy dress-up supper and a second dance. The last morning, there was one final session, and we flew back home.

This event was a favorite of all my 4-H experiences. The state and national 4-H trips provide so many opportunities for meeting new people, learning about travel, and building skills needed as we grow into adults. National 4-H Congress taught me many important life necessities, and it can do that same for you, as well. Sign up today.

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

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

With 4-H Camp and the 4th of July holiday next week, we’ll be taking a short break from the newsletter. Wishing you fun and safe celebrations—the Focus will return the following week -- July 8th!

Watertown Badgers The Watertown Badgers 4H group delivered treat bags to their staff Watertown Police Department. We were given a tour by Officer Higgins of the Watertown Police Department and the Chief even popped in to thank the group!

She entered an AI entry in the Beyond Ready Tomorrow: Youth Empowerment 50 Years from Now contest with Wisconsin 4-H and has been selected as one of the TOP 5!   As a result, she will receive a $50 digital Amazon gift card!  Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your time and talents with Wisconsin 4-H. 

Applications are open for the highest state-level recognition a 4-H member can receive.

4-H'ers who have won the County Key Award in 2024, 2025 or 2026 may apply to be selected as one of the Top 10 Key Award winners. 

Our Dodge County Pig Pals Swine Spectacular Show is looking for 4-H and FFA Swine Project members that are involved with the Swine Project this year. Our show is scheduled for Sunday, August 23th beginning with all workers and partners arriving at 9:30 am in the Swine arena. This great activity offers people with disabilities a chance to shine in the show ring with your help. This is also a great way to grow your leadership by partnering or working in a variety of roles.
 
We will once again be expecting approximately 23 Pig Pal participants so that means we’ll need: *23 swine exhibitor mentors to be partners along with 23 well trained pigs (5th gr. & up)
* barn safety people, lots of them to make it a safe show (youth and adults)
* ring safety workers (youth and adults)
* water safety youth (1st/2nd year swine members) 

Parents and adults associated with swine project members can also volunteer. ALL volunteers will receive a Dodge County Pig Pals T-shirt too. This is a really fun and rewarding opportunity for all involved. T-shirt order due by July 1st.

Please contact Mary Pat Boschert at 920-382-7943, call or text or email at
billboschert@gmail.com to volunteer names and t-shirt sizes, and answer any questions. 
Thanks everyone!

There will be up to 3 scholarships for no less than $1,000 each. Applications are due by July 25th of the current year.

Please sign up to help at the Cream Puffs & Carmel Apple Slices stand, the WWA Ice Cream Booth, Fish Pond, and 4-H Promotion Booth! 

Dairy-judging practices and competition

Looking for Dodge dairy historical photos

The Wisconsin State Fair is celebrating 175 years this year, along with America's 250th. The junior-dairy state-fair kids are focusing their state-fair display on the history of Dodge County dairy: parents, grandparents, etc. Photos are needed of animals and/or people to incorporate into the display. Pictures can be e-mailed to brendagudex@gmail.com by July 3, 2026. Please help the kids by passing this message along to family members who showed dairy with Dodge County throughout the years.

General questions? Contact DYAC via e-mail: dodgecountydyac@gmail.com.

JUNE

29 & 30 -  4-H Summer Camp at Upham Woods

JULY

1 & 2 -  4- H Summer Camp at Upham Woods

July 3: Office Closed 

21 - 4-H Leader's Executive Board Meeting, 7 PM

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