4-H Online Enrollment is open for youth and adult volunteers to go in and enroll for the 2025-26 4-H year! Login into your 4-H online account here: https://4honline.com/ If you need assistance, here is a guide to help you get started: Family Enrollment Guide 

ATTENTION  4-H ADULT VOLUNTEERS—PLEASE READ

According to Wisconsin 4-H policy—"All returning Wisconsin 4-H volunteers are required to re-enroll annually between September 1 and November 1. All required trainings and background checks must be completed by December 1." Until you have completed the required training and background check, you are not considered an approved 4-H volunteer and you are not covered by the liability coverage provided to volunteers of the University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension if an incident or injury occurs while you perform volunteer duties in 4-H. Adults who are not approved 4-H volunteers cannot be in custodial care of youth." 

Please reach out to Aimee with any questions aimee.elkins@wisc.edu

Northern Riders 4-H Club is hosting ice skating in Shawano from 3-5 on March 1.

Open to all 4-H families, $5 fee for non 4-H  members.

Adult Camp Staff Needed – 4-H Summer Camp🌲🔥

We are seeking caring, dependable adult camp staff to help make our 4-H summer camp a safe, fun, and memorable experience for youth this summer. Adult staff support counselors, supervise activities, provide mentorship, and help ensure campers’ well-being throughout the week.

Whether you enjoy working with youth, love the outdoors, or want to give back to 4-H, your time and skills are needed. Training and support provided.

👉 Interested? Contact Aimee Elkins at the UW–Madison Division of Extension office to learn more and get involved.

email: aimee.elkins@wisc.edu

Work Cell: 920-857-5019 

Looking for more?  Officer Support Documents are Available!

Supporting youth leadership just got easier! Wisconsin 4-H has Club Officer Resources designed to help adult volunteers guide club officers with confidence and consistency. These resources provide clear role descriptions, meeting tips, leadership skill-building ideas, and age-appropriate support strategies—making it easier for youth officers to succeed in their roles while growing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned volunteer, these documents offer practical tools to strengthen club meetings and empower youth leaders across Wisconsin 4-H. Be sure to check them out and put them to work in your club this year!

We have secured our dates for Summer Camp 2026!

Mark your calendars for June 23-26th.

Watch for registration announcement ~ March 1

Celebrating a Lifetime of Oconto County 4-H Leadership: Ken Cisar

Oconto County 4-H honors the life and legacy of Kenneth L. Cisar, who, alongside his beloved wife Kathleen “Kate,” devoted 60 years of service to the 4-H program.

Ken and Kate served as leaders of the Little River 4-H Club from 1953–2013 and were active members of the Oconto County 4-H Leaders Association during those same six decades. Ken generously shared his time and talents in many leadership roles, including president, vice president, and treasurer. Together, Ken and Kate created a welcoming, energetic club environment where youth thrived.

Under their leadership, members participated in a wide range of 4-H experiences — from livestock and project work to public speaking, demonstrations, drama, arts, summer camp, athletics, and even international exchange opportunities. 

Ken further strengthened 4-H through 45 years of service on the Oconto County Fair Board (1962–2007). He helped update exhibit standards through his work with the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, revised the Oconto County Youth Fair premium book for more than a decade, and was instrumental in designing and building the current 4-H Food Stand and exhibit buildings at the Gillett Fairgrounds. In 2000, the Oconto County Fair was dedicated in honor of Ken and Kate in recognition of their extraordinary commitment to youth.

Ken and Kate’s legacy lives on in the generations of 4-H members they mentored, encouraged, and inspired. Their dedication reminds us that 4-H is more than projects and fairs — it is about building young people and strengthening community.

We are grateful for a lifetime of service that truly embodied the 4-H pledge — hands to larger service and hearts to greater loyalty.

Summer Academy is the Positive Youth Development Institute’s signature career, leadership, & college readiness conference hosted at UW-Madison. The event focuses on preparing young people (grades 8-11) for higher education in a way that complements formal education prep programs. Summer Academy offers an immersive college experience; participants will experience life in a residence hall, explore campus, and enjoy the unique elements of higher ed that only Madison can offer.

This year’s theme is The Quest; Summer Academy participants will answer the call to adventure across the UW-Madison campus and explore their next steps in their career and college readiness journey! They will choose between exploratory tracks that introduce them to a variety of different Sparks and activities, core tracks that allow them to explore an area of interest in-depth, or an Advanced Art Track where youth will focus deeply on a specific area of arts.

Exploratory Tracks (Grades 8–10) Theme: Experiential Learning Best for first-time delegates. This track is designed for youth who are looking to learn about a number of career pathways and discover new interests. As the name suggests, it is a place where you can explore your future through hands-on learning experiences in a variety of content areas—from Science, Agriculture, and Game Design to Communications, LEGOs, and the Visual & Performing Arts. Each youth will participate in 3 or more different workshops in each track to get a broad taste of what is available. Workshops are grouped into three career areas so that youth will get a variety of experiences. Track Options include:

Exploratory Track Adventure: Leadership, Performing Arts, Entrepreneurship

Exploratory Track Expedition: Legos, Climate & Weather, Visual Arts

Exploratory Track Voyage: Agriculture, Science, Gaming

Exploratory Track Journey: Dance, Computer Animation/Basic Coding, Education

Core Tracks (Grades 9–11) Theme: Career and College Readiness Best for returning delegates. These tracks are designed for youth who have attended before or who are starting to have specific ideas about their future. Rather than rotating through many topics, youth in Core Tracks will focus on a specific area for 1.5 days, interacting with professionals in the field. Track options include:

Culinary Arts (Madison College)

Automotive (Madison College)

Construction Trades (Madison College)

Civic Engagement

Agribusiness

Artificial Intelligence

Health & Wellness

New! Advanced Academy (Grades 11) Theme: Career and College Readiness Best for youth ready to transition to college or a career. The Advanced Academy is for older youth looking to take a deep dive into career exploration by working alongside professional educators and practitioners. Participants will spend 15–20 hours working hands-on in the field. For example, a group might work in the Textiles Lab at the UW-Madison School of Human Ecology to create a project while studying fabric technology and sustainability. Small groups of 6–8 youth will work with a track leader to build skills and make connections with UW-Madison faculty and students.

This year’s Advanced Academy will focus on the arts.

Ready for Work, Ready for Life.  Youth will also develop life skills, like teambuilding and communication with Outdoor UW, navigating public transportation and the University with a scavenger hunt, connecting with student services and recreation options at RecWell and beyond, and hearing from dynamic keynote speakers. 

Our State Ambassadors will lead evening programs, workshops, and other opportunities to connect.

The registration fee covers all lodging, meals, track participation, and transportation. Statewide bussing to and from the event will be offered for an additional fee. For more information, please visit go.wisc.edu/4HSummerAcademy … We can’t wait to see you in Madison!

Link to State 4-H Obedience, Rally, and Showmanship Show 

September 26 & 27, 2026, Langlade County Fairgrounds, Antigo

*In addition to the dog competitions, for 2026 there will also be educational contests like speaking and poster contests held during this show.

Link to State 4-H Agility Show

October 10, 2026, Overdale Canine Sports, Spring Valley

Visit Dog Project Page below for Dog Quiz Bowl Packet 

State 4-H Dog Meeting and Education Day Information - March 7th and October 24th

Two dates are set for the State 4-H Dog Association Education Days and Meeting. The first portion of the day will be an educational training opportunity, and it will be followed by a State 4-H Dog Association Meeting. Both events will be held at Barks Academy in Wausau. The March 7th meeting date will feature agility and October 24th date will focus on rally and obedience. More information about the days and how to register will be coming from the State Dog Association soon. 

Event Details:

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

Low-cost registration makes this opportunity accessible for all. Don’t miss your chance to gaze into the future of STEAM! $ 10.00 per youth participant.

Wisconsin 4-H proudly presents STEAM GAZE, a dynamic, full-day experience designed for curious and creative youth in grades 3–5. This spring, dive into a world of discovery where art meets science through hands-on workshops led by passionate educators and mentors.

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-H members and professional staff will guide and inspire participants 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.

Keep a look out!  Registration will open through 4-H Online at the end of February.

Several contests will now be held at Education Days in May instead of at Horse Expo.

Contests moving to the Education Days event include:Art, Creative Communications, Photography, Model Horse and Team Problems.

Those events join the previous Education Days contests of Horse Quiz Bowl, Hippology, and Speaking and Demonstration.

Exciting changes coming from the WI 4-H Horse Association for 4-H Horse Education Days!

More descriptions about the events, the two day schedule, contest information, and more about Education Days can be found in the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association Handbook (look under Chapter 5, Statewide Events, Education Days): https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/.../wisconsin-4-h-horse.../

4-H Horse Project Members, mark your calendars for these upcoming events brought to you by the WI 4-H Horse Association.

4-H Horse Education Days:  May 2 & 3, 2026

State 4-H Hunt and Dressage Show: June 26, 27, & 28, 2026

State 4-H Gymkhana Show:  September 12, 2026

State 4-H Horse Expo Show: September 18, 19, & 20, 2026

Oconto County Leaders Association Meeting Overview
February 1, 2026 | Oconto Falls Town Hall

The Oconto County Leaders Association met at 6:09 pm with members present. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed and approved, with a reported treasury balance of $55,036.59.

Educational programming updates included the Winter Leadership Camp, which was canceled due to severe weather and rescheduled for February 27–March 1, 2026, with registration reopened through February 4. Several upcoming events were shared, including a Painting Clinic (Feb. 28), Horse Project meeting (April 12), Summer Camp (June 23–26), and Art Beat (March 14–15). Updates were also provided on virtual offerings, state dog and horse events, dairy quiz bowl, and summer academy opportunities.

Recreational highlights included the Green Bay Gamblers outing and discussion of upcoming travel and activity opportunities. Scholarship opportunities were reviewed, including $20,000 in Wisconsin College scholarships with a March 1 deadline. YQCA and livestock weigh-in and tag pick-up details were also shared.

Additional updates were provided by Aimee, covering club record keeping, Teen Court, Youth Officer Training, and several Oconto Falls Middle School engagement days.

The meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm. The next meetings are scheduled for March 22 and May 3 at 6:00 pm at the Oconto Falls Town Hall.

Wisconsin 4-H is excited to offer two Wildlife & Woods virtual series in 2026 - Explorations and Careers & Competitions!

Wildlife & Woods Explorations are suggested for grades K-5 through elementary school youth and their families. The sessions will be interactive and will include wildlife, forestry, wildlife art and more. Register here: https://26wildlifeexplorations.4honline.com/

Wildlife & Woods Careers & Competitions Series are suggested for middle school through high school youth and their families. The sessions will be interactive and will include guest speakers talking about careers, information about wildlife and forestry competitions and resources available to learn more. Register here: https://26wildlifecareers.4honline.com/

You can also find the registration in your 4HOnline profile on the events tab.

Save the Date for the Clover Connect idea sharing zooms this spring! Two engaging and interactive sessions will be held –

Hands to Larger Service: Community Service Ideas
Sunday, Feb 22 at 7 p.m. & Monday, Feb 23 at Noon (same content will be repeated)

Making 4-H Meetings Fun: Bringing Laughter and Learning to 4-H Meetings
Sunday, Mar 22 at 7 p.m. & Monday, Mar 23 at Noon (same content will be repeated)

Register for one or both topics by visiting https://go.wisc.edu/pbm474. Both sessions will be recorded, and resources will be shared with those who sign up!

Zoom connection information will be shared closer to each session date.

Every purchase can make a difference

We’re excited to share that Wisconsin 4-H is now an official Shop 4-H affiliate! When you shop using our affiliate link, a portion of your purchase directly supports Wisconsin 4-H Positive Youth Development programs across the state.

Each year, Wisconsin 4-H recognizes outstanding students in our communities with scholarships that celebrate dedication, leadership, and achievements in 4-H. We're excited to announce that this year we will be awarding more than $20,000 in scholarships to outstanding Wisconsin 4-H members and alumni.

Applications for eligible high school seniors and 4-H alumni opened on Jan. 1, 2026. To apply, applicants must:

• Have been a Wisconsin 4-H member for at least three years
• Have a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll at a university, college, or technical school during the 2026-2027 academic school year
• Have not received a Wisconsin 4-H Collegiate Scholarship

For the application form, specific scholarship information, and complete instructions on how to apply, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/wisconsin-4-h-scholarships/. 

Any members of your family who meet this criteria are encouraged to apply!

Applications must be received electronically by no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 1, 2026. Applicants who are awarded scholarships will be notified via email by mid May.

Thank you for your and your family’s dedication to Wisconsin 4-H!

Science In the Seasons

We will share a monthly opportunity to learn together at home.  These lessons are designed for youth ages K-2nd grade (Cloverbuds) and their families.  Enjoy this fun winter lesson when you can.  These lessons are designed to be short on supplies but long on fun!

Northern Riders 4-H Club 

Northern Riders 4-H Club collected donations for the animals at the Shawano Humane Society.  They collected dog food, toys, treats and cat food, litter and treats that were delivered on January 31st. The kids had a great time visiting with all the animals.

Way to go Northern Riders!  Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our furry friends!

Oconto County Club Submissions Wanted!

Did you want to share about a successful 4-H event that you just hosted?

Do you have an upcoming 4-H event that you want to promote? Do you have a fun experience or 4-H story to share?  Send your news, notes, reports, and articles to us along with a photo, and we’ll include in the next issue. Email Sarah.Schindel@wisc.edu to share! 

Deadline: All contributions are due by the 5th of the month to make it into that months newsletter!  Feel free to send information from the previous month or months! 

Wisconsin 4-H operates within the guidelines, policies, and procedures of the University of Madison Division of Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture. These policies are established to ensure the educational and administrative integrity of all Wisconsin 4-H programs and activities administered by 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers. Wisconsin 4-H Leadership is committed to supporting staff and volunteers by writing clear and simple policies that will standardize Wisconsin 4-H safety and risk management practices.

Something to share?  We want to hear from you! 

Developing a system for communication/documentation is critical to the health and well-being of any organization. In order to provide a systemized approach to communication/documentation in the Wisconsin 4-H program, the Care to Share form was developed as a simple tool that could be used by members, volunteers, parents and the general public.  Find it at: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/contact-us/care-to-share/ 

Behavior Concern Reports

This form is to be used to document behavior concerns of 4-H members or 4-H volunteers participating in 4-H programs, projects or activities. 

Read more about it and locate the form here: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/4h-resources/4-h-behavior-concerns-report-bcr/ 

Contact Us: 

Aimee Elkins

Oconto County 4-H Program Educator/Teen Court Coordinator

email: aimee.elkins@wisc.edu

Work Cell: 920-857-5019

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