Dear Waukesha County 4-H Families,

We hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. As spring comes to a close, we’re excited to welcome the excitement and opportunities of summer. There’s an exciting energy level as we prepare for all of the amazing things to come this summer. Our clubs and groups have had an incredible year. We are so grateful for our volunteers, who continue to step up and create meaningful quality educational experiences for our 4-H youth. Because of the dedication from volunteers and families we have seen the growth of our youth through confidence, skills and connections.

This summer will bring more opportunities for learning, leadership, fun and growth. We have seen our youth leaders develop skills that will last a lifetime and are excited to see how they will continue to grow in the coming months. Please take a moment to read month's newsletter, which includes highlights from the past year as well as upcoming county and state events.

As we reflect on the 4-H year and prepare for the summer, we wanted to share a message from our Assistant Dean, Positive Youth Development Institute Director, and 4-H State Program Leader, Jessica Jens:

Wisconsin 4‑H Youth Development is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when young people are supported, connected, and encouraged to discover what excites them (their sparks), they thrive. Across Wisconsin, throughout our nation, and around the world, 4-H programs create places of belonging where relationships are built, sparks are ignited, and young people are seen for who they are and who they can become. Yet, are we preparing today’s youth not just to succeed — but to flourish in adulthood?

The answer is a resounding yes. Together with volunteers, community organizations, philanthropic partners, and many others, we are intentionally supporting youth to build the foundation of a life of health, happiness, and productivity. Together, young people in 4-H Youth Development programs are “Beyond Ready” for life after graduation.

Here’s to a summer of filled with learning, fun, laughter and continued success for our youth.

The printable PDF version of the newsletter is still available! Click below to view it in PDF format. 

In May, we wrapped up the school year with our final Project Nights for the 2025-2026 year. Over the course of the year, Waukesha County 4-H held 13 Project Nights that were attended by 478 youth—WOW! Popular sessions included Photography, Woodworking, Cupcake Decorating, Jewelry making, and any topics related to Arts & Crafts, STEAM, or for Cloverbuds.

Thank you to all of the 4-H volunteers and community collaborators who led Project Night activities, as well the parents who supported their youth as they participated in Project Night activities. We look forward to seeing you all at Project Nights this fall!

Since 1914, Wisconsin 4-H has helped more than 26,000 young people prepare for adulthood through hands-on learning and youth–adult partnerships. Thanks to an AmeriCorps grant from Serve Wisconsin, members will serve alongside 4-H to strengthen communities, expand programs, and launch new opportunities for youth statewide. This summer, Extension Waukesha County 4-H is excited to host two AmeriCorps service members, Grace and Aryn, who have introduced themselves below.

“Hello, my name is Grace! I will be serving as an AmeriCorps Member with 4-H this summer, and am so excited to start. I am passionate about everything related to the fine arts, from crafts to music, as well as leadership and community service.

Next year, I will be pursuing an Art Therapy degree at Mount Mary University with a full ride scholarship. I have been a part of 4-H for four years, and am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my involvement in the organization.”

“I’m so excited to introduce myself. My name is Aryn, and I’ll be part of the Waukesha 4-H team for the summer with a focus on health and nutrition. A little bit more about me is that I’m from Rockford, Illinois, and found myself in Waukesha for school at Carroll University.

I’m currently finishing my bachelor's in public health, but I plan to start graduate school for physical therapy in the fall! I’m really looking forward to serving this community and working with all of you!”

We are so proud of the leaders and hard workers you have become. Seeing you all grow through your years in 4-H has been a joy. We wish you the best and hope you know that your 4-H family is cheering you on. Once a 4-H’er, always a 4-H’er. We know you will do great things. Congratulations!

2026 Graduates

Addison L., Alyssa C., Andrew K., Benjamin S., Brett P., Colton M., Eden W.,
Elizabeth M., Ella N., Evelyn A., Grace P., Jack S., Jacob F., Kalyn C.,
Karisa R., Kaydence S., Kingston C., Kristen A., Mackenzie K.,
Maximus P., Nicole A., Ryan W., and Trevyn N.

The Waukesha County 4-H Youth Leadership Group will meet next on June 11th where they will be celebrating summer fun with a mini golf event for youth leaders and families. The final meeting of the year will be on July 14th, where the group will set up the 4-H Food Stand, host a project judging practice, and head over to Waukesha County Fair judging. The Youth Leadership Group is always accepting new members and participants of any age—they just need a desire to grow their leadership skills! To sign up, click HERE. 

Save the date for the 2026 Camp Family Orientation on Tuesday, July 28th, from 6-7 p.m. at the Waukesha County Courthouse. This is your opportunity to meet this year’s camp counselors, volunteers, and staff; review logistics, schedules, and expectations; and get answers to all of your camp questions. 

Summer camp sponsorships fund everything from project supplies to youth counselor training programs to scholarships for lower-income families. For more information, contact James at 262-548-7784 or james.boling@wisc.edu.

This is where clubs can provide a brief update. This may include events, activities, and happenings within each club in the past month. A club officer or leader may provide a write-up or highlight a project or activity update with pictures to show off the social, recreational, educational, or business activities occurring within your club. Please provide this by filling out a Newsletter Submission form and emailing any photos to Sara at stomjanovich@wisc.edu by June 20, 2026.

Holden, Club Secretary

The West Vernon 4-H Club took a bus to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago last month. We had a club fundraiser in fall and voted as a club to use some of the money for this outing. There were about 60 people on our trip. We had fun singing 4-H camp songs on the ride down. The museum had tons of hands-on activities and exhibits to explore like a tornado, tesla coil, model trains, a space area, human body area, and even a mirror maze to name a few. We explored with our families and then met for lunch as a group. Some of us experienced special exhibits like touring a real submarine, a working coal mine, or watching a movie at the dome theater in the museum. Everyone had a great time and we are already talking about what we want to do next year for a club outing.

Payton, Reporter

Center Oak Club’s cookie pie auction from April 18 raised $6,600. Funds will be going towards the Center Oak club, Emma Loves Dogs, The Jackson Sparks Foundation, & Sleep in Heavenly Peace- Waukesha County Chapter.

It was fun to have the community come and see our 4-H projects and bid on our donated auction items. Members gave speeches about the charities we were donating to and helped display baked goods.

The following projects are available to all approved Waukesha County 4-H members (subject to age restrictions). If you are interested in a project or would like more information, contact the Project Leader listed on the 4-H website. Meeting dates should be verified by checking the 4-H Calendar or contacting the Project Leader.

Clogging: The Muckey 4-H Cloggers meet weekly on Thursday (or occasionally Friday) evenings. Beginners meet at 6:30 p.m. and seasoned Cloggers at 7 p.m.

Dog Project (Grades 3+): Agility classes take place on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Menomonee Falls through July.

Poultry & Sheep Projects: Poultry will meet on June 26th, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Bugenhagen residence, and sheep will meet on June 20th at Citizens Bank in Waukesha.

Rabbit Project: Patti Missall, Waukesha County Fair Superintendent and 4-H volunteer, is offering a Rabbit Clinic on June 13 from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Missall Rabbit Barn. This educational clinic will build knowledge, confidence, and skills in a fun and supportive environment. Contact Patti at 414-218-5224 with any questions.

Rocketry: This project will host a Rocket Launch on June 28th from 4-7 p.m. at Fox River Church in Waukesha. Youth ages 9-19 with a finished rocket can participate in the launch, and Cloverbuds ages 5-8 can test a Stomp Rocket. Youth must register to participate.

Shooting Sports (ages 12+): Shotgun / Trapshooting meets on Tuesday nights through July 7th from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at the Waukesha Gun Club in Pewaukee. Participants need to supply their own shotgun, eye and ear protection and ammo (on sale for $8/round at the Gun Club). Contact Project Leader Flash Gordon at flash_rescue31@hotmail.com for full information about project requirements.

Woodworking: Projects members are wrapping up for the learning year with youth finalizing their projects and finishing up their work, while others are preparing to exhibit at the Waukesha County Fair.

Reminder! June 15 County Fair Exhibitor Registration Deadline

Your 4-H youth has spent this year with us learning and growing, and they may still be working hard to accomplish their project goals. We encourage all of our 4-H youth to consider showcasing their skill sets and growth by exhibiting their project at the Fair. The experiences during Fair week provide an opportunity for skill building, lessons in resiliency and persistence, and a celebration of their work, regardless of judging outcomes.

If your 4-H youth has completed an arts & crafts project, a Lego build, a photograph, or a food dish, or if they are caring for a livestock animal or pet, there is a place for their project to be entered in the Waukesha County Fair!

Family Fun / Youth in Action Stage

Are you interested in performing on stage during the Fair? Demonstrations, vocal, instrumental, dance, skits—all performances are welcome! For more information, contact Susie Higler at mshilger92@yahoo.com.

Thank you to our 2026 Kids Zone Sponsors!

4-H Kids Zone Sponsors help purchase the supplies needed to offer high-quality, no-cost educational activities for families at the Fair. For more information, contact James at 262-548-7784 or james.boling@wisc.edu.

Exhibitor Information

Questions? Contact the Fair at (262) 544-5922 or info@waukeshacountyfair.com.

4-H Rocket Launch

Waukesha County 4-H members and their families are invited to the Waukesha County 4-H Rocket Launch on June 28 from 4-7 p.m. at Fox River Church. 4-H members 9-19 years old may sign up for the rocket launch. A parent or guardian must be present, and there is a $5 fee to offset event costs. 

Cloverbuds 5-8 years old may register to participate in Stomp Rockets at this event (or their parent / guardian / adult may launch their rocket for them). All items will be available at for youth to test a Stomp Rocket. For details and registration, go to the Rocket Launch event page.

2026 Nature Extravaganza

Get ready for the 2nd annual Waukesha County 4-H Nature Extravaganza STEAM event at Lapham Peak State Park on June 6th from 1-5 p.m.

As part of this unique, competition-style learning event, teams will find geocaches, artistically and scientifically photograph living things, remove trash and invasive plants, track fitness, participate in a citizen science bee survey, and identify the plants and animals photographed to earn points for their team. For details and registration, go to the Nature Extravaganza event page.

Last Chance to Create a Love Bug!

We are very close to our goal of 100 “Love Bugs”!

A Love Bug is the outside shell for a bug stuffed animal. The Love Bugs will be donated to local police and fire stations in our communities, who will give the Love Bugs to children for comfort during emergencies that require their services. Thank you to 4-H youth Payton and her mom for spearheading this project! The pattern for the Love Bug can be accessed HERE.

The Extension office has pre-made supply kits for pickup, as well as a collection bin for donated Love Bugs. A final Stuffing & Sewing event will be held on June 18th from 5-8 p.m. at the Waukesha Public Library.

Hawthorne Elementary 4-H Program

This year, we say goodbye to Hawthorne Elementary 4-H Club. It has truly been an honor to work alongside the school staff, parent volunteers and hundreds of 4-H members who have been a part of the program over the past four years. A special thank you and Big Shout Out to Ms. Nina for being a true Champion and dedicated Club Leader for the program. Her commitment and leadership has made a lasting impact on so many of us. We want all Hawthorne members to know that they are always welcome to continue their 4-H journey by joining one of our community clubs next year. If Club leaders or family members are interested in connecting with Hawthorne 4-H families to share what your club offers and extend an invitation, please reach out to James. 

Fair Poster Display for 4-H Graduates

Attention 4-H graduates! The Waukesha County 4-H Leaders’ Association Promotions Committee invites and encourages all 4-H graduates with at least five years of 4-H experience who are aging out in their last year of 4-H to create a poster highlighting their 4-H journey. The posters will be displayed in the Forum building at the Waukesha County Fair. Download the flyer for further information, and please RSVP here by July 7th. Contact Barb at bjones@wi.rr.com with questions.

Performing Arts Day Results

The results are in from Performing Arts Day 2026! We were incredibly impressed with the skills and confidence demonstrated by each and every performer, and we congratulate you for a job well done! Below are the points that were awarded by the judges based on the criteria for each category. We look forward to seeing you at next year's Performing Arts Day!

Demonstrations

Aaditya A. (Legos) - 94
                 (Promotions) - 96
                 (Robotics) - 95
Cody G. (Potatoes) - 95
Ed R. (Papier-mâché) - 95
Holden M. (Melodica) - 95

Julia R. (Foods) - 96
             (Leadership) - 95
Kiley B. (Bowhunting) - 98
             (Poultry) - 93
Lannie L. (Lava Cake) - 93
Madison B. - 92

Millie L. (Tapping a Tree) - 96
Norrie L. (Decoupage Egg) - 94
Payton K. (Rabbit Hopping) - 94
Sara R. (Flowers) - 97
             (Teen Council) - 94

Performances

Aaditya A. (Public Speaking) - 92
Adam D. (Piano Solo) - 91
               (Violin Solo) - 91
Braelyn R. (Piano Solo) - 85
Ed R. (Vocal Solo) - 93

Grace P. (Viola Solo) - 89
Harlow & Sutton O. 
     (Dance Duet) - 90
Jackson B. (Sax Solo) - 81

Madison & Mackenzie B.
   (Instrumental Duet) - 85
Muckey Cloggers - 92
Silas W. (Cello Solo) - 80

4-H Summer Hats Available

A limited number of 4-H summer hats are still available at the Extension Waukesha County office for those who donate to support the 4-H program. Donations can be made by cash or check (made out to UW-Madison Extension, memo line Waukesha 4-H Program). Contact Erin at (262) 548-7782 or erussell@waukeshacounty.gov to arrange a pick-up. 

Support the 4-H Leaders' Association Raffle Fundraiser

The Waukesha County 4-H Leaders’ Association Raffle is an important annual fundraiser that helps the Leaders’ Association provide scholarships to 4-H youth for higher education, trips and experiences, and Summer Camp, as well as vital support for the educational programming offered by Waukesha County 4-H.

All 4-H youth should have received raffle tickets from their Club Leader, and we need everyone’s support to make this a successful fundraiser! A limited number of additional raffle tickets are available for pick-up at the Extension Waukesha County office for youth who would like more to sell. Call (262) 548-7782 to arrange pick-up. For questions, contact Jill at Jill.Rychtik@washcowisco.gov.

The Waukesha County 4-H Raffle Fundraiser drawing will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2026 at 2 p.m. in the Forum during the Waukesha County Fair. Need not be present to win. First prize is $500, second prize is $400, third prize is $300, fourth prize is $200. Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10. All proceeds benefit Waukesha County 4-H.

Nominate a Waukesha County Veteran to Receive a Quilt of Valor!

Waukesha County 4-H members and the Oconomowoc Quilters Guild are working together to create beautiful Quilts of Valor for area veterans and service members who have been touched by war. Quilts of Valor are designed to cover these veterans with comforting and healing quilts. The quilts will be presented at the 2026 Waukesha County Fair. View eligibility criteria and nominate a veteran/service member HERE.

Area Animal Science Days (AASD) - Register by June 1!

AASD is a series of day-long events held in June where youth in the beef, dairy, horse, sheep, and swine projects increase their decision-making skills and knowledge of animals through judging and grading experiences. Events include: dairy cattle evaluation; livestock (beef, sheep, swine, & meat goats) evaluation; oral reasons contests for senior members; and dairy showmanship contests.

For more information and to register, visit AASD 2026.

Save the Date - Arts Camp 2026

Arts Camp 2026 will be held October 2-4, 2026, at Upham Woods. Arts Camp is a program for middle schoolers wanting to explore the expressive arts in a weekend camp program. Theater, dance, visual arts, culinary arts, nature arts and music are just some of the arts based tracks we have run in the past. It is the perfect place to discovery your arts passion. Along with the arts based curriculum, youth participate in a traditional 4-H campfire, makerspace, and the always popular, counselor hunt. Grounded in belonging and finding your path, Arts Camp is a great compliment to the Academy Ecosystem.

Arts Camp is open to all 4-Hers in grades 6-8. Registration will be open form August 1-31 or until the program reaches it's capacity (80 campers). The cost was $150 last year and should be similar this year. Campers arrive Saturday morning and are finished by 11:00 AM on Sunday. All questions can be directed to Jay Johnson, Expressive Arts Specialist, jay.johnson2@wisc.edu.

NEW Opportunity for Middle Schoolers:

Beyond Wisconsin: Exploring the Midwest

This new trip is an unforgettable Wisconsin 4-H travel experience designed for grades 6–8. Over President’s Day weekend in February 2027, youth will journey from Wisconsin to St. Louis exploring science museums, art centers, and enjoy live music and performances. After a weekend of hands-on, interactive experiences in STEM, art, music, and regional culture, along with two nights in a St. Louis hotel, the youth will return home Monday morning. Youth will travel with Wisconsin 4-H educator staff, enrolled and trained adult volunteers, a health coordinator, and adults trained in addressing mental health needs. Watch for more information to come!

State Dog & Horse Events

State 4-H Dog Events
State 4-H Dog Obedience, Showmanship, and Rally: Speaking, Photo, and Poster Contests: September 26 & 27, 2026, Langlade County Fairgrounds, Antigo, WI.

State 4-H Horse Events
State Hunt and Dressage Show: June 26-28, 2026
State Gymkhana Show: September 12, 2026
State Horse Expo Show: September 18-20

33 AmeriCorps members across 29 Wisconsin counties started programs with 134 community organizations. 

+

AmeriCorps members worked with 116 youth and adult volunteers and made 5,407 youth education contacts. 

Extension Waukesha County is committed to supporting quality educational experiences for our youth as well as supporting our volunteers and families. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or if you need any assistance.

James Boling

4-H Program Educator

james.boling@wisc.edu

Sara Wells-Tomjanovich

Associate 4-H Educator

stomjanovich@wisc.edu

Erin Russell

4-H Program Support

erin.russell@wisc.edu

An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.