August 12th, 2026

Marie's Message

Dear 4-H Families,

Next week is county fair. As we gather at the county fair, let's remember that every project tells a story. It is the story of a young person exploring an interest, developing skills, and learning through both successes and challenges. While judging provides valuable feedback, the true value of the fair lies in showcasing learning, creativity, perseverance, and personal growth. The fair is a community-wide celebration of what young people can achieve when given the opportunity to learn by doing.

We Need Your Help at the Fair!

Several volunteer shifts remain open at the Cream Puff Stand, Fish Pond, Promotion Booth, and Silent Auction. Without enough volunteers, some activities may need to reduce hours or close. These events are the major Dodge County 4-H fundraising efforts for the year, helping provide scholarships, camp opportunities, member experiences, leadership programs, and other educational opportunities for youth. If you can spare a few hours, please sign up and help make the Dodge County Fair a success for our youth, families, and community!

See you at the fair,
Marie

"The greatest achievement at the fair isn't a ribbon. It's the learning, growth, and confidence that young people gain through the journey of completing a project."

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

Hats Off to Izzy! This summer, Izzy made a lasting impact through her outstanding STEM programming and videography efforts. Her hands-on learning experiences encouraged youth to discover new skills and interests, while her videos helped tell the story of the amazing learning, growth, and fun happening across Dodge County 4-H.

🎩 Hats Off to Alexis! Thank you to Alexis for the incredible health-focused programs she offered to Dodge County youth this summer. Her engaging lessons on nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness, and healthy living helped young people build skills and habits that support their overall well-being.

Dodge County 4-H members are encouraged to apply for exciting educational experiences and recognition opportunities, including Beyond Wisconsin, Ignite by 4-H, National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, and the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award. These opportunities help youth build leadership skills, expand their networks, and represent Dodge County on the state and national level. Applications are due September 30 and must include a completed application, cover letter, resume, and reference page.

Over President's Day weekend, participants will travel to St. Louis, Missouri, where they'll explore hands-on science museums, discover art and culture, experience live music and performances, and sample regional foods. The journey begins with team-building activities and an overnight stay in Illinois, giving youth the chance to connect with new friends from across Wisconsin before heading to St. Louis for a weekend packed with discovery and fun.

More than just a trip, this experience is a great first step toward independence through safe, supervised overnight travel. Youth will be accompanied by Wisconsin 4-H educators and trained, screened adult volunteers, including health and wellness support staff. They'll return home with new friendships, greater confidence, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to explore beyond Wisconsin and see the Midwest in a whole new way? Stay tuned for registration details! 

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. 

Each 4-H Club is requested to provide ONE themed-basket to the 4-H Silent Auction. Please bring baskets assembled, labeled, and wrapped to the Youth Building Office on Entry Day (August 18). If you have questions, please contact the Extension office or any Leader Executive Board member.

Got items for the Fish Pond?🐟
Please bring them to the Youth Building on Entry Day

Help with Recycling at Fair!

The Recycling Program needs youth volunteers (ages 8+ can assist) to help get ready for Fair. 

We will be getting ready for Fair Recycling on Sunday, August 16th from 1-4pm at the Dodge County fairgrounds ( N6885 High Point Road, Beaver Dam - Meet by Youth Building)

Kids 8-11 years old should be accompanied by an adult.
Kids 12 years and older can attend on their own.
Parents will need to sign a waiver for kids to participate.

Please wear clothes and shoes that can get wet & dirty.
We will have drinks and treats for those attending.

Recycling Help Needed: Aug 16-24th.
(Fair Recycling Teams members can earn cash stipend, ride tickets, and food/ice cream coupons for working set hours and days)

Please sign up with this link to help with Recycling at Fair:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49AAA928A3FCCF8-64907078-youth 

Contact Melissa Lake for more info or ?s 
920-382-9605
JuneauVictorians4H@gmail.com

Scholarship recipients

Congratulations to our outstanding Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Committee Scholarship recipients:

Link to sign up for show-day ring duty

Watch for a sign up to get your first choice of time slot! Every youth is strongly encouraged to do their part to help keep the dairy show running smoothly. Duties include cleaning manure from the show ring during the show. Stay tuned.

Facebook

Please keep a close eye on the Dodge County Dairy Youth Facebook page during the next 12 days. See you at county fair!

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

Wisconsin State Fair results

Dodge County dairy youth had a fabulous five days at the Wisconsin Junior State Fair Dairy Show. An impressive 27 kids exhibited 43 head, representing all seven major dairy breeds, so it was a massive undertaking for all involved. Thank you to Mandy Sell-Stanford, Travis Smith, and Brenda Damrow Gudex for all their hard work as leaders and chaperones. We are very proud of this group. Here are major wins:

AUGUST

No 4-H Leader's Meeting in August

19 - 23 Dodge County Fair

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