June 17th, 2026
Marie's Message
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AmeriCorps is a federally funded national service program, often modeled after the Peace Corps, that provides U.S. citizens the opportunity to serve their communities close to home. Through service, members address critical community needs while gaining professional experience and earning an education award that can be used for future schooling or student loan repayment. AmeriCorps positions are temporary service roles and are not considered permanent employment.
So how does AmeriCorps connect to UW–Madison Extension and Wisconsin 4-H? Wisconsin 4-H is part of the UW–Madison Division of Extension, which delivers educational programs, resources, and support to communities across the state. As the youth development arm of Extension, Wisconsin 4-H is the recipient of the AmeriCorps State grant through Serve Wisconsin. While AmeriCorps members serve within UW–Madison Extension, they are not considered university employees; however, they do receive a living allowance through the UW payroll system and follow UW–Madison Human Resources policies.
Founded in 1914, Wisconsin 4-H serves more than 26,000 youth across 71 counties, helping young people build skills for adulthood through hands-on learning and youth–adult partnerships. Through the AmeriCorps partnership, members serve alongside 4-H to strengthen communities, expand programming, and create new opportunities for youth across the state. Together, Wisconsin 4-H and AmeriCorps provide a supportive environment where members can grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact while building valuable skills for their future.
This summer, AmeriCorps members Izzy and Lex are already making a difference in Dodge County and beyond. They are collaborating with local libraries, Life Academy, the Dodge County community, and the Beaver Dam Recreation Program, in addition to leading outreach through tabling events. We are excited to have them bring fresh energy and new partnerships to 4-H programming, helping expand opportunities for youth in meaningful and engaging ways.
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Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
marie.witzel@wisc.edu
920-386-3790
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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
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Astico Perseverance (Blake Kurth) The June 1 Astico Perseverance 4-H meeting included updates from recent activities like roadside cleanup, flower planting, and a model horse show, along with youth sharing what they learned and accomplished. Members discussed upcoming events such as Storytime on the Farm, the July club picnic, and a mini golf outing, while also recruiting volunteers for an audit and sharing leader announcements, including fair pass deadlines and upcoming project meetings.
Herman Hornets (Mia Odenwald) At the June 6 Herman Hornets meeting, members participated in a firework painting activity and approved the previous meeting minutes before moving into club updates. Old and new business included reminders about fishpond prizes, assembling dairy treat bags, and an opportunity to walk in the Iron Ridge Parade, while leaders also shared updates on supporting two club families going through difficult times; the next meeting will be August 4, as there is no July meeting.
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Harper Slechta and Dane Laufenberg were able to join 325 other 4-H members from across the state at the UW-Madison Campus for an exciting, hands-on experience at Summer Academy. This Positive Youth Development program helps youth explore career and hobby pathways in various fields like agriculture, STEM, leadership, arts, and more. They also had the chance to build friendships and networks with people from across Wisconsin.
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Mark your calendars for our upcoming Camp Orientation on June 23 at 6:30 PM via Zoom! This session will help campers and families get ready for an exciting week at camp.
During the orientation, you’ll meet our camp counselors through fun introductions slides, hear important updates about camp plans and health information. It’s a great opportunity for campers to start building connections and feel comfortable before arriving at camp.
We hope you’ll join us!
By the way the counselors have chosen our theme as America Celebrates 250 at Dodge County 4-H camp
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| Wisconsin 4-H State Key Award Applications: June 1- Aug. 30 |
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.
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National 4-H Council has launched the “4-H Class of 2026 Congrat A Grad Board.” It's fun to already see some Wisconsin 4-H members being recognized on this platform!
Join by sharing a message of congratulations. Whether you've known them for years or just want to cheer them on, every message helps send them off feeling recognized, supported, and Beyond Ready for what's ahead.
How to Congrat A Grad:
Click the “Add a post” button to share:
Congratulatory messages
Favorite memories
Advice for their future journeys
Photos and videos from their 4-H experiences
It's also just really fun to scroll through the lists to see the diversity and remarkability of 4-H members from around the country :)
Congrats to all the high school seniors you work with in your programs!
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Register by Monday, June 22nd
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There will be up to 3 scholarships for no less than $1,000 each. Applications are due by July 25th of the current year.
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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!
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Dairy-judging practices and competition
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- Next practice: Sunday, June 28, Guenther Family Farm, W1516 Lincoln Road, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
- We'll compete at the Area Animal Science Days in Clark County on June 30, 2026. Watch for communication.
- We're looking for two juniors to compete as leadsmen in the contest, as well. Please reach out to Mandy Sell-Stanford at 920.253.8773 if you're interested.
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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.
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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
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In Case You Missed It . . . |
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
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