February 11th, 2026
Marie's Message
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Dear Dodge County 4‑H Families,
I am thrilled to share some exciting news as we look ahead to summer—4‑H Camp is returning to Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in June 2026! After several years of changes and transitions, we are delighted to bring this experience back to a place that holds so many memories for our 4‑H youth, volunteers, and staff.
Upham Woods has long been a special part of Wisconsin 4‑H, offering hands-on outdoor learning, time to explore nature, opportunities to build confidence, and the chance to form friendships that last far beyond camp. This return represents not only a homecoming to a favorite location, but also a renewed commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive, and engaging experiences for every young person from Dodge County who attends.
Our 2026 camp program will include classic 4‑H traditions—canoeing, archery, campfires, nature exploration, and team-building—along with updated activities designed to help youth discover new interests, develop leadership skills, and grow in independence. Trained teen counselors and supportive adult volunteers will once again help create a safe, welcoming, and memorable camp environment.
The dates are June 29-July 2, 2026. More details on registration, Dodge County transportation, and other opportunities will be shared in the coming months. For now, we invite you to mark your calendars and get excited for a return to Upham Woods!
Thank you for your ongoing support of Dodge County 4‑H and for encouraging your young people to learn, lead, and grow. We can’t wait to spend an unforgettable week at camp together next summer.
With excitement,
Marie
Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
UW Extension - Dodge County
920-386-3790
marie.witzel@wisc.edu
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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 club had a book drive and book club sharing at the meeting. Book Donations: Lauder Klein, Nora, and Bella Stiers took the books we collected to multiple places in the area.
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If you’re thinking about college or technical school for the 2026–2027 school year, this is a great time to take a look at scholarships. Dodge County 4-H offers several scholarship opportunities, and you might be more eligible than you think. Even if you’re just starting to explore your options, it’s worth checking out what’s available and giving it a try. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. ✨
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YQCA scholarships are available. They are due February 15th.
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Last Chance to Register for February! 😀 |
Payments are due by Friday to secure your spot. Please note that some classes are already full, and you may be placed in your second-choice course selections. Registrations submitted after the deadline will include a $5 late fee.
Planning to attend on February 21? Don’t forget to bring some cash! We’ll have a tasty lunch you won’t want to miss and a pop‑up shop with awesome T‑shirts and more!
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Want to Learn More About Space Camp? |
Sign up for the Space Camp session at Family Learning Day!
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Look what's happening this weekend! 😊 👇 |
DNR staff and Friends of Horicon Marsh volunteers have an array of family friendly activities lined up to help drive away those winter blues. Snowshoe (conditions permitting) out to the Storybook Trail, try to beat our marsh escape room, play marsh bingo, make a craft, enjoy hot chocolate and eating popcorn or warm up around the campfire.
Feel the chill of the glaciers in the Explorium at a discounted rate as well! So, get out of the house and come join us at Horicon Marsh for a fun filled winter day!
No registration is required.
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✨Learn more at the "4-H Camp: Here We Come" Session at Family Learning Day on February 21st! |
Registration is open until February 14th, 2026.
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Are you ready to inspire the next generation? Join us as an Adult Advisor or Young Adult Leader at Summer Academy! Help youth grow, learn, and lead—all while having fun. Apply today!
Who Do We Need?
Adult Advisors: Provide mentorship, supervision, and logistical support.
Young Adult Leaders: Serve as role models, lead activities, and support youth engagement.
Why Volunteer?
Make a lasting impact on youth.
Build leadership and mentoring skills.
Be part of a fun, educational summer experience.
What’s Involved?
June 14-18, 2026 at the beautiful University of Wisconsin–Madison campus
Training provided, both virtual and in person to help you prepare for your role
Lodging, meals, and transportation covered
Application Process
Online form - for all statewide educational experiences
Deadline: February 28, 2026 (for Summer Academy specific applicants)
Contact info: Email lindsay.spindler@wisc.edu for any questions.
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Wildlife and Woods is Wisconsin 4-H’s statewide natural sciences, wildlife, and forestry monthly, virtual event.
Register for Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series
Log into your family account in 4HOnline. Under the EVENTS tab look for “Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series,” register, and then you will receive an email with the Zoom link. If you need help registering or are registering as a participant, please visit the “Ready to Participate” website.
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4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Results
Dodge County 4-H Dairy Youth competed at the Wisconsin 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl this past weekend and turned in strong, hard-fought performances. Participants included Marissa, Ian, and Finn Spoke; Mary and Allison Zwald; Vivian Lichty; Leah Smith; and Mylie Wendorf.
The senior team faced two very competitive opponents and competed well throughout both matches. The mixed team picked up a win in their first round, lost their second match in overtime, and came up just short on the final question of their third match. Coach Brock Irwin said he is proud of the teams and how much they have learned over the course of the year. While they didn’t finish at the top, both teams represented Dodge County with determination, teamwork, and confidence.
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Dairy Scholarship
The 2026 Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Committee Scholarship application is due March 1, 2026. Applicants must be accepted as full-time students in an accredited degree or short-course program and must have participated in the Dodge County junior dairy program (4-H, FFA, or junior breed organization) for at least three of the past five years, including exhibiting dairy cattle at the Dodge County Fair. Scholarships are funded through proceeds from the annual Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction held at the Dodge County Fair. LINK TO APPLICATION
Need Antique Farm Stuff For Buyer Gift
The 2026 Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction buyer gift will be items similar to these photos. If you have rural- and farm-life-related items lying around on your property that you'd be willing to donate for this artwork, please contact Ryan Altreuter at 262.443.9797 by March 15. See photos below 👇
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| Dairy Grant Program
The Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Committee is offering $500 dairy grants to support active Dodge County dairy youth involved in 4-H, FFA, or junior breed associations. Grant funds may be used to purchase a dairy animal of any breed to expand a youth dairy project. Funding is provided through proceeds from the annual Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction. LINK TO 2026 GRANT APPLICATION
Dairy Activity Card
Print off the dairy-activity card and get signatures for events you attend during the course of the year. 4-H dairy quiz bowl counts for points. Breed-association events are going on right now; those count for points. FFA dairy-related events coming up count for points. Take your printed activity card along to said events and get it signed. LINK TO DAIRY CARD
Next DYAC meeting
The next DYAC meeting is March 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., at Dodge County Administration Building Main Auditorium.
General questions? Contact DYAC via e-mail: dodgecountydyac@gmail.com.
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FEBRUARY
17 - 4-H Leaders Association Meeting 7:00 PM
13 - Last Day to Register for Family Learning Day
21 - Family Learning Day
MARCH
17 - Leaders Executive Board Meeting 7:00 PM
21 - Family Learning Day
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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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