Hello 4-H Families,

Happy September! We hope the first few days of the school year have been full of energy and excitement. As we transition into fall, we’re excited to share several upcoming programs and opportunities for our 4-H community. This newsletter includes important policy updates, volunteer training options, and a reminder about transportation procedures.

In-Person Volunteer Trainings – We Heard You! We understand that many volunteers prefer face-to-face interaction over virtual meetings. In response to your feedback, we’re offering two in-person volunteer training sessions this fall. These sessions are designed for those who want to step away from the computer and connect with fellow leaders across Chippewa County. Trainings will include updates, resources, and time to share ideas and experiences. (See below for more information).

Volunteer-to-Youth Ratio Reminder To ensure compliance with Wisconsin 4-H policy, each club must maintain a minimum ratio of 1 adult volunteer for every 10 youth members. This policy helps us provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all participants. Please review your club’s structure and make adjustments as needed.

Transportation Policy If you are transporting youth who are not related to you, you must be an authorized driver through the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension. This includes completing the necessary driver authorization process and travel in groups of 3 (rule of 3).

Additionally, if your club or group is planning to travel, please contact me at least one month in advance to ensure all required documentation and approvals can be completed in time. This helps the office best  support your plans while staying in compliance with state and university policies.

Jordan Blue, 4-H Program Educator 

jordan.blue@wisc.edu | 608-893-3183 

Enrollment and Re-Enrollment NOW OPEN!

Enrollment and re-enrollment for the 2025 4-H year will opened on September 8! If you're a returning member, please plan to complete your enrollment by November 1 to stay active and eligible for upcoming events.

Enrollment can be completed at: wi.4honline.com

New record keeping resources!

Great news! Our newly developed Record Reflecting Resource Page is NOW Available! We are excited to offer four types of record options: Cloverbud (K-2), Simplified, Traditional and Enhanced. You can view guidelines and templates on our website, click the button below for more information.

Calling all youth and adults, your help matters!

At the core of our program is a strong commitment to delivering high-quality educational experiences for youth and families. To continue offering county programs at the level our community deserves, we’re inviting both youth and adults to join our Leaders Association Event and Program Planning Committee.

Your involvement is vital. Without volunteer support, some programs may need to be changed—or even cancelled.

We need you, adults and youth!

Being part of a planning committee not only helps shape the future of our programs — it also keeps parents and guardians in the loop, ensuring you're connected to what’s happening and helping us enhance the experience for everyone involved.

As a committee member, you will:

Please take a moment to sign up using this handy SignUpGenius link. We’d love to have at least one representative from each club involved!

Wisconsin 4-H policies: supporting safe & successful programs

As we wrap up another successful 4-H year, we want to share some important policy updates that help us maintain safe, high-quality programs for everyone involved. These updates include information on 4-H Volunteer Requirements, Club Events, and more.

These policies are designed to keep both volunteers and youth members safe. We encourage you to take a moment to review them on the Wisconsin 4-H website.

Have questions or feeling unsure? Your 4-H Educator is here to help! Jordan Blue can support you with logistics, county-specific needs, and the delivery of events.

Together, we can ensure a safe and successful year ahead!

Share your 4-H project interests and win merch

This year, we're excited to expand our 4-H project group offerings—especially knowing that some clubs may not have the capacity to offer certain projects on their own. This form helps us understand what members and volunteers are most interested in, so we can better support their 4-H experience.

4-H Project Groups are open to enrolled 4-H members and typically meet as often—or as little—as the group decides. For example, the Youth Leadership Team might meet every other month, with off-months dedicated to hosting events or programs. If livestock is your passion, a chicken project group might meet a few times leading up to showcase season. Please take a moment to complete this google form to help us identify what types of opportunities we focus on bringing to Chippewa County.

In-Person Volunteer Training

Join us for cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate while connecting with fellow volunteers and meeting your local 4-H Educator! Learn how you can make a difference in Chippewa County 4-H.Attending fulfills your annual volunteer training requirement.

Reminders:

Volunteer enrollment deadline: Dec 1

Maintain 1:10 volunteer-to-youth ratio

Registration Information:

Register each adult separately

Training includes mandated reporter education and strategies for safe environments.

Questions? Contact Jordan Blue at jordan.blue@wisc.edu or 608-893-3183

Register: go.wisc.edu/25volunteertraining

Planning ahead: Adult volunteer training update

Interested in becoming an approved volunteer — whether as a club leader, project group leader, committee member, or chaperone? Be ready when enrollment opens on September 8!

To stay active and involved, please:

Enroll in 4-H Online after September 8

Complete required trainings by November 1

These trainings are essential for keeping our youth and volunteers safe, and ensuring smooth, successful programs.

Need help? Your 4-H Educator, Jordan Blue, is here to support you every step of the way! Contact him at jordan.blue@wisc.edu or call 608-893-3183

Whats happening in Chippewa County 4-H?

For a detailed list of upcoming county events, visit our Chippewa County 4-H Youth Development website at go.wisc.edu/chippewa4hevents. There, you can find all the details on upcoming events, important deadline reminders, and much more.

"Ewe Got This" Lambing Basics Workshop

Are you ready for lambing season? Join us for a full-day, hands-on workshop to learn everything you need to know about caring for ewes and lambs!

Date: September 20

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Dunn County Government Center

Cost: $20

Register by September 12: https://forms.gle/cPaDN3YFAHoCceia7

Thanks to generous support from the American Sheep Industry Association, this event includes interactive learning and practical demonstrations.

Questions? Contact Ryan at ryan.sterry@wisc.edu or call 715-232-1636.

Goat producers are also welcome to attend!

Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for a successful lambing season!

New & exciting! Leaders Association lawn & window display contest

Chippewa County 4-H clubs and groups are invited to showcase their creativity and 4-H pride by entering the 2025 Leaders Association Lawn & Window Display Contest!

This is a fun and visible way to promote 4-H during National 4-H Week and connect with your local community. Whether it’s a vibrant yard display or a decorated storefront window, we want to see your club spirit shine!

Ready to participate?

Review the contest rules and guidelines in this Google Doc

Once your display is complete, be sure to fill out the submission form

To view upcoming State Opportunities and Experiences, visit the Wisconsin State 4-H Website at: 4h.extension.wisc.edu

Worried about cost? The Leaders Association is here to support you!

Don’t let the cost hold you back from attending 4-H events like Arts Camp or other statewide experiences. Financial assistance is available from the Leaders Association to help ensure every youth has the opportunity to participate, grow, and lead.

If your club, group or family could benefit from support, reach out to your 4-H Educator, Jordan Blue at jordan.blue@wisc.edu for guidance on available options and how to apply.

Discover the endless opportunities with Wisconsin 4-H's Updated Project Guide

The new Project Guide will go into effect soon with the start of the new 4-H year, and will be easy-to-use and useful in exploring sparks and finding project ideas. This will be a helpful tool for youth and families as well as club and project leaders.

Take a look at the new Project Guide on our website and continue checking our page for tips on utilizing this tool to its fullest!

Do good, feel great: National 4-H week service project opportunity, are you up to the challenge?

The Wisconsin 4-H Leadership Council invites all Chippewa County 4-H clubs and groups to take part in a Statewide Service Project during National 4-H Week (October 5–11)! This year’s theme, “Beyond Ready to Serve,” celebrates the heart of 4-H — giving back to our communities.

We encourage your club to:

Service is a vital part of 4-H, and this is a great opportunity to live out the pledge: “hands to larger service.”

Ready to get started?

Stay connected! Follow our partners on their website or Facebook page for the latest events and announcements.

Jordan Blue

Chippewa County 4-H Program Educator

711 North Bridge Street #13, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Direct Line: 715-726-7956  | Work Cell: 608-893-3183 
Email: jordan.blue@wisc.edu

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