Please see Oconto County Youth Fair or the YQCA Program website for more information!

FYI- Blue Ribbon will not accept an upload of your YQCA certificate but there is a field under the exhibitors account info to type in the certificate number.  Please print a hard copy to bring with your paperwork to the fair.  Please pass this information on to your exhibitors and their families.

Thank you for your support

Oconto County Youth Fair

Cindy Arndt Secretary

https://www.ocontocountyyouthfair.org/premium-book/junior-exhibitors 

https://yqcaprogram.org/

☀️💦 Oconto County 4-H Noah’s Ark Trip! 💦☀️

Grab your friends, pack your sunscreen, and get ready for a full day of fun at Noah’s Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells!

📅 Thursday August 6th, 2026
🕖 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Join us for a day of water slides, wave pools, and time with your 4-H crew and family. This is always a highlight of the summer and spots go fast!

Trip details:
• 🚌 Bus transportation (Kwik Trip – Lena) included
• 🍴 Lunch included with your ticket (bring extra snacks/spending money if you’d like)
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Adult chaperones attend FREE
• 👧 Youth must attend with an adult chaperone

Cost:
• $8.75 for 4-H youth (register by 7/24)
• $17.50 after 7/24 (deadline: 8/31)
• $35 for non-4-H friends & family

👉 Register here:   https://tinyurl.com/OC-4-H-Noahs-Ark-26

Spots are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up!

Questions? Reach out to Aimee at aimee.elkins@wisc.edu

Let’s make it a fun, splash-filled day together 😎💧

Join us for a hands-on outdoor learning experience at the Frog Pond Scrape! Youth and families will explore wetland ecology by getting into the water, collecting data, and discovering the small organisms that tell the story of water quality.

📅 Date: July 23
📍 Location: Frog Pond Road area (near Oconto)

Choose a session that works best for your family:
Group 1: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Group 2: 2:45 – 4:15 PM

Each session includes:
• Getting geared up
• Intro to wetland ecology and data collection
• Time in the water collecting samples
• Group discussion of findings

👉 Sign-up is required
Please register in advance and select your time slot:
Group 1: https://go.wisc.edu/545c55
Group 2: https://go.wisc.edu/d40b63

Be sure to include both youth and adults in your count so we can plan supplies accordingly.

Important details:
• This is a fully outdoor event
• Participants will be wading in the water
• No bathrooms on site (nearest is about 4 minutes away)
• Carpooling is strongly encouraged due to limited roadside parking

What to bring (if you have them):
• Rubber boots, hip waders, or chest waders
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Water bottle

This is a great opportunity for youth to get their hands dirty (literally!) while learning about local water systems and conservation.

Little Hands, Big Plans: Building Bright Financial Futures

UW–Madison Division of Extension, Oconto County educators are excited to lead and organize this fun, hands-on financial literacy series in partnership with Oconto County Libraries and N.E.W. Credit Union!

Ideal for grades K–2 (and caregivers!)

Join us for one session or come to them all!

Each program features a children’s book, simple money lessons, and hands-on activities to build strong financial habits early. Every family receives a FREE book, parent guide, and take-home activities

These sessions help kids explore spending, saving, and making choices in a fun, low-pressure environment, while giving caregivers tools to keep the conversation going at home.

No need to attend every session, but we’d love to see you as often as you can!

Questions? Contact Katie Daul, Lifespan and Financial Educator, at 920- 834-6848 or katie.daul@wisc.edu

Session Dates, Locations & Featured Books:

July 8 – Oconto Falls Community Library

251 N Main St, Oconto Falls, WI

Sheep in a Shop

Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/19FjjstPUo/

July 21 – Lena Public Library

200 E Main St, Lena, WI

Just Shopping with Mom

Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1L5VtntZBs/

July 29 – Suring Area Public Library

604 E. Main St, Suring, WI

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/18t8ybDbnC/

August 5 – Farnsworth Public Library (Oconto)

715 Main St, Oconto, WI

Those Shoes

Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/17VwHeGPq8/

August 12 – Gillett Public Library

200 E Main St, Gillett, WI

A Chair for My Mother

Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BNBv2pFRV/

Looking for a hands-on, outdoor learning experience this summer? The Trapper Certification Program is coming to Shawano July 17–18!

This two-day course teaches youth the fundamentals of ethical, humane, and legal trapping, along with conservation, wildlife management, and outdoor responsibility. It’s a great opportunity to build skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to our natural resources!

July 17 & 18, 2026

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Shawano

Cost: $30

Who can attend?

4-H youth in grades 3–13 are invited to participate with a parent/guardian. Adults can also earn certification by completing the course alongside youth.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4HJulyTrapper

Or call: 715-526-6136

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! This is a great chance to learn lifelong outdoor skills and be part of Wisconsin’s trapping tradition.

Adventure Awaits This Summer!

Looking for a day packed with exploration, hands-on learning, outdoor fun, and new friends? Join us for the Oconto County 4-H Adventure Day Camp on July 30th at Holtwood Park!

Open to youth entering Kindergarten through 4th Grade

Games, activities, learning-by-doing, and plenty of adventure!

Bring a lunch and water bottle (snack provided!)

Just $5 for 4-H members and $15 for non-members

Whether you're already part of 4-H or just looking for an unforgettable summer experience, this camp is a great way to discover what 4-H is all about!

Registration deadline: July 24

Register here: https://forms.gle/8gPnUDSrhdj2E6B2A

Tag a family who might be interested and help us spread the word!

4-H Members in Grades 3 - 10: Do you crave books? Think you can research and solve a case like Sherlock Holmes or dive into books thicker than Hermione Granger? Then this night is for YOU.

Join us for a magical evening at the Shawano Library, where young detectives, fantasy fans, and book‑devourers come together for challenges, surprises, and page‑turning fun. Bring your curiosity, your imagination, and your love of stories

Books. Mysteries. Magic. You in? Join us for the Library Lock-In!

Register at:

https://tinyurl.com/Shawano4HLibraryLockin

or call 715-526-6136

Let’s cook up some fun this summer!

Oconto County 4-H is teaming up with Oconto County UW-Extension's Health & Well-Being Educator, to bring a hands-on Food & Fun Day Camp for middle school youth. This is a great chance for kids to build confidence in the kitchen while learning basic cooking, food safety, and nutrition skills.

 August 11–13, 2026
 12:00–2:00 pm
 Oconto Falls Middle School, Learning Kitchen
 Open to youth entering 5th–8th grade
 $10 for 4-H members | $20 for non-members

Register by August 4 (limited to 16 participants) using QR code or link: https://forms.gle/SLAZWmjgdqU2qAfx7

Each day, participants will prep and cook a snack to enjoy. Please bring a water bottle.

Questions? Contact Aimee Elkins at Aimee.Elkins@wisc.edu or 920-857-5019

Spots will fill fast, so don’t wait. We can’t wait to see your kids in the kitchen 

Peshtigo National Bank is now accepting applications for its 2026 Fair Project Scholarship Program, supporting youth exhibitors participating in county fairs throughout Marinette, Oconto, Brown, Portage, Marathon, Shawano, and Langlade counties.

Now in its third year, the program recognizes the hard work, responsibility, and commitment required to raise and care for livestock and other animal projects. During the program's first two years, Peshtigo National Bank awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships annually to youth exhibitors across its service area.

Eligible exhibitors showing livestock, poultry, rabbits, or other animal projects are encouraged to apply. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their dedication to their projects and involvement in agriculture.

Applications must be submitted by August 28, 2026.

To learn more and apply online, visit https://pnbwi.com/fair-scholarships.html or click here!

Join the statewide search for aquatic invasive species!

Snapshot Day is a statewide, one-day event connecting volunteers, water lovers, and local conservation groups in a search for aquatic invasive species (AIS). This year, Snapshot Day will take place on Saturday, August 8th at over 20+ locations in Wisconsin.

By participating in Snapshot Day, you can help protect Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands from these invasive plants and animals that may negatively impact habitat, wildlife, recreation and health. This event is coordinated in partnership with UW–Madison Division of Extension, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local partners, and YOU!

Don't forget to apply TODAY for National 4-H Congress! Join us in Georgia for educational workshops, connections with 4-Hers around the country, and tours of Atlanta.

Find more information at: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/stat.../national-4-h-congress/

Register today at: https://2026wi4hnationalcongress.4honline.com

Save the date and plan to join us on the Quest for Success at Fall Forum 2026, Nov. 6-8 in Stevens Point!

Open to youth in grades 7 & up and adult volunteers, we hope you’ll consider attending to grow your leadership skills, learn new ideas for your club and meet members from around the state!

Registration will open in September in 4-H Online. More information on Fall Forum is available on the website: https://go.wisc.edu/4hfallforum

 FREE Back-to-School Day Camp for Military Families! 

All military-connected families are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun as we kick off the new school year together!

 Saturday, August 22, 2026
 12:30–4:00 PM
 STEM Innovation Center, Green Bay, WI

Bring the whole family and enjoy:
 Hands-on STEM activities
 Interactive cooking classes
 Creative family crafts
 Festival-style fun for all ages

Hosted by the WI Army National Guard Child & Youth Program, Wisconsin 4-H, and the USO, this event is open to families connected to ALL branches of the military.

 FREE to attend – registration required
 Reserve your spot here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wicyp/2234153

We can’t wait to see you there!

Location: Upham Woods, N194 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Registration now open!

Mark your calendars! Arts Camp will be BACK in 2026 from October 3-4.

Arts Camp is an opportunity for youth in grades 6-8 to explore many types of art including:

Drawing

Painting

Theater

Dance

Culinary

Nature arts

Music

4-Hers can join us at Upham Woods in Wisconsin Dells to grow their creative skills, connect with new friends, and explore sparks. 

Register here between July 15 and August 15: https://26wi4hartscamp.4honline.com/

Summer is officially ice cream season, and a new limited-edition flavor dreamed up by local kids is starting to roll out across the state.

Each year, Wisconsin-based Cedar Crest Ice Cream partners with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation to host a flavor creation contest. The competition challenges 4-H clubs from all over Wisconsin to come up with a unique theme and flavor profile. The winning entry is then manufactured by Cedar Crest and sold throughout July to celebrate National Ice Cream Month.

This year's winning flavor was created by the Pesobic Pathfinders 4-H Club out of Merrill. Remarkably, this marks the second time in three years that the local club has won the statewide contest. Their creation, "Hold Your Horses," features espresso-flavored ice cream packed with chocolate-covered toffee pieces and a rich caramel ribbon.

"Hold Your Horses" is beginning to arrive at ice cream parlors and scoop shops around the state. The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe in Nokomis teased the arrival of the new flavor in its latest shipment. They typically post their daily ice cream selections on Facebook, so locals can keep an eye out for when the new flavor enters the regular rotation.

While the winning 4-H flavor is typically a July exclusive, Cedar Crest has been known to make popular winners permanent additions to their lineup. In fact, the Pesobic Pathfinders' previous winning creation, "Paul Bunyan," was so well-received that it is now a permanent Cedar Crest flavor.

Thank you WJJQ Northwoods 92.5 for this amazing write up! 

Link to State 4-H Obedience, Rally, and Showmanship Show 

September 26 & 27, 2026, Langlade County Fairgrounds, Antigo

*In addition to the dog competitions, for 2026 there will also be educational contests like speaking and poster contests held during this show.

Link to State 4-H Agility Show

October 10, 2026, Overdale Canine Sports, Spring Valley

Visit Dog Project Page below for Dog Quiz Bowl Packet 

State 4-H Dog Meeting and Education Day Information -  October 24th

Two dates are set for the State 4-H Dog Association Education Days and Meeting. The first portion of the day will be an educational training opportunity, and it will be followed by a State 4-H Dog Association Meeting. Both events will be held at Barks Academy in Wausau. The  October 24th date will focus on rally and obedience. More information about the days and how to register will be coming from the State Dog Association soon. 

4-H Horse Project Members, mark your calendars for these upcoming events brought to you by the WI 4-H Horse Association.

State 4-H Hunt and Dressage Show: June 26, 27, & 28, 2026

State 4-H Gymkhana Show:  September 12, 2026

State 4-H Horse Expo Show: September 18, 19, & 20, 2026

Registration is open for the WI 4-H Gymkhana Show and WI 4-H Expo Horse Show

39th WI 4-H Gymkhana Horse Show - September 12, 2026, WI State Fair Park, West Allis, WI

61st WI State 4-H Horse Expo - September 18-20, 2026
WI State Fair Park, West Allis, WI

If you have questions about registrations and payments, please connect with Laura Hrabik at wi4hhorse.execsec@gmail.com

If you have questions about the shows:
Gymkhana Show Chair: Deena Vinger (608) 574-5453 or members of the WI 4-H Horse Association Executive Board

Expo Show Chairs: Katie Stumph (715) 520-3013 or Jenny Arnes (715) 939-2078 or members of the WI 4-H Horse Association Executive Board

Both shows sponsored by the WI 4-H Horse Association

Entries: Online entries are open July 8th - August 7th

Please look at the information for both of the shows,
please see Chapter 5 in the WI 4-H Horse Association Handbook: 

https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/.../wisconsin-4-h-horse.../

Direct Gymkhana Show Links:
Rules and Class List: 

https://docs.google.com/.../1To3FTNMXTM5.../edit...

Online Entry Information: 

https://docs.google.com/.../1y0eNBCR0WNtCXI8FTnZe.../edit...

Direct Horse Expo Links:
Rules and Class List: 

https://docs.google.com/.../1JlqVOVdPuviHjsXn.../edit...

Online Entry Information:

 https://docs.google.com/.../1xjMlIzngCGui26bM12OW.../edit...

Every purchase can make a difference

We’re excited to share that Wisconsin 4-H is now an official Shop 4-H affiliate! When you shop using our affiliate link, a portion of your purchase directly supports Wisconsin 4-H Positive Youth Development programs across the state.

Science In the Seasons

We will share a monthly opportunity to learn together at home.  These lessons are designed for youth ages K-2nd grade (Cloverbuds) and their families.  Enjoy this fun winter lesson when you can.  These lessons are designed to be short on supplies but long on fun!

Oconto County Leaders Association met June 21 at Oconto Falls Town Hall. Reports were approved, including a treasury balance of $38,947. Summer programming is in full swing with 29 youth (plus 2 non-members) attending Summer Camp, Adventure Day Camp set for July 30 (registration open), and additional offerings like MS Fun & Foods Camp and Cloverbud library programs on financial literacy still to come.

Fair season is ramping up with contests (plywood cutout due June 30 and flower planter), cake auction pre-registration now required, and fair registration officially open. Youth exhibitors should note updated educational requirements for Sale of Champions points, with sessions scheduled throughout June and July for sheep, swine, dairy, goat, poultry, and rabbit.

Other highlights included plans for a July Noah’s Ark trip, Breakfast on the Farm recap, and ongoing food stand coordination. Aimee shared updates on Beyond Ready, Teen Court, a recently released newsletter, and an upcoming Water Conservation Program on July 25 at Frog Pond in Oconto, offering two sessions (1:00–2:30 PM and 2:45–4:15 PM) with a 20-person limit per session.

Next meeting: August 2, 6 PM at Oconto Falls Town Hall.

Thank you Northern Riders 4-H Club for volunteering to clear tables at Breakfast on the Farm!  Your willingness to help out in your community is commended! 

Thank you Rya and Evie from Northern Riders 4-H Club, who helped re- landscape at the fairground!  We appreciate you helping to make our fairgrounds beautiful! 

Huge thanks to Maple Valley Dahlias for supplying the new plants.

Oconto County Club Submissions Wanted!

Did you want to share about a successful 4-H event that you just hosted?

Do you have an upcoming 4-H event that you want to promote? Do you have a fun experience or 4-H story to share?  Send your news, notes, reports, and articles to us along with a photo, and we’ll include in the next issue. Email Sarah.Schindel@wisc.edu to share! 

Deadline: All contributions are due by the 5th of the month to make it into that months newsletter!  Feel free to send information from the previous month or months! 

Wisconsin 4-H operates within the guidelines, policies, and procedures of the University of Madison Division of Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture. These policies are established to ensure the educational and administrative integrity of all Wisconsin 4-H programs and activities administered by 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers. Wisconsin 4-H Leadership is committed to supporting staff and volunteers by writing clear and simple policies that will standardize Wisconsin 4-H safety and risk management practices.

Something to share?  We want to hear from you! 

Developing a system for communication/documentation is critical to the health and well-being of any organization. In order to provide a systemized approach to communication/documentation in the Wisconsin 4-H program, the Care to Share form was developed as a simple tool that could be used by members, volunteers, parents and the general public.  Find it at: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/contact-us/care-to-share/ 

Behavior Concern Reports

This form is to be used to document behavior concerns of 4-H members or 4-H volunteers participating in 4-H programs, projects or activities. 

Read more about it and locate the form here: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/4h-resources/4-h-behavior-concerns-report-bcr/ 

Contact Us: 

Aimee Elkins

Oconto County 4-H Program Educator/Teen Court Coordinator

email: aimee.elkins@wisc.edu

Work Cell: 920-857-5019

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