4-H Friday Newsletter

Friday, December 12, 2025

LEADERS, MEMBERS, and PARENTS can contribute to the articles posted weekly by completing a short form and uploading their article and any photos at go.wisc.edu/2665ok. Articles for the current week must be submitted by 12 pm on Wednesday. We would love to hear from you. Secretary minutes can also be submitted here as well! 

by Misty Jimenez

Science came alive for the Oriole Sparks 4-H Club at North Fond du Lac schools this fall! Over six weeks, students explored exciting science concepts through hands-on experiments. They built colorful layered drinks to learn about liquid density, tested acid-base reactions with red cabbage indicators and fizzy sherbet powder, and made ice cream in a bag to see how salt lowers the freezing point of water. They also created polymer bouncy balls and slime to learn about cross-linking, investigated the unique properties of oobleck, and experimented with spherification to produce popping boba. These activities combined learning and fun, helping students see science in action and sparking curiosity for future experiments!

Submitted by Reporter, Eli C

The Rosendale 4-H club met on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at noon at Peace Lutheran Church for ornament decorating. We each made two ornaments for our family Christmas trees. 

After we decorated ornaments, we did pledges, roll call, and then the Secretary and Treasurer’s reports.

We talked about old business, which was shopping for the Toys for Tots campaign by Eli and Emer Curtis. We also talked about our successful Culver’s fundraiser night, where we raised $415. 

In the new business, we talked about Family Learning Day, which is set for Feb. 28 and members should watch for registration in the 4-H newsletter. Youth Space Camp registration is also open for members in grades 6-8 and runs from April 23-27. New family orientation is January 14 at 6 p.m. Registration is in the newsletter. 

Our next meeting will be Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church for cookie decorating led by Eve Clark. 

Members (left to right) with the Toys for Tots donation
Hunter H, Mac G, Emer C, Emme G, Eli C, Juniper H, Sadie F
Not pictured: Chloe S

The #4HThriving Model survey is closing in just a couple days. This short survey will help staff and volunteers strengthen our local program. Those who complete the survey will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Information will be sent out to eligible participants to the email used in 4HOnline. Complete the survey before it closes on Dec. 12th!

Winter Academy consists of three virtual sessions which provide youth with tools to set career and college goals, develop soft skills most important to employers, and build problem-solving skills. Winter Academy 2026 is limited to 20 youth participants and registration closes January 11, 2026.

Discover the World of Comics, Fantasy, and Gaming with 4-H! Join 4-H members from multiple counties for a unique hybrid program that combines online and in-person sessions. Dive into creative activities like world-building, character design, and costume creation, all while exploring your favorite themes and learning exciting new skills in a fun, collaborative environment!

Wednesday, January 14 at 6pm  |  Fond du Lac County Campus, 400 University Dr

4-H has so many great opportunities available, and it is hard to know about them all. We don’t want our members to miss out! New families can expect to meet other new families, have questions answered, and learn about various topics such as projects, general meetings, 4-H Structure, and
different opportunities.

We are also seeking volunteers to help facilitate stations during the New Family Orientation. If you or someone in your club would be interested, please email Tracy or call 920-906-4623.

The Fond du Lac County Land and Water Conservation Committee offers an opportunity for students to share their conservation thoughts through their artwork.  Whether in an urban setting or a rural landscape, conservation has many pictures. The Conservation & Environmental Awareness Poster Contest is open to all Fond du Lac County students in grades K-12 and can be used to develop students' awareness of Wisconsin's natural resources.This year's theme is "Soil. Where it all Begins."

Submissions must be received by December 15, 2025.

For more information regarding the Local Contest, contact Amber at (920) 979-0164 or email: amber.cannon@fdlco.wi.gov

2026 Poster Contest Rules and Entry Form (pdf) 

Extension Office Closed December 24-26

Extension Office Closed December 31

*NO Teen Leaders Association (TLA) or LEGO Club meetings in December

Extension Office Closed January 1-2

New Family Orientation - January 14, 2026, 6-7:30 pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus, 400 University Dr, Room 205/206

Winter Leadership Camp - January 23-25, Waupaca, Register through 4H Online by December 19

Teen Leaders Association (TLA) - January 26, 6:45pm at Rolling Meadows Meeting Room

LEGO Club - January 27, 6:30pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

*Save the Date for Family Learning Day - February 28, 2026

  Tracy Keifenheim

4-H Program Educator

tracy.keifenheim@wisc.edu

Sarah Stevenson

4-H Program Assistant

sarah.stevenson@wisc.edu

 Misty Jimenez

4-H Associate Educator

misty.jimenez@wisc.edu

The Extension office has moved to the Fond du Lac County Government Center. Visitors must use the north entrance and go through security, then take the elevators in the lobby to the 2nd floor.

UW Extension Fond du Lac County
160 South Macy St, 2nd floor
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 906-4623

http://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/4h/

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