November 4th, 2026

Marie's Message

Grow Your Skills, Strengthen Your Impact

One of the greatest parts of 4-H is that learning doesn't stop with youth. Volunteers, teen leaders, and adult mentors continue to grow alongside the young people they serve. This year, we are excited to offer two excellent opportunities for volunteers and youth leaders to build new skills, connect with others, and bring fresh ideas back to their clubs and programs.

We are in the planning stages for the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Summit

All current volunteers and anyone interested in becoming a 4-H or Positive Youth Development volunteer are invited to join us for the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Summit. Volunteers and youth leaders from counties across southern Wisconsin, including Dane, Dodge, Columbia, Iowa, Jefferson, Richland, Vernon, Waushara, and surrounding counties, will gather for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced volunteers, youth development professionals, and one another while exploring new ways to enhance the 4-H experience for youth.

Who: Adult volunteers and youth leaders in grades 7 and above
Location: 3500 University Avenue, Madison
General Schedule: Feb 27 or Mar 13 from 8:30 am-4 pm

Whether you are a new volunteer looking for ideas or a seasoned leader seeking fresh inspiration, this event offers something for everyone.

Project Learning Lab Series

Looking for practical project-area training you can immediately use with youth? The Project Learning Lab Series is designed for youth leaders, volunteers, and project leaders who want ready-to-use activities, lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies.
Each virtual session focuses on a specific project area and provides hands-on ideas that participants can take directly back to their clubs and programs.
All sessions are held virtually via Zoom. Registration is required at least three days before each session, and a minimum of five participants is needed for the training to be held.
Upcoming Sessions All sessions are held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

· November 19 | LEGO
· December 16 | Art
· January 21 | STEM
· February 25 | Leadership Check-In
· March 24 | Cloverbuds
· April 19 | Communications
Investing in your own learning helps create stronger experiences for youth. We encourage volunteers and teen leaders to take advantage of these opportunities to connect, learn, and bring new ideas back to Dodge County 4-H. Together, we can continue creating engaging, meaningful, and positive experiences for all youth.

Check the focus for more information
Marie

Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
Juneau, WI 53039
920-386-3790
marie.witzel@wisc.edu

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

Dodge County 4-H Horse Project (Isabella Radichel) - Dodge County 4-H Horse project had their fun show on 10/17. There was some great costumes and fun games were played followed by a potluck. If you have a horse or are interested in the horseless project, come join our great group of kids!

Dodge County is looking for a half time person, which is 900 hours between January 10-August 21, 2027. The living allowance is $10,000 with an education award of $3697.50.  You don't need to be a college student to apply, any age would be great.  if you are over 55, you can apply the education award to a child or grandchild.  More questions?   Contact Marie at the Extension office

Looking to connect with 4-H members from across Wisconsin while growing your skills and exploring your interests? Consider applying for a Wisconsin 4-H Ambassador Team! Opportunities are available in Leadership, Agriculture, Arts, and the new Outdoor Ambassadors program. Youth in grades 9-12 can develop leadership skills, make new friends, represent Wisconsin 4-H at statewide events, and help shape future programming. Applications open October 1 in 4-H Online and close November 15, 2026. Visit the Wisconsin 4-H website for more information about each ambassador team and application details.

The 2027 National Poster Contest Theme "From Source to Sea. Every Drop Has A Journey" (this title must be included on each poster)

The Dodge County Land and Water Conservation Dept. will be participating in the 2027 NACD poster contest. The poster contest is open to public, private and home-school students’ kindergarten through 12th grade.

Divisions: Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-9, Grades 10-12
Poster Size: 11"x17" (preferred size) 12"x18" or 14"x22" accepted

Posters are evaluated on the following criteria:

Conservation message
Visual effectiveness
Originality
Universal appeal

Poster Contest Date: January 13, 2027
Posters Due: January 6, 2027

NOVEMBER

9 - Cloverbud Learning Virtual Series Mondays 6 PM

16 - Cloverbud Learning Virtual Series Mondays 6 PM

17 - Leaders Association Meeting

19 - Lego Project Learning Zoom, 6:30 PM

19 - Beef 101 Educational Meeting @ Administration Building 7 PM

23 - Cloverbud Learning Virtual Series Mondays 6 PM

26 & 27 - Happy Thanksgiving - Office Closed

30 - Cloverbud Learning Virtual Series Mondays 6 PM

DECEMBER

12 - Shop with Cops

18 - New Family Gathering

PYD Media Collection Project Resources Follow the link to learn more about the collection and request materials.

4HOnline  Log in to your account at the Wisconsin 4-H Online Sign in page

Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Website

WI 4-H Policy Updates

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