October 2025

(published October 14, 2025)

All 4-H Club and Countywide Project Leaders, 4-H Event/Activity Chairpersons or Organizers: Contribute to the articles posted monthly by completing a short form and uploading your article or photos using link: https://forms.gle/xwa8JP9c49qDMAHq5

NOTE: Articles for the current monthly newsletter, must be submitting by 2 pm. on the Monday before. Newsletter is published on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Any photos submitted with youth, must be identified for photo release.

The start of a new 4-H year is always an exciting time filled with fresh opportunities to learn, lead, and grow together. Whether you’re joining Ozaukee County 4-H for the very first time or returning for another year of adventure, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our 4-H family!

To our new members and families — welcome! You’re now part of a community where youth voices matter, hands-on learning sparks confidence, and friendships grow through shared experiences. We can’t wait to see what inspires you this year.

To our returning members and dedicated 4-H leaders — thank you for your continued energy, mentorship, and care. Our programs thrive because of the volunteers who guide meetings, plan events, and create spaces for youth to explore their sparks. Your time and heart make a lasting difference.

Here’s to another amazing year of learning by doing, building community, and celebrating everything that makes Ozaukee County 4-H so special! 

- Thanks, Abi, 4-H Educator - Ozaukee County 4-H 

Enrollment AND re-enrollment for the 2025-26 4-H year is now OPEN!

Running into Problems? Please use the reference guide: 4-H Family Enrollment Guide for step-by-step instructions! Additional Resources: 4HOnline 2.0 for Families 

ALL 4-H members and adult volunteers NEED to re-enroll each year.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS: Reminder to enroll by November 1st!

Wisconsin 4-H is planning to offer several educational travel opportunities for the 2025-26 4-H year! These experiences are available for youth in 6th-12th grade and are wonderful ways to learn more about yourself, others, experience new places, and build life skills that last a lifetime.

Be sure to visit the Wisconsin 4-H State Events & Opportunities webpage for more information on the specific experiences, registration info, deadlines, timelines, trip expectations, and more!

Did you know that Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association and the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation support Ozaukee County 4-H members attending educational travel experiences by providing funding support to applicants? The application requirements to become eligible for funding support are to complete a cover letter, resume, submit a letter of recommendation, essay question, and participate in an interview.

Fall Funding Support Application Opportunities: American Spirit, National 4-H Conference. 

Application materials for the above listed opportunities are due Friday, October 31, 2025 to the Extension office. Application materials can be mailed or dropped off at Extension office or emailed to abi.quinlan@wisc.edu. Interview date: November 11, 2025.

Essay Question: Include in your application packet a one-page response to the essay question: 'Opportunities offered through the 4-H program that extend beyond Ozaukee County offer participants opportunities for personal growth. How do you hope to grow as a result of this opportunity? How will you use the knowledge and skills gained after you return?'

If you have additional questions about application materials or need additional support, please contact Abi, 4-H Educator, at abi.quinlan@wisc.edu

Attention General Leaders and Group Leaders: As you begin to organize for the new 4-H year, we ask that you submit new 2025-26 Club Officers names or 4-H Group Board Member names to the Extension office. This info helps us know who to contact with specific questions and recognize volunteers!

Submit info using link: 2025-26 Club and Group Officers & Board Members responses

Reminder: Any adult board member, committee member, species rep, etc- MUST be an approved volunteer prior to serving in this role for the current year. Youth officers must be current active 4-H members as well.

Any questions, please contact the Extension office at 262-284-8288.

There's still time to sign-up for the upcoming Countywide 4-H Volunteer Training session!

Who Should Attend:

Why This Matters: This training is designed to ensure all volunteers are equipped with the latest tools, resources, and updates to support youth effectively. As outlined in Wisconsin 4-H policy, county-based programs may implement additional training to meet local needs and enhance program quality.

Topics Include:

Thank you for your continued dedication to youth and the 4-H mission. We look forward to seeing you there!

Don't miss out on this immersive STEM experience, register soon!

The Tri-County 4-H Science Expedition returns this fall with an exciting day of hands-on STEM exploration at UW–Madison. Youth in grades 6 and up from Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, and Washington counties will dive into interactive workshops, lab tours, and real-world science experiences—from biology to sustainability and engineering.

Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2025, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Pick Up/Drop Off Location: Washington County Fair Park, West Bend, WI
Capacity: Up to 20 youth participants

This immersive field trip offers a unique opportunity to explore college life, meet scientists, and spark interest in future STEM careers. Space is limited—don’t miss out!

Registration is OPEN! Sign-up today using 4HOnline: 2025 Science Expedition Registration Link Space is limited and registration closes October 27th or when space fills.

For more information and details, visit link: Science Expedition info

Are you currently serving as a club officer—or thinking about stepping into a leadership role? Join us for the Youth Officer Training this November at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion!

This in-person workshop is designed to empower youth with the skills, confidence, and tools to lead effectively in their clubs and communities. Whether you're a president, secretary, historian, or just curious about leadership, this training is for YOU!

Date: November 13, 2025, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location: Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion

Who Should Attend?

What You'll Gain:

Let's build leadership together - because strong clubs start with strong youth voices.

RSVP by November 6th: 2025-26 Youth Officer Training

2025 Haunt remaining dates are October 17, 18, 24, 25, 31.

The Haunt is open for the 2025 season! Our focus has now shifted to filling work shifts and teardown. Please sign up to work a shift and help us after The Haunt wraps up. As always, many hands make light work.

Teardown Sign-up: 2025 Teardown Volunteers

Haunt Volunteer Sign-up: 2025 Haunt Volunteers

Snacks/Meals Sign-up: 2025 Snacks/Meal Volunteers

** Last minutes updates will be communicated via Telegram or the text group. Please contact one of the co-coordinators at 4hhaunt@gmail.com to be added to either group.

PLEASE NOTE: You must be enrolled as a member or leader to work inside The Haunt. Reach out to any of the co-coordinators or your general leader if you have questions. If you did not attend a Haunt training, please see Alycia or Michelle.

Thank you in advance for making this another great Haunt season!

- Submitted by Katie Noetzel, Rose Paulus, Sue Dowe - 4-H Volunteer Haunt Co-Coordinators

Are you a 4-H member in grades 8–10 who loves history, travel, and making new friends? The 4-H American Spirit Experience might be the perfect adventure for you!

The 4-H American Spirit Experience empowers youth to take ownership of their learning and leadership through a 10-day educational journey exploring history, culture, and civic identity across the East Coast and Canada. While staff and volunteers support and facilitate the experience, youth are at the center, not just as participants, but as leaders, learners, and changemakers. They actively shape the experience by presenting content, leading discussions, reflecting on their learning, and building a vibrant community with peers from across Wisconsin.

Application will open in 4HOnline from November 1–30, 2025. Youth and a parent/guardian must complete the application together.  Important… a completed application does not guarantee participation. Final selections will consider group composition, eligibility, and application timing. 

Estimated Cost: $3,000

Don't miss this chance to experience history, culture, and leadership in action. Talk to your 4-H Educator today and mark your calendar for November 1st!

For more information, trip details, dates, application & registration, and more, please visit the 2026 American Spirit webpage.

Attention Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders from last year (2024-2025) 4-H year: Save the date for the upcoming Leaders Association Adult Leader Recognition Banquet. We want to celebrate you! Watch your email for an e-invite is coming soon.

Who: Current Ozaukee County 4-H Adult Leaders and one adult guest (this is an adult only evening)

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Location: Lepanto Banquet Hall, Port Washington, WI (next to Holiday Inn Express & Suites)

Timeline: 4:30 pm: Social hour; 6:00 pm: Dinner; 7:00 pm: Awards Ceremony

RSVP by November 5th to 4hleadersbanquet@oz4hleaders.org (please include your name, club, and adult guest's name)

Questions? Please send any banquet questions to  4hleadersbanquet@oz4hleaders.org

- Submitted by Lori Hosseini, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association Board Member

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

4-H Charters: Due November 1st. Reminder to 4-H Club and Group leaders that are chartered. The online Charter application is now live and due online by November 1st! Any current chartered 4-H Club and Group need to charter each year. For more information and resources, please visit link: WI 4-H Charter Information & Resources . Any questions or if you need assistance, please reach out to Abi, 4-H Educator, at 262-284-8288.

2026 WI 4-H Hall of Fame Nominations: Due November 3, 2025. The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame is established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff, and pioneers who made major contributions to the 4-H movement at the local, state, and national levels. You will find the updated nomination process and form at https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/wisconsin-4-h-hall-of-fame/. 

Fairgrounds Reservations-Digital Form. Reminder that 4-H leaders must submit this Google Form to reserve the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds space for upcoming events. Once you’ve submitted the form, county staff will review it and either approve your requested date(s) or, if unavailable, propose alternatives.

Adults must be approved volunteers to be actively leading projects or working with 4-H youth. If you are not a current approved volunteer this year, you can not serve in your 4-H volunteer role. Questions about your enrollment or status? Log into your 4HOnline account to check status OR call the Extension office at 262-284-8288.

Thanks to all who volunteered at the 4-H Open Houses this year! The event wouldn't have been complete without your help! This year, we had 34 attendees (16 youth and 19 adults) attend the North Open House, and 62 attendees (36 youth and 26 adults) at the South Open House. Thanks for showing the magic of 4-H to these potential members! Also, thank you to Emlyn and Tammy S. for their mentorship in coordinating this event.

- Submitted by Sarah H., 4-H Open House Youth Coordinator

Congratulations to the Ozaukee County 4-H youth who recently competed at the 2025 Wisconsin 4-H State Dog Show! The event was held September 27-28 in Antigo, WI. Ozaukee County 4-H had 7 youth and 8 dogs compete.

The 2025 Wisconsin 4-H State Agility Dog Show was on October 12, 2025 in Oshkosh, WI. Ozaukee County had 3 youth and 4 dogs competing. 

National 4-H Week was held October 5-11th and theme was 'Beyond Ready'. Currently, library displays at Cedarburg, Mequon, and Saukville libraries are set-up to highlight the wide array of projects and youth sparks found in 4-H! Be sure to check out the display through the month of October!

A big thank you to Erin Puro, 4-H Adult Volunteer, for coordinating and volunteering to set-up and take-down the displays at the libraries.

Welcome to the new 4-H Year!

The Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation is excited to kick off another great year of learning, leadership, and fun! We’re here to support 4-H members through trips, scholarships, and now even more project support-because we’re here for the kids!

What’s New This Year:

💚 Trip/Event Support
Heading out on a 4-H trip or event? Complete a Trip/Event Support Application!
The Foundation will cover 25% of your trip or event cost.
After you return, the Extension Office will confirm your participation, and your reimbursement check will be mailed to you.

🛠️ Project Support
If your project or group could use extra help-whether that’s supplies, or bringing in an expert or clinic leader-fill out a Project Support Application.

Examples of support include:
• Hiring a professional photographer to teach a class
• Purchasing new equipment, like a carpet for the RC Car project

You can find both forms on our website:
👉 ozaukeecounty4hfoundation.com under Forms and Contact Information.

🎓 Scholarship Reminder:
Scholarship applications are due February 1st!

🎳 Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the Annual 4-H Bowl-A-Thon on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Circle B in Cedarburg. More details coming next month!

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

Apply to be a 4-H Foundation Youth Director!

Are you a high school student looking to make a difference in 4-H? The Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation is looking for motivated youth to join our Board as Youth Directors!

Who Can Apply:

- Must be at least a freshman in high school

- Must submit an application for review by the Nominating Committee

- Applications are due by October 21st

About the Role:

- The Youth Director term is two (2) years, with the option to reapply for a second term

- Youth Directors are voting members of the Foundation

- Terms begin on the second Tuesday in November and run through the August Board meeting

Meeting Schedule:
The Foundation meets four times a year—in February, May, August, and November—on the second Tuesday at 6 p.m., unless otherwise decided by the Board.

Committee Opportunities:
Youth Directors can serve on committees such as Promotion & Publicity, Budget, Audit, Nominating, Financial Advisory, or Strategic Planning.

This is a great opportunity to build leadership skills, share your ideas, and help shape the future of 4-H in Ozaukee County!

Link for Application Contact | The Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

Reminder that the online 4-H calendar is the best way to stay on top of the many countywide activities going on throughout the 4-H year. Bookmark it here!

Abi Quinlan, 4-H Educator

abi.quinlan@wisc.edu

Extension Ozaukee County

121 W. Main St.

Port Washington, WI 53074

262-284-8288

To help us serve you, please call for an appointment when coming to the Extension office.

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