Chippewa Chatter | October 6, 2026 |
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What’s Buzzing at the 4‑H Office |
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Hello 4-H Members, Volunteers & Families!
Happy October and welcome to a new 4-H year! This is an exciting time as members choose projects, set new goals, reconnect with their clubs, and look ahead to all the opportunities the year will bring. It’s also a great time to reflect on everything you learned, experienced, and accomplished during the past 4-H year.
Whether you’re returning for another year or just beginning your 4-H journey, I’m excited to see what you’ll explore, create, learn, and accomplish this year!
Upcoming Educator Calendar Notices:
I will be out of the office October 12-15 and October 26-30 while attending two professional development conferences. During this time, I will remain available by email or work cell phone at 608-893-3183.
If you need assistance in person while I am away, please contact Amber Gilles at amber.gilles@wisc.edu or call our office at 715-726-7950.
Jordan
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| Connect with your 4-H Educator! |
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Upcoming Events & Programs |
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What's 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.
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Next week is a special week in 4-H as we celebrate National 4-H Week! 🍀 Join us for a different theme each day and help show your Chippewa County 4-H spirit.
🍀 Sunday: 4-H Spirit Sunday
💚 Monday: Go Green Monday
🤝 Tuesday: Together Tuesday
⭐ Wednesday: Why 4-H Wednesday
💚 Thursday: Thankful Thursday
🌱 Friday: Future Friday
🍀 Saturday: Share 4-H Saturday
Learn more: go.wisc.edu/chip4hnat4hweek
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Making the Best Better Volunteer Edition
In Person Volunteer Training & Overview |
October 5, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
November 12, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Extension Chippewa County
Our volunteers are the foundation of the 4-H program. The impact our program has on young people is only possible because of caring adults who give their time, talents, and expertise. Jordan will be hosting three opportunities for volunteers to gather to complete the REQUIRED Volunteer Training. If you prefer to complete it online at your own pace, that is an option! This is designed for folks to gather, collaborate, share ideas, and learn more about volunteer pathways in Chippewa County!
Register via google forms at In Person Volunteer Training
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Cloverbud Club Kick Off Meeting |
Monday, October 12, 2026, at 5:30pm
Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 003
Join the Cloverbud Club, designed for youth in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Each month, members enjoy fun, hands-on activities built around a different theme while connecting with Cloverbuds from across the county.
Can you be in more than one club? Absolutely! Youth can participate in the Cloverbud Club in addition to their local community 4-H club.
Questions? Contact Nikki Witt at nikkiawitt@gmail.com
Register via google forms at Cloverbud October Meeting RSVP
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Livestock Education Club Meeting |
Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:00pm
Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 001
This club is open to all 4-H members, whether you are already involved in another 4-H club or looking for a primary club to join. Come learn about the club, upcoming activities, the annual calendar of events, and opportunities to connect with other youth who share a passion for livestock.
Have questions about joining? Contact Jordan Blue at or Club Leader Jody Lang at .
We look forward to seeing you there! 🐄🐖🐑🐐
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Saturday, October 10, 2026
Bloomer Fairgrounds, Bloomer WI
Enjoy educational workshops, hands-on activities, Ag Olympics, showmanship, and breed show for all ages and experience levels. Bring your own cattle or participate with one provided.
Early entry fees: $10 per youth and $10 per head of cattle (available later this year; early entry closes October 7, 2026). Day-of registration: $15 per youth and $15 per head of cattle.
For rules and entry information, visit Northern Wisconsin Beef Producers website or contact Lori Lyons at 715-210-0049 or lalyons4@yahoo.com.
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Cornell Area 4-H Information Night |
Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 4:00pm
Cornell High School, 111 S 4th St, Cornell, WI 54732
Join us for the Cornell Area 4-H Information Night to learn about local 4-H clubs, projects, and opportunities. Whether you're interested in animals, STEM, art, outdoor adventures, leadership, or simply making new friends, there's something for everyone in 4-H.
Come meet local families, volunteers, and 4-H staff, ask questions, and find out how you can get involved.
Register at: go.wisc.edu/a82wnd
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Member & Volunteer Award Opportunities |
Important Member Information |
Important Dates:
November 1: Re-Enrollment Deadline for Members and Volunteers
April 1: New and Returning Member Enrollment & Dues Deadline (club dues may vary by club) AND Project selections due in 4-HOnline
New Member Expectations at NWSF (not Required if you do not plan to exhibit at NWSF)
To be eligible to represent 4-H at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair (NWSF) & in the Meat Animal Program (MAP)
Members must attend a minimum of four (4) club meetings during the program year. Clubs may set additional attendance expectations beyond this minimum.
If your family anticipates challenges meeting these expectations, please contact me to discuss possible accommodations or exemptions.
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Volunteer Onboarding Process |
To become a certified Chippewa County 4-H volunteer, you must:
1. Complete the Volunteer Interest Form if you are a NEW Volunteer
2. Meet with Jordan to discuss your interests, skills, and volunteer opportunities (this can be done virtually, over phone or in person)! Returning volunteers are also welcome to schedule a meeting.
3. Complete volunteer enrollment through 4HOnline.
4. Complete the HireRight background screening process.
5. Complete all required volunteer trainings offered through 4HOnline or in-person sessions. (There will be three in person trainings offered, attend one that works best for your OR complete training online (see upcoming events above!)
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4-H Enrollment for the 2026-27 Program Year! |
Interested in joining 4-H or Re-Enrolling? Visit go.wisc.edu/enrollchippewa4h to learn more about the opportunities available through Chippewa County 4-H.
Important Enrollment Deadlines:
Returning members: Enroll by November 1
New members: Welcome to join anytime through April 1 and remain eligible to exhibit and participate as a 4-H representative at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair.
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Statewide Experiences & Opportunities |
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State 4-H Dog Agility Show |
October 10, 2026
Overdale Canine Sports, Spring Valley, WI
This show includes competitions in agility for dogs and their people. The show is open to youth enrolled in the 4-H Dog Project. Participants must meet county requirements for participation. The first official Wisconsin 4-H agility show was held in 2008. Dogs of different levels of abilities and training welcome.
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Mark your calendars! Join us for Beyond Wisconsin: Exploring the Midwest!
Between February 11-15, 2027, youth in grades 6-8 will travel to St. Louis, Missouri and experience fun, learning, and cultural discovery.
Registration opens October 26 and will close November 22. Learn more on the website: 4h.extension.wisc.edu/beyond-wisconsin-exploring-the-midwest/
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Get ready for American Spirit 2027! This program is available to youth grades 8-10 and will be held from June 25-July 3, 2027!
The 4-H American Spirit Experience is an opportunity for youth to immerse themselves in history and heritage through a 10-day bus journey to the East Coast and Canada. This program will also focus on career readiness, leadership development, and experiential learning around history and civics, with an emphasis on diversity and the challenges that different groups of people have faced.
Applications will be open in 4HOnline from November 1-30, 2026.
For more information, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/american-spirit-east/.
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Get ready for Winter Academy 2027!
This 100% virtual, no cost program is a 4-week experience for youth grades 8-10! Sessions include:
Session 1: Charting A Path - January 13th, 2027
Session 2: Finding Your Strengths - January 20th, 2027
Session 3: Beyond Ready & Me - January 27th, 2027
Session 4: LEGO Communication - February 3rd, 2027
Registration will be open from November 1-30, 2026. Spots are limited and are available on a first-come first-served basis!
For more information, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/winter-academy/.
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Keep an eye out for 2027 Space Camp registration!
Space Camp is an experience where you learn and experience a ton of different aspects about life as an astronaut, working at NASA, and exploring places beyond Earth! Wisconsin 4-H Space Camp participants experience the Pathfinder Program, a 3-day experience where youth participate in a variety of simulated space activities at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center!
Space Camp is open to youth in grades 6-8 and will be held from April 30-May 2, 2027, in Huntsville, Alabama.
Registration will be open from November 16-December 13, 2026.
For more information, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/space-camp/.
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Northern Wisconsin State Fair |
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Help Shape the 2027 Exhibit Guide |
The staff at NWSF want your feedback as they begin planning the 2027 Exhibit Guide. Take a few minutes to review the current 2026 guide and share your ideas, updates, corrections, or suggestions.
Your feedback helps improve the exhibit experience for youth, families, and volunteers across our programs.
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Stay connected! Follow our partners on their website or Facebook page for the latest events and announcements.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
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The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
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