Dear 4-H Families, 

Research shows that youth who attend camps during the summer come away with so much more than what camping programs are given credit for.

4-H is intentional in providing critical components of a successful learning experience as part of all its summer camp curriculum. These Essential Elements are: Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity. They are designed to meet the developmental needs of youth. Let me give you some examples.

4-H Camp attendees experience a sense of Belonging, the first Essential Element, while being supported by camp staff, counselors, and 4-H Youth Development Professionals. Campers enjoy being in a safe place with their peers to learn and grow. 4-H accepts youth where they are and helps them ignite the spark that exist within them, enabling them to reach their potential.

Independence, the second Essential Element, is a key element that a residential or day camp provides for its attendees. Providing the opportunity for youth to be independent thinkers and to better understand themselves develops at camp as youth learn to make decisions based on experiences and knowledge obtained during camp.

In order to develop the self-confidence needed for youth to feel they can be successful, camp provides many opportunities for Mastery, the third Essential Element, to take place. Whether it is passing the swim test, learning a new skill, or leading a game, having that “I can do this” moment for a camper can make a positive impact on a young person’s life.

Lastly, 4-H camps provide opportunities for youth to learn the importance of Generosity, the fourth Essential Element, by learning and working with campers who may be different than themselves. Through planned program curriculum consisting of team building and get acquainted activities throughout the week, the campers learn to focus on what they have in common and to value the contributions of others who may not look or act like them.

So being away from home, making new friends, being a part of a team, and trying new things are key building blocks to obtaining a successful experience to meet the developmental needs of youth. 4-H summer camp provides youth the platform to create great memories and lasting relationships that can last a lifetime.     

Adapted from Marcus Boston Jr. University of Florida Extension

Check out links in this Friday’s Focus for the Columbia, Dodge, Sauk summer camps. Base camp for youth 3-6th grade and outpost for 7-8th grade. Enroll now to get a spot before the price goes up on April 1!

Please feel free to contact me with questions, and I look forward to an exciting camping season.

Have a great week,

Marie

Marie Witzel
4-H /Youth Program Educator 
marie.witzel@wisc.edu
920-386-3790

If clubs or groups have items to share, send them by noon on Thursday to be included in that week’s issue.  Anything received after 12 p.m. Thursday will be considered for the following week. The articles should be sent to Marie at marie.witzel@wisc.edu.

If you have Secretary's Minutes to share, please send them to the 4-H / Youth Program Assistant, Terra at: treider@wisc.edu by noon on Wednesday to be included in that week's issue. You can also contact the office with any questions. Thanks!

Registration - 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM
Session 1 - 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Session 2 - 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
Lunch - 11:30 - 12:00 LUNCH
Session 3 - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Session 4 - 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Participants will be able to pre-purchase their bag lunch during the morning registration and session #1 time. Bag lunch includes 1 main item, 2 sides and 1 water. (Walking Taco bag lunch $7 / Grilled Cheese or Chili bag lunch $5)

Dairy-Activity-Card Reminder

Dairy youth must complete the dairy-activity card to be eligible for exhibiting at the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Dairy Show and in the Dodge County Fair Dairy Youth Recognition Auction. Signatures/initials (not Xs or checkmarks) are required. 

Dairy Judging
Thank you for your valuable feedback from the dairy-judging survey. We’ll be holding our practices on Sundays at 2 p.m. 

The first practice will be at Watertown Public Library, 100 S. Water St., Watertown, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. The coaching team is looking forward to seeing everyone; dairy-judging participation earns points on your dairy-activity card. 

After the first practice, the group will switch to on-farm. To get started, thank you to these dairies for opening their doors:

- April 6, 2025, at Flier Haven, W8017 County Road AW, Waupun, WI 53963
- April 13, 2025, at Hildebrandt Family Farm, N2963 County Highway R,
  Hustisford, WI 53034

General questions? Contact DYAC via e-mail: dodgecountydyac@gmail.com.

Registration is Open!

Check out the career tracks available including Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Baking and Decorating, Civic Engagement through Local Leadership and Community Design, Performing Arts, Skilled Construction Trades, Transportation experience, Visual Arts, and the Water Quest.  

Remember we have county scholarship funds available:

Any questions? Please call one of your MAS Members.

Please have the Educational Verification Form printed before the session begins.  You can write down thoughts throughout the session. Complete the form and turn it into your county fair and/or livestock committee to verify your participation.  These activities can serve as “county educational credits/points.”

 Wisconsin Distance Learning

There is no limit placed on the number of entries per class.  Pre-registration is encouraged.  Day of registration will be accepted.  Health checks will be performed and rabbits found to be unhealthy will be removed from the show. Animals are to be brought in their own cages.  Exhibitors will be responsible for cleaning up after their own animals.  Richland County 4-H Rabbits R Us Club and Richland County Fairgrounds are not responsible for any losses due to fire, theft, or accident.  Every precaution will be taken to prevent such occurrences. 

Please include the tattoo number on the registration form.  If your rabbit is not tattooed, putting a number in the ear with a black marker will be accepted.

Questions?  Call Chris Harpin, 608-649-7412 (home), 608-513-7412 (cell), or email harpfam04@proton.me

There is no official registration form. To pre-register, email your name, rabbit entries, and indicate if you will be participating in showmanship to: buscherag@gmail.com

Entry Fees: $3.00/rabbit
$3.00 for showmanship
Payment will be accepted the day of show
Showmanship categories:
Jr. (grade 3-5)    Int. (grade 6-8)     Sr. (grade 9-12)

Food will be available for purchase throughout the day.
We will be having a silent auction table…Check it out!!

There are two methods of involvement for Compeer Financial Discovery Barnyard this year:

As we are beginning the 2025 dog year, we are holding an orientation on April 14, at 6:30 pm at the youth building. This is a chance to go over expectations, an answer questions type of pre-training gathering. Please attend with your child and without your dog. 

We hope to see you all there.

MARCH

29 - Family Learning Day, Registration begins at 8:30 AM

31 - Speaking and Demonstration Contest, 6:30 PM

APRIL

10 - Sew Your Own Stuffed Animal, 6 PM, Horicon Public Library

11 - UW Extension Office Closed for Regional Meeting

12 - MAS Tags & DNA Envelope Pick-Up Day 10 AM - 12 PM 
MAS Office at the Dodge County Fairgrounds

15 - 4-H Leaders Association Meeting

18 - UW Extension Office Closed

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

4-H Volunteer Trainings Follow the link to learn more and complete your required trainings.

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

An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.

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