October 15, 2025

Marie's Message

Dear 4-H Families:

As you saw last week, there are numerous opportunities for youth to participate in programs outside of Dodge County. And the 4-H leaders association offers scholarships to help with the cost. Members need to apply for financial support for the member experiences, and key award.

Again, this year, all applicants will need to submit a cover letter, resume, and references as part of their application. Additionally, interviews will be conducted to select qualified candidates. Submissions can be sent digitally or via mail to our office, making it more convenient for everyone involved. With some of the experiences or registrations happening this fall, I have moved up the timeline to help support the members. Applications are due November 1.

I also encourage you to check out the various exciting trips available for the youth this year. If you would like more information, we can arrange for youth who have participated in these trips to visit your club and give a short presentation. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the kids to learn from their peers’ experiences.

What is the Key Award? How does it work?

This prestigious award is the highest recognition a 4-H member can receive and honors a select group of 4-H participants annually. The youth receiving this award are those who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills, and actively participated in their club and community.


The Key Award is sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Each county receives an annual award quota (2 per county or 2% of all enrolled 4-H members 14 years and older). Selection of Key Award recipients is the responsibility of each county. Selection should be based on an evaluation of the candidate’s total 4-H record (membership, projects, activities, leadership, personal development, and county 4-H and community involvement.)

Have a great week!
Marie

Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
UW Extension - Dodge County
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. 

With all of the changes in the Extension Office, Please send any 4-H or youth development related emails to marie.witzel@wisc.edu

Astico Perseverance (Blake Kurth) - The club will be holding a costume contest at their next meeting.  Culver's Gift Cards will be the prizes. They will also have a club visit to Waldvogels.

Hats off to Astico Perseverance 4-H Club, Herman Hornets, Lakeside 4-H, Neosho Utopians, Watertown Badgers and Watertown Boosters for completing their club charters.

Interested in participating in Dairy Quiz Bowl this year? Next practice is 1pm this Sunday at the library! Sign up now if you haven't already!

Each year Dodge County 4-H Leaders offer scholarships to support youth attending educational experience trips. Applicants submit a cover letter, resume and reference page along with an application. The final step in the process is to participate in a short interview process. Interviews will be coordinated with each applicant. The following materials must be received by the Dodge County Extension Office (in paper form), emailed to marie.witzel@wisc.edu, or submitted digitally before 4:30pm November 1st:

Wisconsin 4-H offers a wide variety of statewide educational experiences designed to help youth explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and engage in hands-on learning.

🌟 A space for military youth! If you have a parent or guardian currently deployed, the new 4-H Military Club is just for you. It’s a place to connect with others who understand, make new friends, and have fun with hands-on activities you help choose!

🤝 Whether you're building, creating, or just hanging out, this club is all about connection and shared experiences. Join us for our first meeting on Saturday, October 25th at the STEM Innovation Center in Green Bay!

📲 Enrollment is open now — If you’re interested in enrolling or if you have any questions, please reach out to Carlea at carlea.liermann@wisc.edu or Jon Hill at jon.hill@wisc.edu.

It's that time, Wisconsin 4-H!🍦🍀
Cedar Crest Ice Cream and the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation have teamed up once again to present the “Cedar Crest Ice Cream 4-H Flavor Creation Contest” for Wisconsin 4-H clubs. All Wisconsin 4-H clubs are eligible to submit their ideas for a new ice cream flavor, along with a flavor description and interesting flavor name. Entries are being accepted now through November 15!

For contest information, rules and the entry form, please click the button below:

OCTOBER

18 - Horse Project Fall Fun Show

20 - Officer Training Night 6 PM

21 - Cloverbud Sparks Seekers

28 - Cloverbud Sparks Seekers

21 - 4-H Leaders Executive Board Meeting

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