July 23, 2025

Marie's Message

Dear 4-H Families

This week, we are highlighting the American Spirit Experience that 5 Dodge County 4-H members did this summer. Week 1: Isaac Clark, Ava Schmied and Week 2: Tori Gillett, Vivian Lichty, Harper Zillmer.

The 4-H American Spirit Experience is an opportunity for youth in grades 8-10 to immerse themselves in history and heritage through a 10-day bus journey to the East Coast and Canada. Staff and volunteers plan and facilitate the experience, while youth participants lead content throughout. Participants will increase their knowledge of American history by visiting significant sites and gain unique exposure to diverse cultural experiences and perspectives foundational to our nation. 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. Additionally, participants will develop positive relationships with adults and peers from across the state.

Additionally, with all of the changes in the Extension office, please send any 4-H or youth development related emails to me at marie.witzel@wisc.edu

Have a great weekend,
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

Wisconsin 4-H wants to highlight and reward our vast group of volunteers around the state. No matter the role or time they give each volunteer plays a role in the success of our programs. Three new awards have been developed to recognize outstanding volunteers in your county programs.

 - Emerging Volunteer of the Year – 1-5 years of service
 - Outstanding Club Leader of the Year 
 - Outstanding Project Leader of the Year

Qualifications

 - Must be an active 4-H volunteer; and current on all required volunteer trainings and screenings
 - Selection is based on the evaluation of the volunteer around the Thriving Models:
      - Sparks
      - Belonging
      - Relationships
      - Engagement

How to Apply

 -  Application Form
 - Photo (to use for media release)
 - Completed Essay Questions
 - Letter of Recommendation (from another volunteer, youth member, Extension staff member)

Applicants will use 4-HOnline to apply for the State 4-H Volunteer Awards.  All materials must be uploaded to the site in a PDF format. Application Deadline: August 1st. For more information please visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/state-4-h-awards/

Thanks to a dynamic partnership between Dodge County 4-H, AmeriCorps, and the Lomira Library:

On July 7, participants explored the fascinating world of Optical Illusions, discovering how our brains interpret visual tricks and learning the science behind what we see.

On July 18, curiosity took a wild turn with The Scoop on... 💩, where students uncovered surprising and educational facts about animal waste and its role in nature.

Great news, 4-H families! If you're planning to send your child to camp this summer and could use a little extra support, camp scholarships are available!

Let’s make sure every camper gets a chance to join the fun! Please fill out the form and send it to Marie at marie.witzel@wisc.edu

Dodge County 4-H Recycling Program is looking for volunteers for upcoming Fair events and work days. We are looking for help collecting and sorting recyclables at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. Volunteers can earn event admission, food coupons, and $ stipends depending on the event and hours of volunteer help. Any person Ages 8 through Adults can volunteer. Please contact Melissa Lake for more details or to sign up.  920-382-9605 or JuneauVictorians4H@gmail.com

Upcoming Event Dates/Times (approx. 1 hour work):
July 26 - Dodge Co Fair: Flea Market (8a) & Kart Racing (3p)
July 31 - Antique Power Show (Burnett)  Set Up (4-6p)
Aug 1 - Antique Power Show (Burnett)  (8a)
Aug 2 - Antique Power Show (Burnett)  (8a)
Aug 3 - Antique Power Show (Burnett)  (8a & 3p)

Dodge County Fair Recycling:
Sun, Aug 10th: Organize Recycling supplies & Set Up (12-4p)
Aug 13-17th: 7-9am Collection and 11-1p Sorting
Mon, Aug 18th: 8-9am Collection & Take Down; and 9a-12p Sorting

Do you have a skill, passion, or project you'd love to share? The 2025 Wisconsin 4-H Fall Forum is looking for presenters to lead hands-on workshops or host interactive learning stations at this year’s event, happening October 31–November 2 at the Green Lake Conference Center. This is a great opportunity to inspire youth and adult volunteers from across the state!

📝 Submit your idea by August 15 and help spark learning and leadership in the 4-H community! Workshop & Interactive Station Application Form 👇

Join CALS, Dodge and Dane County 4-H for a day in the Allen Centennial Garden and the DC Smith Greenhouse. Learn about plants, soil science, and horticulture and take a small plant or craft home with you! 

Date: August 20, 2025

Time: 9:30 am-12:00 pm

Where: UW-Madison Campus 

Who: any youth, 5th grade and older, who is interested in learning more about plants! (Adults and parents are invited to join and participate as well.) 

Cost: Free

Due to the cancelation of meetings this spring, we will have an additional meeting on July 27th at 9:30 am at the fairgrounds in the small animal building. 

Help is needed to load cooping for the fair on August 3rd at 9:30am in Jefferson.  Contact Dan Schwandt at schwandtdutch@aol.com or 920-763-8030 if you are available to help. 

Setup of cooping for fair is August 3rd at 5pm in the small animal building at the fairgrounds. 

If you're interested in ordering this years poultry project t-shirt, contact Dan Schwandt 920-763-8030 by noon on July 23.

Sign up now to get first choice
It's necessary all youth do their part to contribute to the overall function of showing dairy during the Dodge County Fair. Be sure to sign up for a 30-minute slot. Duties include picking up manure in the show ring during the show.

Rules
As we approach county fair, it's a good idea to review "Department 101 – Dairy Cattle" in the "2025 Dodge County Fair Junior Premium Book.

Invite your vendors to the dairy auction
Youth dairy exhibitors are encouraged to send auction brochures and personal letters to your farm and home vendors, inviting them to attend the Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction on Sunday of the fair and place a bid in support of local youth in agriculture. Feel free to print copies of the brochure. 

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

AUGUST

12 - Junior Fair Entry Day

13 - 17 Dodge County Fair

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

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