As June arrives, it finally feels like summer is beginning to find its footing in Oconto County. After a spring filled with ever-changing weather, we're looking forward to longer days, warmer temperatures, and all the opportunities that come with the season ahead.
Just like the weather, 4-H opportunities are heating up! From camps and summer programs to project work, community service, fairs, and family adventures, summer offers countless ways for youth to explore their interests, build skills, and work toward their goals.
As the calendar fills, I encourage you to remember that summer isn't only about staying busy. It's also about slowing down. Make time to enjoy a backyard bonfire, a walk in nature, a family game night, or a quiet evening on the porch. Some of the best summer memories are made in those simple moments spent together.
As you pursue your goals this season, don't forget to make room for the things you love and the people who matter most. Growth happens when we challenge ourselves, but it also happens when we take time to rest, recharge, and appreciate the journey.
Wishing you a summer filled with learning, laughter, adventure, and plenty of time to enjoy all that makes this season so special. We can't wait to see where your 4-H journey takes you this summer!
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Help us welcome back our summer intern, Kate!
Kate is heading into speech pathology at UW–Stevens Point and is excited to return for her second summer with us. She’ll be helping out with summer school, camp, and more throughout the season.
We’re glad to have her back and look forward to all the great work she’ll be part of this summer!
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Blue Ribbon Fair Entry, Now Open! |
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1) Go to the Oconto County Youth Fair Website: https://www.ocontocountyyouthfair.org/
2)Hover over the Premium Book Tab and select Junior Exhibitors
3) Click on the "Entry Tutorial" and follow the instructions to complete your fair entries.
See you at the Fair!
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Please see Oconto County Youth Fair or the YQCA Program website for more information!
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Local Events and Opportunities! |
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Looking for more? Officer Support Documents are Available!
Supporting youth leadership just got easier! Wisconsin 4-H has Club Officer Resources designed to help adult volunteers guide club officers with confidence and consistency. These resources provide clear role descriptions, meeting tips, leadership skill-building ideas, and age-appropriate support strategies—making it easier for youth officers to succeed in their roles while growing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned volunteer, these documents offer practical tools to strengthen club meetings and empower youth leaders across Wisconsin 4-H. Be sure to check them out and put them to work in your club this year!
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State-Wide Events and Opportunities |
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| Save the Date! Fall Forum 2026! |
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Save the date and plan to join us on the Quest for Success at Fall Forum 2026, Nov. 6-8 in Stevens Point!
Open to youth in grades 7 & up and adult volunteers, we hope you’ll consider attending to grow your leadership skills, learn new ideas for your club and meet members from around the state!
Registration will open in September in 4-H Online. More information on Fall Forum is available on the website: https://go.wisc.edu/4hfallforum
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FREE Back-to-School Day Camp for Military Families!
All military-connected families are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun as we kick off the new school year together!
Saturday, August 22, 2026
12:30–4:00 PM
STEM Innovation Center, Green Bay, WI
Bring the whole family and enjoy:
Hands-on STEM activities
Interactive cooking classes
Creative family crafts
Festival-style fun for all ages
Hosted by the WI Army National Guard Child & Youth Program, Wisconsin 4-H, and the USO, this event is open to families connected to ALL branches of the military.
FREE to attend – registration required
Reserve your spot here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wicyp/2234153
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Location: Upham Woods, N194 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Registration now open!
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Mark your calendars! Arts Camp will be BACK in 2026 from October 3-4.
Arts Camp is an opportunity for youth in grades 6-8 to explore many types of art including:
Drawing
Painting
Theater
Dance
Culinary
Nature arts
Music
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Arts Camp Youth Counselors Needed! |
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| We are looking for Arts Camp Youth Counselors for Arts Camp 2026!
If you are in grades 9-13, love the arts and have an interest in developing your leadership skills in a camp setting, apply now to be an Arts Camp counselor!
Required days are August 21-23 for planning weekend and October 2-4 for Arts Camp. Planning weekend and Arts Camp will be held at Upham Woods in Wisconsin Dells
Youth Leadership Team fees are $150.
If interested, please complete the following form by July 1: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSf5xWnSAz8.../viewform...
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Restorative Justice Summit |
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| Visit Dog Project Page below for Dog Quiz Bowl Packet
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State 4-H Dog Meeting and Education Day Information - October 24th
Two dates are set for the State 4-H Dog Association Education Days and Meeting. The first portion of the day will be an educational training opportunity, and it will be followed by a State 4-H Dog Association Meeting. Both events will be held at Barks Academy in Wausau. The October 24th date will focus on rally and obedience. More information about the days and how to register will be coming from the State Dog Association soon.
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The save the dates for WI 4-H Area Animal Science Day (AASD) were announced earlier this year and we wanted to make sure they made your calendar.
We are excited to have these contests and events on June 19th in Grant County and June 30th in Clark County. A huge shoutout to these counties for hosting.
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4-H Horse Project Members, mark your calendars for these upcoming events brought to you by the WI 4-H Horse Association.
State 4-H Hunt and Dressage Show: June 26, 27, & 28, 2026
State 4-H Gymkhana Show: September 12, 2026
State 4-H Horse Expo Show: September 18, 19, & 20, 2026
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2025-2026 Wisconsin 4-H State Programs & Educational Experiences Program Booklet is Ready! | |
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Every purchase can make a difference
We’re excited to share that Wisconsin 4-H is now an official Shop 4-H affiliate! When you shop using our affiliate link, a portion of your purchase directly supports Wisconsin 4-H Positive Youth Development programs across the state.
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Science In the Seasons
We will share a monthly opportunity to learn together at home. These lessons are designed for youth ages K-2nd grade (Cloverbuds) and their families. Enjoy this fun winter lesson when you can. These lessons are designed to be short on supplies but long on fun!
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Oconto County 4-H Program Highlights |
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Leaders Association Meeting 6/21 |
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The June Leaders Association Meeting will be held at 6p.m. at Oconto Falls Town Hall on Sunday, June 21st.
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Reminder- Food Stand Schedule |
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It takes a village to organize and set up Breakfast on the Farm and we sure are grateful to those who make this event happen each year
Great job volunteering to help set up Breakfast on the Farm 2026, Christy Brook!!
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Oconto County Club Submissions Wanted!
Did you want to share about a successful 4-H event that you just hosted?
Do you have an upcoming 4-H event that you want to promote? Do you have a fun experience or 4-H story to share? Send your news, notes, reports, and articles to us along with a photo, and we’ll include in the next issue. Email Sarah.Schindel@wisc.edu to share!
Deadline: All contributions are due by the 5th of the month to make it into that months newsletter! Feel free to send information from the previous month or months!
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Wisconsin 4-H operates within the guidelines, policies, and procedures of the University of Madison Division of Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture. These policies are established to ensure the educational and administrative integrity of all Wisconsin 4-H programs and activities administered by 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers. Wisconsin 4-H Leadership is committed to supporting staff and volunteers by writing clear and simple policies that will standardize Wisconsin 4-H safety and risk management practices.
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| Something to share? We want to hear from you!
Developing a system for communication/documentation is critical to the health and well-being of any organization. In order to provide a systemized approach to communication/documentation in the Wisconsin 4-H program, the Care to Share form was developed as a simple tool that could be used by members, volunteers, parents and the general public. Find it at: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/contact-us/care-to-share/
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Contact Us:
Aimee Elkins
Oconto County 4-H Program Educator/Teen Court Coordinator
email: aimee.elkins@wisc.edu
Work Cell: 920-857-5019
“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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301 Washington St | Oconto, WI 54153 US
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