Cloverline Newsletter
Monthly newsletter for Washington County 4-H
Embedded Files
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Calendar
Calendar
Have a question? Contact us!
Ron Jakubisin, 4-H Educator, 262-335-4862
4-H Programming
Volunteering in 4-H
Youth & adult leadership
Kelly Dione, 4-H Educator, 262-335-4799
4-H STEM Programming
Career and College Readiness
After School-Based Programming
Karen Girard, Administrative Assistant, 262-335-4478
4-H Online
General 4-H information
4-H communications
Announcements
Announcements
Welcome our 4-H Summer Intern Elijah Jerich
Welcome our 4-H Summer Intern Elijah Jerich
Eli joined the Washington County Extension team as our 2026 Summer Intern. You will see Eli focusing his time in 4-H activities and community outreach programming around Washington County. You may see him at Germantown’s Safety Town program, our 4-H Build It! and Inventors Quest day camps as well as our Cloverbud day camps.
Eli has been in 4-H for 13 years and is currently a member of the Good Luck Club. He has been in the Dairy Goat Project for eight years. He is a valued camp counselor for Washington County 4-H's four day summer camp trip to Upham Woods. He has developed his leadership skills over the years through his participation in programs such as the statewide 4-H Fall Forum, National 4-H Congress, and the American Spirit Experience trip. His 4-H career and achievements were celebrated when he was named as a Washington County recipient of the 2025 4-H Key Award.
Welcome Eli!
-- 4-H AT THE FAIR --
-- 4-H AT THE FAIR --
Hello from Fair Park!
It is officially FAIR MONTH, and we couldn't be more excited! We can't wait to see all of your hard work showcased at the Washington County Fair.
Exhibitor envelopes will be ready for pickup after the July 4th holiday. All exhibitors will receive an email notification when their envelope is ready, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox.
Camping packets and exhibitor parking passes will also be available for pickup and purchase at that time.
Thank you for all the time, effort, and dedication you've put into preparing your exhibits. We are looking forward to celebrating with you in just a few short weeks!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Fairly Yours,
Tanya
Fair Manager
2026 Washington County Fair: July 21-26
2026 Washington County Fair: July 21-26
For the convenience of our 4-H families, we’ve gathered all 4-H related Washington County Fair information in one place on our website: 4-H at the Washington County Fair. Please check there for the most current information
Check out the Washington County Fair website for all things fair-related: https://www.wcfairpark.com/fair/
4-H Action and Promotion Center: Sign Up Today!!
4-H Action and Promotion Center: Sign Up Today!!
This is an opportunity to engage community members attending the fair in a hands-on activity and promote 4-H. Clubs, countywide projects, and families are invited to organize a small group, 2-4 members (any age) and 1-2 adults, to cover one shift. There are 20 shifts. Shifts are two hours in length and available Tuesday, July 21 -Sunday, July 26.
Sign up for 4-H Action & Promotion Center
Action is the key to the success of the “4-H Action and Promotion Center.” Clubs/projects/families create and provide their own activity, or can request one from the 4-H Educator/Extension office. The activity should be hands-on and attract fair goers to the booth. This is an opportunity to ask the youth running the booth what they’ve learned in their projects this past year and how they could teach others and share a favorite activity.
***Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer at the Action and Promotion Booth at Fair***
1. It is an easy way to get adult volunteer hours for an adult volunteer season pass
2. It is a fun group or family activity
3. It is a good chance to interact with fair goers
4. You get to share your passion about 4-H and projects you are involved in
5. Opportunity to strengthen communication and social skills
2026 4-H Coin Wars: Your Club Has Been Challenged
2026 4-H Coin Wars: Your Club Has Been Challenged
Calling all 4-H’ers! Are you ready for the ultimate showdown at the fair? The 2026 Coin Wars are officially here, and it’s time to throw down the gauntlet. Start challenging other clubs and leaders today—bragging rights are on the line!
The competition will run for the entire duration of the fair and judging (July 20-26). Full details will be sent out to all club leaders shortly, but here is what you need to know to start plotting your strategy:
🏆 Prizes
Top 3 Clubs: Pizza and Ice Cream Parties await the clubs that raise the most positive points.
The "Most Sabotaged" Club: The club that takes the most hits (the most negative points) wins an exclusive prize.
How It Works: Strategy & Sabotage
Drop loose change into your own club's bucket to build up your score, or rain down on other clubs' buckets with negative currency to take them down!
⚠️ The 2026 Rule Twist: Since the U.S. Treasury has discontinued the penny, we are changing things up this year!
Positive Points (+)(Build your club up!)
• Pennies (if you still have them!)
• Nickels
• All paper cash (1 point per cent so $1 = 100 points and so on)
Negative Points (-)(Sabotage the competition!)
• Dimes
• Quarters
• Half-Dollars
🔒 The Cause
Every single cent raised goes directly toward funding and securing our 4-H Lock-In! Whether you play offense by sabotaging your rivals or defense by boosting your own bucket, it's all for a great cause.
Keep an eye out for the official rules arriving soon. Start planning your strategy, rally your members, and let the wars begin!
Submitted by Kevin Meyer
4-H Food Stand at the Fair
4-H Food Stand at the Fair
Message from the Food Stand Committee
Hello to 4H Families!
Our County Fair is nearly here! We are asking families to assist us in working the 4H Food Stand. Currently, we have multiple open spots in the schedule Thursday through Sunday. Please go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4BAAAA2DA5FD0-62657164-washington#/ to sign up.
This is Washington County 4H's largest fundraiser. This helps with the various 4H functions that 4H youth attend during the year. Please help make this fundraiser the best for our county and 4-H. Thank you!
~ Submitted by Paula Theisen, Food Stand Committee
4-H Silent Auction
4-H Silent Auction
Donations needed!!
The Washington County 4-H Leaders Association is excited to once again host our annual Silent Auction during the Washington County Fair, and we need your support! Please use this link https://forms.gle/ov4GW3B3gq96m8jW6 to provide details about your silent auction items. For detailed information, please see the Silent Auction Letter that was sent to all club leaders.
Donations are due by July 13th, and will be brought directly to the fair park. Thank you for your continued commitment to Washington County 4-H and for helping make the Silent Auction a fun and successful part of the Fair! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to coordinate your club’s donation at washingtoncty4hsilentauction@gmail.com or call/text Ann Morrow (262) 408-0481.
Volunteers needed!!
We are looking for volunteers of all ages to assist with set-up, bundling auction packages, and then dispersing items to the winners. Questions? Contact the Leaders Association Silent Auction Team at washingtoncty4hsilentauction@gmail.com
Ag-Adventureland at the Washington County Fair -- volunteer opportunity
Ag-Adventureland at the Washington County Fair -- volunteer opportunity
Message from Ag-Adventureland Coordinator Beth Remmel:
Hello! Thank you for considering to volunteer in Ag-Adventureland. Review the available slots at the link below and click on the button to sign up. Volunteering is easy and fun! The main focus is having a fun and inviting atmosphere for children to learn about different aspects of Wisconsin agriculture. Duties include: keeping the area neat and tidy, emptying the Market, refilling each station, and monitoring the different learning and play stations. Thank you for volunteering. See you at the fair!
Cows on Parade
Cows on Parade
A reminder to please bring your cows to the fairgrounds by July 19th and place them on the west side of the dairy barn by Ag Adventureland.
Upcoming Opportunities - County
Upcoming Opportunities - County
Cloverbud Day Camp
Cloverbud Day Camp
This day camp is filled with arts and crafts, group games and activities with a Natural Science theme. Camp takes place from 9am - Noon at Moraine Park Technical College in West Bend August 4th or 5th. Both days are the same - choose the session that best fits your schedule. Registration in 4HOnline
Get ready to have your mind blown at the Wonders of Physics show. Open to all 4-H members!
Brought to you by the University of Wisconsin-Madison (wonders.physics.wisc.edu), this isn’t your average science class—it’s a fast-paced, high-energy adventure into the coolest mysteries of the universe. Packed with mind-boggling live demonstrations, you'll see physics come alive right before your eyes. While the show is perfectly tailored for grades 3rd–8th, it is packed with so much jaw-dropping fun that 4-H members of all ages will find it incredibly entertaining!
From wild experiments to unexpected sparks, you'll discover the secret science powering the world around you, all while laughing and having a blast. Don't miss out—come see how awesome physics can be!
If interested, please RSVP here https://forms.gle/udGt14f9uiTsj3RKA
Date: July 15th
Time: 11-Noon
Location: MPTC West Bend Campus
Cost: Free; donations accepted to help defray costs
High school volunteers needed in July for Washington County 4-H summer day camps
High school volunteers needed in July for Washington County 4-H summer day camps
We're gearing up for our 4-H Summer Day Camps at Moraine Park Technical College (West Bend campus), and we’re looking for high school volunteers to join our leadership team!
If you’re looking to gain some experience working with kids, earn community service hours, or just stay involved with 4-H this summer, we’d love to have your help. This is a great chance to mentor younger members and share what you know—whether that’s in STEM, agriculture, arts, or general leadership.
The Dates:
Session 1: July 7–9
Session 2: July 14–16
Interested? Please fill out our interest form below. We use this to learn more about your "spark" so we can try to match you with activities that fit your specific skills and interests. Thanks for helping us make these camps possible for our younger members!
Kelly Dione
Washington County 4-H Educator
kelly.dione@wisc.edu
(office) 262-335-4799
Wisconsin Key Award: 4-H members in grades 11 & up are invited to apply
Wisconsin Key Award: 4-H members in grades 11 & up are invited to apply
Key Award Application packet is due to the Extension Office -- or must be postmarked --by August 1
Interviews are August 10 at the Public Agency Center, West Bend
Questions? Contact
Judy E_Etta@msn.com
Mariann lmacres@charter.net
ATTN 4-H Youth in 12th & 13th Grades
ATTN 4-H Youth in 12th & 13th Grades
Congrats on your time in 4-H!
You’ve been a part of 4-H for years, and now you have the option to graduate from the program either at the end of high school (12th grade) or one year after.
If you’re planning to graduate from 4-H at the end of the current 2025-2026 4-H year, Washington County 4-H would love to feature you in our Graduate Spotlight!
To be included, just let the Extension Washington County office know in one of these two ways:
Fill out the Washington County 4-H Graduation Form and upload your graduation photo there
ORPrint the form, fill it out, and mail it with your graduation photo to:
Extension Washington County
2200 Green Tree Road, Room W106
West Bend, WI 53090
(You can also drop it off in person.)
Deadline: Friday, July 24, 2026.
If you have any questions about whether you’re eligible to graduate from the Washington County 4-H program, please contact the Extension office.
Record Books
Record Books
Message from the 4-H Leaders Association Record Book Committee:
Washington Co. 4-H would like you to have the opportunity to record and reflect on your 4-H achievements. The opportunity everyone has is to apply for and be considered for a Project or Career Award. To do this you are required to complete an official Washington Co. 4-H Record Book in accordance with Washington County Record Book Guidelines. Guidelines and current project sheets can be found on the Extension website. You or your leader will also need to select and complete a project application form and/or a career application form indicating which projects/career awards you want to be considered for. These Washington Co. 4-H Record Books will also need to be turned into your Club Leader.
CLUB LEADERS: You will be responsible for collecting and submitting your club members’ Record Books by September 1, 2026. Please fill out the Club Record Book list and turn in with your club’s submissions. Record Books can be submitted one of these three ways:
Record Books can be dropped off at Fair Park on Friday, August 28th from noon -- 4pm. Judy Etta will be there to accept the Record Books
Record Books can be dropped off at Ron Jakubisin's office at the Moraine Park Technical College, 2200 Green Tree Road, Room 105, West Bend on Monday, August 31 from 10am-2pm. Leaders should make an appointment before bringing their Record Books during this time
Record Books can be brought to the Leaders Board meeting at Fair Park on Tuesday evening, September 1, beginning at 6pm.
Feel free to contact the Record Books Committee if you have any questions.
Judy Etta at e_etta@msn.com
Mariann Gundrum at lmacres@charter.net
Nuts for Sale
Hello!
A selection of Nuts from the 2025 fruit/nut/cheese sale are still available!
The type/quantity/price/best by date can be found on the below sign up genius - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549A4AD2DA0FEC25-64410608-2026 . 1st come first serve - quantities are limited to stock on hand.
Pick Up is:
Tuesday, July 7th 5:30pm - 6:00pm @ Fair Park
*Please reach out with special pick up requests*
The sign up genius has the selection and date available - Please be sure to fill in the quantity you would like to purchase. Money is due at pick up - Cash or Check (made out to Washington County 4-H Leader's Board)
Please call/text Ann Morrow 262-408-0481, or email with questions: washcnty4hfundraisingcommittee@gmail.com
Submitted by Ann Morrow, WCLA Fundraising Committee
Tell your 4-H Story
Tell your 4-H Story
Through 4-H, you’ve learned more than you think. Leadership. Teamwork. Confidence. Communication.
Start your story with: “Through 4-H, I have learned…”
What comes next?
📝 Start your story here: Takes less than 5 minutes https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHeYX2mFsFVP-6bNKpN1woQSYoMj0iCCrEvlP8vxwksaxnWQ/viewform
🌟 See how these skills build your future: https://washington.extension.wisc.edu/washington-county-4-h-stem-and-college-and-career-readiness/
Upcoming Opportunities - State/National
Upcoming Opportunities - State/National
National 4-H Congress: Registration open till June 30
National 4-H Congress: Registration open till June 30
National 4-H Congress is a five-day Educational Experience held in Atlanta, GA the end of November. Congress is the premiere nation-wide event for 4-Hers to network with others from around the country, Canada, and Puerto Rico. While at Congress, 4-Hers engage in leadership, citizenship, global awareness, and inclusion. Register through your 4HOnline account. Partial funding of up to half the cost is available from the Washington County Leaders Association: Travel Funding Application
4-H Beyond Wisconsin: Exploring the Midwest: February 2027
4-H Beyond Wisconsin: Exploring the Midwest: February 2027
This is an unforgettable Wisconsin 4-H travel experience designed for middle school students in grades 6–8. Over President’s Day weekend in February 2027, youth will journey from Wisconsin to St. Louis, Missouri, by coach bus for an adventure that blends fun, learning, and cultural discovery. Along the way, participants will explore science museums, art centers, and enjoy live music and performances, all while sampling local flavors like St. Louis-style barbecue. The experience kicks off Thursday evening with an overnight stay at a camp facility in Illinois, where students will engage in teambuilding activities and build relationships with peers from across Wisconsin. After a weekend of hands-on, interactive experiences in STEM, art, music, and regional culture, along with two nights in a St. Louis hotel, the youth will ride through the night on Sunday and return home Monday morning with memories to last a lifetime. This is more than a travel experience, it’s a chance to spark curiosity, build connections, and see the Midwest in a whole new way!
This is a great opportunity for youth to take the first steps toward independence: staying overnight in a new place away from home. Use this program as a stepping stone for other overnight educational travel experiences.
Project Updates
Project Updates
Cat Project Meetings
Cat Project Meetings
The following meetings will be at:
The Washington County Human Society
3650 WI-60 Trunk
Slinger, WI 53086
6p- 7pm in the Education/Community Room
June 29 – Health, spaying,/neutering, etc.
Note: Please do NOT bring your cat to these meetings; they are educational sessions for project members.
Great sources of Countywide Project info
Great sources of Countywide Project info
Washington County 4-H Projects on our website, for meeting & project leader contact information
Washington County 4-H Calendar lists dates/times for many countywide project meetings
Washington County 4-H Shooting Sports forms, SignUp Genius links, and information on all Shooting Sports projects
4-H Leader Updates
4-H Leader Updates
Annual Club and Project Leader Meeting Set for Wednesday, Aug 19th, 2026
Annual Club and Project Leader Meeting Set for Wednesday, Aug 19th, 2026
4-H Club Leaders and Countywide Project Leaders are invited to this countywide meeting hosted by the 4-H Educator and the Wash. Co. Leaders Association. Starting at 6pm with Desserts! and moving to announcements and discussions to prepare for the new 4-H year starting in September 2026. We ask that each club/project send no more that 2 representatives. If primary club leaders cannot attend please assign co-leader to attend. This is a fast-paced meeting with interactive dialogue from you, the leaders, which is important in planning for the next 4-H year.
Note: if you have a few photos of your club/project in action that you'd like to celebrate in a slideshow at the meeting, send them to ron.jakubisin@wisc.edu (jpeg or png format please)
Wed, August 19, 6pm - 8pm
PAC, 333 E. Washington St, West Bend
Room 1113
RSVP to https://forms.gle/jyfoYbtdWysciAUo7
Deadline to RSVP: Aug 15th, 2026
Looking ahead: Annual Fall 4-H Open House is Thursday September 10
Mark your calendars for the 2026-2027 Washington County 4-H Open House!
Thursday, September 10, 5:30-7:30pm
Washington County Fair Park, Small Animal Barn
Meeting space reservations
Meeting space reservations
Public Agency Center
melissa.parask@washcowisco.gov
(262) 335-4445
Washington County Fair Park
info@wcfairpark.com
262-677-5060.
Moraine Park Technical College
No charge for 4-H groups
You will need to provide your group's Federal Tax ID #. Contact the Extension office if don't know your number
4-H General Reminders
4-H General Reminders
New Families: Do you have questions about 4-H?
New Families: Do you have questions about 4-H?
Are you overwhelmed trying to learn about all that 4-H has to offer? Where do you turn? Your 4-H Club Leader is a great resource. In addition, the Washington County 4-H website has lots of information on countywide events, projects, 4-H opportunities, etc. Be sure to visit the website frequently. In addition, this monthly newsletter that you are reading right now -- called the Cloverline -- is a great resource.
You are also always welcome to connect with the 4-H Office! Here is how to contact us https://washington.extension.wisc.edu/welcome-to-4-h/#4Hoffice
August Cloverline submission deadline is Friday, July 24, 2026
August Cloverline submission deadline is Friday, July 24, 2026
We welcome your submissions for the Cloverline newsletter!! Please upload your articles and photos to Cloverline Newsletter Submission or send to karen.girard@wisc.edu. NOTE: if you are submitting photos of 4-H youth, please include their names; if the photo includes non-4-H youth, please include a parental media release form for each non-4-H youth in the photo.
The 4-H Cloverline is published monthly on the 4th Monday, or the following day if the 4th Monday is a holiday. Article submission deadline is the Friday before.
Adults must be approved volunteers to be actively leading projects or working with 4-H youth.
Adults must be approved volunteers to be actively leading projects or working with 4-H youth.
If you are not a current, approved volunteer this year, please complete your enrollment, screening, and/or trainings NOW. Questions about your enrollment or status? Log into your 4HOnline account to check status OR call the Extension office at 262-335-4478.
Submitted News
Submitted News
Shape the Night: Join the Achievement Night Planning Committee! 🌟
Calling all Leaders Board adults and youth!
We are officially kicking off the planning for our next massive Achievement Night, and we want YOUR voice, your energy, and your brilliant ideas to make it our most successful celebration yet! This is your ultimate chance to take the reins, speak up, and design an unforgettable experience for everyone.
We’re gathering to brainstorm, collaborate, and get the ball rolling.
When: Monday, August 24 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: The Fairgrounds (Chosen for easy access and plenty of space to create!)
🎉 What We Are Planning
The Big Event: Achievement Night is officially set for January 9, 2027.
The Commitment: Committee members will need to be available for other planning meetings and between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM on the day of the event to help bring our vision to life and run the show.
🤝 Spread the Word!
This committee is open to all interested parties! Whether you are a youth leader ready to make your mark or an adult eager to support, we want you there. If you know anyone who would be a great fit, please pass this invitation along and bring them with you!
Let’s work together to make this Achievement Night absolutely legendary. See you at the fairgrounds on August 24!
Submitted by Kevin Meyer
State Fair Volunteer Opportunity + Free Admission & Perks! 🎡
Looking for a fun way to hang out at the State Fair and earn money for your youth club? We’ve been invited back to run the Pork Shoppe on Opening Day! We will be selling pork sandwiches, pork-on-a-stick, and refreshments.
The Details:
📅 When: Thursday, August 6th | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💰 The Payoff: A $400 stipend for the group plus we keep 100% of the tips from our shift! (Funds will be split among the youth who work to cover trip costs or go toward club expenditures like pizza parties!)
Awesome Perks Included:
🎟️ Free State Fair admission ticket (Valid all day! Come early and enjoy the fair before your shift starts).
🚗 Paid parking for drivers.
👕 Free T-shirt and hat.
🍔 Free sandwich and all-you-can-drink refreshments during your shift.
Positions to Fill: We have 5 and are looking for 5-7 additional volunteers
Cashiers: Must be 16 or older (1-2 needed).
Runners, Drink Fillers, & Sandwich Makers: Open to all youth!
Come have fun, meet new people, and support your club! Call Kevin Meyer to claim your spot! 262-502-9427
Spaces are limited, so please secure your spot and help support your club and the Pork Shoppe!
Submitted by Kevin Meyer
4-H'ers Out & About
4-H'ers Out & About
See all the fun our 4-H members are having!
Washington County 4-H Summer Camp
Washington County 4-H Summer Camp
Washington County 4-H Summer Camp was held June 11–14, 2026 at Upham Woods in Wisconsin Dells. A total of 108 people attended, including youth campers, teen counselors, and adult volunteers—the largest group in five years.
This year’s theme was “Camp at Sea: Catch the Wave of 4-H!” Teen counselors led short learning sessions on ocean topics like coral reefs, boats, erosion, large sea creatures, and aquatic plants. Upham Woods naturalists also shared hands-on lessons, introducing campers to Brad the Hawk, along with sessions on water creatures, snakes and amphibians, orienteering, and survival skills.
Certified archery instructors Lee Delcore and Steven Ohland led archery sessions throughout camp. Campers also enjoyed traditional favorites like crafts, team-building activities, and campfire skits and songs.
It was a fun and memorable four days for everyone involved.
Washington County Fair Clothing Revue
Washington County Fair Clothing Revue
14 youth in the countywide 4-H Sewing Project participated in the Washington County Fair's June 1st Clothing Revue, with a total of 27 entries. Thank you, Holly Elsinger, for the great photos! And a huge thank you!! to Susan Jahn for all the time and expertise she so generously shared with youth in the 4-H Sewing project.
Attention Parents:
Parents are needed to help plan and coordinate the annual Style Show that takes place at the Washington County Fair, scheduled for Wednesday evening, July 22. Please contact Susan Jahn if you are able to help: curt.sue.jahn@gmail.com or 262-677-3397
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