May 2026 Leader Letter

Written by Sarah Stevenson Posted on
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May 29, 2026

Dear 4-H Leader,

4-H Friday Newsletter Submissions

Please send your articles and photos at https://go.wisc.edu/2665ok 

Silent Auction

This fundraiser generates thousands of dollars for the Fond du Lac County 4-H Endowment Fund. In turn, the interest from the Endowment Fund supports the activities of 4-H members. Each club is asked to donate an item to the silent auction, volunteer to help man the area, and secure donations from three businesses in your area. Let Cindy Koffman know ahead of time how your club will be involved, so space for auction items may be allocated. Email Cindy at koffman@kmoraine.com. Sign up to help at the auction: go.wisc.edu/49m4rj 

Adult Leaders Raffle

The raffle tickets were distributed to clubs at the April 30th Adult Leaders Meeting. The raffle drawing will take place at the Adult Leaders Meeting on August 19. This is a primary source of money to build programs for our 4-H youth. Tickets and money are due back to the office on Friday, June 26th. Unsold tickets must also be returned. Extra tickets are available in the Extension office for anyone who would like to sell more. Each club should issue one check to the Adult Leaders Association for the ticket money collected.

Summer Camp Update

We are seeking volunteers who would like to be part of the 2026 Day Camp Committee, planning the camps and/or helping run camp activities. Youth in grades 9-13 can also volunteer as youth leaders. If you know of individuals who would be a great fit, please contact Tracy. Camps are held at the Fond du Lac County Campus. More information on camps can be found on the Extension website: https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/events-activities/

Foods Revue Registration

Registration will open May 1 through 4HOnline under events. All 4-H members in the Foods and Nutrition, Cloverbud, and Exploring projects are invited to participate. Cherries is the Foods Revue theme for 2026! Not sure what Foods Revue is all about? Youth can also attend just to check it out!

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Where: Marian College Stayer Center

Schedule:
5:00 – 6:00 pm check-in and set up
6:00 – 7:30 pm Judging and Awards
7:30 – Taste of Fond du Lac 4-H

Parade Policy

Wisconsin 4-H is committed to providing safe and healthy environments for youth and adults participating in 4-H programs and activities. Preparing floats and participating in parades can be a fun way to promote 4-H, AND there are risks associated with these activities. The 4-H Parades Policy outlines expectations for managing risk associated with vehicles used in parades, as well as youth and adults riding on vehicles or walking in the parade: go.wisc.edu/pq92nl 

Water Safety Policies

Summer is here. Below are Wisconsin 4-H policies regarding water safety:

  • Lifeguards are required when youth are swimming or participating in water-related activities including canoeing, kayaking, and boating. This includes all swimming such as at camp, a club-sponsored activity, at a hotel, lake, or personal residence. 
  • Lifeguards must be certified. 
  • A lifeguard must be at least 16 years of age and have the appropriate current certification (Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR/AED). 
  • Beach lifeguards need to have water safety instructor certification from the American Red Cross or equivalent instruction. 
  • One lifeguard is needed for every 25 people in the water. 
  • One adult (not necessarily lifeguard certified) for every 10 youth is needed for overall supervision. 
  • The best practice is to swim where lifeguards are provided by the facility or site. 
  • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are required for all when canoeing, kayaking, and boating. 

More information on 4-H policies: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/wisconsin-4-h-policies/ 

Find Your Fit in 4-H!

Join us for an engaging and informative session designed to help parents, caregivers, and community members explore the many ways to get involved in Fond du Lac County 4-H. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there are meaningful volunteer opportunities for every interest, skill, and schedule.

In this interactive session, you will:

  • Learn about a wide range of volunteer roles—from one-time events to ongoing leadership
  • Discover how your unique talents can support youth and strengthen our 4-H community
  • Participate in a fun “Find Your Fit” activity to match your interests with opportunities
  • Leave with clear, simple next steps to get involved

This session is designed for both in-person and virtual participants and will include interactive elements for all. No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore!

Please indicate which date you will be joining us at go.wisc.edu/findyourfitin4h 

  • Wednesday, June 3, 10-11 am, Fond du Lac County Campus (FCC)- Deadline to Register May 29
  • Sunday, June 7, 7:30-8:30 pm, Virtually- Deadline to Register June 3
  • Tuesday, June 9, 6-7 pm, Fond du Lac County Campus (FCC) – Deadline to Register June 5

*Details will be sent with your training confirmation. A minimum of 4 participants will be required for the training to be held.

Annual Financial Report/Charter

The Annual Financial Report and Charter have been streamlined into an Annual Authorization that must be completed by September 1st.

Annual Authorization Resources:

Fond du Lac County Fair Updates & Information

Fair Premium Book Updates

A committee of dedicated volunteers spent a significant amount of time and effort reviewing and updating the premium book with the goal of creating excitement and attracting additional youth exhibitors by refreshing and modernizing entry options. This process included adding more current and relevant entry options, while removing entries that have become outdated over time. As part of the review process, exhibitor premiums were also increased to further support and encourage participation. We recommend reviewing the 2026 Fair Book now before entries open: go.wisc.edu/505g99 

Fair Entry Information

Fair entries are now open, and the fair entry deadline is 11:59 pm, Monday, June 17. Pre-fair judging will be Thursday, July 9 and Tuesday, July 14 1-7 pm. No late entries will be accepted. All entries must be made online. To sign up for judging please call the fair office.

Office Information

Contact the fair office at 920-929-3168 or office@fonddulaccountyfair.com

Create Club Potted Plant Displays

Large potted plant displays at the fair provide great visibility for your club, always look great, and are a big hit with the public at the fair. Clubs can also potentially earn cash prizes. Entries should be made online under the club’s name. Complete details for club pots can be found in the Fair Book. Be as creative as you wish when designing your pot.

4-H Graduation and Recognition Ceremony

Will be held in the Expo Building at the fairgrounds on Sunday, July 19, at 2:00 pm. Key award winners and scholarship recipients will also be recognized. Please encourage 4-H youth in grades 12 & 13 to fill out the graduation survey to help the Extension staff plan and prepare for graduation: go.wisc.edu/dr5ttd 

Foodstands- Adult Leaders & TLA

Please review the available slots for the Adult Leader Stand and click on the button in Sign-up Genius to select a shift: go.wisc.edu/6535pp.To view schedule of selected club slots, visit go.wisc.edu/jq89df. Proceeds from the Adult Leader Food Stand support annual countywide 4-H Programs and scholarship opportunities. These include: Family Learning Day, Summer Camps, Trips, and Scholarships. Thank you for helping staff the food stand. To sign up for shifts to work the TLA Foodstand (located in the Rec Building) please visit: go.wisc.edu/rgj3nq

Calendar of Events

June

3- New Family Fair Orientation, 5:45 pm, Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds 
4- Dog Project Class, 5:00pm, FDL Co Fairgrounds Rec Center
11- Junior Master Gardener Club, 1:00-2:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
11- Dog Project Class, 5:00pm, FDL Co Fairgrounds Rec Center
11- Wildlife Club, 6:00 pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
14- Registration Deadline for Foods Revue – Register through 4-Honline
14-18- Summer Academy, UW Madison, register through 4-H online by April 26
15- Small Animal Project Meeting, 6:30pm, Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Small Animal Barn
15-17- Foodie Camp, 9am – 3pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
17- Foods Revue, 5pm, Marian University
17- Fond du Lac County Fair Entries due by 11:59pm CST
18- Dog Project Class, 5:00pm, FDL Co Fairgrounds Rec Center
22- TLA Meeting, 6:45 pm, Rolling Meadows
23- LEGO Club, 6:30-8 pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
24- Cloverbud Day Camp: Foodie Camp, 9am – 3pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
25- Junior Master Gardener Club, 1:00-2:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
25- Dog Project Class, 5:00pm, FDL Co Fairgrounds Rec Center
27- Market Livestock Swine/Sheep/Goat barn pen set up, 7am
27- Mandatory Small Animal Barn Set Up, 9am, Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Small Animal Barn
29-7/1- Around the World Camp, 9am – 3pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

July

2- Dog Project Class, 5:00pm, FDL Co Fairgrounds Rec Center
3- Extension Office Closed
7- Small Animal Project Meeting, 6:30pm, Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Small Animal Barn
9- Junior Master Gardener Club, 1:00-2:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
9- Pre-Fair Judging, 1-7 pm, FDL Co. Fairgrounds 
9- Dog Project Class, 5:00pm, FDL Co Fairgrounds Rec Center
12- Market Livestock Barn display set up, 8am-5pm (time subject to change)
12- Mandatory Market Livestock Pre-Fair Meeting, 3 pm, FDL Co. Fairgrounds Cow Palace (choose this date or July 14)
13- Market Livestock Barn display set up, Barns open at 8am
14- Mandatory Market Livestock Pre-Fair Meeting, 3 pm, FDL Co. Fairgrounds Cow Palace (choose this date or July 12)
14- Pre-Fair Judging, 1-7 pm, FDL Co. Fairgrounds 
15-19- Fond du Lac County Fair
19- 4-H Graduation, 2:00 pm, Fairgrounds Expo Building
19- Market Livestock Wrap Up Meeting, 5:30 pm
22- Cloverbud Day Camp: Superhero Camp, 9am-3pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
23- Junior Master Gardener Club, 1:00-2:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
27- TLA Meeting, 6:45 pm, Rolling Meadows
28-30- STEM: Wizarding Day Camp, 9 am- 3 pm, Fond du Lac County Campus
*NO LEGO Club in July

Sincerely,

Tracy Keifenheim
4-H Program Educator
UW-Madison Division of Extension, Fond du Lac County
cc: Executive Board, TLA Advisors, Horse Project President