Thank You for Making the Fair a Success!

As another Washington County Fair comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers, leaders, and families who helped prepare our 4-H members for this year’s event.

The County Fair is much more than exhibits and competitions. It is a showcase of the learning, growth, and accomplishments that take place throughout the year. Behind every project is a network of caring adults providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

Your dedication — and countless volunteer hours — make a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people. By sharing your knowledge and investing your time, you help 4-H members build skills, confidence, and lifelong memories.

On behalf of all Washington County 4-H youth and families, thank you for being an important part of our program and for helping make the Washington County Fair a success. We are truly grateful for everything you do to inspire and support the next generation.

While we take time to celebrate this year’s successes, we’re also preparing for the opportunities ahead. Whether you’ve volunteered before or are looking to get involved for the first time, we’d love to have you join us in supporting local youth. No matter your skills or interests, there is a place for you in Washington County 4-H.

Thank you for all you do, and we look forward to working with you again in the year ahead.

With sincere appreciation,
Ron Jakubisin, 4-H Educator

2026-27 4-H Enrollment Opens September 2

Remember:

• All members must enroll each year in 4-H Online
• All volunteers must enroll each year in 4-H Online
• Enroll by October 1 to remain eligible for 4-H activities, and to remain on mailing lists
• Current enrollments do not roll over automatically

Open House & Enrollment Night: September 10

Invite your friends and neighbors to come learn more about Washington County 4-H on Thursday, September 10, 2026. This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone, whether completely new to 4-H or a returning family.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
• Time: Stop by anytime between 5:30pm and 7:30pm
• Location: Washington County Fair Park (Small Animal Barn)
  3000 County Hwy PV, West Bend, WI 53095

If your family is already involved in 4-H, join us to say hello and complete your re-enrollment for the 2026-2027 year. We will have laptops available and volunteers on hand to help you navigate the 4HOnline system.

Club & Project Leaders

Are you a club leader or a countywide project leader? Please RSVP as soon as possible to reserve a display table for your group at the event.

Let the Extension office know if you’d like any printed copies of the flyer to distribute.

Computer and Internet Access Available for 4-H Enrollment

Need help enrolling in 4-H or registering for a 4-H activity?

If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, you are welcome to use a computer at the Extension office. Staff can help you enroll in 4HOnline or register your children for 4-H programs and events.

Please contact the Extension office at 262-335-4478 or karen.girard@wisc.edu to schedule an appointment.

If you cannot visit the Extension office, your local library may be another option. Many libraries offer free computer access for library card holders.

Annual 4-H Club & Countywide Project Leader Meeting Scheduled for Wed, August 19

4-H Club Leaders and Countywide Project Leaders are invited to attend the Annual 4-H Leader Meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The evening will begin at 6pm with desserts, followed by important updates, announcements, and discussions to help prepare for the new 4-H year beginning in September.

To allow for productive discussion, we ask each club or project to send up to two representatives. If the primary club leader is unable to attend, please arrange for a co-leader or another club representative to attend.

This meeting is designed to be interactive, and your input is important as we plan for the upcoming 4-H year. We hope you can join us.

 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

Public Agency Center, 333 E. Washington St, West Bend

Room 1113

Deadline to RSVP: Aug 15th, 2026

Last chance to register for Cloverbud Day Camp

• For kids who’ve completed grades K5-2
• August 4 or August 5, 9am-noon
• $25 per child
• Held at MPTC, West Bend campus
• Registration closes July 31

Simpler Financial Reporting Form for 4-H Clubs and Groups

Good news for club and chartered project leaders! The Annual Financial Report (AFR) and Club Charter application have been combined into one shorter, easier form. The new Annual Authorization for Wisconsin 4-H Clubs and Groups is only four pages long and is designed to simplify annual reporting. Annual Authorization Form (PDF)

To complete the form, club leaders should:

• Gather the club’s year-end bank statement(s) from June 30, 2026
• Prepare a simple financial summary showing that club records are balanced
• Update club and leader information
• Provide a brief summary of club activities
• Submit one club leader signature

The completed form is due September 1, 2026.

Forms may be:

• Emailed to the Extension office
• Mailed to the Extension office
• Dropped off by appointment Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thank you for helping keep your club in good standing for the new 4-H year!

Record Books Due September 1

YOUTH MEMBERS: Interested in project or career awards? Complete a Washington County 4-H Record Book and submit it through your club. Check with your club leader for your club’s due date.

CLUB LEADERS: Collect and submit your club record books with the Club Record Book list to the Achievement Committee on these dates:

1. August 28 from 12-4pm at Fair Park. Judy Etta will be present to accept the Record Books
2. August 31 from 10am-2pm at Ron’s office at MPTC (appointment required)
3. September 1 beginning at 6pm at the Leaders Board meeting at Fair Park

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 Etta or Mariann Gundrum

Registration for 4-H Arts Camp Now Open

Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to attend Wisconsin 4-H Arts Camp at Upham Woods in Wisconsin Dells on October 3-4.

This fun overnight experience is a chance to explore your creativity, meet new friends from across Wisconsin, and discover new interests through hands-on activities.

Arts Camp workshops may include:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Theater
• Dance
• Cooking and Culinary Arts
• Nature Art
• Music

Registration closes August 15, so be sure to sign up soon!

Save the Date: 2026 Wisconsin 4-H Fall Forum

Youth in grades 7 and older and adult volunteers are invited to attend Wisconsin 4-H Fall Forum 2026, November 6-8 in Stevens Point. Note the short registration period: September 1-15.

Fall Forum is a great opportunity to:

• Build leadership skills
• Get new ideas for your club
• Meet 4-H members and volunteers from across Wisconsin
• Have fun while learning and connecting with others

Celebrating our 2026 4-H Graduates

Washington County 4-H congratulates our 2026 graduates. Thank you for your leadership and involvement throughout your 4-H journey.