4-H in the News

Iowa County 4-H Attends Summer Camp

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – Iowa County 4-H members recently joined youth from Portage and Waupaca counties for an unforgettable summer camp experience at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. From June 15–17, 2026, a total of 67 campers, 9 teen counselors, and 13 adult volunteers and staff spent three days and two nights exploring the outdoors, building friendships, and developing leadership skills through a variety of hands-on activities.

Upon arriving at camp, youth worked together to create their own camp flags and establish codes of conduct, helping to build a positive and inclusive camp community from the very beginning. Campers also had the opportunity to meet animal ambassadors from the Nature Center and learn about Wisconsin wildlife.

Throughout the camp experience, youth participated in a variety of outdoor adventures. Many hiked to the popular Peanut Butter Mountain and completed team-building challenge courses that emphasized communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Others explored the natural beauty and history of Black Hawk Island during guided hikes.

Campers enjoyed a variety of free-choice activities, including canoeing, archery, swimming, and crafts, allowing them to explore new interests while building confidence and independence.

Evenings were filled with campfire programs where campers and counselors gathered to share songs, skits, and laughter. One of the most anticipated traditions was the “Best Dressed Counselor” competition, which quickly became a favorite among the youth.

Throughout the three-day experience, campers earned “Clover Coins” by demonstrating positive behavior, helping others, showing leadership, and contributing to the camp community. On the final day, campers used their earned coins at a camp carnival, where they played games and won prizes, providing a fun and rewarding conclusion to the camp experience.

“Camp provides youth with opportunities to try new things, make new friends, and develop life skills that will serve them well into the future,” said Iowa County 4-H Youth Development Educator Dan Brandt. “Watching young people grow in confidence and leadership throughout the camp experience is one of the most rewarding parts of 4-H.”

The Iowa County 4-H program would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Dodgeville for helping support local youth by assisting with transportation costs to and from camp. Their generosity helped make the camp experience more accessible for Iowa County families.

A special thank you also goes to Upland Winds for their financial support of the camp program. Their contribution helped keep the trip affordable and ensured that more youth could participate in this valuable educational and recreational opportunity.

The Iowa County 4-H program is grateful for the continued support of community organizations that invest in local youth and help create memorable experiences that foster leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.

Blue Ribbon 4-H’er Attends Summer Academy in Madison, WI

Summer Academy is a one-week camp at the UW Madison campus, exploring careers you might want to do in the future. Makenna Gilbertson of the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club chose to be on the State 4-H Drama Company, full of talented teens her age! Makenna said, “I would love to see more Iowa County people at Summer Academy as a leader or delegate!!”

Red Barn 4-H Club Helps Landscape the Monfort Community Building

The Red Barn 4-H group joined together in a community service event to help out the Village of Montfort update the landscaping around their Community Building. Members gathered donations from local businesses. Leaders then bought all necessities, members then installed landscaping with help from leaders. This is important because it truly shows the community outreach and service aspect of 4-H.

Iowa County 4-H Dairy Judging Team Places at Area Animal Science Days in Grant County

Rockwell Mills 4-H Club Makes Valentine Card and Flower Delivery

4-H members from the Rockwell Mills 4-H Club in Dodgeville, WI, delivered flowers and home-made Valentine cards to residents at Stonefield Apartment Homes. We enjoyed surprising them and loved being able to make their day extra special!!

Five Point 4-H Club Bowling Outing Brings Members Together

On Sunday, March 29, the Five Point 4-H Club—leaders, members, and families—gathered for a fun-filled bowling outing at Midway Lanes. The event served as a wonderful opportunity to welcome new members and their families while giving everyone a chance to relax, connect, and enjoy time together. It was a great day of laughter and friendly competition for all who attended.

Livestock Quiz Bowl & Skillathon

Seventeen 4-H members from Iowa County recently competed at the State Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon Contest held at the UW-Madison campus on Saturday March 21st.  Livestock Quiz Bowl is a quiz competition where all the questions are about beef, sheep, swine, and meat goat topics, and students use a buzzer in order to answer the questions.  Skillathon contest is made up of a written quiz and learning stations such as breed identification, feed identification, equipment identification as well as some team activities such as demonstrating evaluation skills.  All of the participants did a great job and had fun while expanding their knowledge of the livestock industry. The Senior team placed 3rd overall in the Skillathon Contest. Individually, Cole Schauff placed 6th, Riley Sennhenn placed 9th, and Grant Schauff placed 10th. The Red Junior team placed 4th overall in Quiz Bowl and 5th overall in the Skillathon Contest. The Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon teams were coached by Livia Doyle and Mary Schauff with assistance from Dr. Debbie Heth and Casey and Morgan Lobdell. For more information about Livestock Quiz Bowl & Skillathon reach out to the Extension Office at 608.930.9850.