2026 Summer Youth Programs

Welcome to 4-H in Marathon County! All youth activities are offered by the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Division of Extension – Marathon County, and the Marathon County 4-H Leaders Federation.  Traditionally, 4-H programs happen where ever youth are.  This could be after school, or as a workshop, club, camp, or special event. 4-H programs are offered in a wide variety of formats and places because they’re designed to fit the interests and needs of the diverse young people who live in our rural and urban communities.

We will be offering a variety of programs for all youth in the Marathon Communities, currently in 5K to one year past high school. Some programs have specific ages while others are open to all youth.

Stop back often, we will update as more programs are offered.

Questions?  Contact Holly Luerssen, 4-H Educator, at holly.luerssen@wisc.edu or 715-261-1240 or Mallory McGIvern, 4-H Associate Educator, at mallory.mcgivern@wisc.edu or 715-261-1248.

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2026 Wisconsin Valley Fair Entry Information

Wisconsin Valley Fair entry season is here!

Ready to showcase what you’ve learned in 4-H this year? From livestock to photography, foods to woodworking — now’s the time to get those entries submitted!

The updated Premium Book will be available by 5/26. Be sure to double check each department for possible changes and read carefully before entering. See https://www.wisconsinvalleyfair.com/p/other/junior-fair for more information.

Showorks Registration: https://wvf.fairwire.com/

Important Deadlines:

ALL animal entries due by June 7 — NO EXCEPTIONS!

All other entries due by June 28

Get those projects polished up and ready for the Wisconsin Valley Fair!

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2 Workshops: Fish Project & Collections Project

🎣🪨📚 Calling all collectors, explorers, and future fair exhibitors!

Join Marathon County 4-H for TWO hands-on workshops designed to help youth create amazing fair exhibits and learn new skills!

🐟 Fish Workshop – July 20th
Learn how to properly care for fish and discover tips and tricks for preparing your fish project for exhibit at the fair. Whether you’re just getting started or already hooked on fishing, this workshop is for you!

🧵 Collections Workshop – July 13th 

Ever wondered how people create those eye-catching collections at the fair? From stamps and rocks to wooden thread spools and other unique treasures, learn how to organize and display your collection in a way that will knock the socks off the judge!

Bring your curiosity, creativity, and fair spirit—we can’t wait to see what you’ll create! 🌟

More information and to register:  https://bit.ly/4HFIshCollection26

⏰ Important reminder! Fair entry deadlines are BEFORE these workshops, so don’t wait to sign up your Fish or Collections exhibit! Even if you’re still learning or finishing your display, make sure to get your entry submitted so you don’t miss the chance to showcase your project at the fair. You can always use the workshops to polish your exhibit and make it even better! 🏆🎣📚

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Paint It Night @ Clay Corner

🎨 Join Marathon County 4-H for an evening of artistic exploration!

Unlock your creative spark and learn new painting techniques with the talented staff at Clay Corner Studio LLC.

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Clay Corner Studio LLC, 1801 Sherman St., Wausau

💲 Fee:
• $10 for enrolled 4-H youth

🖊️ Register by June 10, 2026 at https://bit.ly/painting4-H

Whether you’re an experienced artist or just ready to try something new, this hands-on experience is a great way to express your creativity and have fun with friends! A special thank you to the Marathon County 4-H Leaders Federation for supporting this project. 🍀

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Teen Pottery Series

Join Marathon County 4-H for a series of 3 pottery classes hosted by the Center for Visual Arts (CVA) in Wausau. Learn how to throw on a wheel, trim your creations, and glaze your fired bowls from the experts at the CVA. This series will take place over three (3) evenings, and youth will create a project from start to finish!  Participants must attend all 3 workshops as they build off of each other to get to the finished product.

• Date/Time: Thursdays, July 2, 9, and 16th from 5-7pm (427 N 4th St, Wausau)
• Register by 6/24/2026
• Fee:  $25
• Age: This program is intended for youth in Grade 8 and up for enrolled 4-H youth, but all are welcome

Space is Limited to 8 Participants – Sign up Today!

https://bit.ly/PotteryWorkshop26

Financial Assistance available. Reach out to your local 4-H Educator for more information

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Rabbit Workshop

🐰🌟 4-H Rabbit Workshop – Hop On Over! 🌟🐰

Calling all youth interested in rabbits! Join us for the 4-H Rabbit Workshop on June 15th for a fun and informative hands-on learning experience.

This workshop is designed around your interests and questions. Participants will help decide what topics we cover and what skills we learn during the session, making it a great opportunity to explore the areas of rabbitry that interest you most.

Don’t miss out — it’s going to be a hare-raising good time! 🐰💚

We look forward to learning with you and making this workshop both fun and informative!

Register by June 10th at https://forms.gle/6D4wvJzW8NTxgj8C8

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MC 4-H Night @ the Wausau Woodchucks

Take me out to the ball game… take me out with 4-H!

Join Marathon County 4-H for a fun night at the ballpark as we cheer on the Wausau Woodchucks! Bring your family, invite your friends, and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, community, and classic ballpark fun.

Whether it’s your first game or a summer tradition, this is a great chance to connect with other 4-H families and make memories together.

Stay tuned for ticket details and how to reserve your spot!

Don’t miss it because it’s one, two, three strikes you’re out… if you don’t come out to the game!

Date: June 25, 2026

Game Time: 6:35pm

Cost: $16 for 4-H Members and Volunteers

$32 for Friends and Family (non 4-H participants)

Sign up by June 1st @ https://bit.ly/4HWoodchucks26

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Stop back often, we will update as more programs are offered.

Questions?  Contact Holly Luerssen, 4-H Educator.