4-H Programs

2025 Summer Youth Programs

Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity

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.

This summer, 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.

___________________________________________________

Cat Project Meeting – CANCELLED

Unfortunately, the cat project meeting is cancelled for this evening. We will get a date rescheduled soon.

🐾🐱 Calling All Cat Lovers! 🐱🐾
Join us for the Marathon County 4-H Cat Project Meeting!

πŸ“… Date: June 17th
πŸ•• Time: 6-7:30
πŸ“ Location: Marathon County 4-H/Extension Office – New Location @ 1100 Lake View Dr

Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or just starting out, this meeting is packed with fun activities, helpful tips, and everything you need to know to prepare for the fair! Bring your questions, ideas, and your love for cats! 🐈✨

Everyone is welcome β€” even if you don’t plan to show a cat at fair but want to learn how to properly care for them. You do not need to own a cat to be able to show in the cat project at fair. Come learn, share, and make some new friends!

Sign up for this workshop at Cat Project June 2025

___________________________________________________

Summer Foodie and Arts Days

πŸŽ¨πŸ“ Calling All Creative Youth – Foodies & Artists! πŸ“πŸŽ¨

Join us this July for Foodie & Art Days β€” a fun-filled adventure where youth get to create, cook, and express themselves!

πŸ“… Dates: Wednesdays in July
πŸ“ Location: Marathon County 4-H/Extension Office
πŸ‘§πŸ‘¦ Who: Youth who completed 3rd grade and older

Each day will be packed with:
πŸ₯ͺ Hands-on cooking fun using fresh, local ingredients
🎨 Creative art projects to spark imagination
🀝 New friends and lots of summer smiles!

Spaces are limited β€” don’t miss out on this deliciously creative experience!
Come for the morning or the afternoon – OR STAY FOR BOTH!

πŸ“² Register now at: Foodie Summer 2025

___________________________________________________

Rabbit Project Meeting

πŸŽ‰ Calling All Youth Interested in Rabbits! πŸ°

Join us for a fun and educational evening all about rabbits!

πŸ“… Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
πŸ•• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
πŸ“ Location: 1100 Lake View Drive, Wausau, WI Conference Center

Whether you’re new to rabbits or already raising one, this event is for you! Bring your rabbit along if you’d like to practice showmanship. πŸ…
We’ll have several knowledgeable rabbit enthusiasts on hand to answer your questions and help you improve your skills.

βœ… Open to all youth in Marathon and Lincoln Counties
βœ… Hands-on learning
βœ… Great for 4-H members and animal lovers alike!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun with fellow rabbit fans!

___________________________________________________

Summer Camp

πŸŒžπŸŽ‰ Join Us for 4-H Summer Day Camp! πŸŽ‰πŸŒž
Calling all youth currently in 5K through 3rd grade – get ready for a day full of fun, friends, and unforgettable 4-H adventures! 🐾🌿🎨

πŸ—“οΈ Date: July 15
πŸ•˜ Time: 9am-3pm
πŸ“ Location: Marathon County 4-H Office/Conference Center

Kids will enjoy hands-on activities, outdoor games, crafts, and more – all designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and confidence!
Lunch, Snacks and Supplies provided
Wear play clothes and bring your sense of adventure!
Space is limited – don’t miss out!

Register today at: 4-H Summer Camp 2025

__________________________________________________

Dairy Clipping Clinic

Let’s learn how to get your dairy animal show-ring ready! Join us for a hands-on workshop where we’ll cover clipping techniques, grooming tips, and what it takes to present your cow with confidence. Whether you’re new to showing or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a great opportunity to learn from experienced mentors and ask questions.

Date: July 12
Time: 10am
Location: Heeg Bros. Dairy LLC – 101462 County Rd P Unity WI 54488
Grades: 3rd and older (as of Jan 1, 2025)
Register by July 9th @ Dairy Clipping Clinic

Thank you, Heeg Brothers Farms, for leading this workshop. Hope to see you there!

___________________________________________________

Summer Youth Theater Camp

🎭 Calling All Young Actors! 🌟

Join us for an unforgettable week of creativity, fun, and theater magic at the Summer Youth Theater Camp featuring “Hansel & Gretel” β€” presented in partnership with Missoula Children’s Theater!

πŸ‘« Open to all community youth entering grades 1-12 in Sept 2025
πŸ“… Camp Dates: August 11-15, 2025
🎟 Final Performance: August 15 @ 6pm

No prior experience needed β€” just bring your imagination! In one action-packed week, campers will audition, rehearse, and perform a full musical production of Hansel & Gretel with guidance from professional actors and directors.

🌟 Build confidence
🌟 Make new friends
🌟 Learn theater skills
🌟 Shine on stage!

Spots are limited, so register today and be part of the magic!
πŸ‘‰ More Information @ Summer Theater 2025

___________________________________________________

Horse Project

Whoa there, 4-H Horse Friends! 🐎
Saddle up for another chance to trot through patterns, polish your rail work, and shine in showmanship!
Huge thanks to the Taking the Reins 4-H Club for wrangling up this awesome educational event.

Giddy-up and contact Tracey to register at 715-849-8835
June 21 from 1-3pm
Marathon Park Horse Area
$15 per participant
Helmets Required 🐴✨

___________________________________________________

Horse Project Clinic

When: July 17, 2025 from 5 – 7:30 PM
Where: Wausau Boot & Saddle Club grounds
Who: Free to all 4h Horse project members. This is the last opportunity to have the mandatory safety check completed to be able to show at the WVF. (See Premium Book for that information)
What: Showmanship, Horsemanship, and Gymkhana safety and tips. We will have clinicians who actively show their horses in these events helping you improve your performance and experience.Β 

___________________________________________________

Mosaic Garden Tiles

🌿🎨 Calling All Creative Youth in Grades 3+! 🎨🌿
Join us for a fun and hands-on Mosaic Garden Tile Workshop! 🧱🌼
Get ready to design your own unique garden tile using colorful mosaic pieces. No experience neededβ€”just bring your imagination and get ready to create something beautiful for your garden or home!

πŸ“… Date: July 13th
πŸ•’ Time: 1-4pm
πŸ“ Location: MC 4-H Office/Conference Center
🎟️ Open to youth in grades 3 and up!

Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this creative adventure! Registration closes on June 12th or when the spots fill.
πŸ‘‰ Register here: 4H Garden Tiles 2025

Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity

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.

Support Extension