Current Trips:

4-H Offers many trips to a variety of ages of youth each year. Youth and families will need to monitor the website and 4HOnline to find when registration opens for specific trips.

Federation 50% Funding Form: Vernon County Parent Leader Federation Funding Application

Upcoming Programming:

Sunday, January 19th: 1:00 PM: Annual Awards Banquet

Each year, clubs prepare a sit-down meal and spend time honoring volunteers and community members who have made a huge difference in our county program. Youth who have graduated from cloverbud to 3rd grade are acknowledged in our graduation ceremony, and youth receive their award disc pins in recognition of work well done. The banquet is open to all!

Please complete your reservation for the banquet before January 13th: https://forms.gle/zYmLmxPnmdTsKWXD8

Menu: Baked potato bar and homemade desserts
Sunday, January 19th @ 1:00 p.m., 2025
La Farge Community Center
Dress Code: Carnival costumes, red and yellow!
Our theme this year wraps up our year-long 100 Year Celebration with a carnival theme! Come one, come all!
Hosted by Seas Branch Smithies and Hillsboro Hotshots

February Club Challenge: Food Drive

All clubs should be participating in the annual Food Pantry Drive. Please work with your leader on collection dates, criteria, etc. If you need an extra copy of the tracking sheet. You can find it here:

https://vernon.extension.wisc.edu/files/2025/01/Food-Pantry-Scavenger-Hunt.docx

Saturday, February 8th: 1:00 PM: Apple Pruning Workshop

Join UW-Extension Crops and Soils Agent, Sam Bibby, on a hands-on lesson on pruning your apple trees, care, and hot apple cider. We will be working on the apple trees planted near the 4-H Office. These trees provide abundant apples that are used for community programming for youth in need, so while learning and practicing, you’re also providing community service. This program is open to adults and youth. Once finished, we will head inside to warm up with apple cider and snacks. 

To register and find out what you need to bring: https://forms.gle/RiU1ERm3p81N5ttQ8

Saturday, March 1st: 8:30 AM: Arts Fest

What is Arts Fest? It’s an opportunity for 4-Hers to come together and celebrate the arts, music, and performance. Arts Fest consists of judging youths’ abilities and is broken up into two distinct entries: fair and fest. The Vernon County Fair in September hosts many competitions but it does not host demonstrations, vocals, piano, and instrumental. Those are done during Arts Fest, along with ‘fun’ or ‘fest’ entries: Cloverbuds, artwork, photography, and forensics speaking. This can make the application process a little confusing, so please read the directions carefully when registering. Entries are due back by Friday, January 24th. Arts Fest will be held on March 1st at the Viroqua Church of Christ.

***New this year! We will offer a $100 prize to the best club play entry, $50 to the second place. *** Work together as a club or project (ex. horse project) to plan and perform a play at Arts Fest. The play must include at least 5 members in your club/project

Rules and Additional Information: https://vernon.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/12/4-H-Arts-Fest-Rules-and-Instructions.pdf

To Register: https://forms.gle/KkqzN4X8QGKdR8S36

Saturday, March 15th: 9:30 AM: Breaking Down A Pig

Work with our Vernon County Extension Agriculture Livestock Agent Beth McIlquham and Joel at Nordik Meats to learn all the steps required to take a full hog carcass and break it down into retail cuts of meat. We have 20 spots available, so first come, first serve. The form will not cut off, so we will email once we’ve filled our slots. We will be working with a real carcass, standing for 1.5 hours in a 50 degree room. There is no limit on age, however, please use your best judgement when registering your youth.

To Register: https://forms.gle/NkpgAXPc8fJpunJq7