Walworth County Extension reports new 4‑H club, camps at capacity and Spanish‑language pilot

Extension staff updated the Walworth County Agriculture and Extension Education Committee on 4‑H activities May 20, reporting new club development, program metrics and outreach plans.

A presenter described a partnership with the Beulah Family Homestead to develop a community 4‑H club serving students from Milwaukee County; staff estimated the club would reach about 60 students. County 4‑H clubs are undergoing a bylaws review to align with the state template; staff said drafts will be submitted and feedback provided so updated bylaws are ready by the Oct. 1 program year start.

Staff highlighted volunteer recognition efforts (thank‑you cards and wildflower seeds), a third Livestock League event held at the county government center, and a statewide newspaper insert noting roughly 1,100 4‑H clubs and more than 26,000 volunteers in 2023. The committee heard that 4‑H camp registration filled on March 1; staff trained 26 teen counselors and about 22 chaperones and reported a meet‑the‑counselor event with approximately 55 attendees.

Program staff also described outreach in classrooms (22 classrooms across 14 schools participated in a recent science lab program) and a pilot Spanish 4‑H club with six young participants that includes cultural and language activities.

Staff asked committee members to share suggestions for bylaws and programming; no formal policy action was taken on these items at the May 20 meeting.

The committee will receive further updates as drafts of bylaws and program plans are finalized.