Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from our members and families. Use the links directly below to quickly navigate to topics that interest you.
Club Participation
We are new. What should my family focus on during our first year?
Don’t worry about doing everything at once. Focus on attending meetings, participating in a few activities, trying projects that interest your child, meeting other families, and having fun. The first year is about learning, exploring opportunities, and becoming part of the 4‑H community. We highly encourage adult volunteers to participate after their first full 4-H year.
How do I know what club events and activities are coming up?
We strongly encourage members and families to attend club meetings whenever possible. Meetings are where members learn about upcoming events, project opportunities, service activities, and important deadlines. They are also a great opportunity to connect with other 4-H families, develop leadership skills, and stay engaged in club activities.
How can my family stay involved throughout the year?
Families are encouraged to attend club activities, support community service projects, volunteer at events, assist with fundraising efforts, and help members achieve their project goals.
What are the club roles?
A 4-H club consists of a variety of people who work together to provide youth access to safe learning environments. The
Kirchhayn Trotters club roles are:
- General Club Leader is responsible for general oversight of the club, supporting youth officers, and communicating with members and 4-H Youth Development Education Staff.
- Key Club Leader is a volunteer responsible for organizing and conducting special activities to support the general leader. In our club, there are specific leaders for enrollment, fair entry, community service activities and others. For a list of who the current volunteer key leaders are please click here.
- Project Leader is a volunteer who helps 4-H members explore a particular project area. They organize meetings and facilitate hands on learning for their club. For a list of the current volunteer project leaders, please click here.
- Club Officers are youth members elected into position at the September club meeting. These youth develop leadership skills by making decisions on the direction the club is headed. Each year, the new officers attend a club officer meeting to discuss what the goals are for the year. Here we discuss what is working and what may need to be tweaked for better success in the club.
- Youth Leader are typically older youth wanting to build leadership skills and increase responsibility. Youth leaders can be involved on the club, county and state level. Youth leaders are asked to take an active role in teaching younger members as a project leader, club officer or committee chairperson.
- Members are youth in third grade through one year after high school graduation who participate in a local 4-H club. Members must meet the club membership requirements to remain in good standing with a 4-H club.
- Parents and/or guardians are very important to the success a child will have in the 4-H program and are encouraged to attend club meetings, project meetings and countywide events with their child. The parents’ key roles are supporting the child’s commitments, helping the child think through decisions, and seeing the child reach his/her goal. Parents are encouraged to get involved and take on volunteer roles whenever
possible. For more information about parent involvement, please see “Parent” topic further down on this frequently asked questions page. - 4-H Youth Development Educator is the county leadership position hired by the Cooperative Extension
office of the University of Wisconsin. Support for 4-H programs is a joint effort of local county government,
the University of Wisconsin-Extension, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Leadership Opportunities
How can I become a club officer?
Members interested in serving as a club officer can participate in annual officer elections held in September.
What do club officers do?
Club officers help organize meetings, lead activities, communicate with members, maintain records, and support club operations throughout the year.
Can younger members become leaders?
Yes! Leadership development begins at every age level in 4‑H. Members can serve on committees, assist with club activities, and take on increasing responsibilities as they grow.
In addition to serving as club officers, youth can become involved in projects that interest them and support project leaders in planning activities, helping younger members, and sharing their knowledge. These experiences help members build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and grow in areas they are passionate about.
As members gain experience, they may choose to pursue additional leadership opportunities within the club, Washington County 4‑H, or even at the state level, developing valuable skills that will benefit them both in 4‑H and beyond.
Kirchhayn Trotters 4-H Requirements
What are 4-H club membership requirements?
Each club has different membership requirements based on the needs of the club. Requirements for membership within the Kirchhayn Trotters 4-H Club are:
- Dues – Club dues are $10 per member, with a cap of $25 for families with more than 3 children participating
- Attendance – Attend at least 50% of the club general meetings
- Committee – we ask that each member actively participate in at least one committee.
- Fundraiser or Community Service – in addition to one committee, we ask that each member participate at least
in either one fund raiser or community service. - Demonstration – We ask that each member teach others in a demonstration in a project. This can be done one
of three ways. - Fair – Each member is required to exhibit at the Washington County Fair.
- Year-end Reflection – A year-end reflection is due at the club level on August 15 each year. This can be done in a
variety of ways
What if I do not meet club requirements?
If a member does not meet club requirements in the current 4-H year, there is no penalty. However, members who do not meet the membership requirements:
- will not be allowed to receive the year pin
- will not be awarded any club funding or county awards including funds worked at the county food stand
- will not receive their Washington County Fair Season Pass reimbursed
For further details on each of the above requirements, please continue reading the frequently asked questions page.
What are dues and what are they used for?
Only a small portion of the club dues actually stay within the club funds. Dues include payments to WI 4-H Foundation, Washington County 4-H Leaders Association, the Washington County treasurer for program funding at the state and county levels. We also pay for an insurance policy for all members and leaders. The rest of the funds (about $1.50 per member) goes into the Kirchhayn Trotters club fund to be used for club activities.
What are club general meetings?
Club meetings are held monthly, usually consisting of a short business discussion along with recreational and educational opportunities. During club meetings, youth strengthen life skills like decision-making, public speaking, and cooperation, which will help them become effective citizens and leaders in our community. Our club meetings are led by our officers, who are youth members elected into position at the September club meeting. Members are encouraged to vote, make motions, and participate in the business meetings. As a club, we also work together on community service activities; meet new friends; and most importantly, have lots of fun.
After the business discussion, we typically have recreational/educational activities. These opportunities are not required, but are a great way to meet other members in the club. The Kirchhayn Trotters activities are usually as follows:
- October – Awards
- November – Potluck Dinner
- December – Holiday Party
- January – Blanket Making
- February – Valentine Party
- March – St. Patty’s Day Party
- April – Comfort Bags
- May – Cinco de Mayo
- June – Dairy Month
- July – Project Fair
- August – Year-end Celebration
- September – Election of new officers
When and where are club general meetings?
The Kirchhayn Trotters 4-H Club generally meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2881 Division Rd., Jackson, WI 53037. Any adjustments to our meeting schedule are communicated in advance. The primary exceptions are our August and November meetings, which begin at 6:00 p.m. The November meeting also includes our annual club potluck dinner.
What if I can’t attend a meeting?
It is the expectation that once joining the Kirchhayn Trotters 4-H Club, members will actively participate in all club general meetings. We understand that not every family can make every club meeting. However, to remain in good standing with the club, each member must be present for at least 5 club meetings. If you are unable to attend a meeting due to a valid excuse (such as sickness or an important school or family event), members will be allowed excused. The member must contact the general leader up to the day of the meeting to be excused. Notifications after the meeting will not be considered excused. Any member with three unexcused absences from club meetings during the 4-H year will not be in good standing with the club. Of course, there are always exceptions made for extenuating circumstances such as a member going away to college or extended illness. Such exceptions are at the discretion of the general leader, and participation in other club activities will be required for membership in good standing.
What are club community services?
Our club feels it is very important to give back to the community. As such, we have many opportunities during the year to support those who need our help. Some examples are: making blankets as part of the January meeting, food pantry donations, caroling at a local nursing care facility, and more. You will hear about these events at the club meetings.
How does the club raise funds?
In order to support the many activities that we do at the club, as well as funding of educational opportunities and more, we will occasionally need to raise fund through a variety of ways. Some of these may include:
- Fruit and Nut Sale – This is actually a county 4-H fundraiser, however the club receives 10% of members who sell fruit, nuts, or cheese on behalf of the Kirchhayn Trotters. The fruit sale runs from October to November. Members should hand in their sale forms and payments (made out to Kirchhayn Trotters) at the November club meeting. The club treasurer then writes one large check for our club to the county. Pick up of fruit is mid-December at the Ziegler building at Washington County Fair Park.
- Brat Fry – Once a year we will reserve a date at the Fox Brother’s Piggly Wiggly in Jackson to work at the Brat Shack. This date fluctuates based on what works best for the club.
- 4-H Food Stand – The Leader’s Association runs the 4-H Food Stand. This stand operates throughout the year for varying activities held at Washington County Fair Park. We will be asked by the county committee if there are opportunities for us to serve. Participants must be 4th grade or older. Adults will also be needed to man the grills and hot food items.
What is a club demonstration?
A 4‑H demonstration is an opportunity for members to teach others about a topic they enjoy or a skill they have learned. Demonstrations help members build confidence, practice public speaking, and share their knowledge with fellow 4‑H members. Demonstrations are not meant to be intimidating. The goal is to help members develop communication skills in a supportive and encouraging environment while learning how to organize and present information clearly.
There are three opportunities at the club level to give a
demonstration:
- Club General Meeting – During our club meetings, we will reserve space to those who want to give a demonstration. In this setting, talk about a project made or make a project in front of the audience. The demonstration should be about 3-4 minutes leaving time for questions after speaking. To sign up for a spot at a club general meeting, sign-up is available on Sign-Up Genius.
- Club Project Meeting – If the member is in a club leader-guided project, we give the option to do a demonstration at a project meeting. This is a better setting if the demonstration will be more detailed and needs more time. If choosing this option, please be sure to have the project leader sign-off so that the member receives credit for the demonstration.
- Club Project Fair – The project fair is a less formal way to give a demonstration, and is designed to be more of a conversation regarding a project made. The “fair” is an opportunity to bring an item that you will be taking to the Washington County Fair later in the month and simply talk about it in a conversation style with other members and adults. We will divide the participants into two groups so that some members are “demonstrating” and other get to walk around. After 20 minutes or so, we switch so those “walking” are now demonstrating. To participate in the club project fair in July, watch for the Sign-up Genius link.
Washington County Fair
What do I need to know about the fair?
The fair is the culmination of the 4-H project year. Because our club is chartered in Washington County, every member enrolled in 4-H must exhibit in at least one project at the Washington County Fair. The Washington County Fair is held on the Tuesday through Sunday of the last full weekend of July, and is located off of Hwy 45 and Pleasant Valley Road. Every member enrolled in 4-H must exhibit at the fair in at least one project. In addition to exhibits, there are many other opportunities for members to support the fair. For more information about the fair, please see the Washington County 4-H website.
What should we as a family do to prepare for the Washington County Fair throughout the 4-H year?
Preparation may include completing project work, maintaining records, finishing exhibits, attending project meetings, and reviewing county fair requirements.
Can parents help members prepare fair exhibits?
Parents play an important role in supporting and encouraging their child’s 4‑H year. However, 4‑H is designed to be youth-led, allowing members to take ownership of their projects and learning experiences. While guidance and assistance are welcomed, members gain the most from completing the work themselves, learning from challenges, and developing the confidence and skills that come from overcoming obstacles.
Projects
How many projects can my child enroll in?
Members may participate in multiple projects based on their interests, time availability, and goals. Many youth choose a combination of animal, leadership, communication, STEM, arts, and community-focused projects.
What projects can I participate in?
4‑H offers a wide variety of projects, including animal science, arts and communication, environmental education, family and consumer sciences, mechanical sciences, plant sciences, leadership, and many more. Members are encouraged to explore projects that spark their interests and help them develop new skills.
How do I choose or change my projects?
Members can select projects that match their interests and goals. If you need to add, remove, or update projects after enrollment, you can make changes through 4HOnline during the enrollment period.
What if my child wants to try a new project?
4‑H encourages members to explore new interests. Members can work with club leaders and project leaders to identify projects that fit their goals and experience level.
Do I need prior experience to participate in a project?
No. Most 4‑H projects are designed to help members learn new skills, regardless of experience level.
Should my child participate in independent project, county-wide project meetings or club project meetings?
All are excellent options, and the choice depends on your family’s preferences and your child’s interests. County-wide project meetings provide opportunities to meet 4‑H members from throughout Washington County and learn alongside youth who share similar interests. Club project meetings offer a smaller setting where members can build stronger connections with fellow club members and often receive more individualized support focused on their specific project goals. Members can choose to participate in both to enjoy the benefits of each experience. For additional information about Washington County 4-H projects, visit their webpage.
There are many projects available in 4-H that our club or Washington County 4-H does not have a leader for. These projects can be self-guided, which means that the member pursues the project independently, directing their own learning utilizing high-quality, research-based literature with support of a parent/guardian.
Awards & Recognition
What is a year-end reflection?
What used to be called a record book, a year-end reflection is a recap of the year by reflecting on events, activities, costs and goals throughout the year. Year-end reflections are due to the club leader by August 15 of each year. There are 4 different year-end reflection options for members to complete in order to receive the fair season wristband reimbursement.
- County Record Book – This is a comprehensive book that encompasses all details of the 4-H year. A calendar of
events, as well as goal setting and 4-H Story are included, as well as goals, skills learned and the financial records
of each project the member is enrolled in. Members who complete this book are eligible for project awards at
the county level, in addition to the club funding awards. - Club Refection Book – This is an easier version of the county book, specifically related to the activities of our
club. A walk through of events and what was learned is covered, and a simplified project sheet is filled out for
each project the member is enrolled in. A short 4-H story can also be included. Members who complete this
book are not eligible for the project awards at the county level, but will receive club funding awards. - Creative Option – This option of a record book is for those who think outside the box. Create a video, slide show,
or interview the general leader. The options are endless, as long as it is about your 4-H year and what you
accomplished. - Cloverbud Book – Specific only to those members that are Cloverbuds, this fill-in-the-blank book is a helpful tool
for Cloverbuds to reflect on what they accomplished during the year.
How can members earn awards and recognition?
Members may earn recognition through project participation, record books, demonstrations, community service, leadership roles, and county or state 4‑H opportunities.
What is the Key Award?
The Key Award is one of Wisconsin 4‑H’s highest youth recognitions, honoring members who demonstrate significant leadership, service, and project involvement over multiple years.
Are scholarships available for older members?
Washington County and Wisconsin 4‑H offer various scholarships, travel experiences, and educational opportunities for eligible members.
Parent Questions
What is expected of parents?
Parents are partners in the 4‑H experience. Supporting attendance, encouraging project completion, volunteering when possible, and staying informed helps members succeed.
Do parents need to volunteer?
While volunteering is not required for every family, parent involvement greatly strengthens the club and provides valuable opportunities for youth.
How do I become a 4‑H volunteer?
Adults who are at least 18 years old and not enrolled as high school students may apply to become Wisconsin 4‑H volunteers. The process includes enrollment, a background check, and volunteer training.
How will 4‑H benefit my child?
4‑H helps youth develop leadership, communication, responsibility, citizenship, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while building confidence and forming lasting friendships.