By the Numbers:

2,454 FoodWIse Nutrition Contacts

681 Oneida County 4-H Contacts

477 Positive Youth Development Contacts

611 Health & Well-Being Contacts

231 Office Contacts

TOTAL 4,454 Educational Contacts

About

UW-Madison Division of Extension connects the people of the state with the resources and research of the University. Extension educators teach, learn, lead, and serve; transforming lives and communities by applying research, knowledge, and resources that address and meet local and statewide needs.

Oneida County Extension educators provided leadership and support for the following programs in 2025:

Oneida County 4-H

Northwoods Explorers 4-H Club

Junior Leaders Club

Pen Pal Program

Lego Robotics Program

RoboCamp

Youth Summer Theater Program

Oneida County Youth in Governance

Youth Creative Arts & Communication Expo

State-Wide Programs: Space Camp and Fall Forum

Positive Youth Development

Oneida County Teen Court

Raise Your Voice Clubs

Coalition Work

Health and Well Being

Sit & Be Fit Program – Minocqua

Be Well Series – News 12, Up North at 4

Nutrition Education

Wellness Education

Active Schools Fitness Program

StrongBodies

FoodWIse Nutrition Education

Nutrition Lessons at SDR

Rhine Haus Nutrition Education

Healthy Eating at Rhinelander Head Start

Hodag Food Wagon

Rainbow of Fruits & Veggies Event – Three Lakes

Health Event – Hodag Dome

Positive Youth Development

StrongBodies

Part 1: Health and Well Being

In 2025, Oneida County Extension’s Health and Well-Being Educator, Laurel Parins, delivered innovative programs and resources to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being for all ages. From evidence-based fitness classes and fall prevention workshops to nutrition education and stress management sessions, our initiatives have reached thousands of community members. Through partnerships, outreach efforts, and volunteer engagement, we continue to build healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.

Be Well Up North at 4:

In partnership with News 12 – Up North, Extension continued its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles through a monthly Health and Well-Being segment featured on Up North at 4. These segments, led by Laurel Parins, provided practical strategies and expert guidance to help viewers incorporate wellness into their daily lives.

Each month, Laurel highlighted timely topics designed to support physical, mental, and emotional health. Segments included:

Summer Unplug – Highlighting the benefits of reducing screen time for mental well-being.

Floor Workouts – Demonstrating simple exercises that can be done indoors or outdoors for strength and flexibility.

Meal Prep Made Easy – Offering tips for planning nutritious, budget-friendly meals.

Immune System & Hydration – Sharing strategies to boost immunity and maintain hydration.

Stress-Free Morning Routines – Helping viewers start their day with calm and focus.

Mindfulness Practices – Encouraging techniques to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Healthy Summer Holidays – Promoting balance during seasonal celebrations.

In Our Communities

• The Sit & Be Fit program promotes physical and mental well-being. It offers low-impact exercise classes for older adults, including strength exercises, yoga poses, and mobility exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and to reduce injury risks.
• A Winter Wellness presentation was facilitated, that focused on nourishing bones through seasonal nutrition and movement.
• The StrongBodies program coordinated strength training sessions for older adults, improving their strength, balance, and flexibility. Participants also received nutrition and health education, fostering social connections and supporting overall well-being. This program is available to community members in-person and online.
• An interactive session on balanced eating, hydration, and mindful food choices to support energy, vitality, and overall well-being was held for older adults at Milestone Senior Living.
• In partnership with the Oneida County Health Department, a wellness education session was held for department employees that equipped them with the tools needed to recognize, understand, and manage burnout and stress, so that they could sustain their well-being, improve workplace satisfaction, and better support themselves and colleagues.

In Our Schools

• A new evidence-based moving and training program designed to help schools and youth programs create active, healthy environments where all kids can thrive, has been implemented at MHLT. The curriculum focuses on integrating physical activity throughout the day – before, during, and after school – through fun, inclusive movement opportunities. The program will equip educators and leaders with practical strategies, games, and activities that build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong healthy habits.
• Parins attended a training session for Mind Matters, a mental health program for youth that will build resilience and emotional well-being, with plans to implement the program into local schools.

2025 Partnerships

• MHLT Elementary School
• Oneida County Human Services
• News Channel 12 – Up North at 4
• Minocqua Public Library
• Milestone Senior Living
• ADRC – Rhinelander
• Ascension Lutheran Church

Impressive Outreach: Looking at the Metrics

• The Up North at 4 show on News Channel 12 reaches an average of 11,000 households per day and has roughly 148,000 website views in a month! Each time Parins leads the Be Well segment, she is reaching those audiences!
• Each month, Parins writes an article for the ADRC monthly newsletter, sharing nutrition tips and healthy living strategies. This newsletter is read by 1,400 people each month!

How We Support Oneida County

• Strength in Motion: Sit and Be Fit Program
• Seasonal Presentation: Winter Wellness
• Nutrition at Milestone Senior Living: Healthy Aging
• Building Strong Communities: StrongBodies
• Mental Health in Schools: Mind Matters
• Up North at 4: Be Well Series
• Workplace Wellness: Stress and Burnout Management
• Active Schools: Moving Toward Health
• We strive to make our programs as accessible as possible by offering most of them free of charge. For those that aren’t entirely free, we use a donation-based model to keep participation affordable.

Part 2: FoodWIse Nutrition Education

Inspiring Families to Thrive

At the Northwoods YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, FoodWIse educators connected with families to share practical nutrition tips and resources. Through interactive displays and take-home materials, attendees learned simple ways to make healthy choices every day.

Rainbow Kabobs at the Library

In partnership with the Demmer Public Library, FoodWIse hosted a vibrant summer event promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. Families sampled fresh produce and created colorful “rainbow kabobs,” learning that healthy eating can be both fun and delicious.

A Recipe for Better Health

FoodWIse promotes healthy eating, active lifestyles, and community environments for low-income families through nutrition education at various levels. Federally funded by SNAP-Ed and EFNEP, Oneida County FoodWIse Educators collaborate with schools and community organizations to enhance diet quality, physical activity, food management, safety, and nutrition security.

Building Healthy Habits

FoodWIse brought nutrition education to local schools, empowering students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices. At Crescent Elementary, 164 students across nine classrooms participated in a five-week series of 45 lessons—totaling 1,575 minutes of instruction. Topics included the five food groups, mindful eating, food safety, farm-to-plate connections, and limiting sugary drinks. Students explored new foods, learned to read nutrition labels, and discovered the importance of healthy growth and development.

At NCES, three classrooms and 45 students engaged in interactive lessons that reinforced these concepts, encouraging kids to try new fruits and vegetables and build lifelong healthy habits. Through hands-on activities and fun learning experiences, these programs helped create a foundation for better health—one classroom at a time.

90 lessons were taught to 180 students in 52 plus classroom hours.

Beans & Brownies

At Rhine Haus, participants discovered the power of beans in a fun and flavorful way! Through an interactive nutrition lesson, they learned about the health benefits of legumes and even whipped up homemade black bean brownies—a delicious twist that proved healthy eating can be tasty too.

Strengthening Community

FoodWIse proudly submitted an application for the UW-Madison Community University Partnership Award to support the Hodag Food Wagon. This recognition celebrates impactful collaborations that bring university resources and community needs together—helping ensure families have access to nutritious meals and education.

Eating the Rainbow at Head Start

At Rhinelander Head Start, 18 young learners embarked on a colorful journey to better health. Through hands-on activities, they tasted fruits and vegetables in every shade—from red strawberries to green snap peas—while learning why variety matters. These fun, interactive lessons helped children build positive associations with nutritious foods early in life.

Nourishing Kids All Summer

During July and August, the Hodag Food Wagon distributed an average of 165 meal bags weekly to children across Oneida County. Each distribution included hands-on nutrition education and cooking activities, empowering youth and families with skills and resources to prepare healthy meals at home. The Hodag Food Wagon Program distributed 1,320 food bags!

Healthy Choices at Hodag Dome

At a community health event, FoodWIse educators engaged families with interactive displays on MyPlate, healthy snacks, and tips for picky eaters. Participants enjoyed preparing a nutritious snack of bananas, yogurt, and granola—turning education into a tasty experience.

Part 3: Oneida County 4-H

Oneida County 4-H Impact

• Lego Robotics – Three Lakes & Rhinelander
• Oneida County 4-H RoboCamp
• Oneida County 4-H Youth in Governance
• Northwoods Explorers 4-H Community Club
• Creative Arts & Communication Expo
• Welcome & Recognition Event
• Youth Summer Theater Program
• Junior Leaders Club
• Homeschool Workshops
• Service-Learning Opportunities
• Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association
• State Program Facilitation
• Volunteer Training & Support

153 Members of Oneida County 4-H shows a 14 percent increase since 2024.

Lego Robotics

Oneida County 4-H LEGO Robotics sparked STEM excitement for youth in grades 2–8 through hands-on robotics challenges. Guided by trained volunteers, teams in Three Lakes and Rhinelander explored real-world problems, built creative solutions, and strengthened skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation—fostering confidence and a passion for science and technology.

EMPOWERING VOLUNTEERS

To make 4-H LEGO Robotics a success, Oneida County equipped volunteers in Rhinelander and Three Lakes with training and ongoing support. Sessions covered program basics, youth safety, and strategies for creating positive STEM environments.

21 Adult Volunteers participated in Oneida County 4-H in 2025, a 50 percent increase since 2024.

Robo-Camp

Oneida County 4-H’s weeklong Robo-Camp gave youth entering grades 4–5 an unforgettable STEM adventure. Thanks to local sponsors, this hands-on experience blended robotics, engineering, art, and outdoor fun—sparking creativity and a love for technology.

Youth Voices in Local Government

The Oneida County Youth in Governance Program returned this year, giving teens a powerful voice in local decision-making. With mentorship from County Board Supervisors and support from UW-Madison Extension and 4-H, participants attended meetings, toured the courthouse, and learned parliamentary procedure—gaining firsthand insight into how policies shape communities. Mentors received training on program goals and youth protection, ensuring a welcoming environment. This revitalized initiative builds confidence, leadership, and civic responsibility, preparing the next generation of informed, engaged leaders for Oneida County.

Northwoods Explorers: Learning through Service

In 2025, the Northwoods Explorers 4-H Club embraced service projects that built empathy, leadership, and community pride. Youth partnered with the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry to help families in need and visited Headwaters Inc. to learn about supporting adults with disabilities—promoting awareness and inclusion. They created tie blankets for donation, brought fair fun to nursing home residents with games and animal visits, and teamed up with Master Gardeners to beautify downtown Rhinelander Plaza. Each effort strengthened community connections and showcased 4-H values of compassion and leadership.

There are 35 active club members, an increase of 23 percent in 2025.

Youth Summer Theater Program

In partnership with Missoula Children’s Theatre and Nicolet College, 54 youth in grades 1–12 brought Hansel and Gretel to life during a week-long performing arts camp. Held at the Lakeside Center on the Nicolet College campus, this new collaboration expanded the program’s reach and impact. Through the magic of theater, participants built confidence, honed communication skills, and celebrated creativity, teamwork, and community spirit.

Promoting Inclusion Through ASL

The Northwoods Explorers 4-H Club’s ASL Committee promoted inclusion by introducing American Sign Language into club activities. Youth and adults learned basic signs and brainstormed ways to weave ASL into future meetings—embracing 4-H’s “learning by doing” mission while fostering communication, leadership, and a welcoming environment for all.

Junior Leaders

Junior Leaders made a big impact in 2025 by creating spaces for connection, learning, and service. They hosted Discovery Day Adventure—a free outdoor event featuring fishing, scavenger hunts, and creative arts—and organized a welcoming space for youth ages 6–17 with games and snacks to promote healthy habits and reduce isolation. When they spotted litter at Hodag Park, they led a cleanup, proving the power of youth-driven leadership and responsibility.

Statewide Opportunities

Two Oneida County 4-H members soared to new heights at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Through hands-on experiences in rocketry, robotics, and astronomy, they strengthened STEM skills, built confidence, and formed lasting friendships. This unique adventure expanded their horizons beyond Wisconsin, sparking curiosity and inspiring future possibilities in science and technology.

Part 4: Positive Youth Development

Empowering Youth Through Restorative Justice and Civic Engagement

In 2025, Oneida County Teen Court provided transformative learning experiences for youth panelists and justice-involved peers. Highlights included a day-long training where panelists explored restorative justice principles, practiced interviewing techniques, and connected with a social worker to better understand community resources. Panelists also began presenting to families during intake sessions, ensuring they understand the Teen Court process and encouraging alternatives to fines and juvenile records.

Youth leadership shone through a successful $2,500 grant application to the Wisconsin Law Foundation, funding uniforms and free services for respondents facing challenges like truancy or THC use. Educational opportunities extended beyond the courtroom—panelists met with the new Circuit Court judge for career insights and participated in a Supreme Court candidate debate viewing with Judge Mary Sowinski, gaining firsthand knowledge of judicial roles and election processes.

Justice-involved youth also engaged in meaningful projects, such as creating an anxiety-awareness poster that now educates peers across their school. These initiatives reflect Teen Court’s commitment to fostering responsibility, civic awareness, and personal growth among Oneida County youth.

$2,500 Grant Secured

2 Judicial Engagement Opportunities

30 Teen Court Panelists

36 Youth and 39 Parents Reached

36 Teen Court Cases Heard

Aligning Alternative Education with Academic Standards

Partnered with Lakeland Union High School staff to integrate lessons from an alternative education classroom into the school’s portal system. This collaboration ensures administrators can align the program with academic standards, paving the way for sustainable funding and enabling students to earn a regular high school diploma rather than a GED. By bridging alternative education with core requirements, we are expanding opportunities for student success.

Bringing Trauma Awareness to Our Community

Hosted a screening of The Wisdom of Trauma for staff and participants of the Northern Lakes chapter of NAMI, sparking meaningful conversations about trauma and coping strategies. Building on this success, we partnered with Oneida County coalitions, Nicolet Area Technical College, Crandon School District, and the Waaswaaganing Institute for Indigenous Teaching and Learning to plan multiple screenings for adults and older teens. These events aim to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and traumatic experiences. Four sessions will provide targeted education for health professionals and small groups, while three larger screenings will engage the broader community—potentially paired with resource fairs to connect attendees with local support services.

Raise Your Voice: Youth Leading Mental Health Awareness

In 2025, Raise Your Voice Clubs at Rhinelander and Lakeland Union High Schools empowered teens to advocate for mental health and build resilience through creative outreach and education. Members participated in a Madison field trip for mental health training, equipping them to share strategies with peers. They hosted multiple Open Mic Nights—including a June event at ArtStart themed “Connections”—to foster belonging and reduce stigma around mental health. Club members also partnered with a social worker for a downtown Youth Night, creating positive social spaces for teens.

Youth leadership extended to media and campus initiatives. Members appeared in a live WJFW TV interview, reaching 55,000 viewers to promote their mission and upcoming events. At Lakeland Union High School, students decorated a patio with uplifting messages to create a supportive atmosphere. Rhinelander members completed suicide prevention training using the Question, Persuade, Refer method and contributed ideas for a countywide Suicide Prevention Summit, ensuring youth voices shaped strategies for coaches and youth workers.

Through these efforts, Raise Your Voice Clubs strengthened protective factors, encouraged open conversations, and inspired community engagement in youth mental health.

Empowering Students Through Resilience Education

Collaborated with Student Services at Lakeland Union High School to introduce Mind Matters, a 12-week curriculum designed to strengthen coping skills and foster resilience. This evidence-based program helps students understand how their brains work while building self-awareness, improving focus, enhancing relationships, and developing strategies for goal setting and stress management. By equipping youth with these essential tools, we are supporting their ability to thrive academically and personally.

Part 5: Office Administration

Empowering Youth and Supporting Our Community in 2025

In 2025, Oneida County Extension delivered a dynamic mix of youth development programs and essential community services, all backed by the dedicated coordination and administrative expertise of our office manager. From statewide opportunities like American Spirit East to beloved local programs such as the Youth Summer Theater Program, LEGO Robotics, RoboCamp, and the Youth Creative Arts & Communication Expo, we created spaces for learning, creativity, and leadership. Beyond youth programming, our office provided vital support services throughout the year, including soil testing, insect identification, horticulture and agriculture consultations, and dial pressure gauge testing, among others—ensuring residents had access to trusted resources and expert guidance. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and community well-being across Oneida County.

Keeping It All Running: The Role of the Office Manager

The Oneida County Extension Office Manager ensures the office runs efficiently by handling a wide range of responsibilities. Daily tasks include managing daily office operations, maintaining records and databases, overseeing inventory, ordering supplies, and handling financial processes such as budgeting, bookkeeping, invoice processing, accounts payable and receivable, and cash receipting. The role also supports staff by fostering a collaborative work environment and assisting with program planning and event coordination. In addition, the office manager contributes to marketing and communication efforts for local 4-H and Positive Youth Development programs, as well as statewide initiatives through UW-Madison Division of Extension. This includes outreach to families, partners, community organizations, media outlets, and businesses. By troubleshooting challenges and streamlining processes, the office manager helps maintain smooth operations and supports the success of Extension programs throughout Oneida County.

The Office Manager Supported the Following Programs in 2025:

• American Spirit East
• Youth Summer Theater Program
• Youth Creative Arts & Communication Expo
• Oneida County 4-H LEGO Robotics
• Oneida County 4-H Robo-Camp
• Welcome & Recognition Event
• Oneida County Youth in Governance
• Oneida County Teen Court
• Oneida County 4-H Junior Leaders
• StrongBodies
• FoodWIse
• Health and Well-Being Programs

Part 6: Our Partners

Part 7: Our Sponsors

• Rhinelander Community Foundation
• Three Lakes Community Foundation
• WPS Foundation
• PrintPack
• Town & Country Engineering
• Walmart – Rhinelander
• The Hodag Store
• Lallemand Bio-Ingredients USA, LLC
• LMS Equipment
• The Wisconsin Law Foundation

Thanks to the generous support of our local sponsors, Oneida County 4-H programs not only continued but thrived in 2025. Their financial contributions provided the resources to expand opportunities for youth through signature programs like the Youth Summer Theater Program and the Oneida County 4-H LEGO Robotics initiative.

In addition, a grant from the Wisconsin Law Foundation elevated Teen Court by funding new uniforms, SWAG, and innovative sanction programs—creating meaningful educational experiences that help youth learn, grow, and turn challenges into opportunities.

Part 8: Financial Overview

The following provided financial support to Extension Oneida County in 2025:

• Oneida County – $139,381
• Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association – $1,208
• Community Donations – $2,735
• Revenue – $5,935
• Grants – $7,115
• UW-Madison – $62,795
• FW SNAP Ed Grant – $90,208