Join Saginaw 4-H
Learn more about joining Saginaw 4-H at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/join-saginaw-county-4-h
Choose your OWN path to 4-H membership!
We have many 4-H experiences, programs, and clubs that focus on crafts, science, shooting sports, archery, outdoor education, sewing, baking, gardening, hiking, fishing, camping, and more!
PATHWAYS TO JOIN 4-H
4-H members can enroll in as many Clubs and activities as they wish.
JOIN A 4-H CLUB
1.Look through the club directory.
2.Contact the club leader(s) to inquire about club-specific information.
3.Choose a primary Club(s) to join. Youth can enroll in more than one 4-H Club.
4.Enroll in 4-H Online once you have spoken to the club leader(s).
JOIN AS AN INDPENDENT 4-H MEMBER
Independent 4-H members participate in programs and events outside of a 4-H Club.
1.Enroll in 4-H Online.
2.Select the "Saginaw County 4-H General Experience" as your primary club.
Stay connected to select the 4-H experience you want to join. Sign up when available.
JOIN A 4-H SPIN CLUB – CAMP- EVENT
1.Enroll in 4-H Online.
2.Select the SPIN Club or Event you want to join. Events very through the year.
3.Stay tuned for program details and meeting information from event organizers.
Contact gathstac@msu.edu or call 989-907-6500 for more information on getting involved with 4-H!
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Good sportsmanship is a critical skill for youth. Competitive events and activities provide a great opportunity for youth to learn how to be fair, respectful and gracious –whether they win or lose. Demonstrating good sportsmanship is not just for youth 4-H members: it applies to everyone involved, including volunteers, parents, leaders and others. Youth can learn great lessons about sportsmanship from those whom they admire.
The Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award recognizes one youth member and one adult 4-H leader who exemplify the definition of sportsmanship. The winners have gone above and beyond to lead by example and lend a helping hand to those around them during animal science programs.
The 2023 adult winner of Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award is Jenny Specht, a 4-H leader in Saginaw County. Specht was nominated by a 4-H member in her club, as well as by Michigan State University Extension Saginaw County 4-H Program Coordinator Stacie Gath. Specht is the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to lending her time and talents to Michigan 4-H.
Her nominator, Grace, shared this about her: “Jenny has a huge role in not just my life, but [the lives] of so many others, too. Jenny is one of the role models that have gotten me, along with all the other 4-H kids, far in life… If Jenny Specht isn’t a hero, then I don’t know who is.”
Gath also highlighted the many ways that Specht provides leadership within the Saginaw County 4-H program and Michigan 4-H as a whole. She also shared about Jenny’s lifelong learning as it relates to animal science projects.
Specht inspires her 4-H youth to be good sportsmen in and out of the showring. Her nomination letters speak volumes to the positive impact she has on the youth she works with. Congratulations, Jenny!
Specht named 2023 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Adult Sportsperson of the Year - 4-H Animal Science (msu.edu)
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MSU Extension Strategic Listening Sessions
Dec. 13 (Frankenmuth)
4:30-7 p.m.
Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, 3775 S. Reese Road, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Whether it's supporting the dedicated professionals who drive the state's agriculture economy, helping children develop leadership skills, teaching individuals how to better manage a chronic illness, or empowering entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, MSU Extension has been a force for good in the state of Michigan for over 100 years.
As part of an ongoing strategic direction process, MSU Extension is holding a series of listening sessions across the state. The purpose of these sessions is to listen to a wide variety of audiences from the communities we serve. We hope to gather feedback to determine where the organization is, what we do well, and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend – youth, parents, community and
statewide partners, all MSU Extension-affiliated faculty and staff, and curious community members.
Whether you’ve used MSU Extension services for years or not at all, you can play a part in helping shape the services and offerings in your community in the future. The outcome of this work will be a co-developed vision to guide MSU Extension’s work in the future.
Each listening session will begin with a welcome from MSU Extension leadership and staff. Then, participants will be divided into two groups – external participants and partners will gather in one room, and MSU Extension faculty and staff will gather in another.
Register:
https://events.anr.msu.edu/listeningseries
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Saginaw 4-H Club Directory
Saginaw 4-H has several different community-based clubs that you can join.
4-H Community Clubs involve members of different ages and projects interests. These clubs meet year long and have general club meetings which may include club business, educational activities, social events, project meetings and more!
Check out the Saginaw County 4-H Club Directory at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/club-directory to learn more about what the clubs are offering this year and learn how to enroll!
Contact the club leaders for details on meeting schedules, projects, and location.
You can learn more about joining 4-H at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/join-saginaw-county-4-h
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Join Pawsome Pups 4-H Club
Do you like dogs? Interested in learning how to train your dog? Come and have some fun while learning about dog agility, obedience, and showmanship! This club hosts workouts, games, dog demonstrations, team shows, and more! Join the Pawsome Pups 4-H Club today! The club is open to youth ages 5-19. No dog experience necessary.
Don’t have a dog? No problem! Dogs are available for youth to learn from. The Club meets at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds.
Contact the Club Leaders for meeting schedules and information. Laura at laurasue70@yahoo.com or Jessica at jessicaculp552@gmail.com or call the Saginaw 4-H office at 989-907-6500. 4-H membership is FREE!
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Join Reins on the Road 4-H Club
Discover why so many are saying " I love 4-H"
and joining Saginaw County 4-H clubs!
If you like horses, and are interested in learning about horse care, riding and expanding your equine experience, Reins on the Road 4-H - Saginaw County is for you! You do not need to own a horse to join the club!
The Club is great for those just starting out or youth with advanced skills. This club teaches youth about riding, horse care and nutrition, tack use and care, showmanship and horse judging. The club also participates in games, fun social events and fundraising! This is a great place to meet new people, make new friends, and learn all about horses.
Located in Burt, Michigan, Reins on the Road 4-H is a horse project group established over 10 years ago with a very active involvement in Saginaw's Horse Community. And with a New 4-H Year and New Enrollment Period just starting, we're looking to expand membership!
For over 100 years, 4-H has provided ways for youth to make a positive difference in their world. Our clubs and projects are now open for sign-ups!
Want to know more about if Reins on the Road 4-H is right for you?
Contact our Club Leader, Melisa Albrecht at 989-245-3819 to learn more and find out why WE LOVE 4-H!!!!!!!
You can also learn more about Saginaw County 4-H programs at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/join-saginaw-county-4-h
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Instructors Needed - 4-H Exploration Days
4‑H Exploration Days is a team effort and we need you! We’re seeking inspiring and fun educational and free time sessions for the 2024 4‑H Exploration Days event!
Michigan State University Extension 4-H Exploration Days is a pre-college program for more than 1000 youth (ages 12-19 years old) from across the state of Michigan. This exciting program allows youth to try new things, gain confidence and independence through hands-on learning, and make friends that can last a lifetime. The 2024 event is set for June 19-21, 2024 on the campus of Michigan State University.
Session proposal requests are now open until December 5, 2023. In completing the form, you will want to come prepared with the title, description, location or room needs, a basic idea of cost per youth participant, names of any co-instructors/session (youth or adult) that you know (as of now) and their contact information.
Please use this link to complete the survey for each session (or free time activity) you wish to have considered:
https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fmWPGJ4EoO9bdI
Questions, contact gathstac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office.
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Kettunen Center Merchandise Sale
Kettunen Center was the first 4-H volunteer and youth training center in the nation, owned and operated by the Michigan 4-H Foundation from 1961 to 2021. The center's remaining merchandise, such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, jackets, mugs and more, is now available for sale! We know the Kettunen Center meant so much to the 4-H community and this is an opportunity to purchase something by which to remember the center. Shop and learn more at https://mi4hfdtn.org/shopkett/
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MI 4-H Day at the Breslin
SAVE THE DATE! You’re ALL invited to attend the eighteenth annual celebration of MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development at the Spartan Women’s basketball game, Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Ticket Price: FREE for the Michigan 4-H community including MSU Extension and 4-H youth, volunteers, partners, stakeholders, staff, alumni and their families!
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
Time: Game time is 2:00 p.m.. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.As in year’s past, there will be games and activities on the concourse of the Breslin in advance of the game. The Ishbia Gate (formerly SW Harrison Gate), will open for those who wish to take part in those activities.
Tickets: Ticket reservations will begin in the mid-December. Look for additional information at https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-day-at-the-breslin
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Casting for a Career in Coldwater Conservation
Join 4-H staff as we take a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! This month’s 4-H Wild Spartans Series will take a dive into the Great Lakes and rivers to explore their coldwater residents. Join us on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 6:30pm EST for “Casting for a Career in Coldwater Conservation.” You will meet the Great Lakes Engagement Coordinator for Trout Unlimited, Jamie Vaughan, learn about her field work, and the education and career path she followed to get there. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A. This free series is open to 4-H and non-4-H youth ages 12-19 years. Monthly sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm EST. Pre-registration is required: https://events.anr.msu.edu/wildspartans20232024/
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The Creative Campaign Contest - Win Prizes
Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development is offering a video contest to encourage youth to join 4-H. 4-H members can be our best advertisers by helping spread the word in a short video highlighting “Why You Should Join 4-H!”
Be a 4-H changemaker by using your voice and sharing your story of 4-H. Chance to win prizes for 4-H youth 9-19 as they explore video creation and editing.
Learn more about this opportunity here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-clovers-code/contest/
Deadline to register and submit videos is January 31, 2024. The 4-H Creative Campaign Contest is sponsored with a grant from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
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Join the 4-H Future Squad
Figuring all this "adulting" out can be hard! If you are a 12-19 year old youth throughout Michigan, join 4-H Future Squad in learning more about important life skills for YOUR future.
4-H Future Squad was inspired by Generation Z youth seeking life skill development for a better future for themselves and their peers. This program is designed to help youth feel prepared and ready to take on the future and adulthood.
The FREE club will meet October 2023 through May 2024. Meetings will involve team-building and will cover areas such as money management, career readiness, stress management, goal-setting, time management, communication, politics, food safety, and basic household tasks. Club meetings will be virtual through Zoom.
Club meetings for the 2023-2024 year will take place twice monthly with Monday or Thursday meeting dates on alternating months.
This club can be your primary or secondary club. For more information and to get registered, visit: www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-future-squad/.
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4-H Cash Competition Contest
Money, money, money! The 2024 4-H Cash Composition Contest is now open! Youth residing in Michigan, ages 9-19 (as of Jan 1, 2024), have a chance to win a $100 gift card thanks to the generous sponsorship by Extra Credit Union. To enter, write a 300 word (or less) essay on budgeting and submit your essay by February 29, 2024.
Three youth from each age bracket will win! Full contest details and registration link can be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-money-smarts/money-smart-kids-contest
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4-H ANIMAL AND LIVESTOCK EVENTS | |
Michigan 4-H Market Animal Project Record Book
4-H Market Animal projects provide youth an opportunity to gain life skills such as record keeping, communication and self-responsibility through raising and selling a livestock animal. Market animal projects may include: beef, feeder calves, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep, swine or other animals raised with the intention of selling.
The Michigan 4-H Animal Market Project Record Books provided here are a tool for county 4-H programs to help youth learn and document their understanding of livestock marketing concepts. The Michigan 4-H Animal Market Project Record Book has been developed at three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. The local county 4-H program has discretion of the ages assigned for each level and requirements for completion.
Learn more at Michigan 4-H Market Animal Project Record Book - 4-H Animal Science
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4-H COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES | |
Saginaw 4-H Council
January 4: Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting 7:00pm
This INPERSON meeting will take place at the Saginaw 4-H Office at 723 Emerson St. Saginaw MI 48607
Please consider attending these monthly meetings to help plan and offer events and learning opportunities for youth in Saginaw county. Help is needed! Use your skills to help with fundraising and scholarships, youth recognition, planning youth camps, clinics, leadership events and more!
4-H youth can be and are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to sign up for officer positions and attend meetings. Youth participation in a 4-H council is a great way to learn leadership skills guided by adult mentors, make connections and friendships, and even build your portfolio!
Questions, contact the Saginaw 4-H office at gathstac@msu.edu or call 989-907-6500
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Saginaw 4-H Horse Council
January 15: Saginaw 4-H Horse Council Meeting at 7:00pm (Hybrid-Zoom and In-person)
All are welcomed and youth are encouraged to attend. In-person meeting will be at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds.
If you are interested contact gathstac@msu.edu for more information.
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VOLUNTEER EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
4-H Emeral Clover Society - Nominations are open
Do you know an outstanding Michigan 4-H alum? We want to hear about them!
We're currently accepting nominations for the 4-H Emerald Clover Society - Michigan 4-H's Hall of Fame! The 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors Michigan 4-H alumni who have had significant Michigan 4-H involvement as a youth and who have made significant contributions to their local, state and national communities.
Nominate someone at http://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h.../4-h-emerald-clover-society/.
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Explore the Globe with Crafts Around the World!
Curious about other countries around the globe? Like making crafts?
The Michigan 4-H Crafts Around the World series provides lessons and instructions for youth to create simple crafts and increase cultural awareness.
In its latest piece, youth can learn about the European country of Norway while making a Norwegian gnome. In Norway, a gnome is called a nisse: a creature who lives in barns or homes, protecting the countryside and the people who live there.
View this activity at www.canr.msu.edu/resources/crafts-around-the-world-series-europe-norwegian-gnome-nisse.
View all the Crafts Around the World activities at www.canr.msu.edu/global_cultural_education/resources.
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4-H CLUB & PROGRAM BEST PRACTICES | |
This section will feature a different topic each newsletter highlighting best practices for 4-H clubs and programs. | |
Tips and Tools for Planning Your Club Year
Planning is one of those things that many of us just never seem to get around to. The new 4‑H year is always a busy time with reenrollment, county recognition events and new members.
In the midst of all this, taking time to plan the activities for the entire year may seem overwhelming, but it can pay big dividends in the long run. Involving members in planning and designing club activities and events helps to build young people’s leadership skills and increases their commitment to carrying out the plans.
4‑H clubs and groups are excellent places for young people to build leadership skills. Planning, implementing and evaluating group activities throughout the year are great ways for youth to practice their leadership skills.
Experiences for Annual Club Calendar
Creating an annual calendar is a good communication tool for 4-H clubs and groups. It can help everyone keep on track and involved in the group’s activities.
For each month of the year, identify the recreational, community service/service learning and educational activities your group may be involved in. Youth need to be involved in the planning of the club year calendar. The table that follows lists experiences that can be placed on a 4-H club annual calendar. You may think of many more examples than the ones given.
Adapted from Tips and Tools for Planning Your Club Year - 4-H (msu.edu)
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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
“Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.”
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Stacie Gath (She/Her/Hers) | 4-H Program Coordinator | Saginaw County MSU Extension |
989-907-6500 | gathstac@msu.edu
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