New 4-H Club Starts in Saginaw County

Please join us in welcoming a new 4-H Club to Saginaw County - the Rise and Shine 4-H Club!

The club will meet in Saginaw and in Burt. Projects include: Arts and Crafts (sculpting, mosaic, weaving, folk art, painting) sewing, photography, showmanship workshops, livestock (swine, goats, rabbits, poultry, beef, sheep), public speaking, field trip and more.

Contact the club leader Amy Wood, at riseandshine4Hclub@gmail.com for meeting details and information.

Please join me in welcoming these new club leaders and members!

4-H Maple Syrup Making Workshop

From the TREE to the TABLE! Have you ever wanted to learn how to tap a maple tree and make your own maple syrup?

Join Saginaw 4-H on Sunday, February 25 at 1:00pm in Chesaning for the 4-H Maple Syrup Making Workshop! The class will cover how to tap trees, the equipment you need to get started, tree selection and identification, and so much more! This workshop is perfect for beginners!

This workshop is open to 4-H members ages 5-19 and parents/guardians are welcome to attend also! 

Register for the Event by following the instructions below.

CURRENT 4-H members enrolled in the 23-24 year –

• Register by logging into https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in with your family account
• SCROLL DOWN to the “4-H Maple Syrup Making” at the bottom of the screen. 
• Click on event registration tab to start registration and submit.

NEW 4-H members –

• Create a family profile at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in 
• Select the “Saginaw County General 4-H Experience”. 
• Once your 4-H membership is approved (you will receive email notification),
• Log back into your family account at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
• SCROLL DOWN to the “4-H Maple Syrup Making” at the bottom of the screen. 
• Click on event registration tab to start registration and submit. 

Questions, contact gathstac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office.

4-H Adventure Camp

It’s official! Saginaw and Bay Counties are teaming up and heading to summer camp this year! Are you ready for summer fun?

Camp activities will include:

• swimming
• boating
• fishing
• biking
• archery
• arts and crafts
• games
• campfires
• hiking
• bouldering
• much more!



Save the date – for 4-H Adventure Camp from June 23-25, 2024 at Camp Neyati in Clare, MI. 

Registration will open in March of 2024. Stay tuned for more information to be released in the upcoming weeks!

Camp is open to youth ages 9-14 (as of January 1^st).  

You can also contact gathstac@msu.edu (Saginaw 4-H) or julinho@msu.edu (Bay 4-H) to learn more about the camp.

Volunteers Needed at Camp

4-H Adventure Camp needs volunteers! June 23-25, 2024 at Camp Neyati in Clare, MI. Saginaw and Bay Counties are teaming up and heading to summer camp this year! 

Camp could not happen without 4-H volunteers and we need your help! Busy schedule, you can help at camp for a few hours, for a day, or more.

There are many different ways you can volunteer at camp.

• Chaperone (day or night or both)
• Health officer (prerequisites are required for this role)
• Archery instructor (must be 4-H certified instructor)
• Boating/waterfront supervision
• Arts and crafts
• Sewing project
• Fishing
• Cooking classes
• Leading camp games and challenges
• Cook assistant
• General help 
• Tye Dye T-shirt classes
• Field games
• More!

Fill out the volunteer interest form at https://forms.gle/PBdi1nSPidbxZsj1A and 4-H staff will reach out to you to discuss opportunities!

You can also contact gathstac@msu.edu (Saginaw 4-H) or julinho@msu.edu (Bay 4-H) to learn how you can help support this camp experience for 4-H youth!

Fly Tying for Beginners Workshop Series

Do you love fishing? Have you ever wanted to learn how to tie a fly? 

Saginaw 4-H MSU Extension and the Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter of Trout Unlimited are teaming up to offer a Fly Tying for Beginners Workshop Series!   

Location: Saginaw Field and Stream Club

Time: 6:00-7:30pm

Dates:

• Tuesday, February 6
• Tuesday, February 13
• Thursday, February 22
• Tuesday, February 27

The class will teach you how to use basic fly-tying equipment and tying techniques broken down into simple steps. The class will cover four different flies, each fly building on the skills learned in the previous week. 

This series is great for beginners or those who are interested in practicing their fly-tying skills. This class is open to youth ages 9-19. A parent/guardian must attend with youth under the age of 14.  

Space is limited. Registration is for all 4 classes and is required to ensure we have enough supplies for each youth. 

Registration opens January 4^th, 2024. 

Register at https://forms.gle/G3LHpdFVtE1m58C57

Questions, contact gathstac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office.

Explore the Farm Through the Seasons

Interested in learning about animals and growing fruits and vegetables? Want to spend time on a working farm? Join us for the upcoming “Explore the Farm Through the Seasons” learning series at Schomaker Farms.

Schomaker Farms and Saginaw 4-H Michigan State University are teaming up to offer a 12-month farm education learning series in 2024.

Each month will offer a different learning topic and hands-on activity. Youth will be fully immersed in the farming experience!

All sessions will take place at Schomaker Farms located at 1103 Leddy Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609

Session registration will be released three months a time.



Open to ages 5-19. Activities are best suited for youth ages 8-13. Younger youth may need help with activities.

.

4-H membership is required. Space is limited!

Cost: $10 per session per youth or $20 per youth for 3 sessions. Youth under the age of 5 may attend along with a registered sibling. NO REFUNDS will be given.

See schedule and learn how to register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/explore-the-farm-through-the-seasons-workshop-series

Questions, contact gathstac@msu.edu

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

Mark of Excellence Award

It is that time of year! So, grab your pen! Spark your imagination! Join us as we roll out the 4-H Mark of Excellence Contest. This year, youth can submit either a video submission or a short journal reflection focusing on the theme “Because of 4-H I can!” 

What is the Mark of Excellence

Contest:  

The 4-H Mark of Excellence

contest is an introductory opportunity for the Michigan 4-H State Awards

program for youth ages 11 and 12. Youth are asked to create a submission either video or a journal reflection centered around the theme of “Because of 4-H I can!”

Learn more at: 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4-h-awards-and-recognition-program/Youth-Recognition/index  

4-H Capitol Experience

Join us at the Michigan Capitol March 17-19 to learn more about state government, and how your voice can make an impact!

Scholarships are available for Saginaw 4-H members! You can receive a scholarship to attend from Saginaw County Farm Bureau or Saginaw 4-H Council. 

Learn more and access both scholarship forms at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/scholarships-awards

• Who: Youth in 9^th grade through 12^th grade.  4-H and non-4-H members welcome!
• What: a 3-day event where youth can meet with peers to talk about issues that are important to them, and see state government in action.
• When/Where: Sunday March 17 through Tuesday, March 19 in-person at the University Quality Inn and Michigan’s State Capitol

Learn more and register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/CapEx2024/

MI 4-H Day at the Breslin

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. 

Register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-day-at-the-breslin

MI 4-H Day with the Detroit Tigers

Michigan 4-H Day with the Detroit Tigers is back! Join Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension for a fun day at Comerica Park as the Tigers take on the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, April 28!

Michigan 4-H youth, volunteers, staff and their families will enjoy exclusive gameday opportunities and a portion of every ticket sold in the 4-H block will be donated back to Michigan 4-H.

New this year, Michigan 4-H guests will receive:

• A dual-branded Michigan 4-H and Detroit Tigers item (details to be released shortly). The item will be redeemed on gameday in section 332.
• An exclusive pregame on-field opportunity

To order your tickets, visit https://fevo-enterprise.com/Michigan4h24.

2024 Adulting 101

MSU Extension 4-H has an exciting new line up of Adulting 101 sessions coming up in 2024. Join us monthly for free sessions to build life skills helpful in transitioning to "adulthood." L

MSU Extension's Adulting 101 program will be starting up again in January.

Our FREE monthly series will begin on January 17 at 6:00 pm ET with “The Psychology of Spending and Saving,” presented by Lake Trust Credit Union. 

Sign up here for this class and many more here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting-101-2024

• 
  
• Fostering Healthy Relationships - February 12 at 5 pm
• Keeping Your Money Safe - March 19 at 6 pm
• Cover Letter and Resume Writing - April 10 at 6 pm
• Build and Protect Your Credit - May 15 at 5 pm
• Traveling on a Budget - June 6 at 6:30 pm
• Cooking Basics - July 16 at 4 pm
• Summer Berries: Jam and Jelly - August 12 at 4 p.m. 
• Changing the World with Your One Vote - September 16 at 5 pm
• Paying for Post-Secondary Education - October 16 at 5 pm
• Cracking the Code to College - November 19 at 5 pm

Seeing the Forest for the Wildlife

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 wade with waterfowl and explore our forests. Join us on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 at 6:30pm EST for “Seeing the Forest for the Wildlife.” You will meet Jeremiah Heise, Ecosystem Program Manager with the U.S. Forest Service, learn about his field work, and the education and career path he 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/

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/.

4-H Cash Competition Contest

Snag some cash in 3 easy steps! 1. Learn about budgeting 2. Write an essay 3. Submit your essay by Feb 29, 2024 to possibly win a $100 gift card. Open to Michigan youth 9-19 years old. 

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

Make a difference for food security with World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute 

As millions across the globe deal with food insecurity, the World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute (WFP MIYI) offers young people an opportunity to be part of the solution.

Held May 9 in East Lansing, or by participating from anywhere else using Zoom video/web conference technology, the event seeks to inspire and prepare the next generation of global leaders to end world hunger. 

To participate, youth should be in grades 7-12 and register by the March 15 deadline. As part of the registration process, youth are required to prepare and submit a 2-to-5-page research paper about a developing country and one of 20 key factors that affect food security. At the event, youth present and discuss their papers with other attendees and research and industry experts.

The top performing students at the WFP MIYI will be selected to attend the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, in October.

For more information, visit www.canr.msu.edu/wfpmiyi/. 

MI 4-H Animal Skillathon

Registration is open! The 2024 MI 4-H Animal Science Skillathon is open. Test your knowledge in This is an annual competition that tests both youth and adult competitors’ knowledge of market livestock, animal science, and management practices in various categories.

Held annually in early March, the Skillathon is open to Michigan youth (8-19 years old as of Jan. 1 of the calendar year) and adults.

Learn more and register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/otsego/4-h/2024-Skillathon

Michigan Youth Livestock Conference

Join Michigan Junior Livestock Society & Michigan 4-H for the 2024 Michigan Youth Livestock Conference.



We are planning this event for the sole purpose of providing new opportunities to Michigan youth that are interested in or passionate about raising, exhibiting, producer, or showing livestock. Industry Leaders bringing you educational sessions on animal selection, nutrition, showmanship, animal husbandry, and career opportunities in agriculture.

Youth ages 9-19 are invited to join at the Gaylord University Center April 6^th 2024. Cost is $25.00 includes lunch and a t-shirt. Space is limited and will fill up fast! No refund are offered.

Registration opens January 25^th and closes March 7^th.

Registration Link: https://MYLC.4honline.com

4-H Animal Science and Career Quest

Are you interested in a career working with animals?

Join us for 4-H Animal Science Career Quest to learn more about career paths in animal science, as well as the MSU programs that can get you there!

This program is a joint effort between Michigan 4-H, the MSU Department of Animal Science, and the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and its focus is introducing youth to the wide variety of career options available to them within these fields. This event will be on February 17th on MSU’s main campus in East Lansing.

It is open to youth ages 12-19 and 4-H volunteers. Space is limited, so don’t delay!

Register now: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-animal-science-career-quest-2024

MI 4-H Livestock Workshop

For youth AND Volunteers!

Registration is now open for the 2024 Michigan 4-H Livestock Workshop!

This one-day workshop will take place on Saturday, March 2 on MSU’s main campus in East Lansing. It is designed for 4-H youth ages 12-19 (as of January 1, 2024) and Active Gold MSU Extension volunteers in beef, sheep, goats, and swine project areas.

Youth will learn about different aspects of their livestock projects throughout a variety of breakout sessions, including intro to your species project, animal evaluation, marketing your livestock project, reproduction, nutrition, and more! Registration will cost $35, which includes lunch and a t-shirt.

Full details and a link to register can be found here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-spring-livestock-workshop-2024

2024 Horse Judging Workshop and Practice Horse Judging Contest

Do you have 4-H kiddos looking for things to do this winter? Interested in Ranch Riding and the Ranch discipline?

Gearing up for the State 4-H and FFA Horse Judging contest and wanting some practice? We have the opportunity for you!!

Consider attending the 2024 Horse Judging workshop and Practice Horse judging contest!

This year youth and adults alike will start on Friday night hearing from carded judge and clinician Dr. Karen Waite, teaching Ranch Riding and Ranch Rail. Things pick back up Saturday morning with the chance to judge a halter class, as well as a Ranch riding and rail class. Concluding the performance classes, attendees will have time to present oral reasons and receive scores and feedback.

Register now at 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/horse-judging-workshop-and-mini-contest-2024

MI 4-H State Hippology Contest

Interested in testing your Equine Knowledge? Does the idea of working in a team to solve problems thrill you? Come and compete at the Michigan 4-H State Hippology Contest!

Youth aged 5-19 are eligible to participate in the Michigan 4-H State Hippology Contest. Cloverbuds, Junior and Senior divisions as well as Junior Novice and Senior Novice allow for youth to demonstrate their comprehensive equine knowledge and skills in an engaging setting. 

Find more information regarding the rules here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/horses_ponies/uploads/Hippology%20Rules%202024%20as%20of%201-25-24.pdf

Already on a team and ready for the 2024 contest? Register here at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-hippology-contest-2024

Saginaw 4-H Council

February 1: 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

Saginaw 4-H Horse Council

February 19: 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.

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/.

4-H Volunteer Webinar Series

This webinar series will provide Michigan 4-H volunteers with a variety of learning opportunities to help them grow as a volunteer All webinars take place at 12pm (noon) and at 7pm.

Registration is required for each individual webinar- registration is free! Recordings will be posted on the website for later viewing.

February 7, 2024: Engaging 4-H Youth in Animal SCIENCE Education: Animal science projects are a 4-H favorite! Join us for information about the curriculum and resources available to volunteers to engage 4-H youth in their communities in animal science education.

For more information and to register, go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volun teering/mi-4-h-volunteerwebinar-series

Additional tips for a successful 4-H club

4-H is a learn-by-doing, educational, fun program for young people ages five to nineteen. Through involvement with caring adult volunteers, 4-H members gain meaningful experiences that contribute to their development and personal growth. The value of the experiences depends largely on the relationship built between and among the members and adults. Active participation in a 4-H club supports young people to develop life skills and assets.

Points to Look for in A Good 4-H Meeting

Answer yes or no to these questions to evaluate the effectiveness of your club meeting.

• Do all of the officers and leaders check meeting plans with one another beforehand?
• Does the president call the meeting to order on time, keep moving down the agenda and close the meeting on time?
• Does the secretary take attendance and record it in the minutes?
• Does the club review the previous meeting minutes and treasurer report for approval at every meeting?
• Do all officers use correct parliamentary procedure, when appropriate?
• Is the business part of the meeting short and concise?
• Are guests introduced and made to feel at home?
• Is there an educational program in addition to the business meeting and recreation time?
• Does the meeting have variety?
• Is the educational program of interest to everyone?
• Is there an opportunity for members to get to know each other?
• Are all announcements short and to the point?
• Do officers avoid doing all the talking?
• Do volunteer leaders avoid doing all the talking?
• Do all or most of the members have an opportunity to talk during the meeting?
• Is the fun (recreation) suitable to the meeting place and the group?
• Do members, officers and leaders treat each other in a courteous and respectful manner?
• Are volunteer leaders given a chance to voice their opinion?
• Are all members given a chance to voice their opinions without feeling judged or ridiculed?
• 

By following the model of a 4-H club, evaluating agreed upon criteria and planning an effective club meeting a successful year may be ensured for adults and members alike. For other club development articles, see So You Are an Officer in Your 4-H Club Series.

Adapted from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips_for_a_successful_4-h_club_part_2