Join Saginaw 4-H! Enrollment is Open

Interested in joining Saginaw 4-H? Well, you've come to the right place! Joining as a 4-H member is FREE and there are several different membership options to choose from. 4-H members can enroll in as many Clubs and programs as they wish. You do not need to own an animal or live on a farm to join 4-H.  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!

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 New Members Club" 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!

Archery Program 



Interested in learning about archery? Have you ever wanted to learn how to safely use a bow or practice your archery skills? Sign up today for the Saginaw 4-H Archery Program!

The program will run each Thursday, from July 14-August 4 and take place at the Saginaw Field and Stream Club located at 1296 N Gleaner Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609. 

Youth will learn basic archery skills from a 4-H certified archery instructor including, range safety, shooting techniques, eye dominance, target scoring, and marksmanship. 

Get your friends together and join us for this program! Perfect for beginners or youth with advanced archery skills who want to practice! No experience necessary. All equipment will be provided.  

July 14 – August 4 (Thursdays)

Youth may choose from one of the following session times:

Session 1: 4:30pm-5:15pm

Session 2: 5:30pm-6:15pm

Session 3: 6:30pm-7:15pm

Cost is $10 per youth for the 4-week session. The program will be open to 4-H members ages 9-19. Space is limited!

Register today at https://events.anr.msu.edu/Saginaw4HArcheryProgram/  4-H membership is required to participate. 

Not a Saginaw County 4-H member? Sign up for the 4-H Archery program in one easy step. Log into (4honline.com)and create a family profile. Select the “Saginaw New Members Club”. Once your 4-H membership is approved, complete the registration for the archery program. 

Questions, contact gathstac@msu.edu.

Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp

Calling all 8-12 year olds in Arenac, Bay and Saginaw counties interested in learning how to fish and protect our Great Lakes and connected waterways!

This June and July from 9a-3p, MSU Extension, 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Project FISH and many local partners are hosting fishing camps in Saginaw, Bay, and Arenac counties. All campers will receive a fishing rod with a reel, tackle box, t-shirt and snacks.

Participants will learn about knot tying, tackle crafting, casting, aquatic ecology, angler ethics and more! Open to 4-H members ages 8-12. Cost is $25 and scholarships are available. Not a 4-H member? Sign up for 4-H for free! Space is limited! Register today at https://bit.ly/SB4HFC. 

6/14-15 | Bay City State Park (Bay City, MI)

7/19-20 | Haithco Park (Saginaw, MI)

7/27-28 | River Side Park (Au Gres, MI)

Help Promote 4-H This Summer!

We are gearing up to promote Saginaw 4-H this summer with 4-H yard signs and we need your help to get the word out!

The 4-H program is one of many educational experiences that MSU Extension brings to local communities. Your family could play a valuable role in in this process by helping promote 4-H this summer.

Support Saginaw 4-H by putting a sign in your yard! You can also pick up signs to share signs with your friends, family, and local businesses.  We have over 500 yards signs to get out in the next few weeks and need your help! We would like to challenge each 4-H youth member to pass out 5+ yard signs as well!

4-H Grows Here/MSUE Yard Signs are available for pick up at the 4-H office. 

You can pick up your signs:

• Monday – Thursday, 8am – 1pm and on Fridays, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. You can also schedule a pick up appointment by calling the office at 989-907-6500 for afternoon pickups.

Interested in getting some signs but can't get to the 4-H office? Contact gathstac@msu.edu for assistance. 

Thank you to all the Saginaw youth and volunteers who attended, helped as a chaperone, and taught classes at 4-H Exploration Days this year at the MSU campus in Lansing. 

This MSU precollege program welcomes youth ages 12-19 to explore their future, try new things and experience college life! During this three-day event, youth will gain confidence and independence through hands-on learning and make friends for a lifetime.

We had a lot of fun spending time on campus and in class sessions! We stayed in the dorms, had great food at the cafeteria, met other 4-H members from across the state, and participated in a wide range of classes and free time activities, everything from archery to dairy and swine production, to child development, to weightlifting, to sports, dances, trivia challenges, and so much more! We also went to thank the Saginaw 4-H Council for their generous scholarship support for youth to attend this amazing event!

Please consider joining us for this pre-college event next year in June of 2023. We hope to see you there!

4-H Animal Care Resources

4-H members work hard to ensure their animals are properly cared for – helping to ensure a state of positive well-being for their animals before, during, and after a fair or exhibition.

The following resource materials provide answers to commonly asked questions youth may encounter about animals during a show or exhibition:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/animal_care_and_well_being

Saginaw 4-H and Open Horse Shows

Join Saginaw 4-H for three upcoming OPEN and 4-H horse shows this season at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds! June shows $5/class and July show $5/class or $40/day for 1 participant/class (Each additional horse in any class has to pay $5 for that class.

July 9 at 9:00am

Learn more about the Saginaw 4-H 2022 Horse Shows at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/4-h-horse-shows

Michigan 4-H Foundation 2022-23 Grant Cycle Reopened

The Michigan 4-H Foundation recently re-opened their grant and award opportunities for the 2022-2023 season. Open to

4-H volunteer leaders, members and staff, the grants and awards support local 4-H clubs and county programs, as well as recognize members of the 4-H community. Applications are due by the extended July 1.

Opportunities include: 

° Michigan 4-H Legacy Grants of $1,000. These grants are awarded to support development of a new program or initiative or to strengthen, enhance or expand a current program that is making a difference. 

° 4-H On-Target Grants of $500. These grants support 4-H Shooting Sports programs to enhance existing programs, develop a new program or offer a special experience related to 4-H Shooting Sports.

° The Collins 4-H Youth Horticulture Grant of $500. This grant is available only to 4-H youth clubs and supports advancement of club work in plant science and horticulture activities.

° 4-H Educational Garden Grants of $1,000. These grants support the creation of local 4-H educational gardens in Michigan. 

° Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award (includes $1,000 grant). This award recognizes outstanding 4-H agricultural volunteers that have exhibited excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership development. 

Learn more or apply online at http://mi4hfdtn.org/grants. Questions? Contact the Michigan 4-H Foundation at 517-353-6692

Michigan 4-H State Dog Show

Michigan 4-H State Dog Show August 20, 2022

Classes:

• Leader Dog/Service Dog Puppy

• Junior Showmanship

• Obedience

• Rally

• Agility

• Brace Class

• Team Class

Cost: $6 per dog registered $10 per class Age Requirements: All exhibitors must be aged 8-19 as of January 1, 2022. Want to become a 4-H member? Contact your county MSU Extension office today!

Registration: Online at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-state-dog-show

Deadline to register is July 17, 2022

Proof of vaccination must be emailed to state4hdogshow@gmail.com by August 6, 2022. Find out more... For more information, contact your county MSU Extension office or contact Kristi Schreiber at schrei61@msu.edu. Camping available, water, electricity, dump station on site, need to specify 30 or 50 amp Class conformations will be sent by email only from the state4hdogshow@gmail.com Be prepared to crate outside, bring easy ups

4-H Youth Dairy Days

There is still time to register for Michigan 4-H Youth Dairy Days! To learn more about the week-long celebration of Michigan dairy producers, check out this article: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/michigan_dairy_expo_and_youth_dairy_days. 

All entry information for the 2022 event can be found here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-youth-dairy-days.

Contact Melissa Elischer (elischer@msu.edu) for more information or questions.

Showmanship Videos

Showmanship Videos

Learn about fundamentals of beef, sheep and swine showmanship for your 4-H project. This session covers what to wear, equipment to use in the ring, and how to properly handle your animal. https://www.canr.msu.edu/.../livestock-learning...

MSU Extension August 2022 Ballot

OUR MISSION: Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities. MSU Extension has been serving the residents of Saginaw County since 1913.

As many of you know, the Saginaw County board of commissioners have decided that MSU Extension will be placed on the August 2, 2022 ballot for a millage . The proposal seeks a 10 year 0.1 mill request which is approximately $5 per year for every $100,000 of home value.

This millage will support 4-H programs and other MSU Extension programs including:

• Master Gardener Volunteer Program 
• Food Access Support at Community Gardens and Farmers Markets 
• Food Safety/Preservation Education 
• Health programs including Chronic Disease and Stress Management 
• Nutrition, Physical Activity Education 
• Farm Profitability 
• Field Crop and Specialty Crop Research and Consultation  
• Saginaw Bay Water Quality 
• Veterans Outreach Focused on Food Insecurity 

For more information, please visit:https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/

Join the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase!

MSU Extension is happy to partner again in 2022 with the Michigan State Fair for an exciting program for Michigan youth: the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase. This statewide showcase provides a virtual platform for Michigan 4-H’ers and other youth to exhibit their work in all project areas and apply for $10,000 in scholarships. Michigan youth ages 5-19 are encouraged to participate.

Registration is now open until August 1! The diverse array of classes celebrate all the projects and programs in which youth have developed skill and mastery. This includes livestock and companion animal classes such as showmanship, breeding and market classes, as well as still exhibits, educational projects and more. 

There is no cost to participate, and youth may engage in as many classes as they wish by submitting project photos and videos. Project evaluation will occur before the start of the Michigan State Fair so that winners can be announced at the event which occurs September 1-5.

In addition to the opportunity to showcase their skills, recognize their accomplishments and receive constructive feedback for growth and development, participants in the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase will also have the opportunity to apply for $10,000 in scholarships. Find the scholarship application and criteria, as well as registration information for the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase at extension.msu.edu/MSF4HShowcase.

Upcoming Council Meetings

• July 12: Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting at 7:00pm (Hybrid Zoom and In-Person Meeting)
• July 18: Saginaw 4-H Horse Council Meeting at 7:00pm (Zoom)

Saginaw 4-H Council:

All Saginaw County volunteers are welcome and 4-H youth are encouraged to attend!  

Meeting will take place at the Saginaw 4-H office located at 723 Emerson St. Saginaw MI 48607 AND over zoom. Zoom meeting information will be sent out through 4-H online or contact gathstac@msu.edu/

Saginaw 4-H Horse Council:

Meeting information will be sent out to Club Admin leaders and through 4-H Online.  All are welcome and youth are encouraged to attend.  If you are interested in becoming an officer contact gathstac@msu.edu for more information or come to any meeting.  

4-H In the Kitchen: Cloud City Creepers

Ready your pickaxes and ignite your lightsabers as we get ready to bring Star Wars and Minecraft to the kitchen in 4-H in the Kitchen: Cloud City Creepers. Join us as we learn how to make two dishes, one inspired by the light side of the force and the other inspired by 64-bit building blocks. Participants will be able to take part either virtually or in person! Those attending virtually will receive a zoom invite two days prior to the start of each session. 

Those attending in person can do so at the following address:

Mason County Reformed Church

45 S Amber Rd

Scottville, MI 49454

All participants, both in person and virtual, will need to supply their own ingredients.

To register for the event, please click the following link:

https://events.anr.msu.edu/CloudCityCreepers/

Money Smart Youth Ambassador

Do you love learning about money? Are you interested in sharing your knowledge and gaining leadership skills? If so, consider applying to be a Michigan Money Smart Youth Ambassador. Application is available now until July 15 for those 12-19! Apply today: https://bit.ly/MoneySmartYouth

Help at 4-H Fish Camp!

Do you like fishing, teaching youth, exploring the Great Lakes, and/or having fun? Then consider applying to be a counselor or volunteering for the Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp. On July 19-20 from 9-3pm, MSU Extension, Saginaw County 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Project FISH, and many local partners are hosting the Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp at Haithco Park, and we are looking for youth and adults to help. At the camp, participants will learn about knot tying, tackle crafting, casting, aquatic ecology, angler ethics and more! 

Teens, are you interested in gaining some leadership skills and helping younger youth at camp? Apply to serve as a Fish Camp Counselor for the Saginaw Bay 4-H Fishing Camp. Counselors can gain service hours from this volunteer experience. Learn more and sign up to help today at https://bit.ly/39B3KFE. 

You do not need to have fishing experience to be a counselor. You will need to register as a 4-H member in Arenac, Bay or Saginaw County and be in 9th grade - post high school in the 2021-22 school year to be eligible. 

Adults are needed to help youth with basic fishing skills (rig fishing, gear, bait hooks, etc...), camp set up/take down, and assist with activities! Interested adults can contact gathstac@msu.edu directly to sign up to volunteer.

Who am I? 4-H SPIN Club

We are excited to announce a new SPIN club called “Who am I?” It will be focused on identity exploration and self-acceptance, as well as learning about healthy relationships and activism. We will have guest speakers coming in to talk about these topics, and more, as well as answer questions in an inclusive, safe space.

The club will be held every Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 – 2:00 PM via Zoom. Please encourage your youth to join us! Youth can register for this club through 4-H online. If you, or youth, have any questions please contact molljuli@msu.edu

Adulting 101

Are you ready to leave for college or be out on your own? Are you prepared to do adult tasks and have skills to be successful? Michigan State University Extension's FREE Adulting 101 programs help teenagers and young adults demystify the obscure reality of being an “adult” through engaging educational sessions. Each session is packed full of important life skills and tools necessary to live independently. Our Adulting 101-Summer Series includes: Getting Organized, Home Food Preservation, Informed Renter, and Healthy U! 

Join us on zoom every Tuesday, July 12 - Aug 2, 2022, from 1-2 pm by registering here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adult101summer

Money Crunches Boot Camp

Join the fun on July 27-28, 2022 from 1-5 pm daily and leave with monster money muscles! 

Exercise your money smarts skills and get financially fit this summer by attending the 4-H Money Crunches Boot Camp. 

This FREE camp, for youth entering 8th-10th grade in the fall, will be held at various sites across Michigan. Build your financial endurance with hands-on activities. Cross-train with financial fitness coaches simulcast to each camp location. 

Allegan County

MSU Extension Office

3255 122nd Ave Suite #103, Allegan, MI 49010

Bay County

MSU Extension Office

515 Center Ave. Suite G-120, Bay City Mi 48708

Delta County

MSU Extension Office

2840 College Avenue, Escanaba, MI 49829

Grand Traverse

MSU Extension Office

520 W. Front St. Suite A, Traverse City, MI 49684

Jackson County

MSU Extension Office

1715 Lansing Ave., Suite 257, Jackson, MI 49202

Luce County 

MSU Extension Office

14126 Co Rd 428, Newberry, MI 49868  

Macomb County

Thompson Community Center

11370 Hupp Avenue, Warren, MI 48089

Marquette County

MSUE Extension Office

184 US-41 East, Negaunee, MI 49866

Shiawassee County

MSU Extension Office

149 E. Corunna Ave, Corunna, MI 48616

Van Buren County

MSU Extension Office

801 Hazen St, Suite D, Paw Paw MI 49079

The financial circuits include: banking, saving, investing, spending plans, fraud, taxes, goals, paying for secondary education and more! This program is made possible by a grant from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

To find out more and register go to:  https://events.anr.msu.edu/moneycamp22/

4-H Community Health Ambassador

Do you know a youth who is passionate about health and wellness for Michiganders? Or interested on building skills in leadership, communication, and marketing? Want to learn more about science, communication, childhood & adolescent vaccines, or healthcare?

If so, click to learn more about the 4-H Community Health Ambassador Program and register for the upcoming training.

Questions? Email Alyssa at piconeal@msu.edu.

• Join the innovative new statewide 4-H Community Health Ambassador program with youth from multiple counties   
• The program will cover topics on wellness, leadership, science, communication, healthcare, with a focus on vaccines 
• Youth aged 12-19 years old are encouraged to apply for a one-year term, with an option for a second term. More details on applications to follow.  
• Ideal fit for youth interested in career paths in leadership, science, marketing, healthcare, research and development, vaccines, and social determinants of health  
• Ambassadors will have opportunities to engage with medical and public health professionals who will help them build their skills in communication, social media, public speaking, and video production 
• Ambassadors will develop a youth-lead state-wide public health educational campaign in partnership with Detroit Public Television focused on raising awareness to their peers and families regarding childhood vaccines, including Covid-19 
• Ambassadors may have the opportunity to take part in future MSU Extension precollege programs with partnerships in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Human Medicine, and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dietetics and Nutrition program.   
• This program is made possible, though a grant sponsored by Michigan Department of Health and Human services and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• For questions, please reach out to Alyssa Picone, piconeal@msu.edu   

4-H Hype 



SAVE THE DATE! 4-HYPE: A teen leadership and influencer retreat is a NEW overnight event for youth ages 12-19 taking place August 10-12 at Barothy Lodge in Walhalla, Michigan.

Teens will participate in hands-on learning activities to sharpen their skills in communications, learn about their personal strengths and how they contribute to a team, and will learn about opportunities to get engaged in local and statewide Michigan 4-H leadership opportunities. Registration details are coming soon, but let us know if you’d like to attend and you’ll be the first to hear when it opens. Spaces are limited! Cost is $75, scholarships are available!

4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resource Camp

Camp Counselor Application

Now accepting applications for the 2022 Counselor Team! If you like leadership, the great outdoors, and building great friendships, consider being a camp counselor!

Camp is July 31-August 6, with mandatory counselor training starting at 12:00pm on Friday, July 29. For questions, or to request an application, please reach out to Laura at potterla@msu.edu. It's going to be a great summer!

Learn more at 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp

4-H National Congress

Participate in the 2022 National 4-H Congress November 25-29 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia! Michigan 4-H youth ages 14-19 are invited to apply for this leadership, citizenship and community service event. In this capstone 4-H youth leadership event, 4-H youth from across the U.S. will come together to experience an exciting program, full of educational, service and leadership opportunities as well as local cultural tours and experiences. The event includes outstanding community leaders, speakers and educators.

Total cost is approximately $1800.00-$2000.00 (scholarships may be available), but could be adjusted once airline tickets are purchased

Non-refundable deposit is due August 1^st. Fees include registration, hotel, airfare, and most meals. For more information, contact gathstac@msu.edu or potterla@msu.edu

Be sure to check out the website at http://national4-hcongress.com

4-H Horse Project Camp

The 2022 three-day Horse Project Camp is designed to prepare youth for fair and local horse shows. Participants will be grouped together based on skill level and areas of interest. Riding improvement instruction is offered for various levels of skill from walk-trot through advanced. A variety of sessions and clinics will be offered ranging from English, Western, Gymkhana and Dressage. 

Learn more and register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/2022-ingham-county-horse-committee-4-h-horse-project-camp

MI 4-H/FFA Meat Judging Contest

Save the Date! Join us on Wednesday, July 13th at the MSU Pavilion in East Lansing! The State 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest is held in conjunction with the Michigan Livestock Expo (MLE) and is a collaborative effort between Michigan 4-H and Michigan FFA.

By participating in the livestock judging contest, contestants can enhance their livestock evaluation and selection skills, as well as improve their communication and decision making skills. Registration information coming! https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_animal_evaluation/

4-H Leadership in Action

A very special thank you and congratulations to Zeke P. from the Frankenmuth Patriots 4-H Club for his leadership at 4-H Exploration Days this year. Zeke is a member of the statewide 4-H Scheme Team. The Scheme Team is made up of youth from across Michigan to help plan, promote, and support MSU Extension 4-H Exploration Days. 

Zeke helped to introduce the State Awards this year and  taught a team building activity for 20+ participants at Expo Days. Please join us in congratulating and thanking Zeke for his leadership and help at Expo Days this year. I

f you are interested in getting involved with 4-H Exploration Days or looking to grow your leadership skills and meet other youth from across the state consider joining the 4-H Scheme team for the upcoming year!

Congratulations Zeke!

Saginaw 4-H Member Receives 2022 State Award in the Junior Division for Rabbit and Cavy Science

Congratulations to Noah H. from the Frankenmuth Pacesetters 4-H Club for receiving the 2022 State Award in the Junior Division for Rabbit and Cavy Science. Noah was recognized at this years 4-H Exploration Days for his accomplishments! 

A 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member. 4-H State Award winners become part of an elite group of 4-H youth who have demonstrated the highest level of excellence in learning, leadership, and service. Participating in the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program provides 4-H members with valuable life skills now in the future when applying for scholarships, post-secondary opportunities, and jobs.

We hope you will consider applying for a State Award next year and join 4-H youth from across the State is celebrating your hard work!

Congratulations Noah!

Building key leadership skills in youth: Setting goals



Any project within youth development programs can benefit from adding layers of leadership skills. These skills include decision-making, responsible citizenship, public speaking, setting goals and problem-solving. Infusing these skills will add dimension to any project area.

Here are a few ways volunteers can add goal-setting skills to the experiences of their participants:

• Help youth break down larger project goals into smaller pieces. Have them record their goals in a notebook and document their progress. Remind youth it’s OK to revise goals throughout the year.
• Help youth be specific as they set goals. They are much more likely to achieve a goal if it is clear, as in, “Raise at least $200 at the club fundraiser,” as opposed to, “Raise some money.”
• Involve youth in annual planning for the program year. Help them consider group goals as well as individual project goals, and have them brainstorm a list of activities (or type of activity) that would help them achieve those goals. Work with the club leadership to include those goals on meeting agendas so the group can track their progress.
• Involve youth in planning community service projects. Let the group vision the overall goal of the project, and then let youth volunteer for tasks so that everyone is involved. Participants will have more buy-in if they help create the group goals, and then will get more out of the experience than if a leader just gives them a job.
• Include goal-setting as part of routine group discussions. Help youth to understand that successful adults make, revise and evaluate goals often.

The Teen Leadership Project Guide is an excellent additional resource to help young people think of leadership as a project, as well as help them plan for how to improve and increase their skills. 

Adapted from "Five tips for building five key leadership skills - Part 4: Setting goals" by Sara Keinath. For more information and additional resources, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/5_tips_for_building_youths_leadership_skills_part_4_setting_goals.