Saginaw 4-H Youth Fun Day

SAVE THE DATE!

Get your friends together and join us for Saginaw 4-H Youth Fun Day on May 19 from 4:00-8:00pm at Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth! Thank you to the Saginaw 4-H Council for sponsoring this event for Saginaw 4-H members at a discounted rate. 

Your ticket includes 2 slices of pizza, a cookie, one drink, and 4 hours of swimming fun!

Registration details will be released soon! Stay tuned. 

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?

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).  

Registration opens mid-March.

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!

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

Woman's National Farm and Garden Scholarship

Attention Students! Here is your opportunity to receive financial aid to help fund your career goals. Woman’s National Farm and Garden of Saginaw County offers an annual scholarship for eligible Saginaw County students!



Eligibility Requirements:

• Saginaw County resident

• Pursuing an education related to environment, conservation, forestry,

horticulture, wildlife management, botany, natural resources, agriculture,

veterinary science, (large animal), architectural landscaping or a related

field.

• High school senior or current undergraduate student.

• Grade point of 3.0 or better in areas of math and science.

For more information contact Kim Vance, scholarship committee chair:

Email: kimvance53@sbcglobal.net

4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp

Scholarships are available for Saginaw 4-H members to attend. Learn more about applying for a scholarship at

https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/scholarships-awards

4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp is an annual three-time national award-winning camp that mixes summer camp fun and hands-on science education.

The camp will be held July 28-August 3, 2024 on the northern shores of Lake Huron at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle. This Michigan State University (MSU) pre-college program is for teens aged 13 to 15 or those who’ll enter eighth through tenth grade in the fall. The registration fee is $500 and includes meals, snacks, lodging, a T-shirt, and program and activity costs. 

Learn more and about the camp and REGISTER at https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_great_lakes_natural_resources_camp/

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 State Awards

The commitment you put into “Making Your Best Better” is significant. Through your 4-H experiences you are molding your future by growing your skills, becoming a leader, and serving your community. 

Your 4-H journey has required curiosity, determination, accountability, and dedication to learning and growth. Your efforts are commendable and deserve to be recognized with a Michigan 4-H State Award, the highest honor bestowed on a 4-H member.

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is a hands-on learning experience that allows 4-H members to develop and practice “adulting” skills such as resume writing, filling out an application, and interviewing. Applications and interviews are based on communicating your 4-H participation and learning

experiences. Applicants are eligible to compete for cash prizes and be recognized for their 4-H involvement. 

Who: 4-H members 13-19 years old (on January 1)

Submit an application: https://events.anr.msu.edu/StateAwards24/

Application deadline: April 1

Find complete information on the website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4-h-awards-and-recognition-program/youth-recognition/

4-H Creative Campaign Contest

Are you between the ages of 9-19 and passionate about 4-H! Here's your chance to shine and make a difference! Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development invites you to showcase your creativity and share your personal 4-H journey in a short video about “Why You Should join 4-H!” Be a voice for change and inspire others to join the 4-H community. Plus, you could win awesome prizes for your efforts!

Don’t miss out!  

Deadline to register and submit your videos is April 1, 2024. Visit this link to learn more and get started: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-clovers-code/contest/

MI 4-H Exploration Days

Scholarships are available from the Saginaw 4-H Counci to attend 4-H Exploration Days.

Learn more at

https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/scholarships-awards

Join Michigan 4-H for a pre-college summer program geared towards youth 12-19 years old. Exploration Days takes place June 19-21, 2024 on the campus of Michigan State University. This unique program allows youth to explore careers, meet new people, stay on a college campus, and learn new ideas. 

Registration opens March 25, 2024 at 7:00pm. More information can be found on https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_exploration_days/ and by contacting gathstac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office.

 We look forward to you joining us and growing this summer with 4-H!

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

• 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

Nurturing & Inspiring a Love of the Northwoods

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 plunge with turtles and get a little batty while exploring the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Join us on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at 6:30pm EST for “Nurturing & Inspiring a Love of the Northwoods.” 

You will meet Naturalist and Education Director for the North Lakeland Discovery Center, Licia Johnson, 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 virtual 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/ 

States' 4-H International

"Open your Home and Heart, become a host family today, create memories that will never fade away!"

Host a Japanese youth in Summer 2024 through States’ 4-H International!

Invite an international youth (ages 12-17 years) or adult chaperone into your home for three and a half weeks and share an American experience. Expand your family’s cultural understanding, learn about new foods and customs, and possibly a new language all while sharing your own.

You and your children will build lifelong friendships and will gain new perspectives on your own country too! Applications to host can be found at www.states4hexchange.org

For more information contact : Michigan 4-H International Exchange Program Coordinator Jan Brinn brinn@msu.edu or Co-Coordinator John Wurm wurmj@msu.edu.

MI 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop

Registration is now open for the Spring Shooting Sports Instructor workshop! Join us for 2 days of classes focused on everything you need to know to teach Shooting Sports fundamentals to youth as part of a 4-H Youth Development Program.

Follow this link to learn more and register: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2024SSInstructorSpringWorkshop/ Questions? Email us at 4H.ShootingSports@msu.edu

4-H Virtual SPIN Club

The 4-H Virtual Book Club is a new statewide Special Interests (SPIN) Club. Club members will read a new book each month with a virtual group discussion at the end of the month. The club will also explore creative writing, careers in literature, library science, author studies, project exhibit ideas and more. Books are chosen for an audience 11 and older. 

For more information or assistance in getting a copy of the book, contact Sarah at graversa@msu.edu or (810)667-0341. Youth can join the club by selecting "SPIN Club 4-H Virtual Book Club" in 4-H online at https://v2.4honline.com/

Show Your Money Smarts Contest

The Show Your Money Smarts Contest is back for its sixth year!! Young people, 13-19, learn how to keep your money safe and compete with other youth across the state of Michigan in this 30-question online challenge. High scoring youth will be entered into a prize drawing to win $50 gift card.

Start developing good financial habits at a young age and learn how to choose a financial institution that works for you! Learn more and sign up here to get money smart: https://bit.ly/4-Hmoneysmart Thank you to our generous sponsor, Michigan Credit Union League!

Adulting 101

Wondering how to safeguard your hard-earned cash? Whether you're saving for college, planning your next adventure, or simply building a nest egg, it's essential to make informed choices about where you store your money.

Join us on for our next Adulting 101 session, Keeping your Money Safe on March 19, from 6-7pm to discover tips on researching and evaluating financial institutions, choosing between banks and credit unions and strategies for securing your financial future.



Register here https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/safemoney to arm yourself with knowledge and confidence to make the best decisions for YOUR money. 

Keeping Your Money Safe

Ready to take charge of your finances? It's YOUR money, and it's time to make it work for you! Join us for an interactive webinar and get ready to learn how to keep your money safe and secure.



Choose from one of two dates:

• March 25, 2024, from 7-8 pm https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/keeping-your-money-safe-3-25
• April 3, 2024, from 5-6 pm https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/keeping-your-money-safe-4-3

These webinars will also help prep you for the exciting Show Your Money Smarts Contest! https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-money-smarts/show-your-money-smarts-contest

Don't miss this chance to level up your financial literacy game! Register today!

4-H Youth in Action

Apply now for the 2025 4-H Youth in Action Awards!

Each year, the program recognizes four confident young leaders with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives in the pillar areas of agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living and STEM.

Winners will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share their stories along with unforgettable experiences, celebration on the national stage, recognition in the media and a $5,000 college scholarship. This opportunity is open to youth ages 15-19. The deadline to apply is April 1. Learn more and apply at https://4-h.org/programs/4-h-youth-in-action-program/application/.

Veterinary Education Day

Veterinary Education Day is an annual event for high school students who are interested in learning more about post-secondary educational programs at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Presentations will focus on the pre-vet and veterinary nursing undergraduate programs, as well as DVM admissions. This hybrid event is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m., and participants can choose to attend in-person or via Zoom. You can find more information, including how to register, here: https://cvm.msu.edu/events/veterinary-education-day-2024

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. Show dates: June 1, June 29, and June 30 – 2024.

Shows are $5/class or $40/day per horse/rider combo or class. Each additional horse in any given class has to pay $5 for that class.

Learn more about the Saginaw 4-H 2024 Horse Shows at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/4-h-horse-shows.

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

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

4-H Dog Trick Challenge

Join 4-H staff for the first ever 4-H Trick Dog Challenge February 17^th-April 13^th! This program is a great fit for all youth and their dogs, whether you want to help keep your training skills strong during the off-season, are looking for new tricks for your freestyle routine, or just want to strengthen your bond with your dog and learn new things! Each week, youth will receive 6 tricks with corresponding training videos to choose from.

Youth should choose 1-2 tricks to practice each week, and photo/video submissions of the youth working with their dog are encouraged!

Additional information, including how to register, can be found here: https://events.anr.msu.edu/DogTricks24/

Saginaw 4-H Council

March 7: 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

March 18: 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/.

Volunteer Webinar Series

Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar - Group Management For 4-H Clubs and Groups

Learn and share techniques to support a successful group setting and help spark youth engagement. This series will provide volunteers with a variety of learning opportunities to help them grow as a volunteer and support Michigan 4-H’ers. 

This session will be offered twice, once as a daytime option and once as an evening option.

• 12 p.m. session: www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-volunteer-webinar-group-management-for-4-h-clubs-and-groups
• 7 p.m. session: www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-volunteer-webinar-group-management-for-4-h-clubs-and-groups7pm

4-H Club sews to help local community

Making a commitment to the four H’s helps the members commit to something bigger than themselves. Head, Heart, Hands and Health (the 4-H’s) are the words that thousands of 4-H members live by.

A very special thank you to the Frankenmuth Pacesetters 4-H Club who hosted a recent sewing event to make pillowcases, mittens, or fleece blankets to help their local community. With the help of 4-H volunteers, the club made 80 pillowcases, 19 blankets, 7 blankets for babies, and 15 pairs of mittens that are being donated to families in need and to the pediatric department at a local hospital. 

“My Hands to larger service,” is a promise to give the world as much as a member can.  Like “heart,” giving your hands to larger service is when a member steps back from their own personal needs and gives to others what they can. Through “hands” 4-H members gain the ability to give strength to others. 4-H members have the opportunity to get out in the community and show everyone how much care their hands hold, while being able to maintain their own personal Health. 

Learn more about the 4-H pledge at https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/head_heart_hands_and_health_what_4-h_means

Interested in learning more about 4-H? See https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/join-saginaw-county-4-h

What happens at 4-H meetings?

4-H meetings offer a variety of experiences for members. Meetings contain business, project work, educational programs, community service, recreation and social activities. All of these may not be part of every meeting, but each should be included during the year for a well-balanced program. Members should decide what to include and when with the assistance of 4-H volunteers. A club meeting outline provides structure for conducting a meeting. A typical 4-H club meeting has three components: fun (group building), business (group decisions) and learning (program/activity).

1. Group building/fun: 15-20 minutes

A variety of fun activities adds enthusiasm and enjoyment to meetings. This might include:

• Fellowship, or an informal time set aside for members and leaders to get to know each other.
• Ice breakers and team building activities that have intentional outcomes.
• Recreation, during which time a variety of organized games could be included.
• Refreshments, which can give members a chance to serve as hosts as well as socialize with their fellow members.
• Celebration, which can help members feel good about what they have accomplished or learned.

2. Group decisions/business: 15-20 minutes

The business section should demonstrate democracy in action. Members learn how to express themselves in a group, listen to the views of others, come to a decision either through consensus or parliamentary procedure, and abide by majority rule. A typical business agenda is as follows:

1. Call to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge
3. Roll Call – answering in any way the group decides
4. Minutes of the previous meeting
5. Treasurer’s report
6. Committee reports
7. Old business
8. New business
9. Adjournment

3. Program activity/learning: 45-60 minutes

“Learning by doing” is one of the 4-H program’s unique strengths. This is the place for members to give demonstrations, work on project books and participate in tours or community service and other activities. Use a variety of activities to involve members in program planning, self-esteem development and decision making. Ingenuity and creativity can make this section of the meeting interesting and active. Providing work space during project work makes learning easier. Examples of learning opportunities during meetings include:

• Community service activities
• Tours
• Guest speakers and presentations
• Special programs
• Project work
• Demonstrations and talks
• 
  

Adapted from What happens at 4-H club meetings? - MSU Extension