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 Wednesdays from November 1 – December 6 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 for beginner classes. Advanced class participants must be able to shoot from 15-yard line with accuracy. Cost is $15 per youth for the 5-week session. 

The program will be open to 4-H members ages 9-19. Space is limited!

Youth may choose from one of the following session times:

• Session 1: 5:30-6:30pm - Beginner
• Session 2: 6:45-7:45pm - Advanced

Registration – youth will register for archery in 4-H Online by following the steps 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 and SCROLL DOWN to the “Saginaw 4-H Archery Fall 2023 Event” at the bottom of the screen. Click on blue registration tab to start registration. 

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 and SCROLL DOWN to the “Saginaw 4-H Archery Fall 2023 Event” at the bottom of the screen. Click on blue registration tab to start registration.

Have questions or need assistance 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

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!

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

Tractor Safety Instructors Needed

Volunteer Instructors are needed to teach Tractor Safety with Saginaw 4-H! Would you or someone you know be willing to become a certified instructor?



Saginaw 4-H is seeking adult volunteer instructors to teach tractor and machine operation safety.  The certification training is done through an on-line and self-paced course. In this farm tractor safety course, you will learn how to teach and organize the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program.

Learn more at https://extension.psu.edu/national-safe-tractor-and-machinery-operation-program-nstmop-instructor-training

Course registration fees will be paid for by Saginaw 4-H.

The intent is that instructors offer a minimum of 1 class/workshop for 4-H throughout the year.

Instructors will teach the training program for youth seeking employment in production agriculture. Farm operations present a wide range of hazards for workers, and youth are especially at risk for severe injuries and fatalities. By becoming an instructor and offering training programs you are providing an important service to increase the safety of American farms.

If you are interested in volunteering for this program and bringing this farm safety program to Saginaw 4-H, please contact Stacie at the Saginaw 4-H office at gathstac@msu.edu. 

Start a 4-H Club!

Interested in learning how to start your own 4-H Club?

4-H Clubs can be started with as little as 5 youth from 2 different households and 1 adult. Activities and meetings can be offered in your local community. 

Join us in helping young people explore their interests through fun, engaging, and hands-on learning experiences. 

Contact gathstac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office for assistance in joining an existing club or starting a new one!

4-H Scholarships are Available

Outstanding Michigan 4-H members who are involved at county, regional, state, national or international levels are eligible to apply for Michigan

4-H scholarships to help fund their college experience.

A number of scholarship opportunities exist, ranging in value from $500 to $10,000 (over the course of four years). Each scholarship has specific eligibility, be sure to read the requirements to see if you qualify.

All applications are due by November 1. 

Learn more and access applications materials at: www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4_h_scholarships. 

4-H Spectacular Leadership Institute!

SAVE THE DATE

November 10-12, 2023

Scholarships are available for Saginaw 4-H members - see the process at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/scholarships-awards

The Michigan 4-H Spectacular Youth Leadership Institute is an event for teens who want to improve their communities and our world through leadership and youth power! Attending the Institute will help teens gain leadership skills and approach life with their head, heart, and hands open to new ideas, interesting people, and diverse cultures. Attend the Institute and be part of the movement that has youth leading the way!

The Institute features a wide variety of fun and interactive sessions that will provide teens with knowledge and tools to improve their leadership skills and make a positive difference in their communities and the world. This Michigan 4-H workshop is open to ALL teens (ages 13+ by Jan. 1, 2024) and to adult leaders who have Gold Level Volunteer status with MSU Extension.

For more information and to register to participate in the Institute, go to https://events.anr.msu.edu/SYLI2023/ The deadline to register for the Institute is October 20, 2023.

The Michigan 4-H Spectacular Youth Leadership Institute is sponsored with a grant from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.

For more information, please contact MSU Extension Educators Roxanne Turner (turnerr@msu.edu ~ 517-546-3950) or Brian Wibby (wibby@msu.edu ~ 906-439-5065)

Share Your 4-H Story!

Across the state, Michigan 4-H has grown true leaders for today and tomorrow. From Marquette to Monroe, these young people are impacting their clubs, communities, country and world. 

To help share this impact with others, we’re looking for youth and 4-H alums to share their own testimonials of how 4-H has influenced their personal growth and development. 

Submissions will be posted on the Meet Michigan 4-H’ers section of the MSU Extension website and promoted digitally in newsletters and social media.   

To learn more and download the guidelines, visit www.canr.msu.edu/4h/meet-michigan-4-h.

Wild Spartans: Snakes and Frogs - Fieldwork in the Tropics

A National Geographic Explorer is joining us in October!

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 climb through the mist on a tropical expedition searching for new and rare species of amphibians and reptiles.

Join us to explore biological hotspots on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 6:30pm EST for “Snakes and Frogs: Fieldwork in the Tropics.” 

You will meet Dr. D. Bruce Means, biologist with the Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy & Adjunct Professor at Florida State University. He was recently featured in a National Geographic magazine cover story and documentary ‘The Last Tepui’. You’ll 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/

Adulting 101: Wealth Building

Looking for strategies to build wealth? This workshop will provide tips, tools and goal setting strategies. Learn about different types of savings and investment products. Evaluate your risk tolerance and explore investment timelines. Register here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting101f23

Adulting 101: Professionalism in the Workplace

What is professionalism and why is it important in the workplace? Increase your awareness of what it means to be professional and gain tips on different aspects of the work environment to consider including: shared workspace, relationships with coworkers, communicating and setting boundaries. 

Register here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting101f23

The Creative Campaign Contest

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.

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/.

Investigating Informational Interviews

Explore this short interactive class to learn the ins and outs of informational interviewing. Discover what it is and is not, the many benefits, steps for success, writing an introductory email to professionals, questions to ask, and many resources for further exploration.

To access this Free class register here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/.../investigating-information...

Tractor Supply Co. Paper Clover Campaign

October 4-15, 2023

Support 4-H by purchasing a $1 paper clover at your local Tractor Supply Co. (TSC) store or online!

National 4-H Week - October 1-7

It’s National 4-H Week from October 1-7! Help us celebrate Saginaw 4-H.

For over 100 years, 4‑H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities.

From October 1-7, we will celebrate the impact of 4‑H during National 4‑H Week.

Here are some ways you can celebrate 4‑H!

• Wear Your 4‑H Gear — Nothing says 4‑H pride like a 4‑H tee! Dress yourself (or the entire family – pets included!) in 4‑H green and clover gear.

• Shout-Out a 4‑H’er — Recognize the hard work and dedication of 4‑H’ers by shouting out one youth or an entire club on social media, in a local newspaper or other media.

• Storefront Displays/Information Booths — In some communities, you can ask local businesses to display 4‑H posters, flyers, showcase the work of 4-H'ers, or host a table to share information about your local 4‑H program. Stores may also be willing to dedicate their entire storefront to 4‑H signs, memorabilia, and décor for the week.

• Become a 4‑H Volunteer —If you are a 4‑H alum, you might be looking for ways to reconnect with 4‑H. Consider giving your time to a local 4‑H club by becoming a volunteer.

• Share Your 4‑H Story — Take to social media to share a 4‑H memory, express how 4‑H shaped who you are today, describe what 4‑H means to you, post an old 4‑H photo, or shout-out your 4‑H club.

• Have a 4‑H Reunion — 4‑H alumni often credit 4‑H for the connections they’ve made, remembering the friends they made and those who they may still keep in touch with today. Gather your old 4‑H friends and spend some time together reminiscing on your 4‑H experience or recreate a 4‑H project together!

• Send a 4‑H ‘Thank You’ — We all have a reason to thank our local 4‑H staff, leaders and supporters. To show your appreciation, send a handwritten ‘thank you’ note to someone who has supported youth and made a difference.

• Give Back — Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing 4-H for the future. Help programs thrive by making a donation that can help support your county 4-H program.

Adapted from: https://4-h.org/about/blog/10-ways-to-celebrate-national-4-h-week

MI 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award

Can you think of someone who displayed extraordinary sportsmanship at a recent 4-H animal science program? Perhaps at a club meeting, clinic, or the county fair? Nominate them for the 2023 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award!

This annual award recognizes one youth member and one adult 4-H leader who exemplify the definition of sportsmanship and have gone above and beyond to lend a helping hand to those around them during animal science programs. Nominations are due October 15.

You can find full details, including the nomination form, here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/competitive_event_resources

Saginaw 4-H Council

October 5: 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

Join a Committee! Saginaw 4-H Council Needs Your Help

4-H Council committees offer a variety of 4-H events across the county in the upcoming months.

If you are interested in getting involved with or supporting 4-H this is a great opportunity!

Have a busy schedule but want to help? No problem! There are a variety of flexible opportunities for you to be involved. Choose what works for your schedule! The committees are open to all Saginaw 4-H volunteers and members and include the following:

• Awards Committee (4-H member recognition and celebration)
• Parade Committee (4-H celebration)
• Youth Fun Day Committee (4-H social event)

We hope you will consider joining us and supporting Saginaw 4-H members with these special events! For general questions or assistance, you can also contact gathstac@msu.edu at the 4-H office for more information.

Saginaw 4-H Horse Council

October 16: 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 Volunteer Webinar Series

Find out what types of 4-H resources you could be using within your 4-H Experiences that will add some spice. 

For more information and registration visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series.

Upcoming webinars include:

• Helping Youth Find Their Spark: 4-H leaders will learn ways to help youth find their spark within their 4-H experience.
• October 23, 2023 12:00PM-1:00PM
• October 23, 7:00PM-8:00PM

• Youth Engagement in 4-H Experiences: 4-H leaders will learn strategies to increase the level of youth engagement in their 4-H experiences.
• November 21, 2023 12:00PM-1:00PM
• November 21, 2023 7:00PM-8:00PM

MI 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration

Join us in congratulating Gail Frahm and Rachele Ramirez from Saginaw County for being part of the 4-H EMERALD CLOVER SOCIETY CLASS OF 2022.

The Emerald Clover Society celebrates individuals who had significant 4-H involvement as youth and who have made significant contributions to their local, state, and national communities.

Michigan 4-H will be honoring outstanding 4-H youth, alumni, volunteers, partners and staff at Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration on September 30. Check out this year’s honorees and register to take part in the celebration! http://spr.ly/6181PN0UB

New 4-H year, new 4-H officers

With the new 4-H year comes the excitement of starting fresh with club programming.

The new 4-H year is also a time that clubs gear up to face new challenges, especially reorganizing clubs with new officers. 4-H clubs are run by youth officers, including a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and reporter, with the support of adult volunteer leaders. Other officers can also be included like historian and parliamentarian.

Officers are responsible for the monthly meetings running smoothly and efficiently, as well as setting the tone for the club and its members. In lending support to their clubs, officers are also learning leadership skills they will be able to put to use in many settings beyond their 4-H club.

Clubs generally use parliamentary procedure to elect officers. Officers are nominated by a committee or nominations are taken from the floor at the meeting. Regardless of the method used to elect officers, nominees must be asked if they accept the nomination before voting takes place.

The office of the president should be elected first followed by the offices of vice president, secretary and treasurer done individually thereafter, with an opportunity for those not elected to the previous office to run for the next elected office. A helpful resource in electing officers is the “Helping You Help Officers and Committees” by Michigan State University Extension. There is a section for each officer to help them assume their role with confidence.

In general, what are the main duties of each office? “So You Are an Officer in Your 4-H Club Series” states the following:

• A president presides at all meetings, manages the business of the club meeting, appoints committees and keeps order during the meeting.
• A vice president takes charge of the meeting in the president’s absence, serves as chairperson of program committee and is responsible for the program portion of the club meeting.
• A secretary keeps written minutes of all meetings and keeps record of the attendance of all members.
• A treasurer takes care of all club funds and keeps an accurate record of club funds.
• A reporter writes interesting and accurate reports of club meetings and special club activities, sends these to the local newspaper and helps keep local people informed of 4-H activities.

Club officers set the tone of the 4-H club as they are the role models for the rest of the members. Officers should be dependable and attend every club meeting early so they are prepared to run the meeting. They should know what’s on the agenda each month and be ready to lead the discussion, but also give everyone in the club a chance to participate.

Club officers need to work together in a positive way and be able to work with committee members, leaders and parents. Club officers should be involved in setting the year’s plan for the club using input from other members. The officer unit should work well with the club leader to make the meeting fun and interesting for all members.

Club officers are very important to the overall success of the club along with the club leader. The officer roles give youth a good chance to experience the leadership role and learn the duties of that role.

Adapted from New 4-H year, new 4-H officers.