4-H: Today's Big Picture and Our Proud Heritage!

 

What is 4-H?

4-H, the largest youth-development organization in both Michigan and the U.S., was thought up in the late 1880s. At the time,university, agricultural researchers realized farmers were often not willing to try new methods being developed on campus. However, noting that (as today) young people:
(1) were open to new thinking, (2) would experiment with new ideas and (3) would then share their experiences with adults, the researchers introduced their new ideas to rural youth. Thus began 4-H!

 

Where can 4-H programs be found?

While 4-H continues to use the hands-on, learning-by-doing, experiential learning approach, its scope has expanded. Today, our 200,000-plus Michigan 4-H members are part of a program that reaches 7 million young people in more than 50 countries. 4-H Youth Development exists in all but one of the seven continents. As can be seen on this map, there are 4-H programs in North America, Mexico, much of Central America, Bolivia, many northern European and Scandinavian countries, much of the southern third of Africa, nearly all of eastern and Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

 

Michigan 4-H welcomes youth from all parts of the state (from the Upper Peninsula to our border with Indiana, from Lake Michigan's shores to those of Lake Huron, and everywhere in between). Although Michigan 4-H still has rural programs, it now also includes youth from urban areas and the suburbs, as well. Quite a difference from just 25 years ago!

 

What is 4-H's focus?

Embracing our 90-year-old motto, "To make the best better," today's 4-H continues its intentional focus on making its members leaders of change. Though different times dictate changing interests and focuses, Michigan 4-H holds fast to its heritage of concentrating its educational efforts on science (animal, engineering and technology and environmental and outdoor education), healthy living and empowering young people to be good citizens locally and globally. Michigan 4-H has also established a strong, intentional mentoring program, including 4-H Tech Wizards, as a way of allowing more young people to participate.

 

How is 4-H doing?

In 2013, Tufts University scholars, Drs. Richard and Jacqueline Lerner, published a first-of-its-kind research report that defines and measures 4-H's positive, youth development. It demonstrates that 4-H members excel in academic achievement, civic engagement and healthy living. Each year, MSU Extension compiles and publishes data about the impact its children and youth programs have. 2015 data can be found here.

 

As you celebrate National 4-H Week (October 2 to 8), take pride in being part of not only the

largest youth-development organization in the country, but also being a member of a program that has remained true to its founders, while quickly responding to today's challenges!

 

Stay in touch and connected:

Michigan 4-H PEP Instructor & Volunteer Update Workshop

The Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrian Instructor and Volunteer Update Workshop is Oct. 22-23, 2016 at Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners and Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, in  Augusta. This is a workshop strictly for therapeutic riding instructors and therapists working with therapeutic horseback riding programs. All 4-H instructors certified before Jan. 1, 2016 are REQUIRED to attend either the October 2015 OR the October 2016 workshop in order to be approved to teach a 4-H PEP program in Michigan: Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017.  NEW THIS YEAR: There will also be a track for volunteers in Michigan 4-H PEP Programs.

The cost to 4-H members and volunteers is $98 per person. Non 4-H members and volunteers pay $190.  The registration fee includes meals, lodging and resources. The deadline to register for this event is October 12, 2016. To register, visit http://events.anr.msu.edu/PEP16/. Persons canceling without a replacement, after Oct. 1 will be charged the $10 resource fee. Visit the registration site for additional details.

For the most up-to-date events listing, go to http://4h.msue.msu.edu/events