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 26^th 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! Location and program details will be sent to registered workshop participants prior to the workshop. The workshop will be taught outdoors and in the woods. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes.

Register at https://forms.gle/ZT2wcsGD6ACNcgxg8



Stay tuned for a second workshop coming in March to learn how to collect and process sap to turn it into delicious maple syrup!

Not a 4-H member but want to attend?

Sign up for Saginaw 4-H at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/join-saginaw-county-4-h and then complete the registration form or contact gathstac@msu.edu to learn more!

4-H Club Officer and Parliamentary Procedure Training

Are you new to leading or participating in 4-H Club meetings or would you just like a refresher on how to run a club meeting?

Gather your friends and 4-H volunteers and Join us for a 4-H Club Officer and Parliamentary Procedure Basics Training on Thursday, March 2^nd from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at the Saginaw 4-H office located at 723 Emerson St. Saginaw MI 48607. 

This training is great for 4-H teen leaders, officers, and those aspiring to hold officer positions AND adult volunteers and club leaders are encouraged to attend!  Training is designed for youth ages 11 and up, but appropriate for youth and adult volunteers of all ages.

The class will cover club officer roles and responsibilities, parliamentary procedure, and meeting best practices. This training is great for youth who are current club officers or those interested in learning 4-H Club leadership roles and responsibilities. 

You do not need to be a current 4-H Club officer to attend. 

Register for the Club officer training at https://forms.gle/wsGF4FrmfSVmGauc9

Not a member of Saginaw 4-H? Sign up today at https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan_4_h_enrollmentor or contact gathstac@msu.edu or call the MSU Extension Office at 989-907-6500 for more information.  

Project R.E.D (Rural Education Day) is coming to Saginaw County!

Save the Date! Students from 4th grade classrooms and homeschool groups across Saginaw County are invited to participate in a Project R.E.D. event this school year!

May 9, 2023 at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth.

Project R.E.D. (Rural Education Day) is a FREE event designed to teach students about agriculture and natural resources in a field trip format. It is designed to bring agriculture and natural resource education to classrooms in a field trip format, to teach youth the importance of agriculture and where their food comes from.

• FREE
• Transportaion Scholarships available
• Classrooms receive a FREE FARM Crate

To express your interest in attending fill out the interest form at https://forms.gle/wxLPMuCASCD4maYv6 or contact Lindsey Garner at lgarner@spsd.net.

Saginaw County Fair Youth Scholarship

The Saginaw County Fair is pleased to announce the 1st annual Saginaw County Fair Youth Scholarship.

-This scholarship is open to any applicant who has been involved with the Saginaw County Fair as an exhibitor or

volunteer for at least 2 years.

-Applicants do not need to be Saginaw County residents.

-Open to any graduating high school senior or a student not out of high school more than one

year who intends to pursue further education at a college, university, or trade school.

-Applicants must be under the age of 20 as of January 1 of the year of application.

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 Exploration Days 2023

Save the Date!

SCHOLARSHIPS are available from the Saginaw 4-H Council for Saginaw 4-H members!

What are you looking forward to the most this year at Exploration Days? Learning something new at a session, exploring the MSU campus or getting your favorite ice cream with new friends at the Dairy Store?

Registration for Exploration Days begins Tuesday, March 21st at 7 pm! A $50 deposit is due at registration.

Join 1,000 youth from across Michigan on MSU’s campus to explore YOUR future! Live like a college student and learn about future careers at 4-H Exploration Days.

This three-day pre-college program is designed to help you explore careers, build skills and envision your future. Choose from more than 100 fun learning sessions on a variety of topics that are led by MSU faculty, 4-H staff and volunteers, and other experts! You’ll stay in and eat at MSU residence halls, attend sessions in buildings throughout campus, and of course have fun at free-time activities across the university.

Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_exploration_days/

Wild Spartans

Join 4-H staff as we take a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! February’s 4-H Wild Spartans Series will plunge into our rivers and lakes to take a closer look at the prehistoric fish that inhabit our waters. Join us on Tuesday, February 14th at 6:30pm EST for “Black River Lake Sturgeon Facility: Management of a Threatened Species”. You will meet Doug Larson, Research Assistant, Black River Sturgeon Facility.

You will learn about his fieldwork, 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/wildspartans2023/  

4-H Capitol Experience

Scholarships are available for Saginaw 4-H Members!

Do you want to make our state a better place? 4-H Capitol Experience is now open for registrations youth in 9^th grade through age 19! Join us at the Michigan Capitol March 12-14 at the Lansing Radisson Hotel to learn more about state government, and how your voice can make an impact! Youth meet with peers to talk about issues that are important to them, network with folks that work in a wide variety of roles related to public policy, and see state government in action.

More information available on our website at https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_capitol_experience/

Contact gathstac@msu.edu to learn more about scholarships or registration!

4-H Day at the Breslin

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! You’re ALL invited to attend the seventeenth annual celebration of MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development at the Spartan Women’s basketball game, Sunday, February 12, 2023.

Ticket Price: FREE for the Michigan 4-H community including MSU Extension and 4-H youth, volunteers, partners, stakeholders, staff, alumni and their families!

For ordering information, visit http://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-hday-at-the-breslin. For additional information, contact your Laura Potter-Niesen at potterla@msu.edu

Cash Composition Contest

You could win a $100 gift card!

Money, money, money! In honor of Financial Awareness Month held each April, Michigan State University Extension 4-H is coordinating the Cash Composition Contest. 

Youth residing in Michigan, age 9-12 as of (January 1, 2023) are encouraged to answer this year’s contest where they will write a short (300 words or less) essay about needs and wants.

The 5 top scoring essays will each win a $100 gift card thanks to the generous sponsorship by Extra Credit Union. Contest registration and essay submission must be complete by April 30th. For more details go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-money-smarts/money-smart-kids-contest

Show Your Money Smarts Contest

Learn how to use credit wisely in this year's fifth annual online contest. Compete with other youth ages 13-19 across the state of Michigan in this 30 question online challenge during the month of April and win prizes. High scoring youth will be entered into a prize drawing to win a $25 gift card. Youth must register by April 13 and complete the contest by April 30th. 

Teachers, librarians and other youth development professionals also can win a $25 gift card if a non-related youth you referred to the contest wins. Gift card prizes are provided by a generous sponsorship from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation as part of their goal to improve the financial well-being of Michigan families.

For contest details and related education go here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-money-smarts/show-your-money-smarts-contest

Insurance 101

Insurance 101- Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. ET

Are you confused about how medical insurance works? Have you ever wondered what a deductible is...what the difference is between an HMO and PPO plan...and why knowing your out-of-pocket maximum is important? Understanding medical insurance can be tricky! Join this session to learn the basics.

Sign up here for this class and many more here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting101w23

4-H Future Squad

The future is yours! Are you ready for it? Join the 4-H Future Squad club, a virtual club that allows you to learn about topics you want to learn about!

This virtual based 4-H club is open for registration for any 12-19 years olds who want to gain skills to rock their future. Club starts in October and runs through May 2023.



For more information and to complete the Interest Form, check out: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-future-squad

Citizen WA Focus

Learning about our nation’s history empowers today’s youth to forge a brighter future. What better place to do that than Washington, DC! Teens, ages 14-19, are invited to join the Michigan 4-H delegation from June 24^th to 30^th, 2023 for the week-long trip. Experience Washington, DC like never before or ever again. With a tour guide providing background information for many monuments and programs that teach life skills such as civil discourse and critical thinking, youth will be able to use their voice and expand their horizons. Cost is $2000 and 7 meals enroute.

One 2022 delegate put it this way, “CWF was absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I experienced new places and learned about their importance to our nation’s history. I met 4-Hers from all around the country, discovered differences and similarities between our 4-H experiences, and strengthened my resolve to use my voice to help others.” Here is the National 4-H Website for more information, https://4-h.org/parents/citizenship-washington-focus/ 

To sign up, contact your Saginaw county MSU Extension 4-H Program Coordinator at gathstac@msu.edu or Liana Pepin at deisenro@msu.edu.

INBOUND Summer 2023 Outward Bound Programs

While enjoying the snow and cold do you reflect on the moments of the summer sun and warmth? Have you considered the summer in Michigan as a great time to share with an international delegate? Here is a 5 minute video of Michigan 4-H commemorating the summer In-US program in Michigan 2022 to enjoy, warm your heart, and spark your consideration to host: https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/t/1_c9zo5rea

Did this inspire you to maybe host in 2023 or you know of 4-H families in your County? Michigan 4-H will be having 12 Japanese youth and one Chaperone available in 2023 for interested families possibly opening their home and hearts by hosting! A host family needs to complete the States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs online application, have a youth to match as a host brother/sister (be within 4 years of age), adults be Michigan 4-H adult Gold Volunteers, participate in an interview and home visit process. Applications to host can be found at www.states4hexchange.org

Please feel free to contact Michigan 4-H International Exchange Programs Coordinator Jan Brinn  brinn@msu.edu or Co-Coordinator John Wurm wurmj@msu.edu.  

World Food Prize

World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute registrations due March 15! 

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 11 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. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their ideas related to global food security with experts and other Michigan youth while learning how university faculty and staff members, researchers and students are working to address 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 a two- to five-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. They also participate in interactive activities related to global food challenges and engage with area experts to discuss solutions to global hunger and poverty. 

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 https://www.canr.msu.edu/wfpmiyi/. Registrations and papers are due March 15.

MI 4-H Animal Science

Skill-a-thon

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Qualifiers March 4 or 11, 2023 via Zoom Test your knowledge and comprehension of animal science and livestock management in 10 different Market Livestock Categories. Poultry Swine Rabbits/Cavies Dairy Dogs Beef Sheep Horses Goats General Knowledge.

Youth competitors must be 8, but not yet 20, before January 1, 2023. Those who are 20 years and older are eligible to compete in the Adult Division.

Contestants scoring above the minimum percentile in their respective division will be notified via email within two days of the qualifier contest that they have advanced to the State Championship on March 18, 2023.

Age divisions:

Novice (8-11 years)

Junior (12-14 years)

Senior (15-19 years)

Adult (20+)

To Register please visit http://www.canr.msu.edu/otsego/4-h/2023-Skillathon

Or email us at: 4HSkillathon@msu.edu

MI 4-H Dog Program Learning Workshop

Registration is now open for our first statewide canine workshop of the year! This is an all day workshop for youth and adult participants on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Isabella County Commission on Aging in Mt. Pleasant. Registration is limited so sign up early using the link below:

https://events.anr.msu.edu/LearningWorkshop2023/

Each youth and adult will participate in all four sessions with lunch included. Sessions are different from those offered last year. We will have a participant bag and door prizes. For additional questions, please contact Kristi Schreiber at schrei61@msu.edu or 989-330-5131, 989-317-4079

The 4-H State Companion Animal Committee looks forward to bringing you some great events and workshops in which to participate this year! Stay tuned!

Puppy Raisers! 

Do you want to participate in the 4-H Dog Project area but need a canine companion? Please consider becoming a 4-H Puppy Raiser with Leader Dogs for the Blind. We are hosting a new "Partnership Kick-Off Event" to provide more information on how to engage with this project.

The event will be held on February 23 at the Leader Dog Campus in Rochester Hills. This Event is in-person and we will also provide virtual availability for participation. The Event is FREE. Please use the link below to register for the Event.

https://events.anr.msu.edu/LeaderDogFeb23/

MI Youth Livestock Conference

Get ready Northern Michigan youth! Michigan Junior Livestock Society has joined Michigan 4-H for an exciting educational opportunity! The Michigan Youth Livestock Conference is set to happen March 11, 2023. This event will take place at the Gaylord University Center at 80 Livingston Blvd Gaylord Michigan 49735.

The Michigan Youth Livestock Conference will provide new opportunities to Michigan youth who are interested in or passionate about raising, exhibiting, producer, or showing livestock. This event is open to all youth and is geared towards those ages 10-19. Registration is through 4-H Online. Space is limited.

Registration for this event will open January 17^th and close February 20^st 2023.

Questions or concerns can be directed to Michelle at eaglingm@msu.edu or Kimberly at Kimberly.roestel@gmail.com

Enroll today, get approved and find this event in your profile! https://v2.4honline.com

MI 4-H Dairy Conference

Registration is now open for the 2023 Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference! 

The event is March 3-5 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. It is open to 4-H youth ages 12-19 and active Gold Volunteers; cost is $130/person. 

Educational sessions lead by MSU faculty and students, MSU Extension professionals, and industry partners will focus on dairy cattle nutrition and related careers. 

Schedule and registration (at the bottom of the page) can be found here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/2023-michigan-4-h-dairy-conference

MI 4-H Livestock Workshop

Join us for the 2023 Michigan 4-H Livestock Workshop – registration is now open! This one-day workshop will take place on Saturday, March 4^th on MSU’s main campus in East Lansing. It is designed for 4-H youth ages 12-19 (as of January 1, 2023) 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 and carcass evaluation, marketing your livestock project, animal anatomy, reproduction, nutrition, and more!

Registration will cost $30, 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-livestock-workshop

MI 4-H State Goat Show

The 2023 Michigan 4-H State Goat Show will be held on Saturday, June 17th at the MSU Pavilion South Barn. We are excited for this show to make its return for the first time since 2019!

More information will be available in the spring. Mark your calendars - you will not want to miss it!

4-H Animal Science Career Quest

REGISTRAITION IS OPEN!

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 and veterinary medicine, 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 18^th and 19^th on MSU’s main campus in East Lansing. It is open to youth ages 12-19 and 4-H volunteers, and participants can choose to attend one or both days.

Space is limited, so don’t delay! Register now: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/animal-science-career-quest

4-H Beef Series

Registration for the Beef Series is now OPEN! 

In-Person and Virtual participation options!

This interactive and educational series will provide information, tips, and strategies for beef projects and feature guest speakers from industry professionals!

There will be door prizes and opportunities to ask questions regarding your project.

Youth may register for as many of the 4 sessions as they would like. 

Dates: Nov 20 2022 – February 19 2023



Participants must be enrolled in 4-H to attend! If youth are enrolled in non-4-H clubs, there is a SPIN Club option for them in 4-H Online. That option is called SPIN Club Beef Series. Youth must select Kent County in the drop-down menu to enroll if enrolling from another county other than Kent.  

Youth may enroll by contacting their local 4-H Extension Office or at the link below! 

https://events.anr.msu.edu/beefseriesphase1/  

MI 4-H Equine Events

Michigan 4-H equine programs are gearing up for a busy year! If you are an equine enthusiast, be sure to mark your calendar for these dates and look for additional information in the weeks and months ahead. 

•February 3-4: Michigan 4-H Horse Judges and Show Volunteers Conference - Horses (msu.edu)

•March 18: MI 4-H Hippology Contest - 4-H Horses & Ponies (msu.edu)

•April 15: Norma Agnew Memorial Hairy Horse Show 2023 - 4-H Horses & Ponies (msu.edu)

•April 16: Michigan 4-H/FFA Horse Judging Contest - 4-H Horses & Ponies (msu.edu)

•August 18-20: Michigan State 4-H Horse Show - 4-H Horses & Ponies (msu.edu)

For more information on events, www.canr.msu.edu/horses_ponies/registrationinformation.

Some additional horse events include:

MSU Horsemen’s Association Weekend (two days of clinics including several Extension/Animal Science speakers such as Tom Guthrie, Chris Skelly and Brian Nielsen): https://fb.me/e/5er9MUtX6

Spartan Spring Warm-up Show (this show is a fundraiser for the MSU Horse Farm – a one-day show at the pavilion with select feedback classes) 2023 Spartan Spring Warm-Up Horse Show - Horses (msu.edu) 

Saginaw 4-H Council

****NEW MEETING DAY!****

February 2: Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting 7:00pm

Saginaw 4-H Council:

You are invited! The next Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting on Thursday, February 2nd at the Saginaw 4-H office located at 723 Emerson St. Saginaw MI 48607.

The Saginaw 4-H Council meetings are open to all 4-H youth, volunteers, and families are welcome to attend! 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!

Nominations are being accepted for Secretary and Communications officers. 

Youth Can Be Officers!

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!

Saginaw 4-H Horse Council

February 20: Saginaw 4-H Horse Council Meeting at 7:00pm (Hybrid-Zoom and In-person)

Saginaw 4-H Horse Council:

You are invited! Join us for the next Saginaw 4-H Horse Council meeting on February 20 at the Saginaw County Fairground in Chesaning.  

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 contact gathstac@msu.edu for more information.

Join a Saginaw 4-H Planning Committee!

You are invited! We are excited to share that the Saginaw 4-H Council has formed three planning committees to 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)

Contact: Jenny Specht (4-H Council VP) at lemonfish30@yahoo.com

• Parade Committee (4-H celebration)

Contact: Jenny Specht (4-H Council VP) at lemonfish30@yahoo.com

• Youth Fun Day Committee (4-H social event)

Contact: Jenny Specht (4-H Council VP) at lemonfish30@yahoo.com

If you are interested in joining a committee or learning more about meeting schedules, please contact the committee members listed above or join us at the next Saginaw 4-H Council meeting.

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.

Open Officer Positions 

Saginaw 4-H Council

The Saginaw 4-H Council has open Officer Positions!

Now is an exciting time for 4-H youth and volunteers to get involved and share their passion and expertise by becoming an officer and/or by attending meetings! Use your skills to help with fundraising and scholarships, youth recognition, planning youth camps, clinics, leadership events and more!

Open Officer Positions

• Secretary (takes meeting minutes)

Youth Can Be Officers!

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!

Learn more about 4-H councils at https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan_4_h_advisory_council_responsibilities_best_practices_requirements

Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop

Registration Now Open! Join us February in Paw Paw for Instructor Certification in 4-H Hunting & Wildlife. Teen leaders age 14+ are encouraged!

Registration Deadline is Feb. 1, 2023; required

e-learning videos must be viewed one week prior to the workshop. (Additional

workshops for March and April 2023 will be announced shortly!)

Location: Paw Paw Conservation Club (with online pre-work)

Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop (Level 1) - Hunting & Wildlife

Gold volunteers age 21+ who successfully complete this workshop and all other requirements will receive the certification necessary to become a Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports instructor. 

Details and registration link are available at https://events.anr.msu.edu/InstructorCert_HW_PawPaw/ .

MI 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series

MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H has an exciting opportunity in 2023 with its new Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series.

Check out the first three topics and to learn more visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series

·      Building the Value of Your 4-H Club: Keep your club alive and thriving. This session will focus on the key components of creating a club environment and how that leads to positive outcomes including: setting the stage for meetings, balancing fun/business/and learning, characteristics for success, and the importance of recognition.

o  February 28, 2023 12:00PM - 1:00PM

o  February 28, 2023 7:00PM - 8:00PM

·      Creating a Welcoming 4-H Club: 4-H clubs are spaces where youth can feel like they belong and can be themselves, leading them down a path of increased thriving. To do this, creating a welcoming environment for all youth is important. This session will allow you to learn some new strategies as well as share methods that have worked for you.  

o  March 16, 2023 12:00PM - 1:00PM

o  March 16, 2023 7:00PM - 8:00PM

·      Energizing Your 4-H Club Meetings: Do your 4-H meetings or group activities feel like all work and no play? Learn quick and engaging activities to make your next meeting both fun and functional. Have fun and learn ways to help everyone participate at their own comfort level.

o  April 13, 2023 12:00PM - 1:00PM

o  April 13, 2023 7:00PM - 8:00PM

State 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Committee

Interested in getting involved with 4-H? Become a member of the State 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Committee! This committee helps plan and implement activities and events in the rabbit and cavy project area.

If interested, reach out to Glenda Weiss at weissgle@msu.edu or 517-676-7303 for more information.

Using your 4-H record book to build an employability portfolio

Although keeping a record book is is not a requirement for our county, record books or portfolios can help 4-H members track information for award applications, scholarship and college applications, and resumes.

One such book, the Michigan 4-H Member's Personal Portfolio, is a tool that helps reinforce life skills such as keeping records, goal setting and planning and organizing. Regardless of the source, most record books will include the following categories:

• Personal identification and membership information
• 4-H project experience
• 4-H leadership experience
• 4-H community service experience
• Other 4-H involvement
• 4-H recognition and awards
• Non-4-H activities that exhibit your skills, abilities and teamwork



With a little practice and guidance, a 4-H member can learn to transfer the content of their 4-H record book(s) into an employability portfolio for future use in interviews and with potential employers. An employability portfolio is more general, as opposed to highlighting skills used in a particular career. It focuses on a person’s skills related to academic achievement or educational training, personal management and teamwork.

Here are some examples of documents that a 4-H member might take from a 4-H record book to build the content of a portfolio:

Exhibits related to educational training and achievement

• Copy of hunter safety certificate as part of participating in 4-H shooting sports
• Copy of Youth for the Quality Care of Animals certificate
• Copy of CPR or first aid certification
• List of educational workshops attended as a part of 4-H
• List of awards and recognition received through 4-H involvement

Exhibits related to personal management (organizational skills, trustworthiness, time management)

• 4-H club or project meeting attendance record
• Letter of recommendation from a 4-H leader

Exhibits related to teamwork

• Picture of the member serving as a 4-H club officer with a brief caption that identifies their role
• Picture of the member participating in a 4-H community service project with a brief description of the project
• Picture of the member serving as a 4-H teen leader or camp counselor with a brief caption that identifies their role

4-H Youth Development provides a wealth of experiences to help prepare young people for their futures. Getting the most out of 4-H record books by helping 4-H members create a portfolio for future use is just one more way to encourage hands-on experiential learning while enhancing workforce readiness. 

Adapted from "Use your 4-H record book to build an employability portfolio" by Debra Barrett. Find more about this article at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/use_your_4-h_record_book_to_build_an_employability_portfolio

Message from MSU Extension

As we begin another year, we continue to discuss funding with the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners. This is especially important because there are four newly elected commissioners who joined the board as of January 3.

We have had positive conversations introducing the new commissioners to MSU Extension through the 2022 New Commissioner School that was offered around the state, including at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. We also have had good interactions with a few incumbent members of the Board about funding our programs.

MSU Extension leadership—both locally and at the state level—is committed to sustaining a partnership in Saginaw County. We will continue to pursue operational funding from the county and present a strong case about the ways our programs related to agriculture, nutrition and health, youth development and 4-H, and community development benefit residents. We are seeking investment from local sources to fund our programs and our personnel. Until we exhaust our options with the county or other sources, funding for Saginaw County MSU Extension will come from funding lines held at the state level.

The majority of our staff office work at the Center of Hope in Saginaw thanks to a partnership with Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital, and that is not expected to change. Our staff that work with agriculture are operating at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth.

Saginaw County has a strong history of connection to MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development. Our nutrition education programs have helped many residents in the county understand how to prepare nutritious meals, stretch their food dollars, and safely preserve food.

As an agricultural production center, we know that MSU Extension research benefits farms and agricultural businesses in Saginaw County. There are many 4-H alumni, volunteers, and participants that continue to support our programs so that we can offer transformational learning opportunities. These services provide value beyond those who participate in our programs.

Our impact can be felt all over the county in the City of Saginaw, the suburban and rural communities from Chesaning to Carrolton or Birch Run to Hemlock, as we offer education and research from MSU to help people improve their lives.