Join Saginaw 4-H! Enrollment is Open

Saginaw County 4-H is looking for current and future leaders to join our programs! Each year more than 200,000 kids participate and grow through 4-H programs – want to join the fun? Are you interested in animal science, arts and crafts, cooking, camping, hiking, gardening, sewing, games, and more? 4-H is open to youth ages 5-19. You can enroll in Saginaw County 4-H at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in.

Contact gathstac@msu.edu or call 989-907-6500 for more information on getting involved with 4-H!

Virtual Volunteer Opportunity 4-H State Awards

4-H State Awards Selection Committee Application Reviewers

Application Reviewers will review and score applications for 4-H State Awards using the provided rubric. Reviewers will be asked to review up to 12 applications in a specified project area. This is a virtual volunteer role; all materials will be emailed to the selection committee members, scores and feedback for applicants will be submitted electronically through events management. Applications will be emailed in early April with scores to be submitted by the end of April; reviewers will have about 3-weeks to complete reviews and scoring. 

Interested volunteers can register at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/StateAwards2022/ using the “Selection Committee” registration process.

4-H Animal & Vet Science Sampler

Workshop for 4-H Volunteers and Teen Leaders

February 12, 2022 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

MSU Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center

Frankenmuth, MI

4-H clubs are ready to stretch their legs and get back to what we do best—hands-on youth education. If your club’s volunteers and teen leaders are looking for new ideas and activities to incorporate into your club meetings, District 9 & 10 4-H staff will be hosting a series of workshops for volunteers and teen leaders on various topics throughout spring 2022.

Science, communication, critical thinking, responsibility, marketing—just a few of the skills youth gain through 4-H animal science projects. Attend this workshop that will include sessions on animal nutrition, care, evaluation, marketing, and more!

Registration deadline 2/7/22 at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/animalsciencefeb/. Registration is $25 and includes lunch. Saginaw 4-H enrolled members and volunteers can attend for FREE!

Contactgathstac@msu.edu for enrollment information on scholarships BEFORE you register.

4-H AmeriCorps Open Position

Do you enjoy science, technology, engineering, art, and math? How about outdoor recreation or gardening? Do you enjoy teaching kids? Apply to serve with 4-H STEAM Corps!

Saginaw County 4-H is looking for an AmeriCorps member to design and lead 4-H programs and Special Interest (SPIN) Clubs this year in Saginaw County. 

 Members will have flexible schedules working 30hrs a week and earn a living stipend throughout their term of service. They will also qualify for an educational award upon successful completion of their term. Education awards can pay qualified student loans and/or tuition costs. Members who are 55 or older at time of service can transfer the education award to their child or grandchild. Want more information or to submit an application?

Contact gathstac@msu.edu or call 989-907-6500 or Apply at https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/508580/americorps-aide

Learn more about what 4-H AmeriCorps members do at https://www.canr.msu.edu/4hsteamcorps/what-we-do

Upcoming Council Meetings

• February 8: Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting at 7:00pm (Hybrid Meeting)
• February 21: 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 Valley Extension and Research Center (3775 S. Reese Road Frankenmuth, MI 48734) AND over zoom. Zoom meeting information will be sent out through 4-H online or contact gathstac@msu.edu/

Reminder, Masks/Face coverings are required at any indoor gathering offered by MSU Extension and hosted on MSU property.

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.  

YOUTH FISHING ACADEMY

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you like to fish? Do you want to learn about fishing in Michigan? Join the Youth Fishing Academy for this exciting opportunity to increase your fishing knowledge! Free fishing gear, guest speakers, and more!



The Saginaw 4-H Youth Fishing Academy will provide FREE monthly workshops where youth from across the region will have opportunities to learn a variety of angling skills, and cultivate conservation knowledge and fishing ethics. Activities will include rod making, tackle crafting, fly tying, casting, rod rigging, fishing games, and more. 

Each session will include a presentation from local fishing experts and will be followed by a hands-on fishing project! Pre-registration IS required. The program is open to all youth ages 8-19. 4-H membership is NOT required. Participants may choose to attend any or all of the sessions. Space is limited so register early for this opportunity!



Learn more and register for the Youth Fishing Academy at https://events.anr.msu.edu/youthfishingacademy/

2022 Skillathon

Registration is open for the 2022 Skillathon!

Test your knowledge and comprehension of animal science and management in 10 different Market Livestock Categories. Contestants have two options to qualify for the State Championship.

First Qualifier – March 5, 2022

Second Qualifier – March 12, 2022

Age divisions*:

 Novice (8-11 years)

 Junior (12-14 years)

 Senior (15-19 years)

 Adult (20+)

* Youth contestants must be 8, but not yet 19, before January 1, 2022.

Register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/skillathon2022

Wild Spartans

Join 4-H staff as we take a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! This month’s Wild Spartans Series will explore working with carnivores. Follow along as we peer into grizzly dens in the arctic, track cougars in the desert, and more! Join us on Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 at 6:30pm EST for “Leaping Leopards, Lizards, and Bears… Oh My!” We will talk to a scientist about researching and managing species worldwide.

You will meet Dr. Kerry Nicholson, Furbearer Biologist III with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. You will learn about her field work and hear about the education and career path she followed to get there. 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/wildspartans2022/ 

Adulting 101

Ready to be out on your own? Learn some important skills to be successful as an adult. Our Adulting 101-Winter Series includes: Wealth Building, Workplace Professionalism, Taxes and Your Paycheck, and Food Safety. Bring questions and gain practical skills you can use in your everyday life. Webinars will be held on February 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 4:00-5:00 PM. EST.  Register at: https://bit.ly/adult101Feb

4-H In the Kitchen

A virtual cooking workshop preparing dishes from JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and exploring writing fantasy literature. This two-day event takes part on Feb. 26 and March 12.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-in-the-kitchen-second-breakfast-edition

Love Your Money 4-H Goosechase

Love games? Love prizes? Love money? If so, join the 4-H Love Your Money GooseChase game taking place February 14-February 21, 2022. This app-based scavenger hunt is geared towards youth 13 and up, though younger youth can play with an older sibling or parent/guardian. Complete missions around money management and have the chance to win prizes! 

Join the fun at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/4HMoneyGooseChase/

Cooking with the Navy 4-H SPIN Club

Ahoy! Chips Ahoy that is! Join 4-H and the US Naval History and Heritage Command for this hands-on look at how sailors of the past and present ate! Using the 1945 Cookbook of the United States Navy, Tom Frezza will take us through 4 different recipes (scaled down of course, unless you want enough cookies to feed a battleship!) while sprinkling in facts about ships and planes, the evolution of Naval uniforms, the role of military working dogs, and more!

Each participant will receive a digital copy of the cookbook and is encouraged to follow along each evening making the menu item. This will be targeted at youth ages 9 and up, but younger youth are welcome to attend with a parent present.

To sign up, please contact Liz Wiener at wienerel@msu.edu or call 906-387-2530 ext. 4.

Homegrown Gardening

Want to learn more about growing your own food? Join MSU Extension Educators from across the state and get ready for the growing season with this series designed to support new and experienced veggie gardeners. 

Topics in the series include:

• how to get started
• healthy soils
• composting
• adaptive gardening
• seasons in the garden
• preserving homegrown produce
• edible landscapes
• garden pests

https://events.anr.msu.edu/tollgatehomegrown2022/

4-H Financial Fitness and Fun

Learn about setting financial goals, saving, budgeting, banking basics, credit and much more through lessons, activities, and game. Attend one session or attend them all. 

Be one of the first 100 youth to attend all 10 sessions either live on Zoom or complete the Nearpod lesson on the website and be eligible for a $50 savings incentive! All sessions will be on Zoom and using Nearpod. Access to a tablet or computer with internet access will be needed. Zoom links will be sent out after registration.

OUTDOOR FOOD SAFETY SMALL GAME

Do you hunt or are you interested in learning more about harvesting wild game? Join us for a virtual program on outdoor food safety-small game. We’ll discuss what foodborne illness is, who is most susceptible, how to harvest small game properly, how to take proper hygiene precautions, how to prevent cross-contamination, how to cook food to proper temperatures, and avoid mistakes in food storage. Join us February 15^th at 6:00pm.

Viewer Discretion Advised This presentation includes video of the field dressing process.

Register: https://events.anr.msu.edu/outdoorfoodsafetyfeb22/

4-H Capitol Experience

SAVE THE DATE!

4-H Capitol Experience is a two-day hybrid event with both

virtual and in-person* opportunities for engagement. This

event is open to youth in ninth grade through age 19 who

are interested in learning more about civic engagement,

public policy and influencing state government.

After choosing current issue areas, participants interact

with legislators, tour Michigan’s Capitol, meet with state agency staff, lobbyists and other state-level experts, discover how policy is made, and explore various careers in public policy. At the end of the conference, teens leave with an understanding of the impact their voice can have on policy and their communities — now and in the future.

*Fully virtual options will be available for youth who are unable to join in-person. Virtual attendees will be mailed a conference kit. Learn more at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_capitol_experience/

Mark of Excellence

It’s that time of year, for the 4-H Mark of Excellence Award! The 4-H Mark of Excellence Award is a division of the 4-H State Awards Program specifically for 11 and 12-year-old 4-H members. Apply for the Mark of Excellence Award. The essay theme is “Because of 4-H, I can…” Tell us how #MI4H has made an impact on your life for a chance to be recognized!

Check out this link extension.msu.edu/4HStateAwards for detailed information. Essays are due to the Saginaw 4-H office by April 1 and can be sent to gathstac@msu.edu.

Michigan 4-H State Awards

A 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member. There are categories in Beef Science, Sheep Science, Swine Science, Goat Science, Birds & Poultry Science, Dairy Science, and Equine Science, Rabbit & Cavy Science, and many more! 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. At the conclusion of this program, participants have a cover letter, resume and a portfolio highlighting their 4-H experiences.



The State Awards Committee will offer a $50 scholarship to all youth selected as finalists to move forward at Exploration Days. 

Application and more information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/.../4-h.../youth-recognition/

4-H Youth In Action Award

Apply now for the 2023 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 age 15-19. The deadline to apply is March 28. Learn more and apply at https://4-h.org/parents/4-h-youth-in-action-awards/.

World Food Prize

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. On May 12, youth will join together to become inspired and prepared as 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 how it is affected by one of 20 key factors that impact food security. At the event, youth will present and discuss their papers with other attendees and research and industry experts. They will also participate in an interactive session with global challenge experts to learn more about topics related to global food and food security.

For more information, visit www.canr.msu.edu/wfpmiyi/.

Registration will open on February 1; registration and papers are due by March 15.

2022 MSU Extension Day at the Breslin

Tickets are now available for the 2022 MSU Extension Day at the Breslin featuring Michigan 4-H! Gather with 4-H friends, families, volunteers and staff to cheer on the MSU women’s basketball team as they take on the Ohio State University Buckeyes on Sunday, Feb. 27 at MSU’s Jack Breslin Student Events Center.

Order your free tickets by Feb. 6 to receive your tickets by mail; ticket orders received after this date will be available for pick-up at the 4-H Will-Call table the day of the game.

To reserve your tickets, visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/dayatthebreslin2022/. 

National 4-H Congress

Congratulations to Noah H. from the Saginaw County Pacesetters 4-H Club for attending the 2021 National 4-H Congress! As one of the select Michigan 4-H member delegates, Noah traveled to Atlanta Georgia this last November to engage with 4-H members from across the country to be inspired to make a difference in his club, community, country and world! This five-day conference offered workshops in leadership, team development, diversity, cultural experiences, healthy living, science, and had several guest speakers! Noah gave a special presentation to the Saginaw 4-H Council at the January 11th meeting and shared what he learned on his trip. A special thanks to the Saginaw 4-H Council who provided a partial scholarship to attend!

Visit www.canr.msu.edu/national_4_h_congress/to learn more about the National 4-H Congress and participating as a Michigan 4-H member next year!

Youth-Adult Partnerships

Michigan 4-H Youth Development emphasizes the importance of incorporating youth voice in decision-making. 4-H clubs provide a safe setting for youth to practice decision-making supported by caring adults. When youth are empowered to make decisions for themselves, youth develop skills in leadership, planning, teamwork, facilitation, conflict resolution, problem-solving and much more.

It may be difficult for adults to resist the temptation to decide what’s best for youth and do all the planning. For youth to be fully engaged with adults in partnership, youth and adults must share an equal voice in the planning and an equal share of the responsibilities in implementing programs. The following provides suggestions for ways youth can assume leadership and decision-making roles in their 4-H clubs in partnership with caring adults.

Officers

When youth are elected to serve in officer roles, they take ownership for a set of responsibilities related to managing the 4-H club. While adults are an important source of support for youth in these roles, it is important to allow youth to practice all the skills associated with being an officer of a 4-H club and take ownership of their obligations.

Fundraising

4-H clubs often coordinate fundraisers to build their treasury and support their programs. Empowering youth to decide what type of fundraising activity they are interested in and tracking the funds raised and expenses are as important as the fundraiser itself. In this setting, youth learn important financial management skills and are typically more dedicated to making sure the fundraiser is successful.

Community service

Many 4-H clubs participate in community service activities. Rather than adults determining the activity for youth, engage youth in a discussion about what they see as important community needs and how they can contribute to them. Allow youth to make decisions about what activities they spend their time on and allow youth to notify and remind club members about the activities.

Educational workshops

According to the 4-H club meeting wheel, learning should comprise at least half of the time 4-H clubs are convened. This can be done in many ways that engage youth in decision-making. First, solicit youth ideas regarding things they are interested in learning about. When brainstorming, give youth enough time to develop their own ideas; resist the temptation to fill silent space when youth are thinking with the ideas of adults.

Once youth decide what they are interested in learning about, engage youth in planning the presentations. This can be done by asking older youth to serve as presenters or asking youth to contact club leaders or community resource people to present to the club. Youth develop important skills by making phone calls to people they may not otherwise know and asking them to assist with a club activity.

Although at times empowering youth to make decisions can extend the time it takes to accomplish goals, the benefits to youth are remarkable and far out-weigh the added time involved. Youth that make decisions for their clubs are much more engaged in club activities, feel personally responsible for the success of the program and develop important life skills in the process.

Adapted from "Youth-adult partnerships in 4-H clubs" by Jackie Martin. For more information and additional resources, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/youth_adult_partnerships_in_4_h_clubs