See below for event information and registration details

May 13: Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar - Preparing 4-H’ers for Fairs and Showcases

May 16: Transplanting Starters - Explore the Farm Through the Seasons

May 19: Splash Village 4-H Youth Fun Day

May 22: Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar - Managing Risk for Volunteers

June 1: MI 4-H Foundation Grants Due

July 16-17: Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp

NEW 4-H Club in Saginaw County

Please join me in welcoming a new 4-H Club to Saginaw County, the Red Barn 4-H Club! The club will offer a variety of livestock projects including beef, sheep, goats, poultry and a variety of other animal and farm educational experiences.  

The club will meet at Schomaker Farms located at 1103 Leddy Rd, Saginaw MI 48609. 

Interested in learning more about club activities and meeting schedules, please contact the club leaders, Taylor Schomaker at schomakerfarms@gmail.com or Tiffany Bateson at tiffanyjustice17@gmail.com.  

New 4-H Fundraising Committee Forms

The Saginaw 4-H Council members and participants have been busy these last few months planning events! Last month, the Council voted to create a new Saginaw 4-H Fundraising Committee. 

Please join me in welcoming the YOUTH members and ADULT volunteers who joined the committee. We thank you all for your time, energy and excitement to grow future leaders!



Taylor Schomaker and Tiffany Justice (Red Barn Crew 4-H Club), RyAnne Hetfield, Kristin Bolan, Carter B. – youth member, Sara H. – Youth member, Justin M., Elizabith M – youth member, (Saginaw County 4-H Trailblazers 4-H Club), and Maire Tessin (Westsiders 4-H Club)

We are thrilled to have these volunteers and youth working together to share ideas and organize events to fundraise to provide fun and educational events for youth across Saginaw County, i.e. 4-H Adventure Summer Camp.

The council is always looking for new participants! If you would like to help Saginaw 4-H you can join a committee or attend the next 4-H Council meeting, the first Thursday of the month at 6:30pm.

We hope to see you there!

Explore the Farm Through the Seasons

Registration is now open for the second session (April – June) of Explore the Farm Through the Seasons workshops 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!

This spring it’s all about planting! Plating seedlings, transplanting starters, and planting in the fields.

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.
• 
  

Additional program details will be sent to all participants prior to the start of each session. 

See full 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

Teen Volunteers Needed - Fish Camp

Teens, do you like fishing, teaching youth, exploring the Great Lakes, and/or having fun? Then consider applying to be a counselor or volunteering for the Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp.

No cost for teens to help at camp.

On July 16-17 from 9-3pm, MSU Extension, Saginaw County 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Project

FISH, and many local partners are hosting the Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp at Haithco Park in Saginaw, and we are looking for youth and adults to help. At the camp, participants will learn about knot tying, tackle crafting, casting, aquatic ecology, angler ethics and more! 

Teen Volunteers can gain service hours from this volunteer experience. You do not

need to have fishing experience to be a counselor. You will need to register as

a 4-H member and be in 9th grade - post high school in the 2023-24 school year

to be eligible. 

Learn more at https://bit.ly/SB4HFC.

REGISTER:

CURRENT Saginaw 4-H Members and Teen Counselors:  

• Register at https://fishcampsaginaw.4honline.com

NEW Saginaw 4-H Members and Teen Counselors:

• Create a family profile at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in  
• Select the “Saginaw County Name – General 4-H Experience”.
• Select the “Wildlife and Fisheries” project area.  
• Once 4-H membership is approved register at https://fishcampsaginaw.4honline.com

CURRENT 4-H Members in a County other than Saginaw:

• Contact gathstac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office to register. Additional registration information will be provided.  

Saginaw 4-H Youth Fun Day

Registration is Open!

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!

Who Can Attend:

Saginaw 4-H members and approved Saginaw 4-H volunteers

Immediate parents/guardians and siblings ONLY of a Saginaw 4-H member

Not a current Saginaw 4-H member but want to join and attend? See below for details how to become a 4-H member.

Cost:

• $25.00 for Saginaw 4-H members ages 5-19 AND approved Saginaw 4-H volunteers
• $35 for non-4-H immediate family members (parents/guardians and siblings of 4-H members)
• $10 for non-swimmer
• All attendees MUST register by May 15 to receive the discounted rate.

Please see the age and supervision policies at the Zehnder’s website below to follow for the event. 

Families are responsible for the youth that they bring.   

Payment:

• You will pay day of the event in the lobby at the 4-H table
• Forms of payment – Cash or check. Make checks out to the Saginaw 4-H Council.

Registration deadline is May 15^th.

Learn more and register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/saginaw-4-h-youth-fun-day-splash-village

4-H Adventure Camp

Registration is open for the 4-H Adventure Camp! 

Space is limited so sign up today! Saginaw or Bay County 4-H membership is required. 

Not a 4-H member? You can still attend camp. See the link below on how to enroll in 4-H and register for camp.  

4-H Adventure Camp is from June 23-25 at beautiful Camp Neyati in Clare MI and is a 3 day/2 night overnight camp experience for youth ages 9-14.  

Cost is $75 per youth and includes a camp t-shirt and all food.  

Camp activities will include swimming, boating, fishing, biking, archery, arts and crafts, games, campfires, hiking, bouldering, and so much more!

See https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-adventure-camp for more camp details and how to register.  

Contact gathstac@msu.edu (Saginaw 4-H) or julinho@msu.edu (Bay 4-H) for more information. 

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!

Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp

Save the Date! July 16-17, 2024

Calling all 8-12 year olds interested in learning how to fish and protect our Great Lakes!

All campers will receive a

fishing rod with a reel, tackle box, t-shirt, and snacks.

On July 16-17 from 9-3pm, MSU Extension, Saginaw County 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Project FISH, and many local partners are hosting the Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp at Haithco Park, Saginaw.

Youth will learn about knot tying, tackle crafting, casting, aquatic ecology, angler ethics and more! Open to 4-H members ages 8-12 (as of January 1, 2024).

Cost is $25 and scholarships are available. Please note refunds will not be given after registration. Not a 4-H member? Sign up for 4-H for free! Space is limited!

Register at https://bit.ly/SB4HFC. 

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/

Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover

From April 24 – May 5, Tractor Supply Company (TSC) customers across the nation will have the opportunity to support 4-H youth by purchasing a $1 paper clover at checkout, both online and in stores.

Funds raised will support county, state and national

4-H programming.

To learn more regarding the campaign, visit 

​www.canr.msu.edu/events/spring-tractor-supply-co-paper-clover-campaign.

2024 4-H Youth Archery Shoot

Register at:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mmnI-cX0SSQGwrb5vloGiTX2jmT09t8M70YhPNBREv4/edit?usp=drivesdk__;!!HXCxUKc!zQQi3q2IU_hXXH-cT-KoBcxdC3cmMBNl24ZISezdzIzWetPTtXZpGtkwOM27iT0vS6n57vogl4vTlH8$

Adulting 101: Build and Protect Your Credit

May 15

By attending this workshop, you can learn why your credit matters, how to start obtaining credit and how to manage it. 

www.canr.msu.edu/events/credit

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 Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards

The Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of Michigan 4-H volunteers or groups that have exhibited excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership development in the areas of 4-H beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine; and veterinary science.

Nominate a deserving volunteer in your life! https://mi4hfdtn.org/.../michigan-farm-bureau-4-h.../

JOANN 4-H Campaign

March 3-May 4: JOANN 4-H Campaign



While visiting your local JOANN store, you can support 4-H by adding a donation or rounding up at checkout. The funds donated will support the 4-H program with 50% going back to local 4-H programming and 10% supporting Michigan 4-H. 

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!

Grant Applications Available

Grant opportunities of up to $1,000 are now available from the Michigan 4-H Foundation to support local 4-H clubs and county programs for the 2024-2025 program year. Check out these great opportunities and start working on your applications!



Learn more at:

https://mi4hfdtn.org/grants.

2024 Saginaw County Fair Guide

The 2024 Saginaw County Fair Premium Guide is now available on our website. Paper copies will be limited but available soon.

https://static1.squarespace.com/.../SagCFair2024Web.pdf

Be a Camp Counselor

Great Lakes and Natural Resources camp is looking for youth counselors for camp week! Camp runs July 28^th through August 3^rd this year and there is a counselor orientation on July 26^th and 27^th.

This is a great opportunity for youth ages 16-20 looking to get some leadership experience in a fun, fast-paced camp setting!

Counselors attend camp for FREE!

Please reach out to Laura at potterla@msu.edu with any questions.

4-H Alumni and Supporters Walking Challenge

Starting May 5th, MSU Extension will host another 4-H Alumni & Supporters Walking Challenge, where participants will track their miles walked and compete for a top spot in the contest!

Each week, top contestants will win a 4-H swag prize.

The county who logs the most miles throughout the whole challenge will earn a $100 cash prize for their county 4-H program!

Random weekly winners will also be chosen amongst registered participants who have actively engaged in the contest during the previous week. Please register at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/WalkingChallenge/

4-H STATE HORSE SHOW

Who is getting excited for the 2024 Michigan 4-H State Horse Show?!



The Michigan 4-H State Horse Show will be held at the Michigan State Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock education, August 16th through August 19th, 2024.

More information to follow, be sure to watch for updates and news regarding the show!

4-H Dog Program T-Shirt Design Contest

Calling all creative 4-H members!

It's that time of year again! Not only is this time of year great for getting outside with your dog to practice for the state 4-H dog show, it's also time to start working on your best T-Shirt design entries for the 2024 State 4-H Dog show!

All design submissions are due by 11:59pm on July 1st, 2024 to Krollkat@msu.edu.

If you have questions, please reach out to Kat at Krollkat@msu.edu!

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.

Pullorum Tester Workshop

The Certified Pullorum Tester Workshop covers:

-Federal and Michigan laws concerning in-state and interstate movement

-Michigan poultry laws for fairs, exhibitions and swap meets

-The National Poultry Improvement Plan’s (NPIP) U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean program---Training on how to properly conduct a plate test for Salmonella Pullorum.

To register please go to the following link: https://www.mipoultry.com/events/pullorum-blood-tester-training. 

Saginaw 4-H Council

May 2: 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

Saginaw 4-H Horse Council Meeting Next meeting Date is TBD Time: 7:00pm (Hybrid-Zoom and In-person)

All are welcomed and youth are encouraged to attend.

If you are interested contact gathstac@msu.edu for more information.

Volunteer Webinar Series

May 13: Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar - Preparing 4-H’ers for Fairs and Showcases



Attend this online session to hear about opportunities as well as techniques to prepare 4-H’ers for fairs and showcase events. 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-series-preparing-4-her-s-for-fairs-and-showcases 
• 7 p.m. session: www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series-preparing-4-her-s-for-fairs-and-showcases7pm

May 22: Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar - Managing Risk for Volunteers

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.

One step in keeping 4-H’ers safe is reviewing the media and medical authorization forms for members engaged in your club. Attend this session to learn how to access, review and keep this information safe while serving as a 4-H volunteer. 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-managing-risk-for-volunteers 
• 7 p.m. session: www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-volunteer-webinar-managing-risk-for-volunteers7pm

Saginaw 4-H teachers embryology to classrooms

Welcome to the world baby chickens! Thank you to all our partner schools and teachers this Spring as we just completed our first session of 4-H Embryology!

Students across Saginaw County learned about the development of chickens, the parts of the egg, scientific observations, record keeping, how to care of chickens once they hatch, and how to prevent zoonotic diseases. 

Interested in learning about 4-H or bringing 4-H Embryology to your classroom or organization?

Visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/join-saginaw-county-4-h or contact gathstac@msu.edu at the 4-H office. 

Tips for Purchasing and Bringing Home Livestock

Assessing Animal Health and Treatment Documentation

When purchasing animals, you should know their history. Ask the following questions:

·When was the animal born?

·What specific vaccinations has the animal been given and when were they given?

·If necessary, was the animal properly castrated and what method was used?

·Have any other treatments been administered to the animal? If so, what is the slaughter withdrawal for the drugs given?

·Have any of the animals on the farm been ill or shown symptoms of illness?

·If acquiring a market animal, what is the approximate weight?

Considerations as You Bring Animals Home

Transporting. Secure a trailer. If you do not own a trailer, make arrangements with someone who can transport animals for you. Be prepared to pay someone to provide transportation, as a courtesy.

Unloading. Make sure that your facility is ready to house your new animals before they arrive. Have a pen identified for new animals to go into with fresh water and appropriate feed. (Feed should be similar to their previous diet; changing to a new diet should be done over a period of time.) Have a clear and direct path to the animals’ new pen from the trailer. Make sure that all gates are open or closed, as appropriate, and secured.

Settling in. Isolate or separate new animals for a minimum of 14 days. At minimum, try to avoid nose-to-nose contact, and comingling feeding and watering. Minimize stress on new animals during the isolation period. If after 14 days, the newly acquired animals have not shown any symptoms of illness, it should be safe to comingle them into your existing herd or flock.

Comingling. Since each species has a social hierarchy, observe animals during comingling and separate if there is risk of injury. Over the course of a day, the herd or flock should settle into a routine that includes the new animals.

Adapted from: www.canr.msu.edu/resources/tips-for-purchasing-and-bringing-home-livestock