Join Saginaw 4-H! Enrollment is Open

Interested in joining Saginaw 4-H? Well, you've come to the right place! Joining as a 4-H member is FREE and there are several different membership options to choose from. 4-H members can enroll in as many Clubs and programs as they wish. You do not need to own an animal or live on a farm to join 4-H.  We have many 4-H experiences, programs, and clubs that focus on crafts, science, shooting sports, archery, outdoor education, sewing, baking, gardening, hiking, fishing, camping, and more!

JOIN A 4-H CLUB

1.Look through the club directory.

2.Contact the club leader(s) to inquire about club-specific information.

3.Choose a primary Club(s) to join.  Youth can enroll in more than one 4-H Club.

4.Enroll in 4-H Online once you have spoken to the club leader(s).

JOIN AS AN INDPENDENT 4-H MEMBER

Independent 4-H members participate in programs and events outside of a 4-H Club. 

1.Enroll in 4-H Online. 

2.Select the "Saginaw New Members Club" as your primary club. 

Stay connected to select the 4-H experience you want to join. Sign up when available.

JOIN A 4-H SPIN CLUB – CAMP- EVENT

1.Enroll in 4-H Online.

2.Select the SPIN Club or Event you want to join. Events very through the year.

3.Stay tuned for program details and meeting information from event organizers. 

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

4-H Youth Fun Day

You are invited to Saginaw 4-H Youth Fun Day! Join Saginaw 4-H on March 6th at 1:00pm for a day of sledding at the Frankenmuth Rose Garden Park located at 850 E Tuscola St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734.

Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided for 4-H members! Grab your sled and come and learn about 4-H and meet club members and volunteers and have fun!! A special thanks to the 4-H members who were part of the Youth Fun Day planning committee for putting this event together for the county. All are welcome to attend, and we hope to see you there!

Help us have enough cookies and hot chocolate! RSVP by Feb 28 by emailing or texting Jenny Specht (4-H Council Secretary) at lemonfish30@yahoo.com or text 989-482-9771

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshops

Interested in leading shooting sports with a 4-H club? Become a certified instructor at this one-day, hybrid workshop!

Held at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon on April 9 and 10, workshops will offer hands-on training that compliments virtual video instruction. 

Participants will learn about the Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports’ mission and policies, risk management, safety, equipment use and care, teaching methods, positive youth development and more.

Each day will offer different certifications with choices among archery, rifle, shotgun, and hunting and wildlife disciplines. First Aid/CPR and Project WILD/Learning Tree will be concurrent sessions.



4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop - 4-H Shooting Sports (msu.edu)

Register by March 15. To learn more, contact Laura Quist at quistla1@msu.edu.

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.

Michigan 4-H STEM Workshop

Do you love asking questions and discovering the answers? Registration is now open for the Michigan 4-H STEM Workshop! Explore a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math topics on Friday, April 8, 2022, at Mid-Michigan College in Harrison. This workshop is for 4-H staff, volunteers and other adults who will explore their questions and answers with junk drawer robotics, solar and wind energy, and how to teach science when you don’t know diddly squat. Participants will receive a copy of the “Teaching Science When You Don’t Know Diddly Squat” activities and a supply kit! Register at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/michigan4hstemworkshop/

4-H Shirt Design Contest

Let your creative side shine and help us design a t-shirt for Saginaw County 4-H!  Hosted by the Saginaw 4-H Council, the contest is open to all enrolled Saginaw 4-H members ages 5-19.  Your design may include the use of the front and/or back of the t-shirt. The chosen design will be announced at the Saginaw 4-H Banquet in April!  Your design should be sized appropriately and submitted as jpeg or png file.  (If you need assistance submitting your design or use another format, contact gathstac@msu.edu for assistance) 

Email your designs along with your name and the name of your Club to gathstac@msu.edu.  

T-shirt designs are due by April 1^st.   

Want to make your design online? Try Canva! You can create a Canva account for free and use shirt design templates, graphics and photos to make your own design creation.  You can access Canva at https://www.canva.com/  

Your design must include the following text and guidelines: 

• Must include the text “Saginaw County 4-H” 
• Must include the 4-H clover 
• Must include the text “4-H Grows Here” 
• One ink color will be used 
• One solid color will be used for the shirt. 
• Please be sure to include the solid shirt color AND ink color with your design.   

Help Youth Find Their SPARK

From now until April 30, every dollar can make a difference in helping a young person find their SPARK. While visiting your local JOANN store or shopping online, you can support 4-H by adding a donation at checkout.

The funds donated will support the 4-H program with 50% going back to local 4-H programming and 20% supporting Michigan

4-H.

To find out more information about this partnership, visit joann.com/4h

Upcoming Council Meetings

• March 8: Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting at 7:00pm (Hybrid Meeting)
• March 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.  

4-H/FFA Horse Judging and Hippology Contests

Attention 4-H horse members! Registration is now open for the 2022 4-H/FFA Horse Judging Contest and Hippology Contest. The classes for the horse judging contest have also been posted!

Learn more and register by March 11: https://www.canr.msu.edu/horses_ponies/registration-information

Save the Date! Join us on Wednesday, July 13th at the MSU Pavilion in East Lansing! The State 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest is held in conjunction with the Michigan Livestock Expo (MLE) and is a collaborative effort between Michigan 4-H and Michigan FFA. By participating in the livestock judging contest, contestants can enhance their livestock evaluation and selection skills, as well as improve their communication and decision-making skills. Registration information coming! https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_animal_evaluation/

4-H Animal Science Career Quest

Save the date: Join Michigan 4-H and the MSU Department of Animal Science for a new program this spring – Animal Science Career Quest March 18-20, 2022! Taking place on MSU’s main campus in East Lansing, youth will learn about all the opportunities an animal science education can bring them. Animal Science Career Quest is open to youth ages 12-19 (as of January 1, 2022) and 4-H volunteers; space will be limited. 

Keep an eye on the event webpage for updates: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/animal-science-career-quest. 

For questions, please contact Melissa Elischer at elischer@msu.edu.  

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 4-H Wild Spartans Series will explore working in conservation law enforcement. Follow along as we protect wildlife and fish, rescue hikers and boaters, investigate poaching and illegal fishing, and more! Join us on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 at 6:30pm EST for “Protecting Natural Resources and People.” You will meet Sidney Collins, Conservation Officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. We will talk about protecting our natural resources by enforcing laws and regulations. You will learn about her field work and hear about the education and career path she 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/wildspartans2022/ 

Food Preservation 4-H SPIN Club

With Spring just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how you can preserve fresh foods this season! Join the free Saginaw Food Preservation 4-H SPIN Club on March 12 from 9am-1pm and/or April 9 from 9am-1pm. The club will be making jam, applesauce, salsa and pickling a vegetable!

Each session will focus on a different technique explore the science and safety behind preserving food.

All supplies will be provided. Youth will be able to take home what they make along with recipes! 4-H membership is required. Open to youth ages 8 and up. 

Not a 4-H member? You still sign up for this club and become a member and attend! Space is limited. Enroll today!

Register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/foodpreservation4hspinclub1/

All classes will be held at the Saginaw 4-H office located at 723 Emerson St. Saginaw MI 48607 Questions, contact gathstac@msu.edu

Schedule (attend one or both sessions)

March 12^th 9:00am – 1:00pm

Jam- Learn about the different pectins and how they work and key ingredients for making jam.

Applesauce –We will look at two different ways to make applesauce and preserve a batch.

April 9^th 9:00am – 1:00pm

Pickling-Ferment, quick-pack, refrigerator pickles. Learn the difference and process a pickled product.

Salsa- Discover how to make a delicious salsa while learning the Laws of Salsa.

4-H Embryology

Spring is the time when nature “comes back to life” which is the perfect time to teach embryology or the study of the development and hatching of eggs! Bring an embryology program to your classroom, afterschool program, or 4-H Club!

Saginaw 4-H is here to help! We have incubators available to lend out to classrooms and clubs and can provide in-person or virtual instruction and all supplies for FREE!

Want to teach on your own? The online Michigan 4-H Embryology program has all the information you need to get started. No experience is necessary! You may choose to incubate your own eggs or simply use the videos provided to demonstrate all things embryology without using an incubator. Register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/michigan-4-h-embryology-course

Fill out the Embryology Program interest form at https://forms.gle/6cjii3p3ByBKiyff9 or contact gathstac@msu.edu or will1975@msu.edu for more information on

Month of the Military Child 4-H GooseChase Challenge

Join Michigan 4-H as we celebrate military families and children during the Month of the Military Child 4-H GooseChase Challenge during the month of April! Whether you come from a military family or not, this online scavenger hunt will be a fun and exciting way to honor military kids across Michigan. New missions will be released weekly in April, for a chance to win prizes! The first 50 registrations will receive a FREE National 4-H STEM Kit (must register by March 30).

Any youth 13-19 can download the GooseChase app to their phone or tablet; younger youth or youth without a phone or tablet can partner with an older sibling or parent/guardian to play as a Team. For more information, and to register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/32dpdv5b

4-H Dog Program Learning Workshop

Save the date! More info to come.

March 26, 2022

Location: Isabella County Commission on Aging

 This workshop is open to any youth between the ages of 8 and 19 as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Cost: $20/person (includes: lunch and training materials)

Sessions offered:

• Nutrition
• Fundamentals in off leash work
• Developing a proper warm up exercise program
• A look into Nosework

Learn more and register at Michigan 4-H Dog Program Learning Workshop - Isabella County (msu.edu)

4-H in the Kitchen

Jarls come and Jarls go…but the good cook stays for a lifetime! Well, let’s see just how good a cook we all are! Join us for a special Spring break experience as 4-H in the Kitchen dives into the hardy and wild lands of Skyrim in the ever popular Elder Scrolls video game franchise! Over the course of four days, participants will learn the finer points of spicecraft, learning how to craft three special blends of spices and then learn how to cook a special dish that highlights one of their spice blends. Participants will also have the chance to take part in a weeklong virtual GooseChase Scavenger hunt devoted to the history of spices. Complete the missions for the chance to win a sweet prize! Because some of the spices required may be a little difficult to find at your local grocery store, participants will receive a list of required spices immediately after they register. This will give participants ample time to obtain them online.

Join us March 28 thru March 31, 2022 so that we can find out if…Skryim Belongs to the Nords!

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

Cash Composition Contest

Money, money, money! In honor of Financial Awareness Month held each April, Michigan State University Extension 4-H is sponsoring the 2022 Cash Composition Contest. Youth residing in Michigan, age 9-12, have a chance to win $100 by writing a 300 word (or less) essay on the importance of saving. Contest registration and essay submission must be completed by April 11.

Contest details can be found: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-money-smarts/money-smart-kids-contest

4-H Exploration Days MSU Extension

June 23 - 24

SAVE THE DATE! Full and partials scholarships are available for Saginaw 4-H members!

This MSU precollege program welcomes youth ages 12-19 to explore their future, try new things and experience college life! During this three-day event, youth will gain confidence and independence through hands-on learning and make friends for a lifetime. About 2,000 youth (ages 12-19) and chaperones from across Michigan attend annually.

This fun MSU pre-college program could be the highlight of your summer - it could even change your life!

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

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.

Show Your Money Smarts

Youth 13-19 years olds, do you want to learn how to harness the power of time to make your money grow AND have an opportunity to win $100 in cash? In this fourth annual Show Your Money Smarts Contest, Michigan youth age 13-19 will compete in an on-line quiz challenge taking place the entire month of April. Contest registration must be completed by April 28, 2022 with the online quiz completed by April 30th. Contest details can be found: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-money-smarts/show-your-money-smarts-contest

To help prepare youth for this contest, we are holding two webinars and have a self-guided learning experience.

March 24 at 6:15pm: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/youth-money-3-24

April 13 at 4:30pm: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/youth-money-4-13

Self-guided learning: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/grow-your-money

St. Paddy's Day Sleuths Virtual Scavenger

Oh the days of the Kerry Dancing…oh the ring of the Piper’s Tune! Get ready for corned beef, legions of step-dancers, and green as far as the eye can see! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day 2022, Mason County 4-H is hosting a virtual GooseChase scavenger hunt for those looking to get their Irish on this March! Participants will be tested on everything from their Irish trivia, baking skills, and everything in between. Prizes will be given out to the top three finishers!

The fun starts March 14, 2022 and continues thru March 26!

Click the link bellow to register:

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

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.

4-H Youth Fishing Academy

Congratulations to all the youth and families that attended the January sessions of the Saginaw 4-H Youth Fishing Academy! We had a great time at the workshops learning about ice safety and building our very own ice fishing jigging rods. The Saturday workshop even got to powder paint their own ice fishing lures to take home! 

A very special thank you to the Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Chad Foerster who showed us all the safety gear he takes out on the ice. We learned how to safely prepare for a trip and how to have a safe ice fishing trip. Also, a special thanks to Mark Stephens from Project F.I.S.H. (projectfish.org) who helped lead our class and teach youth how to build their very own ice fishing jigging rod.

4-H Animal and Vet Science Workshop - Huge Success!

4-H leads the way with hands-on learning!  



The 4-H Animal and Vet Science Sampler workshop this month was a huge success! Thank you to all the 4-H teens, 4-H volunteers, and MSU Extension staff who teamed up in February to offer this workshop to participants for a fun and engaging day of learning about the science and care of a variety of animals. Sessions included topics about the anatomy, care and management of cattle, rabbits, poultry, horses, and more! Some even took a dive with a dissection lab into the workings of ruminant digestion to learn how animals digest their feed. Youth also played games, and everyone networked with other 4-H members from across the region.

Tips for a Successful 4-H Club

Adapted from an article authored by Roxanne Turner, MSU Extension. Read the complete article at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips_for_a_successful_4-h_club_part_2.



Through involvement with caring adult volunteers, 4-H members gain meaningful experiences that contribute to their development and personal growth. The value of the experiences depends largely on the relationship built between and among the members and adults. Active participation in a 4-H club supports young people to develop life skills and assets.

A model 4-H club includes the following:

• At least five youth members from two or more families
• One or more registered adult volunteers (who has completed the Volunteer Selection Process and became a Gold Status Volunteer)
• Decision making and operation of the club is the members’ primary responsibility
• Six or more club meetings during the 4-H year (Sept. 1 to Aug. 31)
• Participation in learning experiences outside the local club
• Involvement in the community at large with service learning activities
• Evaluation and recognition of progress on individual and group goals
• Fundraising should be done for the good of the total group and must be consistent with the Michigan 4-H Treasurer’s Record Book; raising funds should not be the main focus of group activities

The success of the local 4-H club is the key to positive learning experiences of the club members. Here is a list of 10 items considered to be basic criteria of a strong club:

• At least 80% of the members re-enroll each year.
• Each member receives recognition for their 4-H involvement; this may be year pins, project completion certificates or public recognition through a news article.
• The club has well planned meetings with three parts: business (group decisions, 15-20 minutes), learning (program activities, 40-60 minutes) and fun (group team building activities, recreation or social time, 15-20 minutes).
• The majority of the membership attend each meeting.
• Each member’s parents/guardians participate in the club meetings or activities at least once a year.
• The club has a program plan with goals for the year.
• Members have the main responsibility for planning programs and activities.
• The club plans and completes at least one community service learning project.
• At least 80% of member projects are completed each year.
• Members are involved in county, state and/or national 4-H opportunities.

By taking time to intentionally plan and evaluate these ten criteria for a strong club, success will be ensured. Leaders should encourage members to devise a method to evaluate progress in each criteria area. A spread sheet or chart visible to the entire club would be helpful, or consider the tips for a well-planned meeting and “Points to Look for in A Good 4-H Meeting” resource that are in the full article.