Saginaw 4-H Welcomes

2 New 4-H Clubs

Please join us in welcoming 2 new 4-H Clubs to Saginaw County! The Keeping it Country 4-H Club (Chesaning) and the Lil Beans 4-H Club (Chesaning).  

For more information on Saginaw 4-H clubs visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/club-directory.

The Lil Beans 4-H Club is an intentional effort to meet the needs of our deaf and hard-of-hearing children, youth, and families in our community. The club and its programs are open to all and for those attending the club will use American Sign Language and spoken and written English as means of communication.  Other: cooking, baking, poultry, arts and crafts, social gatherings, fundraising, and community service.

Leader: Arica Therrien

Contact: 989-303-8010 (Video Phone) (989) 890-6542 Text only or email ajtherrien@gmail.com

Arica Therrien: (hard-of-hearing; speaks, read lips and communicates through ASL and spoken/written English)

Keeping It Country 4-H Club offers the following projects: Swine, Cattle/Beef, Goats, Lamb, Rabbits, Still-Exhibits (Fair). Other: special activities at Fair (ice cream social) and yearly banquets.



Leader: Dianne Milledge

Contact: 989-307-8129 or email ddmfam1@yahoo.com

Leader: Jeri Birchmeier

Contact: 810-397-3012 or email jaw404@hotmail.com

Interested in starting your own 4-H Club? You can start a 4-H community club with as little as 5 youth from 2 different families! Contact gathsttac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office for more information or visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/so_you_want_to_start_a_4_h_club

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.  

Scholarships Available!

Saginaw 4-H Council

Exciting news!

The Saginaw 4-H Council has updated the scholarship process and wants to support YOU as Saginaw 4-H members in attending 4-H and MSU Extension sponsored events this year. 

With 4-H Exploration Days registration opening just around the corner https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_exploration_days/ and many other 4-H workshops and camps coming up this year, know that as a Saginaw 4-H member you are able to apply for funds to attend these events. Many events can be supported up to 50-75% of the total cost.

See the Saginaw 4-H Scholarship webpage for process and application details. 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/scholarships-awards

We hope you will consider these opportunities made possible by generous support from the Saginaw 4-H Council!

Questions, contact gathstac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office. 

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.

Trout Unlimted Camp

Calling all anglers! Check out this AMAZING camp opportunity from Michigan Trout Unlimited. The Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter of Trout Unlimited is offering scholarships for Saginaw 4-H members to attend the camp. Learn about the camp at https://michigantucamp.org/

Contact Laurie Siebert from Trout Unlimited at 1beachteacher@gmail.com for more details about the camp and scholarships!

It's Your Turn to be Recognized!

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, Shooting Sports, 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.
• The awards presentation will take place as part of the kickoff PEP rally at Exploration Days. The State Awards participants will be recognized in front of their peers!!
• The program remains an opportunity to develop career skills. Senior interviews will take place via zoom prior to Exploration Days. Awards presentation will be professional attire.

Many of these tools are transferable to future application essays for jobs, college and scholarships. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgsEF13sLq4

Application deadline is April 1^st at https://events.anr.msu.edu/StateAwards23.  

Apply today! https://tinyurl.com/46afjtc8. 

4-H Mark of Excellence Award

The 4-H Mark of Excellence Award is a division of the 4-H State Awards Program for 11 and 12-year-old 4-H members. To enter, a 4-H member writes an essay on the theme, “Because of 4-H I can…”

Essays are submitted to the county MSU Extension office by April 1.

Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/.../4-h.../youth-recognition/

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/

Speaker for 4-H Exploration Days

We are thrilled to announce our speaker for Exploration Days! Juan Bendana is on a mission to help students live epic lives through making better decisions and discovering their leadership ability. Learn more about Juan: https://topyouthspeakers.com/speakers-topics/juan-bendana

Join Michigan 4-H for a pre-college summer program geared towards youth 12-19 years old. Exploration Days takes place June 21-23, 2023 on the campus of Michigan State University and allows youth to explore careers, meet new people, stay on a college campus, and learn new ideas. Registration opens March 21, 2023. 

More information can be found on https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_exploration_days/ and by contacting the county 4-H office. We look forward to you joining us and seeing what paths lead you to 4-H this summer!

Wild Spartans

Join 4-H staff as we take a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! March’s 4-H Wild Spartans Series will take flight in the Midwest uplands to learn about game birds. Join us on Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 6:30pm EST for “Upland Bird Conservation.” 

You will meet Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Education and Outreach Manager, Marissa Jensen, learn about her field work, and the education and career path she followed to get there. This scientist will take us to the grasslands and prairies of the Midwest. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A. This free virtual 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/

A Day in the Life Webinar Series

"Registration is open for "A Day In The Life" 4-H Webinar series. This statewide series will focus on agricultural careers at MSU Extension. Are you animated by Animal Science?

Have a knack for business? Join us for this free, 6-week virtual opportunity! Beginning March 8^th and ending May 17th, this biweekly series will be a great, informational guide into agricultural careers!

Our speakers will describe their typical workday, what internships and guidance led them to their roles, and what their favorite elements of their jobs are. (This series is limited to 4-H youth member ages 12-19​)

*If you are not a 4-H youth member, please register in 4-H Online for this statewide opportunity by selecting Ottawa County 4-H and enrolling in "SPIN Club-A Day In The Life 4-H Webinar Series” then register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/4HCareers/ , for any further questions please contact Samantha Griffin at griff807@msu.edu"

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!

Adulting 101

Paycheck and Taxes - Thursday, March 16 at 4 p.m.

Understanding why and how taxes and other items are deducted from a worker's paycheck is an important step toward gaining financial knowledge. Explore what taxes are and why we pay them. See how taxes affect your salary vs. your take home pay.

Register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting101w23

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

Build Your Future

Adults who work with youth! Join MSU Extension 4-H for a webinar on the Build Your Future: Choices, Connections, Careers curriculum on March 2, 2023 at 2pm. One set of curriculum will be given to one active participant for free from each webinar. 

For more information and to register, go to  https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/build-your-future-mar-2

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

Japanese Girls' Day

Hinamatsuri, or Japanese Girls’ Day - also known at the Doll’s Festival - is celebrated on March 3rd to hope for the health and happiness of young girls in Japan. Join Michigan 4-H and Japanese partners from Western Michigan University, University of Central Oklahoma, Delta State University, Mayville State University, Western Carolina University, West Liberty University, and Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures for a virtual online learning opportunity to celebrate Hinamatsuri Japanese Girls' Day! The event will be held Friday March 3, 2023, at 5:30-6:30PM CST 6:30-7:30PM EST.

Everyone is welcome and it is geared toward a young audience.

Registration: https://forms.gle/zkH768iMh2GezC3Y6

Questions: contact Liana Pepin at deisenro@msu.edu

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.

Rainbow Spartans

Join MI 4-H staff, youth members, volunteers, and community partners as we meet individuals and organizations in the LGBTQIA+ community in the Rainbow Spartans Series! Youth and their families will learn about the LGBTQIA+ community, support networks available, and more during these monthly sessions. Sessions last approximately 1 hour and will feature 1 guest speaker or organization.

Following the presentations, youth participants will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A with the presenter.

Suggested audience age is 12-19 years. Viewers may watch together with their family if comfortable doing so. This series is open to non-4-H youth and is free of charge. Monthly sessions will be held on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. ET through December.  For more information, check out the Rainbow Spartan Series website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-hwrh/rainbow-spartans

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

Saginaw 4-H & Open Horse Shows

Join Saginaw 4-H for three upcoming OPEN and 4-H horse shows this season at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds!

$5/class or $40/day for 1 participant/class (Each additional horse in any class has to pay $5 for that class)

Show Dates/Times:

May 20 – hosted by the Ready Riders 4-H Club

June 25 – hosted by the Reins on the Road 4-H Club

July 8 – hosted by the Saginaw 4-H Leaders

All shows start at 9:00am.

2023 Showbill and general information can be found at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/4-h-horse-shows

Livestock Judging Camp

Save the date for MI 4-H Livestock Judging Camp on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023! This event will be open to both 4-H, non-4-H youth, and coaches/volunteers.

Registration information and more details will be available soon!

https://www.canr.msu.edu/.../mi-4-h-livestock-judging-camp

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/FFA Horse Juding and Hippology Contests

Attention 4-H horse members! Registration is now open for the 2023 4-H/FFA Horse Judging Contest and 4-H Hippology Contest.

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

4-H Hippology Contest - Saturday, March 18, 2023 (Michigan State University - Anthony Hall)

·      MSU Extension Calendar Event

·      Registration Form

4-H/FFA Horse Judging Contest - Sunday, April 16, 2023 (Michigan State University Pavilion)

·      MSU Extension Calendar Event

·      Registration Form

·      Horse Judging Contest Schedule & List of Classes 

4-H Youth Swine Day

Registration is now open for Gratiot County Youth Swine Day! This all day seminar will focus on improving youth's knowledge of swine.

Topics include YQCA class and test, fair preparation, youth panel, and pig selection. This event is open to all youth ages 5-19. For more information and registration forms, please visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/gratiot-county-youth-swine-day2023

Saginaw 4-H Council

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

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

Saginaw 4-H Council:

NEW MEETING DAY! The Saginaw 4-H Council has changed their monthly meeting day to the first Thursday of the month! Please join us for the next Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting on March 2nd 2023 at the Saginaw 4-H Office at 7:00pm (723 Emerson St. Saginaw MI 48607).

Also, join us for the Club Officer training that starts right before the council meeting at 5:30pm. If you are new to 4-H or want to learn how to run a 4-H meeting, then this is the training for you! All Saginaw 4-H members, volunteers, and families, are welcomed 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!

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

March 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

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

·      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

Become a 4-H Archery Instructor

Become a 4-H Certified Archery Instructor! Saginaw 4-H is looking for help to grow the 4-H youth archery program. 4-H archery programs are offered throughout the year at several locations across Saginaw county. 

• No experience necessary. 
• Time commitment is flexible with sessions running about once a week for 4-6 weeks. 
• Training is provided to receive certification. 

Next training date is scheduled for mid-April 2023 in Clare, MI. 

All training costs are covered. 

Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/shooting_sports/leader-training-tools

Contact gathstac@msu.edu at the Saginaw 4-H office for more information.  

Find Your Path to 4-H through 4-H Exploration Days

4-H clubs can support youth involvement in state 4-H workshops and events! If you are interested in attending, contact the Extension office for scholarship information!

Looking for something for your teenaged youth to do this summer? Consider signing them up for an affordable pre-college program designed for and by youth. Michigan 4-H Youth Development is continuing the tradition of offering high-quality youth development programs this summer with 4-H Exploration Days. With more than a 50-year history of bringing youth from across Michigan to the campus of Michigan State University, 4-H Exploration Days will return June 21-23.

This 3-day pre-college program is open to any youth 12-19 years of age as of January 1. Youth will experience campus living, develop and expand their career and personal interests, and increase their responsibility, independence, accountability, problem- solving, decision making and time management skills. They will also have the opportunity to listen to an inspirational speaker and build connections with other youth from across the state. 

Breakout sessions include topics such as animal care, creating crafts, practicing mindfulness, building rockets, playing pickleball, writing short stories, gardening and many more topics. Youth will have the chance to hear from professionals in career paths such as veterinary science, health care, early childhood education and more. In addition to breakout sessions, youth can also pick free time activities that will take place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. These free time activities will offer a glimpse into MSU, allow youth to build relationships with peers, learn about a new project or just have fun!

Youth attendees entering grades 8-11 in the fall of 2023 will also be eligible for a $2,000 precollege scholarship from MSU. Precollege scholarship information will be shared with eligible participants after the event.

Adapted from "Find your path to 4-H through 4-H Exploration Days" by Michelle Neff. Find more about this article at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/find-your-path-to-4-h-through-4-h-exploration-days