Join Saginaw 4-H!
Enrollment for the 2022-2023 4-H year is OPEN! You do not need to own an animal or live on a farm to join 4-H!
Learn more about joining Saginaw 4-H at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/join-saginaw-county-4-h
Choose your OWN path to 4-H membership!
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!
PATHWAYS TO JOIN 4-H
4-H members can enroll in as many Clubs and activities as they wish.
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!
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4-H Tall Ship Sailing
Let’s go sailing! Explore science on a tall ship and learn the basics of sailing into Saginaw Bay! Join Saginaw 4-H for an educational sailing trip this year with Bay Sail in Bay City.
Once aboard youth will review safety procedures and then rotate through a variety of educational stations like water sampling, knot thing, invasive species, sonar dredges, and analyzing sea life under a microscope. Youth will also learn about navigation buoyancy, weather, and wildlife and wetlands!
Dates: (Three dates to choose from)
--June 3rd (10:00am-1:00pm) YOUTH SAIL
--June 8th (6:00-9:00pm) FAMILY SAIL – Limited to one youth and adult per family
Open to youth ages 8-19. 4-H membership is required. Youth will be placed in small groups based on age.
Not a 4-H member? You can sign up for 4-H for FREE and register to attend this event.
There is no cost to attend.
Important Note: Space is limited!
Please only register if you are 100% sure you will be attending the 4-H Sailing trip. Registering and not attending limits the participation of others.
If you would like to attend the trip and registration is full, contact gathstac@msu.edu.
Learn more and register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-sailing-trips-1
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Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp
Save the Date!
Calling all 8-12 year olds (and older teen volunteers-teen registration included below) interested in learning how to fish and protect our Great Lakes and
connected waterways!
This June and July from 9a-3p, MSU Extension, 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Project FISH and many local partners are hosting fishing camps in Saginaw, Bay, and Arenac counties.
All campers will receive a fishing rod with a reel, tackle box, t-shirt and snacks. Participants will learn about knot tying, tackle crafting, casting, aquatic ecology, angler ethics and more!
Open to 4-H members statewide ages 8-12. 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!
Camp Dates and Locations:
6/14-15 | Bay City State Park (Bay City, MI)
6/26-27 |River Side Park (Au Gres, MI)
7/19-20 |Haithco Park (Saginaw, MI)
Register:
CURRENT 4-H Members:
· Log into your account at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in.
· SCROLL DOWN to the “Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp” at the bottom of the screen.
· Click on blue registration tab to start registration.
NEW 4-H Members:
· Create a family profile at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
· Select the “Specific County – General 4-H Experience”.
· Once your 4-H membership is approved (you will receive email notification), log back into your family account at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
· SCROLL DOWN to the “Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp” at the bottom of the screen.
· Click on blue registration tab to start registration.
TEENS, are you interested in gaining some leadership skills and helping younger youth at camp? Apply to serve as a Fish Camp Counselor for the Saginaw Bay 4-H Fishing Camp. Counselors can gain service hours from this volunteer experience. Learn more and sign up to help today at https://forms.gle/nPSa4CeuzGvdes56A. 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 2022-23 school year to be eligible.
Have questions or need assistance contact gathstac@msu.edu.
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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.
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Adultng 101: How to Buy a Car
June 8 at 4 p.m. ET: Buying a car is an important and costly decision to make. Attend this session to learn about choosing a vehicle, purchasing it, and all the considerations when making your decision.
MSU Extension’s Adulting 101 helps Individuals Manage and Conquer Real Life Skills!
Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is excited to add four new classes to their popular Adulting 101 program. These engaging educational programs are designed for high school students and young adults to help demystify the obscure reality of being an “adult.” Each FREE class is packed full of important skills and tools necessary to live independently. The Adulting 101 program features different topics monthly, taught by experienced MSU Extension Educators and 4-H volunteers.
Register here https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adult101s23
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4-H 100 Dresses Challenge
Join us Friday, June 16 at 2pm to make pillowcase dresses that will be sent to little girls in Tanzania. This is part of the 4-H Head, Heart, and Hands for the Health of Tanzania 100 Dresses Challenge! Help us reach our goal of sending 100 dresses to little girls in Tanzania. All sewing levels are welcome!
Register Here! https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/100-dresses-challenge-1
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4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resource Camp is Now Open
Scholarships are available to attend from the Saginaw 4-H Council.
More details at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/
4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp is an annual three-time national award-winning camp that mixes summer fun and hands-on science education.
The camp will be held July 23-29 on the shores of Lake Esau at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle. This pre-college program is for teens who will be age 13 to 15 during camp.
During this enriching MSU Extension educational program:
- Campers will increase their science literacy and stewardship as they learn from natural resource experts in fields such as Great Lakes coastal and fisheries management, limnology, wildlife, forestry, geography, geology and environmental education.
- Campers will enjoy exciting natural resources recreation activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, fossil hunting, archery, photography, and evenings around a campfire.
- First-time campers also go charter fishing and learn to fillet their catch while all campers have fun and make new friends with people from difference backgrounds and areas.
Registration is now open! The registration fee is $500 and includes six nights of lodging, all meals and snacks, a t-shirt and program and activity costs.
Space is limited to 70 campers so register today. For more information and to register, visit www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_great_lakes_natural_resources_camp/.
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Understanding Water 4-H SPIN Club
Do you want to learn more about the water that surrounds us? Join Ottawa County 4-H this summer for an opportunity to kayak, do water quality sampling aboard the DJ Angus, explore the Lake Michigan Water Filtration Plant, and more! This is a great opportunity to get your youth involved with the water resources around us! Join us every Wednesday from June 14th-July 19th from 12pm-2pm (excluding July 5th).
To register, enroll in 4H Online in Ottawa County at https://4honline.com/#/user/sign-up and select “SPIN Club Understanding Water”. Or reach out to Lidgardt@msu.edu for more information.”
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July 18-20: 4-H Forestry Camp
Gahagan Nature Preserve, Roscommon
This fun and interactive three day camp gives youth the opportunity to learn all about forestry in Michigan.
Youth will increase their understanding of forest ecosystems and the variety of forestry careers in the greater Roscommon County area through games, field trips, and hands on learning out in the woods. Participants should bring a bag lunch each day.
COST: Only $25
The true cost of this camp is around $100. Thanks to the generous support of our community partners we are able to keep the cost extremely reasonable with many great perks. Also, there are a limited number of full scholarships to attend as no one should avoid participating due to financial constraints.
Registration closes July 14.
www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-forestry-camp-23
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2023 State 4-H Shooting Sports Tournament
The 2023 State 4- H Shooting Sports Tournament is once again returning to Centerline of Calhoun County on August 19! This annual event provides Michigan 4-H shooting sports members with the opportunity to test their skills and earn recognition with other 4-H members from all over the state.
Registration will be opening soon and closes July 16.
For registration information, tournament rules or additional information, visit 4-H State Shoot website at www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_state_shooting_sports_tournament.
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4-H Bullseye Bash Archery Tournament
Wexford County Civic Center, Cadillac
Archers to the Line! Test your skill and meet fellow competitors at this 4-H archery event on July 15th 2023.
4-H members are invited to p
articipate in the 2nd annual Wexford County archery competition!
This event is open to all 4-H members active in the 2022-2023 program year, who have been shooting with a 4-H archery club. This new event is designed to help 4-H members meet new friends, test skills, and provide positive experiences through friendly competition.
Learn more and register at www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-bullseye-bash-archery-tournament
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Thumb Area Regional 4-H Archery Shoot
The Broadhead Bandits 4-H Club will be hosting a 3-D and Target Archery Shoot on June 25th @ 3:00pm. The shoot will take place at the Tuscola County Archers Clubhouse, located at 2305 Bruisee Rd. in Caro (Tuscola County).
There will be a $5 charge per archer to participate, payable the day of the shoot. Please fill out this form for each archer that plans to participate. We will follow the rules used for the 4-H State Shoot.
New classes were adopted for the 3-D discipline, which you will notice below. For questions regarding equipment regulations or other general concerns, please contact Josh Cahoon (810-705-7622). Awards will be available, dependent on the number of entries received in each class. We are looking forward to having everyone out for a fun and challenging shoot!
Registration deadline is June 7th. Late entries will be allowed, but may not be eligible for awards.
Archers must be registered in 4-H online and participate in a 4-H archery club with a certified instructor. Instructors are required to attend so that we can keep 3-D groups at a safe & manageable size, and the indoor target line running smoothly. Thank you for your help!
Thumb Area Regional 4-H Archery Shoot
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Rainbow Spartans
Join the Rainbow Spartans series on Wednesday, June 7th at 6:30 PM via Zoom to learn about 2 online resources for LGBTQ+ youth: Q Chat Space & imi! CenterLink, a community organization for LGBT centers in Michigan, will be joining us to share these resources with youth and families. Chat Space is a live chat-based support groups for LGBTQ+ teens. Imi is an online guide built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help explore their identity and support their mental health.
For more information about the Rainbow Spartan series and to register, check out the website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4-h-hwrh/rainbow-spartans.
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4-H ANIMAL AND LIVESTOCK EVENTS | |
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
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Livestock Judging Camp
Looking to sharpen your livestock judging skills? Join us for the NEW Michigan 4-H Livestock Judging Camp on Saturday, June 3rd!
Registration is now open!
The camp is open to all youth ages 8-19 and their coaches. Find all the details, including the event flyer and registration, here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/mi-4-h-livestock-judging-camp
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Beef Series Part 2
Attention beef and dairy beef exhibitors! Registration for the second part of the Beef Series is now open! This is an in-person only demonstration type of clinic open to any youth currently enrolled in 4-H.
The sessions will feature information, but not limited to, enhancing showmanship skills, seeing a show from a judge's perspective, clipping & fitting, how to be successful at shows, and how to have a successful fair week.
This is a free educational experience that will feature industry professionals where youth will be able to see how and why things are done in the beef show industry.
Participants will be able to ask questions and will be eligible for door prize giveaways. Participants will not bring their own animals. Participants may choose to attend whichever sessions they prefer. The series will be held at the Kent County Fairgrounds on April 16th, May 14th, June 11th, and July 23rd."
Registration Link: https://events.anr.msu.edu/beefseriesphase2/
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4-H Dog Agility Workshop
The Agility Workshop is NOW open for registration. Please note that there are two different sessions. Morning is for beginners, afternoon is for advanced. Dogs MUST be able to work off-leash and have a recall. Space is limited to 20 beginner spots, and 20 advanced spots. Cost is $35.00.
Youth and their canine partners will be working at four different stations: contacts, weaves, tunnels and jumps. There is a QR code on the flyer and the registration link is below.
https://events.anr.msu.edu/AgilityJune2023/
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4-H State Dog Show T-Shirt Contest
It is that time again! Start thinking of a design for the 2023 4-H State Dog Show T-shirt contest!
Send your design to schrei61@msu.edu by July 1st!
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Canine Camp
The 2023 4-H Canine Camp is now open for registration! Space is limited, and all the information is provided in Events when you register.
A few notes:
You must pay to hold your spot. You may send a check if you don't wish to use a credit card. But, if the camp fills quickly, we will be taking the participants who have paid. Please read the cancellation policy carefully.
Any adult that registers to participate and wants to stay in the adult side of the dorm MUST be a 4-H Gold volunteer. Otherwise, adult participants must dry camp or stay off site overnight.
Youth ages 8-11 may participate but they MUST have a parent or guardian with them all day, and at all sessions/activities for supervision of them and their dog. They will not be allowed to stay overnight, so parents will need to make arrangements for off site lodging. Parents won't need to pay for registration for themselves in this capacity, and will receive all meals and snacks free.
Registration does have limits for participation set up for youth and adults based on bed capacity. If you are only day camping (sleeping off site or dry camping), you will be able to participate as it is bed capacity that is restricting participant numbers.
Dog must have all vaccines by May 18th.
Parent or guardian must sign the Aggressive Dog Policy
This will be an exciting weekend of learning with your canine partner!
Register at:
https://events.anr.msu.edu/CanineCamp2023/
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4-H COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES | |
Saginaw 4-H Council
June 1: 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
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Saginaw 4-H Horse Council
June 19: Saginaw 4-H Horse Council Meeting at 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.
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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.
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VOLUNTEER EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
Saginaw 4-H offers Sailing Trips | |
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This Spring season Saginaw 4-H has teamed up with Bay Sail to learn about the Saginaw Bay watershed through sailing. Once onboard youth rotated through a variety of educational stations like water sampling, knot thing, invasive species, sonar dredges, and analyzing sea life under a microscope.
Youth will also learned about navigation buoyancy, weather, and wildlife and wetlands! The series concludes in June with a chance for families to sail together on a family sail.
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2023 Michigan 4-H Mark of Excellence award winners
Every year, counties across Michigan offer 4-H youth, ages 11 and 12, the opportunity to participate in Michigan 4-H State Awards’ 4-H Mark of Excellence essay contest. The essay theme is “Because of 4-H, I can…” and the youth referred to a variety of memorable experiences in their time as 4-H’ers.
As part of the contest, up to two 4-H youth essays from each county are selected to be recognized as award winners.
In 2023, the following 11 4-H members from nine counties were selected as the 2023 Mark of Excellence county winners.
Allegan: Ezri Westrate
Alpena: Jazzmyne Kowalski
Berrien: Brady Pullins
Branch: Gwendolyn Berry
Cass: Levi Johnson and Conner Shirk
Menominee: Dodge Sundberg
Monroe: John Jinks and Cecelia Aulph
Oakland: Natalie Keen
St. Claire: Jinger Vantroostenberghe
Each recipient will receive a medal, and their winning essays will be added to the Mark of Excellence history book at the Michigan 4-H Foundation and State 4-H Office at MSU Extension. Congratulations to our winners!
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Twenty-three MI 4-H volunteers honored for
50 years of service
Adapted from: www.canr.msu.edu/news/twenty-three-michigan-4-h-volunteers-honored-for-50-years-of-service-by-michigan-state-university-extension
As generations came together for Join Hands Day on May 6, MSU Extension celebrated 23 volunteers who united with youth for half a century. These individuals have provided 50 or more years of service to Michigan 4-H and youth in their communities.
“Volunteers are critical to many of our MSU Extension programs,” said Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. “While we owe a debt of gratitude to all our volunteers, these 23 individuals in particular have made a remarkable impact. They have given their time and talent to 4-H for five decades. We truly cannot thank them enough.”
In recognition of their service, 50-year volunteers received a gift of appreciation from MSU Extension leadership, as well as a personal note of thanks.
The Michigan 4-H 50-year volunteers being recognized in 2023 are:
• Carol Callovi, Iron County
• David Callovi, Iron County
• Nancy Ciravolo, Monroe County
• Suzanne Gillhespy, Allegan County
• Gaylord Kutzley, Lenawee County
• Linda Lefcheck, Monroe County
• Jane Lloyd, Kalamazoo County
• Catherine Martens-Nitschke, Kent County
• Charles McCarthy, Cass County
• Judith Missler, Monroe County
• Beverly Rajzer, Cass and Van Buren counties
• Karl Schaefer, Clinton County
• Margaret Schaefer, Clinton County
• Marilyn Tkaczyk, Shiawassee County
• Barbara Vagt, Monroe County
• Kenneth Vagt, Monroe County
• Cathy VanOrden, Isabella County
• Joyce Vincent, Newaygo County
• Wanda Warner, Calhoun County
• Margaret Wegner, Midland County
• Gladys Welker, Ingham County
• Linda Willman, Wayne County
• Donald Wyant, Cass County
Tribute gifts in honor of any or all of these 4-H volunteers may be made to support 4-H at: https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/. To learn more about volunteering with Michigan 4-H, visit 4h.msue.msu.edu.
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4-H CLUB & PROGRAM BEST PRACTICES | |
This section will feature a different topic each newsletter highlighting best practices for 4-H clubs and programs. | |
Fair season and sportsmanship
It’s fair season, and that means youth will be competing at county fairs and animal shows around the state with their 4-H projects. Let’s review some sportsmanship guidelines so that all youth and adults have positive experiences at the fair.
Good 4-H animal project sportsmanship is defined as:
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Displaying respect for animals. This mean exercising good animal management through proper healthcare and nutrition, as well as fair training practices. Animals deserve humane treatment in exchange for what they provide.
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Displaying respect for opponents. Sportsmanlike competitors recognize and appreciate a well-prepared, challenging opponent who can bring out the best in them and share that appreciation with their opponents.
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Displaying respect for the “game.” This includes respecting and following the rules of the event. It also includes always trying one’s best, using skill and training to achieve positive results and appreciating the training process.
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Displaying respect for others. Judges, show managers, parents, trainers, coaches and leaders deserve respect as well. If one is feeling frustrated, it is important to find an appropriate location and time to vent or show this frustration.
Exhibiting good sportsmanship is not just for youth 4-H members – it applies to everyone involved, including volunteers, parents, leaders and others.
Additional sportsmanship resources can be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/competitive_event_resources
Adapted from "Fair season and sportsmanship" by Michelle Neff. Find more about this article at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/fair_season_and_sportsmanship.
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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
“Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.”
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Stacie Gath (She/Her/Hers) | 4-H Program Coordinator | Saginaw County MSU Extension |
989-907-6500 | gathstac@msu.edu
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