Eaton County 4-H
Family News
Upcoming County 4-H Events and Activities
Jr Livestock Association Meeting

Monday, February 8 at 7pm

Passcode: jla

All youth involved in the beef, sheep, and swine project areas are encouraged to attend Jr Livestock Association meetings and share their voice to shape these project areas at the county level!
Virtual Open Office Hours

Wednesday, February 17 at 6pm
Passcode: office

February's open office hours will feature a presentation for club administrative leaders on how to use the leader login feature for 4HOnline2.0. Attend the beginning of the open office hours to receive a walk-through! Following the presentation will be open time for questions.

As a reminder, we'd love to hear from you on future topics:
Officer Training

Are you a 4-H club, association, or committee officer? Learn about the different officer roles (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) and the basics of parliamentary procedure! This free virtual training using Zoom will feature a special focus on running club meetings virtually, along with the opportunity to try out various features, tips for voting in a virtual meeting, and more. The training will be youth-focused. Taught by Janelle Stewart, Extension Educator from the Leadership and Civic Engagement team. Wednesday, March 10, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. This training is open to all 4-Hers in the following mid and southwest Michigan counties: Berrien, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Montcalm, St. Joseph, and Van Buren. To register, please go to: https://events.anr.msu.edu/virtualofficertraining/
4-H Trail Camera SPIN Club
The 4-H Trail Camera SPIN Club, will begin on Thursday, March 4th and end Thursday, April 8th. Registration closes on March 3rd. This club will meet virtually every Thursday from 5-6 pm EST. Youth will be introduced to ecosystems, Michigan wildlife, and learn how to contribute to science by examining trail camera footage and other observation methods. Members will receive a supply kit in the mail containing materials for activities and to support extended learning. Members can use their own cameras if they have them, or use footage collected by staff. This 4-H SPIN Club is FREE and OPEN to new and existing 4-H members statewide, ages 9 to 13. For more information and to register, please visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/TrailSPIN/
Reminder: Deadline extended: 4-H t-shirts and sweatshirts
Please help support the Eaton County 4-H Council!

Eaton County 4-H Council is selling county 4-H t-shirts and sweatshirts as a fundraiser! Due to the pandemic, 4-H Council was not able to conduct its annual 4-H Food Shack fundraiser, which supports our county 4-H awards, provides the funds to host the annual awards banquet, provides scholarships for youth and volunteers to attend state and national 4-H events like 4-H Exploration Days, and provides other fun and educational opportunities throughout the year.  

Preorder your shirts by filling out the order form. Payment and order are due by February 28 (preferred payment method is a mailed check). The deadline to order has been extended to accommodate changes with MDHHS guidelines and MSU Extension office operations. The shirts are expected to be available in March. T-shirts are $12 and sweatshirts are $25 each (2XL and 3XL sizes add $2/shirt). For more details, including payment and pick-up instructions, view the order form. Let's show our 4-H pride and how we are #4hstrong!

Coming Soon: Activity Kits
Are you looking for more activities to do during club meetings? Want hands-on activities you can do at home? Thanks to the Eaton County 4-H Endowment fund, activity kits will be coming soon for FREE (limited number will be available) on the following topics:

  • Small Animals
  • Large Animals
  • Social/Emotional Health
  • STEM

Watch future newsletters for ordering information!
Statewide 4-H Events
Registration now open - Michigan 4-H Skillathon
What is the Skillathon?
A comprehensive test of your knowledge about all things agriculture, especially livestock! Participants will complete multiple choice questions in the areas of: Beef, Horses, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, Goats, Dogs, Rabbits, Poultry, and General Knowledge (Animal Care & Well-Being, Tools, Crops, Biosecurity, etc.).
 
Who is eligible to compete?
Compete with youth from your region for prizes and the chance to advance to the State Championship on April 10th. 
 
How old do you have to be to compete?
Competition Levels include:
  • Novice (Ages 8-11)
  • Junior (Ages 12-14)
  • Senior (Ages 15-19
  • Adult (20+)
 
How do you qualify for the State Championship?
Contestants that finish in the top 20th percentile are eligible to compete for the State Championship title.
 
Is there an entry fee?
There is no entry fee and all contestants will receive a Skillathon t-shirt!
 
How do you register?
To get more information and to register for your regional event, please clink on this link: https://events.anr.msu.edu/skillathon/. The Southwest Regional is on Saturday, March 13.
 
Where can you find the rules and regulations?
Apply now: Michigan 4-H STEAM Corps
Interested in supporting Michigan youth and communities? Have penchant for science, technology, engineering, art, or math? Join Michigan 4-H’s 4-H STEAM Corps! You’ll receive a living stipend throughout your service and an education award upon successful completion of your term, as well as ongoing training and professional development. Email Rachel Puckett at pucket21@msu.edu for more information!

We have open positions with the following counties and work teams (candidates do not have to live in their host county): Alger-Schoolcraft, MSU Extension District 1, Delta, Alpena, Kalkaska, Wexford-Missaukee, Saginaw, Clinton, Livingston, Wayne, Kalamazoo-St. Joseph, Cass-Van Buren, Branch, Hillsdale, CEWFP, Animal Science, Science, and the MSU 4-H Children’s Garden.
2020 American Ninja Warrior Champion Daniel Gil

Michigan 4-H would invite youth and families from across Michigan to participate in an awesome opportunity to hear from 2020 American Ninja Warrior Champion Daniel Gil. He will speaking to on Wednesday, March 24th at 6:30 pm.  He will talk about overcoming obstacles. This is open to any youth or families in Michigan. The youth that participate in the 4-H Ninja Training Club (see next event in this newsletter) will have the opportunity to ask questions to Daniel during his presentation.  Register at https://bit.ly/ninjagil

Video showcasing his win last year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4IjimMgXVo&t=76s
4-H Ninja Training SPIN Club

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a ninja warrior, like you see on TV? Besides being physically active and in shape, what other things help them be successful? Michigan 4-H is offering a fun SPIN club opportunity for youth ages 9 to 19 to learn about what it takes to be a ninja. Join us Wednesday, February 10th thru March 17th from 4:30 to 5:30 pm EST. Register will is open at: https://bit.ly/4hninja and will close February 5th. Space is limited so don’t wait! Youth will also have the opportunity to hear motivational speaker and 2020 winner of American Ninja warrior, Daniel Gil in March.
4-H Lego Creator SPIN Club

This club begins on Monday, February 22nd and end Friday, February 26th, registration closes on February 18th. This club will meet virtually every day from 3:30pm-4:45 pm EST. You are never too old to be creative, be ingenious, be an engineer and be Creative with LEGO! This 4-H SPIN Club is FREE and OPEN to 4-H and non-4-H members ages 13 to 19.  For more information and to register, please visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/4HLegoCreator/

This 4-H SPIN Club will meet virtually via Zoom (both computer and smartphone accessible). Zoom link information will only be sent to event registrants that complete their 4-H Online enrollment by February 18th. 
Winter Bird Feeding Kits

This kit comes supplies for the youth to make their own winter bird feeder!

This program is open to both 4-H youth statewide, ages 5-19. Families can register here by February 12th to make sure no one misses out: 

Green Bean Sprouts Egg Carton Kit

Ever think you can't plant in the winter months? Are you a green thumb or wanting to become a green thumb? Do you have a youth that enjoys planting or watching things grow? Then this kit is for them!!!

The Green Bean Egg Carton Kit includes self-paced project that can be completed at home for youth age 5 to 19 as of Jan. 1, 2021. Activity includes an egg carton, soil, and seeds that the youth are able to plant and watch grow during our winter months. All kits will come with directions and a handout about growing green beans. Cost is $10 for each box.

Kits will be shipped directly to your home the week of Feb. 22, 2021. Place your order by February 15.
Hinamatsuri Japanese Girls' Day

Join States’ 4-H, Michigan 4-H, Kentucky 4-H, and Western Michigan University for a series of virtual events to celebrate 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. The series will consist of four sessions, each held at 6 PM EST:
  • February 23: History/Traditions of Japanese Girls Day & General Japanese Culture
  • February 24: Origami and Dolls (create a set), Language, Girl's Day Song
  • March 1: Sushi/Food, Eating Customs, Egg (Usuyaki Tamago)
  • March 3: Tour of a Japanese Home and Questions
Please register online by February 17th at 11:59pm ET: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MkaOpZgQNytbUO
4-H Capitol Experience Youth Summit

The 4-H Capitol Experience Youth Summit is now open for registrations. Youth in 8th grade through age 19 are invited to join with their peers to discuss topics important to them and learn how youth voices can make an impact on policy, both now and in the future. This 8-hour program spread across three days in March places an emphasis on meeting and discussing ideas with youth and elected officials from across Michigan. The $20 registration fee includes a mailed conference kit. Registration is open now until February 21. More information is available online at:
Hero Time 4-H SPIN Club

IT’S HERO TIME! Join us as we discuss, create, and play games about heroes! We will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning February 23 through March 11, on Zoom. This free club is open to youth ages 9 and up. Register here: https://bit.ly/4-HHero. Youth must also be enrolled in this club through 4-H Online (Club is listed under Bay County – SPIN Club: Hero Time!). 
 
If you have trouble registering, or general questions about this club, please email Lance Fowler: fowler37@msu.edu. 
Winter Outdoor Family Adventure

Is your family looking for something fun to do this winter? Do you want to win cool prizes from Jay’s Sporting Goods? Register for the Winter Outdoor Family Adventure taking place February 19 to 21 through the GooseChase app! Join Mid Michigan College, MSU Extension and 4-H, and Jay’s Sporting Goods as your family team has fun in the outdoors while learning about many winter activities through this self-paced scavenger hunt. The only equipment needed for this adventure is a smart device with a camera! The free preregistration can be completed at https://events.anr.msu.edu/winteroutdoorfamilyadventure/
Winter Birding 4-H Club

Before winter is over, learn to identify the birds in your backyard and beyond! Through discussions, games, and hands-on activities, youth will learn binocular skills, backyard feeding, field guide sketching techniques, bird ID and song. In addition, we will talk about crazy cool birds, their adaptations, and even discuss birding careers!

Join us on zoom, Thursdays February 18 - March 25 from 4:30 - 5:15pm EST. Open to all Michigan youth ages 8-12. To register, please email Jill at conninji@msu.edu
National 4-H Mars Base Camp Challenge

On March 8, 10, and 11, the race to land humans on Mars is on! The 4-H STEM Challenge will explore sending a mission to Mars with the activity, Mars Base Camp. Each participant will receive a family-sized kit that includes materials for 1-4 youth to participate in the offline activities and then share discoveries with youth from across Michigan.
Ages: 8-14 (Suggested)
Cost: $20 (Includes 4-H Mars Base Camp Family Kit)
Location: This is an interactive event with Michigan 4-H Staff that will take place virtually with activities done simultaneously at home. A Zoom link will be sent once registration is complete along with the Kit.
For more information, and to register: https://events.anr.msu.edu/NYSDMBC/
Clover Chasers 4-H Running Club

Do you want to learn more about fitness and running? Join the 6-week Clover Chasers 4-H Running Club! Youth ages 8-13 are invited to learn about nutrition, proper running form and hydration on Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00p.m., March 11 through April 15. Participants will receive some 4-H swag in the mail and are encouraged to walk/run/roll a 5K to celebrate completion of the program. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/36KnuTc
Eaton County Fair Information
The following information is related to the Eaton County Fair. While The Eaton County Fair is not a MSU Extension, 4-H sponsored event, this information is of interest to many in our 4-H community. Please contact the Eaton County Fair directly for any fair related questions. Contact information can be found on their website at https://eatoncountyfair.com/.
Animal Tag-in Information for 2021
Tag-in procedures for Beef, Dairy Market Steers, Dairy Feeders, Sheep, and Swine are now available at https://eatoncountyfair.com/pageserver/tag-in/. Dates as follows:

  • Beef and Dairy Market Steers: Tag pick up starts February 1, forms due by February 28
  • Dairy Feeder: April 11 and 12, forms due by May 1
  • Sheep: April 25
  • Swine: April 11 and 12
Michigan State University is an affirmative-action, equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and material 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.

Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.
Kristy Oosterhouse (Pronouns: she, her, hers) | 4-H Program Coordinator | Eaton County MSU Extension
517-543-2310 | oosterh6@msu.edu