4-H Program Contact Information

• 4-H Program Coordinator: Zaire Parrotte - zaire@msu.edu - 517-543-4420
• 4-H Online enrollment questions: Please reach out to Sara Corr, Eaton’s support staff, at 517-543-2310 or msue.eaton@msu.edu
• Newsletter additions: Zaire Parrotte
• You can also reach out to Roxanne Turner, District 8 supervisor (including Eaton), at turnerr@msu.edu or 517-546-3950.

Spring Leader Meeting

Eaton County Extension Office, 551 Courthouse Drive, Suite One, Charlotte, MI 48813

March 19th at 6:30 pm

If you are an admin leader for your 4-H club, committee, or association, please come to the Spring Leader Meeting on March 19th at 6:30 pm. We'll discuss financial guidelines, fair shifts, policy updates, and more. It will be held at the Eaton County MSU Extension Building in the basement PMR (public meeting room). Snacks will be provided!

Small Animal Open House

Are you interested in or involved in poultry, rabbits, or goat project areas? You won't want to miss this open house, sponsored by the Small Animal Association! Meet with superintendents and others involved in these project areas, have fun with activities learning about the species, and more!

The open house will take place on Saturday March 23rd, 2024 from 2pm-5pm in Kardel Hall, Eaton County Fairgrounds. Stay tuned for more information!

Extension office hours

The Extension office will be closed on the following dates:

• Monday, February 19th, 2024

The Extension office is open generally from 9am - 5pm and closed from noon to 1pm, Monday through Friday.

We may be closed occasionally due to the availability of staff. Please be patient with us if we are closed on short notice! You are always welcome to call the office to check hours prior to making the trip. Our phone number is 517-543-2310.

Save the Date - Upcoming County Meetings

Jr Livestock Association: Monday February 12th at 7pm, in the PMR

• Open to all youth and volunteers in the beef, dairy beef/feeders, sheep, and swine project areas.
• This meeting will feature office elections (youth board), and sale committee discussion

4-H Council: Monday March 4th at 7pm, in the PMR

• Open to all regardless of project area! Every club is encouraged to send at least 1 volunteer and 1 youth to every Council meeting.

Small Animal Association: Thursday March 7th at 7pm, in the PMR

• Open to all youth and volunteers in the poultry, rabbit/cavy, and goat project areas

Horse Development Committee: Wednesday March 13th at 6:30pm, in the PMR

• Open to all youth and volunteers in the horse project area
• This meeting will include a discussion on creating an educational horse workshop in June

Dog Committee: Wednesday March 20th at 6:30pm, in the PMR

• Open to all youth and volunteers in the dog project area.

Interested in attending a state or national 4-H workshop, camp, or other event? Don't forget - Eaton County 4-H has many scholarships available to help cover the cost of the events! For more information about scholarships, visit the link in the button below or contact 4-H staff.

MICHIGAN 4-H DAY AT THE BRESLIN - February 24th, 2024

MSU Campus, Breslin Center, 534 Birch Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824

Join us as the Spartan Women’s Basketball Team takes on Rutger’s Women’s Basketball Team!

SAVE THE DATE! You’re ALL invited to attend the eighteenth annual celebration of MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development at the Spartan Women’s basketball game, Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Ticket Price: FREE for the Michigan 4-H community including MSU Extension and 4-H youth, volunteers, partners, stakeholders, staff, alumni and their families! 

4-H Capitol Experience is Open for Registration!

Do you want to make our state a better place? 4-H Capitol Experience is now open for registrations! Join us at the Michigan Capitol March 17-19 to learn more about state government, and how your voice can make an impact! More information available on our website at https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_capitol_experience/

4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp Registration is Now Open!

Not Your Ordinary Summer Camp – 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp Combines Fun with Science Literacy

4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp is an annual three-time national award-winning camp that mixes summer camp fun and hands-on science education. The camp will be held July 28-August 3, 2024 on the northern shores of Lake Huron at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle. This Michigan State University (MSU) pre-college program is for teens aged 13 to 15 or those who’ll enter eighth through tenth grade in the fall. The registration fee is $500 and includes meals, snacks, lodging, a T-shirt, and program and activity costs.

Space is limited to 70 campers so register for a wonderful experience this summer! For more information and to register for the camp, visit: www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_great_lakes_natural_resources_camp/

During this enriching Michigan State University 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. The hands-on learning includes exciting natural resources recreation activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, fossil hunting, archery, photography, and evenings around a campfire. Not only does the camp get kids outside enjoying nature and learning to be good environmental stewards, the sessions incorporate four of the five Michigan Department of Education science curriculum standards in earth science and three of the five standards in biology. Campers also have fun and make friends with people from different backgrounds and areas.

Following their involvement, campers are eligible for nomination to apply for a $2,000 MSU Pre-College Scholarship based on criteria such as attitude, behavior and active participation. The scholarship is applied toward each recipient’s first year at MSU as a degree-seeking student.

Michigan Youth Livestock Conference

Gaylord University Center, 80 Livingston Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735

April 6, 2024

Join Michigan Junior Livestock Society & Michigan 4-H for the 2024 Michigan Youth Livestock Conference.

We are planning this event for the sole purpose of providing new opportunities to Michigan youth that are interested in or passionate about raising, exhibiting, producer, or showing livestock. Industry Leaders bringing you educational sessions on animal selection, nutrition, showmanship, animal husbandry, and career opportunities in agriculture.

Youth ages 9-19 are invited to join at the Gaylord University Center April 6^th 2024. Cost is $25.00 includes lunch and a t-shirt. Space is limited and will fill up fast! No refund are offered. Registration opens January 25^th and closes March 7^th.

Registration Link: https://MYLC.4honline.com

Quiet Adventures Symposium

MSU Pavilion 4301 Farm Lane Eat Lansing, MI

March 2, 2024

About the Symposium: The Quiet Adventures Symposium is where people passionate about quiet non-motorized activities come together. The group includes paddlers and bicyclists, hikers and anglers, backpackers and campers, and all other quiet adventurers. The number of attendees reaches 1,500-2,000, depending on Michigan weather. More information about the speakers and exhibitors can be found here: https://www.quietadventures.org/

About the Youth Area: Visit the Ingham County 4-H Youth Area for hands-on activities and to observe live insects and reptiles! Activities include nature-based crafts, MI wildlife identification games, and more! Youth under age 12 get in for free!

Interested in volunteering in the youth area? Contact Rachel at ochylski@msu.edu or (517) 676-7300

Statewide Virtual SPIN Book Club

The 4-H Virtual Book Club is a new statewide SPecial INterest (SPIN) Club. Club members will read a new book each month with a virtual group discussion at the end of the month. The club will also explore creative writing, careers in literature, library science, author studies, project exhibit ideas and more. Books are chosen for an audience 11 and older. 

In honor of Black History Month, the selected book for February is Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson.

For more information or assistance in getting a copy of the book, contact Sarah at graversa@msu.edu or (810)667-0341. Youth can join the club by selecting "SPIN Club 4-H Virtual Book Club" in 4-H online at https://v2.4honline.com/

Virtual 4-H Trick Dog

Join 4-H staff for the first ever 4-H Trick Dog Challenge February 17^th-April 13^th! This program is a great fit for all youth and their dogs, whether you want to help keep your training skills strong during the off-season, are looking for new tricks for your freestyle routine, or just want to strengthen your bond with your dog and learn new things!

 Each week, youth will receive 6 tricks with corresponding training videos to choose from. Youth should choose 1-2 tricks to practice each week, and photo/video submissions of the youth working with their dog are encouraged!

Additional information, including how to register, can be found here: https://events.anr.msu.edu/DogTricks24/

SAVE THE DATE: 2024 National 4-H Conference Program

April 19-24, 2024

For youth ages 15-19 who are currently enrolled in 4-H

National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of the USDA focusing on 4-H Civic Engagement, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). From April 19 to 24, this nationally recognized event will be developing the next generation of leaders alongside federal partners. Here is a link to an introductory/ promotional video and here is a link to the 2023 Evaluation Report.

National 4‑H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4‑H Civic Engagement, providing the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, nation, and world. At the conference, delegates (ages 15-19) will have the opportunity to participate in round table discussions, present to federal partner agencies, and engage with their U.S. Senators and Representatives. 

To sign up, contact Liana Pepin at deisenro@msu.edu.

2024 4-H Hippology State Contest Registration: OPEN NOW!

Interested in testing your Equine Knowledge? Does the idea of working in a team to solve problems thrill you? Come and compete at the Michigan 4-H State Hippology Contest!

Youth aged 5-19 are eligible to participate in the Michigan 4-H State Hippology Contest. Cloverbuds, Junior and Senior divisions as well as Junior Novice and Senior Novice allow for youth to demonstrate their comprehensive equine knowledge and skills in an engaging setting. 

Find more information regarding the rules here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/horses_ponies/uploads/Hippology%20Rules%202024%20as%20of%201-25-24.pdf

Already on a team and ready for the 2024 contest? Register here at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-hippology-contest-2024

World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute Registration is Now Open!

The World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute (WFPMIYI) is a one-day Michigan State University pre-college program that empowers middle and high school students to explore solutions to critical global challenges.

Youth in grades 7-12, and their teachers/mentors, may register to participate in the 2024 World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute between February 1 and March 15, 2024. The World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute is a Michigan State University pre-college program that empowers teens to explore solutions to critical local and global challenges. The event will be held May 9, 2024 with options to participate on the campus of MSU in East Lansing, MI or via Zoom.

• There is no cost to participate in the WFP MIYI. For more information, visit www.canr.msu.edu/wfpmiyi/

Adulting 101 Classes

Join us for our next Adulting 101 session, “Fostering Happy and Healthy Relationships” on Monday, February 12 at 5 p.m. Eastern time. During this one-hour virtual session explore healthy relationship models that can enhance your future and current bonds. Tips on setting boundaries, managing conflict, navigating breakups, and practicing consent will be shared by a licensed professional counselor. Register here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/relationships-1

Are you getting ready to move out on your own? MSU Extension 4-H has some “Adulting 101” classes that can help. Enhance your financial knowledge, your workforce readiness and even your relationships with one of these upcoming classes. Webinars are free, just register online here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting-101-2024

Building Early Emotional Skills (BEES) for Early Childhood Professionals Online Class Registration Open

Join other early childhood professionals for this free, eight-week, online workshop beginning February 5^th .

Registration will run from January 29 – February 12, 2024. Pre-registration is required. BEES is approved in miRegistry for 8 hours of training. There is no charge. Click here for more information and to register:  http://bit.ly/BEESProfessionals

College of Veterinary Medicine Presents: Veterinary Education Day

Veterinary Education Day is an annual event for high school students who are interested in learning more about post-secondary educational programs at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Presentations will focus on the pre-vet and veterinary nursing undergraduate programs, as well as DVM admissions.

This hybrid event is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m., and participants can choose to attend in-person or via Zoom. You can find more information, including how to register, here: https://cvm.msu.edu/events/veterinary-education-day-2024

This section will feature a different topic each newsletter highlighting best practices for 4-H clubs. Everyone, youth 4-Hers, adult volunteers, and families, can contribute toward making their club the best and following best practices!

Office roles and responsibilities

Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development offers teens an opportunity to develop leadership skills while preparing them for using these skills as adults. Club officer positions provide an opportunity to practice real leadership roles that impact the success of a group. The following describes the four essential officer positions their responsibilities and supporting materials to help officers be successful.

President

The president of a club presides over meetings, builds the meeting agenda, assures that the meeting runs in an orderly manner and strives to make sure all members’ opinions are heard. If committees are needed, presidents appoint committee members. Since the president is responsible for creating the meeting agenda, it is important they are familiar with the order of business. A typical meeting agenda would consist of:

• Call to order
• Pledges
• Roll call
• Secretary’s report
• Treasurer’s report
• Old business
• New business
• Announcements/leaders report
• Adjournment

Vice president

Vice presidents fill in for the president and presides over the meeting if the president is absent, therefore, the vice president must understand the roles and responsibilities of the president listed above. Additional responsibilities to consider giving the vice president includes following-up with any committees to make sure they stay on task, having them responsible for the learning portion of the meeting and serve in the role of introducing presenters or guests.

Secretary

The secretary records all of the business of the meeting and a record of each member’s attendance. Secretaries provide a report at each meeting by presenting the minutes from the previous meeting. This can be done by providing a handout or by reading the minutes aloud, and must be approved by the entire group. Once minutes are approved, they become the official record of the business that was conducted at the meeting. Secretaries should record full minutes as soon as possible after the conclusion of the meeting so that the discussion is fresh in their mind. Keep all meeting minutes in one safe place so they can be referenced as needed.

Treasurer

Treasurers are responsible for keeping track of and reporting the income and expenses for the club. Treasurers are responsible for writing checks for expenses, making any deposits into the club account, balancing the club check book, and preparing and reporting a treasurer’s report to the 4-H club. A treasury report must include previous balance from the last report, a summary of income and expenses since the last meeting. The treasurer should be prepared to answer specific questions regarding income, expenses and current balance. Managing Money Wisely is a full financial manual for 4-H treasurers.

For more information regarding roles and responsibilities of officers in clubs Michigan State University has excellent resources to assist each of the officers as well as a publication “Helping You Help Officers and Committees,” which assists volunteers in supporting officers in their roles.

Adapted from "Officer roles and responsibilities in a 4-H club" by Janelle Stewart. Find more about this article at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/officer_roles_and_responsibilities_in_a_4_h_club.

Fair board meetings

Fair board holds public meetings on the third Monday of the month. The next public fair board meeting is Monday, February 15th, at 7pm at Kardel Hall.