4-H Program Contact Information

• 4-H Program Coordinator: Zaire Parrotte - [email protected] - 517-543-4420
• 4-H Online enrollment questions: Please reach call the Extension office at 517-543-2310 or [email protected]
• Newsletter additions: Zaire Parrotte
• You can also reach out to Roxanne Turner, District 8 supervisor (including Eaton), at [email protected] 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!

4-H Pre-Fair Dog Fun Match

May 18, 2024

Eaton County 4-H dog project leaders and members extend a HEARTY WELCOME to Michigan 4-H Dog Project members and leaders and invite you to join us for a day of showing and fun being hosted by: Eaton County 4-H Dog Committee.

Pre-registration is preferred. Please return forms by Sunday, April 29, 2024. Registration will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Exhibitors planning to show in the intermediate agility class need to register as early as possible. The show will begin at 9 a.m. with intermediate agility.  

Extension Office Hours & 4-H Program Coordinator Availability

The 4-H Program Coordinator will be out of the office and working from home on the following dates:

• March 25th-27th, 2024

The 4-H Program Coordinator will be on annual leave on the following dates:

• March 28th-29th, 2024

The Extension office is open generally from 8am - 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 and Buyer Workshops

Jr Livestock Association: Monday April 8th at 7pm, Kardel Hall, Eaton County Fairgrounds

• Buyer's Workshop
• Open to all youth and volunteers in the beef, dairy beef/feeders, sheep, and swine project areas.

4-H Council: Monday May 6th 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 May 2nd at 7pm, in the PMR

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

Horse Development Committee: Wednesday May 15th 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.
• This meeting will include a discussion on the 2024 4-H Pre-Fair Dog Fun Match in May

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.

4-H EXPLORATION DAYS!

MSU Campus - June 19-21, 2024

Join Michigan 4-H for a pre-college summer program geared towards youth 12-19 years old. Exploration Days takes place June 19-21, 2024 on the campus of Michigan State University.

This unique program allows youth to explore careers, meet new people, stay on a college campus, and learn new ideas. Registration opens from March 25, 2024 at 7:00pm until April 19th at 5pm.

More information can be found on https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_exploration_days/ and by contacting your county 4-H office. Check out these sessions offered this year!

We look forward to you joining us and growing this summer with 4-H!

*It cost $220 for youth and $130 for adults to register including a $50 registration fee. The Eaton County 4-H Program is offering to pay for 50% of youth's registration cost and 100% of a limited number of adults. For adults interested in registering and being Chaperones, please email: [email protected] for more details. 4-H Council also has scholarships available. Please check their requirements before applying.

4-H State Awards 2024

Due April 1, 2024

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is a hands-on learning experience that allows 4-H members to develop and practice “adulting” skills such as resume writing, filling out an application, and interviewing. Applications and interviews are based on communicating your 4-H participation and learning experiences. Applicants are eligible to compete for cash prizes and be recognized for their 4-H involvement. 4-H members who meet the minimum application score are eligible for a $50 scholarship toward their 4-H Exploration Days registration. The 2024 Michigan 4-H State Awards will be presented during the 4-H Exploration Days pep rally on June 19 at MSU.

Who: 4-H members 13-19 years old (on January 1)

Submit an application: https://events.anr.msu.edu/StateAwards24/

Application deadline: April 1

Find complete information on the website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4-h-awards-and-recognition-program/youth-recognition/

Michigan 4-H International Exchange Program

"Open your Home and Heart, become a host family today, create memories that will never fade away!"

Host a Japanese youth in Summer 2024 through States’ 4-H International!

Invite an international youth (ages 12-17 years) or adult chaperone into your home for three and a half weeks and share an American experience. Expand your family’s cultural understanding, learn about new foods and customs, and possibly a new language all while sharing your own. You and your children will build lifelong friendships and will gain new perspectives on your own country too! Applications to host can be found at www.states4hexchange.org

For more information contact : Michigan 4-H International Exchange Program Coordinator Jan Brinn [email protected] or Co-Coordinator John Wurm [email protected].

4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp

Michigan 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp is for youth who are interested in exploring animal and veterinary science related projects and activities. Participants must be ages 13 to 17 as of January 1 of the current programming year.

The Michigan 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp is a pre-college program held at Michigan State University (MSU) in partnership with MI 4-H Youth Development, MSU Department of Animal Science and MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Youth explore fields and careers relating to animal science and veterinary medicine, visit MSU farms and facilities, and participate in numerous hands-on learning activities.

You can find an information packet all about this year’s 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp on our website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-animal-and-veterinary-science-camp-2024

Registration will open on that same website on April 1st at noon.

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.

4-H Alumni & Supporters Walking Challenge

May 5th - June 1st

Starting May 5th, MSU Extension will host another 4-H Alumni & Supporters Walking Challenge, where participants will track their miles walked and compete for a top spot in the contest!

Each week, top contestants will win a 4-H swag prize and the county who logs the most miles throughout the whole challenge will earn a $100 cash prize for their county 4-H program! Random weekly winners will also be chosen amongst registered participants who have actively engaged in the contest during the previous week. 

Please register at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/WalkingChallenge/

March 3-May 4: JOANN 4-H Campaign

Stores across Michigan

While visiting your local JOANN store, you can support 4-H by adding a donation or rounding up at checkout. The funds donated will support the 4-H program with 50% going back to local 4-H programming and 10% supporting Michigan 4-H.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/joann-s-clover-for-kids-campaign

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 [email protected] or (517) 676-7300

Great Lakes 4-H Camp: Be a Camp Counselor!

July 28th - August 3rd

Great Lakes and Natural Resources camp is looking for youth counselors for camp week! Camp runs July 28^th through August 3^rd this year and there is a counselor orientation on July 26^th and 27^th. This is a great opportunity for youth ages 16-20 looking to get some leadership experience in a fun, fast-paced camp setting! Counselors attend camp for FREE!

Please reach out to Laura at [email protected] with any questions.

2024 Michigan 4-H and FFA Horse Judging Contest

MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education

April 13, 2024

Registration is now open for the 2024 Michigan 4-H and FFA Horse Judging State Contest!

The contest will be held on April 13th and start promptly at 9am at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.

Register here at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-and-ffa-state-horse-judging-contest

4-H Youth in Action Awards Applications Open!

Apply now for the 2025 4-H Youth in Action Awards! Each year, the program recognizes four confident young leaders with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives in the pillar areas of agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living and STEM.

Winners will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share their stories along with unforgettable experiences, celebration on the national stage, recognition in the media and a $5,000 college scholarship.

This opportunity is open to youth ages 15-19. The deadline to apply is April 1. Learn more and apply at https://4-h.org/programs/4-h-youth-in-action-program/application/

4-H Military Events

MOMC Virtual Challenge Registration Open!

April 7-20,2024

ATTEN-TION! The Michigan 4-H Month of the Military Child Virtual Challenge returns April 7-20, 2024! Youth ages 5-19 complete life skills missions to learn more about military life, celebrate military children, and earn points for prizes using the GooseChase app.

Participants do not need to be in 4-H or have any previous military knowledge or connection to play. The first 50 registrants will receive a free 4-H Build-a-Boat Activity Kit to use in the challenge.

To learn more and register, visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/4HMOMC2024/ or contact Kate King [email protected]

For the Love of the Game - Clover Gaming

March 21, 2024

Games are an all-inclusive way for youth to learn STEAM, and create family connections and peer networks. Clover Gaming Connection delivers 12-plus hours of content that encourages innovation and imagination and cultivates creativity in board game design.

We believe gaming and game design is a way to develop programming that excites youth and allows participants to see possibilities for their future. This session will go over curriculum and many implementation options to fit the needs of youth programming. Participants will be given access to all grab-and-go lessons developed by the Clover Gaming team to be used at youth meetings for sampling.

Registration is required. Sign up at www.4-Hmilitarypartnership.com

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/

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, March 18th, at 7pm at Kardel Hall.