Eaton County 4-H
Family News
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National 4-H Week: October 2-8, 2022
Participate in the Michigan #IloveMI4H contest!
Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development is offering a photo/video contest to help celebrate National 4-H Week – October 2-9, 2022! We are asking 4-H volunteers, youth and alumni to share a photo or video highlighting “Why I love Michigan 4-H." There are PRIZES!! Ten prizes will be awarded randomly to those who participate during National 4-H Week. Prizes include MSU Extension 4-H swag!
Contest details:
- Share a photo or video highlighting “What you love about 4-H” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
- Include the hashtag #iloveMI4H with submission.
- Participants can include their submission in comments of the original post by Michigan 4-H (posted on October 2) or post directly on your social media account with the hashtag #iloveMI4H.
- The post must be public.
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For members of the Michigan 4-H community without social media access, submissions may also be sent by email to Gwyn Shelle at heyboerg@msu.edu.
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The contest will go live on October 2, and submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 9, 2022.
Additional rules, examples and video submission tips are available online at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/contest
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Fall TSC Paper Clover Campaign: October 5-16, 2022
Support 4-H youth from Oct. 5-16, 2022 by purchasing a paper clover both online or in Tractor Supply Co. (TSC) stores for just $1!
Funds from the TSC Paper Clover Campaign at the Delta Township and Charlotte stores are used to support scholarships for Eaton County 4-H youth participation in state and national 4-H events, such as 4-H Exploration Days, 4-H Capitol Experience, 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp, Citizenship Washington Focus, and more.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/tractor-supply-co-paper-clover-campaign
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4-H college scholarships available, apply by November 1
Outstanding Michigan 4-H members who are involved at county, regional, state, national or international levels are eligible to apply for Michigan 4-H scholarships to help fund their college experience.
A number of scholarship opportunities exist, ranging in value from $500 to $10,000 (over the course of four years).
All applications are due by November 1. Learn more and access applications materials at: http://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4_h_scholarships.
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2022-2023 Program Enrollment Reminder | |
As a reminder, we utilize both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 program year listservs until November 15.
Youth Enrollment:
Each year, youth who wish to join 4-H must enroll or re-enroll in our 4-H Online database. Please enroll in 4-H Online as soon as you know you are joining the program for the year. Youth are not considered part of the program and are not covered under our insurance policies until this step is complete and youth have a status of “Approved” in the system.
Please communicate with your club administrative leader to ask about any club specifics, including projects, prior to enrolling.
The link to 4-H Online and help documents on the enrollment and re-enrollment process can be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan_4_h_enrollment. Please make sure to click the link to 4-H Online in the first paragraph to access the database, or access the site directly here.
A few important tips with 4-H Online:
- If you were registered in 4-H in the past 5 years, you have a profile in 4-H Online. DO NOT create a new account if you experience any issues logging in. Please contact our office first!
- If you do not remember your password, please follow the reset password instructions in the system. If you do not remember the email address used or need to change to a new email address to log in, please contact the Extension office.
- Please make sure to update any contact information as needed, select all clubs and projects you plan to participate in before you submit your profile. If you do need to add clubs or projects after submitting your enrollment, you can do so in the system after your profile is approved or by contacting the Extension office.
- Please remember to sign all consents/signature spots with the first and last name of the person required in that spot (member = youth first and last name, parent/guardian = parent/guardian first and last name).
Reminder: Enrolling in 4-H is FREE (no participation fees)! Clubs and some experiences may still charge a club due, or fees for supplies or registration.
Current Volunteers:
The process for current volunteers is changing and becoming easier! You will only be asked to make sure your Volunteer Central profile information is up-to-date and for Gold level volunteers, complete the Child Abuse Reporting Protocol module in Volunteer Central by December (if you have not yet already completed it) this year. If you need help completing the module, you are welcome to make an appointment to complete it at the Extension office. For detailed information, please see the email sent from Volunteer Central on or near 9/16/22 that was customized to each individual's information or contact 4-H staff. Resigning? Please contact the office so that we can mark you as resigned in the system.
New Volunteers:
Are you considering volunteering as a Gold or Silver level volunteer? Apply online at: https://msu.samaritan.com/custom/502/#/volunteer_home
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Upcoming County 4-H Events and Activities | |
Horse youth, volunteers, and families: Opinion needed, deadline extended
The Eaton County Horse Development Committee (HDC) provides guidance for youth and volunteers involved in the county 4-H horse program, including offering educational clinics and programs and guides the State 4-H Horse Show selection process. Any 4-H youth member and Gold level volunteer may be involved in HDC (only youth vote) and HDC consists of a youth board (currently vacant) and an adult advisor. Note that HDC is a different entity than the horse program run through the Eaton County Fair, although the two historically have partnered together.
HDC discussed in their March 2022 meeting about disbanding or continuing the group and decided to revisit the discussion this fall if there is renewed interest in the 2022-2023 program year. HDC has had continual low attendance and interest from Eaton County 4-H horse participants the past few years and needs active involvement in order to continue. HDC would like feedback from all those involved in the 4-H horse project to help guide the direction of the group.
Take the survey by October 15: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eSfvC2JHe4Cgsia
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4-H Participation Celebration: County Awards Banquet November 12 | |
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The 4-H Participation Celebration will be on Saturday, November 12, at First Baptist Church in Charlotte (across from the fairgrounds). The doors will open at 5:30pm and dinner will be at 6pm.
All are invited to join 4-H Council in celebrating our award winners and volunteers for an evening of food, entertainment, and celebration. The awards banquet is returning to the pre-pandemic format with a catered meal from Swede's!
Tickets will go on sale at the Extension office October 10 - October 28. Award winners (including volunteers receiving years of service awards), Gold level volunteers, and kids 5 and under are free. All others are $5/ticket. Those being recognized at the event as award winners (including volunteers receiving years of service awards) will receive a post card invitation in the mail in the next couple of weeks.
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Save the Date - Upcoming County Meetings (In-person meetings with virtual option) | |
All meetings will be in-person at the PMR (basement conference room at the Extension office building) and will offer a Zoom option to connect virtually to the meetings, unless otherwise indicated. If you would like a virtual connection option for these meetings, please use the Zoom registration link for each meeting to register. Once you are registered, you will receive an email with the connection information. If nobody is registered for the Zoom option by 5pm the day of the meeting, Zoom connection will not be set up.
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Junior Livestock Association: Monday, October 10, 7pm, PMR. Register for the Zoom option: https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrceqvrTgqGNywPgbGBk5Ge-lxVtzItVgp
- Open to all youth and volunteers in the beef, dairy beef/feeders, sheep, and swine project areas.
- This meeting will feature officer elections (youth board) and sale committee discussion.
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Small Animal Association: Thursday, October 13, 7pm, PMR. Register for the Zoom option: https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0qf-ytqDkiEtcwD_YQ3lSj4Gwp9sSXcquz
- Open to all youth and volunteers in the poultry, rabbit/cavy, and goat project areas.
- This meeting will feature officer elections (youth board and species representatives) and wrap-up from the 2022 sale.
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Dog Committee: Wednesday, November 2, at 6:30pm, in the PMR. Register for the Zoom option: https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvd-igqT0uG9SPp-A2GPw696OSeHnqhFSy
- Open to all youth and volunteers in the dog project area.
- This meeting will feature kicking off the dog project area for the year with discussions of any changes and planning for the pre-fair dog show.
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Small Animal Association: Thursday, November 3, 7pm, PMR. Register for the Zoom option: https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMkduqurj8sGtR01c8hQY-ok_LgO8NLkVbo
- Open to all youth and volunteers in the poultry, rabbit/cavy, and goat project areas.
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4-H Council: Monday, November 7, at 7pm, in the PMR. Register for the Zoom option: https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kdO2urz8qE9K10TuIs57rhBeMmbCJb480
- Open to all regardless of project area! Every club is encouraged to send at least 1 volunteer and 1 youth to every Council meeting.
- This meeting will feature officer elections for open positions (adult secretary, assistant treasurer, youth president, youth secretary, youth treasurer), leader forum planning updates, and bylaw changes to meeting dates.
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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. | |
MSU Extension Tollgate Farm Pumpkinfest
The MSU Extension Tollgate Farm Pumpkinfest is a community event in Novi, Michigan which draws visitors from the tri-county area and beyond. Pumpkinfest will be a fully outdoor family-oriented event 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th.
Pumpkinfest has become an iconic fall destination for the community with wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, educational exhibits, farm animals, story times, donuts and cider, children’s straw maze, horse demos, fishing, children's activities, music, and food. There is a special focus on the pumpkin and apple as Michigan fall harvest crops.
For more information, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/Program-Event-Calendar/pumpkinfest
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October Wild Spartans
Join 4-H staff as we take a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! This month’s 4-H Wild Spartans Series will take a leap into wetlands and riparian areas and climb to the high desert grasslands to take a closer look at plant biodiversity. Join us on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 at 6:30pm EST for “Water’s Fire Got To Do With… Habitat?!” You will meet a Northern Michigan University master's candidate and Biological Science Technician at Voyageurs National Park, Erika Meints, learn about her field work, and the education and career path she followed to get there. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A. This free 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/
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Flu Vaccines: A Conversation with Pediatrician Dr. Daniel McGee
Do you have questions about the flu vaccine? Pediatrician Dr. Daniel McGee is here to help answer them. Dr. McGee is recently retired from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids and is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at Michigan State University. Please join us for a virtual Q&A with Dr. McGee on October 18th from 12PM-1PM, so we can all make informed vaccine decisions for ourselves and those we care for.
Pre-register and join via Zoom or watch the live stream on our Facebook page @MiStrongerFamily. Zoom Registration Link: https://bit.ly/MVPFluVaccine
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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
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4-H State Youth Leadership Council
4-H members aged 15-19 are invited to apply for the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council. This group serves as advocates, spokespeople, leaders, and advisors for Michigan 4-H programs statewide. Serving on SYLC is a great way to meet youth from across the state, expand your understanding of Michigan 4-H, and build your resume and leadership skills. More information, including the application and information sessions, is available online at https://www.canr.msu.edu/sylc/. Applications are due October 31.
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4-H Creative Arts Celebration
Registration is now open! Do you love arts & crafts? Do you enjoy sewing & textiles? Does sharing creative arts activities with your 4-H’ers provide you with enjoyment? Then register today for the 2022 Michigan 4-H Creative Arts Celebration Overnight Workshop held November 11-13, 2022! The deadline to register for the event held at the beautiful DNR Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, Roscommon is October 19, 2022. Connect with instructors, reconnect, or make new friends, be creative, learn new projects, and have an enjoyable experience! This workshop is sponsored with a grant from the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Register Now!
Here’s the link: https://events.anr.msu.edu/creativearts22/
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Building Strong Adolescents
Are you wondering how to navigate the teen years with your child? Do you wonder how to set limits while still promoting independence and encouraging positive relationships? Join us for this five week parenting education series for parents with children between 9-16 and explore the assets children need to succeed. Certificates of attendance are available.
For more information contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu
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4-H Spectacular Youth Leadership Institute
The Michigan 4-H Spectacular Youth Leadership Institute is an event for teens who want to improve their communities and our world through leadership and youth power! Attending the Institute will help teens gain leadership skills and approach life with their head, heart, and hands open to new ideas, interesting people, and diverse cultures. Attend the Institute and be part of the movement that has YOUth leading the way!
The Institute will feature a wide variety of incredibly fun and interactive sessions focused on 4 tracks: personal development and leadership, community leadership, global citizenship, and leadership for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Participants who register for the overnight event in East Lansing will attend a MSU Men’s Hockey game on Saturday, December 3 as part of our evening entertainment!
This Michigan 4-H workshop is open to ALL teens (ages 13+ by Jan. 1, 2023) and to adult leaders who have Gold Level Volunteer status with MSU Extension.
Space will be limited for this workshop. Registration details will be available and shared in early October. The Michigan 4-H Spectacular Youth Leadership Institute is sponsored with a grant from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
For more information, please contact MSU Extension educators Roxanne Turner (turnerr@msu.edu ~ 517-546-3950) or Brian Wibby (wibby@msu.edu ~ 906-439-5065)
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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! | |
4-H Club Meeting Best Practices | |
4-H meetings offer a variety of experiences for members. Meetings contain business, project work, educational programs, community service, recreation and social activities. All of these may not be part of every meeting, but each should be included during the year for a well-balanced program. Members should decide what to include and when with the assistance of 4-H volunteers. A club meeting outline provides structure for conducting a meeting. A typical 4-H club meeting has three components: fun (group building), business (group decisions) and learning (program/activity).
1. Group building/fun: 15-20 minutes
A variety of fun activities adds enthusiasm and enjoyment to meetings. This might include:
- Fellowship, or an informal time set aside for members and leaders to get to know each other.
- Ice breakers and team building activities that have intentional outcomes.
- Recreation, during which time a variety of organized games could be included.
- Refreshments, which can give members a chance to serve as hosts as well as socialize with their fellow members.
- Celebration, which can help members feel good about what they have accomplished or learned.
2. Group decisions/business: 15-20 minutes
The business section should demonstrate democracy in action. Members learn how to express themselves in a group, listen to the views of others, come to a decision either through consensus or parliamentary procedure, and abide by majority rule. A typical business agenda is as follows:
- Call to order
- Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge
- Roll Call – answering in any way the group decides
- Minutes of the previous meeting
- Treasurer’s report
- Committee reports
- Old business
- New business
- Adjournment
3. Program activity/learning: 45-60 minutes
“Learning by doing” is one of the 4-H program’s unique strengths. This is the place for members to give demonstrations, work on project books and participate in tours or community service and other activities. Use a variety of activities to involve members in program planning, self-esteem development and decision making. Ingenuity and creativity can make this section of the meeting interesting and active. Providing work space during project work makes learning easier. Examples of learning opportunities during meetings include:
- Community service activities
- Tours
- Guest speakers and presentations
- Special programs
- Project work
- Demonstrations and talks
Adapted from "What happens at 4-H club meetings?" by Janelle Stewart. Find more about this article at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_happens_at_4_h_club_meetings.
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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/. | |
Fun Upcoming Event: Bonfire/Hayride Event in October
Fair board is hosting their annual bonfire/hayride event in October again at the Eaton County Fairgrounds! All families that exhibited at the Eaton County Fair are invited to attend. 4-H Council also invites all 4-H volunteers who help with fair to attend and take part in an appreciation of your efforts for helping make the 2022 fair a success! More information will be shared as it becomes available.
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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.
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Kristy Oosterhouse (Pronouns: she, her, hers) | 4-H Program Coordinator | Eaton County MSU Extension
517-543-2310 | oosterh6@msu.edu
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