See below for event information and registration details

September 1: MI 4-H Foundation Scholarships DUE

September 3: 4-H Enrollment is OPEN

September 3: Saginaw 4-H Leaders Meeting

September 3: Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting

September 4: MI 4-H State Youth Leadership Council Applications DUE

September 9: MSU Welcome Back 4-H Alumni Reception

September 19: 4-H State Dog Show

September 20: Saginaw 4-H Fall Festival

September 22: 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series

October 31: MI 4-H Animal Science Fall Fest

Saginaw 4-H Fall Festival

Join us for the Saginaw 4-H Fall Festival and a fun-filled afternoon at Schomaker Farms on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun, learning, and community!

• Free admission
• Open to the public
• Learn about Saginaw County 4-H and discover how to get involved
• Meet 4-H members, volunteers, and club leaders

Enjoy:

·      Balloon Animals

·      Hover Archery

·      Dunk Tank

·      Face Painting

·      Petting Zoo

·      Games and Activities

·      Explore the Farm

·      Food (fee)

·      …and much more!

Current 4-H Members: Be recognized for your hard work!

The 2026 Project and Essay Awards Program begins at 2:00 p.m. Learn more and apply for awards at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/scholarships-awards

This event is proudly sponsored by the Saginaw 4-H Council.

Welcome - Rural Roots 4-H Club

Please join us in welcoming the Rural Roots 4-H Club to Saginaw County! We are excited to have this new club joining our 4-H community.

Based in the Chesaning area, Rural Roots will offer youth opportunities to explore small animals, livestock projects, hands-on learning, leadership, and more.

Interested in learning more?

Contact Club Leader RyAnne Hetfield at huffshedevil@hotmail.com for meeting information and details on how to join.

Saginaw 4-H Project and Essay Awards

Saginaw 4-H, it’s your turn to be recognized! 4-H members, consider applying for a county 4-H award project or essay award by September 1, 2026.

4-H members will be recognized and awards given out at 2:00pm before the start of the Saginaw 4-H Fall Festival on September 20, 2026 at Schomaker Farms.

It does not matter how you did at fair or even if you went to fair - if you learned and grew in 4-H, you should apply! 

All Saginaw 4-H members, volunteers, friends and family are invited to attend the attend the awards at 2:00pm and the 4-H Fall Festival at 3:00pm.

How to Submit Your Award(s) Applications:

The deadline for receiving applications is September 1st, 2026.

• Project Awards - Return the completed Project Award APPLICATION to Jennifer Specht (Saginaw 4-H Council) via mail or email.



• All Other Awards - Submit essays any other supporting materials to Jennifer Specht (Saginaw 4-H Council) via mail or email.

4-H Club members may also submit applications to their Club Leaders to be turned in by September 1 2026 who can send the forms to Jennifer Specht.

Learn more and APPLY for an award at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/scholarships-awards. .

Questions contact the Saginaw 4-H office at gathstac@msu.edu. 

Saginaw 4-H Fall Leader Update Meeting

Saginaw County 4-H Club Leaders, Volunteers, and Youth Leaders - You're Invited!

Kick off the 2026-2027 4-H year by joining fellow volunteers, club leaders,and youth for the Saginaw 4-H Fall Leader Update Meeting!

Current Saginaw County 4-H club leaders and volunteers, please choose one meeting to attend.

Being an active part of the 4-H community helps shape opportunities for local youth, strengthens clubs, and ensures Saginaw County 4-H continues to grow and thrive.

Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just looking for ways to become more involved, this meeting is your chance to connect, learn, share ideas, and help guide the future of 4-H in our county.

• Connect with other volunteers and club leaders
• Learn important updates for the new 4-H year
• Review club finance information and procedures
• Share ideas and help plan for the future of Saginaw County 4-H
• Discover ways to recruit and engage more youth, volunteers, and families
• Enjoy food, community, and fun!

We are looking for more volunteers, youth, and parents to help plan programs, provide leadership, and support the goals of Saginaw County 4-H. Your voice, ideas, and involvement make a difference!

FALL 2026 4-H LEADER UPDATE MEETINGS

September 3, 2026

MSUE Research Farm, Frankenmuth

• 5:30-6:00 PM: Light Refreshments
• 6:00-7:30 PM: Leader Update Meeting
• 7:30-8:30 PM: 4-H Council Meeting

September 12, 2026 Zoom – Emailed to current club leaders

• 9:00-10:00 AM

Questions? Contact gathstac@msu.edu

Together, we can create more opportunities for youth, strengthen our clubs, and make 2026-2027 an amazing year for Saginaw County 4-H! 

MSU Welcome Back 4-H Alumni Reception

Calling all 4-H alums at MSU: join MSU Extension for the MSU Welcome Back 4-H Alumni Reception on September 9! Enjoy free food and networking with other 4-H alumni and MSU Extension staff members from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens.

For more info, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/msu-welcome-week-4-h-alumni-reception

MI 4-H Foundation Scholarships

Calling all Michigan 4-H seniors and incoming college freshmen!

The Michigan 4-H Foundation scholarship application is now open, with awards up to $10,000 available.

General Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be a high school senior or incoming college freshman.
• Have been a Michigan 4-H member for at least 3 years.
• Upload a letter of recommendation from your MSU Extension county 4-H program coordinator.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support your next step! Apply by Sept. 1, 2026

Learn more and start your application: mi4hfdtn.org/scholarship

National 4-H Congress

Partial scholarships available for Saginaw 4-H members. Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/scholarships-awards

Michigan 4-H members ages 14-19 have the opportunity to attend the 2026 National 4-H Congress, November 27-December 1 in Atlanta, Georgia!

4-H National Congress brings together youth from across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, for an unforgettable week in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants connect with fellow 4-H members from diverse backgrounds, gaining a broader understanding of the world while discovering how they can strengthen their own local 4-H programs.

Delegates attend inspiring keynote presentations from nationally recognized leaders, participate in workshops focused on leadership, communication, and STEM, explore educational tour sites throughout Atlanta, and give back through meaningful community service projects. Through these experiences, youth develop leadership skills, build lifelong friendships, and return home ready to create positive change in their clubs, communities, and beyond.

Estimated Cost

The estimated cost is approximately $1,250 per delegate, depending on airfare and final registration expenses. (This will be split into a convenient payment schedule for families).

The registration fee includes:

• Round-trip airfare
• Conference registration
• Hotel accommodations
• Most meals
• Delegate gift package (shirt, bag, and other items)
• Chaperone supervision and support
• Delegates should also plan to bring approximately $100 for additional meals, snacks, and souvenirs.

This transformational experience helps young people become confident leaders who are truly Beyond Ready for their future.

Interested in attending? $100 non-refundable deposit is due to the Saginaw 4-H office by September 8. Contact gathstac@msu.edu to make a payment. 

Ignite By 4-H

Ignite Your Future with 4-H!

Are you a Michigan teen ready to take your leadership, career exploration, and personal growth to the next level? Ignite by 4-H 2027 brings together thousands of teens from across the nation for an unforgettable experience in the Washington, D.C. area!

At Ignite, teens will:

• Participate in immersive workshops and hands-on experiences
• Learn from renowned speakers and industry leaders
• Explore career paths and work readiness skills
• Connect with peers from across the country
• Develop skills to create positive change in their communities
• Experience exciting Washington, D.C. area activities

Thanks to support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation, a limited number of need-based scholarships are available for Michigan teens.

Scholarship recipients receive:

• Travel to Washington, D.C. arranged and paid for by Michigan 4-H
• Hotel lodging and meals
• Conference registration

Scholarship recipients are responsible for a $200 registration fee.

Eligibility Requirements:

• High school aged youth (13-19) during the 2026-2027 school year
• Enrolled in Michigan 4-H for the 2026-2027 program year
• Interested in developing leadership skills and making a difference in their community
• Complete a "Lead to Change" project after attending Ignite

Learn more about Ignite: https://ignite.4-h.org/

Scholarship applications are due October 1, 2026 and can be submitted at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/QtZr7cPMYT

Join the MI 4-H Alumni and Friends Network

Has 4‑H been part of your life?

Do you believe in supporting young people?

Consider joining the Michigan 4‑H Alumni & Friends network!  

This free alumni network will help you to stay informed, get connected or give back in ways that matter to you.

• You don’t need to have worn a 4‑H clover as a youth to belong.  
• If 4‑H is or has been part of your life—or if you simply care about helping young people thrive—you’re welcome here. This includes staff members, parents, volunteers, grandparents, supports, partner organization representatives, donors, etc.)  
• Members of Michigan 4-H Alumni and Friends do need to be 18 years old or older. 

Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/Alumni/michigan-4-h-alumni-friends. 

MI 4-H State Youth Leadership Council

Ready to Take Your 4-H Leadership to the Next Level?

Applications are now open for the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council (SYLC), Michigan 4-H's highest youth leadership opportunity for young people ages 15-19!

As a SYLC member, you'll represent Michigan 4-H across the state, promote 4-H through local and statewide activities, and help shape the future of 4-H programs by sharing youth perspectives and ideas.

• Build skills in public speaking, advocacy, communication, and leadership
• Connect with 4-H youth from across Michigan
• Expand your knowledge beyond your county's programs
• Make a difference in the Michigan 4-H community

If you're passionate about leadership, service, and helping others grow through 4-H, consider applying today!

Click here for a SYLC application: https://forms.gle/QaKgY3fdjN86gBEm9

Applications are due September 4, 2026. 

Click here to learn more about SYLC: https://www.canr.msu.edu/sylc/index

Learn more about SYLC. https://www.canr.msu.edu/sylc/index

Wild Spartans - Available on Video

Are you looking for something to do as a rainy day learning activity this summer?

Maybe you missed our 4-H Wild Spartans Series this winter?

Did you know that every session of our 4-H Wild Spartans is recorded and available on our website?

View on your own time and learn about careers working in natural resources from professionals who share their experiences in the field, the education and career path they've followed, and offer tips for youth!

https://www.canr.msu.edu/environment.../wild-spartans-series

Sport the plate, support 4-H!

Show your love for Michigan 4-H every time you hit the road. The Michigan 4-H license plate is more than just a cool design—it helps fund life-changing 4-H programs for youth across the state.

For every plate purchased, $25 benefits Michigan 4-H! Order yours today and drive with purpose!



https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/Support_Michigan_4_H/michigan-4-h-license-plate

MI 4-H Animal Science Fall Fest

Attention Michigan 4-H members!

Mark your calendars for a brand-new Michigan 4-H animal science opportunity that is happening on Saturday, October 31st, 2026!

Join the Michigan 4-H Animal Science Ambassador Team and Michigan 4-H animal science staff for Fall Fest! This event will encompass everything about animal science and includes sessions on the following species: dairy, beef, sheep, swine, goats, dogs, rabbits, poultry, and equine. There will be more information and registration details available soon!

2026 MI 4-H State Dog Show

It's almost time for the 2026 Michigan State 4-H Dog Show!

Registration is open NOW!! See the below link for registration. All 4-H Youth age 5-19 as of January 1st, 2027 are eligible for this year's show. The show catalog can be found through the registration link.

REMINDER: All Counties must provide a volunteer for every 3 youth, including counties sending only one youth. Counties who do not meet their volunteer quota will not be eligible to send youth to the state show. We rely on your help to keep things running smoothly! No experience required, must be a Gold or Silver volunteer.

To register as a volunteer, youth, or sponsor please see: https://events.anr.msu.edu/26StateDogShow/

If you have questions, please contact Kat VanDouser at Krollkat@msu.edu.

Saginaw 4-H Council

September 3: Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting 7:30pm

Join us for food, games led by our youth Vice President, sharing ideas, planning, and more.

The next Saginaw 4-H Council meeting on September 3 at Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center.



All Saginaw 4-H members, volunteers, and families are welcome and encouraged to attend! Use your talents to help the Saginaw 4-H Council plan educational and recognition events for the year. We hope to see YOU there!

Questions, contact gathstac@msu.edu.

Saginaw 4-H Horse Council

Saginaw 4-H Horse Council Meeting Next meeting



Date: TBD

Time: 6:30pm

Meetings take place at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds. All Saginaw 4-H volunteers and youth are welcomed to attend.

If you are interested in attending contact gathstac@msu.edu for more information.

Fall 2026 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop

Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop in Lenox! Join us for 2 days of classes at the Huron Pointe Sportsmen's Association.

Classes will focus on everything you need to know to teach Shooting Sports fundamentals as part of a 4-H Youth Development Program.

Follow this link to learn more and register: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2026FallWorkshop/

MI 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series

Fall is a great time to learn, connect, and grow as a 4-H volunteer! Join us for a Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar in 2026!

Whether you're new to volunteering or have years of experience, these webinars offer practical tips and fresh ideas to help you make an even greater impact.

• How to have a Beyond Ready 4-H Club: September 22, 2026
• Infusing Positive Youth Development into your 4-H Club: October 27, 2026
• Growing Money Skills through 4-H: November 19, 2026

View topics and register: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series. We look forward to learning with you online!

Saginaw County 4-H State Award Winners

Please join us in congratulating four members from the Frankenmuth Pacesetters 4-H Club (Grace P. Adeline S. Elliana S. and Sydni S.) for being selected as the 2026 4-H Group State Award Winners!

These 4-H members took on several projects throughout the year that positively impacted their local communities. 



“We all felt a great sense of pride, accomplishment and confidence after we completed our projects knowing we helped make our community a better place. Above all else we learned a sense of gratitude and perspective. Helping others shows us to appreciate what we have and understand different life experiences of others in our community.”

“My 4-H participation has helped me grow as a person in many ways. Through 4-H I get to learn who I am and what I enjoy.”

A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member and provides an opportunity to receive recognition for their engagement in rich learning experiences that result in outstanding knowledge and life-skill development.

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. 

We HOPE you will apply for a 4-H State Award next year and share the amazing impact you have in your community and what you have learned in 4-H!

Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4-h-awards-and-recognition-program/Youth-Recognition/index

Eleven tips for running effective meetings with youth

Adapted from: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/ten_tips_for_running_effective_meetings_with_youth

Strong 4-H clubs support engagement by providing opportunities for youth to serve in leadership roles, participate in planning and organizing club experiences, and contribute through service and community involvement. These experiences help youth build decision-making, teamwork and leadership skills while developing citizenship and civic responsibility.

Consider using these tips at your next meeting:

1. Set ground rules: Establish agreed upon expectations for behavior during the meeting.
2. Recite pledges: In 4-H, youth recite the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance followed by the 4-H pledge. Reciting the pledges at each meeting instills a sense of belonging within the organization, amongst each other, and helps to build awareness that youth are engaged in a 4-H experience.
3. Utilize club officer roles: Nominating and electing youth to leadership roles as officers of the club provides experience in formal leadership roles.
4. Establish a meeting agenda: Business is addressed most effectively when an agenda is used.
5. Have fun: Include icebreakers and team builders to incorporate elements of fun and familiarize youth with each other. .
6. Foster learning: Plan educational programs, demonstrations or activities in order to infuse “learning” into club meetings. Invite experts, guest speakers or suggest meeting attendees share relevant information that they may be knowledgeable about through demonstrations.
7. Involve youth in planning: Meet with youth officers or teen leaders in advance of the meeting to prepare. Always involve youth in the agenda writing process and resist the temptation to simply hand an agenda over to youth.
8. Follow-up: Appoint a youth member (a wonderful role for the vice president) to follow-up with any individuals who have volunteered to work on something before the next meeting.
9. Use a fair system for decision making: This is often in the form of parliamentary procedure or Roberts Rules of Order, but a group can also choose to use consensus-building strategies.
10. Celebrate successes: Appropriate recognition reinforces successes and provides affirmation for individuals working on a project. Recognize not only project accomplishments but also youth contributions to leadership, planning, service and club improvement efforts.
11. Connect learning to service: Provide opportunities for youth to apply what they have learned through community service projects, presentations, mentoring younger members or other activities that benefit others.

Following these 11 tips will help ensure that youth are actively engaged in meetings and that Michigan 4-H is helping prepare youth to be Beyond Ready.