September 2019

Busy Year for Horse Programs in Oakland County! 

The Oakland County 4-H Horse Council hosted four open horse shows in 2019 at the Springfield Oaks County Park.  In addition to the horse shows, 4-H members and volunteers coordinated many equestrian programs and activities including: 4-H Used Tack Sale at Springfield Oaks, Spring Round Up at Springfield Oaks, Oakland County 4-H Horse Protégé Program (cloverbud/mentor program), 4-H Discovery Day Clinic at Springfield Oaks, Oakland County 4-H Horse Camp in June, Oakland County Fair Horse Show and the PEP therapeutic riding at Bloomfield Open Hunt Club!

The Oakland County 4-H Horse Council (adult and youth officers) meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in the Fair Board Room to provide guidance, leadership, direction and assistance in developing and conducting the county 4-H horse project, based on the needs as well as the interests of youth.  Meetings are open to anyone interested in the 4-H horse program!  For more information about how to get involved with this amazing group, please contact Debbie Morgan at morga194@msu.edu or 248-347-3860, ext. 279.

The Horse Protégé program concluded with classes at the Oakland County Fair and the Grand Finale CHAMPS HORSE show, Saturday, August 10 at Springfield Oaks County Park.   The judges were so impressed with our participants – they all received 1^st place!

MSU Tollgate Farm & Education Center adds English and Western horse camps for youth previously attending Level I.  Campers increased their horsemanship skills (and their line dancing skills!) during this 2^nd level beginner horse camp. 

Congratulations to Amina Thompson World Food Prize 2019

Amina Thompson, selected to represent Michigan at the 2019 World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, IA!

Each year, 200 exceptional high school students from around the world are selected to participate in the three-day Global Youth Institute hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation. Selected students attend this exciting three-day event at which they interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates and discuss pressing food security and agricultural issues with international experts.

At the Global Youth Institute, student delegates present and discuss their findings with international experts and their peers, connect with other students from around the world, tour cutting-edge industrial and research facilities, and take part in symposium discussions with global leaders in science, industry, and policy.

To qualify, Amina researched and submitted a paper on malnutrition in Haiti and solutions to eradicate the problem. She presented her findings in May 2019 at the World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute at Michigan State University. From there she was selected as a finalist to attend the Global Conference. After a final interview in late May, Amina was informed by the President of the World Food Prize Foundation that she was selected.

Amina was awarded as 2019 Borlaug Scholar and now has the opportunity to apply for a prestigious Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, an all-expenses-paid, eight-week hands-on experience, working with world-renowned scientists and policymakers at leading research centers in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

National 4-H Week October 6-12

The anticipation is building for National 4-H Week, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will be celebrating everything 4-H. Oakland County 4-H will observe National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and will highlight the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.

The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week is Inspire Kids to Do, which highlights how 4-H encourages kids to take part in hands-on learning experiences in areas such as health, science, agriculture and civic engagement. The positive environment provided by 4-H mentors ensures that kids in every county and parish in the country  ̶  from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities  ̶  are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles and are empowered with the skills to lead in life and career. 

4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities. 

Did you know that the National 4-H Week Window Display Contest has been going on since at least the 1950’s? This is an excellent way to promote Oakland County 4-H and your 4-H club plus earn a little cash as well as pride. 

Prizes for each place 

• 1st place—Ribbon & $150
• 2nd place—Ribbon & $100
• 3rd place—Ribbon & $50

Some hints and tips for 2019 include critically evaluating your store window. Is it in a high traffic area? Does it have curb appeal? If not maybe it’s time to scout around for a new location.

Judging is based on the following areas on a 4 point scale and on the required components.

• PUBLIC APPEAL
• QUALITY
• ATTRACTIVENESS

Exhibits must be on display by October 6 and remain in place until the end of the week, October 12. Judging will take place midweek.  

To register your club click here.

For questions please contact Jason Scott jscott@msu.edu or 248-858-0892

Michigan 4-H Youth Leadership & Global Citizenship Spectacular

The Michigan 4-H Youth Leadership and Global Citizenship Spectacular embodies Michigan 4-H’s mission to make the world a better place through collective youth power. Attending the annual conference will help you become an outstanding leader who approaches life with your head, heart and hands open to new ideas, interesting people, and diverse cultures. Come to the 2019 4-H Spectacular and be part of the movement that has YOUth leading the way!  The workshop features a wide variety of incredibly fun sessions focused on youth leadership, civic engagement, global citizenship, international cultures, life skills, career exploration and workforce preparation. Sessions for the workshop have been planned, and will be led by youth and adult volunteers and MSU Extension staff.  The 4-H Youth Leadership & Global Citizenship Spectacular will be held September 21-22, at the Kettunen Center in Tustin, Michigan. This workshop is open to current and aspiring leaders and volunteers, ages 12 or older by Jan. 1, 2019. Participants must register for the 4-H Spectacular by September 9. Register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/spectacular19/. The registration fee includes superb lodging, four delicious, home-cooked meals, conference resources and some great surprises!  In order to participate in the 4-H Spectacular, youth participants must also enroll (or re-enroll) in Michigan 4-H for the 2019-2020 4-H program year, beginning September 1 and pay the $20 4-H participation by September 15, 2019. Contact the 4-H staff at the MSU Extension office in your county to learn about the availability of scholarships that may reduce or completely cover your registration fee for this event.

Apply now for the 2020 4-H Youth in Action Awards

Every 4-H’er has a story, and those stories are worth telling! Apply for the 4-H Youth in Action program, where sharing your 4-H story could earn you a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C. for National 4-H Council’s Legacy Awards! The program recognizes four confident young leaders in our core pillar areas of Agriculture, Civic Engagement, Healthy Living and STEM, giving pillar winners the chance to share how 4-H changed their lives and how they have used the skills they gained in 4-H to change the lives of others.  One national winner will be selected from the four pillar winners to receive an additional scholarship and recognition! Applications are being accepted now through October 21. Visit www.4-h.org/youthinactionto learn more  or email any questions to YouthInAction@4-h.org.

Georgia Boots partners to support 4-H

Georgia Boot is offering members of the 4-H community a 50% discount on any boots on their website (except clearance items) through September 30. Georgia Boot will also give part of all 4-H boot sales back to 4-H by donating 5% to the National 4-H Council. To get your discount code, go to www.georgiaboot.com/4-h/ and register.

Michigan 4-H represented by two youth at 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships

Michigan 4-H was represented by two youth in the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships held in Grand Island, Nebraska, June 23 through June 28.

The 4-H Shooting Sports National Championship is open to youth across the country to compete and present their skills in compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, smallbore rifle, smallbore pistol, shotgun, muzzle loading and hunting.

“We’re really proud of our two 4-H’ers who attended this national event,” said Laura Quist, Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports coordinator with MSU Extension. “Competing at the national level takes a lot of commitment, time and effort.”

Preparation for youth to attend the national championships begins months in advance of the competition. The youth selected to participate put in considerable practice time in their chosen events in order to compete at their best.

The Michigan 4-H youth that attended and competed are:

• Joe Balkema, a 15 year-old Kalamazoo County 4-H’er, who received a gold medal in 3-D Archery and third place overall in Compound Archery.
• Jackson Sokel, a 16 year-old Monroe County 4-H’er, who competed in Shotgun.

“Congratulations again to these two youth on a great contest,” continued Quist. “We also want to acknowledge and thank the parents of these 4-H’ers who helped to make their success possible.”

Applications for youth wishing to attend the event in 2020 are due to Quist by September 22. For information about the competition or Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports in general, contact Quist at quistla1@msu.edu.

4-H Events and Workshops

4-H Events and Workshops

September 3: Welcome Back MSU 4-H Alumni Reception

Morrill Hall of Agriculture, East Lansing

Join MSU Extension for the third annual Welcome Back MSU 4-H Alumni Reception. Pizza and pop will be provided for participants and MSU Extension staff will be on hand to interact with attendees.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/msu-welcome-week-4-h-alumni-reception

September 9: Youth Fun with Finances

Harvest Time Christian Fellowship, Warren

The free and fun event is open for youth, ages 13-19, to participate and learn about how to save money and earn credit.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/youth-fun-with-finances

September 18: 4-H Children's Garden - Stories for Sprouts and Seedlings

4-H Children’s Garden, East Lansing

This program is designed especially for young children, ages 0-4, to experience the wonders of gardening through stories and hands-on projects.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-h-children-s-garden-stories-for-sprouts-and-seedlings-september

September 21: Michigan Youth Leadership & Global Citizenship Spectacular

Kettunen Center, Tustin

The workshop features a wide variety of incredibly fun sessions focused on youth leadership, civic engagement, global citizenship, international cultures, life skills, career exploration and workforce preparation. 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan_4_h_youth_leadership_global_citizenship_spectacular1

October 4: Michigan 4-H Foundation Annual Membership Meeting

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing

All Michigan 4-H Foundation members are invited to attend and vote on all items at the meeting such as trustee elections, audited financial statement report,  and more.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-4-h-foundation-annual-membership-meeting

For the most up-to-date events listing, go to http://4h.msue.msu.edu/events.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials 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. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Interim Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. The name "4-H" and the emblem consisting of a four-leaf clover with stem and the "H" on each leaflet are protected under Title 18 U.S.C. 707.