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April 2020

MSU Extension Office Closed

The Oakland County MSU Extension Office & Oakland County 4-H Offices are closed due to the COVID-19. All staff will be working remotely and will be available to assist via phone or email.

You can call the office main telephone number at 248-858-0880 and leave a message or you can contact staff members directly through email or by phone as listed on the website. 

Hands to larger service...Facemask sewing

In the spirit of 4-H’: “Lending hands to larger service; for my club, my community, my country, and my world”; we at your Oakland County 4-H would like to invite you to participate in our community service project. The current situation created by COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) has created a shortage of surgical masks for healthcare and emergency response workers. We are encouraging our 4-Hers and families to consider this amazing community service opportunity. Please follow the hyperlink to the YouTube tutorial which instructs how to make them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FB--BOyTiU  I recommend using tightly woven, white cotton fabrics such as “flour sack” this will allow them to be breathable, wick away moisture, laundered and reused. If you have any questions, please refer to your local 4-H’ coordinator via email. Remember to always: Stay Safe, Stay Home and most importantly Stay Strong.

4-H Newsletter Transition

Oakland County 4-H made the decision to redesign our newsletter for the general public that can be found here. Oakland County 4-H Connections will continue to serve our 4-H members with information related directly to those of you that are registered in https://mi.4honline.com/.

Friday Update with Deb, Ari and Jason

Oakland County 4-H is holding a weekly online update about 4-H programing and we want you to join us! Deb, Ari and Jason will give the latest programing updates and also take your questions about upcoming programming and events. 

There are 2 ways to take part. 

1. Join Zoom Meeting (Participate)
   Web: https://msu.zoom.us/j/676017475 Password: 18872707
   Phone: 1(646) 876-9923, Room ID: 676017475# (Michigan)
   
2. Facebook Live (Watch)
   Web: https://www.facebook.com/4hinoc

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact Jason Scott at jscott@msu.edu.

Horse & Pony Program Update

Horse & Pony Programs:

• Discovery Day Clinic – may move to virtual platform. Please stay tuned!
• Horse Protégé Program – due to the coordination and in person activities required of this program to start in April, we are unfortunately, cancelling this program for 2020. It will be back in 2021!
• The Kick-Off Horse Show previously scheduled for 5/8-9 has been postponed to be included as a double judged show with the Paint Creek Valley show on 7/31-8/1.
• CIT (Counselors-in-Training at Horse Camp) – extended deadline to 4/1. Applications can be scanned and emailed to Deb Morgan at morga194@msu.edu or sent via US mail to my home:  2425 Childs Lake Road, Milford, MI  48381.
• Horse Camp, 6/14-18 - registration information will go out this week via email to all horse & pony 4-H members.
• Horse Verification Forms – deadline has been extended to 5/2. Forms can be found on the Oakland County Fair website:  oakfair.org

Oakland County 4-H Stay Home, Stay Safe, Goosechase Game

This online scavenger hunt game for Oakland County youth is open to 4-H and non 4-H members. Youth should be 13 years and older or paired with an adult or older sibling.

Who should participate: Any youth 13-19 can download the GooseChase app to their phone or tablet; younger youth or youth without a phone or tablet can partner with an older sibling or parent/guardian to play as a Team. When registering, please register with the youth name and include Team details if more than one youth or youth and adult

When: March 27 to April 16

Prizes: Prizes will be (mailed to winners home, picked up at office once re-opened, etc) and will be given for high points and for creative submissions.

4-H Exploration Days at MSU June 24-26

This MSU pre-college program welcomes youth ages 11-19 to explore their future, try new things and experience college life! During this three-day event, youth will gain confidence and independence through hands-on learning and make friends for a lifetime.

June 24-26, 2020
Michigan State University

What’s it like?

• There’ll be more than 200 session choices held on and off campus. You’ll choose one or two for your three-day stay.
• You’ll live in a Michigan State University dorm and eat in the cafeteria—just like MSU students do.
• Sessions are taught by people who know their stuff, including MSU faculty members, 4-H volunteers and staff members and other experts.
• It’s not all sessions! There’s plenty of time for fun, including the Planetarium, skating, souvenir shopping, exploring, the Dairy Store, tour of the MSU Horse Barn,  basketball—even a great dance Thursday night.

Who Should Attend? Every county has its own procedure for selecting participants and adult chaperones to attend 4-H Exploration Days. To attend the event you must be:

• At least aged 11 by January 1, 2020, or older at the discretion of your county.
• Willing to abide by the Michigan 4-H Youth Code of Conduct and the event rules.

Special Accommodations – People with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations. Accommodations for people with disabilities may be requested by contacting your local MSU Extension office by May 1, 2020, to ensure sufficient time to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be met when possible.

Costs The fee to participate in 4-H Exploration Days covers meals from Wednesday lunch through Friday lunch, two nights of lodging, all event activities, and a T-shirt.

• $220 for 4-H members and adults
• $240 for youth who are not 4-H members
• $175 for State 4-H Awards Program delegates (includes a $45 awards scholarship)

Registration - Begins March 10 at 9 a.m. All registration information should be turned in to the Oakland County MSU Extension office, typically by the end of April. 

4-H Has Got Talent! Enjoy the amazing talents of 4-H friends new and old from all over Michigan at 4-H’s Got Talent!! Individuals and groups can be nominated (or nominate themselves) in early April to appear in the show. Download the “4‑H’s Got Talent” application or contact the 4‑H staff at your local MSU Extension office.

If you have questions please call 248-858-0889.

Livestock Novice Mentor Program

Deb Morgan and livestock club leaders are working together regarding the future of the Livestock Novice Mentor Program and animal leasing programs at Tollgate and Bowers. Stay tuned for program updates via email and/or the Oakland County 4-H Facebook page.

Oakland County Fair News

As you all are very aware the COVID19 pandemic has changed many plans.  Some of you may have already been contacted by Oakland County MSU Extension informing everyone that the 2020 Discovery Day has to be cancelled.  Keeping in mind the Oakland County Fair is separate from 4-H, we are working on details for the tagging in of animals, picking up of cherry tomatoes and ordering broiler chicks in preparation for the 2020 Fair.  We will be moving back the date for these activities to Saturday, May 2 to allow an additional week to get everything in order.  We are also extending the deadline to submit dog and horse verification forms to May 2 as well. The forms are available on our website.  Additional information regarding these activities will be posted on our website and Facebook page as they become available.  More information regarding updates to the Fair and other Fair related activities will be sent out by April 14th.  The Fair Office remains closed at this time but we continue to check emails and phone messages remotely if you need to contact us.   Sincerely,  The Oakland County Fair

4-H Dog Show Biosecurity

Wondering how to keep you and your dog safe while attending dog shows this summer? Join us April 9th at lunch time to learn all about biosecurity at the dog show! Bring your furry friend with you to the meeting! Link to join in: https://msu.zoom.us/j/282058887

Educational Resources for School Closures

With novel coronavirus closing schools across Michigan for several weeks, Michigan State University Extension has assembled this collection of helpful educational resources for parents and caregivers. From science to financial literacy, whether for toddlers or teenagers, we encourage you to take advantage of these activity books, guides and other resources to help children remain engaged in educational experiences throughout their school break. 

Ages 0-4

Elementary

High School

Middle School

Preschool & Kindergarten

4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp

The 2020 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp will be held August 2-8 at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle County. Youth ages 13 to 15 will explore dunes, hike forest trails, wade through wetlands, fish, snorkel and sail on Lake Huron while educators and scientists teach them about the Great Lakes ecosystem. The cost for this camp is $410 for current 4-H youth. Registration will be available soon. Learn more at canr.msu.edu/4_h_great_ lakes_natural_resources_ camp/.

4-H Renewable Energy Camp

From July 6–10, 2020, the 4-H Renewable Energy Camp will take place at Michigan State University (MSU). This five-day pre-college program is available to youth ages 13-15 who are interested in exploring ideas, research and opportunities related to renewable energy. During this camp, the youth will visit labs that are conducting renewable energy research, renewable energy companies that think outside the box, and farms that are using renewable energy to remain profitable. The interactive camp will engage youth in experiments, questions and conversations focused on the application of solar radiation into electricity. The culmination of the week will be youth teams designing solutions for incorporating solar energy into real-life applications. The cost for this camp is $280 for 4-H youth. Registration is available until April 15. Learn more and apply at canr.msu.edu/4_h_renewable_energy_camp/.

Save the date for the 2020 4-H Spartan Coding Camp

In collaboration with CodeNow, MSU Extension is excited to offer 4-H Spartan Coding Camp for the second time this summer. This five-day camp will bring high school-aged youth to the campus of MSU, June 28 - July 2. Whether you have prior computer coding knowledge, or have never even thought about it, you will gain valuable coding skills at this fun STEM camp. Learn to develop and launch your own tech ideas; discover the essentials of web design and development; design and code an application from scratch; and attract users for your product! At the end of camp, you’ll also be given a series of take-home activities that allow you to further your coding skills. Registration will be open soon. For more information, visit canr.msu.edu/4-h-spartan-coding-camp.

Michigan 4-H #DareToServeChallenge to be issued in April as part of the national 4-H True Leaders in Service

Every day, 4-H’ers are rolling up their sleeves in service as they lead positive change that empowers their peers and their communities. This April, 4-H is again launching the annual True Leaders in Service initiative to unite 4-H members across the country in making a collective positive impact in their communities. Though the novel coronavirus situation may limit traditional in-person service activities, 4-H’ers are encouraged to think about ways they can lend a helping hand in their communities. As in year’s past, Michigan 4-H’ers goal for 2020 remains the same: to have at least one 4-H-led community service project in each of Michigan’s 83 counties during the month of April! Are you ready to make sure that 4-H in your county meets the goal? Here’s how you can participate: During the month of April, work on your own or join with others (in your home or virtually), to plan a service project in your community that you think will make a positive difference. Here are a few ideas you can do from your own home to get you started: Write cards or notes to members of a senior center or nursing home who can no longer receive visitors at this time. Sew masks for healthcare workers. Help raise money or resources for organizations in need. Register your project and add it to the map showing all the community service projects taking place in Michigan at: www.4-h.org/true-leaders-in-service. After you complete your service project, share it on social media and tag a Michigan 4-H friend to whom you want to issue the Michigan 4-H Dare to Serve Challenge! Use the hashtags #MI4H #DareToServeChallenge and #TrueLeaders to connect with others who are making a difference. If someone is issued the Dare to Serve challenge, but chooses not to complete a community service activity, they can choose to offer their support instead by making a donation to Michigan 4-H at https://mi4hfdtn.org/donate or https://givingto.msu.edu.

4-H Events and Workshops

April 1 –10: Lunch and Learn Lecture Series
https://msu.zoom.us/j/672412960
Youth can enjoy a short 45-minute online lecture from animal science experts each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Topics and speakers vary each day.

April 1—3: MSU Extension’s Family Yoga with Kylie
https://msu.zoom.us/j/761734640
Join each weekday from 9:30—10 a.m. for 30 minutes of yoga, breathing and mindfulness.

April 1, 7, 8 & 14: Credit Craze—Basics of Credit for Youth
https://bit.ly/2y75S5n
These short one-hour interactive webinars will give youth a basic foundation on credit and resources to learn more. You’ll also learn how you can use the knowledge learned to take part in the 4-H Show Your Money Smarts Contest!

 For the full event listing of virtual events for youth audiences, visit https://bit.ly/3dqPfll.  

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. 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, 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.