 The decision made on April 2nd by Michigan State University to modify, postpone or cancel ALL face to face MSU Extension and 4-H events, programs or activities through September 1st, 2020 has affected all our programs and exhibitions, including in-person 4-H activities at county fairs.
We know this is a difficult time for our community and families dealing with so many daily challenges. Knowing this, we need everyone to understand that the Oakland County 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers are not able to support or encourage any in-person activities for our 4-Hers through September 1st, 2020. We appreciate your patience and understanding of our efforts to keep everyone safe. Please know that Oakland County 4-H staff will work together with our 4-H community to navigate through this process. Feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, or ideas. If you have questions about fairs, please contact them directly.
At this time, we are committed to creating virtual positive learning experiences and development opportunities for our volunteers and 4-H youth. Our commitment is to always pledge our heads to clearer thinking, our hearts to greater loyalty, our hands to larger service, and our health to better living for our clubs, our community, our country, and our world!
 Congrats to all the 4-Hers that played the Oakland County 4-H Stay Home, Stay Safe, Goosechase Game last month. There were 5 youth that completed all 116 challenges for a whopping total of 52000 points!
- Ashton Hedrick
- Samantha Conlon
- Adyson Krajniak
- Aubrey stockwell
- Isabella Kirby
These 4-Hers will be getting a sweatshirt from https://shop4-h.org/ when the office resumes regular operations. Be sure to be on the lookout for more GooseChase games coming up in the near future.
 4-H at Home Activity Guide
Can be downloaded here.
Try these fun, educational activities to help your kid learn valuable skills and gain experiences that will help them continue learning and doing all year long.
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The novel coronavirus pandemic has been stressful for everyone. Families and youth are navigating new challenges, including social distancing, uncertain health outcomes and “a new normal.” These new stressors may spill over into their relationships and compound other stressful conditions in the family.
To help families better understand this stress and how to cope, MSU Extension has developed a new resource, “Managing Youth Stress.”
To access the resource, visit www.canr.msu.edu/resources/managing-youth-stress.
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Each year, the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees approves grant opportunities for 4-H programs across the state.
These grants are designed to encourage program planning and participation by 4-H members and volunteers in partnership with MSU Extension 4-H program staff. The grants will be eligible for use in the 2020-2021 program year.
Several grant opportunities exist, ranging in value from $400-1,000. Applications are due June 1. To learn more information about the grants visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/grants/
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Michigan 4-H community has stepped up to help. CDC guidelines encourage the use of cloth face coverings to protect against disease spread; 4-H families across the state have sewn homemade cloth face coverings to protect the public, essential workers, and healthcare workers. By mid-April, more than 2,400 cloth face coverings had been donated to over 25 organizations. These cloth face coverings were created in 32 counties by more than 40 4-H youth and adult volunteers.
Though an amazing feat, the need is still great. Fortunately, the Michigan 4-H community is as great as the need; by working together, we can help to address this need and more.
The newly launched Michigan 4-H Mask Project website (extension.msu.edu/MI4HMasks) has instructions for making and donating to these efforts, using basic sewing skills and a few simple supplies. Join in making a difference in the fight against COVID-19.
Questions about this project? Contact MSU Extension Staff: Anne Kretschmann at kretsc11@msu.edu or Gary Williams at will1009@msu.edu.
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On April 2, 2020, MSU made the decision to modify or suspend youth events scheduled to take place this summer on MSU’s campus. This, combined with Gov. Whitmer’s announcement that in-person K-12 instruction is suspended for the remainder of the academic year, has informed changes to MSU Extension’s youth programming. These changes include:
- All on-campus MSU youth events scheduled to occur before September 1, 2020 will be modified to an online space, postponed or cancelled.
- No face-to-face MSU Extension youth events or programs will take place anywhere in the state, including summer camps, until September 1, 2020. This applies to events and activities scheduled through September 1 that are led by Michigan 4-H volunteers as well.
Given the fluid nature of this situation, it may be a few weeks before decisions are reached about which programs will become virtual versus which will be postponed or canceled; information will be shared as soon as it is available. Regardless, all program participants will receive a full refund for any out-of-pocket event fees already paid for affected programs. Staff will be in contact regarding this matter in the coming weeks; we appreciate your patience with this process.
This decision has implications on 4-H classes and activities at county fairs. MSU Extension is working with the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, as well as local fair boards, to pursue new delivery methods for these 4-H events. Please watch for more information in the coming weeks.
Youth safety and security are a guiding principle of Michigan 4-H; this decision is a reflection of that and our ongoing commitment to helping Michigan youth be physically and emotionally safe. Although the right thing to do for the health and wellbeing of MSU Extension staff, volunteers, program participants and all Michiganders, this is still a heartbreaking decision for us.
Now more than ever, MSU Extension remains committed to delivering meaningful experiences to youth and volunteers through a variety of supplemental offerings that support the educational development of Michigan youth. We will continue to update our Remote Learning and Resources space (extension.msu.edu/Online4MI) with online programs, so be sure to visit the site frequently.
May 1: Virtual Tack Cleaning Party
Join us for a short tack cleaning tutorial followed by an opportunity for everyone to socialize and clean their own tack together!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/virtual-tack-cleaning-party
May 4: Tik Tok Dances with H&H
Join the 4-H Healthy Living team with activities that are engaging and get you moving. This morning movement session will get you moving with dance!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/tik-tok-dances-with-h-h-may-4
May 7: Adulting 101 Series– Spending Plan
Learn quick tips for navigating life and college. In this session, learn how to develop a spending plan by budgeting and tracking your money. Preregistration required.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting-101-mayseries-spendingplan
May 7: Ocean Explorers with Madison
Join your 4-H friends and marine educator Madison Dix as we explore sea life! Learn about amazing creatures, their habitats and stewardship issues surrounding ocean life.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/ocean-explorers-with-madison-may-7
May 12: MSU Extension’s Family Yoga with Kylie
Help keep your family moving! Join MSU Extension for yoga, breathing and mindfulness. All ages and abilities welcome!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/msu-extensions-family-yoga-with-kylie-may-12
May 14: Ocean Explorers with Madison
Join your 4-H friends and marine educator Madison Dix as we explore sea life! Learn about amazing creatures, their habitats and stewardship issues surrounding ocean life.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/ocean-explorers-with-madison-may-14
May 28: Adulting 101 Series— Cooking 101
Learn quick tips for navigating life and college. In this session, learn tips and tricks for easy cooking. Preregistration required.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting-101-mayseries-cooking101
For the full event listing of virtual events for youth audiences, visit https://bit.ly/3dqPfll.
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