To support families and caregivers with youth at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, MSU Extension has put together a weekly list of DIY activities and online events. Choose from daily childhood development, career exploration, STEM, healthy living and leadership activities - or choose them all! There’s even two quick resources to support parents and caregivers during these unprecedented times. We hope this helpful resource will provide a weekly dose of fun and learning while staying safe at home.

View the resources at extension.msu.edu/weeklyactivities.

When face-to-face programming is not possible due to social distancing, virtual 4-H experiences are opportunities for 4-H groups to continue engaging together. Though virtual programs may never fully replace the relationships built by meeting in-person, they can also supplement face-to-face programming. But how can you make sure virtual programs are successful?

MSU Extension recently released a helpful document that can guide 4-H volunteers in using technology to the fullest potential. This resource provides volunteers with expectations for leading virtual programs with youth and best practices for success.

Access “Virtual 4-H Programming Guidelines for Volunteers” online at canr.msu.edu/resources/virtual-4-h-programming-guidelines-for-volunteers.

Across the state, county and globe, COVID-19 has upended everyday life in nearly every way. In Michigan, families and communities struggle to adapt to closed schools and businesses while working to preserve their own health, well-being and sense of normalcy. For many Michigan 4-H’ers, lending a helping hand is part of that normal, and many have sprung into action to help their communities during this unprecedented time.

Across the state, 4-H’ers have found many ways to serve their communities while practicing social distancing. Among them were:

° Kalkaska County 4-H member Amy Saxton issued a 4-H Dare to Serve Challenge for other 4-H’ers to join in her Cards for a Cause efforts, encouraging youth to send cards to individuals living in adult foster care homes not able to receive visitors at this time.

° Similarly, 4-H’ers in Lapeer and Schoolcraft counties wrote letters and cards of kindness to residents of local senior centers and nursing homes.

° Alger County 4-H’ers volunteered to shop for seniors who didn’t feel safe traveling to the store to purchase their groceries and other supplies.

° 4-H’ers across the state sewed masks at home to donate to people in need.

° The Sebations, a 4-H family in St. Clair Co., re-purposed a fair billboard thanking essential workers.

“I continue to be impressed by the overwhelming generosity and creativity of our 4-H members, volunteers and staff across the state to continue the 4-H mission,” said Jacob DeDecker, Michigan 4-H state leader. “Our 4-H community remains committed to helping one another.”