As the 4-H year winds down it is still important to make sure you pay your participation fee for the 2019-2020 program year. 4-H is still working hard to produce quality programs in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the best way to show your support is to make sure you have paid your youth participation fee. 

Michigan 4-H participation fee is $20 per youth or $60 per family per year and should be payable to MSU and mailed to our office: Oakland County 4-H, Building 26E, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI  48341

• Families with three or more children in 4-H will not pay over $60 in annual participation fees.
• Michigan 4-H does not collect participation fees for parents or volunteers. 
• Youth can participate in as many clubs and project areas as they choose for the same low cost and have access to state and national 4-H programs and events
• Access to various 4-H scholarships and award opportunities throughout the state, including six $10,000 scholarships given annually to 4-H alums attending MSU.
• Supplemental accident insurance coverage provided by American Income Life for all 4-H youth and volunteers enrolled in 4HOnline.

Looking for ways to grow your public speaking, demonstration and other verbal communication skills? The new Michigan 4-H Virtual Communications Contest is for you!

Now through July 24, youth of all ages have the opportunity to take part in a variety of online communication contests. Whether you’re a Cloverbud or a senior, take part in this virtual experience that will help you grow your skills while having fun.  Contests include:

Demonstrations: July 6-10. Youth will record a video of themselves performing a demonstration or illustrated talk. A demonstration is defined as a step-by-step procedure with an end product or result while an illustrated talk is a presentation of an idea or topic that uses visual aids to convey the message. Utilizing visual aids to help convey the major points of the presentation or demonstration, youth will record a 9-12 video (Cloverbud demonstrations should be 3-4 minutes) and upload their presentation for evaluation.

Clowning or Acting: July 13-24. This contest will give new life to the art of clowning in 4-H and can be modified for aspiring actors as well. Youth will record a 3-12 minute skit and upload their video for judging. Watch for resources and classes to be shared prior to the week of this contest and give clowning/acting a try even if you have never done it before!

To take part in one or more of these contests, visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/MI4HVirCommContest/ to register and read the complete contest rules. Each contest will place the top 10 winners with the top three receiving medals and all participants receiving a participation certificate. Questions? Contact Roxanne Turner at turnerr@msu.edu or Emily Hoover at hooverem@msu.edu.

As the world continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan 4-H youth are sticking together while staying physically apart. Although saddened to miss their favorite summer events and county fairs, 4-H’ers across the state know they play an important role in helping to keep communities safe during the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Though they maintain their social distance, 4-H’ers continue to use their head, heart, hands and health through a multitude of online educational opportunities and virtual learning showcases that illustrate how 4-H grown continues while safe at home.

Tell us how your 4-H year has continued in alternative ways during the COVID-19 outbreak in a video testimonial. View the complete guidelines at www.canr.msu.edu/resources/4-h-grows-here-there-and-everywhere-guidelines.

Across the state, Michigan 4-H is growing true leaders for today and tomorrow. From Marquette to Monroe, these young people are impacting their clubs, communities, country and world.

To help share this impact with others, we’re looking for youth to share their own testimonials of how
4-H has influenced their own personal growth and development.

Submissions will be posted on the Meet Michigan 4-H’ers section of the MSU Extension website and promoted digitally in newsletters and social media.

To learn more and download the guidelines, visit www.canr.msu.edu/4h/meet-michigan-4-h.