Oakland County 4-H Connections (August 2020)

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August 2020

4-H for the 2020-2021 Program Year

Many things have changed in the last six months, so much so that we have lost track of what the word “normal” means. We continue to be impressed with the members of the 4-H community who, despite their disappointments, have embraced “the new normal” and continue to make the best better. Thank you for all you do.

Earlier this year we pivoted all of our programming to online formats to comply with the original Stay Safe, Stay Home order (EO2020-42). Though this has been a difficult time for communities, families and our own faculty and staff members, we are proud of the work our team has done to ensure that you continue to have access to high-quality educational opportunities throughout Michigan.

After much discussion and study, we have decided to continue to keep all 4-H programming, meetings and events virtual until further notice. This applies to all children and youth activities involving ages birth to 19. We recognize that this is a hardship on those who are eager to engage in in-person activities with their 4-H community. However, we must do everything we can to keep youth and adults safe and healthy. As such, please continue to hold 4-H club meetings and other local events virtually. MSU Extension staff members, including 4-H program coordinators, cannot support in-person activities. Further, funds raised in the name of 4-H cannot be used to support in-person events until further notice.

Although our delivery modes have changed, we are still hard at work for you. Because of our statewide reach, you have access to a number of MSU Extension events. Visit our MSU Extension Remote Learning and Resources to learn more.

Finally, we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic and other associated factors have put a financial strain on many families. Therefore, we have opted to waive the Michigan 4-H participation fee of $20 per person or $60 per family for the 2020-21 4-H program year which begins September 1, 2020. Some events may continue to have registration fees. You will continue to register through 4-H Online as usual, but no participation fees will be collected or expected next year.

We assure you that this does not diminish our commitment to the 4-H community. We will continue to offer high-quality, virtual programming and experiences, and look forward to the day when we can resume in-person programming.

If you are interested in supporting 4-H in lieu of paying participation fees, please contact your 4-H program coordinator for opportunities.

May we all continue to make the best better.

Sincerely,

Jeff Dwyer
Director, MSU Extension

Jake DeDecker
State Program Leader, Michigan 4-H


2020 Michigan 4-H Mark of Excellence award winners announced

Every year, counties across Michigan offer 4-H youth ages 11 and 12 the opportunity to participate in Michigan 4-H State Awards Program 4-H Mark of Excellence essay contest. As part of the contest, each county may select two essays to be recognized as winners.

Congrats to Sadie Benson and Ari Polymeneas

The essay theme is “Because of 4-H, I can…” and the youth referred to their 4-H experiences as ones that have allowed them to make new friends, try new projects, explore new places and help their dreams come true. Some credited 4-H with helping them increase their public speaking skills, confidence, and time management skills. Other 4-H’ers wrote with excitement about their club meetings, events, exhibits and community service projects.

“These young members look forward to the future and are eager to see where 4-H will take them next,” said Jake DeDecker, Michigan State University Extension 4-H State Leader. “The Mark of Excellence essay contest not only provides a space for youth to think critically about their experiences but also recognizes them for engaging in these learning opportunities.”

Overall, 44 4-H members from 30 counties were honored as 2020 Mark of Excellence county winners.

Staff List

Diane Wisnewski
4-H Educator/Supervisor
wisnews3@msu.edu
248-858-0529

Ari McCaskill
4-H Program Coordinator
mccaski5@msu.edu
248-858-0890

Deb Morgan
4-H Program Coordinator
morga194@msu.edu
248-347-3860, ext.279

Jason Scott
4-H Program Coordinator
jscott@msu.edu
248-858-0892

Kelly Morris
4-H Administrative Assistant
kemorris@msu.edu
248-858-0889

April Clos
4-H Administrative Assistant
closapri@msu.edu
248-858-0889


ITS

MSU Extension

Oakland County 4-H
1200 N. Telegraph Road
North Office Bldg. 26E
Pontiac, Michigan 48341
Phone 248-858-0889
Fax 248-858-1477

www.oakgov.com/msu/4H


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Oakland County 4-H Member Named Michigan 4-H State Award Winner, 4 Other Youth Finalists

Amari

Amari, a 4-H member from the Rising Stars 4-H Club in Oakland County was selected as the winner of the 2020 Michigan 4-H State Award in Junior Award Area.  The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program took place June 24, 2020.  While 4-H members were unable to gather at Michigan State University (MSU) as in past years, the Recognition Celebration was able to be held via zoom webinar allowing 4-H members along with their family and friends to attend the program.

A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H members.  The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is an opportunity for 4-H members to receive recognition while developing their leadership skills and personal portfolio. The program features a Junior and Senior division in 20 project areas as well as a group award category.  To enter the competition, 4-H members submitted an application that includes a cover letter, resume, 4-H story, and questions that highlight the life skills, project content knowledge, leadership development, and civic engagement experiences 4-H members have gained through their 4-H projects.  Applications were scored, and up to twelve delegates in the Junior, Senior, and Group divisions for each project area were invited to represent their county in the statewide competition.

4-H members selected as delegates were provided opportunities to participate in exclusive training on interviewing skills and networking.  Senior delegates and Groups advanced to further competition where they completed a video conference interview with the selection committee.  A virtual networking experience was provided for delegates to meet with members of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees prior to the Recognition Celebration.

This year, 64 youth representing 25 counties applied for a 4-H State Award.

Amari been a 4-H member for 8 years. In addition to Civic Engagement project, Amari is an alumnus in the horse protege program and his lead other members of the club to join also. Amari has done a great deal of community service with his club. Not just going on and participating in the event, but also helping plan the dates and making sure everyone is on time.

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is open to all 4-H members ages 13-19. For more information, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4-h-awards-and-recognition-program/youth-recognition.

To learn more about Michigan 4-H Youth Development, contact your local MSU Extension office or visit the Michigan 4-H website.

Oakland County 4-H State Awards Participants and Winners

4-H Member’s Name: Amari Potts

Project Area: Civic Engagement
Age Division: Junior

4-H Member’s Name: Khamani Potts
Project Area: Leadership
Age Division: Junior

4-H Member’s Name: Joshua Dixon
Project Area: Leadership
Age Division: Senior

4-H Member’s Name: Ajani Knox
Project Area: Leadership
Age Division: Senior

4-H Member’s Name: Isabelle Vartanian
Project Area: Rabbits
Age Division: Junior


Oakland County 4-H Committee Volunteer Interest Survey

Help Wanted

I want to help

Oakland County 4-H is looking for new members to join one or all of our three committees: 4-H Awards Committee, 4-H Expansion and Review, and 4-H Celebration Week. We are looking for:

  • Registered 4-H Youth Member (Age 13-19)
  • Screened 4-H Volunteer
  • 4-H Parents

4-H Awards Committee: Oakland County 4-H has an awards program that has been around for over 40 years. Its mission is planning of the 4-H Awards Event (5-15 members youth and volunteers) and planning revision of current awards and development of new awards to fill gaps.

Expansion and Review: Members would review existing Extension programs and expand program offerings to new audience groups. 

Effective Expansion and Review committees ensure the county 4-H program is relevant, current, and has an impact based on local needs. This committee leads to improvements in the efficiency and productivity of work efforts. 

4-H Celebration Week: Want to be a part of a virtual 4-H celebration this summer? We are looking into a virtual celebration of all things 4-H. 

Want to help click here.

Statewide

Join the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase!

MSF

MSU Extension is excited to partner with the Michigan State Fair to launch an exciting new program for Michigan youth: the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase. This statewide showcase will provide a virtual platform for Michigan 4-H’ers and other youth to exhibit their work in all project areas and apply for $10,000 in scholarships. Michigan youth ages 5-19 are encouraged to participate. Registration will be opening soon! While classes are still being finalized, MSU Extension and the Michigan State Fair hope to celebrate all the projects and programs in which youth have developed skill and mastery. This includes livestock and companion animal classes such as showmanship, breeding and market classes, as well as still exhibits, educational projects and more. 

Once open, registration will be available until August 23. There is no cost to participate and youth may engage in as many classes as they wish. Project evaluation will begin on August 24 with winners announced during the Michigan State Fair, September 3-7. Begin working on your project photos and videos now to ensure you’re ready to submit when registration opens!  In addition to the opportunity to showcase their skills, recognize their accomplishments and receive constructive feedback for growth and development, participants in the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase will also have the opportunity to apply for $10,000 in scholarships. Applications and criteria are still being developed - more details about the scholarships and Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase will be shared online at extension.msu.edu/MSF4HShowcase as details become available. We hope you will consider participating in this exciting new opportunity!

 


Free Summer Horse Care Online Course

 Horse owners around the country look forward to summertime equestrian activities to get them through the winter months. Due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many shows, trail rides and clubs have cancelled their live events. In a heartfelt effort to support horse enthusiasts, the MSU Extension Equine Team has put together a Summer Horse Care online course series and is offering it free of charge during 2020. Participants can earn a certificate for each of the following units:

  • Unit 1: Routine Health Care – covers vaccinations, deworming, and dental care.
  • Unit 2: Pasture Management – covers pasture planning, renovation, forage species, grazing management, and toxic plants.
  • Unit 3: Manure Management – covers water quality, manure management options, and composting.
  • Unit 4: Biosecurity – biosecurity protocol for equine and people, wildlife and insect control, and COVID-19 resources.

To learn more, go to www.myhorseuniversity.com/summer-horse-care-101.

 


4-H Events and Workshops

August 25: 4-H Teen Tuesday - All About Chocolate Zoom Webinar
Current 4-H members ages 13-19 can connect each Tuesday with their peers across the state while learning about a wide array of 4-H project areas.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/august-25-4-h-teen-tuesday-100-cocoa-all-about-chocolate

August 25-27: Turn Your Passions Into Profits Entrepreneurship Camp Zoom Webinar
Find the entrepreneur in you with this free virtual camp. Interactive activities introduce the 4-H entrepreneurship project while you develop your business ideas and learn how to market.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/turn-your-passions-into-profits-entrepreneurship-camp

August 27: 4-H at 4 on Thursdays - Crafts Around the World Zoom Webinar
Youth will explore simple cultural traditional crafts from around the world. This session will feature yarn art from North America. 
https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/august-27-crafts-around-the-world-north-america-yarn-art

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