Events
4-H Environmental & Outdoor Education, Plant Science and Entomology Teen & Adult Volunteer Workshop
Location: Kettunen Center
Join us for this hands-on opportunity to learn about many environmental & outdoor education, horticulture and entomology projects through fun lessons and activities.
4-H Exploration Days
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Annual MSU pre-college program that attracts approximately 2500 youth participants and chaperones representing all 83 Michigan counties.
4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp
Location: Camp Chickagami, Presque Isle County, MI
MSU pre-college program teaches youth about Michigan’s diverse natural resources, Great Lakes ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities such as charter fishing, kayaking, sailing and snorkeling.
Outdoor Adventure Challenge
The 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge uses the biggest classroom available — the outdoors — to lead young people in activities that are both physically and mentally stressful. Through Challenge, participants learn canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, outdoor survival and safety skills. Most importantly, they learn to communicate with other group members to plan, organize and conduct their own activities in the outdoors. The program teaches youth the skills necessary to deal with stressful situations which may occur in any setting in their lives. It also gives young people a greater sensitivity, understanding and appreciation for both themselves and the outdoors.
Adult Leader Training Requirements
The multi-session 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Series is designed to train adults interested in using the outdoors to help develop life skills in young people. The program includes an introduction to 4-H and the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program, training in backpacking, caving, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, winter camping and first aid. Adults receiving the training are expected to work with young people in the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program.
You must be at least 16 to enroll in the training series, and at least 21 to become a certified 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge leader. Registration is due a couple weeks before orientation. The registration fee for the training series covers instructional materials, meeting facilities, camping fees and group equipment costs and mileage for instructors. Participants also are responsible for the cost of their own food, personal equipment, transportation to and from the training sites, and other personal costs.
Training Requirements
Training requirements ensure interested adults have competency certification before they can serve as 4-H OAC leaders. A number of resources exist to support trainees and those already certified. They are listed in the Resources section below. You must attend all required sessions and 2 specialty sessions of your choice.
Promotional Materials
Contact
For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:
Judy Ratkos, Senior Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
MSU Extension Institute for Children and Youth
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
Phone:
517-432-7613
Fax: 517-355-6748
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
News
7th annual 4-H Day at the Breslin celebrates youth development and Spartan Women’s Basketball
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) 4-H Youth Development will cheer on the MSU women’s basketball team as they take on Ohio State during their Jan. 15 home game at the MSU Breslin Center. “MSUE 4-H Day at the Breslin” is a celebration of the MSUE 4-H program in Michigan.
At last – someone’s taking responsibility!
4-H’s new program, "Join the Revolution of Responsibility," puts a spotlight on all those making a difference in their communities, watching over our natural resources and creating new businesses. It isn’t just politicians or public officials on the front lines of tackling these issues—it’s 4-H members throughout Michigan.
Michigan 4-H invites community to an evening in the garden
Michigan 4-H Youth Development will host its first 4-H Evening in the Garden event, Tuesday, Aug. 16, as a recruitment opportunity, a chance for current 4-H’ers to showcase their projects and an occasion to present activities for hands-on participation.
4-H Participants prepare to present environmental research to State Senate Committee
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Twenty-five members of the Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council (M4HYCC) are finalizing their research on Michigan wetland conservation to make their way to the state Capitol, April 28.
Resources
- 4-H Environmental & Outdoor Education 2011–12 Awards, Career Preparation, Contests & Grants
- 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Instructor Reference Guide
- 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Instructor Travel Reimbursement Form
- 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Reference Guide
- 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Training Manual
- 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Trip Plan Samples
- Guide for Creating an Effective 4-H Youth Conservation Council
- Member’s Personal 4-H Record Book (4H1192)
- No Child Left Inside: 4-H Introduces Kids to a World of Nature
- Outdoor Adventure Challenge Organizations