Press Releases

 For the first time a Michigan 4-H Robotics Club has qualified for the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Championship, a worldwide robotics championship. Just four years after receiving a grant from Michigan State University (MSU) Extension to start a 4-H robotics club in Allegan, Team ROCK—Reaching Out to Community Kids—will attempt to become the world champion. Competition begins Thursday and runs through Saturday. The team is made up of 4-H members from Hopkins, Wayland, Hamilton, Otsego and Byron Center.

Organization: Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council
Location: Farnum Building, room 210, 123 W. Allegan, Lansing, Mich.
Activities:Presentation on oil spill response plan
Time: 8:30 a.m. for a 20 minute presentation
Event contact for more information: Michelle Lavra, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 517-884-7091

For the second year in a row, youth and their families can explore how science can be applied to the sport of baseball and participate in numerous other activities during 4-H Science Day with the Lugnuts. Those with 4-H tickets will view a pitching demonstration by a Lugnuts player and pitching coach Vince Horsman, meet with the head groundskeeper to learn what it takes to maintain a baseball field, learn about food safety and preparation, and take advantage of children’s inflatables and science demonstrations around the stadium.

Three youth members recently joined the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees.

Katelyn Walters, of Burr Oak, was elected to a two-year term as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee in January.

Harmony Nowlin, of Ellwell, was elected to a three-year term as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee in January.

John Hatfield, of Midland, was elected to a three-year term as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee on Mar. 22.

Joseph Buis, of South Lyon, was elected to a three-year term as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee in January.

The Michigan State University Extension Children and Youth Institute has announced that Julie Thelen will be the new Extension educator for the 4-H Livestock and Veterinary Science Youth Program. Starting June 10, Thelen will be working with various faculty and staff members, 4-H volunteers and stakeholders to implement and evaluate programs that provide opportunities for youth to develop content knowledge and life skills.

Michigan State University Extension’s Children and Youth Institute has announced Melissa Elischer will be the new Extension educator for the 4-H Dairy Youth Program. Starting June 1, Elischer will be in charge of statewide leadership working with various faculty and staff, 4-H volunteers and stakeholders in order to implement and evaluate programs that provide opportunities for youth to develop leadership potential, self-esteem, values, citizenship responsibility and productive capacity.