4-H alumni step up for Michigan 4-H

Throughout the month of May, Michigan 4-H alumni and supporters are stepping up to the challenge in support of 4-H. Since May 1, nearly 300 participants have been engaged in the Michigan 4-H Alumni & Supporters Walking Challenge!

A person walking.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Throughout the month of May, Michigan 4-H alumni and supporters are stepping up to the challenge in support of 4-H. Since May 1, nearly 300 participants have been engaged in the Michigan 4-H Alumni and Supporters Walking Challenge, logging their miles for a chance to win prizes for themselves and 4-H!

As part of the challenge, participants get physically active in whatever way they choose – walking, running or through their normal daily activities -- and log their progress. Miles walked are reported each week for a chance to win individual prizes or a grand prize for their county 4-H program. Each week, the person with the most miles will win a 4-H swag prize while the county 4-H program with the most steps tracked by all county walkers throughout the challenge will win a $100 cash prize. Random prize winners are also drawn each week, as an added bonus.

“We’re excited to have so many members of the 4-H alumni community joining in this fun challenge in 2022,” said Jake DeDecker, state leader for Michigan 4-H. “It was a fun way to engage our alumni community in 2021 and we're glad to have so many new and returning walkers taking part again this year!”

In addition to logging their weekly miles, participants are encouraged to join a private Facebook group specifically for the challenge. Through this platform, alumni and supporters are able to share their activities and successes, receive challenge reminders and healthy living tips, and enjoy camaraderie and motivation provided by others in the group.

“I’m grateful for the motivation this challenge has provided,” said a 2021 participant in the Facebook group. “Thanks to the organizers!”

The event was organized by the Michigan State University Extension 4-H Alumni Engagement Team, a group of Michigan 4-H staff that strive to provide opportunities for 4-H alumni to connect with other alums and the current 4-H program. There is still time to join the challenge, visit the event page to learn more.

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