Eaton County developing youth and communities 2017
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EmailWhen you support MSU Extension 4-H programs, youth participants learn life skills that prepare them for the workforce – especially for highly sought after jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Developing youth and communities
4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, providing educational opportunities to over 6 million youth. The 4-H program offers a vast selection of project area topics—science, healthy living, arts, and civic engagement to name a few, all with hands-on experiential learning for youth. 4-H programs are available for all youth ages 5- 19, and are made possible by the service of our dedicated volunteers. We always welcome new members and new volunteers; if you are interested in joining 4-H, please contact the Eaton County/MSU Extension office at (517)543-2310 or email the Eaton County 4-H Program Coordinator, Kristy Oosterhouse, at oosterh6@msu.edu. We would be happy to help you enroll today!
4-H prepares youth for the future
Each year, Eaton County 4-H sends youth to the Michigan State University campus to learn about the University and to help them explore opportunities to further their education. In 2017, 39 Eaton County youth attended Exploration Days.
4-H Exploration Days is a pre-college awareness program for youths ages 11-19. It is held on the campus of Michigan State University. Youth and chaperones spent 3 days at MSU, lived in a dorm, ate in the cafeteria and attended Exploration Days classes of their choice. Class sessions ranged from learning how to play a sport, learning how to weave a basket, learning a new language, learning how to show a chicken, open a checking account, or learning about college admissions.
Renewable Energy Camp is another learning opportunity held on the campus of Michigan State University. Michigan has abundant natural resources. Emerging technologies are changing the face of energy. As the supply of non-renewable energy sources has become more limited and in some cases more controversial, there has been a steady shift to renewable, sustainable energy. The Renewable Energy Camp is designed to :
- Educate youth on current issues and technologies impacting energy and the environment within Michigan’s agricultural sector.
- Explore the scientific process and develop problem solving and critical thinking skills through team work and hands-on learning.
- Expose youth to degrees and careers in the field of renewable energy, science and technology.
- Develop and expand career and personal interests.
- Foster participants’ ability to meet new people and make new friends from different places and backgrounds.
- Develop social and academic skills needed for a successful transition to college and life as an adult.
4-H develops innovators
4-H members age 13 to 19 and volunteers had the opportunity to learn about robotics. Two tracks were offered covering Unmanned Aerial Systems for the older youth and Robotics for Younger 4-H’ers. Science-based activities such as these promote career exploration in the areas of STEM and agriculture while teaching youth life skills.
4-H’ers learn:
- Identify how robots are used today.
- Explore the benefits of robots.
- How remotely operated vehicles are used and where they function.
- Understand the basic elements of mechanics such as the role of the lever and the gear.
- About sensors and discover how they are used to create responses.
- About movement and friction.
- Discover scientific inquiry and engineering design processes
