MSU Extension Saginaw County

More than 200,000 young people participate in Michigan 4-H Youth Development programming each year and countless others are impacted by 4-H. As a result of their engagement with the program, young people are better prepared for a lifetime of success through the development of critical life skills, civic leadership and academic excellence. 

This past year, we're excited to share we helped 3,550 youth explore careers, health and leadership through our 4-H youth development programs.

We made three new partnerships with the YMCA Boys and Girls Club, Houghton Jones Neighborhood Center and Covenant Child Care Center. Successful programming with these new partnerships were completed, reaching 75 new 4-H youth. Programming conducted was a mix of nutrition education as well as Science Education.

Saginaw County 4-H also had another successful year of programming through the Walmart Healthy Habits Grant. This grant allowed us to reach over 275 youth in the city of Saginaw with 4-H healthy living curriculums and educational activities based on nutrition and physical fitness.  

4-H were able to reach more community members and youth by attending several outreach events that were offered to the public. Informational material related to 4-H and what we do was handed out. These outreach events are important in order to help spread the importance of our 4-H programs. The word about 4-H, what it is, and why it is important to our county is spreading, and more people are starting to become familiar with it. 

Recognizing 4-H members and volunteers

Fifty-five youth and adults attended the Saginaw County Recognition Banquet. We honored 11 youth, which included 20 different 4-H project areas.

Two awards areas were New Cooking Master and Lamp of Knowledge. We also started a new award for Cloverbuds, offering an award pin as they move from a Cloverbud to a 4-H member. 4-H selected and honored Isabella Kettler as the outstanding teen for 2018. Isabella was involved in many 4-H projects learning many life skills.

4-H honored 22 volunteers for years of service; eight 5 year,  one 10 year, two 15 year, two 20 year, one 30 year, five 35 year, two 40 year, and one 45 year totaling 450 years of service.

4-H also had donations by 6 sponsors and we collected funds from the silent auction, which will offset banquet expenses and help to support 4-H programming.

4-H had 2 youth speakers from the Statewide Youth Leadership Council to encourage our youth to participate in some of the statewide programs, such as Youth Leadership Council, Exploration Days, Capitol Experience, Citizenship Washington Focus, Kettunen Center Workshops, and Natural Resources Camp.