What is 4-H?

Michigan 4-H is the youth development program of Michigan State University Extension. It provides fun, hands-on educational opportunities that prepare youth for life and work by helping them find their spark, build real world skills and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners.

Many people think 4-H is just for kids who live on farms or those interested in raising and selling animals – but that’s not true! Offered in a diverse array of topics, each year more than 100,000 young people, ages 5-19, explore what interests and excites them with Michigan 4-H. In program areas ranging from animals to archery, engineering to entrepreneurship, and leadership to learning to cook, 4-H provides experiences that allow youth to practice and build foundational skills that ready them for the future.

Learn more about Michigan 4-H.

Join 4-H

4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change. With skills learned in 4-H, youth become ready for whatever the future holds: ready to lead, ready to build, ready to serve and ready to contribute to the world around them.

Data shows that compared to their peers, 4-H’ers are:

2x more likely to have the goal of being a leader;
3x more likely to participate in community service; and
2x more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose.

*Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development, 2021

Beyond ready to get started with 4-H? Sign up today!

Volunteer with 4-H

Consider becoming a Michigan 4-H volunteer and help to prepare the next generation. By giving your time, talent and skills, you can help ready youth for whatever the future holds. Give an hour a week, month or year - there are volunteer roles for any skill level, time commitment and interest area.

With your help, more kids will be ready to take on the world. More youth, more community, more ready!

Learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer!

Current 4-H youth and volunteers

Login to 4-H Online to connect with your local 4-H program!

4-H Online

Oceana County 4-H Events

Oct 5

National 4-H Week

October 5, 2025 – October 11, 2025

For over 100 years, 4‑H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. From October 5-11, we will celebrate the impact of 4‑H during National 4‑H Week.
Oct 8

Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol

October 8, 2025 11:00AM – 1:00PM Heritage Hall - Capitol Visitor's Center, 323 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933

Education and awareness event to elevate knowledge of Michigan 4-H and to share the impact of its programming across Michigan.
Oct 9

Corn Adventure 2025 - 4-H Explore the Farm Through the Seasons

October 9, 2025 5:45PM – 6:45PM 1103 Leddy Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609

Youth will dive into the history and many uses of corn, race through a fun corn husking relay, and learn the old-time skill of making rope from corn husks for the October session of the Explore the Farm Through the Seasons series.
Oct 21

Captive Bolt Device Euthanasia Training

October 21, 2025 6:00PM – 9:00PM MSU Pavilion, 4301 Farm Ln, Lansing, MI 48910

This workshop is designed to teach first responders how to perform humane livestock euthanasia with a captive bolt device.
Oct 22

Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) Training

October 22, 2025 9:00AM – 4:00PM MSU Pavilion, 4301 Farm Ln, Lansing, MI 48910

This one-day training focuses on managing the scene of an accident, organizing volunteers and working to ensure public safety and animal welfare.