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!
Oceana County 4-H Events
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May 18
Adulting 101- Cooking with Confidence
May 18, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM Zoom webinar
As part of the Michigan 4-H Adulting 101 webinar series, this session will help increase your confidence in the kitchen.
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May 19
Make the Most of Your Market Animal Project - Pitch to Payment
May 19, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Communication and outreach are important methods to recruit buyers for your market livestock project. Discover how to use social media platforms to promote your market animal project, reach a wider audience, and share your progress.
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Jun 11
Adulting 101- AI and You: Smart, Safe, and Savvy
June 11, 2026 6:00PM – 7:00PM Zoom webinar
As part of the Michigan 4-H Adulting 101 webinar series, this session will explore the basics of how Artificial Intelligence works, ways it can support you, and how to make smart decisions.
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Jun 16
Michigan Youth Livestock Judging Camp 2026
June 16, 2026 – June 17, 2026 MSU Campus
This overnight camp is for youth ages 12-19 (as of January 1) who are interested in sharpening their livestock judging skills.
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Jun 18
4-H Adventure Camp 2026
June 18, 2026 – June 20, 2026 Camp Neyati 2052 Hillcrest Dr., Lake, MI 48632
4-H Adventure Camp is a 3 day/2 night overnight camp experience for youth ages 9-14.
Contact Your 4-H Program Coordinator
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Jennifer Payne
4-H Program Coordinator
wassonj3@msu.edu