Statewide Events & Programs

Statewide Events Calendar

2024 MSU 4-H Exploration Days will be held from June 19-21, 2024!!

Please review the 4-H Exploration Days Handbook for event rules, policies and procedures that all youth and adults must acknowledge and abide by.

Fees

$220 Youth Participant Fee – The fee for youth to participate in 4-H Exploration Days covers meals from Wednesday lunch to Friday lunch, two nights of lodging, all event activities and a T-shirt.
$130 Adult Participant Fee- Adult Participant $130 Adult Participant Fee- Adults attend as support for this event as instructors and chaperones and will be assigned a variety of volunteer tasks to support the event. The fee for adults participating in 4-H Exploration Days covers meals, from Wednesday lunch to Friday lunch, two nights of lodging, all event activities and a T-shirt.

If unable to pay the $50 pre-payment by credit card within the registration system, please reach out to 4h.expodays@msu.edu to make arrangements prior to registering.

What’s It All About?

This year over 1,000 youth (ages 12-19) and chaperones from across Michigan are invited to attend this event this year! This fun MSU pre-college program could be the highlight of your summer - it could even change your life! 4-H Exploration Days opens at 7pm on March 25, 2024. Sessions have limited spaces, so be sure to register as soon as possible when it opens! Session assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. As you select your session choices, be sure to watch for age restrictions! Age requirements for sessions are based on your age as of January 1.

Eligibility Requirements: 4-H Explorations Days is open to all youth between the ages of 12-19 as of January 1st of the current program year. All participants must be enrolled in 4-H Online. Any youth aged 18, 19 or 20 at the time of the event must complete a background check, which includes a reference check and a criminal history check. Local MSU Extension staff are responsible for ensuring that this background check is completed before the event.

This MSU pre-college program is designed to:

Increase responsibility, confidence, independence, accountability, problem-solving, decision-making and time management skills.
Increase communication, team work, citizenship, and leadership skills.
Foster ability to meet new people and make new friends from different places and backgrounds.
Develop and expand career and personal interests.
Increase college exploration and access to the Michigan State University campus and its resources.
Develop social and academic skills needed for a successful transition to college and life as an adult.
Give youth opportunities to try things that aren’t available in their county.

What’s it like?

There’ll be more than 100 session choices held on and off campus. You’ll choose two or three for your three-day stay.
You’ll live in a Michigan State University dorm and eat in the cafeteria—just like MSU students do.
Sessions are taught by people who know their stuff, including MSU faculty members, 4-H volunteers and staff members and other experts.
It’s not all sessions! There’s plenty of time for fun, including skating, souvenir shopping, exploring, bowling, basketball—even a great dance Thursday night.
The 2023 cost is $220. For more information please see the Registration Information page.
- The fee includes meals, a shared room in a dorm, sessions and a t-shirt. The 4-H Council will be offering partial scholarships to all youth attending this program.