MSU Extension

Lori Cargill is a Michigan State University Extension 4-H Program Coordinator for Mason and Lake Counties. She has served in this role since August 2023. In this position, Lori provides leadership and management for local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants in Mason and Lake Counties. She promotes and strengthens the Mason and Lake County 4-H program by developing programs and partnerships, promoting and evaluating 4-H activities, and recruiting and training volunteers. Lori also serves as a liaison to the Michigan 4-H state office, helping ensure that statewide opportunities, resources, and information are accessible to local participants.

Prior to her work in Mason and Lake Counties, Lori served as a Michigan State University Extension 4-H Program Coordinator in Oceana County from 2013 to 2016. A native of Hart, Michigan, she was raised on a fruit and vegetable farm and was an active youth member of the Oceana County Variety 4-H Club, where she explored projects in cooking, sewing, crafts, and horticulture. Her experiences as a 4-H member helped develop a lifelong appreciation for hands-on learning and youth development.

Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance from Alma College and brings more than 10 years of experience in out-of-school learning through camps, outdoor education centers, and youth-serving organizations, including Interlochen Center for the Arts. Drawing on her background in youth development, experiential learning, and community engagement, she works to create meaningful opportunities that help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and discover their potential through 4-H. Her passion for literacy and learning through story is informed by more than 13 years assisting in curating the children's book collection at Storybook Village of Pentwater, where she has connected young readers with books that encourage imagination, creative problem solving, and exploration of new ideas. She has a special interest in developing engaging Cloverbud programming for youth ages 5 to 7 and helping young people and families connect with educational opportunities that prepare them for future success.