MSU Extension Huron County

A message from the District Director

Mother Teresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a
stone across the waters and create many ripples”. MSU Extension is a catalyst for creating lasting impact that ripples across the Thumb, state, and beyond. Our programs reach all audiences and age groups. From youth learning essential life skills and farmers exploring ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness, to older adults being able to access healthier foods and local communities discovering ways to increase economic impact. The possibilities of impact through MSU Extension are endless. Through partnerships we can produce exponential ripples to change the lives of our neighbors, family, and friends. For over 100 years, MSU Extension’s goal has been to “bring knowledge to life”. By connecting with organizations and agencies across the Thumb, we bring the knowledge and research from Michigan State University to our communities and empower them to improve their lives. Alone we can cast a small stone to create ripples. Together our stone grows to produce larger impact than any one organization can create themselves. I have been with MSU Extension for over nine years focusing on improving the health and nutrition of community members. As I continue to learn my new role as District Director, I am looking forward to exploring new ways to work with our partners as we create ripples of impact across Huron County and beyond.

Huron County 4-H program

• 37 clubs
• 132 volunteers
• 639 youth participants
• 2 active leadership committees
• 2,350 program participants
• 101 sessions
• 227 hours

4-H opportunities offered in 2023

School Programming

Huron County 4-H provides programs at local school districts.

• Special Needs Programming
• Too Good for Drugs - A drug prevention program targeted for students in 4th, 5th, and 7th grades.
• Project Alert - A drug prevention program targeting 8th grade students.
• 4-H Camp - Thumb Area 4-H Camp is a 3 day, 2 night camp held for all 4-H members in the Thumb Area ages 9-14. It provides leadership opportunities for teen counselors aged 15-19. Campers get an overnight camp experience and make life long friends.

Clinics and Educational Programs

• Small Livestock Association (SLA) Clinic - Huron County offered a SLA Clinic pertaining to animal health, nutrition and showmanship.
• Projects Galore - This program offers several still project areas where participants attend an all-day event making educational projects with the opportunity to display at the Huron Community Fair.
• Ice Skating Event - This program focuses on exercise and healthy living.
• Barn Preservation - Michigan Barn Preservation Network is an education experience for youth regarding barn raising and learning a “one-of-a-kind” opportunity that provides information, exposure, and experience through a traditional community barn raising common in Michigan communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Huron Community Fair - The fair is an opportunity for 4-H youth to showcase all their hard work to the community. Over 513 4-H youth participated in the fair. Showing projects has many educational benefits such as teaching youth about the value of hard work, healthy competition, and many life skills.

Michigan State and National 4-H Events

Michigan 4-H provides Huron County youth with the opportunity to participate in statewide events and competitions. Huron County was represented at
the following:
Michigan: State 4-H Horse Show, Exploration Days

National: 4-H National Congress