Grand Traverse County 4-H

06/05/2026

Got a project to show off? We want to see it!
Join the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase!
Ages 5–19 | FREE entry | No 4-H membership needed
Submit photos or videos
Register by Aug. 7
Scholarships available for youth 8-19 as of Jan 1, 2026
Enter as many classes as you want. All exhibitors receive ratings AND feedback from judges! Enter today at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/

06/04/2026

Curious about AI and how it's changing the world around you?
Join Michigan State University Extension 4-H for an Adulting 101 session: AI and You: Smart, Safe, and Savvy on Thursday, June 11 at 6 p.m. EST! Learn how AI works, how it can support you, and how it's shaping industries like agriculture-plus explore how to use it responsibly and make smart choices in a tech-driven world. Don't miss this chance to get ahead of the curve!
Register for free at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/ai_and_you

06/03/2026

We are looking for a health officer for 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp this year, being held July 26-August 1st at Camp Chickagami https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_great_lakes_natural_resources_camp/ https://www.campchickagami.org/. As compensation for fulfilling this super important role at camp, we offer a $500 stipend for the full week, separate health officer lodging quarters, camaraderie with awesome camp people, the chance to make a difference in the lives of 70 youth from all over the state (and country!), and legitimately some of the best camp meals around!

As a licensed camp program through MiLEAP, health officers must meet state camp licensing requirements, included below:

R400.11122 Health care staff; residential; troop; travel camp. Rule 122.

* (1) A person who serves as a camp health officer shall hold certification that is equivalent to community first aid and CPR for the professional rescuer requirements in the American Red Cross manual number 656137, which is adopted by reference in R 400.11103.

* (2) A resident, troop, or travel camp shall employ a health officer who is on duty or in residence at the camp.

* (3) A health officer shall be 1 of the following:

* (a) A licensed physician.

* (b) A licensed physician's assistant.

* (c) A licensed nurse practitioner.

* (d) A registered nurse.

* (e) A licensed practical nurse.

* (f) A licensed emergency medical technician.

* (g) A licensed medical first responder.

* (h) An adult who is certified as a wilderness first responder or has met the requirements equivalent to those set forth by the National Outdoor Leadership School manual number 16175, which is adopted by reference in R 400.11103.

* (i) If less than 20% of the camper population are campers with a disability, the health officer may be an adult who has satisfactorily completed training and certification that is equivalent to the requirements in American Red Cross manual number 656137 which is adopted by reference in R 400.11103.

If you have any questions at all about this opportunity, please don't hesitate to reach out to:

Joe Kreider
Natural Resources and Outdoor Education Educator
Michigan State University Extension

Office: 231-258-3320
[email protected]

Thank you and happy camping!

Campers explore dunes, hike forest trails, wade through wetlands, fish, snorkel and sail on Lake Huron while educators and scientists teach them about the Great Lakes ecosystem.

06/02/2026

Our final Young Company production for the 25-26 season, Once Upon a Mattress, will begin in a couple of weeks! We would like to invite your group to the dress rehearsal. The dress rehearsal is Thursday, June 4 at 7:00 pm.

About Once Upon a Mattress
Princess Winnifred, an unconventional and spirited woman, vies for the hand of Prince Dauntless, but must pass a test devised by his domineering mother, Queen Aggravain. Full of humor, quirky characters, and catchy songs, this comedic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea is a lighthearted tale of love and defying expectations.
This show is appropriate for all ages.

Visit our website for more information about this show: https://www.oldtownplayhouse.com/youth-learning/performances/once-upon-a-mattress.html?dm_i=7RBO,47QE,2D9KDU,LIRP,1,0,0,0

Attending the Dress Rehearsal
If you are interested in bringing a group, please respond to this e-mail with an approximate count of how many will be attending and if you will need the elevator or wheelchair spaces. The performance should last about 75 minutes with no intermission.

Check out our 26-27 season! MyPass packages available starting June 25, public ticket sales start July 29. Auditions are coming! 9 to 5 auditions are June 29 & 30. Find out more.

06/02/2026

Got a business idea? Let’s hear your pitch!
Enter the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase and share your entrepreneurial skills in a 2-minute video! Whether your business is already running, just getting started, or still an idea-you can compete. Open to any youth ages 8–19 (as of Jan 1, 2026); entry deadline of August 7, 2026 Product, service, or community impact ideas welcome
Submit a short video pitching your business directly to the audience 🏆 Win gift cards ($75, $50, $25) thanks to MSU Federal Credit Union! Show your creativity, confidence, and innovation—start planning your pitch today! Check out the Fair Book (Dept 73) and registration link at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/

05/27/2026

We've added another "4-H Fun with Art in the Garden" 6-week session for ages 5-12 years, at the T.C. Community Garden at the Botanic Gardens in Traverse City, Mondays (beginning the Monday after Memorial Day), 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Looking forward to an exciting summer practicing mindfulness and creativity in the garden with our young leaders, artists and gardeners!

Please join us for fun adventures in nature, nurturing resilience, kindness, community & creativity. This youth events are designed to encourage sustainability & growth from the inside out through a fun & engaging hands-on approach. THIS EVENT IS FREE. Most events are free with generous scholarship availability. Registration is open NOW at: https://v2.4honline.com/ Space is Limited and sessions are filling up. ALL are welcome!
SPIN Club #1

Grand Traverse MSU Extension Grand Traverse County 4-H

05/21/2026

Free clinic this weekend in Petoskey!

05/20/2026

Are you new to showing animals? Did you earn a spot in your county's showmanship sweepstakes contest? Perhaps you'd simply like to sharpen your showmanship skills for a project you've been taking for a few years now... Michigan 4-H now has showmanship guides available for every species that were designed with you in mind! With county fair season approaching, there is no better time than now to start building your showmanship skills. You can find all the guides under the "Publications" tab on this webpage: https://www.canr.msu.edu/tag/4-h-showmanship-guides

05/19/2026

Michigan State University Extension has created a short video series focused on the basics of raising exhibition swine.

These videos provide practical, easy-to-understand guidance on key decisions, helping youth and families improve their pig-raising practices.

Selection and Judging 🐷✅

Choosing the right pig is an important first step in your project. In this video, we help you understand what to look for, including structure, muscle and overall balance. We also explain how judges evaluate pigs in the show ring so you can better understand what they’re looking for and how to prepare.

Choosing the right pig is an important first step in your project. In this video, we’ll help you understand what to look for, including structure, muscle, and overall balance. We’ll also explain how judges evaluate pigs in the show ring so you can better understand what they’re looking for and...

05/19/2026

Cafecito con Pan: Programa Nacional de Empleo para Trabajadores Agrícolas (NFJP) Acompáñanos a nuestro próximo webinar en español para aprender más sobre el Programa Nacional de Empleo para Trabajadores Agrícolas (NFJP), recursos disponibles y oportunidades de apoyo para trabajadores agrícolas y sus familias. Jueves 21 de mayo, 2026
Hora: 6 pm EDT
Zoom: https://msu.zoom.us/j/91725477341
Invitados especiales: National Farmworker Jobs Program Team
¡Prepara tu cafecito con pan y conéctate para aprender juntos!