Ottawa County 4-H MSU Extension

09/03/2026

The 2026-2027 Michigan 4-H Program Year has begun!!!

08/06/2026

The rain may have showed up, but our 4-H team didn't let a few raindrops dampen the fun! 🌧️☘️

MSU Extension 4-H staff had a great time connecting with families at Kids Fest during Coopersville Summerfest at the Coopersville Farm Museum. Visitors stopped by our booth to enjoy hands-on activities, explore 4-H resources, and learn about the many opportunities 4-H offers youth.

A big thank you to everyone who braved the weather to visit us! We loved sharing how 4-H helps young people discover new interests, build life skills, and grow into confident leaders.

We hope to see you at another 4-H event soon! 💚🍀

08/03/2026

💻✨ Learning at your own pace just got easier!

Michigan 4-H now offers self-guided interactive online courses on topics like money management, professional development, and more. 🌟

📚 Access these courses anytime, anywhere – and build your skills on your schedule.

👉 Get started today: https://bit.ly/MI4-Honline

07/28/2026

Looking for your first car? Don't get stuck with a lemon!

Buying a used car can feel overwhelming, especially if you're on a budget. Join Michigan State University Extension's Roadmap to a Smart Used Car Purchase workshop to learn how to shop with confidence, spot potential problems, and make a smart buying decision.

Wednesday, August 12 at 5:00 p.m. ET

Get the tips, tools, and strategies you need before handing over your hard-earned money! Register today: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting-101-roadmap-to-a-smart-used-car-purchase

07/24/2026

Unlock real world skills at your own pace with MSU Extension's 4 H free on demand learning resources! From money smarts to career exploration, these self-guided videos and courses help teens and young adults build confidence for whatever comes next. Available 24/7 — learn when it works for you. Find them all here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/career_preparation/index

07/02/2026

Ottawa County 4-H is looking for volunteers for the State Horse Show taking place from August 13th-16th at MSU in East Lansing!

Shifts last between 4-6 hours. Attached is the Volunteer Application that you will need to fill out and return to the Ottawa County MSUE Office. Applicants are asked to state which days/ times they would like to volunteer, but those preferences are not guaranteed to be your volunteer schedule. We will need to fill our 4 spots before our kids can sign up for the show, so the quicker we get volunteers the better, but the volunteer application is due on 7/15 at the latest.

Anyone who does volunteer would be doing tasks like opening gates for horses/ kids, doing various side jobs, or manning tables for check-ins/ information. The show staff are very strict about safety, and would not be asking volunteers to do anything technical or put someone in a situation where they could easily get hurt. Volunteers will need to be at least a Silver level MSU Volunteer (this means it is not as long of a volunteer application process as a Gold level volunteer). Here is the link for the volunteer application for signing up in Volunteer Central. https://msu.samaritan.com/custom/502/volunteer_home

If you have any questions, please reach out to either:
• Ottawa County 4-H Programming Coordinator Morgan Mills at [email protected]
• Ottawa County 4-H Extension Worker Meghan Martinez at [email protected]

Volunteer Portal

06/01/2026

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!

Link to register is in the comments.

05/29/2026

Calling all young entrepreneurs!
Submit your business pitch to the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase. Youth ages 8–19 can enter with a product, service, or community impact idea—whether it’s already launched or still in development. Entries accepted through August 7, 2026.

✅ 3 age divisions: 8–11, 12–15, 16–19 as of Jan 1, 2026 (4-H membership not required)
✅ Up to 2-minute video pitch (uploaded to YouTube as unlisted)
✅ Must include the youth presenting on camera
Judging will focus on creativity, clear communication, audience understanding, and strong business ideas.

🏆 Top entries earn gift card prizes in each division, thanks to our sponsor, MSUFCU!

Link in the comments

05/06/2026

Ready to level up your kitchen skills?

Join MSU Extension 4-H Adulting 101 webinar session: Cooking with Confidence
Learn how to read recipes, understand kitchen terms, and get creative with ingredients-without the stress or waste!

Monday, May 18
6:30–7:30 PM (EST)
Live on Zoom

Build confidence and make cooking fun! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳
Link to register is in the comments.

04/27/2026

🌷 Youth Business Guide to Success: Grow Your 4-H Project This Spring! 🌷
Spring is the perfect time for fresh starts and big ideas! 🌱 Ready to take your 4-H market animal project to the next level?

The Youth Business Guide to Success helps young entrepreneurs build real-world skills — from marketing and advertising to goal setting and budgeting. It’s packed with engaging activities and practical tools to help youth make smart decisions and grow their confidence along the way.

🌼 Sow the seeds for success this season!
🌿 Learn how to turn your project into a thriving business
🌞 Build skills that will last far beyond the fair

Available now through May 31

💲 Only $5.20 + shipping (while supplies last!)

Let’s make this your most successful (and rewarding!) project yet — because great ideas bloom in the spring! 🌸

Order today:🔗https://spartanspiritshop.msu.edu/products/bulletin-4h1694