4-H Capitol Experience

March 18-21, 2012

4-H Capitol Experience is a state-wide conference on government, citizenship, and leadership.  More than 100 teens and adult chaperones from all over Michigan will spend four days in Lansing visiting agencies, touring the Capitol and experiencing state government in action!

Participants interact with legislators, state agency staff, lobbyists, teens and others to learn how policy is made, and how they can have a direct influence in public policy decisions.  Participants will also learn how decisions at the state level affect local communities, explore careers in public policy, and will work with other teens to draft legislation on a public policy issue of their choice!

When & Where is 4-H Capitol Experience?

4-H Capitol Experience will be held March 18 to 21, 2012.  The program will take place at the Quality Inn of Lansing, the Michigan Capitol Building, and state and community agencies in the Lansing area.  Participants will have the opportunity to visit The State Capitol Building, The Supreme Court, and various State and Community Agencies.  Transportation will be arranged for participants who will traveling from the Upper Peninsula to attend the conference.

Who Can Attend?
4-H Capitol Experience is for high school teens and adult chaperones who are interested in citizenship and/or state and local government.  You do NOT need to be currently involved in 4-H in order to participate in this educational experience.

How much does it cost?
Registration includes all meals, lodging, and materials.  Rate: $300 for adults and current 4-H members.  $310 for new 4-H members.  FULL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!!!  Please contact Brian Wibby if you would like more information on scholarships.

Conference Highlights:
Sunday (registration starts at 3:00 pm)
     - Explore Public Policy Issues
Monday
     - Visit Community Organizations
     - Discussions with Legislative Aides
     - Tour the Capitol Building and the Hall of Justice
Tuesday
     - Meet and dine with YOUR legislator(s)
     - Visit Lobbyists and Legislative Committee Meetings
     - Visit State Agencies
Wednesday
      - Explore Careers in Public Policy
      - Bill Signing and Presentation of Certificates
Throughout the conference:

      - Participate in a Legislative Simulation 

For More Information and How to Apply:

Visit the 4-H Capitol Experience website to learn more about the conference and to download an application: http://4h.msue.msu.edu/4h/4_h_capitol_experience

You can also get an application by contacting the Marquette County MSU Extension office.

You might also want to check out the article written by Gentian Waller, a Marquette County 4-H'er who attended Capitol Experience in 2010: http://www.upriders.com/Archives/2010/03/CapitolExperience.htm

  

Applications are due to the county MSU Extension by February 3, 2012.

4-H - Teen Leaderships & Community Change Conference

4-H Teen Leadership &
Community Change Conference

January 21-22, 2012
Kettunen Center
Tustin, MI

4-H'ers use their Head, Heart, Hands and Health for the betterment of their club, their community, their country and the world.  4-H'ers are leaders who apply their knowledge and skills to make positive change through their projects and through their service.

The 2011 Michigan 4-H Teen Leadership and Community Change Conference is the premier state event that provides 4-H'ers with the opportunity to develop the skills they need to be outstanding leaders!


This powerful conference brings teens, aged 14 (by 1/1/2012) and up, from across the state to learn youth leadership and community change skills. The conference opens with the activity “Are You an Eagle, Owl, Peacock or Dove Leader?” 

Following the opening are many small group sessions to choose from, including:

-  Get Involved in a 2012 Political Campaign

-  World Travelers-Geocaching and Travel Bugs

-  Leadership & Service through Animal Science Projects

-  Cupcakery & Leadership, of Course!

-  Outdoor Winter Group Activities

-  Photovoice Project-Recording Your Life & Community

-  Opportunities Beyond the County 4-H Program

-  Juggling with Elephants-Time Management for Teens

-  Seven Billon People-Sustainability & Limited Resources

-  Healthy Living Teen Ambassadors

-  Officer & Teen Leader Training

-  4-H Projects+Life Skills=Academic Success

-  Backseat Driving-Letting Youth Take the Steering Wheel

-  SPORK: Fun with Team Building. 

A dance and karaoke, night sledding and great food are also highlights of the conference. The cost is $58 for 4-H youth and volunteers; this covers four meals, one overnight and all resource fees. 


Quotes from 2011 conference participants:


"This conference makes me feel as if I can change the world." 

"I personally loved this workshop; not only did I learn new leadership techniques, but I also learned a lot about myself." 

"This conference was interactive, dynamic and perfectly geared toward youth!" 


The full conference announcement with session descriptions will be  available by mid-November on the Michigan 4-H website at http://4h.msue.msu.edu/4h/citizenship_leadership_service.

**A note from Brian Wibby for Marquette County 4-H'ers:
I will be leading a couple of the sessions at the conference, and am more than happy to provide transportation and/or help to arrange carpooling for those who would like to attend this conference.  The Marquette County 4-H Council has funds available to provide scholarships for youth and adults to attend the conference as well.  Please contact me if you are interested in attending the conference so that rides and lodging for Friday night can be arranged.

4-H Officer and Teen Leader Training

U.P. 4-H Club Officer & Teen Leader Training
December 3, 2011
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Peter White Public Library
217 N. Front Street
Marquette, MI 49855

What is this training?

This is a fun, hands-on, interactive training that will help leaders to develop the knowledge and skills they need to run a meeting, generate and select ideas within a group, develop an action plan and deal with conflict.  

Who should attend this training?

The training is for both adult and teen leaders, and those who are interested in serving in those roles in the future.  

Who is leading the training?
The workshop was designed by members of the MSU Extension Leadership and Civic Engagement workgroup.  The workshop in Marquette will be led by Brian Wibby (Marquette County 4-H) and Nancy Victorson (Luce County 4-H).  

How do I register?There is no cost to participate in this training, but you will find the experience to be invaluable in your role as a leader!  To register, please provide your name, county, address, city, zip code, phone and an email address to Brian Wibby at the Marquette County MSU Extension office by calling 906-475-5731 or emailing wibby@msu.edu

The last day to register in November 25!

4-H Halloween Party