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

2011 National Youth Science Day

Wired for Wind!

4-H National Youth Science Day Experiment 

October 5, 2011

4:00 - 7:00 PM

UP Children's Museum 

Marquette, MI

Youth ages 9 and older are invited to take part in this year’s National Youth Science Experiment, Wired for Wind.  This national event is designed to engage hundreds of thousands of American youth in a single science experiment focusing on a very important issue facing our global community – renewable energy. By participating in the 2011 National Science Experiment participants will gain an understanding of the physics of wind energy and how it can be used to conserve energy and save our planet from the pollution and harm caused by burning fossil fuels.

During 4-H National Youth Science Day, youth will build a wind turbine to gain an in-depth look at renewable energy technologies in the form of wind-power. 

Youth participants do not need to have any prior knowledge or experience with wind turbines or renewable energy in order to participate.  Participants will be provided with instruction and the materials necessary to conduct the experiment, and adult helpers will provide assistance to youth as they design and test their own wind turbines.  Pizza and ice cream will be provided.  To participate, each youth is asked to bring $1.00 or a canned food item to donate to a local food pantry.

The Marquette County Wired for Wind National Science Experiment will be held October 5, 2011, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the UP Children’s Museum.  The museum is located at 123 W. Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855.

Youth can register for the event by signing up at the UP Children’s Museum or by contacting the museum via phone or email: 906-226-3911 or museummrjim@gmail.com

2011 Marquette County 4-H Awards

2011 Marquette County 4-H Awards Party!

The Marquette County 4-H Awards Planning Committee invites all Marquette County 4-H members, leaders, parents, families, and volunteers to attend the 2011 Awards Party!  More information on the program will be coming out shortly, but we wanted everyone to save the date!

The 2011 Awards Party will be held:

October 2, 2011

2:00 - 5:00 pm

At the Marquette County Fairgrounds - 4-H Building

About the Awards Program:
The Awards program is an annual event that provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments of 4-H members, leaders, volunteers, and families.


Individual Awards

As in past years, 4-H youth members (ages 9 and up) need to fill out the Project Awards Form if they would like to be considered for a project pin.  Each enrolled 4-H member is eligible for a year pin and a project pin.  The same project pin and/or award cannot be received two years in a row. (Cloverbuds (ages 5-8) will receive a year badge and certificate, but are not eligible to receive project pins).  

Leadership, Citizenship, and Achievement Awards

Youth ages 12 – 19 (4-H age determined by age of child on 1/1/2011) are also eligible for Leadership, Citizenship, and Achievement Awards.  Youth must fill out a cover sheet for these awards and write an essay.

Volunteer and Community 4-H Awards

Also, be sure to make nominations for Volunteer & Community 4-H Awards.  Youth, leaders, volunteers and parents are encouraged to fill out a nomination sheet.  This is your opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions and efforts that others make to 4-H!

Awards Handbook

The Awards Handbook provides more information on the awards process and eligibility for all awards.  If you have questions about the awards, please contact your club leader or the MSU Extension office.  Download the Marquette County 4-H Awards Handbook

Awards Forms

Printed forms are available to pick up from the Marquette County MSU Extension office, or may be downloaded here:

Project Awards Form

Leadership, Citizenship and Achievement Awards Sheet

Volunteer and Community Awards Nomination Sheet

(If you would like forms mailed to you please contact the MSU Extension office)

Deadline

Forms are due to the Marquette County MSU Extension office no later than Friday September 23, 2011.  Only those who submit completed forms to the MSU Extension office by the deadline will be considered for awards.  If you would like to submit your forms electronically, please email them to wibby@msu.edu

The Posse 4-H Club

The Posse 4-H Club of Marquette County has it's own blog with lots of great photos and information on club activities, member accomplishments, and upcoming events.  This great website is maintained by Cassidy C., who is also the current president of the club.  Take a look and see all the cool things this club has been doing!

http://posse4hclub.blogspot.com/

4-H Council - Ice Cream Fundraiser 2011

Download an Ice Cream Booth Schedule

photo by stevendepolo

The 2011 Marquette County Fair is just around the corner and we are in need of volunteers for the 4-H Ice Cream Booth!

The Marquette County 4-H Council raises funds at the ice cream booth to provide funding for youth development activities like Exploration Days and 4-H Camp. All youth who attended Exploration Days and 4-H Camp this year received a scholarship, courtesy of the 4-H Council. Please show your appreciation by volunteering for two or more hours scooping ice cream during the 2011 Marquette County Fair! 

Download an Ice Cream Booth schedule showing the dates and times that we need volunteers.  All Marquette County 4-H members, Exploration Days attendees and 4-H Camp participants are asked to volunteer for at least one 2-hour shift. (Parents: You are welcome to volunteer as well! Please let me know if you would like to volunteer with your child.)

Please select your top three choices (in case your first choice has already been filled!) and contact Jackie Olinske at jolinske@mqtcty.org or 906-475-5731 to let her know when you would like to volunteer to be a “Scooper”!

The 4-H Ice Cream Booth is located in the 4-H Building at the Marquette County Fairgrounds. Please plan on arriving at the booth a couple minutes before your shift is scheduled to begin. Volunteers will need to pay for admission to the fair at the gate.  A booth manager will provide training, all the necessary supplies, and supervision.

**On Wednesday, August 10 we need volunteers (youth or adult) to help serve lunch and scoop ice cream at the Ice Cream booth.  The Fair doesn't start until August 11, but the 4-H Council sells food to those who are setting up the fairgrounds and bringing in their animals and exhibits.  We appreciate the help of anyone who can sign up for a shift on Wednesday!!

Thanks for your help with the fundraiser and looking forward to seeing you at the fair!

2011 National 4-H Congress

Become a teen catalyst for change and participate in the 2011 National 4-H Congress, November 24 to 29, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia. Michigan youth ages 15-19 are invited to apply for this leadership, citizenship and community service event. Youth from across the U.S. will come together to analyze current youth issues and determine the most effective ways to address them. Plenary sessions, seminars, discussion groups and a service learning experience are planned. National 4-H Congress combines a variety of fun and exciting educational, recreational and networking opportunities. Plus, the nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers and educators will present the most current and timely information. 

Each year, the Marquette County 4-H Council provides funding to help send youth on this trip.  The cost of attending this year's Congress is $1,100 per delegate.  4-H Council will split $1,200 between the Marquette County delegates and apply it to their registrations.  If you would like to attend 4-H Congress this year, you must contact the Marquette County MSU Extension office no later than June 24.  Once we know how many people will be going, we will let everyone know what the final cost will be (after the 4-H Council scholarship is applied).  If you still would like to attend, you will need to submit a $100.00 deposit to the MSU Extension office by June 30.  Please note that cancellations received after July 8 are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Marquette County 4-H Summer Camp

Photo by ChrisDag

The 2011 Marquette County 4-H Summer Camp will be held July 12-14 at Clear Lake Education Center, located in the Hiawatha National Forest.  Campers (ages 9-12) will enjoy participating in a variety of fun, hands-on educational activities while at camp, including a high ropes challenge, nature exploration, swimming, astronomy, arts and crafts, drama, and group activities.  Youth do not have to be a current 4-H member to attend camp. 

Older youth (ages 13 and up) are needed to serve as Gopher and Junior Counselors.  Youth serving in these positions will provide leadership (along with an Adult Counselor) to a cabin of younger campers.  Adult volunteers are needed to serve as Counselors.  Adults serving in these roles must complete the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process before they are accepted as volunteers.  Adult Counselors provide leadership for a cabin of campers and youth counselors.  

The cost of 4-H Camp is $50 per youth already enrolled in 4-H ($60 for youth not yet enrolled in 4-H) and includes everything campers will need; daily meals, snacks, lodging, all program supplies, crafts, and instruction.  Youth and adult counselors attend camp at no cost.

Space at camp is limited.  Registration will be completed in the order that applications and payment are received by the MSU Extension office.  The final day to register a camper (space permitting) is June 30, 2011.  Gopher, Junior and Adult Counselor applications must be submitted to the MSU Extension office no later than June 15, 2011.

For questions or more information, please contact the MSU Extension office, located at 184 US Hwy 41 East in Negaunee.  Call 906.475.5731 or email wibby@msu.edu for more information.

Camper, Junior Counselor, and Adult Counselor forms are available at the Marquette County MSU Extension office or downloaded here:

Download Camper Registration Forms

Download Gopher, Junior & Adult Counselor Application Forms

Thanks to the support of Wells Township School and the Marquette County 4-H Council, we are able to offer transportation to and from camp again this year:

Download a Bus Sign-Up Form