Michigan State University Extension
4-H Youth Development
Children, Youth, Families and Communities
4-H Volunteer Training Workshop Schedule

September 1, 2009, to May 31, 2010
Kettunen Center, Kellogg Biological Station & Other Michigan Sites

*This workshop will take place at Kettunen Center, near Tustin.
** This workshop will take place at Adams/Butzel Recreation Center, in Detroit.
+This workshop will take place at Kellogg Biological Station, near Hickory Corners.
~ This workshop will take place at the Isabella County MSU Extension Office, in Mt. Pleasant.
# This workshop will take place at Bayshore Camp, near Sebewaing.

North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Forum

Michigan 4-H Youth Development is hosting the 2010 North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Forum, an educational event for 4-H adult and youth volunteers and 4-H staff. The event will be held October 7 to 10, 2010, at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

Michigan State University Extension Participant Age Policy

All state 4-H volunteer training coordinated by state 4-H staff falls into one of the formats listed below:

• Adult and Teen Volunteer Training – Open to adult and teen volunteer leaders aged 13 and up.
• Adult-Only Volunteer Training – Open to adult volunteer leaders aged 19 and up.
• Learning Lab Training – Open to kids in a specific age group who will work on project-related tasks while adults and teens aged 14 and up learn to work with the younger kids.
• Content-Specific Training – Open to young people and adults in project areas with age limits for safety reasons (such as shooting sports, limited to 4-H’ers aged 16 and up) or subject matter (such as Peer Plus, limited to 4-H’ers aged 14 and up).
• Family Weekend Workshops – Open to families with children aged 5 to 12.
• Youth Training – Open to 4-H youth of a specified age range only (such as the 4-H Teen Horse Volunteer Leader Workshops). The only adults allowed to register for these workshops are accompanying chaperones.

Workshop Descriptions

4-H Shooting Sports Archery Instructor Training
Workshop 717
September 19–20, 2009 – Adams/Butzel Recreation Center
This workshop will cover 4-H shooting sports policies and procedures, the basics of both target and 3-D archery, equipment, coaching, range safety and set-up, and archery games. Come learn how archery can be the ultimate tool for teaching youth development! Open to adult and teen volunteer leaders aged 16 and up.

Fall 4-H Horse Galaxy for 4-H Horse Planning Committees
Workshop 700
October 9–10, 2009 – Kettunen Center
This workshop is available to current state 4-H horse event planning committee members. It gives volunteers a chance to learn about new resources, collaborate with representatives from different counties, plan upcoming state 4-H horse events, discuss guidelines for the state 4-H horse program, and gain leadership and youth development skills. Open only to adult and teen state 4-H horse event planning committee members (invitation only).

4-H Clothing & Textiles Volunteer Workshop
Workshop 701
October 17–18, 2009 – Kettunen Center
Explore new project ideas and skills to use in your 4-H clothing and textiles program. Sessions tentatively scheduled include beginning sewing skills, several quilt classes, projects for 5- to 8-year-olds, wool felting, knitting, creative bags, community service projects, a special teen class and more. Some classes will incorporate a “green” theme. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Crafts, Visual Arts & Performing Arts Volunteer Workshop
Workshop 702
October 24–25, 2009 – Kettunen Center
Visual arts and crafts sessions will include cartooning, fused glass jewelry, basket making, paper quilling, decorative gourds, mosaic garden fish, bag-it with brown bags (creative, quick and inexpensive crafts), scrapbooking, portrait photography and landscape photography. Performing arts sessions will include magic and more, musical theater (singing and dancing), clowning for everyone, set the stage, and creative music making. Youth arts entrepreneurship (or how to start and maintain a small arts business) will be the opening event. The always popular Saturday “showtime” and Sunday gallery walk will also be featured. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Proud Equestrians Program (PEP) Instructor Update
Workshop 703
October 24–25, 2009 – Kellogg Biological Station
This conference provides continuing education for current 4-H PEP certified instructors. Attendance is required at either the fall 2009 or fall 2010 Instructor Update to maintain 4-H PEP instructor status. Sessions will cover topics related to instructing therapeutic riding, working with youth with special needs, and horse management and care. Open to 4-H Proud Equestrian Program instructors and instructors in training. The program is also open to NARHA-certified instructors and those with an interest in therapeutic riding.

Natural Helpers® Volunteer Leader Training
Workshop 716
November 6, 2009 – Isabella County MSU Extension Office
Learn how you can become a Natural Helpers® trainer. Natural Helpers is a peer-helping program sponsored by Michigan 4-H Youth Development that was developed as a response to concerns over teen problems and issues. It is based on the premise that when young people have problems, they often turn to their friends or other adults whom they trust for help. The program seeks to identify this informal network and provide training and support to those who are already serving as helpers. This one-day training is for adults who would like to become Natural Helpers trainers. You will learn about the steps for creating and running a successful program, the partnerships you need to develop and ways to train teens who want to help their friends. Open to adult staff and volunteers from any youth-serving organization or school.

4-H Rabbit & Cavy Teen & Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop
Workshop 704
November 13–14, 2009 – Kettunen Center
Gain new ideas and information about the 4-H rabbit and cavy project areas. You’ll choose from a variety of learning opportunities including management, health, nutrition, breeding, animal evaluation, crafts, games, showmanship and fun activities. The workshop will give you the chance to exchange ideas, make new friends and explore new areas with others who are just as excited about rabbits and cavies as you are! You'll be encouraged to develop plans for sharing your workshop experiences in your county. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Adult Horse Volunteer Leaders Conference
Workshop 705
November 21–22, 2009 – Kettunen Center
This workshop is designed for adult leaders who are involved with county 4-H horse programs. Topics covered will include updates on current subject matter in the horse area and information to help volunteers in youth development, leadership skill development for youth, youth activities and opportunities beyond a county program. Talking and exchanging ideas with others from different counties is encouraged. Open to adult 4-H horse project volunteers.

4-H Horse Show Judges & Managers Conference
Workshop 706
January 8–10, 2009 – Kettunen Center
This conference is designed to help participants improve cooperation between 4-H horse show superintendents and judges, increase the quality of horse show management techniques, and learn creative and innovative methods for making horse shows more educational for youth. The conference provides judges with updates in riding styles, class scoring, breed differences in events and techniques for becoming better communicators with managers and youth exhibitors. Open to Michigan 4-H Horse regular and conditional judges, Extension staff, 4-H horse judges advisory committee members, State 4-H Horse Show committee members, and horse superintendents and representatives from Michigan counties. Adults only.

4-H Teen Citizenship, Leadership & Service Conference
Workshop 707
January 23–24, 2010 – Kettunen Center
This exciting conference has teens from across the state converging on Kettunen Center to learn the leadership and civic engagement skills they need to make a difference in their communities. There will be sessions for both 4-H and non-4-H young people. Check the workshop announcement, available in fall 2009, for specific information on the tracks you can choose. Open to adults and teens aged 14 and up.

4-H Veterinary Science Teen & Adult Volunteer Workshop
Workshop 708
February 26–27, 2010 – Kettunen Center
Explore animal systems and learn about animal health for a broad array of species by sharing information and experiences, asking questions and quizzing veterinarians about their skills. You can also participate in hands-on demonstrations that teach you how to help members recognize healthy, sick or injured animals. Meet 4-H’ers who have developed outstanding veterinary science projects and gain ideas to help others start their own vet science projects. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Beef, Sheep & Swine Teen & Adult Volunteer Workshop
Workshop 709
February 27–28, 2010 – Kettunen Center
If you’re interested in 4-H beef cattle, sheep or swine projects, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn about animal health, management, care and nutrition. In addition, you can sharpen your livestock judging and evaluation skills. By sharing ideas and interacting with others, you’ll find ways to improve your county 4-H livestock program. The workshop also offers ways to enhance your communication and teaching skills, and learn about the many opportunities available for those interested in beef, sheep or swine projects. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Poultry Teen & Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop
Workshop 710
March 6–7, 2010 – Kettunen Center
This workshop is designed for teen and adult volunteer leaders who are involved with county 4-H poultry programs. Choose from a variety of learning opportunities including health, nutrition, showmanship, fitting, live bird and carcass evaluation, management, incubation and hatchery, pigeons, skill-a-thon and quiz bowl, beginning a poultry project, youth leadership, crafts, games and more. You’ll have the chance to exchange ideas, make new friends and develop new networks with other individuals who have a high interest in the 4-H poultry program. This workshop also offers ways to enhance your communication and teaching skills and to learn about the many opportunities available for those interested in poultry. You are expected to share what you learn and your experiences at this workshop with others in your county. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Environmental & Outdoor Education Volunteer Workshop
Workshop 711
March 19–21, 2010 – Kettunen Center
Gain ideas, project resources and activities to help kids enjoy the outdoors and care for the environment. Sample a variety of interest areas within the 4-H environmental and outdoor education (EOE) program to share with your 4-H club or group. Sessions will feature GPS, wildlife, environmental stewardship, water testing, fisheries, outdoor adventure challenge recreation and leadership, energy, and forestry. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Plant Science & Entomology Workshop
Workshop 712
March 10–21, 2010 – Kettunen Center
This workshop offers a variety of plant- and insect-related activities. This is a very hands-on opportunity to explore many horticulture and entomology projects through games, crafts, science applications and career exploration. There’s something for everyone, so come and join the fun! Open to adults and teens aged 13 and up.

Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference
Workshop 713
April 16–18, 2010 – Bayshore Camp
If you’d like to know more about the dairy industry, sign up to attend this conference. You’ll learn about dairy management topics including dairy cattle nutrition, health, reproduction, health and cattle evaluation. Practice for state dairy management contests such as the skillathon and quiz bowls that focus on dairy cattle nutrition. You’ll also tour area farms. Open to youth aged 13 to 19.

4-H Shooting Sports Trainer Workshop
Workshop 718
April 22–25, 2010 – Kettunen Center
This workshop will give experienced 4-H shooting sports instructors the chance to develop and improve their skills in facilitating Michigan 4-H shooting sports workshops for adult and teen volunteer leaders. Workshop topics will include best practices in youth and adult education, implementing 4-H goals and policies, and effective workshop facilitation skills. Participants may become certified as 4-H shooting sports trainers in rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzle loading, or hunting and wildlife. Participants will be selected through an application process for volunteers aged 21 and up.

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop
Workshop 714
April 23–25, 2010 – Kettunen Center
Choose one of several disciplines offered at this workshop as a first step in becoming certified as a Michigan 4-H shooting sports instructor. Disciplines offered will include riflery, shotgun, archery, hunting and wildlife. Join us and see all that the 4-H shooting sports program has to offer! Shooting sports instructors seeking recertification in a discipline should fill out a recertification application. You do NOT need to retake the training unless you’ve been inactive for more than 3 years. Open to new and veteran adult volunteers and youth aged 16 and up.

4-H Companion Animal Teen & Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop
Workshop 715
May 15–16, 2010 – Kettunen Center
Learn, share and explore the 4-H companion animals project at this workshop. You’ll learn about 4-H companion animal activities, club and group development, leadership opportunities, and canine behavior and training. In addition, you’ll learn how to improve both beginning and advanced skills in performance areas such as agility, obedience, showmanship, rally, and freestyle. Additional topics of interest include cat sessions and many other opportunities that will enhance your 4-H companion animal project experience. Open to 4-H adult and teen volunteer leaders aged 13 and up.

For more information or to register for a 4-H workshop, contact your county MSU Extension office. You do not necessarily need to be a registered 4-H volunteer or member in order to attend. Check with your county MSU Extension 4-H staff for workshop availability.

• The Michigan State University Extension 4-H Workshop Registration System web site provides additional workshop details and online registration.

The Best Training . . . and a Real Bargain!

Each year since 1961, thousands of Michigan 4-H volunteers and older teens, Extension staff members and resource persons have attended Michigan 4-H’s skill-building workshops. Most are conducted at Kettunen Center, the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s full-service conference center near Tustin.Take a closer look at 4-H Kettunen Center and all it has to offer. View the Kettunen Center conference video. (30MB, Windows Media Player) Due to the generosity of donors, the Michigan 4-H Foundation is able to offer weekend 4-H workshops at bargain prices. The result? High-quality workshops at a greatly reduced cost for 4-H participants or county 4-H organizations (which may subsidize the attendance of qualified local 4-H participants). For example:

• A 4-H volunteer or member participant at a 3-day, 2-night workshop is responsible for $55 – plus a $10 resource fee and travel expenses – of the actual $149.50 cost to attend the workshop.
• A 4-H volunteer or member participant at a 2-day, 1-night workshop is responsible for $35 – plus an $8 resource fee and travel expenses – of the actual $86.25 cost to attend the workshop.

In both examples, the participant costs include meals, lodging and typical conference fees. These figures are based on prices in effect July 1, 2009, and are subject to change each year.

You’re Invited to Help Support 4-H Volunteer Training

Workshop participants are invited to become Michigan 4-H Foundation donors. In that way, you can join many other 4-H families who “give back” to help Michigan 4-H Youth Development bring educational activities and unique opportunities to others. To find out how to donate to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit the Foundation online at mi4hfdtn.org/givenow.html or call them at 517-353-6692.

Dynamite Reasons to Attend State 4-H Weekend Training Workshops

Just a few of the many reasons people give for the value they’ve found in attending these workshops follow.

• 4-H volunteer and teen participants receive a professionally conducted training experience, guided by experts from Michigan State University Extension and many other organizations.
• Participants learn practical skills to increase their employability.
• People become energized and inspired to teach and advise children in their home communities.
• Good ideas in one county are transformed into good ideas in other counties.
• Volunteers and teens have the opportunity to help create new statewide programs, thereby spreading educational opportunities to many children.
• These workshops add quality and consistency to 4-H programs across Michigan’s diverse communities.
• Wow! The accommodations include modern buildings, quality food service, and acres of forest, waterfront and wetlands.
• Interested donors pay most of the cost for the best training anywhere!

Contact Information

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
USA
E-mail: msue4h@msu.edu
Phone: 517-432-7575
Fax: 517-355-6748

Copyright © 1999 - 2009 Michigan State University
Last Updated: July 30, 2009 | Last Reviewed: August 11, 2008