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4-H Youth Development

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

4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Program

Explore canoeing & other outdoor skills skillsThe 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge uses the biggest classroom available — the outdoors — to lead young people in activities that are both physically and mentally stressful. Through Challenge, participants learn canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, outdoor survival and safety skills. Most importantly, they learn to communicate with other group members to plan, organize and conduct their own activities in the outdoors. The program teaches youth the skills necessary to deal with stressful situations which may occur in any setting in their lives. It also gives young people a greater sensitivity, understanding and appreciation for both themselves and the outdoors.

4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Requirements

The multisession 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Series is designed to train adults interested in using the outdoors to help develop life skills in young people. The program includes an introduction to 4-H and the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program, training in backpacking, caving, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, winter camping and first aid. Adults receiving the training are expected to work with young people in the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program.

Trainees can select either the week-long 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Series, plus the specialty sessions, which are offered from May to January. Registration for either series is due in April. The registration fee for the training series covers instructional materials, meeting facilities, camping fees and group equipment costs and mileage for instructors. Participants also are responsible for the cost of their own food, personal equipment, transportation to and from the training sites, and other personal costs.

Teamwork at a Ropes CourseTo become a certified 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge volunteer, you must attend all the required sessions, two specialty sessions, have current American Red Cross first-aid and CPR certification cards and work with a 4-H group after you complete the training. There are two training series to choose from:

  • The Weekend Series
    This series includes three or four required weekend sessions from May through October. The sessions include an orientation weekend and specific training in group activities, backpacking and canoeing. Participants must also complete two of four specialty sessions in caving, rock climbing, kayaking, or winter camping.

  • The Week-Long Series
    This series includes: a required orientation session in May and an in-depth one-week summer session that includes canoeing, backpacking, rock climbing and group activities training. Participants must also complete two of four specialty sessions in caving, rock climbing, kayaking, or winter camping.

These series are designed to provide adults with a level of competence in many outdoor activities and the confidence to work with young people in the activities.

Training & Events

Download the following 2008 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Series documents, available in Adobe Acrobat format (Requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader) or Microsoft Word format:

For upcoming training and events in this area, check the Environmental and Outdoor Education Training and Events Web page, the 4-H Volunteer Workshops Web page, the MSU Extension Calendar and the 4-H Exploration Days Web site.

Learning Materials

Download the following learning materials, available in Adobe Acrobat format (Requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader) or Microsoft Word format:

Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Programming Guide (MS Word format)
(for use by certified 4-H OAC instructors who train others to become 4-H OAC leaders; may also be of interest to trainees.)

Training Manual for Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge (PDF documents)
The 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Training Manual was developed by Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Trainers, the State 4-H OAC Coordinators (current and former) and State 4-H staff for use in training those interested in becoming certified as Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge volunteers working with 4-H clubs interested in OAC programming and activities. For information on the Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Program, contact Jim Harper, State 4-H Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at harper12@msu.edu or 231-258-3320. The following sections are available in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:

Other Resources
More information on learning materials available to support these activities can be found in the Michigan Guide to 4-H or through the MSU Bulletin Office.

Contact Information

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

Jim Harper, 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge State Coordinator and County Extension Director
MSU Extension - Kalkaska County Government Center
605 N. Birch St.
Kalkaska, MI 49646
USA

Phone: 231-258-3320
E-mail: harper12@msu.edu

Judy Ratkos, Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
160 Agriculture Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039

Phone: 517-432-7613
Fax: 517-355-6748
Email: ratkos@msu.edu

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Last Updated: April 24, 2008
Last Reviewed: January 22, 2008