4-H Capitol Experience is an annual conference that helps prepare youth for active citizenship by focusing on civic engagement and public policy.

 

4-H Capitol Experience 

March 17-19, 2024
Lansing, MI

 

Registration is now open! Youth can register here for the event:  https://events.anr.msu.edu/CapEx2024/

 

Registration for the March 19 Legislative Reception can be found here: https://events.anr.msu.edu/CapExReception2024/

Youth in 9th grade through age 19 are invited to attend the 4-H Capitol Experience. You do not need to be a member of 4-H in order to attend the event, but all participants will be asked to enroll in 4-H Online upon completing their event registration.

Youth registrants will select an issue group according to their interests, which will be led by a teen facilitator. Issue groups will provide a space for youth to meet peers from across the state while talking about their ideas and what they learned. Youth will:

  • Meet elected officials
  • Hear from experts in policy representing a broad range of careers
  • Hear from young people who have made a difference in their communities
  • Discuss hot topics important to youth. 

The 2024 registration fees will be $365.00, and include hotel accommodations at the Quality Inn University in  Lansing. Please contact your local 4-H Program Coordinator or local 4-H office to inquire about local funding opportunities. Scholarships may also be available through your local Farm Bureau office. 

School Letter

Pick Up/Drop Off Letter 

Issue Groups:

Each issue group will be facilitated by a teen steering committee member supported by an MSU Extension staff person. Issue groups will serve as networking and learning groups throughout the event. Participants can choose from:

  • Environment/Natural Resources
  • Health
  • Jobs & The Economy/Infrastructure 
  • Agriculture
  • Civil Rights/Youth Advocacy 
  • Education/Teacher Retention 
  • Crime/Law Enforcement 

 

Tentative Schedule

Sunday, March 17, 2024

1 p.m. Check-In

2 p.m. Welcome and Opening Activities (full group)

3-4 p.m. Issue Group Icebreakers

4-4:15 Break

4:15-4:45 p.m. Intro to Legislative Simulation (full group)

4:45-6:00 p.m. Issue ID & Bill Writing

6 p.m. Dinner

7-8:30 p.m. Bill Writing

8:30-9 p.m. Reflection and Recap (full group)

9-10 p.m. Free Time

10 p.m. Steering Committee Meeting

10:30 p.m. Bed Checks


Monday, March 18, 2024

7:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Travel to Capitol/Supreme Court

9 a.m. Capitol or Supreme Court Tours

10:15 a.m. Group Photo

10:45 a.m. Legislative Aide Visit 

11:30 a.m. Lunch

1 p.m. Lobbyist Visit 

2:30 p.m. Agency Visit 

3:30 p.m. Free time

5 p.m. Issue Group Time

6 p.m. Dinner with Issue Groups

7 p.m. Committee Meetings Intro (full group)

7:30-8:30 Committee Meetings Simulation

8:30-9:00 Recap with Issue Group

9-10 Free Time

10 p.m. Steering Committee Meeting

10:30 p.m. Bed Checks

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

9 a.m. - Free Time at Capitol

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Legislative Reception, Central United Methodist Church

2 p.m. Overview of House/Senate (full group)

2:30 p.m. House and Senate Debate and Vote

3 p.m. Break

3:30 Bill Signing

5:00 Next Steps

5:30 Adjourn

 

4-H Capitol Experience Event Handbook 

Follow 4-H Capitol Experience on Facebook

Darren Bagley,  4-H Educator

Email: bagleyda@msu.edu