MSU Extension 4-H Exploration Days

Hosted by Michigan State University Extension, the three-day 4-H Exploration Days draws youth ages 12 to 19 to live the life of a college student; staying in the dorms, attending classes and exploring life at a university. One of the largest multi-day 4-H youth events in the country, the 2019 event marked a historic milestone as 4-H Exploration Days celebrated its 50th year. Over the years, the program has been attended by a collective 150,000 participants.

First launched in 1970, 4-H Exploration Days took the place of another statewide event, the State 4-H Show. The vision for the event was born from a conversation between four Michigan State University Extension employees: Lowell Rothert, Jake Wamhoff, Ray Gillespie and state 4-H director Gordon Beckstrand. The quartet envisioned a program that would take the focus off exhibiting projects and instead, place the emphasis on learning new things that club members could take home to strengthen their local programming. By 1971, the true concept for the event had taken form and more than 3,200 people attended the educational, statewide youth development event that offered 65 different sessions focused on experiential learning and personal growth.

Since then, the program has experienced many shifts and changes. Fifty years ago, youth registered via carbon copy forms at their local county office; today registration is completely online. Youth no longer enjoy a square dance, though a modern dance is still one of program highlights each year. But through all its evolutions, 4-H Exploration Days has remained steadfast in its mission to help youth learn new things, develop life skills and experience college life.

Today, the program boasts more than 200 educational sessions, many of which are led by 4-H volunteers. In addition to leading sessions, volunteers also play critical roles in serving as session hosts, chaperones, and more.