MSU Extension Berrien County

All Information provided below can be printed and sent to Berrien County 4-H Leaders upon request. Requests can be made to the Berrien County MSU Extension Office at 269-927-5674. 

New Member Packet 

• Welcome to Berrien County 4-H New Member Packet

Virtual Platforms Resources

Resources for use for virtual club meetings. 

• Keeping Kids Safe
  • Keeping Kids Safe: Preventing Grooming by Child Sexual Predators
  • Keeping Kids Safe: How Child Sexual Predators Groom Adults, Families, and Communities
  • Keeping Kids Sage: How Child Sexual Predators Groom Children
  • Keeping Kids Safe: Ages 12-17
  • Keeping Kids Safe: Ages 6-11
  • Keeping Kids Safe: Ages 0-5
  • Keeping Kids SAFE: The downside to "sharenting" on social media
  • Keeping Kids Safe Virtually: Best Practices

•  ZOOM
  • Instructions on how to use Zoom

Food at 4-H Events

This document is designed to provide information and education for 4-H staff, volunteers and youth who are coordinating and participating in food events sponsored by 4-H.
Follow the food safety best practices listed below to prevent foodborne illness at your events.

Safe Food Handling at 4-H Events

Annual End of the Year Reports

Annual End of the Year Forms are due for Berrien County 4-H Clubs no later than October 1 of each year. Annual End of the Year forms consist of: 

• Civil Rights Compliance Statement
• Inventory Record 
• Club Profile
• Annual Financial Summary Form - Updated 2025

Additionally, each club is required to submit at least one (1) treasurer report and secretary minutes each year to the Berrien County MSU Extension office. For clubs, that conduct over $2500.00 worth of transaction, all club minutes and treasurer reports must be submitted. Submissions can be made with the annual end of the year reports due on October 1. 

Michigan 4-H Financial Management Resources

Resources on information related to 4-H Club Financial Management. 

• Debit Card Usage
• Sales Tax Exempt Letter
• Financial Guide for 4-H Treasurers (youth guide new 2024)
• Financial Guide for 4-H Volunteers (volunteer guide new 2024)
• Fundraising Forms: 
  • Fundraising Application Form
    
    • Submit at least 10 days prior to the event for approval to the Berrien County MSU Extension Office 
  • Fundraising Report Form
    
    • Submit no later than 10 days after the completion of the event to the Berrien County MSU Extension Office
  • Fundraising Flyer Checklist 

Overnight, Field Trip and Transportation

Resources and policies for transporting youth and overnight stays. 

• Field Trip & Activities Permission Form
• Overnight Housing Policy 
• 4-H Event Chaperone Responsibilities
• Overnight Housing and Transportation Event/Activity Form
• 18 & Over Criminal History Background Check Form 
  • Needs to be submitted to the Berrien County MSU Extension Office at least 10 days prior to the overnight event. 
  • Form needs to be submitted for youth that are between the age of 18 - 19 years that are staying overnight. 

MSU Extension Guidelines for Social Media 

Policies and forms related 4-H Clubs having a Social Media account. Social Media is defined as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. 

• Social Media Guidelines Form
  
  • Form must be submitted to the Berrien County MSU Extension Office for approval. Once approved an account can be created. Groups must allow Berrien County MSU Staff to have access to all groups regardless if the status is private or public. 

Events

Injury and Property damage needs to be reported to the Berrien County MSU Extension office as soon as possible for 4-H related events/activities. Report forms need to be filled out in partnership with the local 4-H Program Coordinator. 

• Injury/Property Damage Report Form