MSU Extension Saginaw County

Choose Your 4-H Adventure!
Interested in joining Saginaw 4-H?

Well, you've come to the right place! Joining as a 4-H member is FREE and there are several different membership options to choose from. 4-H members can enroll in as many Clubs and programs as they wish!

You do not need to own an animal or live on a farm to join 4-H.  
We have many 4-H experiences, programs, and clubs that focus on crafts, science, shooting sports, archery, outdoor education, sewing, baking, gardening, hiking, fishing, camping, and more!

In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. 
We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. 

4-H is the largest youth development organization in the nation. 
4-H is also Michigan’s largest youth organization with over 200,000 members.  There are many ways to get involved with Saginaw 4-H each year for 4-H members. 

Below is some information to help you get started with getting connect with Saginaw 4-H! 

Download and print - Join Saginaw 4-H Flyer to share with others. 

WHAT AGES CAN JOIN?
Youth ages 5-19 (as of January 1) can join 4-H. 5-7 year old members are considered Cloverbuds and focus on exploration of projects, while older youth participate and may compete in a whole array of projects.

IS THERE A COST TO JOIN?
There is NO cost to become a 4-H member.  Some 4-H clubs and experiences may have fees. 

WHEN CAN I ENROLL IN 4-H?
The 4-H program years runs September 1 – August 31.  Youth and adults can enroll in 4-H at any time through the program year.

STEPS TO JOIN 4-H: CHOOSE YOUR 4-H EXPERIENCE

JOIN A 4-H CLUB (COMMUNITY)
1.  Look through the club directory.
2. Contact the club leader(s) to inquire about club-specific information (meeting schedule, etc..)
3. Choose a primary Club(s) to join.  Youth can enroll in more than one 4-H Club.
4. Enroll in 4-H Online once you have spoken to the club leader(s) and select the club you would like to join.

JOIN AS AN INDPENDENT 4-H MEMBER
Independent 4-H members participate in programs and events outside of a 4-H Club.  The “Saginaw County General 4-H Experience” is a general enrollment option for independent 4-H members.  When choosing this option, you are not joining a club or program, this option allows for you to become a 4-H member while deciding which clubs or programs you would like to join throughout the year. 

1. Enroll in 4-H Online.
2. Select the "Saginaw County General 4-H Experience" as your primary club. 
3. Stay connected through the 4-H events calendar, Saginaw 4-H Facebook page, and Saginaw 4-H newsletter to select the 4-H experience you want to join and sign up when available.
4. Contact the Saginaw 4-H office for more information.

JOIN A 4-H SPIN CLUB – CAMP- EVENT – PROGRAM
4-H SPIN (Special Interest) clubs, camps, events, and programs are offered locally throughout the county, region, and state.  Throughout the 4-H year there are several opportunities for youth to participate in a variety of programs.  These programs are often short-term or offered on a limited basis.  Youth may enroll in as many of these 4-H experiences as they would like.  Some fees may apply.  See program offerings for details

1. Enroll in 4-H Online.
2. Select the SPIN Club or Event you want to join.  Events vary through the year.
3. Stay connected through the 4-H events calendar, Saginaw 4-H Facebook page, and Saginaw 4-H newsletter to select the 4-H experience you want to join and sign up when available.
4. Contact the Saginaw 4-H office for more information.

ABOUT 4-H MEMBERSHIP
There are many different types of Clubs and membership options within the 4-H structure.

• Community Clubs-involve members of a variety of ages and projects interests. Clubs meet year long and have general club meetings which may be held on a monthly basis and include club business and educational activities.
  
  
• Project Clubs-focus more deeply on one specific project area These clubs meet weekly or monthly with a minimum of 6 meetings throughout the year.
  
  
• SPIN Clubs-focus on a specific project area but are short-term in length (usually about 1 hour for 4-6 weeks). SPIN Clubs could include: crafts, robotics, fishing, hiking, sewing, baking, robotics, yoga, sports, or leadership.  The possibilities are endless and are driven by the youth and volunteer interests.
  
  
• Independent 4-H Member-focus on all programs and events outside of a 4-H Club. These may include 4-H programs offered by the county, region, state, or even, nationally.
  
  
• School/Afterschool/Homeschool-involve single or variety of projects. These clubs/programs may meet all year or offer a short-term programs, often at a school or community site.  4-H Volunteers and/or 4-H staff may lead these experiences in partnerships with school/community organizations.
  
  
• Camps/Events/Workshops-vary throughout the year and are often short-term or are offered on a limited basis. Youth may register for as many opportunities as they wish.  Some fees may apply.  See specific program details.

A little lost with all the options in 4-H? Contact the Saginaw 4-H office at 989-907-6500 or email gathstac@msmu.edu for assistance in exploring your 4-H membership options!

Interested in Volunteering with Saginaw 4-H?
Volunteers are the “heart” of 4-H and the most essential partners we have at MSU Extension.  Volunteering with 4-H is flexible and rewarding! No matter how you choose to volunteer, you will play a key role in helping grow future leaders!

STEPS FOR JOINING AS A 4-H VOLUNTEER

1. Contact the 4-H club you wish to join as a volunteer or contact the Saginaw Extension office for volunteer opportunities.
2. Complete the Volunteer Selection Process, including being accepted as an Extension volunteer.
3. Connect with the Club Leader and/or 4-H staff for information on getting started!