What is 4-H?

Michigan 4-H is the youth development program of Michigan State University Extension. It provides fun, hands-on educational opportunities that prepare youth for life and work by helping them find their spark, build real world skills and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners.

Many people think 4-H is just for kids who live on farms or those interested in raising and selling animals – but that’s not true! Offered in a diverse array of topics, each year more than 100,000 young people, ages 5-19, explore what interests and excites them with Michigan 4-H. In program areas ranging from animals to archery, engineering to entrepreneurship, and leadership to learning to cook, 4-H provides experiences that allow youth to practice and build foundational skills that ready them for the future.

Learn more about Michigan 4-H.

Join 4-H

4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change. With skills learned in 4-H, youth become ready for whatever the future holds: ready to lead, ready to build, ready to serve and ready to contribute to the world around them.

Data shows that compared to their peers, 4-H’ers are:

2x more likely to have the goal of being a leader;
3x more likely to participate in community service; and
2x more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose.

*Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development, 2021

Beyond ready to get started with 4-H? Sign up today!

Volunteer with 4-H

Consider becoming a Michigan 4-H volunteer and help to prepare the next generation. By giving your time, talent and skills, you can help ready youth for whatever the future holds. Give an hour a week, month or year - there are volunteer roles for any skill level, time commitment and interest area.

With your help, more kids will be ready to take on the world. More youth, more community, more ready!

Learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer!

Current 4-H youth and volunteers

Login to 4-H Online to connect with your local 4-H program!

4-H Online

Oceana County 4-H Events

Oct 1

2026 Michigan Apple Crunch

October 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026

Join in the festivities by crunching into a locally-grown Michigan Apple on Crunch Day, October 15, or any day in October.
Oct 4

National 4-H Week

October 4, 2026 – October 10, 2026

For over 100 years, 4‑H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. From October 4-10, we will celebrate the impact of 4‑H during National 4‑H Week.
Oct 8

Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series - Oct-Nov 2026

October 8, 2026 – November 12, 2026 7:30pm-9:00pm ET Online

The Parent Talk System is a course for caregivers of toddlers to teens to improve communication and provide strategies for raising confident, caring, responsible children. Offered at no cost.
Oct 15

4-H Future Squad- Adulting 101 First Club Meeting

October 15, 2026 7:00PM – 8:00PM Zoom

This virtual state-wide 4-H club is open to any youth 12-19 years old who wants to join a 4-H club, meet new people, and learn about topics in the "adulting 101" topic area.
Oct 19

Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series -October-November 2026

October 19, 2026 – November 16, 2026 7:00pm-8:30pm ET online

Guiding Principles is a FREE online course for parents of toddlers to teens to learn strategies for helping children, parents and families be successful.