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

Jan 19

2026 Cash Composition Contest

January 19, 2026 – March 1, 2026

Youth residing in Michigan, age 9-19 (as of January 1, 2026) are encouraged to answer this year’s financial essay question in 300 words or less for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Jan 21

Adulting 101 2026- Full Listing of Monthly Sessions

January 21, 2026 – November 12, 2026 Zoom

Are you ready to leave for college or be out on your own? Join us monthly on zoom to learn real life skills to help you successfully transition to living independently.
Jan 26

Building Strong Adolescents Webinar Series January-February 2026

January 26, 2026 – February 23, 2026 7:00pm-9:00pm ET online

Building Strong Adolescents is a FREE online course for parents of adolescents ages 9-16 to learn strategies for helping teens develop the skills and supports they need to be successful.
Feb 4

Fishing, Woods and Water 4-H Workshops

February 4, 2026 – February 10, 2026

Love the outdoors? Looking for a fun family night? Want to build your own ice fishing rod, tie a fly, and discover amazing wildlife secrets? Attend the 4-H Fishing, Woods and Water 4-H Workshops.
Feb 7

2026 4-H Winterfest

February 7, 2026 – February 8, 2026 Eagle Village, Hersey

4-H Winterfest is a hand on learning camp for youth 8 to 12 year olds. Youth get to pick workshops and participate in team building activities at Eagle Village Retreat Center in Hersey, Michigan. Come and have fun this winter with 4-H Winterfest!!