MSU Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center

MSU Tollgate Farm Stewards Teen Leadership Program provides a safe place for social, emotional, and physical growth.  The Stewards Teen Leadership Program looks forward to hosting the 2025 stewards and stewards-in-training for grades 7-12.  

Registration is OPEN!

STEWARDS-IN-TRAINING REGISTRATION (Entering Grades 7-9 in Fall 2025)STEWARDS REGISTRATION (Entering Grades 10-12 in Fall 2025)

What is a Steward? A steward is a person who takes on the responsibility of managing and nourishing a productive and interactive environment. This service opportunity offers teens a chance to enrich, mentor, and lead campers while gaining valuable leadership and life skills. In a positive educational environment, teens experience the responsibilities associated with potential career paths before entering college. The Tollgate Teen Steward-in-Training (Grade 7-9) and Stewards (Grade 10-12) program is for youth interested in gaining experience serving in leadership roles. 

The Stewards-in-Training (SIT) program is the start of the progressive Stewards Teen Leadership Program. Stewards-in-Training are entering grades 7-9th in the Fall 2025 school year.  SIT's work alongside Stewards and camp educational leaders to begin the development of leadership skills.  SITs must commit to at least one full week of camp Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:15 PM. Stewards-in-training cost per week is $200.   

The Stewards program is for teens entering grades 10-12th in the Fall 2025 school year who serve as volunteer assistants to the educational leaders and role models for both SITs and campers. Stewards develop a deep understanding and knowledge of the farm and our educational camp program. Stewards develop skills which can be called upon as they move forward through their academic and work careers. First year stewards are asked to submit a resume and complete a 20-minute virtual interview. Stewards must commit to at least one full week of camp Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.

Time Commitment:

• Stewards - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• SITs - 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM

Important dates for Stewards and Stewards-in-Training in 2025:

1st Time Steward Interviews - April 28-May 1
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SIT and Steward Training (3-hour training mandatory) -
Thursday, June 12 (1:00 PM-4:00 PM)
OR
Friday, June 13 (1:00 PM-4:00 PM)

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Steward ONLY Training (6-hour training mandatory)-
Friday, May 2 (5:00 PM-8:00 PM) AND Saturday, May 3 (5:00 PM-8:00 PM) 
OR
Saturday, May 31 (10:00 AM-4:30 PM) 

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Stewards and Stewards-in-Training Midsummer Celebration and Leadership Training- Friday, August 1st (4:30 PM-8:30 PM)

Please email Kassie LaVigne at Lavignek@msu.edu for any questions regarding the Stewards Teen Leadership Program. 

MSU Tollgate Farm Camps are a program of Michigan 4-H. Enrollment at 4-H Online is required for your child to be a part of the Stewards Teen Leadership Program. 

More about Michigan 4-H:

4-H is a learn-by-doing, fun, educational program, helping youth in their growth and development and compliments experiences received at home, school and other organizations. As a member of 4-H, there are many other opportunities to get your youngster involved, including approximately 50 4-H clubs in Oakland County where members work with a large variety of project areas, including agriculture, aerospace, community service, horses, science and technology, and more.

For any 4-H questions please contact:

Cheyenne Shields, 4-H Program Coordinator,shields69@msu.edu 248-858-0435