Local youth attend State-wide 4-H Exploration Days

Submitted photo.

EAST LANSING - Three Iron County 4-H’ers were among 37 other Western U.P. youth aged 11 to 19 at the Michigan State University (MSU) campus in East Lansing to participate in Michigan State University 4-H Exploration Days from June 19-23.
Youth from Iron County attended their choice of over 200 sessions ranging from activities designed to explore their passions, hobbies, possible career paths and other cultures. This year’s three local participants chose to learn about topics such as exploring health care careers, veterinary nursing, social work, tree care, orienteering, arborist, mental health careers, writing, chocolate origins, atomic nuclei at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and more.
Additionally, the entire group enjoyed a guided hands-on tour of the MSU Veterinary Nursing Clinical Skills Laboratory where they got to try various common veterinary skills like intubating, palpating, wound stitching and more. The group learned about pathways to veterinary science careers from professionals.
4-H Exploration Days is a MSU pre-college program designed to increase participants’ confidence, independence, responsibility, accountability, problem-solving, decision-making and time management skills. Youth enhance their communication, team work, leadership, and citizenship skills. The program develops and expands youth career and personal interests through sessions taught by MSU faculty members, staff members, 4-H volunteers and other experts. Attendees develop social and academic skills needed for a successful transition to college and life as an adult.
“We have had strong local participation in 4-H Exploration Days, MSU’s largest pre-college program for the last several years. This is an indication of the value of the life skills that participants are gaining by attending,” says Anne Kretschmann, 4-H Program Coordinator.
4-H Exploration Days occurs every June, mark your calendars for next year. For more information about 4-H Exploration Days and other 4-H opportunities in the area please contact the Michigan State University Extension office at 906-875-0604.