This MSU precollege program welcomes youth ages 12-19 to explore their future, try new things and experience college life! During this three-day event, youth will gain confidence and independence through hands-on learning and make friends for a lifetime.

 

4-H Exploration Days

Save the Date!

June 18-20, 2025 

What’s It All About? 

About 1,000 youth (ages 12-19) and chaperones from across Michigan attend annually. 

This fun MSU pre-college program could be the highlight of your summer - it could even change your life! 

4-H Exploration Days registration goes from mid-March through April with session assignments made on a first-come, first-served basis. As you select your session choices, be sure to watch for age restrictions! Age requirements for sessions are based on your age as of January 1.

This MSU pre-college program is designed to: 

  • Increase responsibility, confidence, independence, accountability, problem-solving, decision-making and time management skills. 
  • Increase communication, team work, citizenship, and leadership skills. 
  • Foster ability to meet new people and make new friends from different places and backgrounds. 
  • Develop and expand career and personal interests. 
  • Increase college exploration and access to the Michigan State University campus and its resources. 
  • Develop social and academic skills needed for a successful transition to college and life as an adult. 
  • Give youth opportunities to try things that aren’t available in their county.

What’s it like? 

  • There’ll be more than 100 session choices held on and off campus. You’ll choose two or three for your three-day stay. 
  • You’ll live in a Michigan State University dorm and eat in the cafeteria—just like MSU students do. 
  • Sessions are taught by people who know their stuff, including MSU faculty members, 4-H volunteers and staff members and other experts. 
  • It’s not all sessions! There’s plenty of time for fun, including skating, souvenir shopping, exploring, basketball—even a great dance Thursday night. 
  • The 2025 cost is $250.  For more information please see the Registration Information page. 
    • The fee includes meals, a shared room in a dorm, sessions and a t-shirt. You may wish to check with your county MSU Extension office to see if scholarship funds are available. 
  • A registration booklet that shows all of the sessions and details on everything happening during Exploration Days can be found here! 
  • Registration closes April 25. Don’t wait until the deadline though, because popular sessions fill up fast! 
  • Contact the 4-H staff in your county MSU Extension office for more information on 4-H Exploration Days, and any specific details pertaining to your county’s delegation. 

 

 

2025 4-H EXPLORATION DAYS SCHEDULE (subject to change)

 

WEDNESDAY

7 a.m.– 8:15 a.m. Breakfast for Tuesday Early Arrivals

8 a.m.– 9 a.m.  Chaperone Check-In

9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Youth Check-in with County Chaperones 

10:15 a.m. – Noon County Meetings (counties will be preassigned a 30-minute time & location)

11:30 a.m. – 1:30  p.m. Lunch (Green Group 11:30- 12:15 and White Group 12:15 to 1:30)

11:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. State Award Celebration (Optional)

2:30 to 4:30 p.m.    Career Tracks and Team Unity

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner (Green Group starts at 5:30, White Group starts at 6:00 p.m.)

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. White Group- Chaperone and youth huddle, reflect and plan for evening 

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Green Group-Chaperone and youth huddle, reflect and plan for evening 

7:00 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Free Time

10:00 p.m. - All Exploration Days participants and adults in residence halls 

10:15 p.m. - Residence Hall doors are locked- will have to re-check in 

10:15 p.m. -11 p.m. Youth/Chaperone Individual/Sm Group Debrief and Stay on Floor when done

11:00 p.m. Participants in Assigned Rooms

Midnight Quiet in Residence Halls

 

THURSDAY

7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Session A/ Session C (All-Day Extended Experience)

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch (Green Group 11:30 to 12:15 and White Group 12:15 to 1:30)

1:30 p.m.– 4:30p.m. Session B/ Session C (All-Day Extended Experience)

5 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner (Green Group starts at 5:30, White Group starts at 6:00pm)

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. White Group- Chaperone and youth huddle, reflect and plan for evening

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Green Group- Chaperone and youth huddle, reflect and plan for evening 

7:00 p.m.– 9:45 p.m.  Dance at IM East, Movie, Evening Snack, and other free time activities 

10:00 p.m. All Exploration Days participants and adults in residence halls 

10:15 p.m. Residence Hall doors are locked- will have to re-check in 

10:15 p.m. - 11 p.m. Youth /Chaperone Individual / Sm Group Debrief and Stay on Floor when done

11:00 p.m. Participants in Assigned Rooms 

Midnight Quiet in Residence Halls

 

FRIDAY

6:30 a.m.–8:15 a.m. Preparation for Check-Out with Chaperones 

7 a.m.–8:15 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 a.m.–11:00 am Session D

11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Check-Out with County Chaperones 

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch (no group assignments)

2 p.m. Residence Halls Locked

 

Questions? 4h.expodays@msu.edu  

 

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