Building a homecoming float teaches life skills

The MSU Collegiate 4-H Club demonstrated relationship-building, teamwork, perseverance and more while being a part of the MSU Homecoming Parade.

The MSU Collegiate 4-H Club homecoming parade float.
Photo of MSU Collegiate 4-H Club float in the 2024 MSU Homecoming Parade, courtesy of Michigan 4-H alum, Rachel Laurenz.

With some financial support from a Michigan 4-H Foundation educational experience grant, the Michigan State University (MSU) Collegiate 4-H Club built a float and participated in the MSU Homecoming Parade on October 18. This experience strengthened relationships among members while enhancing social and life skills as they worked on a team project.

The MSU Alumni Office shares that “the Homecoming Parade is a fun, annual tradition that features the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan high school marching bands, MSU campus groups, community organizations, university officials, Sparty and much more.”

“Welcome Home Spartans” was the 2024 parade theme, with more than 90 entries. The purpose of a parade differs from coast to coast in America and across the globe. Yet, commonalities such as community pride, relationship-building and fun resonate through organizations such as The Parade Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Why was float-building and being in a parade so successful? Part of the answer lies within the 4-H Essential Elements used in 4-H Youth Development. The Essential Elements are the “best practices” that help staff and volunteers address the four basic developmental needs of young people - belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. 

Let’s focus on belonging for a moment. According to a Michigan State University Extension article, “Essential Elements of 4-H: Belonging”, “Belonging is a very powerful concept for youth,” and people in general. Author Sara Keinath continues: “When adult facilitators create a space where youth feel physically and emotionally safe in a group, they can then form positive relationships with peers and adult role models. Feeling connected to others will affect their mental health as well as their academic skills. These relationships can be the foundation for healthy decision-making,” and the fostering of life skills. By building a float and being in a parade together, MSU Collegiate 4-H Club members learned and practiced skills including:

  • verbal communications and public speaking
  • patience
  • perseverance
  • social skills
  • problem-solving
  • marketing
  • community service
  • decision-making
  • teamwork
  • leadership
  • self-esteem

This adventure included teaching members how to use spray paint, physics to balance and stabilize float attributes, appropriate use of hand tools and much more. Advisors constantly worked to motivate, encourage and foster confidence, self-esteem and shared leadership amongst the members. A total of 16 individuals pitched in and were involved throughout the week, culminating with the parade on a beautiful fall day.

Check out the partial MSU Homecoming Parade coverage in a recording by WLNS Channel 6. MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development helps to prepare young people for successful futures. For more information about career exploration, workforce development and readiness, youth financial education or youth entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.

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