MSU Extension 4-H

As the world continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan 4-H youth are sticking together while staying physically apart. Although saddened to miss their favorite summer events and county fairs, 4-H’ers across the state know they play an important role in helping to keep communities safe during the novel coronavirus outbreak. Though they maintain their social distance, 4-H’ers continue to use their head, heart, hands and health through a multitude of online educational opportunities and virtual learning showcases that illustrate how 4-H grown continues while safe at home.

Submit your story!

Tell us how your 4-H year has continued in alternative ways during the COVID-19 outbreak in a video testimonial. Videos should be one to three minutes in length and feature the young person on screen. These can be recorded with a simple recording device/smart phone and no special equipment or editing is expected, however, please ensure the video is shot horizontally. For more tips on producing video from your mobile device, view https://www.canr.msu.edu/anrcom/video-production/best-practices-for-recording-video. Once your video is finalized, upload to YouTube and make it viewable to anyone with the link. Videos must include closed captioning; these can be easily added on YouTube.

Tips for youth creating videos

We look forward to hearing your 4-H story. For your safety and security, consider the following as you create your video.

• Limit identifiable details.Consider how much and what types of personal information are being shared. Don’t share your last name, hometown, school, or parent’s name. It’s best practice to share only your first name, county and 4-H club.
• Online photos and videos create a legacy. Remember that photos and videos shared online always have the potential for becoming a permanent part of history. Consider distractions such as articles of clothing, backgrounds items the viewer can see, and noises that occur in videos that can detract from the project. Consider who else might see this information at later point in time, such as potential employers, college admission officers, scholarship selection committees, etc.

What should I share?

Help Michigan 4-H show how 4-H has continued online this year and how you’re still proud to be 4-H grown during this unprecedented time. Need help getting started? Consider the following questions:

1. What are some of the online programs you’ve taken part in since March?
2. How has your 4-H community continued to connect during this time of social distancing?
3. How has the 4-H community supported you throughout the changing circumstances and challenges of 2020?
4. What new opportunities have you been offered this year that are not a normal part of your 4-H experience?
5. What unique skills have you developed or strengthened through 4-H as a result of the changing circumstances and challenges of 2020?
6. What important lessons did you learn this year through your 4-H projects as a result of the changing circumstances and challenges of 2020?
7. What online learning experiences are you looking forward to this summer?
8. What would you say to 4-H’ers who have not engaged in many of the virtual opportunities?
9. Would you say to someone who has never participated in 4-H who may be wondering about the online experience and if they should join 4-H while face-to-face programming in limited?

Please include your first name, age, county, years in the program and program/project areas in which you participate. Remember, make it your own and show your creativity!

Where are submissions sent?

Youth should first send their submissions to Jackie Martin at marti623@msu.edu, who will then share the file with Children and Youth Communications Manager Jamie Wilson.