Two new Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) 4-H clubs have emerged in Chippewa County to total 16 clubs, and the effort to recover from COVID only continues to grow.
The 4-H Lego Engineering Club was designed for students as young as third grade.
“Back in September, we got a Michigan 4-H Foundation grant for a Lego engineering club,” said 4-H Director Maggie Merchberger, hoping to have the club chartered by the start of the new year.
The Lego club will incorporate brand new equipment, like 4-H Apple iPads.
“We can do some coding on it,” said Merchberger. “Kids can also do a little bit of Robotics with them. We'll be using the iPads for different community or traditional 4-H clubs we may have.”
One of those clubs is the brand new 4-H Cloverbuds Club, developed for kids in kindergarten through third grade.
“They are the youngest members of 4-H, and just learning what 4-H has to offer,” Merchberger said. “The group is going to be doing all sorts of cool things: baking, crafts, rocketry, animal husbandry… sky's the limit on this one.”
Merchberger hopes Cloverbuds opens young kids up to fun activities and social engagement.
“They have little attention spans,” she said. “The club will probably meet for at least one hour once a month to meet new friends and learn new things. 4-H is a great way to build those lifelong friendships.”
Of course, Merchberger was speaking from experience.
“My kids have those friendships,” she said.” They built them when they were really young, and they're still friends with them today.”
Merchberger noted another good opportunity for 4-H members to get involved and make friends – Chippewa County 4-H Council.
“We are looking for 4-H youth who might be interested in sitting on the 4-H Council,” she added. “4-H council meets once a month.”
If you are an adult interested in volunteering or enrolling a child in any Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) 4-H, call the MSU Extension office at 906-635-6368.
