EAST LANSING — 4-H Exploration Days is Michigan State University’s largest pre-college program, annually attended by 2,400 youth and adult chaperones from across Michigan. The 51st annual 4-H Exploration Days conference will be held June 24-26 on the MSU campus. The theme is Creating the Future.

4-H Exploration Days gives youth ages 11 to 19 an authentic collegiate experience as they stay in MSU residence halls and explore interest areas and career options, increase their awareness and readiness for college, and develop decision-making, independence and teamwork skills, said organizers.

Participants live like college students and attend sessions that range from veterinary medicine to web design, performing arts to environmental education and many more.

In total, more than 200 hands-on classroom and field trip sessions are offered.  4-H volunteers and staff are on hand to provide oversight and guidance.

When not in action-packed learning sessions, students will have a variety of recreation and MSU facility tour choices such as the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and 4-H Children’s Garden. There will be exciting opening night entertainment at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts featuring a high-energy show.

The fee to attend is $220 for 4-H members; youth not enrolled in 4-H pay an additional $20 4-H participation fee. Registration books will be available at the Berrien County MSU Extension Office and online at the 4-H Exploration Days web site at canr.msu.edu/4_h_exploration_days/. Registration opens on March 10. Sessions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis so early registration is encouraged. The registration deadline is May 1. 

Berrien County 4-H offers 4-H members a variety of scholarships to 4-H Exploration Days participants. For scholarship eligibility or questions, contact the Berrien County MSU Extension office at (269) 927-5674.

For more information about Berrien County 4-H, contact Kelly Stelter, 4-H Program Coordinator at (269) 927-5674 ext. 4015 or via email at grandtke@msu.edu. 

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.  Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.