Isabella County MSU Extension - 4-H Programs
Vera Wiltse is our 4-H Youth Agent. Monica Borgman is our 4-H Youth Program Assistant & Natural Helpers Coordinator. The can be reached by phone (989) 772-0911 ext. 302 between 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Isabella County 4-H Shooting Sports
We offer BB gun, air pellet rifle, .22, trap, archery, sporting clays, and bow hunting. The program is open to all youths ages 9-19. County events are held at the Isabella Sportsman's Club at the corner of Winn and Millbrook Roads, north of Winn.
The goals of the 4-H Shooting Sports program include: safe and responsible use of all shooting equipment, education in outdoor sports, competition, increasing self-confidence, and building team spirit.
Hunter safety certification is required for youths age 12 and older.
Youths ages 9-12 are limited to shooting BB and archery at competitive
events.
Natural Helpers - Peer helping program for middle school, junior high and high schools.
Natural Helpers are people who help their peers.
They are "natural helpers" because friends come to them for help and they
also reach out to friends who may need help. "Help" can mean anything from
talking with people about everyday problems such as difficulties with a
boyfriend or girlfriend to referring to professional helping resources more
serious problems such as drug use or depression. Natural Helpers are not
professionally trained counselors or therapists.
The Natural Helpers Program is unique among peer helping programs.
- Natural Helpers address areas of concern most identified by the student population. The school wide survey and/or the helpers log give students the opportunity to identify what concerns them most.
- Natural Helpers uses a selection process that assures representation from all subgroups within the school community.
- Natural Helpers focuses on reinforcing positive norms and changing negative ones.
Goals of the Natural Helpers Program: A Peer Helping Program
- Goal 1: to teach Natural Helpers effective ways to help their friends
- Goal 2: to teach Natural Helpers positive ways of taking good care of themselves
- Goal 3: to teach Natural Helpers ways to contribute to a safe and supportive school environment.
Participating schools in Isabella County
- Mt. Pleasant High School
- Beal City High School
Retreat Training
The retreat training requires about 25 hours to complete. The retreat
training takes place in a camp setting. There, Natural Helpers get accurate
program information and training, and learn the "helping skill" to use with
their peers. They begin to form a cohesive group from what was a collection
of very diverse individuals.
Sessions include:
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Ongoing Training
The ongoing training consists of additional sessions that can be taught
throughout the year. These sessions are customized to meet the needs
identified by the school and Natural Helpers. These sessions can be from the
Natural Helpers curriculum, or, are special presentations by local community
resource people. In Isabella County, students guide the sessions selected
for ongoing training.
Visit the Natural Helpers Web Site.
Proud Equestrian Program (PEP)
Since 1974, this therapeutic and recreational program has taught horseback riding and horsemanship skills to persons with disabilities. PEP (Proud Equestrians Program) is an educational 4-H Youth Development Program of Michigan State University Extension.
The Benefits of P.E.P. (Proud Equestrian Program)
- develop self awareness
- build self confidence
- improve concentration
- learn self discipline
- improve posture, balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility
Therapeutic riding is particularly beneficial for people with impaired mobility. The rider seated on a horse is gently and rhythmically moved in a manner that is similar to human walking. Medical professionals, such as physical and occupational therapists, may suggest this type of rhythmic movement as a part of a total therapeutic exercise program.
Exercising the spirit is as important as exercising the body. Physical activities and individual accomplishments can be psychologically uplifting and rewarding to the student.
The discipline and concentration required in this form of physical
activity has proven to be of great benefit to those with
developmental disorders and is particularly beneficial for children with
autism. Many children and adults with emotional impairments find a unique
relationship with horses which improves their human relationships.
For additional information on any of these programs visit the links provided, or call the Isabella County MSU Extension Office at (989) 772-0911 ext. 302.
Get Involved!!
There are many opportunities in 4-H for adults, as well! 4-H programs are volunteer-driven, and new volunteer leaders are needed! If you are interested in teaching youth a new skill or helping them to develop leadership and life skills, call the Extension Office at (989) 772-0911 ext. 302 and ask about becoming a volunteer leader.
The time investment is small, but the rewards for both youth and leader are immeasurable!