4-H Exploration Days rules and consequences – Part 1

Follow these general rules while attending 4-H Exploration Days.

4-H Exploration Days is Michigan 4-H Youth Development’s annual pre-college program. Youth 11-19 travel from all 83 counties to Michigan State University to take classes, stay overnight in dorms, eat in cafeterias and enjoy the fun campus life for three days and two nights during the third or fourth week of June.

4-H Exploration Days attracts about 2,500 youth and chaperones from a variety of diverse backgrounds. It is important 4-H equips youth with life skills to be successful, especially when youth are away from home in a different environment. Some of those significant life skills are decision-making and citizenship, which assist them in following rules and expectations.

Some youth attend 4-H Exploration Days year after year and know what to expect, but others are attending for the first time. Whether you’re new or need a refresher, here are some of the rules and expectations.

General rules at 4-H Exploration Days

  • Wear your name badge visibly at all times (except when swimming or sleeping).
  • Actively participate in program sessions and a variety of afternoon and evening activities.
  • Treat all areas of the facility and grounds with respect and pick up after yourself. Repair costs for damage incurred to property will be billed to those responsible. Theft and vandalism are strictly prohibited.
  • Leave your valuables at home, such as expensive clothing and jewelry and electronic devices.
  • Do not leave the program grounds except for field trips arranged as part of the program under the supervision of event staff.
  • Do not gamble for money or for any other items or behaviors.
  • Refrain from yelling out of windows, removing window screens and leaning out of windows, or sitting on window ledges. Close your blinds when dressing and after dark.
  • Refrain from running in residence halls and classroom hallways.
  • Dress appropriately for the program schedule. Unacceptable attire includes clothing that:
    • Exposes undergarments or excessively exposes the body, such as cropped, low-cut or extremely tight shirts, tube tops, short shorts, excessively baggy or extreme low-rise pants.
    • Conveys a violent, offensive, obscene message or image.
    • Promotes the use of an illegal substance.
  • Wear shirts and shoes in eating areas. Wear swimsuits only for swimming and not as regular clothing. If wearing your swimsuit to and from the pool, cover it with an over garment or cover-up.

Please refer to MSU Extension’s “4-H Exploration Days Handbook” for the full list of rules and others things to expect while attending. To know what the consequences are for breaking rules, see “4-H Exploration Days rules and consequences – Part 2.”

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your county 4-H program coordinator.

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