2021 MSU Tollgate Farm 4-H Stewards Teen Leadership Program
The Tollgate Camp Teen Steward (15-19 yrs) and Tollgate Steward-in-Training (13-14 yrs) positions are for teens interested
in gaining experience working with campers in agriculture and natural sciences.
What is a Steward? A steward is a person whose responsibility it is to take care of something. This experience offers teens a chance for stewards to enrich, mentor, and lead campers while gaining valuable leadership and life skills. In a positive educational environment, teens experience the responsibilities associated with potential career paths before entering college.
The Stewards-in-Training (SIT) program is the start of the progressive Tollgate Teen Leadership Program. Stewards-in-Training are 13-14 years of age and must have the ability to commit to one full week of camp and no more than 4 weeks. SITs serve as role models for campers and assist educational leaders during activities.
Stewards-in-training pay $180 per week for in-person SIT camp week.
Filling out the registration will hold your space at camp. Camp tuition will be collected as the season nears.
The Steward program is for teens 15-19 years of age as volunteer assistants to the educational leaders and role models for both SITs and campers. Stewards must commit to at least two full weeks of camp. Stewards develop a deep understanding and knowledge of the farm and our educational camp program. Stewards develop skills which can be called upon as they move forward through their academic and work careers. First year stewards are asked to submit a resume and complete a 20-minute virtual interview.
Currently registration holds your space. If/when university, local and/or state guidance determine that in-person programming may resume, payment will be collected.
New this year! MSU Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute (Pending a return to in-person programming)
Scheduled for June 14-19, 2021, SSLI is a six-day training and youth development summit incorporating a mentorship model, a multi-day outdoor wilderness team building adventure, a leadership role at stewards trainings and camp, and a capstone sustainability action project, all with a focus on educating for sustainability. For those interested in learning more or applying for this fun and exciting leadership experience, click HERE.
Important Dates for Stewards, SITs, and SSLI Stewards (Pending a return to in-person programming) :
May 18 - 20 New steward interviews
Tuesday, May 18: 3 - 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 20: 3 - 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, June 18-19 - Stewards and Stewards-in-Training mandatory overnight training
Thursday, July 22 – Stewards and Stewards-in-Training Midsummer training and cookout
Friday, August 27: 4:30 -8:30 p.m. – Camp Closing Celebration
MSU Extension Tollgate Farm Camps are a program of Michigan 4-H Youth Development.
4-H enrollment at 4-H Online is required for your child to attend MSU Tollgate Farm Camp.
MSU Tollgate Farm Camps are a program of Michigan 4-H.
Enrollment at 4-H Online is required for your child to attend MSU Tollgate Farm Camp.
See Tollgate registration page for complete instructions.
Step 3: For Stewards-in-Training, an invoice for SIT registration fee per week will be sent in 2021.
4-H is a learn-by-doing, fun, educational program, helping youth in their growth and development and compliments experiences received at home, school and other organizations. As a member of 4-H, there are many other opportunities to get your youngster involved, including approximately 50 4-H clubs in Oakland County where members work with a large variety of project areas, including agriculture, aerospace, community service, horses, science and technology, and more. Questions regarding 4-H? Contact Deb Morgan at morga194@msu.edu.
For questions regarding stewards programs and registration, please contact Tollgate at 248-347-0269, ext. 227 or 248-701-9956.
Tollgate Farm Education Coordinator and Stewards Program Coordinator, Ellen Koehler at koehle43@msu.edu
please email koehle43@msu.edu to be added to the wait list.
Registration for Tollgate Stewards Volunteer Program is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on August 20, 2021.
Registration for Tollgate Stewards In-Training Program is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on August 21, 2021.
Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For more information, please call 248-347-0269 ext. 227 or email koehle43@msu.edu.