4-H Animal Science Fall Fest
Join the Michigan 4-H Animal Science Ambassador Team for 4-H Animal Science Fall Fest! This all-new program will take place on Oct. 31, 2026, at MSU’s main campus in East Lansing. This program was planned by teens for teens, and youth will have the chance to learn about a variety of animal science topics, disciplines, and careers from industry experts and Department of Animal Science staff. There will also be several fun fall-themed activities!
Animal Science Fall Fest is open to youth ages 12-19 (as of Jan. 1, 2027).
Activities will primarily take place in Anthony Hall (474 South Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824). Free parking will be available all day Saturday in lots 40 and 41. Please see the MSU campus map for parking locations.
COST: $50, which includes two meals and a t-shirt
Registration closes October 15th or when all spots are full, whichever comes first.
CANCELLATION POLICY: No refunds will be given if registration is cancelled on or after October 19.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW (all times in ET, schedule subject to change)
Saturday, October 31
- 8:30 a.m. Check-in Begins
- 9:15 a.m. Welcome!
- 10 a.m. Species Sessions
- 12 p.m. Lunch (provided) and Animal Science Career Panel
- 1 p.m. Species Sessions contd.
- 2 p.m. Ag Olympic Games
- 3:30 p.m. Animal Science Exploration Sessions
- 5:30 p.m. Dinner (provided) and Judges Panel
- 6:45 p.m. Trick-or-Treating and Costume Contest - optional
- 8:00 p.m. Conclusion
Session descriptions
In the morning, participants will learn about three species of their choosing. There will be three sessions, each 50 minutes long. Species sessions will be pre-selected during registration. Please only select each species session once.
Species: Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Dogs, Horses, Poultry, Rabbits, Small Ruminants, and Swine
In the afternoon, participants will engage in hands-on Animal Science Exploration sessions. There will be two sessions, each 50 minutes long. Sessions will be pre-selected during registration. Please only select each offering once.
- Genetics & Selection
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Reproduction
- Behavior
- Immunology & Antibodies
- Meat Science
- Veterinary Medicine
Please note that breakout session space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
The final activity of the evening will be Trick-or-Treating and a costume contest! These are both completely optional but highly encouraged for those who would like to participate. There will be prizes for the top three costumes!
**Costumes must be 4-H appropriate. Any costume deemed inappropriate by event staff will be disqualified from the contest and must be removed. We recommend bringing your costume to change into when it is time rather than wearing it all day.
A limited number of $40 scholarships are available to reduce the cost to attend. Priority will be given to youth who live further from campus, specifically in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula or the Upper Peninsula. Scholarship applications are due by October 12th to allow staff time to help applicants through the registration process. The application can be found here: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a3FDt0qtKYxiP7E
Scholarship applicants should register in order to hold their spot but please do not pay until given further instructions from program staff.
Registration for Animal Science Fall Fest is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on October 15, 2026.
There are 82 openings available.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. 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 information, please contact Autumn Williams at conver20@msu.edu, David Lindsay at lindsa75@msu.edu, and Kendra Van Order at vanorde4@msu.edu.