“It gives kids a chance to know kids from different parts of the state,” Lavra said.

4-H is a grassroots organization that allows youth to explore areas they are interested in, such as environmental concerns and agriculture.

“The diversity is important and it helps people,” Lavra said. “I guess it is sort of a bonding time for 4-H people in the state.”

The cost of attendance was $165 for 4-H members and $175 for non-members.

Lavra said many of the students attending the event have received financial support from either their county or local 4-H funds in attending.

“We want to make sure that everybody who wants to come here has the opportunity to and that money is not a barrier in them coming here,” Lavra said.

Judy Ratkos, the 4-H program leader for MSU Extension, said there are MSU Extension offices that offer programs in every county in Michigan.

The extensions provide programming to the counties that is focused on agriculture and natural resources; children, youth and families; and community and economic development, according to the MSU Extension Web site.

“At this conference in particular we bring in 2,500 students to give them the opportunities that they wouldn’t be able to do in their own backyard,” Ratkos said.

“They not only have access to instructors with a knowledge base, they also have the chance to be exposed to the university. They get a chance to play like a mini college student, which is a really cool thing if you are a teenager.”

The students stay in Hubbard, Akers and Holmes halls, she said.

4-H is in its 100th year in Michigan and has changed over the years from being a primarily agricultural based organization, she said.

“We do things that kids are interested in today and that includes agriculture, but we have programs that meet the needs of rural, urban and suburban youth,” Ratkos said.

Ratkos said that entrepreneurship, nutrition and health, and science and technology are some of the areas that now complement agriculture’s place within 4-H.

Recent MSU graduate Stephanie Cerqua said her internship in 4-H Youth Development has made her wish she would have had the opportunity to participate in the organization when she was younger.

“I think that it provides a really good opportunity for kids to expand their horizons, so if I did have a chance to possibly go back and do 4-H, I would say sure,” Cerqua said.