Adult leaders are needed for Michigan State University Extension’s 4-H Challenge Club, offering youth outdoor adventure opportunities. The 4-H Challenge Club is designed to help youth develop leadership skills and build self-confidence through outdoor adventures such as exploring caves, climbing cliffs, hiking in wilderness areas, and canoeing.

In St. Ignace, 4-H Challenge Club is led by Kurt Stage-Harvey. The three-year-old club has 25 members in grades 7 to 12 from St. Ignace Area Schools and Gros Cap School. They meet after school once a month to plan outings and organize fundraisers.

Adult leaders complete a comprehensive training program in leadership skills, map and compass use, canoeing, backpacking, and confidence-building activities to earn certification. Leaders may select additional training in climbing and rappelling, caving, extended backpacking, extended canoeing, and winter camping. Leaders must enjoy working with young people, enjoy outdoor experiences, and be enthusiastic, responsible, and open to new experiences.

This year’s training program will include the following training weekends:

Orientation, April 29 to May 2; Beginning Canoeing, July 29 and 30, Manistee River; Advanced Canoeing, July 1 to 3, Paint River; Backpacking, October 7 and 8, near Gaylord; Caving, August 12 to 14, Indiana; Rock Climbing, September 23 to 25, Big Bay.

More information is available from the MSU Extension Office in St. Ignace at 643-7307.