4-H Youth

Cortland County 4-H

Cortland County 4-H empowers young people to learn by doing through hands-on experiences that build confidence, character, and lifelong skills. Whether members are exploring STEM, caring for animals, developing leadership skills, serving their community, exhibiting at the Cortland County Junior Fair, or making memories at 4-H Camp Owahta, every 4-H experience helps youth discover their passions and reach their full potential.

Through clubs, workshops, camps, events, and agricultural programs, 4-H inspires youth to become leaders, problem-solvers, and engaged community members, all while having fun, making friends, and creating unforgettable experiences along the way.

Join the adventure and see where 4-H can take you!

New York State 4-H

New York State 4-H provides youth with opportunities to grow as leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens through statewide programs, events, and experiences. Members can participate in leadership conferences, public speaking events, career exploration programs, STEM initiatives, animal science activities, civic engagement opportunities, and statewide competitions.

From connecting with peers across New York to developing skills that prepare them for college, careers, and community leadership, New York State 4-H helps young people discover new interests, challenge themselves, and expand their horizons.

Through hands-on learning and statewide experiences, New York State 4-H empowers youth to thrive today and lead tomorrow.

National 4-H

National 4-H opens the door to exciting experiences that help young people grow as leaders, learners, and changemakers. Members can participate in national conferences, leadership summits, citizenship and civic engagement programs, STEM challenges, healthy living initiatives, public speaking competitions, international exchanges, collegiate opportunities, and career exploration experiences.

From presenting research and advocating for issues they care about to connecting with youth from across the country and around the world, 4-H members gain valuable skills, broaden their horizons, and discover new possibilities for their future.

With 4-H, opportunities extend far beyond the local club, creating pathways to leadership, service, travel, education, and lifelong success.

2025 4H Cortland County Fair Senator Webb

4-H Civic Engagement empowers youth to become informed, involved, and active members of their communities. Through leadership opportunities, community service projects, public speaking, advocacy, and government education programs, young people learn how their voices can make a difference.

Participants develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and a commitment to service while gaining real-world experience in citizenship and community leadership. From local service initiatives to state and national leadership opportunities, 4-H Civic Engagement helps youth become tomorrow's changemakers.

2025 4H Cortland County Fair Participant Iron Chef

From the kitchen to lifelong healthy habits, CCE Cortland County's Jr. Iron Chef, monthly baking workshops, and nutrition programs help youth build confidence, creativity, and essential life skills. Participants learn food preparation, kitchen safety, nutrition, and healthy cooking techniques through fun, hands-on experiences that make learning delicious.

Whether creating a winning recipe, mastering a new baking skill, or discovering healthy food choices, youth gain valuable knowledge while enjoying the rewards of cooking and eating well.

Teen Council gives 4-H teens the opportunity to lead, serve, and make a difference. Members help plan events, develop leadership skills, complete community service projects, and represent 4-H throughout the county. Along the way, they build friendships, gain valuable experience, and have a voice in shaping the future of local 4-H programs.

4-H Advisory Committee

Martha Bush
Joel Riehlman
Matt Sharpe
Yvonne Moore
Joan Ann Lehman

Volunteer with 4-H

Did you know that more than 400 adults volunteer with Cortland County 4-H programs each year? Volunteering is fun and rewarding, and enables you to share your experiences with others. Do you like birdwatching, cooking, gardening or working with animals? There are many interesting projects and fun things to do in 4-H.

Imagine a young person's satisfaction at learning a new skill, or at doing a job well. Imagine your own satisfaction at watching a young person blossom. You can help our young people as they gain confidence and self-esteem, essential ingredients for happy, productive citizens.

Whether you want to be a club leader or work with kids on a short-term project, there's a role for you in 4-H. Many volunteer roles involve working directly with youth while others do not. Some volunteers are engaged with the program for a long period of time, such as leading a 4-H Club for several years. Others volunteer on a one-time, short-term or even an annual basis, for example, volunteering at a special interest workshop, serving as a judge for public speaking or for an event at the 4-H Junior Fair. In whatever role you may choose to volunteer, our 4-H office can provide training, resources and support that can help make your volunteer position as rewarding as possible for everyone involved.

Prospective volunteers complete an application form. In addition, those who volunteer to work directly with youth will be asked to consent to a criminal background screening at Cooperative Extension's expense, as a means of ensuring the safety and security both of our volunteers and of the people we serve through our programs.

4-H Youth Development

Cortland County 4-H

New York State 4-H

National 4-H

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