New York State 4-H

4-H is a global youth development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, open to all youth ages 5–19 who want to learn, grow, and make a difference. Through a network of hands-on, learn-by-doing experiences, 4-H helps youth build confidence, leadership, and life skills while exploring interests ranging from science and agriculture to the arts and community service. Backed by research and the land-grant university system, 4-H youth are more likely to succeed in school, lead their peers, and contribute to their communities.

In Jefferson County, Cornell Cooperative Extension works in schools, communities, and on Fort Drum to connect youth and families with trusted adults, proven programs, and Cornell University resources, opening doors and contributing to lifelong success.

Fort Drum Full Service Community Schools (FSCS)

The Fort Drum Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) Consortium brings together schools, families, and community partners to expand educational opportunities and strengthen student success.

Funded through a federal Full Service Community Schools grant, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County (CCE Jefferson) collaborates with LaFargeville, Sackets Harbor, and Belleville Henderson Central School Districts, along with Jefferson-Lewis BOCES, to deliver research-based enrichment and family engagement programming both during and beyond the school day.

Students working on a construction project for Community Schools

Educational Enrichment

Research-based programs during in-school and out-of-school time, delivered through 4-H youth development. Youth build skills, confidence, and engagement!

Family & Community Engagement

Partnerships that connect families to resources, encourage involvement, and strengthen school-community relationships.

Coordinated Support & Student Success

Community School Coordinators identify needs, align resources, and expand access to opportunities that support attendance, reduce chronic absenteeism, and promote graduation and college and career readiness.

Jefferson County Fair

Each July, 4-H and FFA youth in Jefferson County showcase the projects they’ve been working on all year at the Jefferson County Fair. In partnership with the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, Jefferson County FFA, and community volunteers, the fair celebrates months of learning and creativity, giving young people a chance to explore new interests, practice good sportsmanship, and discover passions or career paths that can last a lifetime.

Learn More About the Jefferson County Fair

Explore 4-H Clubs

Discover our ever-evolving 4-H clubs! Have an idea for a new one? Reach out to: Amy Zukas - asw247 [at] cornell.edu (asw247[at]cornell[dot]edu)

4-H Forms

A 4-H Enrollment Packet needs to be completed when youth wish to join 4-H as well as each year youth would like to re-enroll in 4-H. It is also used to change their contact information when necessary. This form must be signed by both the 4-H member and their parent or guardian. Please note that each enrollment has a different form or digital link.

Non-Horse: Please fill out the digital form using this link.
Horse: Please fill out the digital form using this link.
Dog: Please fill out the digital form using this link.
Clover Bud: Please fill out the digital form using this link.

4-H Dairy Club

Don’t forget to have your 3 Servings A-DAY, because these kids sure don’t! If you are extremely experienced in the dairy industry or looking to gain more knowledge this is the club for you! Youth ranging from age 5-18 participate in everything from Dairy Bowl, Dairy Judging, and Showing to fundraising and public awareness. This group conducts most of its meetings and business at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County office and is always looking for new members.

Club Leader: Allison Widrick

Livestock Club

Goats, Sheep, and Beef oh My! The Jefferson County Livestock Club is always looking for new members to spread a positive message about the animal industry. This livestock club includes kids with all different skill levels and ages. The livestock club meets at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County office usually once a month to plan and execute activities relating to their furry or wooly companions.

Club Co-Leaders: John Anderson & Melissa Thomas

Peeps and Squeaks

This club focuses on rabbits, poultry, and cavies (guinea pigs). The club meets once a month at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County office to present their animal-based projects and have a great time as a group. If you are looking for a club that focuses on small animals this is the club for you!

Club Co-Leaders: Erica & Logan Manning-Orvis

Trail of Friends

A horse club that Jefferson County is lucky to have! This fantastic club conducts meetings and events right at their stable, Hobby Horse Riding in Glen Park, NY. Contact the office for more information because we all know a horse is a horse, of course of course, and you are never too early to start riding. The Trail of Friends 4-H Club is not accepting new members at this time.

Club Leader: Andrea Reed

4-H Mission Makers

The School Age Center on Fort Drum hosts the Viper’s 4-H Club. The before and after school program offers a variety of projects that the students can choose to participate in. Some of the projects and programs that the students participate in: Animal Club, Dance Club, Cooking Club, Sports Clubs, Photography Club and Lego Robotics (STEM) Clubs. The staff at the School Age Center is trained in positive youth development and offers projects the students voice an interest in.

Club Leader: Kara Coon

4-H Trailblazers

4-H Trailblazers are based at the Youth Center, which is located next door to the School Age Center. The staff are trained in positive youth development and the students are encouraged to give voice to the programming they would like to see. The 4-H Trailblazers focus is about development of leadership in the students that participate as well as community service and citizenship events. These students also participate and learn about cooking, especially regarding various ethnicities and cultures. There is a strong interest in the arts: music, photography, art, theater, and dance as well.

Club Leader: Kara Coon

Jr K9 Handlers Sit, Stay Fit

This club focuses on teaching youth to become a responsible owner/handler team. They will learn many aspects of dog training and dog sports, such as obedience, scent work, rally, grooming, handling, and more. Youth can also compete in competitive dog sports and county fairs. We encourage youth to set goals, commit, manage time, and master critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving skills. We meet weekly with a professional trainer and at local hiking trails. This club is not accepting new members at this time.

Club Co-Leaders: Angela McCabe, Virginia Studdert, and Cristy Vaughn

Lucky Clovers 4-H Club

You would be lucky to be a member in this club! Club members get first-hand experience in the dairy industry, as well as the maple syrup industry. They participate in dairy bowl, sewing, cooking, and public presentations. This club is not accepting new members at this time.

Club Leader: Alison Widrick

More Than Hooves

Just what kind of hooves do you wonder? More than just hooves are involved with this club! These club members mostly work with llamas and alpacas, but also learn about dogs, horses, poultry, and gardening. Every year they have a big display of their projects at the country fair to show that they are more than just hooves!

Club Leader: Betsy Ring

Timeless Textiles

This club focuses on all textile projects! This club is open to all youth ages 6-18 and meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia, NY. Youth can look forward to learning how to hand-sew, how to use a sewing machine, how to crochet and knit, and more! If you are crafty, looking to learn how to sew, or just looking to build new skills, this club is for you! This club is not accepting new members at this time.

Club Leader: Linda Elcsisin

4-H Shooting Sports (Air Rifle)

This club is in partnership with the Alexandrian Bay Legion Post 904 Jr Shooting Sports Program and provides youth an environment to learn safe handling and use of an Air Rifle. The program provides opportunities for youth to compete in NRA and CMP competitions, as well as learn the fundamentals of the NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Programs.

Club Co-Leaders: Mary McNut, William McNut Jr., and Richard Drake

Wildwood S of Broken Arrow Ranch

This club is a split-off from the club in St. Lawrence County but still operates as one big club. Our club is excited to be a part of Jefferson Counties 4-H program and excited for the opportunities ahead! If you are interested in horses and equine education, this club is for you!

4-H Canine Connections of Jefferson County

Canine Connections is a 4-H club focused on responsible dog ownership, canine education, and career exploration. The goal is to help kids build life skills while learning how to properly care for, train, and work with dogs-whether they own one or not!

Club Leader: Michaela Stephens

Jolene Mesch, 13, presents her steer for sale at the 4-H Livestock Program’s annual auction, run by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County.

Students standing behind a table with goodie baskets filled with activities

BJM students created playground models to accompany their presentations.

Members of the Saratoga County archery club practice at the county's 4-H Training Center on Aug. 29

horses stand with their heads poking out of their stalls

4-H Continuity for Military Children

Military life often means frequent moves, but 4-H provides consistent, high-quality youth development programs across the country. Whether a child is just starting a 4-H project or continuing one after a move, they can stay engaged, build skills, and find a sense of routine and stability through 4-H. At Fort Drum, chartered 4-H clubs operate within the School Age Centers (grades K–6) and Teen Programs (grades 7–12), in partnership with CYS. Youth can explore a wide range of projects focused on life skills, leadership, arts, health, STEM, and more. Programs are tailored to their interests and support personal growth and resilience. Staff on-post receive ongoing 4-H youth development training from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, which also supports the creation of new clubs in both installation and community settings.

For grades K–6, visit the School Age Center
For grades 7–12, visit the Youth Center

youth using shaker box for feed analysis

Great Outdoor Ag-venture Day

This is a new educational experience combining our previously known AG Extravaganza and Farm and Home Safety Day’s. This event is for fourth & fifth graders in Jefferson County and is held in October. The objective of the program is to help students and teachers learn about agriculture and natural resources in the North Country.

Students will rotate through a series of hands-on stations throughout the day and interact with presenters to learn about topics such as dairy, honey and maple production, identifying wild edible plants, fishing, and more! The Great Outdoor Ag-venture Day is a team effort of individuals from CCE and the agricultural community.

Student Government

Student Government is designed to give high school Juniors and Seniors hands-on experience with civic engagement and a greater understanding of county and state government. Students will meet their County Legislator and attend a county meeting, visit a variety of county departments, and hear from representatives of the US Senate, Congress, NYS Senate, and NYS Assembly, as well as local town and city representatives.

Contact Sabrina DeRue at sld95 [at] cornell.edu (sld95[at]cornell[dot]edu) for more information.

Dairyland Festival and Parade

This is an annual event held on the first Friday of June each year, because June is dairy month! The festival is from 9 am – 2 pm and is open for Pre-K and Elementary School students in Jefferson County, as well as the general public. With most children being several generations separated from the farming lifestyle, it is crucial that our youth experience one of Jefferson Counties major industries: agriculture!

Attendees can sample local dairy products (cheese, cheese curd, milk, ice cream, yogurt), visit animal stations, see farm equipment/technology, milk a “cow”, interact with the dairy princess court, and play games!

4-H Livestock Auction

The auction is an opportunity for youth of 4-H age to raise animals starting early in the year and bring them to auction at the County Fair. Animals include beef, sheep, goats and swine.

Keep browsing for more information!

4-H Bicycle Safety Program

The goal of this program is to provide youth with traffic safety education, alongside utilizing the National 4-H curriculum to demonstrate bicycle use, repairs and safety.

Contact Amy Zukas at asw247 [at] cornell.edu (asw247[at]cornell[dot]edu) for more information.

Community Gardens

Give youth a hands-on way to engage with their neighborhoods while learning valuable life skills. Through planting, tending, and harvesting flowers, vegetables, and herbs, participants explore science, environmental stewardship, and nutrition while contributing to their community.

Contact Cierra Williams at clw247 [at] cornell.edy (clw247[at]cornell[dot]ed)u for more information.

4-H Youth