4-H Youth Development
Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County's 4-H Youth Development program provides fun, experiential learning opportunities to help young people grow to be healthy, happy, contributing global citizens.
In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are the local branch of America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
Join CCESC staff and volunteers in making the best better by contributing to the Sullivan County 4-H Youth Development program!
About 4-H
4-H is a worldwide youth development program available in every state and over eighty countries. It is open to all youth aged 5-to-19, who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. In return, youth who participate in 4-H find a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or "experiential" learning about things that interest them. They also get what all young people need to succeed in life--the confidence, compassion and connections with caring adults to make contributions to their communities. The mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development is to unleash the power of youth and adults through diverse opportunities that meet community needs.
Nationally 4-H is a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. The 4-H community also includes 3,500 staff, 518,000 volunteers and 60 million alumni. 4-H'ers participate in fun, hands-on learning activities, supported by the latest research of land-grant universities, that are focused on three areas:
Mission Mandates
Citizenship - Civic engagement is the broadest mission mandate; it incorporates youth voice, leadership, respect, history, community youth development, SET, and Healthy Lifestyles.
Healthy Lifestyles - "Choose Health" is an initiative of the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program intended to help all of us confront and take action to change the statistics of childhood obesity. This link includes project resources, promotional materials, and more!
Science, Engineering and Technology- Kids who participate in science activities outside of the classroom are more likely to be comfortable with science. This link takes you to numerous 4-H Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects that give families science enrichment opportunities and connect kids to Cornell’s science outreach programs.
Learn More!
Find out more about the history of 4-H and what it can offer you by visiting the other pages on this site, then get in touch with a local 4-H staff person today! We're looking forward to welcoming you to 4-H in our county!
4-H Clubs & FAQs
4-H clubs provide a wide variety of opportunities for young people aged 5-to-19. More than 300 youth are enrolled in our 4-H club program, in groups that are as varied as your imagination.
Members of 4-H clubs are learning about environmental issues, veterinary medicine, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), shooting sports, sewing skills, healthy lifestyles, animal showmanship, and having fun in the process!
If youth have a hobby or interest that they would like to explore, and enjoy being with friends, join a 4-H club where members learn something new while having fun, improving communication and leadership skills, and serving their community. If there isn't already a 4-H club that meets your needs, our 4-H staff can help a parent or adult volunteer organize and support a club.
FAQs
What are 4-H clubs?
Five or more children ages 5 to 19, along with their parents and/or other supportive adults, meet with a 4-H staff person to form a 4-H club. Each club will design a program of projects and activities that will provide fun learning experiences and blend with the interests of that club. Youth involved in 4-H clubs gain self esteem, leadership ability, and more important social as well as practical skills. Parents and/or other adults teach these projects at club meetings usually held twice a month.
How do you get a 4-H group started?
You need at least 5 young people ages 5 to 19 and adult leaders who are willing to help. A staff member is available to meet with you to get you started, or you can attend one of our volunteer orientation nights. Check with the CCESC office for upcoming trainings.
How much does it cost?
4-H membership is currently free but nominal fees may incur in the future to cover program costs. Project material cost vary along with the interest of the members. Staff members provide guidance to clubs, as needed, to ensure that members have a rewarding, fun, educational experience
How much time is involved?
Whatever you choose for your child. 4-H is not a “drop-off” program. A 4-H club is something you do with your child. Parents play an active role as project leaders. Clubs generally meet twice a month for about two hours each meeting. Children that want a broader experience can opt to be involved in a county-wide or higher level program.
Public Presentations
4-H Public Presentations is a program in which youth learn to create a presentation and develop the skills needed to present it before an audience. They learn about the research process and the steps needed to organize information into an interesting and creative presentation.
Youth learn about the varied purposes of presentations and how to tailor their presentations appropriately to fit their intentions. Beginners are encouraged to select simple topics with which they are extremely comfortable, so that the presentation process is the focus of their learning without the stress of learning about an unfamiliar topic.
As youth progress and grow each year, they are challenged to try one of the more difficult types of presentations, to use more advanced technology in their presentations where appropriate, and to venture into unfamiliar topics or presentation styles.