4-H – a Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties

NYS 4-H works with young people in a variety of settings including schools, day camps, overnight camps, afterschool care, clubs, and other learning environments. Regardless of the environment, we rely on the experiential learning model in which learning takes place when youth experience, share, process, generalize, and apply a particular practice, idea, or piece of information. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

4-H Youth Development is part of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Research shows that NYS youth credit their 4-H clubs with making them better citizens, leaders, and communicators.  Research from Tufts University shows that 4-H youth are competent, confident, caring, and connected, and that they exhibit strong character. The Tufts study shows that 4-H’ers contribute more to their families and communities, achieve higher grades in school and are more likely to go to college than youth who are not in 4-H, or even youth who participate in other out-of-school programs. In addition, youth involved in 4-H lead healthier, more productive lives, are less likely to suffer from depression and are less likely to participate in risky behaviors like drinking and smoking.

To learn more about becoming part of 4-H check out our webpage at www.ccecolumbiagreene.org or contact Linda Tripp, 4-H Issue Leader at
518-318-1193 or Lke2@cornell.edu. 4-H clubs are being formed now, throughout Columbia and Greene Counties.
It is the perfect time to join with a partner and start your own 4-H club (minimum of five youth.)