The name 4-H conjures up different pictures for different people. To some, a vision of 4-H may be "cows and cooking" while to others, 4-H may be "science and service". Whatever your vision, 4-H is about people, both youth and adults.

4-H is education for life! The 4-H Youth Development Program is experience-centered, not just information giving. This enables youth to adapt what they learn to everyday life through action and reflection. 4-H gives youth the opportunity to experience a sense of accomplishment and success, key ingredients to gaining a sense of self-esteem.

That is why the 4-H Program, in our region and in New York State, is adding new pictures to the vision of 4-H. Now you can envision:

• 4-H activities happening in an after or before school child care setting;
• A group of children, in a short-term program, learning about the right foods to eat;
• A group of youth dedicated to the environment and community service through community gardening;
• A classroom teacher using 4-H curriculum to enrich their daily lesson-plans.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach to enable youth to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to become competent, caring, and contributing citizens of the world. This mission is accomplished by using the knowledge and resources of the land grant university system, along with the involvement of caring adults.

4-H reaches youth through a variety of methods:

• 4-H Family Programming
• 4-H School-Enrichment Programs
• 4-H Camping Programs
• 4-H Community Organizational Clubs

In our region, 4-H looks something like this…

4-H Families - Our Program offers children and their family ways to explore topics and events at a level of involvement that meets their busy schedules. Youth ages 5-19 may join 4-H as an individual member and participate in activities of their choice. This option offers families greater flexibility to become involved in 4-H without joining an existing 4-H Club in their community.

Community-based Clubs- An adult volunteer leader starts a 4-H club in his or her neighborhood with some local children. The club selects one or more projects. The group usually meets about once a month or more often at the leader's home, county 4-H office or center, or other convenient location(s).

In-school/After School Programs- A teacher or another interested adult conducts a club meeting at a designated time during class. The teacher might select 4-H projects that are relevant to the class and subject(s) being taught, or offer a project "just for fun."

Professional Development- The 4-H office will help an individual, agency, or organization with resource material regarding youth development, within the limits of time, staff, and mission of the 4-H program.

4-H Program & Activities

Family Enrollment Form

Group Enrollment Form

Volunteer

Resources for Leaders, Parents & Teachers

Just for YOUth, sponsored by 4-H Suffolk County!

4-H Newsletter

4-H New York State

4-H Staff

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