News from the Noteworthy from Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties

Building a Ready Generation in a World of Change

October 7-12 is National 4-H Week. the theme of which is “Beyond Ready.” According to 4-H.org, “Building a ready generation in a world of change, 4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. Becoming ‘Beyond Ready’ encompasses opportunities and experiences, connections, and discovery, shaping youth into their true and authentic selves.”

The 4-H Positive Youth Development Program focuses on being productive, healthy and engaged. 4-H enables youth to shine both now and in the future, and has proven to instill confidence and resiliency. Dedicated to empowering youth in both body and mind, 4-H relies on scientifically backed studies and programming that drive youth forward so they can be prepared for anything. 4-H embraces diversity in people, careers and perspectives. Every child is valuable and deserves the support and freedom to choose their own path. We believe in the potential of all youth and strive to let their talents flourish.

“National 4-H Week is a time for 4-H members and clubs to share their love of 4-H with others and recruit new members,” according to Teresa Adell, Otsego County 4-H program educator.

Some Otsego County 4-H clubs are creating window and outdoor displays to promote their club and projects. The Otsego County 4-H program holds information nights in both the Oneonta and Cooperstown offices during the months of October and November. Youth with their parents/guardians can attend these events to learn more about 4-H and how to join.

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. 4-H grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.

4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. The research-backed 4-H experience is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries.

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Schoharie and Otsego Counties’ Otsego County 4-H Positive Youth Development Program has more than 200 members (ages 5-19) and 17 4-H Clubs. Members of Otsego County 4-H build leadership skills by working on projects such as healthy lifestyles, agriculture, civic engagement and STEM. Some 4-H members participate in public presentations and many exhibit at the Otsego County Fair. 4-H membership categories include Cloverbuds, Club Members and Independent Members.

Otsego County’s 4-H program enlists volunteers as organizational or independent club leaders; project and activity leaders; project and public presentation evaluators; to serve on 4-H committees for programs including the livestock auction and the Earn-An-Animal Program; fair superintendents; and those with experience in program areas including livestock, dairy, dog, and horse, STEM, shooting sports, consumer and family science, and plant, environmental, and outdoor sciences. Currently, more than 80 adult 4-H volunteers help the Otsego County 4-H Positive Youth Development Program to give young people access to opportunity.

For information about CCESOC’s Otsego County 4-H Positive Youth Development Program, contact Teresa Adell, Otsego County 4-H program educator, at (607) 547-2536 extension 225, (607) 433-2521 or e-mail tla47@cornell.edu.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal employment opportunities. Liz Callahan is the executive director of CCESOC.