Columbia County
Greene County

4-H Clubs

4-H is an opportunity for boys and girls in grades k-12 to learn and develop life skills that may assist them in becoming responsible adults. 4-H is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Projects are based on research and knowledge from Cornell University, other land-grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

How Does One Join 4-H?

Youth must be 5 to 19 years old in the current calendar year. There is a nominal fee of $15 per child (maximum $30 per family) to join 4-H; in addition some local 4-H clubs have dues. 4-H is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, color, gender or place of residence. Contact us to see if there is room in a club near you – 828-3346x203 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

4-H Clubs

A 4-H club must have 5 or more members from at least three different families. It must meet at least six times during the club year (October 1 through September 30). 4-H clubs may meet at any convenient location. Some 4-H clubs meet in the leader’s or members’ homes, others meet in a central place such as a school, church or community room. 4-H clubs usually do the following: project work, business meetings, recreation or social activities and community service. Countywide activities and events supplement the 4-H club program. These include: animal quiz bowls and clinics, clothing revue, public presentations, contests, achievement night, county fair, leadership opportunities, career exploration trips and citizenship trips.

Who Can Be a 4-H Leader?

Parents and other interested adults who are willing to volunteer a part of their time and skills by sharing their abilities with youth are invited to be 4-H leaders. Interested adults may contact us at 828-3346x203 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You will be sent a volunteer application packet to be completed and returned to the CCE office. A 4-H Program Educator will contact you and help you start your club. You will beexpected to attend new leader orientation and will be invited to subject matter trainings. 4-H Educators are also available to assist you with any of your questions or needs. The 4-H Youth Connection newsletter and 4-H Club Update meetings keep leaders, parents and members informed.

"How many leaders should a 4-H Club have?" is a question that has been asked frequently. That depends on the size of the club and how old members are. At least two are recommended. A club may have "project leaders". They usually have a special interest or skill such as photography, clothing, gardening, etc. that is taught to the club members. Organizational leaders coordinate meetings & paper work.

What are 4-H Projects?

A 4-H project is a planned series of learning experiences through which youth develop knowledge, skills and/or attitudes. 4-H projects always teach the "whys" as well as the "hows". 4-H projects can be done individually or as a group.

What is Expected of a 4-H Parent?

Since a 4-H leader is a volunteer who is there because of their interest and love for youth, your support for your child and the club's activities is very helpful. Basic support can come in the form of seeing that your child is properly prepared for each meeting, has transportation to and from the meeting place, and completes any activities that are to be done at home.

What other ways can a 4-H parent help?

Volunteer to hold meetings or parties at your house. Offer to provide transportation to an event for a group of members. Send refreshments if they are a part of the meeting plan. Help 4-H members organize their community service project or social activity. Lead a 4-H project – many resource curriculum are available from our CCE office. Let the leader know that you are willing to help in any capacity. Then, be sure to be available.

For information about joining a 4-H Club or starting your own, please contact Linda Tripp, 4-H Youth Development Issue Leader 518-828-3346 X 203 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Local 4-H Members Meet State Legislators During 77^th 4-H Capital Days

A delegation representing thousands of 4-H members in New York State met with their representatives in Albany March 4-6 for the 77^th annual 4-H Capital Days event. The 130 teens represent 4-H members from every county in the state and borough in New York City.

During this year's event, 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and staff met with leaders in state government, members of the court system and officials from a variety of state agencies. In addition, they were able to observe a working session of the state legislature and talk with their representatives.

Member of the Assembly, Addie J. Jones, welcomed the teens on Sunday night and gave them tips about speaking with their legislators. Member of the Assembly, Stephen Hawley, discussed the legislative process with the 4­-H'ers. The participants learned about the importance of personal civic engagement with  Assemblyman Peter D. Lopez.

Delegates learned about career opportunities in government as they heard presentations by state agencies, participated in discussion sessions, and visited with their Legislators. They also had the opportunity to tour the capitol and visit the Corning Tower and State Museum.

Representing Columbia and Greene Counties were Angela Porreca and Carly Horton. Angela is the daughter of Larry and Janet Porreca. They live in the Town of Kinderhook where Angela is homeschooled. Angela is a member of the Columbia Clovers 4-H Club and the Thespian Clover Production 4-H Club. Carly is the daughter of Jim and Beth Horton. They live in the town of Catskill where Carly attends Cairo-Durham High School.  Carly is a member of the Gardening Pirates 4-H Club. Beth Horton, 4-H Youth Development Educator, accompanied the delegates.

Angela and Carly especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet with their own NYS representatives during the annual 4-H legislative breakfast on Tuesday morning. They shared their 4-H stories with Senator Saland and Senator Seward as well as Assemblyman McLaughlin.

The New York State Association of Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educators sponsors the 4-H Capital Days program. For more information regarding 4-H contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties at 828-3346.

As the youth serving organization of Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Youth Development actively involves youth in opportunities that help them learn to lead, build their communities, and connect with each other.  The Statewide 4-H Capital Days program is an annual event organized to meet this mission.