(Watertown, NY – July 2014) With the close of another successful Jefferson County Fair, it was also a record year for Jefferson County 4-H youth.
This Year 140 4-H youth participated in a wide verity of events and competitions ranging from Special and Unique projects ranging from Non-Animal Competitions to showing cows, horses, sheep, llamas, ducks and smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
The county fair is an important event for Jefferson County 4-H youth as it marks the close out for the year and they showcase all the projects they have worked on throughout the year, in hopes of representing Jefferson County at the State Fair.
“We here at Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County are over joyed at how poised and professional our county’s youth were throughout the whole week of fair,” said Margaret M. Smith, 4-H club Management and Animal Science Educator. “You can just see the passion flowing out of our 4-H youth when they talk to the public about their projects or Animals. Their poised and professional demeanor is outstanding and it is shared throughout all the age ranges of our counties 4-H youth.”
4-H is a National Organization for both boys are girls ages 5-19 that offers a wide variety of research based projects and actives that will peak and perfect our youth’s interest in a variety of field that will lead them to have successful futures. Cornell Cooperative Extension educators utilize 4-H curriculums at area after-school programs, with local and regional military youth, and at 4-H Camp Wabasso.
Locally, 4-H clubs are also spread across the county and range in areas of interest including: dairy, livestock, small animals, horses, dogs and much more.
“I love that my kids are involved in a culture with real values that educates them about their world, their environment, and their food source,” said Michelle Stevens, a 4-H leader and 4-H mother.
Studies confirm it. 4-H members are likely to excel in school, lead their peers and give to their communities. A connection to land grant Universities and proven strategies for outreach attract 458,000 youth annually in NYS and 7 million nationally. This is why Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County works in area communities, schools and on Fort Drum to enhance the lives of area youth and families.
The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, learn-by-doing experiences encourages youth to experiment, innovate, and think independently. Youth learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills through more than 1,000 projects with topics as varied as rocketry, GPS mapping, DNA analysis, public speaking, photography, nutrition, and community service. In addition, access to Cornell’s resources gives young people an opportunity to make connections for college and beyond.
There are many opportunities for area youth to participate in programs and clubs centered around 4-H and the 4-H community. If you are interested in having your child join 4-H or even to learn more contact Maggie Smith at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County Association at 315-788-8450.