Cornell Cooperative Extension appreciates diversity, values volunteerism, and partners with community organizations and schools to make a difference for youth, families, and communities.

For more information see Join 4-H.

The 4-H Pledge
I pledge
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My Health to better living,
For my Club, my Community,
My Country, and my World.

How big should a club be?
This depends on the age of the members, where they meet and the leadership available. The average club in Chautauqua County usually has five to ten members and two or three leaders. All new clubs are encouraged to start small and increase in size when the club leaders feel comfortable.

What about officers?
4-H clubs may have officers. The 4-H Office provides helpful materials and a county-wide training for presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, news reporters, recreation leaders, and historians. The club format is an excellent vehicle for leadership development!

How much does it cost?
$10.00 per member. The fee covers insurance, newsletter and other notices. If a club wants money for activities, it participates in and county-wide cookie sale fundraiser and/or charges dues. Dues may not be used to keep someone from joining 4-H.

Is there more to the club experience?
Yes! Opportunities abound for 4-Hâ??ers to expand their experiences through countywide programs. These programs provide higher levels of learning and achievement. The programs also offer opportunities to meet youth throughout the county, the region, the state and the nation!

What types of clubs are there?
Community Clubs: Caring adult leaders make use of 4-H curricula, resources and training to provide informal hands on experiential learning opportunities for youth.

Cloverbud Clubs: Are special groups for members 5-8 years. Specific curricula and projects have been designed to meet the developmental needs of our youngest members.

How do I get started?
Contact the 4-H Office at 664-9502 x214 or cmh21@cornell.edu to get a volunteer application.

CCE CHAUTAUQUA AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM
In early 2007, we have reached more than 1,300 individuals who are involved with agriculture, which includes 750 farms. These individuals receive education and/or information three-to-four times per year.

Small Farms Discussion Group meetings provided key information to individuals across the County, who otherwise have not participated in Extension Programs.

Coordinated a grant among eight large farm businesses to conduct Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training for 32 farm owners and employees. Producers requested this training to comply with changing Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Organized and facilitated production seminars providing agricultural producers with the latest in technologies and management techniques.

CCE CHAUTAUQUA 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
-179 children participated in leadership training opportunities and activities, such as Junior Superintendent positions at this year’s County Fair.

-899 students from 16 schools participated in this year’s Conservation Field Days which informed students on a variety of environmental topics.

-150 community members participated in community activities to increase knowledge in leadership, home economics, agriculture and/or conservation.

-39 children participated in Career Exploration opportunities to experience and learn more about specific careers.

-18 children participated in local, state and national competitions to demonstrate their knowledge, skill and confidence in key subject areas.

-123 adults served as a volunteer leaders in a variety of 4-H Youth Development committees and clubs.

CCE CHAUTAUQUA RECYCLING PROGRAM
School Programs- DEC poster contest, Go Green Initiative, and Abitibi Paper Recycling. Many schools are now recycling and participating in one or more programs through Cornell. Brocton Central has recently registered as the areas first “Go Green School.”

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) – Assist in the advertising and coordination of 5 HHW collections within Chautauqua & Cattaraugus Counties to collect hazardous chemicals and electronics from residents, keeping them out of the landfill and away from pets and children.

Gus Macker Recycling – Coordinated the collection of plastic and cardboard for recycling at the June, 2007 Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Jamestown, which collected over 1.5 tons of material.

Compost – Promote composting with local Garden Clubs and Master Gardeners through educational materials, workshops, sale of home composters, and compost giveaways. Over 700 cubic yards were given away to approximately 180 residents, including an Amish Family with a buggy.

Energy Education – Held three workshops on energy conservation for the public. Conducted an Alternative Energy Workshop in March 2007 with professional speakers on solar, wind, biofuels, and home energy conservation through a grant from Cornell University.

CCE CHAUTAUQUA FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES/FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM
CCE Community Nutrition Educators, in partnership with the Department of Social Services and County agencies, have helped 561 low-income families with children improve their eating habits, food shopping skills, food safety practices and money management.

CCE provides public health nutrition to Chautauqua County residents through news media, community presentations (28) and individual requests for information.

CCE provides a link to Cornell University’s nutrition researchers through programs aimed at breast cancer risk reduction and obesity control.

CCE is a partner in Steps to a Healthier New York, Partners for Prevention, and the Strengthening Fathers Initiative.

CCE CHAUTAUQUA CHILD DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING PROGRAM
Our program is responsible for conducting monthly training meetings, coordination and development of training programs, and the production and distribution of the quarterly training calendar.

Partnering with Success By 6 and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, we assisted in conducting a series of free workshops for parents called “Parent University.” These workshops, were broadcasted live through BOCES’ Distant Learning System.

In May 2007, CCE co- sponsored the first-ever Child Care Networking Conference to provide a “one-stop” shop for training child care providers.

A public forum that brought together child care leaders, providers and educators was held to discuss how we can work together to ensure that the child care needs of our community are met.

National 4-H Council (www.fourhcouncil.edu)

4-H in the USA (www.4h-usa.org)

Cornell University: Department of Animal Science (www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/youth.html)

New York State 4-H Foundation (www.cce.cornell.edu/4H/Foundation)

By combining project activities with opportunities to go to camp, publicly show their work, travel, and meet new people, 4-H provides a framework on which young people can build self-confidence, responsibility, and generosity.

Becoming a member:
Becoming a member in 4-H can take you places you have never been before! 4-H members make new friends, learn new things and gain new skills that will last a lifetime. If you are between 5 and 19 years of age you can become a 4-H member. Email our office cmh21@cornell.edu for more information or call us at (716)664-9502 x 214 M-F 8:00-4:30 pm. We'd love to hear from you.

What will I do in 4-H?
4-H members choose projects that interest them. There are more than 150 4-H projects to choose from. Members attend regular meetings, be involved in public speaking and community service activities, or serve as a club officer. They may also want to participate in county events such as 4-H Presentation Day, 4-H Fashion Revue or the Chautauqua County Fair.

How much does it cost to join 4-H?
Joining 4-H clubs costs very little â?? only $10/year for each member. Individual clubs may charge dues to cover expenses, and some project areas, such as photography and livestock, may require a small investment for supplies and equipment. Clubs can raise funds through the annual 4-H Cookie Sale.

When I join 4-H, do my parents have to become leaders?
Parents don't have to become 4-H leaders when you join 4-H, but most leaders appreciate the assistance of parents or other adults. This help can range from being a project leader, to driving members to activities, to supplying refreshments for a meeting.