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Dear Families,

Welcome to the Chemung County 4-H Program. We appreciate that you have chosen to become involved in a program that creates close bonds between members, their families, and leaders. As a member of the 4-H family, you will have an opportunity to meet new people, try new things, learn leadership, citizenship, and build life skills.

Chemung County 4-H has many amazing volunteers helping to make the 4-H program a success. However, your involvement in the 4-H program and 4-H projects is critical to your child’s success. Families help youth establish goals, work toward those goals, develop a sense of achievement and communicate effectively about what they have done. You do make a difference and we are glad to have you in our program.

Please take a few minutes to review the information found in our Family Guide. This guide will help you to better understand the unique educational and social opportunities that 4-H can provide for your whole family. Reading and understanding this guide will ensure for a successful 4-H experience for both your children and yourself.

Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions. Have a great year!

Sincerely,
Garrett Fenton
4-H Resource Educator

Elaine Noble
4-H Community Educator

The 4-H Club – What is it?

A 4-H Club is an organized group of at least five youth from three different families who meet regularly with adult volunteers or staff for a long-term, progressive series of educational experiences.

A 4-H club is an informal, educational youth opportunity, which serves as a “hands-on” laboratory for helping youth grow in any or all of the following ways:

• Learning how to make thoughtful decisions
• Developing a zest and skill for lifelong learning
• Learning positive socialization skills by working in a group and as part of a team
• Improving their communication skills
• Learning and using practical technical skills
• Acquiring confidence and a positive attitude toward self
• Enhancing citizenship skills by developing an awareness and involvement in their community
• Developing leadership and teamwork skills
• Exploring possible vocations and careers
• Learning to manage time wisely and set priorities
• Interacting with adults who act as role models and have a positive influence on their lives
• Spending quality time with their parents in a mutually rewarding setting

Types of Clubs

Neighborhood 4-H Clubs are groups of youth that are usually led by parents/guardians. They meet in schools, churches, community centers, or homes to complete a variety of 4-H projects throughout the year. With the exception of a few countywide clubs, members are usually from the same community.

4-H School Clubs and After-School 4-H Clubs - When 4-H curricula are utilized within the classroom during regular school hours or in an after-school program outside of regular school hours the group of children who participate on a regular basis is considered to be a 4-H club. The classroom teacher and/or other resource people who teach the subject matter serve as club leaders.

Sponsored 4-H Clubs - A government agency, religious group or other youth serving organization may sponsor a 4-H club. Sponsored clubs usually meet at the agency’s facilities and are led by agency staff (paid and/or volunteer).

The Chemung County 4-H Family Guide

Youth Enrollment Form

Volunteer

Medical Release

NYS 4-H Club Leader Handbook

NYS 4-H Cloverbud Leader Handbook