Monroe County 4-H Youth Development

10/09/2026

Did you know that it isn't really that complicated to be a 4-H leader? We'd love to start up a dog club--we've had several inquiries lately! And we know there is interest in archery and gardening! All we need is a few more volunteers. You don't need to be an expert--just someone who enjoys young people and wants to make a difference. We'll be here to support you all along the way!

Most leaders spend 2-4 hours per month on 4-H, and most clubs meet monthly. In addition to topic-specific clubs, youth can belong to a "general interest" club where members try all kinds of activities and learn about a wide variety of topics!

Let us know what questions you have! Enrollment for new members is open now through the end of the year so it's the perfect time to sign up!

10/08/2026

This week, we are celebrating adults and youth who love 4-H! Did you participate in 4-H programs as a young person? Are you a volunteer or staff member today? What was the impact of 4-H for you? Share your story (and maybe your pictures?) with us today.

10/07/2026

We partner with Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES to collaborate on their Agriculture program for high school juniors and seniors and today was an unusual day! Cornell Vegetable Program staff member Lori Koenick visited class on-site to help students inoculate mushrooms. Students embraced the challenge impressively well and got a w**e cap mushroom bed set up in record time! The process includes laying down layers of cardboard, woodchips, straw, mushroom spores, more straw, and more mulch. And then lots of water! This bed likely won't "fruit" until spring but will hopefully be quite productive!

Students also got to try another method of mushroom inoculation--starting with blocks. Students buried pre-inoculated blocks in a mound of woodchips, and these mushrooms will hopefully fruit in about 2 weeks. Varieties used today included Black Pearl Oyster, Grey Dove Oyster, King Oyster, and Chestnut mushrooms.

Stay tuned for pictures!

10/05/2026

Happy National 4-H Week! This week we are celebrating the difference 4-H makes for youth today and tomorrow. We'd love to hear from YOU! If you are alumni, volunteers, extension educators, or youth, let us know how 4-H has made a difference for you.

10/02/2026

What if there isn't a club that meets your interests or isn't in a location that's convenient for you? Reach out to us about starting your own club! It's a lot easier than you think! We also have many 4-H families who participate on their own. You can still benefit from 4-H projects, events, and programs even if you don't regularly meet with a club. Reach out to us today for more info. 𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞!
https://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development

09/30/2026

Being a 4-H leader is incredibly rewarding! Your biggest job is helping young people find their SPARK! What's their passion? What do they find fun, interesting, engaging, and exciting?

With young members, a leader's role is often to provide new and engaging experiences. As youth grow older, a leader guides young people as they follow their own passions and set their own goals.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can make a difference leading a 4-H club.

09/30/2026

🎉 Happy National Chewing Gum Day!

🍬 Humans have used chewing gum for over 5,000 years. They may have chewed it for enjoyment, to stave off hunger, or to freshen their breath much like we do today. The sources used to make gum resulted in minty and sweet chewable globs of wax or sap resin that fulfilled the human urge to gnaw. They were unlikely to produce glossy, pink bubbles worthy of jealous pokes from siblings. However, waking up with it stuck in your hair was still a possibility!

🍬 Various forms of chewing gum have existed since the Neolithic period. In 2007, a British archaeology student discovered a 5,000-year-old piece of chewing gum made from bark tar with tooth imprints in it. Presumed to be the oldest piece of chewing gum, the discovery took place in Kierikki, Yli-li, Finland. Made from bark tar, scientists believed the gum to have antiseptic properties and other medicinal advantages. Many other cultures chewed gum made from the resin of the mastic tree, from plants, grasses, and other resins.

🎉 Were you surprised by the connects between plants and this fun and silly treat?? So join our team in celebrating the connection between chewing gum and agriculture by popping a few bubbles yourself today!

09/30/2026

🎉 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐮𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲!

🍬 Humans have used chewing gum for over 5,000 years. They may have chewed it for enjoyment, to stave off hunger, or to freshen their breath much like we do today. The sources used to make gum resulted in minty and sweet chewable globs of wax or sap resin that fulfilled the human urge to gnaw. They were unlikely to produce glossy, pink bubbles worthy of jealous pokes from siblings. However, waking up with it stuck in your hair was still a possibility!

🍬 Various forms of chewing gum have existed since the Neolithic period. In 2007, a British archaeology student discovered a 5,000-year-old piece of chewing gum made from bark tar with tooth imprints in it. Presumed to be the oldest piece of chewing gum, the discovery took place in Kierikki, Yli-li, Finland. Made from bark tar, scientists believed the gum to have antiseptic properties and other medicinal advantages. Many other cultures chewed gum made from the resin of the mastic tree, from plants, grasses, and other resins.

🎉 Were you surprised by the connects between plants and this fun and silly treat?? So join our team in celebrating the connection between chewing gum and agriculture by popping a few bubbles yourself today!

09/29/2026

Did you know you can do 4-H projects, participate in county and state events, and be a 4-H member without a club??

Clubs are super fun, but if we don't currently have a club that fits your interests or doesn't meet close enough to home, you can still do 4-H!

In 4-H, you can participate in projects, learn how to set a goal and achieve it, and level up with events run by our county, region, and beyond. And you'll make friends all along the way.

Enrollment opens this Thursday!

09/29/2026

Upcoming event! We want to start a teen council! We are holding an interest meeting this Thursday evening to brainstorm ideas and make plans. And to accommodate our busy teens, we are shifting this meeting to zoom! Register below to receive the link.

Are you interested in connecting with other 4-Hers your age? Ready to make big decisions and choose the way forward? Do you feel like 4-H could be even more than it is now?? We want to start up a Teen Council, and we need you to make it happen! We're holding an interest meeting to brain...