LIVINGSTON COUNTY 4-H LOOKING TO GROW MEMBERSHIP IN NEW YEAR!

The Livingston County 4-H Program is looking to grow their membership to more than 300 youth for the 2020-2021 Program Year.

While COVID-19 limited in person programming this past year, 4-H educators worked diligently to provide members with the best experience possible. Programs and events that were previously held in person were adjusted and offered virtually instead. As restrictions on gatherings lifted, programs were offered in multiple formats (in person and remote) to accommodate family preference.

Families have been appreciative of Livingston County 4-H staff for providing a wide variety of programming to members during such a difficult year. The hands-on activities keep youth engaged and learning while also providing a way to connect with friends.

“Hands-on learning is at the core of the 4-H experience,” said 4-H Educator Renee Hopkins. “With a little more preparation and creativity on our part, we are able to bring the hands-on experience to life – even in a remote format.”

Moving forward, the Livingston County 4-H staff will continue to offer programming in multiple formats. Plans are also in the works for additional activities that families will enjoy! If the pandemic requires the cancellation of in-person gatherings, program staff are ready to make the necessary adjustments.

“Through trial and error this year, we’ve learned how to keep our events lively and fun. We are ready to move programming back to remote-only should the COVID situation change,” said Hopkins.

Popular activities include Activity Nights (offered monthly), Produced in New York Food Demonstrations, Public Presentations, Clothing Fiber Arts Revue, Horse Bowl & Hippology, Horse Camp, the 4-H Livestock Auction, and the Hemlock Fair.

Enrollment is now open and runs through June 1^st. The cost to enroll in the program is $15 per child or $40 for 3+ siblings. New member paperwork is available on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Livingston County website at http://ccelivingstoncounty.org/4-h-youth/joining-4-h-2.

For more information on joining the Livingston County 4-H Program, please contact 4-H Educator Renee Hopkins at rh445@cornell.edu or 585-991-5444.