| Sept 2025-May 2026 |
Walking Challenge |
Every time you take a walk, stroll in the city, or hike in the woods, let us know how far you walked and who walked with you! Send your steps to Kat Leo at kal64@cornell.edu for a chance at: PRIZES for longest individual walk, longest total miles, and more! Find a Geocache? Record your finds and WIN PRIZES |
| February 4-H Challenge |
4-H ART Challenge |
Art encourages self-expression and emotional awareness, giving youth a safe way to share thoughts and feelings they may not yet have words for. It builds confidence as youth make creative choices and see their ideas come to life. Through planning, experimenting, and revising, youth develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Art challenges also promote patience, perseverance, and focus, especially when projects take time to complete. When youth share their work, they strengthen communication skills and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives. Overall, art challenges help youth grow socially, emotionally, and creatively—key components of positive youth development and lifelong learning. Take a picture and share your art creation. Scan the QR code to send us your pictures/posts, and be eligible for a prize. MUST BE ENROLLED IN 4-H to be eligible for prizes UPLOAD PHOTOS HERE |
| 1st Monday of the Month 6pm CCE Office 18 Seward Ave, Middletown |
4-H Future Innovators County Club |
MUST LET US KNOW IF YOUR ATTENDING Youth and adults learn new skills together in a traditional 4-H club setting. The club will explore a variety of different project areas that are selected by the club members. The group meet once a month on Monday nights. For more information call the 4-H office at 845-344-1234 or email kal64@cornell.edu Ages 5-19 |
| 1st Monday of the Month 5:30pm Goshen Public Library (Community Room) 366 Main Street Goshen, NY 10924 |
4-H County Clover Bud Club |
BRIGHT BUDS This is a 4-H general interest club tailored to our younger members ages 5-7. This club allows members to participate in activities, complete projects and have community service opportunities that are designed just for them. Join us as we Grow Greatness from the Ground Up. Meets once a month. For more information and to JOIN contact Leah Brown at lbr72@cornell.edu or 845-344-1234 |
| 1st Friday of the Month 12pm |
Orange County 4-H Clover Cubs |
Homeschool 4-H Cloverbud Club Ages 5-8 Not familiar with 4-H? This is a great place to begin your 4-H journey. Clover Cubs Activities include: Art/Crafts - Community Service - Cooking - Field Trips - Gardening Healthy Living - Leadership - Photography - Public Speaking Record Keeping - STEM - County and State Events - Projects and Awards For more information or to JOIN, contact Leah at lbr72@cornell.edu |
| 1st Friday of the Month 1pm CCE Office 18 Seward Ave, Middletown NY |
Orange County4-H Discovery Den |
Homeschool 4-H Member Club Den Activities include: Art/Crafts - Community Service - Cooking - Field Trips - Gardening Healthy Living - Leadership - Photography - Public Speaking Record Keeping - STEM - County and State Events Projects and Awards Meets once a month. |
| Friday January 2, 2026 6:30-8pm |
Horse Project Meetings |
REGISTER HERE Join us for horse-related project meetings on the first Friday of the month at the CCE Orange County office from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Check emails and the 4-H newsletter for a registration link each month (MUST register to participate). Cost: $5 for non-horse program members but all are welcome! |
| Saturday, January 10, 2026 1pm CCE Office 18 Seward Ave Middletown |
Cloverbud STEM Day |
COST:4-H Members - Free Non-4-H Members - $5FOR Youth ages 5-8 can explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math INCLUDING ROBOTS, COMPUTER SCIENCE, AND MORE! Contact Kat Leo for more information kal64@cornell.edu or 845-344-1234 |
| Wednesdays 4:30-6pm 232 Plaza Road, Kingston NY |
4-H Puppetry Program |
REGISTER HERE!!! Join us for a hands-on, imagination-fueled journey into the world of puppetry! Over the course of six sessions, youth participants will learn the art of puppet design and performance, culminating in the creation of their very own hand-and-rod foam puppet. This workshop series will explore basic puppet construction, character development, and performance skills. The final session will feature a short showcase where participants bring their creations to life in front of an audience! Dates and Times: January 14th, 21st, 28th February 4th, 11th, 18th |
| Wednesday January 14, 2026 5PM |
Tractor Safety |
REGISTER HERE IN PERSON AND ONLINE SESSIONS $30/4-H MEMBER ($45 FOR NON-MEMBER) Open to Youth 14+who need to receive certification to work on a farm this summer and/or who is looking for a fun, educational experience. Participants MUST attend all sessions and take and pass the test to be certified Questions? Contact Zoe Nafis at zrl7@cornell.edu |
| Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
4-H Veterinary Science Introductory Program |
This program will be held for nine consecutive Thursdays starting February 5th through April 2nd. Youth will explore the normal animal, including attitude and behavior, maintaining animal health, and the organs and systems of the animal body. Animal diseases will be discussed including viruses, bacteria, and parasites that affect animal health. The instructors will also discuss the profession of veterinary science and career paths. This program is designed to serve teens ages 13-19 who have an interest in the field of veterinary science and is limited to a total of 24 participants. There is a non-refundable fee of $100 for current existing 4-H members, $125 non-existing 4-H members, financial assistance may be available for those with financial hardships. More Information:https://ulster.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-veterinary-science-program Registration: https://cceevents.org/e/4-h-veterinary-science-program |
| Friday, January 16, 2026 6-8pm |
Orange County 4-H FUN Night |
REGISTER HERE Join us for an evening of friendship, laughter, and giving back at our 4-H Fun Night! Youth ages 8 and older are invited to take part in hands-on community service projects and exciting group games that build teamwork and leadership skills. It’s a great way to connect with other 4-H’ers, make a difference in the community, and have a whole lot of fun! For more information contact DeAnna Sardella ds2285@cornell.edu |
| Saturday, January 17, 2026 11am CCE Office 18 Seward Ave Middletown NY |
CLOVERBUD CRAFT DAY |
REGISTER HERE This program is for youth ages 5-7 COST 4-H Members:Free Non-4-H Members:$5 This adorable craft will make you smile throughout the winter season!Join 4-H Alumni Gracie Williams for a no-sew winter craft - Build a Snowman! Stay indoors, make new friends! All materials provided For more information, please contact Leah at 845-344-1234 Ext. 225 OR lbr72@cornell.edu |
| Tuesday January 20, 2026 5:30pm |
4-H Cloverbud Barnyard Buddies |
REGISTER HERE Monthly MeetIng Where our food comes from EXISTING CLUB MEMBERS: Please use the registration link to to register! LOOKING TO JOIN BARNYARD BUDDIES? Reach out to Zoe at zrl7@cornell.edu before registering! |
| Wednesday January 21, 2026 6:30-8pm Virtual |
Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth |
Register here Hear inspiring 4-H volunteer stories including those recognized through the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Award. Come celebrate success, learn from peers and strengthen your own impact. Come away with inspiration and new ideas for recognizing volunteers in your 4-H program! |
| Tuesday January 27, 2026 6pm-7:30pm |
Livestock Learning Night |
REGISTER HERE Join us for two fun and informative evenings designed to help youth in the 4-H Livestock Programs prepare for the 4-H Calf and Livestock Sale! Learn how to confidently promote the program, reach out to potential bidders, and showcase the hard work you’ve put into raising your animals. We’ll cover practical marketing skills—like creating buyer letters, making connections in your community, and sharing your 4-H story—to help you attract new and returning supporters. For 4-H Calf & Livestock Sale participants only. You MUST be enrolled in Orange County 4-H to participate. Questions? Email Zoe Nafis at zrl7@cornell.edu |
| Saturday January 31, 2026 9am Middletown Reservoir ![]() NEW DATE IS FEB 28 AT 9AM |
Green Minds Bright Futures Winter Hike |
REGISTER HERE The 4-H Winter Hike invites youth to step outside, explore nature, and experience the magic of the winter season. This program encourages outdoor adventure, teaches basic hiking and nature awareness skills, and builds confidence through hands-on learning. Participants will enjoy a fun, guided hike, discover seasonal wildlife clues, and connect with friends—all while embracing the beauty of the colder months. It’s the perfect way to stay active, learn by doing, and enjoy winter with 4-H! Questions? Please contact Kat Leo at kal64@cornell.edu COST: Free for 4-H Members $5/per non-4-H Member |
| Wednesday February 4, 2026 7pm Virtual Meeting |
2026 NYS 4-H Livestock Summit |
REGISTER HERE Hit the Ground Running start your swine project strong. Katlyn Cain Manager of industry relations national pork board |
| Friday, February 6, 2026 6:30-8pm |
Horse Project Meeting |
REGISTER HERE Join us for horse-related project meetings on the first Friday of the month at the CCE Orange County office from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Check emails and the 4-H newsletter for a registration link each month (MUST register to participate). Cost: $5 for non-horse program members but all are welcome! |
| Wednesday February 11, 2026 630-8pm Dutchess CCE Millbrook NY |
YQCA |
During this training you will expand your knowledge and receive your certificate. Contact Zoe Nafis at zrl7@cornell.edu |
| Wednesday February 11, 2026 7pm Virtual |
2026 NYS 4-H Livestock Summit |
REGISTER HERE Turning Livestock into Careers Meat Science Opportunities. Ethan Scheffler, meat lab manager dept of animal science at Ohio State |
| Thursday February 12, 2026 7-8pm Virtual |
NYS 4-H Virtual Dairy Bowl Practices |
REGISTER HERE Join youth from across the state on Thursdays and participate in virtual dairy bowl practices. Hosted by the NYS 4-H Dairy Committee. |
| Tuesday February 17, 2026 5:30-630pm CCE Office 18 Seward Avenue Middletown NY |
4-H Cloverbud Barnyard Buddies |
EXISTING CLUB MEMBERS: Please use THIS LINK to register! LOOKING TO JOIN BARNYARD BUDDIES? Reach out to Zoe at zrl7@cornell.edu before registering! |
| Wednesday February 18, 2026 7pm Virtual |
2026 NYS 4-H Livestock Summit |
REGISTER HERE The GOAT Guide Raising Goats 101 Jennifer Bassman owner of Heritage Haus Farm |
| Wednesday February 18, 2026 6:30 – 8 p.m. Virtual |
AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It |
Register here! The webinar will share an introduction to artificial intelligence, ideas for 4-H volunteers, and pitfalls to avoid. No matter your current level of experience, there will be information for you. You will learn what generative AI is and what it is not through real examples of how it might support your 4-H work. |
| Thursday February 19, 2026 7-8pm |
NYS 4-H Virtual Dairy Bowl Practices |
REGISTER HERE Join youth from across the state on Thursdays and participate in virtual dairy bowl practices. Hosted by the NYS 4-H Dairy Committee. |
| Friday February 20, 2026 6-8pm CCE Office 18 Seward Avenue Middletown NY |
Orange County 4-H FUN Night |
REGISTER HERE Join us for an evening of friendship, laughter, and giving back at our 4-H Fun Night! Youth ages 8 and older are invited to take part in hands-on community service projects and exciting group games that build teamwork and leadership skills. It’s a great way to connect with other 4-H’ers, make a difference in the community, and have a whole lot of fun! For more information contact DeAnna Sardella ds2285@cornell.edu |
| Monday February 23, 2026 6pm CCE Office 18 Seward Ave Middletown NY |
Hour of Code |
REGISTER HERE We will be coding a video game using Scratch (a beginner blocked-based language) For more information contact Kat Leo at kal64@cornell.edu |
| Tuesday, February 24, 2026 6:30-7:30pm CCE Office 18 Seward Ave Middletown NY |
Livestock Learning Night |
REGISTER HERE 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon practices are designed to prepare youth for the regional livestock Skill-a-thon on April 26th at SUNY Cobleskill and the state livestock skill-a-thon at the great new york state fair! Reach out to Zoe at zrl7@cornell.edu |
| Wednesday February 25, 2026 7pm Virtual |
2026 NYS 4-H Livestock Summit | REGISTER HERE Next Level Show Calves: Skills strategy & Preparing for the Eastern Regional Angus Show Nicole Tommell, Junior Angus Association of NY Advisor and Board Member |
| Wednesday February 25, 2026 6-7pm Virtual |
4-H STEM PROGRAM OVERVIEW |
REGISTER HERE Zoom link will be sent the week of the meeting. Did you know your county 4-H program offers exciting STEM opportunities for youth of all ages? From robotics and coding to environmental science and engineering challenges, 4-H helps young people learn by doing while building real-world skills. Join us to learn more about what Orange County 4-H STEM has for you and your family. Contact Kat Leo at kal64@cornell.edu for more information |
| Thursday February 26, 2026 7-8pm |
NYS 4-H Virtual Dairy Bowl Practices |
REGISTER HERE Join youth from across the state on Thursdays and participate in virtual dairy bowl practices. Hosted by the NYS 4-H Dairy Committee. |
| Saturday February 28, 2026 9am Middletown Reservoir |
Green Minds Bright Futures Winter Hike |
REGISTER HERE The 4-H Winter Hike invites youth to step outside, explore nature, and experience the magic of the winter season. This program encourages outdoor adventure, teaches basic hiking and nature awareness skills, and builds confidence through hands-on learning. Participants will enjoy a fun, guided hike, discover seasonal wildlife clues, and connect with friends—all while embracing the beauty of the colder months. It’s the perfect way to stay active, learn by doing, and enjoy winter with 4-H! Questions? Please contact Kat Leo at kal64@cornell.edu COST: Free for 4-H Members $5/per non-4-H Member |
| Every Wednesday in March Virtual 6:30-7:30pm |
Science of Nature |
REGISTER HERE Join us for a fun and educational virtual series on the science of nature: wildlife forensics, designed for youth across New York State. This virtual series for youth showcases examples where science has been used to identify, conserve, and manage wildlife. With expert speakers, we will unravel DNA analysis in mammals, cloning in conservation, wildlife crime in reptiles, and more. No cost to participate Who can participate: 4-H members and families, any interested youth Contact Kat Leo at kal64@cornell.edu if you have any questions. |
| First Thursday of the Month Starting in March 2026 6-8pm |
Cultivating Careers:Agriculture Career Development Program |
REGISTER HERE Cost: $50 per participant Must be a enrolled 4-Her Plant the seeds for your future! Considering a career in veterinary science, dairy farm management, horticultural production, or even agricultural-related business? Join the 4-H Agriculture Career Development Program — where passion for agriculture meets real-world opportunity. Learn from ag professionals, tour agricultural operations, strengthen your resume, and prepare for college or a career in the growing ag industry. Youth ages 14 to 19 with an interest in a career in agriculture are eligible to apply. Questions? Email Zoe Nafis at zrl7@cornell.edu |
| Wednesday March 4, 2026 7pm Virtual |
2026 NYS 4-H Livestock Summit |
REGISTER HERE More than the show ring: NYS 4-H Livestock Opportunites and Brand New Quiz Bowl Brian Aukema NYS 4-H Livestock Specialist |
| Saturday March 7, 2026 9am Cornell University Ithaca, NY |
2026 March Dog Madness |
All participants must register through their local 4-H Youth Development Educator at their county's Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Office. County 4-H staff must complete registrations by Friday, February 27th, 2026.Topics included; Canine nutrition, agility in tight spaces, herding flat work, grooming your dog, hunting/sporting dog, canine body language, canine reproduction, hosting a dog meeting without dogs FOR MORE INFORMATION LINK |
| Saturday March 14, 2026 10am Sterling Hill Mine & Museum 30 Plant Street Ogdensburg, New Jersey 07439 |
Sterling Hill Mine & Museum Tour |
Cost is $10person REGISTER HERE Visitors will be guided on a walking tour through about 1,300 ft of tunnel inside the mine. Along the way, guides will stop at various stations and explain the equipment, history, working conditions, and geology of the mine. Visitors will see the lamp room, the shaft station, mine galleries dating to the 1830's, and much more. For more information contact Kat Leo at kal64@cornell.edu |
| Monday, March 16, 2026 5-7pm CCE Office 18 Seward Ave |
Public Presentations |
REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN ON FEBRUARY 16th. Registration is NOT required, however, it is highly recommended. WALK-INS are accepted, they will only be seen when there are open time slots.For more information contact DeAnna Sardella ds2285@cornell.edu |
| Wednesday, March 18 2026 5-7pm CCE Office 18 Seward Ave Middletown |
Public Presentations |
REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN ON FEBRUARY 16th. Registration is NOT required, however, it is highly recommended. WALK-INS are accepted, they will only be seen when there are open time slots.For more information contact DeAnna Sardella ds2285@cornell.edu |
| Wednesday March 18, 2026 6:30pm Virtual |
Moving into a New Era of Leadership with Teens |
In this session, you will learn how to partner with teen leaders to support the 4-H agenda. We’ll explore strategies for collaboration and share real-world examples from Maryland and D.C. 4-H programs. |
| Thursday March 19, 2026 VIRTUAL |
Public Presentations |
REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN ON FEBRUARY 16th. If you choose to do virtual, please note that you MUST do a slide presentation (PowerPoint, Google, etc.). For more information contact DeAnna Sardella ds2285@cornell.edu |
| Saturday March 21, 2026 10am-2pm CCE Office 18 Seward Ave Middletown |
Public Presentations |
REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN ON FEBRUARY 16th. Registration is NOT required, however, it is highly recommended. WALK-INS are accepted, they will only be seen when there are open time slots.For more information contact DeAnna Sardella ds2285@cornell.edu |
| Tuesday March 24, 2026 6:30-7:30pm 4-H Park 300 Finchville Turnpike Otisville |
Livestock Learning Night |
REGISTER HERE 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon practices are designed to prepare youth for the regional livestock Skill-a-thon on April 26th at SUNY Cobleskill and the state livestock skill-a-thon at the great new york state fair! Reach out to Zoe at zrl7@cornell.edu |
| Wednesday April 1, 2026 | LAST DAY TO ENROLL IN 4-H | ENROLL HERE |
| Saturday April 25, 2026 2pm Cornell University Ithaca NY |
NYS 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl. |
2026 Pilot Program! A brand new pilot program for youth interested in livestock education: the NYS 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl. At the national level, the 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl has existed for approximately 15 years; New York State has never sent a team. In the past few years, youth participating in judging and skillathon events have expressed strong interest in bringing this opportunity to NYS. This has been youth driven and I have met with a small committee to develop a pilot program for our state.
|
| Sunday April 26, 2026 9am SUNY Cobleskill AG & Tech |
Livestock Skill-a-Thon and Livestock Judging |
Must be a registered 4-Her (ages 8-18) Contact Zoe at zrl7@cornell.edu if you are interested in participating. |
| Saturday April 11, 2026 9am CCE Office 18 Seward Ave, Middletown NY |
4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl |
REGISTER HERE Divisions Seniors - Juniors - Novice & Clover Bud - (Introduction to Dairy Quiz Bowl) Questions? Email Zoe Nafis at zrl7@cornell.edu |
Carol McLaughlin
4-H/FCS Administrative Assistant
cm798@cornell.edu
(845) 344-1234, Ext.243
Last updated February 4, 2026