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!

Cooking is especially beneficial for 4-H youth during the winter season because it builds practical life skills while bringing warmth and creativity to colder months. Winter cooking projects teach youth how to prepare hearty, nutritious meals, follow recipes, and safely use kitchen tools. These activities also encourage problem-solving, confidence, and independence as youth experiment with seasonal ingredients and new techniques. Plus, cooking provides a cozy way for families and clubs to connect, share traditions, and practice generosity—whether through baking for community service or preparing dishes for holiday gatherings.

How to Participate

• Choose your favorite dish to make.
• Cook or bake it at home.
• Take a photo of your final creation.
• Submit your recipe and photo/video using the QR code to be eligible for prizes.
• You can also share a short note on why this recipe is your favorite if you choose to.

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 

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

5:30pm
Location TBA

This is a 4-H general interest club best for members ages 8-19. Meet with friends online, explore and complete projects and develop community service initiatives virtually. This club will have optional quarterly in-person meetings. 

Meets once a month.

For more information and to JOIN contact Leah Brown at lbr72@cornell.edu or 845-344-1234

Ages 5-19 County 4-H club that focuses on STEM projects, such as robots, computer coding, drones, rockets and more. Club Meets twice a month on Thursdays. For more information contact Kat Leo at 845-344-1234 or kal64@cornell.edu

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!

$10 non-4-H member

All supplies included

For Youth 8+

Space is limited!

For more information contact DeAnna Sardella ds2285@cornell.edu

5:30pm
CCE Office 18 Seward Ave, Middletown

Monthly MeetIng

Holiday party! pajama and movie night

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!

6pm-7:30pm
CCE Office 18 Seward Ave, Middletown

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

FREE for youth in grades 7–13 (ages 12–19)

Join us for an exciting evening with two incredible guest speakers from the animal science industry! Hear real-world career insights, ask questions, and explore future pathways in animal science.

Featured Speakers:
Mr. Jack Ward – Executive Vice President, American Hereford Association

Mr. Sam Cohen – Zoological Supervisor, Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

Register by December 17, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

Questions? Contact: mb2173@njaes.rutgers.edu

6-8pm
CCE Office
18 Seward Ave, Middletown 3rd Floor

6:30-8pm
CCE Office 18 Seward Ave Middletown

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!

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

REGISTER HERE

COST:4-H Members - Free

Contact Kat Leo for more information

kal64@cornell.edu or 845-344-1234

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 

$30/4-H MEMBER

($45 FOR NON-MEMBER)

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

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

6-8pm
CCE Office
18 Seward Ave, Middletown 3rd Floor

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

COST

4-H Members:Free

Non-4-H Members:$5

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

REGISTER HERE

Ages 5-19

Cost: Free for 4-H members

Questions? Please contact Kat Leo at kal64@cornell.edu

5:30pm
CCE Office 18 Seward Ave, Middletown

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!

Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth

6pm-7:30pm
CCE Office 18 Seward Ave, Middletown

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

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Virtual

AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It

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

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.  

• Contest rules will be adapted from the National Livestock Quiz Bowl rules and will be available in early to mid-February. National rules can be found here: https://youthlivestockcontests.org/4-h-livestock-quiz-bowl