4-H

Welcome to Saratoga County 4-H, we’re glad you’re here! We strive every day to help youth become competent, caring, contributing members of society. Whether it is through our 4-H Club Program, Special Interest Programs, or School Outreach Programming, 4-H provides diverse, hands-on learning experience for youth. 4-H also looks to create healthy youth-adult partnerships with our network of caring and competent local volunteers. We look forward to connecting with you!

People often ask what impact 4-H Youth Development has on its participants. We know from our experiences that 4-H changes lives, helping youth to become confident, mature adults ready to succeed in today’s challenging world. Studies show that youth participating in 4-H do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, and develop lasting friendships.

Each year, roughly half a million youth from urban, suburban, and rural communities across New York participate in 4-H experiences. 4-H programs are offered in a number of research-tested outreach strategies: school enrichment and after-school programs, camp settings and community clubs. Additionally, fairs and festivals offer youth an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and earn recognition for their best work.

The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, learn-by-doing experiences encourages youth to experiment, innovate, and think independently. Youth learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills through more than 1,000 projects with topics as varied as rocketry, GPS mapping, DNA analysis, public speaking, photography, nutrition, and community service.

And finally, as the youth program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H’s connection to Cornell University and other land-grant institutions sets us apart from other youth serving organizations. Access to Cornell’s resources gives young people an opportunity to make connections for college and beyond. 

Last updated September 1, 2023