Write a commentThe Oswego County Legislature marked the 104th anniversary of the County’s 4-H Program with a proclamation during its October meeting.
The certificate recognizes the dedication of 4-H staff, volunteers and participants as well as the service the program itself has provided to county residents for more than a century.
“We’re happy to recognize the work of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County and celebrate the 104th anniversary of County 4-H Program,” said Oswego County Legislator Mary Ellen Chesbro, District 10, chairwoman of the Legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Committee. “A lot of people think that 4-H is just agriculture, but it’s more than that. It’s also science, technology, arts, the environment and more. The life skills youth can learn will apply to any career, and we encourage young people to take advantage of these opportunities.”
The Oswego County Legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Committee presented the proclamation to Oswego County 4-H members Hadessa and Annabella Adsit along with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County Executive Director Paul A. Forestiere II and Oswego County 4-H Team Coordinator Linda Brosch.
“We work with our youth to make them ready to be participating citizens of tomorrow,” said Brosch. “The 4-H program prepares them to lead, to learn and to guide us far into the future.”
Hadessa has been a member of the 4-H program for 10 years, while Annabella has participated for nine years. Hadessa spoke about her experience with 4-H.
“To me, 4-H is really about growth,” she said. “From showing my first cow to competing at the national level for over three competitions, I have learned perseverance, hard work, problem solving and leadership. 4-H is not just a program, it’s been a building block for my life and a lot of other people’s lives.”
Just one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, 4-H is the largest youth organization in the world. It teaches youth valuable life skills that help them
grow up to be contributing members of society and serve their communities.
“These programs would not be possible without the support of the Oswego County Legislature,” said Executive Director Forestiere. “We’re grateful to them for helping us provide the youth of Oswego County with these opportunities, ones they may not get anywhere else.”
Since 1921, Oswego County youth have participated in the County 4-H Program, which offers a variety of clubs tailored to meet their many different interests. Youth between the ages of 5 and 19 are welcome to enroll as club members, while adults can volunteer as mentors, club leaders and family participants.
Oswego County 4-H also offers educational programming for school-aged children. A variety of curriculum topics and hands-on activities are hosted in classrooms and at the Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center to help them learn about the world they live in.
The Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center consists of 150 acres of mixed woods and wetlands, with three miles of marked hiking trails that are available to the public year-round. The center offers numerous enrichment programs, and buildings are available for group reservations.
For more information about Oswego County 4-H, visit its website at https://thatscooperativeextension.org/4-h-youth/4-h-clubs or call the office at 315-963-7286.
