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4-H Youth Development & Strengthening Families

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) fosters youth empowerment from Buffalo to New York City and nearly every community in between. CCE educators provide 4-H programming and experiences to over 300,000 children and teens each year. CCE also supports stronger futures for NY families through hands-on parenting workshops, peer support groups, respite events, inter-generational activities, and a deep well of science-based resources. 

To see what programs are offered in your area, visit or contact a local office. 

Featured programs

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New York State 4-H Youth Development

4-H is a national organization of associated youth programs and clubs with a broad mission to support kids as they work toward their greatest potential.

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4-H Camp Program

New York is also home to a unique and robust 4-H Camp Program. Nine independently operated resident camps and six-day camps host over 10,000 youth each summer. Each camp offers a unique environment and experience.

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Strengthening Families Program

Through the Strengthening Families Program, educators support families in preventing teen substance abuse and behavioral problems by facilitating interactive learning activities for the whole family.

Partner organizations & programs 

Faculty and extension associates in the Cornell University College of Human Ecology support the work of CCE educators by offering a suite of family development curricula and trainings to help educators enhance parent-child relationships and support family development.

Stories

Multimedia

News

Summer interns discuss storytelling project in CCE podcast

When the pandemic nixed the in-person component of their 4-H Rural Storytelling Project internship, Madison Albano ‘21, Wendy Ying Lau ’21 and Seth Bollinger ’21 put together a virtual program for kids across three New York state counties...

  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Communication
4-H Rural Storytelling Project graphic

Multimedia

News

Bridging divides with the 4-H Rural Storytelling Project
Each year the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Summer Internship Program invites dozens of students from across Cornell to engage with CCE staff on a broad variety of applied projects. This summer, three interns worked with 4-H program...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
painted stones

Multimedia

News

Reflections on an unconventional 4-H camp season
This summer 4-H camp leaders across New York State found themselves with a difficult task: preserve the camp spirit while following COVID-19 health and safety requirements. They rose to the task with unusual, engaging, fun and creative projects...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
Screen grab of campers on zoom

Field Note

4-H Camp Beechwood keeps kids connected during social distancing
This article is written by Cornell Cooperative Extension Wayne County 4-H Team Leader Jessica Spence. 4-H Camp Beechwood, nestled along the Maxwell Creek and the beautiful shoreline of Lake Ontario at Beechwood State Park, is a weeklong day camp...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension