Trips and Awards
Traditionally, 4-H has provided the means for a young person to receive awards and recognition for outstanding effort in project work, leadership, citizenship and achievement. Selection for trips and awards is made by a volunteer committee who reviews the 4-H Member Record Books. 4-H Member Record Books (available at the 4-H Office) are distributed to 4-H Members by 4-H Club Leaders. 4-H Member Record Books are to be completed by 4-H members. A letter is sent the end of August to teens 14 and older. This letter requests them to sign up for the trips and awards they want to apply for and a date these applications and record books are due to the 4-H Office. There are many state opportunities for 4-H teens. Trips available include the following:
CAPITAL DAYS (March; Albany): A two-day visit to the state capital to tour, learn about history and state government. Participants will also have an opportunity to meet with their state representative.
NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE (March or April; National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD): A most unique conference opportunity. All delegates (adults and youth) at the conference work together, to run the conference. 7-9 delegates are chosen to represent NYS at this week long conference. Although the selection process for delegates is competitive, the trip is well worth it.
4-H DAIRY DISCOVERY (April - for 4-Hers 15-17):
Hands on educational sessions challenge participants to consider the many diverse and exciting career opportunities within the dairy industry. Applications due February 15. There is a small cost for each trip.
STATE TEEN AMBASSADOR TRAINING (April; State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY):
This three-day training is for every level of teen ambassador and advisor. The training is designed to offer practice in public speaking; debate and personal conduct speaking with decision makers.
ANIMAL CRACKERS (May; Cornell-Morrison Hall): There will be hands on stations set up for 9-13 year old 4-H participants across NYS. The topics that are focused on change from year to year.
CAREER EXPLORATIONS (June; Cornell):
350 teens from across the state attend this 3-day adventure on campus. Learn about Cornell campus life, Department programs and meet others from across the state. Career Explorations offers a program, called Focus for Teens, focused on areas of interest for teens in 10th-12th grades and a less intense program, called University U, for teens entering 8th & 9th grade. Registration is in April.
STATEWIDE PRESENTATION PROGRAM (June; Cornell; ages 13 and older):
Districts choose their top three public speakers and one alternative for each presentation area. For more information please visit the State 4-H website (www.cce.cornell.edu/4H/).
STATE FAIR (August; Syracuse): State Fair is an opportunity for fun, leadership and learning. There are many ways for teens to be involved in State Fair. To name just a few:
* Teen Assistant: Teens selected to work the entire State Fair, coordinating animal shows and the youth building.
* Teen Leaders: Some 500 Teen Leaders annually at the State Fair. Teen Leaders work 6 hours a day in programs like: Press Corps, Teen Evaluators, Fashion Revue, and Welcome Booth.
* Group Action: This includes clubs demonstrating a specific project in a county booth.
* County Booth: Some Teen Leaders work specifically in their county booth, assisting evaluators in finding items in your booth, keeping things tidy, answering questions and in some cases providing hands-on activities.
AGRI-BUSINESS CAREER CONFERENCE (October; Cobleskill College):
A collaborative effort of Farm Bureau, Cobleskill College and Cornell Cooperative Extension, The Agri-Business Career (ABC) Conference introduces teens to a vast variety of opportunities available in the field of Agriculture. Open to teens across the state.
4-H RESIDENTIAL CAMPS: These camps provide great opportunities for social, personal, and educational growth within a natural environment.
Link: www.campshankitunk.org
CITIZEN WASHINGTON FOCUS: This is a 4-H leadership program for youth, ages 15-19, from across the country. This is a unique, exciting experience that will lead to becoming Better Citizens Today, Better Leaders Tomorrow. For more information look on the web at: www.cwf.n4h.org.