Fulton/Montgomery 4-H Teens Kick Off Summer at Cornell University

  Eight Fulton/Montgomery 4-H teens spent the last few days of June with about 500 other teens from across New York State at Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, New York for 4-H Career Explorations.  The program provided an introduction to some academic fields and careers, opportunities for hands-on learning in a college setting, an overview of the resources of Cornell University, and exposure to intriguing speakers.  4-H Career Explorations allowed the teens to have fun while learning about science, technology, engineering and the humanities.  Participants were able to make friends with teens from a variety of communities in New York State, stay in college dorms, eat campus food and enjoy the outdoors and evening entertainment.

  Arhianna Fleres (Animal Science: Horses), Katie Gray (Vet Science Discovery) and Elizabeth Neznek (Animal Science: Horses) attended Focus for Teens programs as 4-H award trip recipients.  Other 4-H teen participants in Focus for Teens included Haley Claes (Animal Science: Horses), Simeon Sammons (Human Development: Thinking Like a Scientist), Haleigh Sammons (Human Development: Reducing the Risk), and Emma Wegner (Education: Touch a Life, Shape a Future).  Emory Sammons attended a session of University U.  Mrs. Barbara Neznek and Ms. Andrea Schedlbauer, both 4-H volunteers, served as chaperones for the Fulton/Montgomery teens and got to participate in some experiential learning themselves.

   According to Fulton/Montgomery 4-H teen Haley Claes “I love going on these 4-H trips because I meet so many new people who become great friends.  If everyone at school or in this world was a 4-H kid, society would be so much better.  People wouldn’t be afraid to be themselves because they would be accepted no matter what.”

   4-H is the youth development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension.  For over ninety years, the New York State 4-H Youth Development program has conducted an annual event for youth on the Cornell University campus, now called 4-H Career Explorations.

   For more information about 4-H membership, volunteerism and learning opportunities in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, interested individuals may contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office at 518-673-5525.

   Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.