4-H Trips

4-H members are selected for county 4-H award trips based on achievement and merit. A volunteer selection committee determines award trip winners after reviewing the Junior Activity Reports (JAR) and the Senior Summary Reports. Section criteria is based upon evidence of achievement in project work, leadership practiced at club and county levels, citizenship practiced in the local community, participation in ongoing 4-H educational events and activities, and appreciation of the educational and social benefits of the 4-H experience. Depending on the particular trip, there is little or no cost to the 4-H member selected to participate on a 4-H award trip. All 4-H award trips are chaperoned by the 4-H staff and/or carefully selected adult 4-H volunteers, including parents.

Citizenship-Washington Focus Award Trip

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a six-day intensive summer citizenship program for youth age 14-18. CWF delegates learn about the democratic process and their role as citizens while they experience our nation’s capital. Get the inside scoop about how government really works from prominent guest speakers. College-age program fellows lead bill writing workshops, a national issues forum and mock elections and congressional sessions that prepare you for leadership now and in the future. CWF is a civic education and leadership program organized by National 4-H Council every summer for high school youth. Since 1963, CWF has provided leadership opportunities for 4-Hers to experience the nation’s capital and governmental processes first hand. 4-H delegates from across the country broaden their appreciation and respect for themselves and others in the world through civic workshops, committees, field trips and social events. Participants learn and practice skills intended to make them better citizens and successful individuals.

4-H Capital Days Award Trip

Capital Days is a two-day annual state 4-H event held in Albany, New York. Each county in the state may send two delegates to represent their county. 4-H Capital Days has been occurring for over 70 years and continues to give youth an opportunity to achieve a better understanding of the New York public policy process and state/local government relations, meet and interact with legislator and tell their 4-H story, create an awareness of career opportunities in NYS government and network with delegates from other counties. The program includes tours of the NYS Capitol and NYS Museum, Corning Tower, department visits, and meetings with local state representatives.

4-H Career Explorations Conference

For over 70 years, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program has conducted a three-day event for youth on the Cornell University campus. The purpose of this program, now called 4-H Career Explorations, is to provide youth with exposure to academic fields and career exploration, to develop leadership skills, to provide hands-on experience in a college setting and to introduce them to Cornell University. 4-H Career Exploration programs allow youth to have fun while learning about science, technology, humanities and… themself. The event is made up of two grade specific tracts: University U for youth entering grades 8 – 9 and Focus for Teens for youth entering grades 10 – 12. Sixteeen Steuben County 4-H members and four volunteer chaperones attended the 2007 4-H Career Explorations Conference.

Agri-Business Career (ABC) Award Trip mid October
Ages: 14-18

The ABC trip is held in the Cobleskill, New York area and is jointly sponsored by New York State 4-H and New York State Farm Bureau and includes 4-H members from throughout the state. 4-H youth explore the great diversity of agri-business related careers available in New York. Award winners may visit such businesses as a veterinary hospital, carrot farm, tree nursery, dairy farm and border collie operation. This trip also features insights into opportunities in natural resources and the academic requirements for professional positions in the agri-business world.

Dairy Discovery Award Trip:

4-H’ers, 15-18 years old, spend two days in Ithaca to explore the many diverse and exciting career opportunities available in the dairy industry. Participants attend various hands-on educational workshops relating to the dairy industry.

PA Horse Expo Award Trip

A two-day trip for Steuben County 4-H horse members, 14 – 18 years old, to attend the PA Horse Expo in Harrisburg. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from a wide variety of clinicians and attend the vendor fair.

Junior Award Trip

A one day trip for Steuben County youth 8-13 to travel to an exciting attraction. Selection is based on the Junior Activity Report (JAR).

State Teen Action Rep Retreat

The State Teen Action Rep Retreat is a three-day fun-filled event where 4-H teens, ages 13 – 19, participate in a variety of workshops and activities meant to challenge, excite and further develop life skills. STARR Program is open to all NYS 4-H Teens and their adult chaperones. The event is planned by teens and adults serving on the youth/adult STARR planning committee.

Any Steuben County 4-H member ages 13 -19 may participate in STARR even if they were not selected by the Awards Committee provided that they pay the registration fee, there is enough room for transportation or they may need to provide their own transportation and if there is adequate chaperone(s). The estimated cost is $85* per person registration fee covers lodging, meals, and workshop supplies and will need to be paid to CCE-Steuben with your workshop choices. * Additional fees may be charged if you register late, cancel, or don’t show up. If you are interested in participating contact Jenny Groen or at 607-664-2576 (messages can be left after hours) so that when more information is available she can get it to you

Last updated November 9, 2023