Kids can beat the winter blahs with 4-H

Orange County — With freezing temperatures and short days, children spend more time indoors with seemingly nothing to occupy their time. Meanwhile, 4-H Clubs, the youth development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, offer educational and innovative activities and projects that are family friendly, and one way to beat the winter blues. Today’s 4-H is not just cooking, sewing and livestock, but offers a wide range of activities that include rocketry, electronics, woodworking, photography, public speaking, and community service. Youth learn valuable skills and develop assets that can help them make a successful transition through childhood stages into productive adults. Research has shown that youth involved in 4-H are more motivated to help others, do better in school, and make lasting friendships. Membership offers involvement for the entire family. Parents or guardians can volunteer to be a club leader or work on a project of their choice with the club. Cloverbuds are for children five to seven years, 4-H Clubs are for children eight to 19 years, and Teen Programs are for those 13 to 19 years old. Registration night will be held at 7 p.m.: on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the Central Valley Elementary School (snow date Tuesday, Jan. 17); on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Minisink Intermediate School (snow date Wednesday, Jan. 18); on Friday, Jan. 13, at Pine Island Elementary School (snow date Friday, Jan. 20). Annual membership is $7 per member, with a $14 maximum per family. For more information, call 344-1234 or visit www.cce.cornell.edu/orange/4hhome.htm.