2026 NYSACCE4-HE Conference Workshops

Session  Number

1

Presenter’s Name

Carolyn McGraw

Co Presenter’s

Presentation Title

Green Teen - Workforce Development in Urban Gardens

Description

Green Teen is a youth workforce development program of CCE Dutchess County that has been operating for over 20 years in the city of Beacon and more recently, the city of Poughkeepsie. Teens are hired for 7-8 week long seasons to plant, maintain and harvest urban gardens that generate hundreds of pounds of produce that is then donated back to community members in need. But as educators will describe, the gardens are simply the vehicle for life-changing workforce development and personal growth to occur. This workshop will cover program development, community partnerships, program structure, funding and impacts.

Session  Number

1

Presenter’s Name

Serena Ward

Co Presenter’s

Laura Tach, Anna Steinkraus, Alba Sancho as3979@cornell.edu

Presentation Title

Stronger Voices, Stronger Families: A Two-Generation Approach to Communication

Description

The Two-Generation (2Gen) PS: It Works! This. program is an adaptation of the research based, evidence-informed curriculum PS: It Works!, which focuses on building five essential communication skills. This enhanced 2Gen model is designed specifically for youth ages 6-10 and their grownups, recognizing that strong relationships and communication within families are key to healthy development and long-term success. By supporting both generations simultaneously, the program strengthens communication, relationships, and emotional well-being within families. This presentation will introduce participants to the 2Gen PS: It Works! model, highlighting both its research foundation and practical application. Attendees will engage in an activity from the curriculum and gain a clear understanding of how the program supports families and fosters effective communication skills across generations.

Session  Number

1

Presenter’s Name

Brieanna Hughes

Co Presenter’s

Jessica Tyson

Presentation Title

HEAC, Regions, and Representation: Understanding the NYS 4-H Horse System

Description

Learn how the NYS 4-H Horse HEAC Committee supports statewide programming through regional representation and youth involvement. This session will provide an overview of the current regional structure, the role of regional representatives, and how the regional system is used to support participation in state horse events and competitions. Participants will also learn about proposed changes to align HEAC regions with the Association of Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator Districts and discuss how these changes may impact representation and communication across New York State.

Session

1

Presenter’s Name

Shawn Tiede

Co Presenter’s

Melissa Spoon

Presentation Title

4-H Camp Builds Beyond Ready Teen Leaders

Description

4-H Camp is more than a summer program. It is a launching point for experiences that equip teens with real-world skills for life beyond high school. Camp provides a space where young people build confidence, practice leadership, and make meaningful contributions. Teen Leaders are not just participants. They are essential partners in shaping and running a successful camp while developing the readiness skills that prepare them for whatever comes next.

Session  Number

2

Presenter’s Name

Mingla Charoenmuang

Co Presenter’s

Presentation Title

New York Grown, Globally Inspired: Teaching Food Systems Through Asian Cooking

Description

This interactive workshop discusses how Asian cooking can be used as an engaging approach to teaching food systems and agricultural education in New York State 4-H programs. The session will highlight New York-grown foods and provide practical examples of how global recipes can be adapted through locally available ingredient substitutions. Through hands-on activities and guided discussion, educators will also explore strategies for building youth cultural awareness, nutrition skills, and systems thinking while promoting inclusive and experiential learning. Educators will leave with adaptable lesson ideas and youth project concepts that can be implemented in clubs, camps, and county programs.

Session  Number

2

Presenter’s Name

Carolyn Klein

Co Presenter’s

Isabel Vicole, Tyler Linnehan, Kelly Mabee

Presentation Title

RootED in Education and Relationships

Description

RootED in Education: Lessons learned from a STEAM afterschool program serving the Binghamton City School District. RootED Educators serve all seven elementary schools weekly to inspire, mentor, and educate students in grades 2-5, as well as BCSD high school students who are hired as mentors. We will discuss logistics, lesson plans and everything in between.

Session  Number

2

Presenter’s Name

Jed Brensinger

Co Presenter’s

Vicki Fleming

Presentation Title

Growing 4-H Connections Through Nature- CCE Tompkins Primitive Pursuits

Description

Explore how our unique Primitive Pursuits program engages youth of all ages while fostering environmental stewardship, outdoor skills, and a lifelong connection to the natural world. Our program spans early childhood through the teen years, through afterschool programs, forest preschool, homeschool enrichment, camps, and teen leadership initiatives. We will share strategies on keeping the program financially accessible through tiered pricing and reparation waivers. Get outside with us! Participants will also experience hands-on activities used in this youth driven nature-based program, including nature observation and sensory awareness exercises, and stewardship projects that connect youth to the land and culture. These activities will demonstrate how outdoor skills can be used to teach teamwork, inclusivity, problem-solving, confidence, environmental responsibility, and resilience.

Session  Number

2

Presenter’s Name

Deborah Grusenmeyer

Co Presenter’s

Brian Aukema

Presentation Title

Chew, Churn and Absorb Animal Science

Description

Chew, Churn and Absorb Animal Science-the process of learning about an animal project area needs to be broken down and digested so it can be used in multiple areas of learning.

Session  Number

3

Presenter’s Name

Jim Tavares

Co Presenter’s

Presentation Title

4-H Shooting Sports 101

Description

Interested in bringing 4-H Shooting Sports to your county? This introductory session provides educators with an overview of the 4-H Shooting Sports program, its positive youth development focus, and the opportunities it offers young people. Participants will learn the fundamentals of starting a club, recruiting and supporting volunteers, securing equipment and facilities, understanding risk management requirements, and accessing resources to build a safe, sustainable, and impactful program.

Session  Number

3

Presenter’s Name

Kelly Campbell

Co Presenter’s

Alexa Maille & Jamie Ferris

Presentation Title

Creating Safe Environments- Youth Protection

Description

Protection Policy was designed to strengthen prevention, oversight, and staff-volunteer accountability. This session will present the enhanced policies and procedures developed through collaboration between CCE Administration, New York State 4-H, P.W. Wood & Son Inc. and your input. Explore.. 1.  Updated risk management procedures for youth programming and events 2.  A refreshed CCE Risk Management staff page with youth-specific resources 3. Online training tool for staff and volunteers 4. Workday Learning policy introduction Course You'll leave with improved tools for local implementation, as well as strategies for communicating expectations clearly with volunteers, parents, and partners.

Session  Number

3

Presenter’s Name

Celeste Carmichael

Co Presenter’s

Adam Davis

Presentation Title

From Data to Story: Making 4-H Reporting Meaningful, Manageable, and Useful

Description

Collecting data is only valuable if it leads to better programs and stronger stories. This interactive workshop helps 4-H professionals move beyond “checking the box” to using data as a tool for decision-making, communication, and impact reporting. Participants will explore practical strategies for collecting meaningful data (without overburdening staff or participants), aligning data with statewide outcomes, and translating results into compelling narratives for local stakeholders and statewide reporting systems. Through hands-on activities, attendees will review sample program scenarios, identify what data matters most, and practice turning raw data into clear, concise impact statements. Whether you are new to reporting or looking to strengthen your approach, this session will provide tools, templates, and tips you can immediately apply.

Session  Number

3

Presenter’s Name

Sarah Clark

Co Presenter’s

FCS Volunteers

Presentation Title

4-H Fashion & Thrift Project

Description

Wyoming County 4-H in collaboration with GCC and volunteers created a new clothing and textiles opportunity for 4-H youth interested in the subject but not necessarily sewing. Youth participated in 3 sessions, first they learned about their body type, and color palette and how to dress to accentuate their features. They then were taken to thrift stores with a $50 budget to come up with an outfit that they loved and suited them. Finally we helped youth complete workbook packet to realize what the cost of the clothing would have been if they had sewn it themselves. Youth had paperwork completed to submit their outfit to the fair if they so choose, as well as participate in our spring fashion revue. I would love to share the success of this workshop series for others to replicate and modify. We received participation from different youth than our normal sewing participants. We are looking forward to offering it again this winter.

Session  Number

4

Presenter’s Name

Kelly Campbell

Co Presenter’s

Jamie Ferris & Alexa Maille

Presentation Title

Creating Safe Environments- Volunteer Involvement

Description

Volunteers are at the heart of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s mission, bringing skills, passion, and community connections to our programs. In this session, we will introduce the updated Volunteer Involvement Policy, revised with input from staff across the state to provide clearer guidance, and resources. Join us to explore new resources designed to make local implementation easier, including: 1.  A refreshed CCE Risk Management staff page with practical tools and templates 2. Online training modules including an introduction courses available through Workday Learning

Session  Number

4

Presenter’s Name

Katherine Leo

Co Presenter’s

YNOE PWT Leadership

Presentation Title

YNOE Who we are and what we are doing

Description

YNOE team will present hands on programming ideas as well provide information about the program work team and what they are doing had have to offer.

Session  Number

4

Presenter’s Name

VendaMae Harris

Co Presenter’s

Vicki Fleming

Presentation Title

4-H Kritter Kamp

Description

4-H Kritter Kamp is a program designed for you youth ages 8-13 who have little to no knowledge working with animals. Participants choose a species of animals from a list, and they attend a 2 day program where they learn with hands on experience how to care for their animal, signs of healthy and unhealthy animals, working safely around animals, and basic showmanship. Participants learn from 4-H teen mentors, adult volunteers and club leaders. This program can easily be adapted to any 4-H program.

Session  Number

4

Presenter’s Name

Amy Zukas

Co Presenter’s

Abbey Birchenough & Kara Coon

Presentation Title

The Future of County Fairs & 4-H: Collaborative Conversations Across NYS

Description

County fairs, agricultural societies, and 4-H programs across New York State are facing many shared opportunities and challenges, including volunteer burnout, staffing changes, youth recruitment and retention, communication barriers, and balancing long-standing traditions with the evolving needs of youth and communities. While these challenges may look different from county to county, many organizations are searching for practical ways to strengthen partnerships, improve sustainability, and continue providing meaningful youth experiences. This will create space for open dialogue, collaborative problem solving, and peer-to-peer learning among 4-H professionals, volunteers, and agricultural society representatives. Drawing from perspectives in both county fair leadership and county 4-H program oversight, participants will engage in facilitated discussions focused on identifying common statewide themes, sharing successful strategies, and exploring practical solutions together.

Session  Number

5

Presenter’s Name

Autumn Lavine

Co Presenter’s

Presentation Title

State Fair: A Revisioning of Space and Purpose

Description

The New York State Fair is a dynamic and valuable opportunity for youth, volunteers, and educators to showcase the work of young people while advancing the mission and vision of New York State 4-H and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Join State Fair Program Coordinator Autumn Lavine for a roundtable work session focused on reimagining 4-H programming in the Youth Building and beyond. Together, participants will help develop recommendations for structure, design, programming, competitions, and exhibitions that strengthen county involvement and increase youth participation across the state.

Session  Number

5

Presenter’s Name

Celeste Carmichael

Co Presenter’s

Matt Cole ,Beth Roberts, Jocelyn Sikorski

Presentation Title

Bridging Classrooms and Communities: Effective 4-H Partnerships with Schools

Description

As schools seek engaging, real-world learning opportunities, 4-H is uniquely positioned to extend and enrich classroom education. This workshop explores practical models for building and sustaining strong school partnerships that connect in-school and out-of-school learning. Drawing on examples from across New York, participants will examine strategies for aligning 4-H programming with school priorities, navigating structures such as BOCES and aidability, and designing programs that integrate hands-on learning, youth voice, and family engagement. The session will highlight approaches that bridge classroom and home learning, strengthen relationships with educators, and increase program reach and relevance. Participants will leave with actionable ideas, partnership frameworks, and messaging strategies to expand or deepen their work with schools.

Session  Number

5

Presenter’s Name

Shelley Lester

Co Presenter’s

Athena Steinkraus, Vicki Fleming

Presentation Title

Rural Youth Services CCE Tompkins- “Building Strong Afterschool Programs Through Community Partnerships

Description

Discover how our Rural Youth Services program has used strategic partnerships for the past 31 years to provide afterschool and summer programming for youth. This interactive workshop highlights a successful collaboration among 4-H, county youth services, and local town and village youth commissions to create engaging, accessible opportunities for young people. Participants will explore how these partnerships were developed, how resources and responsibilities were shared, and the impact on youth participation and community engagement. Through some hands-on activities used in the program, participants will make and take some educational projects that can be adapted for a variety of settings and age groups. We will share popular weekly themes and strategies to keep youth engaged and able to explore their sparks.