Suffolk County 4-H

This is an amazing opportunity to share American culture, experience a Long Island summer, and learn first-hand about Japanese culture! 🎌

We are in need of 4 host families ASAP for 3 girls and 1 boy for their home stay scheduled for July 23 - August 16. Additionally, we are in need of a host family to help us with a female delegate August 12 - August 16.

This is available to ALL families in NYS and 4-H enrollment is not required. Please share this opportunity widely and help us secure host families for our delegates arriving this summer.

Host families need to provide a bed for the delegate and the delegate can share a bedroom with their host sibling who is the same gender and of similar age.

Delegates still needing a host family are:
- Minori (15F) - Runner who enjoys games, anime & singing. Wants to practice English and share Japanese games.
- Futa (13M) - Anime fan who loves Disney, games & music. Looking forward to exploring new cultures!
- Towa (16F) - Loves K-pop, singing, dancing, piano & trying new foods. Ready to make friends across cultures!
- Makoto (15F) - Animal lover, artist & guitar-playing singer. Enjoys TikTok, Instagram, & anime.

Prior hosting experience is not required. The application process is simple - visit states4hexchange.org/host-family/application to begin.

Questions? Reach out to Autumn Lavine at [email protected]

We are thrilled to congratulate Suffolk County's own Mia Albinson on her acceptance into Cornell University's School of Engineering! 🎓

Mia has been a dedicated participant in the NYS 4-H Career Explorations program for two years, and during her second year she stepped into a leadership role as a Focus Assistant - helping guide fellow teens through the very experience that shaped her own future.

Career Explorations opened doors she didn't even know existed. As Mia reflects: "In Career Explorations I got to see the college experience and the vast collaboration and culture that goes into college work. Throughout my years of participation, I got to see undergraduate researchers, agricultural studies, and material engineering. This exposure was very influential early on in high school."

One moment stood out above the rest: "During a presentation we entered a room right after some engineering students had filled up the walls with work. I took a picture of all the work and felt so inspired by the collaboration and innovation that I saw. After that, engineering was on my radar."

Mia is a wonderful example of what can happen when a curious teen gets the chance to explore and Career Explorations is built to give every young person that opportunity. With a growing passion for chemistry and chemical engineering - and a future goal of exploring different energy systems - she is proof of where that exploration can lead.

For teens considering their own path, Mia leaves us with this:
"Work hard at what you enjoy. I've learned to really enjoy the learning process, which comes with learning from mistakes. If you fully commit to learning something you cannot fail and it's important to be interested in the knowledge you're gaining!"

Mia, we are so proud of everything you've accomplished and can't wait to see what you do next. Congratulations! 🌟

Animal Crackers is an annual hands-on event hosted by Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with NYS 4-H. The workshops give youth the opportunity to explore animal science through interactive activities and connect with faculty, industry experts, and fellow 4-H members from across the state.

This year, several members from Suffolk County 4-H attended - a first-time experience for many - and we’re thrilled to hear that everyone enjoyed!

The NY State Junior Dairy Leader applications are now OPEN 🐄✨

If you know a youth who is interested in dairy, exploring careers in the dairy industry, or building personal and professional skills, this is an incredible opportunity. The program is open to students entering 11th or 12th grade this fall (ages 16–18) and is a selective, yearlong experience—welcoming its 28th class this year!

🗓 Applications are due June 30

🔗 Learn more and apply here:
https://cals.cornell.edu/pro-dairy/our-expertise/youth/junior-dairy-leader-program

Feel free to reach out to Debbie with any questions!

Teens from across New York State are invited to join us for 4-H Career Explorations at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

There are two programs available based on grade level:
•University U – Open to youth entering grades 8 and up. Participants take part in six departmental workshops and campus tours, getting a broad introduction to Cornell and a variety of career pathways.
•Focus for Teens – Open to youth entering grades 10 and up. Participants spend the full conference immersed in a single Cornell department for a deeper career exploration experience. There are multiple tracks available and spots are first come, first served. Teens will select their top three choices in registration.

To learn more visit nys4-h.org/career-explorations-2026. You can also email [email protected] with any questions.

Don't wait - registration closes May 15! 4-H enrollment not required, so please share with friends and family 🍀

We're heading to the Tractor Supply Demo Days at the Medford, NY store this Saturday, and we're bringing some very special guests! 🐐

Stop by and meet our Suffolk County 4-H Livestock Program members and their goats from 10 AM to 1 PM. It's a great opportunity to see firsthand what our young people are learning and accomplishing through 4-H.

While you're shopping, please consider supporting local youth by donating to the Tractor Supply 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at checkout. For just $1 or more, you can purchase a paper clover at the register — and 90% of every dollar raised stays right here in New York State to directly benefit local 4-H youth. Paper Clover funds go toward scholarships, leadership training, public speaking programs, and educational opportunities for kids right here in Suffolk County.

Tractor Supply and 4-H have now raised more than $25 million together since 2010 Tractor Supply Company — and every clover purchased at your local store is part of that impact. This weekend is your chance to meet our members, see what 4-H is all about, and invest in the next generation of Suffolk County leaders.

We hope to see you there. 🍀

*Due to the predicted forecast, 4-H participation in Demo Days may be cancelled

We’re excited to kick off the Spring 2026 Paper Clover Campaign in partnership with Tractor Supply Company - supporting youth in 4-H right here in our community!

Starting tomorrow through May 3rd, you can visit your local Tractor Supply store and purchase a paper clover at checkout. Every donation helps grow the next generation of leaders by supporting youth 4-H programs in agriculture, STEM, leadership, civic engagement, and more.

Every clover makes a difference helping young people gain confidence, build life skills, and discover their spark!

📍 Participating Suffolk County locations:

-Tractor Supply Co. Calverton
-Tractor Supply Co. Medford
-Tractor Supply Co. Islandia

💚 Donating is easy:

1. Visit your local Tractor Supply store
2. At checkout, ask to purchase a paper clover (usually $1, $5, or more!)

Your donation stays local and supporting 4-H youth right here in Suffolk County!