STARR participants

4-Hers can participate in STARR - a weekend trip for NYS 4-H teens.

Teen Exchange group photo at Mesa Verde National Park.

A Teen Exchange Trip group photo at Mesa Verde National Park.

Teen Council members stuffing eggs prior to Spring Egg Hunt

Teen Council members prepare for the annual Spring Egg Hunt by adding candy to the eggs!

Teen Council members during a meeting.

A Teen Council meeting.

Teen Council members participating in team building activities.

Team building activities during a Teen Council meeting.

Teen Leadership

When asked what they wish to develop, many teens respond with "leadership skills". Livingston County 4-H offers teens a variety of opportunities to do just that!

Locally, teens can build leadership skills by serving as a teen leader within their own club or during county-wide activities. Teens can teach younger 4-H members skills they themselves have learned in the 4-H program, participate as a Teen Evaluator at the Hemlock Fair, and more.

Teens can participate in state-wide events like STARR (State Teen Action Representative Retreat) in April, 4-H Teen Winter Weekend (in February), Cornell Career Explorations, and leadership opportunities at the NYS Fair. Interested members may also have the opportunity to serve on the planning committees for these state-wide events. Teens can go on to national activities - such as the National 4-H Conference and Citizenship Washington Focus.

The Livingston County 4-H Teen Council, open to all teens age 13 and up, offers activities that promote leadership development through a variety of community service projects and participation in interstate exchanges. When asked why they like Teen Council, previous members said:

  • "It’s a chance to meet new people."
  • "We like to learn about and help in our community."
  • "Teen Council brings teens from different parts of Livingston County together to help out their community."
  • "We can learn different skills and try new activities."

Teen Council holds monthly meetings, planned for and run by teen officers, which typically include a short business meeting, work on a community service project or leadership activity, food, and time for socializing. Teen Council usually meets on the 4th Monday of each month, from 7-8:30pm at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Mt. Morris. Be sure to check the Livingston Livewire and our calendar page for current dates and times.

Last updated May 23, 2023