The Evening Sun

Celebrate National 4-H week, October 4 through 10

Kelli Miller October 2nd, 2026

Chenango County 4-H youth wore green at a local event this year and are reminded to wear green on National 4-H Week Kick off day, Monday, October 5. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — National 4-H Week takes place this year from Sunday, October 4, through Saturday, October 10, bringing together youth, volunteers, educators, and alumni across the country to celebrate the impact of 4-H and how it helps young people become "Beyond Ready" for life and career.

4-H Youth Development Educator Nicole Starkweather said 4-H Achievement Day is an annual event celebrating the accomplishments, skills, leadership, and dedication of 4-H members, volunteers, supporters, and alumni throughout the 4-H year.

"This year, we'll celebrate with a potluck and awards ceremony from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. October 4 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, in the Case Building, at 168 East Main Street in Norwich,” Starkweather said. During the event, Starkweather said they will recognize outstanding achievements across the 4-H community, including club recognition, public presentation recognition, promotional events and outreach efforts conducted by clubs throughout the year, exceptional Cloverbuds, and program record awards.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Association Team Leader Whitney Kmetz explained the recognition will highlight youth who have dedicated significant time and effort to their animal or project work, community service awards for both individuals and clubs, the Friend of 4-H Award, volunteer milestone awards, and many other special recognitions.

She noted Achievement Day is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, growth, leadership, and positive impact of 4-H members and volunteers while reflecting on another successful year of 4-H.

Kmetz said families are encouraged to bring a dish to pass and join the festivities.

"We're excited to come together for one last celebration before kicking off a new 4-H year," Kmetz added.

To register, visit https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=4-HAchievementDay_208.

Wear Green for National 4-H Week

"The nation will kick off 4-H week on Monday, October 5, by going GREEN," Starkweather said.

"4-H youth are encouraged to show their 4-H spirit by wearing green clothing, hats, face paint, accessories, or anything else green," she said. "Help us paint the nation GREEN and celebrate 4-H together."

Go Green photos can be posted on social media and tagged to Chenango County 4-H and National 4-H. Use the hashtags #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.

Visit www.4-h.org/events/4-h-week to learn more about 4-H Week.

4-H Hiking Club

On October 10, 4-H will join members of the Bullthistle Hiking Club for another fun-filled hiking adventure.

The hike location is still being determined but will begin at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required. Once registered, participants will receive the hike location and additional details by email prior to the hike.

"Thanks to support from the Chenango County Youth Bureau, this event is open to all youth ages 5–18, so 4-H members and non-members are both welcome to join us," Starkweather said.

She noted parents and guardians are encouraged to participate but are not required to attend, adding, "Snacks will be provided, so come ready to explore the outdoors, get some exercise, and enjoy a morning on the trail."

Spooky 4-H Fun Night

4-H Fun Nights are held regularly to give 4-H youth an opportunity to gather, relax, and enjoy a night of games, laughter, and friendship. For October, Starkweather said she planned a spooky twist just in time for Halloween.

The event will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., October 28 at the CCE building, 99 N. Broad St. in Norwich. The event is free, but registration is required online at reg.cce.cornell.edu/Spooky-4-H-Fun-Night_208.

Starkweather noted this is a 4-H event, and participants must be enrolled in 4-H to attend. To enroll, visit ccechenango.org/4-h-youth-development. For questions, call 607-334-5841.

"Youth will explore the science behind slime while creating and experimenting with their own spooky slime. After getting hands-on with some slime science, we'll keep the fun going with a variety of Halloween-themed games and activities," Starkweather said.

She said to come ready for an evening of creativity, laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of Halloween fun. Costumes are encouraged.

For additional information on Chenango County 4-H programs, visit the Chenango County 4-H Facebook page.

Kelli Miller

Kelli Miller has been a staff writer for the Evening Sun since February 2023. Kelli has professional experience as a mortgage banker. She has a passion for writing and is proud to live in Chenango County. Kelli covers a wide range of topics including business, community development, real estate and special events. In her spare time, she raises chickens, gardens, paints, crafts and writes short stories. Kelli has been with her husband for 42 years, and the couple continues to remodel their country home. They have several children and grandchildren. Kelli can be reached by email at kmiller@evesun.com.