Group teaches leadership and life skills
By Kate Danna
Monday, October 04, 2026

ALBION — If you had the opportunity to “make the best better,” would you? If so, consider 4-H. That’s their motto.

The club supports youth development by teaching leadership and life skills, said Margo Bowerman, 4-H team coordinator at the Orleans County Cooperative Extension.

“One of the things that I’m continually amazed with is the leadership abilities they (the kids) come away from 4-H with,” she said.

There are opportunities not only for youth, but for adult volunteer group leaders as well. The adult support system gives the kids confidence to carry through with what they are learning, Bowerman said.

This week is national 4-H week.

Having been with Orleans County 4-H five years, Bowerman is starting to see kids develop long-term as a result of the program.

“They really do take the leadership on things they’d like to see happen and make it happen,” she said.

“Learning by doing” is an important part of 4-H’s educational programs. The club does projects in the areas of animal science, horticulture, clothing and textiles, nutrition, woodworking, natural resources, engineering and creative arts and crafts. Kids can participate in 4-H youth development programs that teach practical skills such as the involvement with the Orleans County 4-H Fair, public speaking, educational trips, community service, workforce preparation and conservation field days.

Paul Beeman, 16, is in his fourth year with Orleans County 4-H and participates in several club activities.

He trains his dog with the dog club, is a member of the senior council, which helps make decisions about 4-H events, and is a member of the fair committee, which helps decide how the fair will be run.

“I think its important for young people to be involved,” Beeman said. “It provides an opportunity for young people to get together with other young people to learn things we probably wouldn’t be able to learn in school.”

Home economics and dog training are two programs kids can become involved with, he said.
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