4-H Tribal Mentoring Summer Program

The very unique 4-H Tribal Mentoring program, a grant funded opportunity that was created with a Tribal Resolution by Franklin County Cornell Cooperative Extension, has been having an exciting successful summer program.

Utilizing research and evidence based programs through Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H, the goals for this program are to provide academic and social skills exploring a variety of interests, to assist with redirecting youth from negative activity and to strengthen the bond of families. In addition, the long-term goals are to assist with reducing the high school dropout rate, to decrease youth suicide rates and juvenile delinquency. The program is open to students age 10 to 17 that have been recommended either by their teacher or immediate family member.

Through the Mentoring program, the participants are matched with a high school student (a Mentor) who has been recommended by the faculty. The role model Mentor facilitates and encourages the Mentee (the participant) to complete skills and tasks that are geared toward improving each individual, either academically and/or socially.

The summer program began the first full week in July with activities taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am till 2pm. Most programs are held at Salmon River Central, and Generation Park in Akwesasne and the Westville Community Park have served as additional sites. Participants have completed activities such as Tye-dying a shirt, building a Blue Bird house, Shoot Sports Techniques’ for Archery and Air Rifle. The projects that are completed are eligible to be entered in the Franklin County Fair 4-H Youth Program. Parents are asked to encourage their child to enter their project(s) in the fair.

On Thursday, July 26th - Gym and Pool events will be held. On Saturday, July 28th, starting at 6pm at Generation Park, the 4-H Mentoring Program will be hosting their first Family Night Outing. Families are invited to bring a dish to pass. In addition to the picnic, families will be welcomed to participant in the “FREE” Movies Under the Stars that will be hosted by the Pamoja International Cultural Exchange, Inc. (PICEI) organization.

“Learn by doing” is an expression and motto that is a common thread in the 4-H model of completing activities. This common core of how 4-H teaches kids – “learn by doing” approach has its beginnings since the early 1900’s.

For more information regarding this program, one may contact Connie Gerow, 4-H Mentoring Coordinator at the following: 518.358.4271 or email at [email protected], or one may call the Franklin County Cornell Cooperative Extension Office at 518.483.7403.