Volunteer

Volunteers are the backbone of the work that Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County does in the community. Please consider sharing your time and talents with us through the volunteer opportunities listed below. We follow the volunteer procedures set forth by Cornell University.

4-H Club Leaders

Become a 4-H Club Leader, 4-H STEP Club Leader or Parent Volunteer:

4-H volunteer leaders are the core group of every successful 4-H program! As a 4-H volunteer, you play a key role in helping young people grow as individuals, acquire new knowledge and skills, and become active members of their communities. You will gain personal satisfaction and pride in knowing you have contributed significantly to the personal development of youth.

All potential adult 4-H volunteers must go through our screening process and take part in an 4-H Orientation & Training Session. For additional information, please contact Dena L. Altavilla, at dla25@cornell.edu at the CCE 4-H office for additional information.

Agriculture Literacy Week

Every year we dedicate one week in the Spring to read to elementary school students about the importance of agriculture! Our volunteers participate in school districts and classrooms all throughout the county. Click here to learn more about this program and reach out to us if you're interested in this special opportunity!

Master Gardeners

Training is offered in alternate years; call for information. The Master Gardener program, offered throughout the U.S. and Canada, provides avid gardeners with many hours of intensive home horticulture training. In return, they share their knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening with others by volunteering to assist with garden lectures, exhibits, demonstrations, school and community gardening, phone diagnostic service, research, and many other projects. Master Gardener Volunteers at Putnam County answer gardening questions for callers. 

Youth Volunteer

This position is for teen 4-H members with an interest in leadership development within the 4-H program. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, mentoring younger 4-H members, serving on the 4-H committees, volunteering at Putnam County Fair. Developing leadership and fostering responsibility are two fundamental components of this position.

Last updated November 23, 2021