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The Chaffee County Extension office provides assistance and programs for citizens in five main areas: Agriculture, Horticulture, Family and Consumer Science, Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Programs.

School and Community Programs   arrow

School and Community Programs:

Chaffee County Youth Development empowers youth to have healthy, positive relationships, develop life skills, realize their spark and become engaged learners. We are a reliable community partner for schools and organizations, while being accessible and welcoming to all youth.

Interested in a school or community program? Check out our different options:

In School Programs

Would you like your students to gain hands-on experience corresponding with state standards alongside what they are learning in your classroom? Request a program to encourage learning through hands-on activities. 4-H provides opportunities to enhance daily programming in subject matter areas with an extensive variety of interactive, hands-on learning from curricula developed by a system of land grant universities.

After School Programs:

The 4-H After School program offers a variety of hands-on activities designed to engage students and increase learning- while connecting with in school topics. We also provide leadership training for school groups such as Student Councils. See the Chaffee County 4-H Program Descriptions and Offerings List in order to customize your after school program needs.

Youth Enrichment at a Community Center:

If your local library, Recreation Center or other youth facility is in need of quality youth engagement, 4-H Youth Development programming is the right fit to deliver educational and hands-on activities to the youth in the community! Most of these programs are open to the public! 

Summer Programs:

Is your organization looking for programming over the summer? Chaffee County 4-H collaborates with existing summer programs to offer an array of engaging activities to your campers! See the Chaffee County 4-H Program Descriptions and Offerings List in order to customize your summer program needs.

Summer Camps:

Chaffee County 4-H occasionally offers our own summer camps! Explore the local area, learn about local ecosystems and natural resources, meet new friends, try new things, and have fun! Check back for more information to come!

4-H Club Program:

A 4-H club is a group of youth (5-18) with similar interests who meet to learn a new skill in a 4-H project area and have fun. The club determines when, where and how often they will meet and what projects they will work on.  Learn more about starting a 4-H club program.

Embryology:

One of our most popular programs! The 4-H Embryology Program gives students the opportunity to learn about chickens, eggs, and embryonic development through observation of the egg hatching process. It provides a great way for students to observe the development of life in just three weeks! Lessons are designed to build student math, science, and language arts skills. Learn more about our options!


Frequently Asked Questions:

Where does the curriculum come from?

The diverse curricula are based on research coming from Colorado State University. Denver Extension has unique access to materials and expertise from our land-grant university regarding the mental, physical, social and emotional development of young people, and works to connect those resources to youth in our community.

What is the cost?

The cost for Chaffee County 4-H to deliver programming at partnering locations is dependent on the number of youth and the type of program that is delivered.  An agreement is made between CSU Chaffee County Extension and our partnerships prior to the start of programming. Costs help cover materials and supplies for hands-on learning, such as crafting materials, embryology incubators, gardening supplies, etc. For more information on specific program costs and an estimate please contact our 4-H Youth Development Agent.

Who facilitates the programs?

All programs are overseen and facilitated by Chaffee County 4-H Extension staff, AmeriCorps 4-H STEM members, and official volunteer leaders. All AmeriCoprs 4-H STEM members and our volunteers are required to undergo a background check and training prior to working with youth. 

Curriculum and supplies are also available in a kit. Teachers and educators can request a kit, Chaffee County 4-H sends everything needed for the specific program. Teachers and educators then do the facilitation.

How can I volunteer with 4-H?

Make a difference in a kid’s life today!  We are always seeking youth-friendly, organized, flexible, adult leaders to help kids learn and grow through fun, hands-on projects. Training is provided and we have a variety of volunteer opportunities and commitments! 

Check out our volunteer page for more information or contact the Chaffee County 4-H Agent to start the process!