Sullivan County 4-H Launches January Virtual Series, Continues Youth Training

Sullivan County 4-H is active this week with a virtual education series titled "Happy Horses" that begins tonight, January 6, with sessions scheduled on Tuesdays throughout January from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. The series is presented by the Mirror Lake Mustangs 4-H Club in partnership with Granite State Adaptive and will be delivered over Zoom to minimize travel and access barriers for participants across the county.

Last month, on December 30, Sullivan County 4-H held a babysitter workshop that ran from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for young residents aged 11 to 16. The five-hour curriculum was designed for adolescents preparing to take on babysitting responsibilities, providing hands-on instruction and practical guidance intended to improve safety and readiness for caregiving tasks.

Programming such as the babysitter workshop and the "Happy Horses" virtual series matters to Sullivan County residents beyond education and recreation. Training teenagers in child care competencies can expand the pool of local, informal childcare providers, helping households manage costs and schedules without relying solely on paid daycare slots or long commutes. For families managing tight budgets and for older teens seeking paid work or volunteer experience, these offerings create both skill-building and potential income opportunities within the community.

The county's virtual format for the horse series also reflects a shift in delivery methods that reduces transportation and time costs for participants. Partnerships with organizations like Granite State Adaptive underscore a focus on inclusion, which can broaden participation from residents who face mobility or scheduling constraints. Upcoming county programming also includes a 4-H Animal Science Bonanza scheduled for January 10, along with other recurring virtual sessions through the month.

For community leaders and local employers, consistent youth programming supports a longer-term workforce pipeline. Early exposure to animal science, caregiving, and organized club leadership may steer some participants toward agriculture, veterinary assistance, or caregiving careers—sectors that matter to the regional economy and service availability.

Sullivan County 4-H continues to schedule events and virtual sessions through January. Residents interested in participating can connect with their local 4-H clubs to learn about session access and enrollment for upcoming activities.