Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development program has a new LEAF Junior Activity. The LEAF, (Learn, Empower, Achieve, Farm), series was created by Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Katelyn’s classes focus on beginning farming and homesteading topics for adult learners. LEAF Junior will offer similarly styled classes that cater to all youth ages 5-19. Enrollment in 4-H is not necessary.

The event will take place Thursday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Patterson Library located at 40 S. Portage St in Westfield. Youth will have the opportunity to participate in creating their own design on soap with roving.

Long before people used loofahs or washcloths for bathing, felted soap allowed someone to get a good lather without using much soap and gives the youth a built-in washcloth that is antibacterial! The felting helps to conserve the bar of soap, so it lasts longer. The roughness of the wool acts as an exfoliant by removing dull, dead skin cells to expose new ones. When the soap is all used up, the wool will remain intact without soap in it. This means the bar of soap can be used until it’s all gone reducing waste.

This class is open to all youth (ages 5-19) with a $5 fee. All materials will be provided, including a hypoallergenic soap the kids can take with them, but are welcome to bring their soap of choice. This is a great opportunity for a 4-H’er to bring a non-4-H friend.

Register for the course by contacting the 4-H Office at 716-664-9502 ext. 212 or emailing Lindsey at lc832@cornell.edu or Molly at mrb287@cornell.edu