Blue Ribbon Bandits prep for goat show at Schaghticoke Fair

AVERILL PARK, N.Y. ( NEWS10 )—The Blue Ribbon Bandits is a 4-H club in Rensselaer County that teaches kids about community service and responsibility through goats.

Since 2021, the group has learned every aspect of caring for farm animals from co-leaders Jodi Pasinello and Kristin Nichols.

“So I’ve seen kids who are very shy and afraid to hold a goat. Up to now, they are trimming their hooves,” Pasinello said. “They are learning responsibility. They are learning respect. They are learning how to care for someone else other than themselves.”

This summer, they’re raising money to cover the expense of showing their goats at the Schaghticoke Fair.

“There’s vetting that goes into the goats that get them to the fair. There are entrance fees. It’s a lot,” Pasinello said. “The kids step up and take the responsibility and say we want to do this.”

The members also do their part to give back. During the holiday season, they collect toys for kids in need and volunteer at the Animal Protective Foundation.

The Blue Ribbon Bandits’ general meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month at 4J’s Farm in Averill Park. For more information, email 4HBlueRibbonBandits@gmail.com

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