Sussex County 4-H

Discover the Leader In You! Leadership Conference
2020-03-21 | Somerset County 4-H Office, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, United States
4-H members in grades 6-8 are invited to attend this leadership conference. They will have fun, meet new friends and develop leadership and personal development skills that they can utilize at home, in school, in their 4-H club, and in their community. The conference will include a guest speaker and interactive workshops.
More information and registration can be found here or by contacting the 4-H Office.
Registration Deadline March 2, 2020

State 4-H Equine Presentations Contest
2020-03-15 | Rutgers ECO Complex, 1200 Florence Columbus Rd., Bordentown, NJ, 08505, United States
The New Jersey 4‑H Equine Presentations Project is a project area that is beneficial to the total 4‑H Horse Program. By learning to give presentations and demonstrations, 4‑H’ers gain self-confidence and speaking abilities that are valuable in life situations such as school, the workplace and the community.
Participation in the Equine Presentation Project helps youth develop skills in research, organization and public speaking. Ideas, interests, and talents are shared with peers. Club members also learn about working with others when giving a “Team Presentation”.
There are three ways to participate in the Equine Presentation Project.

Team Demonstration/Presentation – This is a team activity, where a team consists of two (2) 4‑H Horse, Horse Science or Model Horse Club Members. Team members give a demonstration or illustrated talk on a horse related topic. (A demonstration is preferred on the National level.)
Individual Demonstration/Presentation – This is an individual activity, where one (1) 4‑H Horse, Horse Science or Model Horse Club Member gives a demonstration or illustrated talk on a horse related topic. (A demonstration is preferred on the National Level.)
Public Speaking – This is an individual activity, where one (1) 4‑H Horse, Horse Science or Model Horse Club Member gives a talk (no props used) on a horse related topic.

2020 North Jersey Teen Conference
2020-03-13 15:00 - 2020-03-15 11:00 (America/New_York) | Baymont by Wyndham, Pompton Plains/Wayne, 140 Route 23 North, Pompton Plains, NJ, 07444, United States
NJTC is an amazing weekend filled with friends, fun, learning, and memories. The conference connects all Northern New Jersey counties with 4-H programs under one roof! Teens will be able to broaden their circle of friends, learn new skills, and most importantly, just have fun.
Teens will also take a trip to the Gravity Vault where they’ll work together to climb the rock walls, as well as partake in the evening dinner dance where they can let loose and have fun with both old and new friends alike.

4-H National Youth Summit on Photography
2020-02-26 - 2020-03-01 | National 4-H Conference Center, 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, United States
The National Youth Summit on Photography Skills & Careers held annually in February/March is designed for both the experienced and casual photographer. The summit provides an opportunity for teens in grades 9-12 to gain knowledge while they explore emerging photography careers and related skills necessary for entry into tomorrow’s workforce. They will hear from leaders in the field of photography about advancements in technology, emerging photo-techniques, and the role of social media and responsible posting. The summit will be filled with interactive learning opportunities including mini-tracks, career round tables, and hands-on photography experiences in the DC area.
The registration cost includes lodging at the National 4‑H Conference Center, meals, educational programming, guest speakers, and tours including a visit to some of the memorials in Washington, DC. All-you-can-eat meals are served at the Clover Cafe at National 4‑H Conference Center beginning with dinner on Thursday and ending with a box lunch on Sunday.

State 4-H Small Animal Educational Symposium
2020-02-22 | Gloucester County Office of Government Services, 1200 N Delsea Dr, Clayton, NJ, 08312, United States
The State 4-H Small Animal Educational Symposium hosted by the State 4-H Small Animal Project Advisory Council will provide an opportunity for 4-H members, leaders and parents to participate in a variety of educational events all in one day. Workshops and activities planned include an art show, rabbit hopping clinic, poultry health checks, anatomy, and breed identification workshops, rabbit disease management, breed identification, care, and standards of perfection workshops; writing for judges’ workshop; reptile workshop, small animal judging workshop, show ethics workshop, rabbit & cavy showmanship workshop; and a workshop on egg preparation and nutrition.

Information and registration will be available soon about this on the NJ 4-H website at, http://nj4h.rutgers.edu/smallanimals/educational-symposium/

NJ State 4-H Horse Bowl
2020-02-22 | Burlington County Emergency Services Training Academy, 53 Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ, 08060, United States
Horse Bowl is an educational project, in which 4-H’ers learn many aspects of the horse and how to work as a team member. Participants enhance their study skills by using selected reference materials. Topics include equine anatomy, conformation, feed and nutrition, evolution, breed characteristics, reproduction, horse management, way-of-going, tack and equipment, styles of riding and the exhibition of horses.
This accumulated knowledge is tested in the form of a contest, similar to a “College Quiz Bowl” competition. At the contest, 4‑H’ers must work together with three other team members to answer questions to the best of their ability. The knowledge and skills gained in the participation of this project are carried on to all other aspects and projects of the New Jersey 4‑H Horse Program, such as Horse Judging and Hippology, and possibly into the career or work field.
The 4‑H Horse Bowl Project can be a fun, informative activity for 4‑H Horse, Horse Science, Model Horse or Veterinary Science clubs. “Mock” contests can be held during club meetings to practice for the actual contest. It is important to follow the contest rules as closely as possible in preparation for the actual event.
Snow Date: Sunday, February 23, 2019

2020 4-H Teen Winter Camp
2020-02-07 18:00 - 2020-02-09 11:00 | LG Cook, NJ State 4-H Camp, 100 Struble Road, Branchville, NJ, 07826, United States
Winter camp is a fun weekend getaway for teens in grades 9-13 to meet 4-H teens from across the state, enjoy some time away from daily stress, and have fun! This year teens from Sussex, Somerset, and Warren Counties will gather for sledding, hiking, crafting, games, and making new friends at L.G Cook 4-H Camp in Stokes State Forest. Cost for lodging and meals for the weekend is $50 ($25 for Teen Council members). Registration is due by January 10, 2020 to the 4-H Office. For registration or more information, contact the 4-H Office.

4-H Winter Camp: Sussex, Warren, Somerset Counties
2020-02-07 18:00 - 2020-02-09 11:00 | LG Cook, NJ State 4-H Camp, 100 Struble Road, Branchville, NJ, 07826, United States
Winter Camp is a fun weekend at the LG Cook 4-H camp that features fun-filled activities for teenage 4-H members. These may include sledding on the camp’s hill (weather dependent), hikes in Stokes State Forest and various games (board games, card games, 4 Square, and many others). Camaraderie around the campfire is guaranteed! (S’mores will be available, too.)
Participating counties coordinate meals for the weekend.
Youth arrive Friday night and leave on Sunday morning.

State 4-H Model Horse Show
2020-01-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Somerset County 4-H Office, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, United States
The New Jersey 4‑H Model Horse Project is an educational program, entailing the collecting, photographing and showing of model horses. This sincere hobby inspires 4‑H’ers to pursue perfection, authenticity and artistry. The “world of the model horse show” involves a vast equine knowledge and skill to reproduce the realism needed to portray the image of a live horse. The world of model horses is both interesting and informative. 4‑H horse lovers of all ages will enjoy participating in this project. It is especially accommodating for 4‑H’ers who do not have horses or for 4‑H’ers who, because of health reasons, cannot physically work around live horses.
Exhibiting and photographing model horses can be a total learning experience. 4‑H’ers discover the structure of the horse—anatomy and conformation; way-of-going; colors; markings; proper tack, equipment and attire; and styles of riding and showing. Numerous skills are developed in sculpting, painting, leather-work, photography, collecting and record keeping. The only limitations are your knowledge and imagination. The ultimate goal is to take the specific action of a live horse, freeze it in time and portray it in model size. Realism and correctness are the intent.
Model horse shows were started by adults in the mid-1960s, first with the “photo” show and later the “live” show. In a photo show, a picture of a model horse is assessed. The horse is photographed at halter or in a performance class. The photo is sent to a “photo show” to be judged. A “live show” is where the actual model is exhibited and judged.

New Jersey 4-H Model Horse Show
2020-01-18 | Somerset County 4-H Office, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, United States
The New Jersey 4‑H Model Horse Project is an educational program, entailing the collecting, photographing and showing of model horses. This sincere hobby inspires 4‑H’ers to pursue perfection, authenticity, and artistry. The “world of the model horse show” involves a vast equine knowledge and skill to reproduce the realism needed to portray the image of a live horse. The world of model horses is both interesting and informative. 4‑H horse lovers of all ages will enjoy participating in this project. It is especially accommodating for 4‑H’ers who do not have horses or for 4‑H’ers who, because of health reasons, cannot physically work around live horses.
Exhibiting and photographing model horses can be a total learning experience. 4‑H’ers discover the structure of the horse—anatomy, and conformation; way-of-going; colors; markings; proper tack, equipment, and attire; and styles of riding and showing. Numerous skills are developed in sculpting, painting, leather-work, photography, collecting and record keeping. The only limitations are your knowledge and imagination. The ultimate goal is to take the specific action of a live horse, freeze it in time and portray it in model size. Realism and correctness are the intent.
Model horse shows were started by adults in the mid-1960s, first with the “photo” show and later the “live” show. In a photo show, a picture of a model horse is assessed. The horse is photographed at halter or in a performance class. The photo is sent to a “photo show” to be judged. A “live show” is where the actual model is exhibited and judged.
Snow Date: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Call 908-892-3255 for a recorded message if weather is questionable in any part of the state.

National Agri-Science Youth Summit
2020-01-09 - 2020-01-12 | National 4-H Conference Center, 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, United States
The National 4‑H Youth Summit on Agri-Science provides an opportunity for 4‑H members in grades 9-12 to develop the skills and knowledge needed for the challenges facing agriculture, food security and sustainability. National 4 H Council and National 4 H Conference Center have partnered with agricultural scientists, researchers, leaders, politicians, and advocates to host the National Youth Summit on Agri-Science. This Summit emphasizes hands-on educational experiences led by experts in the agricultural community.

2020 NJ State 4-H Animal Science Contest and Film Festival
2019-12-31 08:00 - 17:00 | NJ
Youth may work individually or as a team to create and enter educational videos about alpacas, cats, cattle (beef/dairy), dogs, goats, herpetology, horses, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep, small animals, or swine in the NJ 4‑H State Animal Science Video Contest. A selection of videos will be shared at the film festival during the final session of the Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium. The youth of the top three scoring videos will receive awards. Videos will be scored on educational value, creativity, clarity, pacing, and technical quality (sound, lighting, etc.). Youth are encouraged to have fun and be creative in designing their video entries! To enter your video in the contest, email Erika Kaufman, ekaufman@mercercounty.org, by March 2 for a link to use to upload your video, entry form, and media release form(s).
Entries must be uploaded by March 9, 2020.

More information and registration can be found at https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/animals/film-festival/

National 4-H Congress
2019-11-27 - 2019-12-01 | NJ
National 4‑H Congress is a unique leadership opportunity for 4‑H members from all 50 states. The event focuses on leadership, youth empowerment, community service, career development, and cultural diversity. The event brings over 1000 4‑H members to Atlanta over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The planning committee takes advantage of Atlanta’s standing as an international city and exposes delegates to as many venues in the city as possible including the Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coke-A-Cola, CNN Center, Carter Presidential Library and the Martin Luther King Center. There are many outstanding workshops along with keynote addresses that round out the experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 4‑H members.
New Jersey sends approximately 20 4‑H members and two adult chaperones to the event each year. One to three delegates are nominated from each county and then final delegates are selected through a state interview process. The cost of the event is approximately $950-$1,000 and includes air transportation, registration, lodging, and most meals. All interested 4‑H members must be in the grades 10-12 at the time applications are due (April); complete an application and go through a county and state selection process. Participants can only attend this event one time during their 4‑H career.

Sussex 4-H Horse Knowledge Sessions
2019-11-26 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-11-19 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-11-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-11-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Visions Federal Credit Union, Community Room, 47 US-206, Augusta, NJ, 07822, United States
Horse Knowledge Sessions are educational programs set up to teach and assist 4-H horse members planning to participate in the State 4-H competitions of Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, and Hippology. You do not have to participate in the state events to attend these sessions. There is lots of good information to be learned about horses and the instructors, Michelle Teitsma and Tabitha Higgins make it fun!

Sussex County 4-H Wreath Pickup
2019-11-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ, 07822, United States
The 4-H Foundation will be distributing wreaths on Saturday, November 23 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.
The exact location will be determined based on the weather. Assuming no precipitation, wreaths will be distributed from the parking lot of the Administration Building.
In the event of bad weather (snow, sleet, rain, etc), distribution will be out of Barn 5.

Small Scale Animal Production Series: Small Ruminants
2019-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Warren Grange, 101 Asbury Broadway Road, Washington, 07882, United States
Topics Include:

New Identification Regulations
Scrapie Program
Biosecurity
FAMACHA Method

Presenters Include Experts from:

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment
Station

Ideal Farms Maker Festival
2019-10-26 10:00 - 2019-10-27 17:00 | Ideal Farm and Garden Center, 222 Route 15, Lafayette, NJ, 07848, United States
This October 26th and 27th, Ideal Farms will be hosting the fourth annual Ideal Farms Maker Festival. Come join us for a weekend of STEM, Art, and DIY culture.
This year, we’re looking to expand the selection of events. Any Science Fair project, STEM Club, Art and Craft Club are welcome to participate. There’ll be many professional engineers and researchers attending. This is a good opportunity to get technical advice on improving current projects or designing future ones.

Close Encounters with Birds of Prey
2019-10-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, 391 Minisink Turnpike, Greenville, NY, 12771, United States
Raptors are birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons or owls. Their innate abilities to survive can teach us about adaptations and the critical role raptors play in our environment. As predators at the top of the food chain, raptor populations are sensitive to environmental changes; their fate is linked directly with human actions.
Funds would support a program led by the Avian Wildlife Center (Sussex, NJ) featuring live birds /raptors from their rehabilitation program. The presenter would relate how raptors behave in the environs of Stokes State Forest where the LG Cook 4-H Camp is situated. Youth will learn about raptors unique features: hooked beak, strong feet with sharp talons, keen eyesight, and a carnivorous diet.

Halloween Happenings 2019
2019-10-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ, 07822, United States
Please join us for an evening of fun-filled activities including pumpkin decorating, face painting, a child-friendly hayride, costume parade, and trick-or-treating!
Clubs and 4-H Families are invited to join in the fun too! We need 4-H clubs and volunteers to host trick or treating booths, run and supervise our crafts and activities areas, and provide baked foods. We also need help with soliciting supplies, setting up, parking, and cleaning up. If you have other ideas for participation, please let us know.
We will also be holding a Pumpkin Decorating Contest. 4-H clubs or 4-H families/members can enter pumpkins. These may be carved or painted, but all must be completed upon arrival. All entries need to be checked-in by 5:30 pm to be eligible. Judging will take place between 6:00-7:00 pm, with the winner announced around 7:30 pm.
Please encourage families to join us! The event is open to all; you don’t have to be in 4-H. Bring along friends who may be interested in 4-H. The more the merrier!
This year there will be a $5 suggested donation and/or a bag of candy per car. This applies to guests as well as 4-H members/families attending—but not participating in—the event.

Fall 4-H Volunteer Orientation
2019-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Sussex County RCE/4-H Office, 130 Morris Turnpike, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
This will be a two-hour orientation to the Sussex County 4-H program for adult volunteers completing the volunteer appointment process.
Those interested in becoming appointed 4-H volunteers should review and complete the other steps included in Becoming a 4-H Volunteer in Sussex County

Volunteer Appreciation & Recognition Social
2019-10-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ, 07822, United States
Please join us so that we may show our appreciation to you, our dedicated leaders and volunteers. It will be a wonderful opportunity for you to meet, get to know, and share ideas with other 4-H volunteers in a relaxed setting. The 4-H office will also be highlighting events that may be of interest to your club, as well as, a few club housekeeping reminders.
The social will be held in the Administration Building at the Fairgrounds.
Light appetizers, desserts, and beverages will be served. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.
4-H staff will offer the Rutgers Protection of Minors (POM) training after the social. The training takes less than 30 minutes and is required annually for all 4-H volunteers.

Fall Paper Clover Fundraiser
2019-10-09 - 2019-10-20 | Sussex Tractor Supply Company, 775 RTE 23, Sussex, New Jersey, 07461, United States
October 9-20, 2019 Sussex Tractor Supply customers can participate in the 2019 Fall Paper Clover campaign by purchasing paper clovers for $1 or more at checkout. The funds raised will be awarded as scholarships to individual Sussex County 4-H members wishing to attend 4-H camps and leadership conferences across the country. The number of scholarships distributed to students following the fall campaign will be determined based on the total amount raised.

Learn Geocaching at Brandwein Preserve
2019-10-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, 391 Minisink Turnpike, Greenville, NY, 12771, United States
Join us for a fun-filled, but relaxing day of geocaching at the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve in Greenville, New York (approx. 7 miles over the Sussex County border) on Sunday, October 6 from 1-3 pm.
Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
GPS units will be provided at the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, but you’ll learn how to continue playing using a smartphone.
Join Kevin DeVizia (aka “Captain Math”) for a fun-filled afternoon of geocaching at the Preserve. The program will show those new to geocaching how to get started. Experienced cachers will have the chance to learn new strategies for solving and setting caches.
To learn more about geocaching, check out this video.
The Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve offers a unique experience for photographers, students, educators and naturalists. A perfect site for birding and observing nature, enhanced by Rutgers Creek and featuring a diversity of habitat, the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve experience has been designed to provide ease of access and features well maintained trails.
Reservations recommended:
https://waiver.fr/p-muyr2

Brandwein Family Citizen Science Workshop
2019-09-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, 391 Minisink Turnpike, Greenville, NY, 12771, United States
Citizen Science is a new approach to scientific research. Instead of using just highly educated professional scientists, Citizen Science invites everybody (citizens) to collect information/data that can be evaluated and used by scientists/experts.
Everyday people can observe, document and share scientific data with free software using their smartphones. With lots of groups involved, a crowd of data can be transmitted to the Cloud for scientists. Fieldwork that once depended on a few students can now be undertaken by any number of individuals—and families. More information can be collected and shared faster than ever before. This can accelerate the pace of science and improve understanding of our world.
The Brandwein Institute is hosting workshops for parents and their children as well as community groups (i.e. 4-H, scouts, science teachers, and clubs) this Sunday, 9/22, 12-4:00 pm. You can learn first-hand how to become a citizen scientist, experiencing how science is done. Participants will not only learn how to collect and transmit data, they’ll learn how scientists use this information. It’s an opportunity to learn and be part of science!
Specifically, participants will learn how to measure and collect data on:
1. trees, seasonal phenology dates, and assess the general health of a forest.
2. local bird migration and invasive species through a “BioBlitz” protocol.
All the data collected will be shared with GLOBE and iNaturalist scientists.
Advance Registration Recommended:
https://waiver.fr/p-WF4J8

2019 New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show
2019-08-01 - 2019-08-11 | Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ, 07822, United States
In partnership with NJSF/SCFHS, Sussex County 4-H participates in New Jersey’s largest agricultural fair! 4-H members participate in animal shows and costume contests as well as displaying art, crafts, photography and other exhibits in the Shotwell 4-H Building.

Shotwell Building Setup for Fair
2019-07-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ, 07822, United States
We will be setting up the Shotwell Building for the 2019 New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. To accomplish this, we need your help! The work involves unpacking and assembling the platforms, risers and club booths for 4-H exhibits.
