There are lots of events, activities, and programs for 4-H members to get involved! This section provides information on local 4-H programs and events that take place throughout the year.
Links to some regional, state, and national 4-H events are also provided.
If you’re looking to register or apply, please see our Forms section.
Sussex County 4-H clubs participate in local, regional, state, and national events.
STEP stands for Short Term Exploratory Program. It’s been designed to provide a way for youth to experience a 4-H project area in a shorter period while learning about the larger 4-H program. These programs won’t replace traditional 4-H clubs that meet monthly throughout the year. STEP clubs offer the chance to begin exploring a topic of interest using the same foundation as a 4-H club.
Any youth in grades K-13 (1 year out of high school), whether they are current 4-H members or not. (Some programs may have an age range depending on the subject matter.)
Depending on the program, participants will experience 4-H in a 1-3 moth setting, meeting 1-4x per month.
STEP clubs will be run by a minimum of two adult volunteers in partnership with 4-H. Parents, teachers, or any adult with the desire to teach and inspire youth to learn new things. All volunteers will go through a youth protection screening and training process.
The base fee for participating in a STEP club is $20 per youth. Additional program fees may apply depending on the project area.
Parades take place seasonally. To participate 4-H clubs must register. Forms are sent to 4-H club leaders in advance and are also available for download.
The Sussex County Fairgrounds is home to the Phoebe and Ralph Shotwell 4-H Exhibit Hall where some of our largest events are held.
During the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce annual Sussex County Day held on the Sussex County Fairgrounds, Sussex County 4-H opens the 4-H Shotwell Building to hold a club open house. Members of the public have a chance to meet members and leaders for a slice of what 4-H has to offer.
Sussex County 4-H teams up with the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show to bring our exhibits and volunteers to New Jersey’s biggest agricultural event, which runs for eight and a half days in early August! 4-H members get to shine in animal shows and costume contests, and they also showcase their art, crafts, horticulture, photography, food, and other cool exhibits in the Shotwell 4-H Building.
The 4-H Market Animal Sale is an annual event held during the New Jersey State Fair®/Farm and Horse Show. The Sale is an opportunity for 4-H members who qualify to sell their project animals at a live auction event.
The Market Animal Sale (MAS) program’s purpose is to offer 4-H members an opportunity to learn the business of agriculture. To qualify, members are required to follow specific rules to earn the privilege to sell their animal project.
Animals entered in the MAS must qualify for the sale. This requires meeting documentation and health requirements, meeting weight before the 4-H show, and being judged as Excellent (Blue Ribbon Quality) during the show.
This process ensures buyers receive high-quality meat from a dedicated 4-H member.
Many buyers opt to donate all or a portion of the animals they purchase to support local charities. In this way, participating in the Sale not only supports local 4-H youth, but support the community, as well!
If you are interested in participating in the 4-H Market Animal Sale as a buyer, please complete the contact form below and we will forward you more information.
Prior to the Sale, a social is held to thank prior buyers and welcome new ones to the Sale. The Market Animal Sale Committee solicits donations to help offset costs for the Social. (Donors are recognized by placards at each table.)
If you are interested in raising a 4-H Market Animal Sale project (beef, sheep, goat, or swine), please talk with your 4-H club leader to get more information.
Look over this Marketing Your Animal Guide and be sure to review the MAS Rules .
Getting 4-H’ers Involved In Public Presentations
(NJ 4-H Leader Training Series)
4-H Guide to Public Presentations
How to Give a 4-H Public Presentation (video)
