2023/2024 Program Year 4-H Online Re-Enrollment Closes January 1.
Each year 4-H members and volunteers must renew their enrollment by January 1 to be considered in good 4-H standing. To do so, go to: https://v2.4honline.com/
Directions to assist you in the process can be found at the following link:
https://www.sussex4h.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4HMmbrRnrlmnt_8-29-23.pdf
If you have any questions, or experience difficulties with 4HOnline, please contact Dave or Tanya for assistance.
Applications for the 2025 National 4-H Conference trip are live now!
National 4-H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4‑H civic engagement, providing the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, nation and world. The event is attended by approximately 250 young people from nearly all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Participants work in committees to identify issues and ideas that become part of a strategic plan for 4-H.
Potential delegates must be in grades 10-12 as of September 2024 and between 15 and 19 years old (as of January 1, 2025). New Jersey sends up to six (6) NJ 4-H members to this conference
Visit https://go.rutgers.edu/4HConference to find more information about the event and the application. 
All applications are due to the county 4-H office by December 11, 2024.
If you have questions about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, contact Abbie at the State 4-H Office at 848-932-3711 or nj4h@njaes.rutgers.edu.
New Jersey 4-H members in grades 9-11 invited to participate the multi-level leadership program – NJ 4-H Leadership for Life Program.
The next cohort for the NJ 4-H Leadership for Life Program will begin in January 2025 with Module 1, followed with Module 2 in February and Module 3 in March. The Leadership for Life Program is offered in three sequential modules, which focus on leadership skills such as planning, decision making, critical thinking, goal setting, problem solving and conducting a service-learning project.
Registration details can be found here: https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/leadership/leadership-for-life/
Questions about the Leadership for Life Program can be directed to Camden County 4-H Agent Sharon Kinsey (sbkinsey@njaes.rutgers.edu)
2025 New Jersey 4-H Goat Extravaganza – January 4, 2025
See the state 4-H goat website, http://nj4h.rutgers.edu/goats/extravaganza/, for all of the information you need to register for the NJ 4-H Goat Extravaganza (poster/presentation contest, skill-a-thon, quiz bowl, art show, workshop for parents and volunteers, and social) on Saturday, January 4 at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County in the Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Avenue, Ewing (our third year at this location).
Simple and quick online registration is due by Wednesday, December 4.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, each youth participant will receive a special 20th anniversary t-shirt (free); there will be a fun scavenger hunt with prizes; and several alumni will join for the day! Also new this year, we’ll collect non-perishable food, socks, mittens/gloves, and warm hats.
Meet astronaut Charlie Walker and the 4-H Rocketry Club ResistoJets for hands-on rocket science activities and a Zoom interview with Mr. Walker where you can ask your questions!
Calling all 9th to 12th graders that are passionate about solving complex problems! Join the NJ 4-H Global Food Security Coalition!
Will be meeting virtually on Wednesdays in January and with one in person meeting at Rutgers New Brunswick.
REGISTER HERE: HTTPS://GO.RUTGERS.EDU/FY6MKR9L
Interested in marine science? Have a passion for collecting data? Want to spend time living and working aboard a real-life research vessel?
If yes, consider applying for the NJ 4-H S.H.A.R.K. (Scientific Hands-on Applied Research Knowledge) program!!
Youth in grades 9-12th will meet once a week (virtually) to learn from marine scientists about actual research taking place, and will eventually take their knowledge gained and apply it during a practicum experience aboard the research vessel Garvin!
Participants will put together a project capturing their knowledge gained!
PROGRAM DATES:
Virtual sessions: THURSDAYS | MAR 21 – APR 11 | 7 PM – 8 PM
IN-PERSON PRACTICUM: APR 19-22 | BISCAYNE BAY, FLORIDA
Cost: $2,500 per person (estimate), all-inclusive
APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 8TH, 2023
Packet available HERE
For more information, please contact Matthew Newman at m.newman@njaes.rutgers.edu
2024 4-H Legislative Leadership Experience
Registration deadline is February 1 and space is limited.
For more info click here. Visit this site to register!
You’ve got skills…and National 4-H want to see them!
You’ve got skills…and we want to see them! 
Looking for artists, creators and performers to be featured at upcoming National 4-H events. Applications accepted November 13th through January 1st. Apply now: https://bit.ly/3QPO0AN
#Opportunity4All
Calling All 5th Graders!
The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey annual Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest empowers fifth grade students to advocate for an endangered or threatened species from New Jersey through a well-researched, creative essay and original art piece.
The winners, one from each county, are honored at an awards ceremony, have their artwork exhibited at various venues around the state and featured in a calendar, and are invited on an eco-tour at Sedge Island in Barnegat Bay.
All educator materials, including detailed STEAM-based lessons (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), are included in the free contest kit. Kits can be found at www.conservewildlifenj.org. Entries due by February 9, 2024. Download your kit today!
4-H Animal Science Video Contest and Film Festival
New Jersey 4-H, in cooperation with the New Jersey Junior Breeder Symposium, is sponsoring the 4-H Animal Science Video Contest and Film Festival to include ALL 4-H animal project areas.
Youth may work individually or as a team to create short educational videos (3:30 minutes or less) about alpacas, cats, cattle (beef/dairy), dogs, goats, herpetology, horses, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep, small animals, and/or swine to enter in the 4-H Animal Science Video Contest. Youth must upload their video and media release(s) by the end of March 3 (see website for details). The videos will then be shared at the film festival in the Round House of the Rutgers Cook Campus Farm during an afternoon session of the Junior Animal Science Symposium on Saturday, March 29.
Youth of the top scoring videos will receive awards, including gift cards. Videos will be scored on educational value, creativity, clarity, pacing, and technical quality (sound, lighting, etc.) – 20 points each, total of 100. A tip sheet and a description of the judging criteria are both available on the website, along with the top scoring videos from prior years. Youth are encouraged to have fun and be creative in designing their video entries!
Details are available on our website at http://nj4h.rutgers.edu/animals/film-festival.
L.G. Cook 4-H Summer Camp Registration NOW Open.
It’s that time of year! Registration for 4-H Camp opens November 15th for both our classic overnight program, and our day camp, 4-H camp at Rutgers Gardens.
Register before December 31st during our Polar Bear registration period to get our lowest rate, and the first pick of classes for summer 2025.
More information can be found on our website at https://nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu/
Also check out our new overview video on or website at https://nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu/videos.html
Registration opens for both:
Still need more details Call 973-948-3550 to reach the Camp Office with any and all questions.
Stargazing anyone? 
Join the Rutgers community at the Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory for their Public Open Nights this fall! Check their website at observatory.rutgers.edu for more information!
Poetry x Hunger: Poetry Call from Middle and High School Youth
Do you want to help eliminate hunger and poverty through the power of your pen? NJ Arts 4-H is introducing Poetry X Hunger. Join in the Poetry X Hunger project promoted by Expressive Arts 4-H of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Write a poem that addresses hunger, poverty, and/or food insecurity and submit it to Poetry X Hunger. For more information click here. Submit your poem through this link here. Why not present your poem to your clubs and community groups? If you have any questions, contact Ellen Williams, Expressive Arts 4-H Agent at williams@njaes.rutgers.edu.
For more information visit https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/comm/poetryxhunger/
Arbor Day 2024 Photo Contest
All levels of photographers are encouraged to submit your pictures, whether you take a picture on your phone, or a camera, all tree pictures are welcome! Age categories for entries are Grades K-8 (Elementary), Grades 9-12 (High School), and Adult (ages 18+).
Entries will be accepted from now until March 1, 2024
This year’s theme is “My Tree, My Place”. We want you to showcase a tree that is special to you or sparks your interest somewhere that you live, work, or spend a lot of time. Your photograph can reflect “My Tree, My School”, “My Tree, My Park”, “My Tree, My Office”, and so on!
The winning photographs will be featured on the Rutgers Urban Forestry website, by the NJ Shade Tree Federation, as well as NJ Department Of Environmental Protection Urban and Community Forestry Program.
For more information or to enter a photo go to:
Arbor Day 2024 Photo Contest – Urban Forestry Program
Information and Programs for Our 4-H Leaders
Attention 4-H alumni, parents, volunteers and stakeholders…
Mark Your Calendars! Here are the NJ 4-H State Association meeting dates for 2024. We are still looking for additional volunteers to help make the best better and join the association! Visit https://go.rutgers.edu/HelpNJ4H to be added to the mailing list or contact nj4h@njaes.rutgers.edu to learn more about the State Association!
Make a DIFFERENCE in your community…become a Rutgers Environmental Steward – Classes start in January!
Additional information is on their website- https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and add us to your favorites so you do not miss a post.
@SussexNJ4H
