FAIR PAPERWORK DUE TO THE 4-H OFFICE BY YOUR LEADER IN

It’s time to think about finishing up those project books and what you plan to enter into the fair for 2025!

Be sure to take a look through the 2025 Sussex County 4-H Exhibit Catalogue to see all the different departments of things you can enter. Beside animal projects there is also a wide variety of static exhibits that can be entered and displayed in the Shotwell Building. All of the needed forms can be found on our website under forms.

This year’s Prepare for the Fair is also now available for review!

If you have any questions, be sure to contact the 4-H Office

2025 NJSF®/SCFH 4-H Club Booth Theme 

The theme for the 4-H club booth displays for the
2025 NJ State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is:

(Choose your own title) #4HBeyondReady

National 4-H’s new moto is “4-H:Beyond Ready”- Through 4-H, opportunities and experiences that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future. Take the opportunity to show journey from Cloverbud to Beyond Ready. A chance to highlight the powerful impact 4-H can have on young people—from their first steps as Cloverbuds to becoming confident, skilled, and ready-for-life adults. Or how has 4-H modernized to meet the needs of today’s youth.

4-H has helped millions of youth pave a path forward. It is ready to inspire millions more to do the same. Through programs that are proven to work, 4-H is building a generation that’s beyond ready. Ready to lead. Ready to serve. Ready to build. Ready to conquer. Ready Then. Ready Now. Ready for Anything.
https://youtu.be/KwdJ6M57r-k

 4-H Club booth judging criteria that are mandatory items to be included is the display of the 4-H clover, the 4-Hs, and the club’s name prominently displayed.

With the 4-H criteria met, you should then center your 4-H booth around a creative display of this year’s theme. Think of a slogan that goes with the theme and promotes 4-H. Points are awarded for creativity and originality.

Interactive displays are encouraged, but all parts and décor must remain in the booth. Please remember that booths should be a collaborative effort by the whole club. A 4-H booth should let club members display their hard work to the public. 

The Club Booth Entry Form is due to the 4-H Office by July 1. 

Join youth from the United States and across the globe!

Learn about leadership and global citizenship while enjoying the great outdoors at the Arkansas 4-H Center. Open to youth ages 13-18. The cost is $675 per person and includes seven nights lodging, meals, snacks, program supplies and camp activities. Contact Michelle Teitsma at teitsma@njaes.rutgers.edu for more information or to register! 

Summer of Happiness 4-H STEP Club

Hey Teens! Want to get the most of your summer this year? Did you know there’s a science to happiness? Check it out and don’t be surprised if you find yourself a bit more happy in life! 

This 8-week STEP club is open to teens entering grades 9-12 and will take place via Zoom July 8 – August 12 on Tuesday evenings from 8pm – 9:30pm.

It’s free to join! Registration is open NOW – register here by July 7th: go.rutgers.edu/happinessclub

National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA – Call for Applications! 

 Plans are underway for National 4-H Congress 2025! 🌍✨

This premier youth leadership event will take place November 28–December 2, 2025 in Atlanta, GA, bringing together outstanding 4-H’ers from across the country for an unforgettable experience of learning, service, and connection.

This year’s theme: “Courage to Grow, Heart to Serve.” ❤️🌱

$1650 per delegate | Applications due mid-July – check with your county office for funding opportunities and due date. 

🌟You can find the application here: https://go.rutgers.edu/2025congressapp
Questions? Contact Abbie at the State 4-H Office: abigail.kesely@rutgers.edu. 

Big News, NJ 4-H! 🚨
We’re launching the NEW NJ 4-H State Teen Council — and we’re looking for passionate, driven teens who are completing grades 9–12, as of June 2025 to help lead the way!

As a State Teen Council member, you’ll:
🌟 Grow your leadership & life skills
🗣️ Advise 4-H programs as a youth voice
🤝 Plan statewide events & service projects
💚 Build an inclusive and supportive 4-H community
💓 Make a difference through civic engagement
💪 State Teen Council will meet 6 times per year (3 in-person, 3 virtual) 📍
3 spaces reserved for each county — apply now to be part of something BIG

Applications are due by August 15 and interviews will be scheduled for early-mid September. The first two meetings will be held Sunday, October 19, 2025 in-person at Rutgers from 1pm – 4pm, and Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1pm – 3pm via Zoom. Please hold these dates! 

You can find the application here: go.rutgers.edu/stateteencouncilapp

RCE New Jersey 4-H Wants to Feature YOU!

Upload + Inspire Movement

NJ 4H is collecting standout photos, stories, and highlights from clubs and members across New Jersey to feature on our statewide 4-H social media.

Whether it’s a fun event, a major accomplishment, or a special club moment—submit your favorite memories using this form:

🌱 Let’s grow together—one story at a time, by filling out this survey.

https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6S9Yuxd6vpuz9wW

The Upload & Inspire form is already live and waiting for responses, so feel free to start submitting standout stories and photos from your clubs today!  

Let’s show the world what New Jersey 4-H is all about #NJ4H#4HGrowsHere#UploadAndInspire#4HFeatureFriday

New 4-H Fair Pass Policy

The New Jersey State Fair is implementing a new 4-H fair pass policy that will primarily affect members who are only exhibiting projects in the Shotwell 4-H Building during the fair.

Those 4-H members with live animal exhibits that will be on the grounds for at least 4 days will receive a full 8 1/2-day Fair pass, as usual. This includes alpacas, cattle, goats, horses, poultry, sheep, and swine. The Fair will offer 4-H members entering static exhibits 4-day fair passes. These would include 4-H members who are only entering projects in the Shotwell Building or are not exhibiting animals at the fair for four or more days. Currently exceptions are being made for a few non-livestock 4-H clubs that provide over four or more days of member lead activities or service that engage the public.

4-H members who would receive 4-day passes will have the opportunity to earn 8-day passes (or any part thereof) if they choose to participate in volunteer community service activities that help out at the Fairgrounds in the Fall and Spring. The Fair believes engaging 4-H youth in volunteer activities at the fairgrounds will give members a perspective on how the Fair operates and create a better connection with the Fair Association. The hope is our 4-H members will eventually become adult volunteers or directors.

Those 4-H members receiving 4-day passes will be eligible for additional days based on hours of volunteer service prior to the Fair. Two hours of volunteering will earn one additional day pass. 

The 4-H Office will be notified of volunteer opportunities in advance and will provide the Fair office with the approximate number of 4-H’ers planning to participate. 4-H is responsible for providing supervision as required by 4-H policy and for recording attendance. A representative of the Fair will also sign off on attendance at each volunteer day.

Those who qualify for additional day passes based on volunteering prior to the fair will be listed as eligible when passes are issued in July. This is assuming these members fulfill other 4-H fair pass requirements (Record Book, Member in Good Standing with their club, etc.), they will receive additional day passes or a full 8 1/2-day pass.

4-H leaders and 4-H parents will all still receive full passes as it is expected that they will volunteer to help and supervise in the Shotwell Building or other areas during the Fair. As in the past, there will be a fee for parent passes.

This is a new policy, and we understand you may have questions, please let us know.