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High School Seniors – 4-H Scholarship Deadlines are approaching fast!
Sussex County 4-H Foundation Fund Scholarship
Due April 1.
Applicants must be currently active in the 4-H program and for at least five (5) years, four (4) of which should be in high school. Applications are due to the 4-H Office, by emailed to foord@njaes.rutgers.edu or postmarked by April 1.
For the Application, go to:
https://www.sussex4h.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020-SC4HFndtn-Schlrshp-App_forms_ue_1-17.pdf
Gladys “Beth” Pool Memorial Scholarship
Due April 1
Any high school senior who has participated in New Jersey 4-H or FFA, and is interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, are eligible for this $1000 Scholarship. Students interested must submit the completed application along with an essay on how agriculture “feeds your soul” and a letter of recommendation from a 4-H Leader or FFA Advisor.
The application, essay, and letter are due by April 1st. The Scholarship winner will be selected and notified by April 30th. Please email your application to traced444@gmail.com.
For the Application, go to: https://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/ag_ed/ffa/scholarships/TheGladysBethPoolMemorialScholarshipApplication.docx
Ag. Division of the NJ State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show Scholarship
Due April 15
Agricultural Scholarships are presented each year by the Ag. Division of the NJ State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show and applications are now being accepted for any Sussex County graduating high school senior or college student currently enrolled in an agricultural program pursuing a two or four-year degree, or graduate studies in one of the many fields of Agriculture.
The application can be found here: Agricultural Scholarship (sussexcountyfairgrounds.org)
Mail the application to the Ag. Scholarship Selection Committee, P.O Box 2456, Branchville, NJ 07826.
Gracie’s Scholarship
Seldom in one’s life does one meet a truly dynamic personality. We all had the privilege of meeting such a spirited soul. That person was Grace Honigsberg. She was not just involved in Agriculture, Agriculture was her way of life, and her life’s passion. She was very active in Sussex County 4-H as a member in her youth and as a leader of several livestock clubs as an adult. She was the 2013 Sussex County Youth Agricultural Ambassador and a member of the Sussex County Board of Agriculture and received the Next Generation of Agriculture Award in 2015. She was a member of the NJ Farm Bureau and served as past president of the NJ Young Farmer’s and Ag Professionals. Her passion for agriculture led her to travel nationally, representing the state of NJ at several American Farm Bureau events, with a focus on accurate agriculture education.
It is in Gracie’s honor that the Sussex County Board of Agriculture announces the formation of a new yearly Agricultural Scholarship of $500 a year to any student focusing on her/his education in the field of Agriculture. If you are interested in continuing your Agriculture education this scholarship is open for you, college or technical school, student or adult. For more information and application, please contact your high school guidance counselor or Lori Space-Day.
Website: https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/smallanimals/junior-symposium/
To officially register: https://tinyurl.com/2025AnimalSymposium
Register now for this exciting ONE DAY event! This year’s Legislative Leadership Experience will be even more engaging, interactive, and educational than before!
Join us for inspirational guest speakers, a tour of the State House, a chance to see legislation in action, and more, as you learn how a bill becomes a law and what it takes to create change in your local community!
Teen Cafe for High School Students
“Get Ready for 4-H Ag-Venture Day: Spring Break 2025!
Register by April 4th: https://4histops.org/events/ag-spring-break
Spring Break just got a whole lot more exciting! Somerset County 4-H Youth Development Program is bringing you 4 full days on April 14th-17th of animal science fun designed especially for grades 2-6. Whether you’re a future farmer or just curious about how animals are part of our world, this is the adventure for you!
Over four days of hands-on workshops, farm tours, and fun activities, youth will dive into the world of agriculture and sustainability. Learn about raising animals, discover where your food comes from, and get your hands dirty in ways you’ve never imagined before.
Why join?
- Farm Tours: See real farms in action!
- Hands-on Workshops: Get up close with the animals!
- Animal Science Fun: Learn the science behind caring for livestock, sustainability, and agriculture!
It’s Spring Break—let’s make it an adventure you’ll never forget!
-Save the Date-
New Jersey State 4-H Communications Day
June 7th at Rutgers
In 2026, we plan to expand State Presentations into a 4-H Communications Day. We feel that this format will better prepare youth for the workplace by allowing them multiple formats to learn, practice, and showcase their skills with various methods of public speaking. The traditional 4-H presentations will still be included. As a trial, we are going to host three additional contests in the afternoon (after State Presentations) this year on June 7th at Rutgers. These new contests include: (1) Mock Interview; (2) Extemporaneous Speech; (3) Instructional Video.
4-H youth who qualify for State Presentations will be able to do their presentation in the morning and then participate in any or all of the contests in the afternoon. Look for more information to follow soon!
4-H New Jersey Youth Food Council (NJYFC) are now open!
This program will empower young people to become changemakers in their communities. It is a statewide 4-H initiative that provides high school students in grades 9th-12th with a platform to engage in food policy, advocacy, and action. The program includes a one-year commitment with virtual bi-weekly meetings, where students will work in groups led by professional mentors to create capstone projects.
This is an opportunity for students to:
- Develop leadership skills
- Contribute to a more sustainable food system
- Make a real impact through community action projects
This is open to 4-Hers and local high schools! To learn more, go to: New Jersey Youth Food Council – Home
Applications are now open through May 2nd.
Link to application: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSKLzc0CyZdBreu.
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.
New opportunities available.
4-H NJSF/SCF&HS Community Service Sign up
The NJSF/SCF&HS is setting up Community Service days to enable 4-H members who would receive 4-day passes to have the opportunity to earn 8-day passes (or any part thereof) by participating in volunteer activities that help out at the Fairgrounds in the Fall and Spring. Two hours of volunteering will earn one additional day pass.
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 that some of these 4-H members will eventually become adult volunteers or directors.
Listed are current Community Service volunteer opportunities. You may choose one or all. Additional opportunities will be added/deleted as they become available.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 5-7pm – Assist with Spring Clean-up and mulching around the Antique Engine building and the Milky Way (white gravel path between Ag Arena and Snook Museum).
Saturday, May 10,2025, 10am – Assist the Vegetable Show with cleaning and planting
Wednesday June 4th, 2025, 4:30 to 6:30 pm – BOA Farmers Market Clean-up with Lori Space Day.
To sign up for please use the following online form:
https://forms.gle/oLyGXtCzw6qvAz3T6
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.
Information and Programs for Our 4-H Leaders & Parents
The first episode of 4-H Volunteer Ventures is available on Spotify and other platforms. The 4-H Volunteer Ventures Facebook page is also available.
The 4-H Volunteer Ventures Podcast examines the fun, but sometimes confusing role of the 4-H volunteer. Each episode will explore a specific aspect or challenge volunteers face ad offer best practices to improve the experience. Join hosts, Kelly and Laura, as they discuss current trends, share resources, and offer tips and tricks learned from their own volunteer experiences.
New upcoming episodes – be sure to listen when it’s convenient for you!
- 3/5 – Great 4-H Judges
- 3/19 – Supporting Youth with Special Needs
- 4/2 – Ages & Stages – Part 1
Spotify link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/4hvolunteerventures
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558574791500
We want to hear from YOU! If you have any suggestions for volunteer-based topics you would like us to address, or something you would like to learn more about as a 4-H volunteer, let us know. We appreciate your input.
