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.
Holiday Wreath Sale
The holidays are fast approaching and the Sussex County 4-H Foundation is again selling
wreaths through local 4-H clubs. There are two sizes and styles of wreaths being offered,
12 or 36 inch,which come plain or decorated.
(Decorated wreaths feature a festive red ribbon and pine cones.)
Funds raised by the Sussex County 4-H Foundation support activities by 4-H members such
as academic scholarships, financial assistance for members to attend national 4-H events
and sponsorship of 4-H programming in Sussex County.
Wreaths are priced at:
12-in Plain $18.00
12-in Decorated $20.00
36-in Plain $70.00
36-in Decorated $75.00
The deadline to order is Monday, November 10
Wreaths will be available for pick by 4-H club representatives
Saturday November 18
Families may download this Youth Sales Packet that includes a sales flyer and wreath order form. On the flyer, members may write in their club’s name and contact information, and distribute it. Wreath sales can be included on the order form.
Contact the 4-H office for more information or questions.
The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences invites you to the Rutgers SEBS Prospective Student Open House on Sunday, October 22, from 9 to 2 p.m.
Please register to join this event on campus. Free lunch will be provided to all participants!
Discover the Leader in You! Conference
For members in grades 6-8
Sat. November 4 in Camden County
The Discover the Leader in You! 4-H Leadership Conference is for 4-H members in grades 6-8. While attending the conference, middle school youth 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. To accommodate 4-H’ers throughout the state, the conference is held in two locations and on two separate dates each year.
More information and registration information can be found at:
NJ 4-h Discover the Leader in You! Registration Packet
Registration is due by Oct. 25.
New Jersey 4-H members in grades 9-12 who are members in good standing are invited to participate in a multi-level leadership program called the NJ 4-H Leadership for Life Program.
Adapted from Ireland’s youth development program Foróige, the Leadership for Life Program is based on theories and principles of youth work, leadership development, and leadership styles.
Offered in three sequential modules, this program is aimed at equipping young people to explore their vision and passion and to develop such key skills as planning, decision-making, critical thinking, goal setting, and problem-solving.
Members must complete Modules 1 and 2 before they are eligible to complete Module 3. The Advanced Module is held during a 9-day travel experience to the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference at the University of Ireland in Maynooth, Ireland.
The Leadership for Life Program will be offered on the following dates during 2023–2024:
| Module | Dates & Time | Location | Registration Fee and Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat., Dec. 9, 2023 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Mercer County Extension Office 1440 Parkside Ave. Trenton, NJ | $75 for program materials, lunch, and snacks Registration due Dec. 1, 2023 Module 1 Registration Packet (341k PDF) |
| 2 | Sat., Jan. 6, 2024 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Mercer County Extension Office 1440 Parkside Ave. Trenton, NJ | $75 for program materials, lunch and snacks Registration due Dec. 28, 2023 Module 2 Registration Packet (343k PDF) |
| 3 | Sat., Feb. 10, 2024 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Mercer County Extension Office 1440 Parkside Ave. Trenton, NJ | $40 for program materials Registration due Feb. 1, 2024 Module 3 Registration Packet (342k PDF) |
| Advanced | July 25–August 2, 2025 (tentative) | University of Ireland at Maynooth, Ireland | Applications will be accepted in Dec. 2024 |
Information and registration for all of the NJ 4-H Leadership for Life Program Modules are available on the NJ 4-H Website at:
http://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) or Warren County 4-H Program Associate Michelle Teitsma (teitsma@njaes.rutgers.edu).
Call All Incoming 7-11 Grade Members
The 4-H Teen Council Invites you to join our Club.
Sussex County 4-H Teen Council membership has been open to Local teens for over 60 years.
Members take part in:
– community service projects,
– leadership activities,
– earn job experience,
– participate in fun trips and events.
Sussex County 4-H’s criteria is that in order to be considered a “member in good standing”, participants must attend 70% of their club’s meetings/activities. In addition to attendance, all Teen Council members are required to work a number of shifts in the Dairy Barn during fair week, as it is the main fundraiser for the year. Members must also do so in order to be eligible for officer positions and/or scholarships when they reach high school age. Most meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday or Friday of the month at the Fair Administration Office.
For more information or to sign up please reach out to Tanya Patrie (patrie@njaes.rutgers.edu).
NEW 4-H STEP Club ‘First Tracks’ forming NOW!
When: 6 consecutive Tuesday from 4:30 – 8:30 pm starting in January.
Cost: $450 includes all equipment, snow gear, instruction, and meals.
Partial Scholarships may be available.
For more information or to register contact the Sussex 4-H Office.
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
The NJ State 4-H Cupcake Wars & Expo is back again!
Make, bake, and decorate cupcakes on December 2nd at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater (Somerset County). All registered 4-H members in grades K-13 are eligible to register for this free, fun event!
The Cupcake Expo is for members in grades K-3
Register for the Cupcake Expo here:
https://go.rutgers.edu/CupcakeExpo
The Cupcake Wars is for members in grades 4-13
Rules, schedule and registration for the Cupcake Wars can be found here:
https://go.rutgers.edu/CupcakeWars
Questions? Email Harry at hb479@njaes.rutgers.edu
Join 4-H, Busch Gardens, and Missouri Extension for 4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp!
4-H members can discover, learn, laugh, and experience one-of-a-kind adventures with animals at the world’s largest zoological organization, Busch Gardens!
Registration due December 1, for ages 11-13. More info can be found at the following link: https://extension.missouri.edu/…/4-h-zoo-apprentice-camp
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!
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!
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 Parents and Leaders
Leaders, Please join us for the fun and celebration at Sussex County 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
Deadline to RSVP is this Coming Monday October 30.
4-H club leaders and other active volunteers are welcome as honored guests. Adult guests of those being honored are welcome, but the cost will be $20 per person.
When: Saturday, November 4, 2023
Where: Stillwater Community Center
Social Hour: 6:15
Dinner: 6:45 p.m.
Awards: 7:30 p.m
Due to space limitations, only 100 people may attend. Make your reservations early! The deadline to RSVP is Monday, October 30. To RSVP please use one of the following options:– Click the link: https://forms.office.com/r/q2yHUGdBcr– Email Tanya at patrie@njaes.rutgers.edu– Call 973-948-3040 x5
To help keep costs down, we ask those willing to please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. If you wish to contribute, please use the following link: https://signup.com/go/fdnirtB
To add to the fun, 4-H volunteers have previously brought a door prize valued at approximately $5-10, and we will continue this tradition. Please bring one door prize for each person to receive one in return.
Payment for guests must be received by Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the 4-H office.
– Checks may be payable to the Sussex County 4-H Foundation.
– or Venmo @TanyaPatrie
Please come join us and don’t miss this night out!
We look forward to seeing you as it is an event to honor you!
Fall Reminders for Our Leaders
- If your 4H club meets at the fairgrounds, please use the following link to request dates: https://forms.office.com/r/7FnVBfvWZ8. We will work with the fairgrounds to confirm the dates requested and contact you with any conflicts or issues.
- End of Year Paperwork (4-H Club Treasury Annual Review Form, End of Project Year Recognition Certificates and Pins, Project Medal Recommendation Form)
The Treasury annual review is due by Nov 1.
End-of-Year Recognition and Project Medal Recommendation forms are due by Nov. 15. - Annual 4-H Rutgers Protection of Minors Training and Tri-Annual Background Checks are due for the majority of our leaders. Please be on the lookout for emails for the following sources and complete the requests in an expedient manner.
Protection of Minors Training (POM): pom@ipo.rutgers.edu or go to https://pom.ipo.rutgers.edu/ to complete it on your own.
Tri-Annual Background: HireRight Customer Support noreply@hireright.com - NEW- Complete the Volunteer Leadership Online Training Course.
When you are Reenrolling you must complete the Volunteer Leadership Online Training Course. The leadership orientation is a requirement for all leaders, new and veterans. The State 4-H office feels that it is a good refresher for everyone and will help align all trained volunteers in the state and that they may learn some things new to 4-H since their original orientation. Even if you are a veteran volunteer, the course is a good refresher; you may learn some things new to 4-H since your original orientation. Directions to complete this can be found here: Drctns_VlntrOrntnVideo_9-2023.pdf - Presentations/Speakers available for clubs who would like review ‘How to’ properly complete Record Books and ‘How to’ give a 4-H Public Presentations at a club meeting. If interested please contact Tanya or Dave.
CLUB LEADERS WREATH SALE REMINDERS
- Orders must be returned by Friday, November 10th. They can be emailed to Dave or Tanya.
- All orders will be FINAL. NO additional wreaths may be added once your order is placed.
- Wreath pick-up will be Saturday, November 18th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds –Board Of Ag. Farmers Market Building from 9:30 am to 11 am. Please sign up for a time Slot. https://signup.com/go/ayOYmsd.
- Assign one individual to pick up the club’s order. Have your full payment ready to be turned in by cash/check. One check for the full amount, made out to the Sussex County 4-H Foundation for each club is preferred.
- Clubs will receive their bonus check from the Foundation at the time of wreath pick up. Your club will receive $1.00 for each 12-inch wreath sold and $5.00 for each 3-foot wreath sold.
- Supplies (cones, wires, and ribbons) will be provided for all decorated wreaths ordered. These will have to be divided among those decorating wreaths for their customers.
For those new to the Wreath Sale, decorated means you receive supplies for decorating the wreaths your customers ordered.
Wreath Sales materials are available for download at, sussex4h.org/forms
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!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and add us to your favorites so you do not miss a post.
@SussexNJ4H
