A big THANK YOU to our leaders and volunteers during National Volunteer Week (April 19-25).
Each year, thousands of volunteers in New Jersey donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. You are among the millions across the nation who needed to be spotlighted during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2020.
New Jersey 4-H Youth Development Program knows that it relies heavily on volunteers. Of the more than 2,500 adult volunteers involved in the New Jersey 4-H Program, over 120 volunteers have served as club leaders, project leaders, resource volunteers, fair and event volunteers, and judges in the Sussex County 4-H Program over the past year.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the 4-H program. They provide the guidance and support that helps 4-H boys and girls in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) develop confidence and valuable life skills, says Jeannette Rea Keywood, State 4-H Agent, Department of 4-H Youth Development.
NEW – Sussex County 4-H Weekly Challenge
We are going to continue our challenges like we did for 4-H Virtual Spirit Week. Like 4-H Spirit week we are going to choose one winner of a 2021 Teen Council Dairy Barn gift certificate from all those that participate (one entry per person per week) every Friday at about 5 pm-ish. All entries must be submitted before 4:30 pm each Friday.
In honor of National Volunteer Week, we want to hear what you is your favorite thing about your 4-H leader or what you have learned from them. Tell us in a sentence, photo, or drawing. Post your responses under our Sussex County 4-H Facebook post for our weekly challenge or email them to patrie@njaes.rutgers.edu to be counted. And don’t forget to hashtag them #SussexCounty4HLeadersRock and #SC4HChallenge2020.
Attention 10-12 Graders – National 4-H Congress application deadline has been extended until April 22.
This is an amazing trip and it will be even more special this year because it is the 100th celebration (1920-2020) of National 4-H Congress! The Application can be found
If so, don’t
SHARE YOUR 4-H PHOTOS – MannaPro 4-H Photo Mosaic Contest
Fun activity to try – Making a Fairy Garden
Rumor has it there is going to be a 4-H fairy garden contest in May!
To register contact Alayne Torretta at torretta@njaes.rutgers.edu
Do I Need to still Give Public Presentation?
Some 4-H members have asked if they are still required to do a public presentation now that 4-H in-person meetings and participation in the fair is suspended. The quick answer is YES. To remain a 4-H member in good standing to participate in state-level activities and for many clubs, a club or county level presentation is required. Members may give their presentations virtually to their clubs during online club meetings or at a county level by submitting a video of their presentation for county review or participating in one of the two (2) Zoom presentation nights. 8th -13 grade members who receive a blue ribbon at the county level will then be able to submit their video for the 4-H Virtual State Presentation Competition. To participate in County-level presentations register through your 4HOnline account.
4-H Teen Talk Weekly Zoom Meeting
Starting this week, on April 22, we will be hosting a weekly Zoom meeting every Wednesday at
To participate contact Tanya Patrie at patrie@njaes.rutgers.edu for the Zoom meeting link.
Weekly Rabbit Education Zoom Meeting
In partnership with Sullivan NY 4H, Rabbit education zoom meetings are being offer Friday nights at 7pm on a variety of topics.
Topic for April 24 – What goes on in a Judges mind?
Ever want to know why a judge might choose one rabbit over yours, or why they choose yours. Find out what a judge is looking for and what they are thinking with a table full of rabbits in front of them.
To participate contact Mackenzie Kratzsch at littlethumpsrabbitry@yahoo.com for the Zoom meeting link.
Information and Programs For Our 4-H Parents and Leaders
Rutgers Earth Day at Home Webinar Series
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Rutgers Cooperative Extension announces its webinar series “Earth Day at Home”. This series will focus on steps everyone can take to protect the environment. We can all do our part to take actions that make our homes more sustainable, from environmentally friendly lawn
Details: Join them on Mondays, starting April 20th, at
“Ask the Ag Agent”
Weekly 1-hour sessions for farmers, will be hosted on Wednesdays starting April 15th and continue each Wednesday. The online conferencing/call-in events will begin at
To access via WebEx on a computer go to https://go.rutgers.edu/rc9n3kxt To join by phone +1-650-429-3300 USA Toll
Access code: 799 743 872
COVID-10 Emergency Resources for People and Pets
RedRover is greatly concerned for people and animals during this COVID-19 crisis. They are currently assessing what is needed and will continue to provide updates with resources and information. They have information and resources for those with
