Sussex County 4-H Weekly Challenge
They say laughter is the best medicine. This week tell us a joke. Post your jokes under Sussex County Facebook post of our weekly challenge or email them to patrie@njaes.rutgers.edu to be counted. And don’t forget to hashtag them #SussexCounty4HWklyChallange and @SussexNJ4H.
Every week we will be posting a change and choosing one winner of a 2021 Teen Council Dairy Barn gift certificate from all those that participate (one entry per person per week) on Friday (at 5pmish) of that week. All entries must be submitted by 4:30 pm on Friday to count.
Check out the *NEW* New Jersey 4H from Home web page
This online resource was developed for use by all NJ youth and their families. There you will find information about our interactive webinars, short term NJ 4‑H STEP clubs, and many valuable resources you and your family can use at home. From science to healthy living, community service to the arts you should be able to find something of interest for everyone in your family.
New interactive webinars are now posted. Registration is required and space is limited. To register click on session/s you are interested in participating. Don’t wait to register as space fills up fast.
May Webinars
- May 5: Young Scientist (grades K–3)
- May 7: Starting Your Indoor Garden
- May 12: Rainbows of Hope Art Session
- May 14: Backyard Biodiversity
- May 19: Title to come (Healthy Food/Fun Snacks)
- May 21: Q&A With Our Feathered Friends
- May 26: Making Flavorful Snacks
- May 28: No-Sew DIY Projects
Have an idea for a webinar and/or interested in hosting one. Share your thoughts with the 4‑H From Home team at 4hFromHome@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Be sure to check out Virtual STEP Clubs.
STEP Clubs are short-term exploratory programs focused on a topic (STEM, Healthy Living, etc.) that meet multiple times over the course of several weeks.
Take a look at this new 4-H STEP club starting THIS week!
4-H Virtual Victory Gardeners STEP Club
https://go.rutgers.edu/mrgmiwo3
More to be added soon, or if you have an idea for one let us know.
If you have questions please feel free to contact the 4‑H From
4-H Animal Science Resource Blog Contest
Are you one of our six Sussex County 4-H Animal Clubs participating in the 4-H Animal Science Resource Blog Contest for a chance to win up to $200? Good Luck to All-Star Rabbits, Bunnies & Buddies/Regal Rabbits, Kicken’Chickens, S. C. Capricians, S. C. Milkmakers!
Current participating clubs don’t forget to participate in this week’s (Week #4) activities to earn up to 5 points for your club for each activity you complete.
Want to get in on the fun? Club leaders can still register their clubs online to enter the contest. Contest ends May 31.
Calling all garden and crafter enthusiasts!
Digital 4-H Invitational Rabbit & Cavy Show Sponsored by Warren County Hare Raisers
Registration open now. Entries due by June 1, 2020.
More information and registration can be found at:
digitalized-invitational-4-h-rabbit-cavy-show-by-warren-county-hare-raisers-4-h-club Or @WCHRInvitationalShow
The American Kennel Club is hosting an art contest!
Show them what “At Home with my Dog” looks like for you! Anyone from kindergarten students to adults is eligible to enter. The top winner in each age/grade level category will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
For more information, rules and entry form go
4-H Teen Talk Weekly Zoom Meeting
You’re invited to join the 4H Teen Talk weekly meetings. Every Wednesday the Teen Council will be hosting weekly Zoom meetings at 3:30pm for 4-H members in 7-13th grade to drop in for a virtual meet up. It a chance to meet other teen 4H members in Sussex County, learn about other clubs, play some virtual games, talk about how your handling (or not) the new “normal”, get to vent to others who might be feeling the same way and have a little fun.
We would also love to hear what our teen leaders’ thoughts and ideas on what 4H is doing in this crisis and what you would like to see done.
To participate please use the following link to fill out a contact form: Sussex 4H Teen Talk Virtual Meet Up contact form. We will use the information provided to send you the Zoom meeting Link. It will also help us to keep the meeting secure and only allow those who requested to join in. If you have a friend who would like to join us, please share the contact form with them.
If you have any questions please reach out to Tanya patrie@njaes.rutgers.edu
Shout out to Clubs and 4-H members who make the best better!
In 4-H, we pledge our HANDS to larger SERVICE. While at home, some have still fulfilled their commitment to service in many ways.
Kicken’ Chicken 4-H Club – sent 2 sandwich trays to the staff at Newton Medical Center. Thank you Dominick’s Pizzeria and Restaurant for delivering it.
4-H Teen Council – Purchased snacks, juice boxes, and candy from Amazon and had it delivered to Newton Hospital. They also purchased elastic for a mask-making group.
Love on a Leash – Are making videos of them reading books with their dogs to be shared with the library system. Club members are also preparing cards, artwork, writing letters, etc. to the residents at Bristol Glen.
The Walsh Family – Mom Vonda and 4-H members Amaleigh and Mikaelyn (members Kids in the Kitchen) have been crocheting “ear saver” (straps with buttons for those wearing masks for a long time).
Kathy Kula – 4-H Teen Council Leader has also been crocheting “ear savers”.
Michelle Teitsma – Leader for Allons –Y Geocaching Club has been making masks.
Tell us what you’ve been doing to use your hands for larger service so we can give you the credit you deserve.
Information and Programs For Our 4-H Parents and Leaders
We have created a place for Sussex County 4H Leaders to come together to share thoughts and ideas. Please join us to share resources or collaborate with other clubs. Together leaders can brainstorm new and innovative ways to modify existing lessons and/or programs or plan new ones. Let’s use the mind hive of all of us together to continue to make 4H a great and memorable experience for all our 4H members.
4H leaders help youth develop and become productive citizens meeting the needs of a diverse and changing society. Now more than ever we need to work together to make the best better.
“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 join by phone +1-650-429-3300 USA Toll
Access code: 799 743 872
Rutgers Earth Day at Home Webinar Series
May 4, 2020
Creating Wildlife Habitat in Your Yard.
All creatures need to eat, drink, hide from predators, take cover from harsh weather, and safely raise their young. Whatever the size of your yard, learn how you can transform it into a haven for wildlife. Kathleen Kerwin, Program Associate, Wildlife Conservation and Management Program, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
May 11, 2020
Home Vegetable Gardening For Food, Fun, and Stress Management.
Growing your own food can be physically and mentally rewarding. There are important tips to consider when starting a home vegetable garden such as location, sunlight, water, soil quality, and wildlife exclusion. This presentation will cover important tips for vegetable gardening including selecting vegetable varieties, starting seeds indoors and outside, planting and spacing, managing pests in the garden, watering, and harvesting the garden. Michelle Infante-Casella, Full Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County.
To register or for more information visit
https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/EarthDayatHome2020.html
