4-H is a place where young people have many opportunities to build confidence, learn responsibility, and develop skills that will last them a lifetime. It’s a place where youth make friends and share interests, ranging from building robots to raising rabbits, from designing web pages to landscape design. It’s a place where youth work together to make a positive difference in their community, and adult volunteers make a powerful difference in the lives of young people. Get involved in the 4-H community and make a lasting difference!

Announcements...

• 4-H/Be Unlimited Mentor Program - Mentors Needed
  4H & Be Unlimited are partnering together to benefit the youth of Atlantic City. We will be taking on 120 students from the area and providing them with a mentor to help guide their way through life.
  
  The youth will be attending once a week life lesson meetings with a teacher in an after school program setting.
  
  We will have a Family Night for all of the youth and their families. This will give them a chance to learn together.
  
  The mentors are asked to keep in contact with their youth on a weekly basis, either on the phone, through emails or in person. The mentors will be there to help and engage the students.
  Please contact 609-625-0056 or email dcole@aesop.rutgers.edu for more information on a great opportunity.
  
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MISSION . . .
4-H Youth Development uses a learn-by-doing approach to enable youth to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to become competent, caring, and contributing citizens of the world.

This is accomplished through a variety of hands-on learning activities and by using the knowledge and resources of the land-grant university system, along with the involvement of caring adults.

LEARNING TOGETHER . . .
The 4-H Youth Development Program is open to all young people in kindergarten through one year out of high school (Grades K-13). 4-H professionals train adult and teen volunteers who are responsible for teaching, mentoring, and guiding 4-H youth.

BUILDING IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS . . .
With a youth to adult volunteer ratio of 10:1, young people have the opportunity to develop a strong, positive relationship with a caring adult. Research suggests that this may be one of the most important factors for positive youth development.

4-H provides positive youth development through the Essential Elements of Youth Development connected to the 4-H pledge:

I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking…
          Opportunities for INDEPENDENCE

• Through 4-H leadership opportunities, youth mature in self-discipline and responsibility, learn to better understand themselves, and become independent thinkers.
• Youth need to know they can influence people and events through decision-making and action.

I pledge my HEART to greater loyalty…
         Opportunities for BELONGING

• Current research emphasizes the importance for youth to have opportunities for long-term, consistent relationships with peers and adults other than parents.
• Youth need to know they are cared about by others and feel a sense of connection to others in the group. 4-H gives opportunities to feel physically and emotionally safe while actively participating in a group.

I pledge my HANDS to larger service…
          Opportunities for GENEROSITY

• By participating in community service and citizenship activities, youth connect to communities and learn to give back.
• Youth need to feel their lives have meaning and purpose.

I pledge my HEALTH to better living…
          Opportunities for MASTERY

• By exploring 4-H projects and activities, youth master skills to make positive life and career choices.
• Youth need to know they can influence people and events through decision-making and action.

. . .For my club, my community, my county, and my world.

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF 4-H: THREE MISSION AREAS. . .

• Science, Engineering, and Technology – tied to science, agriculture, and environmental issues
• Healthy Lifestyles – tied to human health and well-being
• Citizenship – tied to the activities that help youth become engaged, well-informed citizens