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...

• Pre-Fair Judging
  Pre-Fair Judging of baked goods, food preservation, frozen goods, and photography is Saturday, July 21st at the 4-H Office; Drop off entries from 10-12; judging is at 1 pm: Pre-Fair clothing judging will take place Wednesday, July 25th at 6:30 pm at the 4-H Office.
  
  
• Cloverbud Camp
  Come join us for a fun-filled one day adventure on Thursday, June 28th from 9 am – 4pm at the 4-H Office; for youth in K-3rd grade.
  
  
  
  Details/Registration
  
  
• 4-H Food & Fitness Ambassadors
  Open to 4-H members in grades 7-12; training will be held on Saturday, June 16th from 10 am – 3 pm at the 4-H Office.
  
  More information
  
  
• 4-H Fundraiser for the Atlantic County 4-H Horse Council
  Join us at the Texas Roadhouse on Monday, June 11th from 3:30 to 10 PM.The Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of your entire check to the fundraiser upon presentation of an invitation.
  
  Invitation
  
  
• 2012 4-H OPEN SHOW SERIES
  will once again be offered by the Atlantic County 4-H Horse Council. Shows are open to all interested riders but follow 4-H rules as related to age/grade and strictly enforced helmet policy.
  
  MORE
  
  Important Horse Trailer Information.
  
  
• 4-H Yearbook Ad Sales Campain
  The 2012 4-H Yearbook Ad Sales Campaign has started. The campaign will run from March 1st until May 15th. The yearbook ad sale is very important and serves three purposes:
  
  • To produce the Atlantic County 4-H Yearbook, which aims to promote the county 4-H Youth Development Program and give recognition to the 4-H members and volunteers involved
  
  • To provide a means for 4-H members to defray the cost of attending 4-H activities like 4-H Summer/Winter Camp, South Jersey Teen Conference, or any other 4-H event
  
  • To help support the 4-H Fair Association and the 4-H Center and Fair—which is supported by the Fair Association
  
  Click below for the Ad Sales Packet and more infomation.
  
  Ad Sales Packet
  
  Contest Flyer
  
  Story Ideas
  
  
• Club Officer's Training
  Make plans for 4-H Club Officer's Training directly at your next club meeting. Contact Navonne for details and to set up a training date/time.
  

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