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...

• Teen Leadership Camp!
  All teens in grades 6 - 12 (grade just completed) are invited to an adventure based weekend leadership experience. Build your leadership skills while making new friends and camping out at Turkey Swamp in Freehold, NJ. Sponsored by the NJ 4-H State Teen Action Council and NJ Speak Out for Military Kids, come ready to explore outdoor adventures and participation in building skills at the Monmouth County Park System - Nomoco in Freehold. The camp is scheduled for August 20 to August 22 and the registration is FREE!
  
  
  Click here for more information and registration forms
• Horses Make Good Neighbors and Great Teachers!
  The Rutgers Equine Science Center introduces a new way for kids to horse around on the Web: Equine Science 4 Kids! This online classroom features games, interactive activities, and even a little horseplay for children of all ages. Equine Science 4 Kids is headed by our very own “Professor Emeritus,” Lord Nelson – an American Quarter Horse with a storied history at Rutgers University and a lot of horse sense. Lord Nelson uses his years of experience to guide kids
  
  More Info
• 4-H Open Horse Show Series
  The Atlantic County 4-H Open Horse Show Series consists of 11 open horse shows in the exciting and competitive disciplines of English and Western riding, Dressage, and Miniatures held at our 4-H Fairgrounds located at 3210 Route 50 in South Egg Harbor, NJ.
  
  (More Information)
• 4-H Summer Camp Online Registration
  Registration is now being accepted for the New Jersey L.G. Cook 2010 4-H Summer Camp which is open to all youth in grades 4th - 11th.
  
  More Information

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