September 11, 2019

News Release

For Immediate Release

EDITOR'S NOTE: Members of the media may contact Jeannette Rea Keywood, State 4‑H Agent, Rutgers 4‑H Youth Development Program by phone at 848-932-3597 or by email at nj4h@njaes.rutgers.edu.

New 4-H Year Begins

4‑H is gearing up for another year of fun, friends and learning. The new 4‑H year started recently (September 1) and 4‑H clubs throughout New Jersey are reorganizing and enrolling new members.

Youth, who are in Kindergarten through Grade 13 (one year out of high school) can join a 4‑H club. 4‑H participation is open to all youth, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender or disability. In 4‑H clubs or special interest programs, youth learn knowledge and skills related to that project area as well as learn, develop and practice valuable skills such as decision-making, critical thinking, record keeping, cooperation, goal setting, problem solving, communication, public speaking, and leadership.

What makes 4‑H unique? 4‑H provides real-life, positive youth development experiences. Members learn how to do tasks and make decisions similar to those in adult life. These are called life skills. "Using life skills, members learn how to manage their resources, work together in groups, develop critical thinking skills and communicate with others", says Jeannette Rea Keywood, Rutgers Cooperative Extension State 4‑H Agent.

Families are an important part of the 4‑H Youth Development Program. Parents, brothers, sisters and other members of the family can learn new skills and adopt new ideas by being a part of the 4‑H program experiences and educational opportunities. 4‑H is adaptable to each individual, each home and each community.

4‑H clubs also get involved in service learning or community service activities designed to improve the circumstances in their community. Through activities like cleaning up neighborhoods or assisting with local food pantries, 4‑H members learn civic engagement, citizenship, and leadership skills.

The 4‑H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 4‑H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K–13 (one year out of high school), on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, and any other category protected by law. For more information about the New Jersey 4‑H Program visit the New Jersey 4‑H website at nj4h.rutgers.edu

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Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an qual opportunity program provider and employer.