October 1, 2021

News Release

For Immediate Release

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

NJ 4-H to Offer Programs to Celebrate National 4-H Week (October 3-9)

In celebration of National 4‑H Week (October 3–9), the New Jersey 4‑H Program is conducting a variety of programs and events open to youth (grades K–13) and adults throughout the month of October. For a list of programs and registration information visit: nj4h.rutgers.edu/national-4h-week

Some of the programs scheduled include:

Virtual NJ 4‑H Escape Room

October 3–9

Youth in grades K–13 and their families are invited to test your 4‑H knowledge and have fun as you visit the NJ 4‑H Escape Room. Start your challenge at: go.rutgers.edu/ez9hzx7g

Monologue and Scene Writing

Mondays, October 4 and 18, 7-8:30 p.m.

The Monologue and Scene Writing program is open to middle and high school youth. Sessions will be held on the first and third Mondays of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. through June 2022. Youth can join the sessions via Zoom or in-person at the Middletown Township Public Library. This program will incorporate a multidisciplinary arts approach integrating creative writing and improvisational theatre with expressive arts including visual art, photography, music, film, and creative movement. For more information, contact Ellen Williams, Expressive Arts 4‑H Agent at williams@njaes.rutgers.edu.

• Register for Monologue and Scene Writing

Family Financial Trivia Night

Friday, October 8, 7 p.m.

Youth (grades 4 and above) and their families are invited to participate in an online trivia night via Zoom where you can learn about money, finances, setting goals, and investments. Prizes will be awarded.

• Register for Family Financial Trivia Night

Meet the Seeing Eye Puppies

Saturday, October 9, 9:30 a.m.

Get to know the Morris County 4-Footed Leaders 4‑H club members and their puppies! These members work hard all year to raise and train future guide dogs for The Seeing Eye. This is your chance to learn what it takes to raise a future guide dog, why this work is so important, and have some fun meeting these adorable puppies.

• Register for Meet the Seeing Eye Puppies

Data to the Rescue: Clues in the Corals

Thursday, October 14, 21 & 28, 4-5:15 p.m.

What can corals tell us about our environment? How do scientists figure out what corals are telling us? Join a research team from Rutgers investigating deep water corals and inventing new tools—called proxies—to study them. This 3-session virtual program is designed for youth currently in grades 5–8 and attendance is limited to 30 participants. During this program series, participants will investigate coral anatomy, analyze real scientific data and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of current Rutgers research.

• Register for Data to the Rescue: Clues in the Corals

Minecraft Haunted Village

Friday, October 15, 7-9 p.m.

Youth and adults are invited to join the Morris County 4‑H Minecraft Club for a live tour of the haunted village. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about 4‑H and participate in some Minecraft build challenges. Participants can enjoy the Minecraft Haunted Village experience with Zoom, Discord, or a personal Minecraft account. Pre-register to receive the login details.

• Register for Minecraft Haunted Village

4‑H Bridge Club

3rd Thursday of each month, 7-8 p.m. (Kick-off meeting: October 21)

Youth in 6th grade and above are invited to join the Virtual 4‑H Bridge Club. Club members will participate in group activities and interactive games; learn life skills and explore healthy living; have the opportunity to meet kids from other counties; and more. For more information contact Laura Eppinger (eppinger@njaes.rutgers.edu).

• Register for 4‑H Bridge Club

4‑H is a community of young people across America who learn leadership, citizenship and life skills. Building on this, 4‑H'ers will continue to be involved in serving their communities. Through 4‑H programs, young people combine their concerns with practical skills so they can make a difference. Every year, National 4‑H Week sees millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni come together to showcase the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4‑H. The theme for this year's National 4‑H Week is Find Your Spark.

The 4‑H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through one year out of high school wherever they live. Programs are offered in a variety of formats including virtual STEP clubs, webinars, workshops or camps, activity kits, and much more. Visit the New Jersey 4‑H website at www.nj4h.rutgers.edu to learn about 4‑H Youth Development Program opportunities.

The 4‑H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension, 4‑H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K–13, 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.

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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.