Our programs and projects teach young people how to put their heads, hearts, hands and health to work in their own lives and in their communities. Becoming a teen in the 4‑H program opens up a whole new set of opportunities. Read more about the groups and activities available at the club, county, state, and national levels. The 4-H program provides opportunities for youth and their families to participate in positive youth development experiences, below are a list or you can view our 2019 Calendar or glace at our 2019 Highlight Calendar.
Yearbook Boosters and Fair Sponsorship Sales
Changes to the Yearbook and Catalog- New for 2019
Booster Sales Ends May 31
Sponsorship Sale Ends July 1
The 4-H Yearbook will now be online and in color! You will have the option to print or purchase from an online vendor, with some of the proceeds returning to the 4-H Association. It will be a yearbook only; focusing on the members, leaders and activities of the 4-H Program. 4-H families will sell Booster Messages to friends and family to support the 4-H Fair.
No more catalog? Nope! 4-H families will sell Fair Sponsorships beginning at $50. These sponsors will be listed on the 4-H website and on an electronic sign at the Fair. The higher the sponsorship, the greater the rewards. We have spoken to several of our regular ad customers and they are excited to have their businesses advertised in a much more visible manner.
And prizes for selling? The same as before, only now 4-H’ers and 4-H clubs will have the opportunity to sell much higher priced Sponsorships, as well as, Yearbook Booster Messages and receive bigger rewards in return.
Hard copies will be coming to your mailbox soon. In the meantime download the Sales Packet here. Click here for the Sponsor Packet.
- Track all ad sales and your own progress at: https://somerset4h.arantius.com/
4-H Talent Showcase is Looking for Talent
Register by May 1
Calling all talented 4-H members! It’s YOUR TURN to take to the Clover Theater Stage for our 4-H Talent Showcase noon talent hour at the Fair!
If you have never performed during our 4-H Talent Showcase show before, you must register by May 1st to be invited to audition. If you have been a performer in the past, or if you will perform during County Presentations, we’ll contact you! Contact Betty Sommerville with any questions at pleasantview51@optonline.net.
Attention High School 4-H’ers
Promote wildlife conservation to win scholarships!
Contest Applications are Due May 3, 2019
Facebook Posts Can Run May 6-17, 2019
Type of Event: State
Description: CREATE A FACEBOOK CAMPAIGN. PROTECT WILDLIFE. WIN PRIZES!
Conserve Wildlife Foundation invites high school students from across the state to submit an original Facebook campaign showing the importance of wildlife protection in New Jersey. The fun and educational “Species on the Edge 2.0” Social Media Contest gives high school students the chance to put their expertise with social media to work protecting wildlife, and showcase their talent, creativity, and love of nature. The contest helps students develop experience in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) and project management skills.
Best of all, it’s FREE to enter – and gives students the chance to win scholarships and other prizes! All entries will be eligible to win a day in the field with a wildlife biologist. Prizes include:
- 1st prize: $1,000 in scholarship money
- 2nd prize: $500 in scholarship money
- 3rd prize: $250 in scholarship money
Click here for the Contest Kit.
Contact: CWF Director of Education Stephanie DAlessio at stephanie.dalessio@conservewildlifenj.org or by phone at (609) 984-0621.
The contest addresses various Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards and New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
ATTN 4-H’ers: If a 4-H member is interested in focusing on saving pollinator species (bees, particularly native bees, butterflies, moths, other insects, some birds) we can get you help on the social media component of the project. Contact the office if you require assistance.
NJ 4-H goLEAD Youth Leadership Institute
Registration Due by May 31, 2019
Event Date(s): June 25-26, 2019
Type of Event: State
Location: Cook/Douglass Campus at Rutgers University
Application: Click here.
Description: The NJ 4‑H goLEAD Youth Leadership Institute for 4‑H members in grades 6-9 will be held in June. While attending the conference, middle school youth will build their leadership skills and learn how to plan and conduct service activities in their community. The registration cost is $150 per 4-H member and $165 non 4-H member and included one night lodging in Rutgers’s University dormitory (2 people per room); four meals; conference t-shirt; conference materials and snacks.
Outstanding 4-Her Application
Application Due by June 3, 2019
Application: Click here.
Requirements: Applicant must have completed the junior year in high school by June 30 of this year and be currently active in the Somerset County 4-H Program. Criteria for selection includes: leadership, participation, community service, personal growth, and contribution to the program.
4-H’ers may be nominated for this award by adult volunteers, or may self-nominate; however a letter of recommendation from a 4-H leader or a Somerset County adult volunteer is required. Recommendations may be emailed to the office (SomersetCounty4H@co.somerset.nj.us), accompany this application in a sealed envelope, or mailed to the Somerset County 4-H Office
Fair Herdsman
Application Due by July 5, 2019
Orientation Dates: July 23 & 29
Fair Dates: August 7, 8 & 9, 2019
Type of Event: County
Orientation Location: 4-H Center at 7 pm
Applications: Not available at the moment.
Description: Herdsman are 4-H members (completed 8 grade or older) and adults, who are in good standing that will stay overnight at the Fairgrounds during the Fair.
Contact: Annette Smutko at smutko@co.somerset.nj.us.
Two-Week Workshop on Forensic Entomology Workshop
Event Date(s):
Type of Event: State
Location: NJ School of Conservation, in Branchville, NJ
The New Jersey School of Conservation together with Montclair State University and Rutgers University is organizing a two-week workshop on forensic entomology (the study of insects associated with organic decomposition). This workshop is open to high school aged youth and adults.
Students will observe and analyze the small ecosystem, which is created around and on decomposing carcasses, describe post-mortem phenomena, collect entomological evidence and perform lab analysis to help establish PMI (Post-Mortem Interval) or time of death. Included in the workshop is also a guided visit to the Newark morgue, where the participants will attend a lecture on common practices of legal medicine and on how law enforcement entities handle dead bodies after they are discovered; depending on availability, the participants will also have the possibility to observe an autopsy.
Participants will have two weeks of room and board, educational activities (lectures, field work and lab work) and lots of recreational activities, such as boating, archery and climbing.
Click here to download the brochure. For information please contact Denise Gemmellaro at denise.gemmellaro@rutgers.edu or forensicentomologyworkshop@gmail.com.
National 4-H Conference
Application Due by September 23, 2019
Event Date(s): April , 2020
Type of Event: National
Location: National 4‑H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland
Application, Description & Letter: not available at the moment.
Description: National 4‑H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4‑H Citizenship, providing the opportunity for young people enrolled in Grades 10-12 as of September 2018 and between ages 15 and 19 years old (as of January 1, 2019), to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, their nation and their world.
Contact: Jeannette Rea-Keywood at 609-827-0199 or reakeywood@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Somerset County 4-H Art Contest
Event Date(s): 2019
Click here for the Entry Form
The Somerset County 4-H Association is sponsoring an Art contest to showcase Somerset County 4-H and how awesome it is. 4-H’ers and Leaders/Volunteers of Somerset County are invited to submit entries.We want to feature what Somerset County 4-H is all about and how great our 4-H’ers are. The winning art will be displayed in our 4-H Lobby and Hallway. It can be any form of art that will lay flat against the wall and be hung. 3D art maybe damaged. Submissions can be any type of hanging Art Forms, such as: Photography, Painting, Drawing, Decoupage, Needlework, etc. Entries should be framed and ready to be hung. Individuals can enter up to a total of 2 entries in each of the below category
Contest entries should reflect one of the following 4 theme categories:
1) 4-H Club / Project
2) 4-H Fair
3) 4-H County, State or National Events, such as camps, trips or fundraisers
4) Other Subjects
Each Category will be divided into 4 Divisions:
1) 4-H Prep Members
2) 4-H Members – Junior Division
3) 4-H Members – Senior Division
4) Leader / Volunteers
National Agri-Science Youth Summit
Event Date(s): January 2020
Type of Event: National
Location : National 4‑H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland
Application: Click here.
Description: At the National Youth Summit on Agri-Science teens will gain knowledge in agri-science related to the production of food, feed, fuel, and fiber – especially in the rapidly emerging areas of animal and plant sciences and technologies. They will develop the skills needed for the challenges facing agriculture, food security and sustainability. National 4-H Council and National 4-H Conference Center have partnered with agricultural scientists, researchers, leaders, politicians, and advocates to host the National Youth Summit on Agri-Science. Participants will be provided hands-on learning opportunities led by experts in the agricultural community, an off-site experience with agencies and organizations that will lead to a better understanding of career opportunities that might be part of your future. The participants will be trained to create action plans to implement in their communities and teach other youth about what they have learned.
Open to youth in grades 9-12 as of September 2018 and be a member in good standing. The cost of the trip which includes lodging, meals, educational programming, tours, and transportation from New Jersey to the National 4-H Center is approximately $800 but the delegates selected will receive a scholarship of at least $500. The final cost will be $200-$300 per delegate and is dependent on the number of youth attending and the amount of financial support we are able to secure.
Contact: Jeannette Rea Keywood at 609-827-0199 or reakeywood@njaes.rutgers.edu
Leadership Washington Focus
Application Due by November 1, 2018
Event Date(s): July 15-19, 2019
Type of Event: National
Location : National 4‑H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland
Application: Click here.
Description: Leadership Washington Focus is a leadership program conducted by National 4‑H Council for middle school age youth (6-8 grade). The program is a 4-day event held in mid July. The program utilizes Washington, D.C. as a working classroom to learn about leadership and provides hands-on opportunities for our younger teens to promote “Learn to Lead Now – Better Leaders Tomorrow.” New Jersey 4‑H sends 8-15 4‑H members and 2-3 adult advisors to Leadership Washington Focus each year. The cost for the week is approximately $800, which includes registration, lodging, transportation, all activities and most meals. There are local scholarships available to participants through their county 4‑H program.
Contact: Sharon Kinsey at (856) 216-7130 x 2.
Teen Winter Camp Weekend
Event Date(s): February 2020
Type of Event: County
Location: LG Cook 4-H Camp
Registration Packet: Click here.
Description: Members in grades 8-13 will have lots of fun at LG Cook Camp. This year, Somerset County will go with 4-H teens from Passaic, Sussex & Warren Counties. This is always a popular event, so get your applications in NOW! Cost for the whole weekend is only $85. Scholarships are available.
Contact: Lisa Rothenburger at rothenburger@njaes.rutgers.edu.
North Jersey 4-H Teen Conference (NJTC)
Registration Due by January, 2020
Event Date(s):
Type of Event: State
Location: Best Western Regency Hotel. Pompton Plains, NJ
Registration Packet: Click Here.
Description: 4-H members in grades 8-13 are invited to join other 4-H members from around North Jersey at the NJTC.
This conference is a leadership weekend planned by teens for teens. There are workshops, a field trip, community service and a dance. Cost is $190/pp, $180 for 2nd sibling, scholarships are available.
You will need to complete and sign the Registration Form and Permission Slip, as well as register through your 4HOnline account. Click here for registration directions.
Contact: Lisa Rothenburger, rothenburger@njaes.rutgers.edu.
View a slideshow of NJTC 2018: https://youtu.be/_XTDvcl2_0k
Citizenship Washington Focus
Applications Due by March, 2020
Event Date(s):
Type of Event: National
Location: Chevy Chase, Maryland
Application: Click here.
Description: Citizenship Washington Focus is a citizenship and leadership program conducted by the National 4‑H Council for high school age youth (9-12 grade). It is a working classroom program where delegates learn about the government, citizenship and civic education. New Jersey 4‑H sends 30-40 4‑H members and 3-4 adult advisors to Citizenship Washington Focus each year. The learning takes place through energetic workshops, special appointed committees, appropriate field trips (including visits with congressional representatives) and fun social events.
Contact: Jeannette Rea-Keywood at 609-827-0199 or reakeywood@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Spring Carnival
Event Date(s): 2020
Type of Event: County
Location: Ted Blum 4-H Center
Application: Contact Jill Brochinsky at 4hfamily@hotmail.com to reserve a space for your club OR submit the form to the Night Managers.
Description: All clubs are encouraged to participate! Any adult or older teen member that can spare an hour away from their booth, please sign up to volunteer for other jobs at the carnival such as admissions, parking, or food sales.
Volunteers Needed! Adults/older teens that can spare an hour away from their booth (or don’t have a booth), please sign up to volunteer for other jobs at the carnival such as admissions, parking, spinning cotton candy (experience required), or concessions. Please send an email or sign up at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VCzUu1LwnXkXRRC_5_oKM3YyudjL5WrJFV7Pe3BxOjs/edit?usp=sharing
National 4-H Congress
Application Due by April 2020
Event Date(s): November/December 2020
Type of Event: National
Location: Hyatt in Atlanta, Georgia
Application (Word): Click here.
Application (PDF Fillable): Click here.
Description: National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. It is a national leadership conference held each year over the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend (Friday – Tuesday), currently held at the Hyatt in Atlanta, Georgia. For over 95 years, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. Congress provides youth with a quality educational and cross-cultural experience.
The program is built upon the Cooperative Extension System’s belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation, especially those affecting youth. Each year a National Design Team of Extension Educators, 4-H youth and 4-H adult volunteers analyze current youth issues and determine the most effective ways to address them. The program combines special presentations, seminars, discussion groups and a service learning experience. The nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers, and educators present current and timely information. New Jersey sends a delegation of approximately twelve-fifteen (12-15) 4-H members plus chaperones.
Delegate Selection
Each candidate must complete the National 4-H Congress Application (which can be found at www.nj4h.rutgers.edu/leadership/nat4hcongress). One to three delegates are nominated from each county and final delegates are selected through a state interview process. After the applications are reviewed and the interviews have been completed, one delegate will initially be selected from each county. All additional qualified youth from counties will then be ranked. The additional youth, in order of their rank, will become Congress delegates up to the maximum number determined by chaperone restrictions (1 chaperone to 10 youth maximum).
The cost of the event is approximately $1,200. The Somerset County 4-H Association will help defray some of the costs of this trip. Participants can only attend this event one time during their 4-H career.
Delegate Requirements
Potential delegates must be able to make a positive contribution to the overall state delegation, and must meet the following requirements:
- At the time of the event youth must be enrolled in grades 11-13. This means they must be enrolled in grades 10-12 as of September 2019 in order to be eligible to apply.
- 4-H members must have completed at least one full 4-H year, registered as a member by January 1, 2020 and be a member in good standing in order to be eligible to apply.
- 4-H members must demonstrate good 4-H public speaking skills.
- 4-H members must demonstrate leadership on the local level. Leadership at the regional or state level is preferred.
- All nominated delegates must attend an interview on May 7 – North (Rutgers University). Interviewers will evaluate each candidate on their application and interview. Interviews will be held between 4:00-6:00 pm.
Contact: Jeannette Rea-Keywood, 609-827-0199 or reakeywood@njaes.rutgers.edu.
TOPS Camp Counselors
Applications Due by April 10, 2020
Event Date(s): June 22-26, 2020
Type of Event: County
Location: 4-H Center
Application: Click here.
Description: We are looking for volunteer counselors for the week. If you have finished 8th -13th grade, then you should come inspire 1st-5th graders at TOPS Camp!
Contact: Lisa Rothenburger at rothenburger@njaes.rutgers.edu.