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4-H Youth Development

Urban Youth Farm Program

Essex County 4-H is supporting sustainable communities and sustainable commons through our Urban Youth Farm Program. Youth in grades 6-13 can join the program as Urban Youth Farmers for a summer experience working on farm sites throughout the county. Youth of all ages can join educators and our summer farmers through our themed day camps through the Urban Youth Farm Camp held June-August in Montclair.

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The Power of YOUth

4-H is the youth development component of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H uses a learn-by-doing approach to enable youth to become competent, caring citizens of the world. Dedicated adult volunteers provide leadership to 4-H clubs and activities.

Essex County 4-H staff and volunteers work together to develop programs which will provide youngsters with opportunities for new experiences and a broader view of life. Under the guidance of caring adult and teen leaders, youth in grades K-13 develop characteristics of leadership and citizenship, improve their skills, become more aware of others and the environment in which they live, and help others through community service. 4-H works with all youth on a grade-appropriate basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Essex County 4-H Clubs

A 4-H club is a group of young people and adult volunteers who meet regularly for fun and learning. Clubs are usually made up of families from a community and often formed around schools, churches or community centers. Most clubs hold monthly meetings attended by members and their parents. Club members elect officers who lead the group and the meetings. An adult club leader advises the officers. The meetings usually last less than two hours. The time is equally divided among club business, recreation and educational programs. A well-organized 4-H club meeting provides opportunities for every member to be involved.

Opportunities for 4-H Teens

What Can You Do?

If you are interested in young people and want to help, you can apply to start a club in your neighborhood, volunteer to assist one of our present clubs, or take the responsibility for one or more of the special 4-H program activities. If you are an adult, and would like to start a new club, contact the 4-H office.

How to Join

See nj4h.rutgers.edu/about/member-join.asp.

For More Information:

Rebecca Kalenak
Essex County 4-H
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
Cooperative Extension of Essex County
162 Washington St.
Newark, NJ 07102-3098

Email: kalenak@njaes.rutgers.edu
Phone: 973-353-1338, ext. 109
Fax: 973-353-1430