4-H Youth Development – RCE of Essex County

What Is 4-H? The Power of Youth

4‑H is the youth development component of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, connecting youth and our community to Rutgers University. The 4-H Youth Development Program 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 by using the knowledge and resources of caring adults:

To provide information, educational programs for youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school)
To improve community partnerships and collaborations
To strengthen skills for adults working with youth through publications and training
To encourage responsibility, community awareness, and character development in youth

Are you a…

Youth interested in joining a club or volunteering? Submit this form

Adult ***interested in starting a club or joining the leaders association?* *Submit this form***

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TABS FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Announcements

Click here to sign up for our Happenings Newsletter!

Upcoming Events!

Register for Farm Camp!

This day camp offers youth a fun and educational experience to explore nature, history, and agriculture through hands-on adventures in the garden! Campers will discover where our food comes from while learning about the earth, animals and our agricultural past! 🚜🌾

🍅 July 27-July 31 9AM-1PM
🌽 August 3-August 7 9AM-3PM
🍏 August 10-August 14 9AM-3PM
🌶️ August 17-August 21 9AM-1PM

Sign up for Dog Discovery Day!

Learn about our canine companions, hear from guest speakers, test your knowledge, and have fun with new friends! Topics covered include breed histories, canine anatomy, veterinary care, nutrition, grooming, and canine careers. Open to all youth grades K-13th!

Register by 2/2/26: https://go.rutgers.edu/ewgvxh2u

Connect with Us!

For more information on how to get involved, contact:

Essex 4-H General Inquiry
essex4h@njaes.rutgers.edu

Marissa Staffen – 4-H Agent
mblodnik@njaes.rutgers.edu

Clara Lappert – Program Coordinator
cjl269@njaes.rutgers.edu

Gabrielle Bromfeld – Food Waste Programming
gsb81@njaes.rutgers.edu

Lana Mustafa – Montclair Community Farms
lm1097@rutgers.edu

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