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4‑H clubs are run by community volunteers and teach youth life skills around an array of project areas. Club members are youth who participate in long-term club programs and are considered a member in good standing by participating in county and level events including fair showcase, public speaking opportunities, special events, and workshops. Youth they are welcome to participate in county, state, and national 4‑H events.
Current Youth Clubs
Environmental Justice Club, Grades 3rd-8th – Club runs July-August
This six-week outdoor program is hosted in partnership with Essex County and the Department of Parks. Students will explore connections between environmental health, fairness, and community action through activities like scavenger hunts, mapping walks, and creative art projects. Each session fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and personal responsibility while empowering youth to become advocates for a cleaner, fairer world.
Location: Essex County Branch Brook Park
Sign up here: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7OIw9nMMIMHXjCK
Summer Art Camp, Grades 4th-8th – Club runs June-August
This summer program is hosted at Rutgers University Newark and provides students with a creative space to explore art through fun crafts, digital drawing, canvas painting, and more! Youth will develop hands-on artistic skills while building confidence and expressing themselves through various mediums.
Location: Rutgers University Newark
Sign up here: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezLHKRdUXhk0pds
Computer Science Club, Grades 4th-8th – Club generally runs February-April; June-August; October-December
Hosted at Rutgers University Newark, this summer club invites students to explore the exciting world of technology through hands-on projects, coding challenges, and collaborative learning. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring software engineer, come build, create, and innovate with us! Taught by Rutgers University students and 4-H STEM Ambassadors.
Location: Rutgers University Newark
Sign Up Today: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9S3OPKpftVEuDA2
Youth Urban Farm Club, Ages 12-18 – Club runs June-August
This summer program is hosted at community garden and small urban farm sites and led by adult volunteers from the community all around Hudson county. Youth will gain hands-on experience in a garden while also learning about food systems, the local environment, and more! More about the club here
Location: Montclair Community Farms, Jannah on Grafton & Eden’s Farm, & East Orange Library Garden
Applications for this program opened on May 15th: go.rutgers.edu/w7y2hus7
Young Gardeners Club, Grades 1st-12th – Meets every other Saturday starting April 19th through October 18th
Have you ever wondered how vegetables and flowers grow? From where spaghetti sauce comes? How you can find a rainbow in a garden? The 4-H Young Gardener’s Club can provide the answers to these questions and more. Learning and fun happen all the time here.
Location: Essex County Environmental Center – Garibaldi Hall
Send us an email at Essex4H@njaes.rutgers.edu to get signed up.
Chicken Club, Grades 1st-12th – Meets monthly
Youth members are invited to get hands-on experience with chickens! Learn about poultry science, anatomy, care, and more.
Location: Montclair Community Farms
Send us an email at Essex4H@njaes.rutgers.edu to get signed up.
Dog Club, Grades 4th-12th – Meets monthly
DOG OWNERSHIP NOT REQUIRED!
Do you love dogs? Join and learn all about dogs from grooming to genetics to training and more! Last meeting until fall meets on June 26th.
Location: Essex County Environmental Center – Garibaldi Hall
Send us an email at Essex4H@njaes.rutgers.edu to get signed up.
4-H LGBTQ+ Club, Grades 7th-13th – Meets once a month
This club will provide a safe and supportive space for teens to explore concerns within the LGBTQ+ community, connect with peers, and build a sense of community. By providing resources, education, and social opportunities, the club will empower teens to develop their self-confidence, resilience, and a positive sense of self.
Location: Zoom
For questions related to the LGBTQ+ 4-H Club, please contact Jennie Thomas at jkt69@njaes.rutgers.edu or Rodrigo Sanchez at rs2151@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Sign-Up at https://go.rutgers.edu/zhhc8vi8. The club list will not be shared publicly.
STEM Ambassadors, Entering Grades 9th-10th – Program runs a full year from July-June
THIS IS A FULL YEAR PROGRAM! Youth members will gain up tons of volunteer service hours and leadership skills while participating in tours, workshops and field trips! More information about this program can be found here: https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/join-stem-ambassadors/
Location: Various Locations Around NJ
Program is underway. Next cohort applications will open March 2026.
New Jersey Youth Food Council, Grades 9th-12th – Program runs August-May
NJYFC is a statewide initiative for high school students to engage in food policy, advocacy, and action. If you’re interested in sustainability, food systems, community action, or the environment…this program is for you! Visit the NJYFC Website for more info: https://nj-youth-food-council-nprlo.wstd.io/
Location: Zoom
Applications for this program are CLOSED. Next cohort applications will open in March 2026.
World Food Prize/Global Food Security Coalition Club, Grades 9th-12th – Club runs January-March
Youth members will work with a team to develop individual research projects addressing global food security issues. Participants will meet once a week on Zoom with mentors and peers to prepare their research project. Projects will be presented at the Rutgers University Youth Institute Summit in March
Location: Zoom
This club is closed, and registration will re-open in December 2025.
School-Based Clubs:
School-based clubs are run by dedicated educators who support clubs during the school day, or afterschool. Please contact us if you’d like to start a 4-H club at your school!
- Donald Payne 4-H Tech Ag Club
- West Caldwell 4-H Tech Ag Club
- Lincoln Middle School 4-H Garden Club
For Adults:
Essex County 4-H Leaders Association
- The Essex County 4-H Leaders’ Association is an incorporated non-profit organization of adult volunteers working together with the 4-H staff to develop and provide leadership for the 4-H Program. Members include 4-H Club Leaders, community volunteers, and parents. Some of our goals are the planning and conducting of county-wide programs and activities, fundraising to support 4-H programs, and supporting the efforts of all 4-H’ers in the County.
- Are you an adult interested in joining? Email us: Essex4H@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Montclair Community Farms Association
- Montclair Community Farms serves as a local hands-on resource that engages and educates the community through urban farming, affordable food access and healthy living. At the heart of Montclair Community Farms is its Coalition, partners, and community volunteers. The powerful work of Montclair Community Farms is only possible because of the strong community that stands behind us.
- https://www.montclaircommunityfarms.org/
If you are an adult (21+) interested in starting a 4-H Club, please contact us a Essex4H@njaes.rutgers.edu.
