Promote 4-H at local events

4-H will have a table or booth at many events in Morris County throughout the year. All 4-H families are invited to participate (talk to visitors about 4-H and your club, offer an activity, hand out flyers, bring your friendly animal - if permitted at the event, and help with the set-up and take-down). It is a lot of fun! Please contact the group if you would like to be included: mc4hpromotions@gmail.com. Or simply support 4-H and the events by visiting and stopping by at the 4-H table to say Hi. 

• Festival on the Green - Rescheduled for October 4, 2026, 12-5

• STEM Career Carnival for Kids at the Chatham Library - October 3, 2026

• Cabbage Patch Doll Fundraiser for 4-H at High View Farms' Fall Festival - October 25, 2026, 10am

• Christmas On the Farm at Riamede - November 7 (and 8), 2026, 10-4

• Career Carnival for Kids at the Parsippany Library - November 14, 2026

National 4-H Week

October 4-10, 2026

National 4-H week is the first full week in October. A week that will rally, inspire and connect 6 million 4-H’ers, 3,500 educators, 500,000 volunteers and 35 million alumni. Events in every county and state celebrating and amplifying the 4-H mission: preparing youth to be Beyond Ready for life and career.

It is a way to highlight and promote 4-H locally on the club, community, and county level. All clubs and members are encouraged to offer an activity or event that promotes their club and 4-H, dress in their 4-H t-shirt or gear, and talk to friends, neighbors, and extended family members about 4-H.

• October 4-10 - 4-H Window Display Contest, see the details for that.

Register for your 4-H clubs now

Grades K-13

New and returning members can sign up for their club(s) in 4H.ZSuite.org

If you want to join a new or additional club, contact the 4-H office with any questions and visit the club page for more details about each club: https://www.morris4h.org/4-h-clubs. 

Need help with your 4H.ZSuite registration? Visit the 4-H Registration page for more information: https://www.morris4h.org/4-h-clubs/4-h-registration-4h-zsuite

Invite your friends to join 4-H too!

Build and fly a model rocket! - Rescheduled

Saturday, October 10 @ 9am-12pm (Raindate 10/17)
Grades 1-12

Join the Morris County 4-H model rocket club for a build and launch session - rescheduled for October 10 from 9-12 at North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater, NJ 08807, with a rain date of October 17.

Each participant will build a 15" long NEXUS streamer rocket that will fly on a 1/2A6-2 or A8-3 motor. You will also learn about: parts of a model rocket, Flight path of a model rocket, how model rocket motors work, and how to prepare a rocket for launch. 

The material fee for the workshop is $15 per participant. 

The event has reach the maximum number of participants but you can fill out the form if you want to be put on the waitlist:: https://forms.gle/rk2tgqTae5wCfyVF9

Calling all 4-H clubs: Submit a decorated Pumpkin to Exhibit at Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Submit form to Arboretum by October 14, 2026
Drop Pumpkin off on Friday, October 16, 2026 (drop off between 9am-4pm)

All 4-H clubs are invited to decorate a pumpkin and have it displayed at the Boo-Tiful Pumpking Walk & Craft Fest at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, which will take place the next evening, on Saturday, October 17 from 6-8pm. Carved, painted, or otherwise dressed up pumpkins are all great.

Dropping off a decorated pumpkin on October 16 for the exhibit is free - see the flyer for details. Forms must be filled out and submitted by each club by October 14. 

Contact the office if you would like to drop off your pumpkin (in a box) before the 16th.

Participating in the Frelinghuysen Arboretum family craft event and viewing the pumpkin displays on October 17 is $25 per family - more information about the event can be found on the Morris Parks page. 

Entrepreneur Workshop with XP Start-up Labs

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9am-3pm
Age 13-18

Have you ever thought of turning your hobby or idea into a business? Morris County 4-H is proud to partner with XP Start-up Labs to bring you this free entrepreneur workshop for youth 13-18 years old.
Join Educator & Startup Strategist, CJ Meenan, as he delivers step-by-step instruction on how to start, monetize & grow your business with confidence. Topics include: Business Selection, Marketing, Sales Management, Finance, and Venture Capital.

This full-day workshop will take place on Saturday, October 17 from 9am to 3pm at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in Morristown.

Register here now: https://forms.gle/cYRtAQycH3NyD3Xk7

4-H Trunk-or-Treat at CCM

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 12pm-2pm

We will hold our fourth annual 4-H Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 24 from 12pm-2pm. This year, it will be at the County College of Morris and will include games, animals to visit with, hands-on activities, and treats, of course. The event is open to the public and free for trick-or-treaters. Don't miss the costume parade at 1:30pm! 

4-H clubs, families, and volunteers are invited to come and decorate their cars. Registration to offer a decorated car / space (for 4-H clubs, families, or non-profit groups) is available here: https://forms.gle/k4Pmyr2saaSVbh478. 

Join the Needle and Stitch sewing club

Monthly meetings in Morristown

Sign up for the sewing club "Needle and Stitch" now! Learn basic hand-sewing skills, practice stitches and techniques, create fun sewing projects, and build confidence and creativity. No prior sewing experience needed! Meets once a month on a Wednesday in Morristown. 

Contact the 4-H office with any questions or register in 4H.ZSuite.org

Morris County 4-H Awards Ceremony

Friday, November 13, 2026, 6pm at CCM

Morris County 4-H invites all member families to join us at the Awards Ceremony to honor 4-H members and leaders receiving county level and higher awards in recognition of their work during the 2025-2026 4-H program year. This year we have a new venue for our annual Awards Ceremony: the Davidson Rooms at the CCM Student Center. 

When:

Friday, November 13, 2026, 6pm

NEW LOCATION:

Davidson Rooms in the Student Center at County College of Morris
        214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869

(RSVP link and more details will be available closer to the date)

Sourdough Starter Workshop

Sunday, November 15, 2026, 2pm at 4-H
Ages 10+, $25 per person

Learn the art of making sourdough bread from scratch. Join Morris County 4-H and Sour Bellies for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art and science of baking naturally fermented bread from scratch. This immersive experience walks you through every step, from start to finish. You’ll also gain confidence in starter maintenance, including how to feed, store, and troubleshoot your sourdough starter to keep it active and healthy at home. You will leave with your own starter culture to bake delicious sourdough at home. Whether you’re brand new or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is designed to be approachable, informative, and fun." Bread will not be baked onsite. The cost is $25 per person (or $55 for a family of 3, must include at least one adult) ages 10 years and up, younger youth with paying adult.

Purchase your ticket here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sourdough-workshop-8

4-H Holiday Tree at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum's "Festival of Trees" 

Ornaments drop off by Wednesday, December 2 at the 4-H Office or at the Arboretum on Friday, December 4 at 1pm.

4-H will decorate a tree again at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum's Festival of Trees. All 4-H clubs are invited to make ornaments that show what their club is all about. 

The ornaments can be dropped off at the 4-H office by Wednesday, December 3 during office hours (M-F, 9-4). Alternatively they can be brought to the tree decorating at the Arboretum Mansion on Friday, December 4 at 1pm (please let us know so we can coordinate). 

No unwrapped edible items, flammable things (candles), confetti, glitter, artificial snow, live plants or flowers etc. should be used as part of the ornaments / decorations or during the decorating. 

We can't wait to see this year's creations!

The Festival of Trees Exhibit at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum is open to the public on select days in December and tickets are $10 per person. Visit the Arboretum's events page: https://www.morrisparks.net/events/festival-of-trees/

Cookie Decorating for a Cause

Sunday, December 6, 2026

Calling all 4-H members and families. Come decorate cookies with us to benefit Nana's Gift, a non-profit organization providing underserved children in Northern New Jersey with gifts during the holiday season.

WHERE: 4-H Office, 550 West Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 (off Raynor Rd and Morris View Dr)

WHEN: Saturday, December 6, 2026, 1-5pm

Not available on the 13th but want to participate? No problem - drop off your cookies to be decorated, finished ones, or supplies at the office by Friday, December 4 during office hours 9-4.

Please let us know here what you would like to help with so we know how many to expect:

RSVP link will be available closer to the event.

4-H Teen Winter Camp

Event Dates: February 5-7, 2027
(Application will be available in December and due by January 15, 2027)

For 4-H'ers in grades 8-13

Winter camp is a fun weekend getaway for teens in grades 8-13. Members from Sussex, Somerset, Warren, and Morris Counties gather together for sledding, hiking, crafting, games, and making new friends at L.G Cook 4-H Camp in Stokes State Forest. On Friday night, teens play a variety of icebreaker games. Saturday is spent exploring the various camp activities. 

The cost for the weekend is $80.00 and includes meals.

Link to the application will be available in December.

March with 4-H in the Morristown St Patrick's Day Parade

Saturday, March 13, 2027 (10am-2pm)

Wear your finest 4-H green and march with the Morris County 4-H group in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Morristown. All 4-H clubs and member families are invited to join in the parade behind the official 4-H float/truck. Come and wear your 4-H t-shirts, sweatshirts, bandanas, or anything green. Clubs bring their club banner for members to carry. Calm and friendly project animals may participate in the parade too.  Marchers arrive between 10-11am to decorate the truck. The parade steps off at noon and lasts till 2pm. If your club would like to apply for a $25 mini grant towards new club banner supplies, please contact the office for the form.

The parade starts at the Morristown Municipal Building parking lot - access and drop off is from Franklin Street - continues around the Green and ends at the Morristown High School. You can park at the high school or somewhere in between.

The exact position in the parade will be announced after March 2 (last year it was Division 3, Position 25).

Click the link for a map and more parade details: https://morris.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/st-patricks-day-parade.html

Link to the RSVP will be available in February.

2027 Fair Theme Contest

Wednesday, March 17, 2027 - deadline to submit

Calling all 4-H members! Turn your love of 4-H into a 4-H Fair Theme! 

More information will be available on the Fair Page: https://www.morris4h.org/4-h-fair

Deadline is March 17. Send submissions to morris4h@njaes.rutgers.edu to be considered in the contest.

The winning theme will be highlighted all over the Fair, used by clubs in their club display, and more. 

4-H Science-Sational Day - Save the date!

Saturday, March 20, 2027 (10am-3pm)
Grades K-6

Save the Date for our 2027 Science-Sational Day!
Dive into a day filled with engaging hands-on science activities designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning. This 4-H event connects youth with the wonders of science, aligning with our 4-H mission to cultivate leadership and life skills. We believe in empowering young minds through practical experiences. 4-H Science-Sational Day will feature interactive stations and workshops that make STEM accessible and enjoyable for all participants. Don't miss this opportunity to explore and discover!

The flyer and registration information will be available in February.

4-H Public Presentations

Friday, May 14, 2027 (6pm)
Registration will be available in April and due by May 7
Grades K-13

All members are invited to give a presentation at the Morris County 4-H Public Presentation Day on May 14 at the County College of Morris. Public presentations are a big part of the 4-H experience. The topic can be on pretty much ANYTHING you are passionate about. It could be something you already did for school or other group, or something you want to learn about. Maybe a demonstration about your hobby, your pet, or favorite food, a performance, or an illustrated talk about a topic of your choice. Members in grades 8-12 who receive an excellent score at their county Public Presentation qualify to participate at the State Public Presentations event. 

Check-in will be at 6pm. Presentations will begin at 6:30pm, followed by an awards ceremony after a short break.

There is a Morris County 4-H video with tips for a successful presentation plus a NJ 4-H document with helpful details. Get more details on the Club Resource Page.   

The registration link will be available in April.

Zoo Jersey - An Earth-Day-Every-Day Webinar Series

October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 2026 at 6:30pm

Discover the fascinating animals that call New Jersey home! This fall we highlight unique species, their ecological importance, and the environmental issues that impact their survival. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for local wildlife while learning practical ways to support their management efforts. Join us in exploring the rich biodiversity found across New Jersey's landscapes and waterways.

To register for one or all of these free webinars, please visit this link:   https://go.rutgers.edu/zoojersey 

• October 19 - New Jersey's Ospreys: A Symbol of a Healthy Coast - Ben Wurst (Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ)

• October 26 - Managing Mosquitoes in New Jersey - Dr. Dina Fonseca (Rutgers University)

• November 2 - Seals in New Jersey - Jacalyn Toth Sullivan (Stockton University)

• November 9 - Monitoring Eels in New Jersey - Kaitlin Gannon (Rutgers University) and Dr. Heather Fenyk (Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership) 

• November 16 - The Plight of the Diamondback Terrapin: A Story of Resilience and Survival – Dr. John Wnek (MATES, Project Terrapin)

All webinars start at 6:30 pm. More information is available at https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/earth-day-every-day/

Rutgers 4-H Teen Cafe: The Magic in Plants

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11 am - 2 pm, Cook Campus Greenhouse
Register by October 20, first come, first served.
For 4-H members in grades 9-12, Free

Just in time for Halloween! Journey through the magical world of plants with Dr. Harna Patel, Associate Director of the Plant Science Undergraduate Program. Step into the Mad Botanist’s Greenhouse/Lab for an immersive tour and magical experiments including:

• The Enchanted Greenhouse: Take a tour of the teaching greenhouse and “teleport” between the rainforest, desert and other climates to explore the marvelous herbs, flowers, cacti, carnivorous plants and more!

• The Witch’s Cauldron: Watch raw botanicals bubble in the "cauldron" and transform into pure, potent essential oil.

• Trick or Tea? Brew a botanical potion that changes color right before your eyes! Learn the science behind the change in color.  

• The Phantom Scent: Unmasking the Mystery Aromas: Smell the various potions and guess the mystery aroma along with the fantastic flora they come from.

Register by October 20th, first come, first served. Free - Limit 25 participants.  Includes pizza lunch with Dr. Patel. 

Teens as Teachers - 4-H Program

Registration and payment are due by October 30, 2026
Dates: November 21, 2026 - program completion by March 2027
For youth in grades 8-13

Teens as Teachers is excellent for any teen grades 8-13 (one year out of high school) who's looking to enhance their teaching skills and community service. It is comprised of four main components: 

1. A weekend camp experience; 

2. Teaching your own workshop; 

3. Designing and implementing a community service project; and 

4. Keeping track of your progress through a guided journal. 

When all components are complete, participants will receive a $100 stipend and will be eligible to return as mentors for future cohorts. 

There will be a $30 commitment/camp fee that can be submitted by following the link at the end of registration (after creating a login). There is a limited number of spots.

Registration & Payment by October 30th: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Y59EaDapPu

For scholarships or other inquiries, contact Ianto Porter: ia.porter@rutgers.edu, 908-788-1348

Somerset 4-H AG-Venture Days: Fall Harvest 2026

November 5–6, 2026, at the Somerset County 4-H Center
Registration and payment are due by October 30, 2026
For youth in grades 1-5

4-H Ag-Venture Days: Fall Harvest is a hands-on, engaging program for youth in grades 1-5 focused on agriculture sustainability and the farm-to-table process. Throughout the program, youth will participate in interactive workshops and local farm tours throughout Somerset County while learning about where their food comes from and how it moves from the farm to their table. This year’s activities include apple exploration, pumpkin activities, butter making, farm-to-table cooking, bread making, agricultural sustainability activities, and local farm tours that provide youth with fun, educational, and memorable experiences. Program fees are $100 for non-4-H members and $90 for Somerset County 4-H members.

Register here: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0885WSOGfl6UZoy

Hunterdon & Passaic County 4-H Research Ready Program

2 meetings a month from November - April (most virtual)
Register by November 1
For 4-H members in grades 4+

Back by popular demand! Join Hunterdon & Passaic County 4-H's Research Ready Program and explore real-world issues in human, animal, and environmental health. Work with Rutgers faculty, develop a research project based on your interests, and present your findings at Rutgers University. 

Learn more here.

Rutgers 4-H Science Saturday: Planet Superheroes

Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11 am - 2 pm, Cook Campus
Register by November 2, first come, first served.
For 4-H members in grades 3-5, $25

I choose you...to help save the planet! Help our Rutgers graduate students figure out ways we can be more mindful of our world. Learn about current Rutgers research that is making our communities more resilient to climate change. And find out how you can get involved!

$25 program fee, limited to 25 participants. Those registered will receive a separate link for payment. Your spot will be reserved once payment is confirmed. Register here: https://go.rutgers.edu/oqab2mt2

National 4-H Congress

Event Dates: November 27 - December 1, 2026
Applications were due by August 5
For 4-H members in grades 9-12 as of September 2026

National 4-H Congress is a unique leadership opportunity for 4-H members from all 50 states. The event focuses on leadership, youth empowerment, community service, career development, and cultural diversity. The event brings over 1,000 4-H members to Atlanta over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. New Jersey sends approximately 15-20 4-H members and two adult chaperones to the event each year. Delegates apply from each county and then final delegates are selected through a state application and interview process. See the website for the application timeline and more details https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/leadership/nat4hcongress/ Applications were due by August 5.

State 4-H Horse Events - Save the dates

See the Save-the-Dates flyer for this year's horse project events. 

Information and materials can be found on the Rutgers 4-H Horse Resource Site: https://4hequinescience.rutgers.edu/

The focus topics for this year are as follows:

• Anatomy & Phsyiology

• Gaits and Ways of Going

• Health

• Colors and Markings

Registration information will be updated as soon as contest locations are finalized.

Free NJ Farm Bureau student membership for 4-H

Grades 11 &12

Interested in Agriculture? Maybe you want to pursue a career in the field or connected areas? High school juniors & seniors who are 4-H members can get a free student membership. It will provide access to many resources and local experts - and looks great on resumes and college apps. Active 4-H or FFA members only.

Find out more here: https://njfb.org/join/

New Jersey 4-H License Plate

A group of civic minded 4-H teens who participated in the Legislative Leadership Experience have come together with the idea of having a 4-H clover specialty plate in NJ. Other states have done this and it’s time for NJ 4-H to join the movement!

We’re working on getting a legislative sponsor for a bill to make this happen, and the first step is to gauge interest from NJ motorists this summer. Please help us by adding your name, town, and county to this interest survey: https://go.rutgers.edu/nj4hplate 

Click on the flyer to print / share. If you're interested in joining this movement, contact Warren County 4-H Agent, Alayne Torretta, at torretta@njaes.rutgers.edu.