Upcoming Events

Morris County 4-H Events + Deadlines:

"Eyes on Photography" Workshop

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 6-7pm
Ages 11-18 (open to all)

Are you interested in taking your photography to the next level? Maybe you are a 4-H club photographer or club reporter? Then this workshop is for you!

The 4-H Shutterbugs club invites you to learn about how to take better pictures. Former member and photographer, Sophia K., will talk about steps to create stunning and impactful photos. All experience levels welcome.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 6-7pm

WHERE: Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 W Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960

This is for ages 11-18. You don't have to be in 4-H to participate.

Bring your camera and feel free to contact the club at shutterbugs4hclub@gmail.com with any questions.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Dpn7MdvB19x44NxXA 

Behind the Scenes - TV Studio Tour at CCM

Monday, March 3, 2025 from 6:00-7:30pm
Ages 11-18 (open to all)

Curious what a TV studio looks like, how it works, and what careers to go into? Join us on our studio tour and presentation at the County College of Morris on Monday, March 3 from 6:00 - 7:30pm. 

WHERE: Community College of Morris @ 214 Center Grove Rd., Randolph, NJ 07869

This is for ages 11-18. You don't have to be in 4-H to participate.

This is a free event. Registration is required: https://forms.gle/RRuEgh5RwUuVmxo26 

Questions? Contact Valerie Smit at vsmit@co.morris.nj.us

Register by March 10 (for one or both)
Ages 11-18 open to all, you don't have to be in 4-H

What is "Street Photography"? How is it different from documentary photography? How can I take cool un-staged, un-posed, candid shots? - Learn how and try this fun way of taking pictures yourself at our workshop! 

The 4-H Shutterbugs club has invited internationally recognized and award winning photographer Parvathi Kumar for a hands-on experience focused on Street Photography. Parvathi will introduce the genre in a Zoom presentation and Q&A on March 13, followed by a guided photo opportunity on Saturday, March 15 at the Morristown St Patrick's Day parade staging area. 4-H participants are encouraged to march in the parade afterwards from 12-2pm and continue taking pictures. The St Patrick's Day Parade staging area is behind the Morristown Municipal Building (34 Franklin Street, Morristown, NJ 07960).

Bring your camera or phone. Feel free to contact shutterbugs4hclub@gmail.com with any questions before the day of the event. All experience levels welcome. 

Register by March 10: https://forms.gle/guCJr8yeHYSPcZic7 

Journalism Series - Creative Writing Workshops 

We have some exciting journalism workshops coming up. This is open to all Morris County youth ages 11-18. Sign up for all:

Save money and help Morris County 4-H! If you want to join BJ's or renew your membership we hope you use our link (www.bjs.com/morriscty4h). 4-H is a 5013c nonprofit, and this is a great way for us to raise funds for our programs.

The earlier you sign up, the more bang for your buck you get!! 

These special prices are only available through the fundraiser. See the flyer for more details. And please share: www.bjs.com/morriscty4h

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

Saturday, March 15, 2025 (11-2pm)

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 11-noon. The parade starts moving at noon (our section moves closer to 12:30 but don't count on it) 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 goes from 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.

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

Please sign up here so we know how many to expect:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094EABA622A7FD0-55010732-march

Saturday, March 22, 2025 (10-3pm), at CCM
Registration deadline: March 10

Grades K-6 (don't have to be a 4-H member to participate)

Youth in grades K-6 are invited to explore new ideas, put their designs to the test, and discover a new love for science. 

Hands-on Workshops - Learn about animals, engineering, physics, and so much more.  All workshops are led by 4-H volunteers and community members excited to share their love of science with others. Different tracks are available. See the flyer for details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dIMULKjGWHlICJod9YU0H0KjKbvq4FkH/view?usp=drive_link

The cost per child is $30.00. Lunch may be brought from home or pre-ordered for $8.00.

Open to all youth in grades K-6. You don't have to be a 4-H member to attend.

Register here by March 10: https://go.rutgers.edu/pzomyv4i

Once you are registered, please fill out the Permission Form and email it to morris4h@njaes.rutgers.edu

Promote 4-H at local events

4-H will have a table or booth at many events in Morris County in the coming months. 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 event by visiting and stopping by at the 4-H table to say Hi. 

4-H Public Presentations

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2pm @ CCM

Register by May 9

All members are invited to give a presentation at the Morris County 4-H Public Presentation Day on May 17th 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 2pm. Presentations will begin at 2:30pm, followed by an awards ceremony after a short break.

Register here by May 9: https://forms.gle/DZwkCcgaR8qaMo7i8

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

Other 4-H Events and More:

Annual 4-H Top Chef Video Competition

Sunday, February 15, 2025 enter AND submit videos

All 4-H members (individuals, member teams or parent/member teams) are invited to take part in the 4th annual virtual Top Chef competition by creating a favorite dish or meal and sharing the preparation via a video entry.  All contestants will receive ribbons and judging results. Top winners in categories receive trophies. Click here to enter and submit videos by February 15th.

Saturday, February 22, 2025
Entries returned by February 15 will be included in show catalog

The WOOFminster 4-H Dog Show will be hosted by Somerset County's WOOF Dog 4-H club.  This event will be held Saturday, February 22nd.  Any questions or assistance with registration should be directed to the show organizers at 4HWoofclub@gmail.com.

Please see the registration packet for details.

And mark you calendars for the following events:

Rutgers Weather and Climate Day

Saturday, March 1, 2025

The Rutgers Meteorology Department will be hosting an event on March 1st on campus for youth in grades 9-11. This event is free and will include a tour of the Weather Station and WeatherWatcher Studio, plus lunch.

ENJOY THESE ACTIVITIES:  

Where: ENR BUILDING - ROOM 223 14 COLLEGE FARM RD, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 

Register here: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1BpM9JqCNN0klaS

Deadline to register: March 3
Event Dates: Sunday, March 9 + Thursday, May 1

Grades 9-12

We are excited to announce that applications are open for the 2025 Legislative Leadership Experience (LLE). This hands-on program offers teens in grades 9-12 a unique opportunity to explore the legislative process in New Jersey, develop their own public policy proposals and present them to New Jersey legislators, and an opportunity to sit in on a legislative hearing or committee meeting where they can see the legislative process in action. LLE also includes a mock town hall meeting, guest speakers, team building, pizza making, a tour of the State House and more! 

 

Session 1: Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office of Mercer County 

Session 2: Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Trenton (the day starts and ends at the NJ Farm Bureau Office)


This program is open to 4-H members in grades 9-12 and the cost is $50 per person. Participation is limited to 25 youth.


The deadline to register is March 3rd. More information and the registration link can be found at https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/citizenship/legislative-experience/

Upload videos by March 3, 2025
Film Festival on March 29, 2025

4-H members may work individually or as a team to create short educational videos (3:30 minutes or less) about alpacas, cats, cattle (beef/dairy), dogs, goats, herpetology, horses, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep, small animals, and/or swine to enter in the 4-H Animal Science Video Contest.  Upload your video and media release(s) by the end of March 3 (see website for details).  The videos will then be shared at the film festival in the Round House of the Rutgers Cook Campus Farm during an afternoon session of the Junior Animal Science Symposium on Saturday, March 29.  Those with top scoring videos will receive awards, including gift cards.  Videos will be scored on educational value, creativity, clarity, pacing, and technical quality (sound, lighting, etc.) – 20 points each, total of 100.  A tip sheet and a description of the judging criteria are both available on the website, along with the top scoring videos from prior years. All participants are encouraged to have fun and be creative in designing their video entries! Details are available at http://nj4h.rutgers.edu/animals/film-festival

Events dates: March 12-16, 2025
Applications were due, November 15, 2024

For members in grades 9-12

Spark your imagination and passion! Ignite by 4-H is an inclusive teen event held in Washington, D.C. for four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment, and creating amazing connections. Explore the best 4-H has to offer in STEM, Agriscience, Healthy Living, and Emotional Well-Being. Discover exciting career paths and create an actionable plan to help create real change in your community. It's an experience you won't want to miss!

2025 Jr. Animal Science Symposium

Saturday, March 29, 2025

The 2025 Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium will be held at the Cook Campus Farm, Rutgers University, New Brunswick. The event includes hands-on workshops in equine, swine, sheep and goat, cattle, poultry, beekeeping, rabbit, cavy, small animals, and an animal science video contest. New for this year is Canine and Anthropology. 

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2025AnimalSymposium

More details like the session listing etc. are available here: https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/smallanimals/junior-symposium/

New Jersey State 4-H Foods Day

Saturday, April 5, 2025

The NJ State 4-H Foods Day will be held on April 5th at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater. There will be a program of workshops (including a cooking session) for Cloverbud members (in grades K-3) from 9:00 – 12:30. Members of standard clubs (grade 4-13) will participate in the all-day program of workshops and competitions from 9:00 – 4:00. A flyer with more information will be available soon. 

Registration is required and can be completed at: https://go.rutgers.edu/FoodsDay2025. Questions can be directed to Harry Brochinsky at hb479@njaes.rutgers.edu.

National 4-H Conference

April 11-16, 2025 - Event Dates
Registration was due to the office by December 10, 2024
Grades 10-12

The 2025 National 4-H Conference will be held April 11-16 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel, located in Crystal City, VA (just outside of Washington D.C.). National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The nationally recognized event is developing the next generation of leaders. Delegates will experience unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and networking with 4-H’ers from around the world.

During the Conference, delegates will become familiar with the government and future career opportunities and share their voice with federal agencies and congressional committees. In preparation for, during and after National 4-H Conference, youth participants learn, practice and apply new skills and use their voices, talent and ideas to make a difference. They are empowered to generalize what is learned to affect change in their own community. Those who participate in National 4-H Conference report increased leadership, civic engagement, agency, and social and cultural competence.

Interested 4-H members must complete an application form available from the Morris County 4-H office. All applications are due to the 4-H office by December 10, 2024. Group and individual interviews will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Martin Hall of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences located at 88 Lipman Drive on the Cook Campus in New Brunswick.

Approximately 250 youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county Extension staff members from across the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the Canadian Provinces are expected to attend. New Jersey will be sending a delegation of four teen 4-H members and an adult chaperone. Teens must be in the 10-12 grades as of September 2024 in order to participate in the 2025 event. 4-H members interested in attending must work well in groups, have good communication skills and be leaders. They should also be interested in making a change in their community and be willing to work on a project upon their return.

Spring Archery Day

April 26, 2025

The On Target Archery Club of Somerset County will be holding its annual Spring Archery Day on April 26. The event will take place at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater. There will be Archery Golf and an Indoor Faux Field Shoot. The event will be divided into Junior (grades 4-8) and Senior (Grades 8-13) Divisions. Any 4-H member currently enrolled in a NJ 4-H shooting sports club may participate.

Link to Information and Registration for Spring Archery Day

Any questions: email 4hontargetarcheryclub@gmail.com

Rutgers Day

April 26, 2025

Rutgers Day is set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Busch Campus in Piscataway and the College Avenue and Cook/Douglass campuses in New Brunswick. Join us for this ultimate celebration of everything Rutgers, featuring hundreds of programs, exhibits, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and more. 

For the latest update, visit the Rutgers Day website: https://www.rutgers.edu/event/rutgers-day-2025 

State 4-H Avian Bowl

May 17, 2025

Hold the date for the State 4-H Avian Bowl to be held on May 17th. Registration information will be available in March. Contact amelia.minervini@rutgers.edu for more information.

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) 2025

June 21-27, 2025 - event dates
Registrations were due by February 10, 2025

Grades 9-12

CWF 2025 will be held from June 21-27 this year! Rooted in legacy, but reimagined for today, Citizenship Washington Focus is THE event for teens to learn leadership and communication skills through history, democracy, and our amendments. For 6 days, teens from around the nation will gather to have meaningful discussions and learn the skills they need to lead their local communities and become change agents to build a brighter future. New Jersey 4-H will send a delegation of approximately 10 4-H members, along with 2 chaperones. 

4-H members in grades 9-12 (14-19 years old) are invited to apply. The cost per participant is $1,850.00. Applications were due to your County 4-H Office by Monday, February 10th.

Dog Discovery Day

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Join the 4-H dog project members on Saturday, June 28 from 10am-3pm to have a howling good time at the 4-H Dog Discovery Day!

This is open to all 4-H youth members from all project areas in grades K-13.

Learn from expert guest speakers, test your canine knowledge, and have fun with new friends.

It will be held at the Passaic County Community College, Public Safety Academy

New Statewide Club: LGBTQ+ 4-H Club

It is with great pride and excitement that we are able to announce the launching of a virtual 4-H club for all teens in New Jersey.

LGBTQ+ 4-H Club - A safe space for all teens to meet virtually once a month and discuss topics relating to the LGBTQ+ community. 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. 

Sign-Up: https:/go.rutgers.edu/zhhc8vi8  

This club list will not be shared publicly. 

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. 

Registration is Open!

It's that time of year! Registration for 4-H Camp is open for both our classic overnight program, and our day camp, 4-H camp at Rutgers Gardens. More information can be found on our website at https://nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu Also check out our new overview video on or website at https://nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu/videos.html

Not a 4-H member yet?

Visit the 4-H Clubs page to see what is available - then email or call the 4-H office to get connected with the club leaders and get you started. Many clubs let you try a club meeting to see if it is the right fit for you before you enroll. Email:  morris4h@njaes.rutgers.edu, Phone:  973-285-8301

Find out more about the many ways to get involved and support 4-H on our "Support 4-H Page". Or click on the button below and make a tax-deductible donation to the Morris County 4-H Association. Don't forget to write your name or that of your organization in the comments so we know who to thank! We appreciate your support!