Upcoming Events

Morris County 4-H Events + Deadlines:

4-H Has Heart

Now through February 14, 2026
Ages 13-18

Sign up to join 4-H’ers around the world to make homemade Valentines to deliver to nursing home residents, assisted living centers, Meals on Wheels clients, veterans centers, senior centers, home-bound seniors, or more. Use this link to sign your club/organization up: bit.ly/4HhasHeart (mention our Buckanears Club in the last question of the form as the one who referred you).

The goal is to brighten over 100,000 Seniors ' Valentine's Day around the WORLD. Be a part of this huge project that was started by Grace Hobbs when she was in 8th grade to deliver Valentines in her area in Oklahoma. Read more details about this 4-H has Heart Project here.

Show the world 4-H has Heart! #4HhasHeart

Distribute Valentines at Morris View Nursing Home

February 14, 2026, 2pm

All clubs are invited to bring their valentines to hand them off together at the Morris View nursing home on Saturday, February 14 at 2pm. The address is 540 W Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960. It is the big building complex around the corner from the 4-H office.

4-H Dog Discovery Day

Event Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 (President's Day)
Registration was due by February 2, 2026
Grades K-13

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

The event will be held at the County College of Morris on President's Day, February 16, 2026, from 10am - 3pm.

Registration was due by February 2. More details are available here:
https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/dogs/discovery-day/

Photo Editing Workshop

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 @ 6pm
Grades 4-13

Join the Shutterbugs 4-H Photography club for a workshop about photo editing. Come with your laptop or tablet (or even phone) and your photos you want to edit. You can use your build-in photo app, or Lightroom or Photoshop if you have it. This will be beginner friendly but will cover more advanced options depending on interest.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 6pm at the 4-H office in Morristown.

Please sign up by February 15 for this free event: https://forms.gle/JDG5PbmLxgtmburZ7

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

Saturday, March 14, 2026 (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 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 will be announced after February 25 (last year it was Division 3, Position 24).

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://forms.gle/JCHQXRyRuBu6mK8u9

2025 Fair Theme by Khloe T.

2026 Fair Theme Contest

March 15, 2026 - deadline to submit

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

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

Deadline is March 15. 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. See past years' Fair theme examples on the Fair Page: https://www.morris4h.org/4-h-fair to get your started. We can't wait to see all your theme entries!

4-H Science-Sational Day

Saturday, March 28, 2026 (10am-3pm)
Grades K-6

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!

This popular event for youth in grades K-6 will take place on Saturday, March 28 from 10-3pm at the County College of Morris in Randolph, NJ. No 4-H membership required. Included are 3 hands-on workshops in small groups plus a planetarium show. The cost to attend this all-day event is $25 and an optional lunch ticket is offered for $10.

See the flyer for workshop details: https://go.rutgers.edu/vf7u3ksg

Register by March 16 here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/4-h-science-sational-day
Once you have your ticket, please send one filled-out Permission Form per participant to morris4h@njaes.rutgers.edu

Springtime with Bunnies & Chicks

Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10:00-3:00

Hop into Spring with Morris County 4-H at Springtime with Bunnies and Chicks 2026. Meet gentle animals, chat with 4-H youth about how they care for them, and enjoy hands-on learning in a beautiful farm setting. Choose morning or afternoon option for the egg hunt.

Your Ticket Includes:

Easter egg hunt, limit 5 eggs per child
Meet 4-H animals and local farm animals
Access to a beautiful farm setting
Hands-on activity/craft stations
Visit and photo opportunities with our life-size Easter Bunny
Ongoing activities — come anytime during your time slot and enjoy at your own pace

Support 4-H by visiting our vendors at the event and participate in these extra activities and shopping opportunities (their donations directly help our local 4-H clubs):

Make-your-own terrarium, offered by Roots & Rivers
Monster Truck Rides by NJ Monster Trucks
4-H club bake sales
Coffee and snacks from Greene’s Beans
Handmade items with a little extra magic from MagicbyMandi
Children's books from Cathie's PaperPie Books (www.cathiesbooks.com)
Morris County Mosquito Control

Get your ticket online now for $10 per child:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/springtime-with-bunnies-and-chicks--2026

This event is rain or shine, and we can not offer refunds. Tickets will be available at the door for $15.00.

4-H Public Presentations

Friday May 1, 2025 at 6pm @ CCM

All members are invited to give a presentation at the Morris County 4-H Public Presentation Day on May 1st 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.

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.

Career Carnival for Kids at the Parsippany High School - March 31, 2026
Eco Fair with Master Gardeners at Lake Rickabear Girl Scout Camp - April 18, 2026
Community Day at the Lafayette Learning Center in Morristown - May 2, 2026, 11 am-2 pm
Spring Blossom Festival at Riamede Farm - May 9, 2026, 10-3
Diversity Day Celebration on the Green in Morristown - Sunday, June 7, 2026

Morris County 4-H Fair

July 24-26, 2026 at High View Farms in Mt Olive

Help us get ready for our annual showcase and family-fun event. All details can be found on the Fair pages about:

Fair Sponsorship - Donate + share the link
Volunteer opportunities at the Fair - Starting now
What to expect at the Fair - So many fun things to do and see!

See you at the Fair!

Other 4-H Events and More:

2026 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest and Art Show

Registration deadline: February 13, 2026
Date: February 28, 2026 at the Mercer County Extension Office

For all 4-H Dairy members

Entries for the 2026 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest and Art Show are due February 1st. The event will be held on February 28th at the Mercer County Extension Office.

4-H Top Chef Video Contest

Submit Videos by February 15, 2026

Mark Your Calendars!

Back for its 5th year, the 4-H Top Chef video contest is open to all 4-H members. Be sure to adhere to the deadline for registration and video submission - February 15, and get creative!

Contact lbovitz@njaes.rutgers.edu with questions!

4-H Leadership for Life Program

Module1 - February 21, 2026
Module 2 - March 21, 2026
Module 3 - TBD
Module 4 - Summer 2027, University of Ireland

Grades 9-11

New Jersey 4‑H members in grades 9–11 who are members in good standing are invited to participate in a multi-level leadership program called the NJ 4‑H Leadership for Life Program. The program consists of three modules and an opportunity to attend a 2027 conference in Ireland. For more information and registration visit http://nj4h.rutgers.edu/leadership/leadership-for-life/

RU Empowered - Teen Wellness Day

Date: February 21, 2026 from 10am-4pm
Registration was due by February 1, 2026

Grades 8-13 (one year out of high school)

Take a break from daily stressors and recharge at the RU Empowered Teen Wellness Day. Health and wellness professionals will share practical strategies for self-care, stress management, and building healthy habits. Lunch and wellness kits included. Space is limited so register early to save your spot!

For more information, email: hunterdon4h@njaes.rutgers.edu

Registration was due by February 1.

4-H Animal Science Video Contest / Film Festival 2026

Get ready to share your knowledge, fun facts, and fascinating stories about your animals in a video for the contest and to be shown at the Film Festival!

Youth 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. Youth must upload their video and media release(s) by the end of March 2 (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 28.

Youth of the 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. Youth are encouraged to have fun and be creative in designing their video entries!

Details are available on the Film Festival website at http://nj4h.rutgers.edu/animals/film-festival.

State 4-H Equine Art Show

The State NJ 4-H Equine Art Show will be held on March 14 at the Mercer County 4-H building in Ewing, NJ. It is open to all registered 4-H members, with the only requirement that their artwork be equine-related.

View the Information & Registration packet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oQQeEolyQGvx5N8ODYXfVZPaDRlHDMRy/view?usp=drive_link

Weather and Climate Day

February 28, 2026
Grades 9-12

Dr. Steven Decker is the Director of the Meteorology Undergraduate Program at Rutgers and is an Associate Teaching Professor in Atmospheric Science and the lead professor for Climate and Weather Day.

This application is only for 18 students in grades 9-12.

Enjoy these Activities:

You Be the Forecaster
Climate Solutions Simulator
Weather in a Tank
Weather Map Analysis
Atmospheric Chemistry
Observations and Climate
Weather Station
WeatherWatcher Studio

This event is Free and includes lunch.

2026 Legislative Leadership Experience

The Legislative Leadership Experience will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Trenton, NJ. This event is open to youth in grades 9-12 who are interested in learning about the legislative process, how a bill becomes a law, and how to create change in your local community. Mark your calendars, and keep an eye out for more information soon! Registration will open in March.

Discover the Leader in You 4-H Program

March 14, 2026, 10-3
Grades 6-8

This program is open to 4-Hers in grades 6-8 and focuses on developing leadership and personal development skills. It will take place on March 14th from 10 AM -3 PM at the Morris County Public Safety Academy. The cost is $35 per person and includes lunch and materials.

Somerset 4-H Ag-Venture Days

Join Somerset 4-H for 3 full days of Spring Break and engage in agriculture workshops and farm tours. The workshops will include gardening, hands-on activities with farm animals, agriculture art, farm to table cooking, line dancing, and more. For the farms tours, the group will be visiting Morganics Family Farm, Hidden Spring Lavendar & Alpaka Farm, and Abma's Farm. The cost is $189 for 4-H members and $199 for non-members.

Rutgers 4-H Teen Café -

Unlocking the Brain’s Daily Rhythms: How Sleep, Injury, and Aging Shape Our Internal Clock

March 21, 2026 (11am - 2pm)
Grades 9-12

Dr. Annika Barber, Molecular Biologist and Biochemist, will lead students through hands-on laboratory activities on how organisms must make behavioral decisions based on an array of both internal cues (like hunger or time of day) and external environmental cues (like availability of food or temperature). She will discuss how her lab works to decode the biological basis of decision making using behavioral genetics in Drosophila melanogaster or fruit fly.

This event is Free and includes lunch. Registration is required and limited to 30 students in grades 9-12.

Ocean County 4-H STEM LEGO® Challenge

March 22, 2026 (12:30-3:30)

Ocean County 4-H is inviting you to their STEM LEGO® Challenge, held at the Ocean County Extension Office on March 22, 2026.

This event os open to all NJ Youth (you do not have to be a part of 4-H to participate!)

See the Flyer for more details and click on this link to register https://tinyurl.com/4HLEGO2026

CWF @ Ignite (Citizenship Washington Focus)

Event Dates: March 24-29, 2026
Registration was due: September 26, 2025

Grades 9-12

Our cornerstone leadership experience for teens passionate about civic engagement, public policy, and advocacy as pathways to community change makes its way to Ignite by 4-H. Participants will strengthen their understanding of the democratic process and cultivate leadership skills rooted in civic responsibility. With this foundation, they’ll discover how local action can spark impact on national and global levels.

During the CWF program week, delegates will:

Strengthen communication, leadership, and civic engagement skills, and adding CWF to Ignite will give teens access to even more career, life, and skill-building workshops than before!
Understand the importance of Youth Voice and the skills necessary to make change in their community, such as civil discourse and media literacy.
Exchange ideas, practice respect, and form friendships with other youth from diverse backgrounds.
Experience hands-on learning using the historical backdrop of our nation’s capital city, Washington, DC, as their classroom – visit monuments, memorials and museums to learn about important historical moments.
Create a Lead To Change plan and work with fellow delegates to develop the steps and carry out the plan upon their return home, to make a difference in their communities.
Visit with state representatives on Capitol Hill Day.

CWF will be a “track” at Ignite and will not be completely separated from the regular Ignite summit. Delegates will attend all the Ignite events and workshops, in addition to the CWF track workshops and experiences. There is a county and state process for members to go through to be selected into the NJ Delegation to CWF @ Ignite. Contact the office to find out more.

Applications were due by Friday, September 26, 2025

Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium

March 28, 2026, 8:30-3:00
Rutgers Cook Campus in New Brunswick
For all youth in grades K-13 (+ parents / guardians)

The Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium is organized by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Junior Breeder Program and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. The event offers hands-on workshops in many animal related fields. You will be able to select 4 sessions, each will last an hour, classroom style with hands on learning. The sessions have grade recommendations within their description. For registration, Session Listing, and more details visit: https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/smallanimals/junior-symposium/.

This event is open to all youth in grades K-13 and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend, as chaperones are not provided. Please note that both youth and adults pay the $15 fee to attend. A bring-your-own lunch option is available for $10.

Registration closes on Saturday, March 14 or when filled to capacity of 400, whichever comes first, so sign up now!

NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE

Event Dates: April 10-15, 2026
Applications were due by January 12, 2026
Grades 10-12

National 4-H Conference will take place April 10-15, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. It brings hundreds of 4-H'ers to the nation's capitol each spring for the flagship youth development opportunity of the USDA, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). By providing opportunites for young people to share their voices with the federal government, this nationally recognized event is developing the next generation of leaders.

NJ 4-H will send a delegation of 6 youth to this event. If you have not received an invitation email with the details and how to apply, contact the 4-H office. Applications were due by January 12, 2026

Rutgers 4-H Teen Café - Mars Rocks: Studying Minerals with the Curiosity Rover

April 11, 2026 (11am-2pm)
Grades 9-12

Kate Hendrickson is a Planetary Scientist who works on the Curiosity Rover science team and will teach students about how we perform science remotely through robotic spacecraft. She will discuss rover operations, rocks on Mars, and guide students through accessing and analyzing real mineral data from the Curiosity Rover's CheMin X-Ray Diffractometer.

This event is Free and includes lunch. Registration is required and limited to 25 students in grades 9-12.

2026 NJ 4-H Avian Bowl

The NJ State 4-H Avian Bowl will take place on May 16, 2026 at the Hunterdon County Senior Services Center in Flemington, NJ.

Click on this link for the entry packet with all details https://tinyurl.com/NJAVIAN2026

Registration deadline is April 25, 2026

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.

L.G. Cook 4-H Summer Camp + 4-H Camp at Rutgers Garden

Register for 4-H Camp 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 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

Want to support Morris County 4-H?

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!

Make a donation to the Morris County 4-H Association

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