New Jersey 4-H Members will join over 6.5 million boys and girls nationwide in observing National 4-H Week, Oct. 6-12. In New Jersey, there are nearly 2,800 volunteers working with over 55, 750 youth involved in 4-H programming efforts. These volunteers are among the over 500,000 volunteers nationwide who each contributed about 220 hours of service last year.
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills while serving their communities. Through 4-H programs, young people combine their interests with practical skills so they can make a difference in their communities. Working together and having a good time through 4-H encourages youth to make volunteering a lifelong habit.
The 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through one year out of high school, in their home communities. Programs are conducted in the 3,150 counties of the United States, the District of Columbia and six territories.
Since its beginning over 100 years ago, about 60 million Americans from all walks of life have been involved in 4-H. In addition, 80 countries around the world have youth programs similar to 4-H.
4-H thrives because of a unique partnership with the public and private sectors who contribute at the local, state and national levels. Not only does this partnership include financial support, but many business people volunteer their time and talents to boys and girls. Support at the local level is received through the help of many businesses, financial institutions, civic organizations and service groups.
For more information on how you can become involved in 4-H as a member or volunteer, contact the 4-H office in your county or visit 4-H on the web.