4-H Letter from Rachel Lyons

Dear Fairgoers,
Summer in New Jersey means juicy peaches, mouthwatering tomatoes, day trips to the shore and county fairs!  On behalf of the Rutgers New Jersey 4-H program, I welcome you to the Cape May County Fair. 
While you are here, I encourage you to check out the 4-H projects, exhibitions and shows.  Take a minute to ask a 4-H member about what they have learned in 4-H this year.  I bet you’d be surprised as just how much young people learn and grow through their 4-H experience. 
As part of the New Jersey 4-H program, more than 35,500 youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) are learning about everything from livestock to computer science, from gardening to expressive arts.  4-H youth are also developing critical life skills like responsibility, generosity, independence and active citizenship.  I would like to congratulate all of our 4-H members for a productive 4-H year- developing and practicing new skills and abilities!
Volunteers are truly the heart of 4-H!  The 4-H program would simply not be possible without the contributions of time and talent by our caring 4-H volunteers.  I send a hardy thank you to each and every one of the 2,800 volunteers across the state who serve the youth of New Jersey as 4-H leaders.
If you are interested in getting more involved in the 4-H program, reach out to the county Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office or check out www.nj4h.rutgers.edu to learn more about the opportunities available. 
Enjoy your time at the Fair!
Rachel Lyons
Chair, Department of 4-H Youth Development
Associate Director, Rutgers Cooperative Extension