County 4-H Program Celebrates National 4-H Week with New Clubs, Open House

COURT HOUSE — Cape May County will be celebrating the accomplishments of 4-H youth during National 4-H Week, Oct. 2-8. The long standing tradition; the innovative programming in the areas of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), healthy living and citizenship, as well as the leadership, public speaking and other valuable life skills that young people develop in 4-H continues to demonstrate the impact of 4-H on young people.
Young people in grades K-13 (one year out of high school), regardless of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation or disability, develop leadership, citizenship and interpersonal skills in a variety of 4-H programs.
New Clubs this year include the Maverick 4-H Art Club which meets the third Wed. of the month at Maverick Art Studio, Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 8, will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and youth ages 9 and up will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the studio. The club leaders are Carol Anne Futrell & Georgina Huston. Call (609) 465-9500 to join or for more information on this new club.
Another new club is the “All Paws In” 4-H Dog Club. “All Paws In” will focus on all aspects of being a good dog owner and will include field trips, crafts and dog activities. The club will meet on Sundays at the 4-H Lockwood Center, To Join, email Jill at gillianhigman@yahoo.com or Alexis at tozourlex@aol.com.
Cape May County 4-H Clubs will be holding a Fall 4-H Open House on Sat., Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the 2nd Annual 4-H Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at Lehner’s Farm & Nursery, 175 Rt. 47 South, Dias Creek, NJ. The public is invited to come and learn more about 4-H Youth Development Clubs in Cape May County.
The 4-H Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events include a 5-acre scare-free maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting, tiny tykes hay maze, petting zoo, scarecrow-making, games and refreshments.
Corn Maze admission is $5 each, $20 for families of 5 or more. Two years and under are free. Also, free admission for 12 and under in costume on Oct. 29 and 30.
The 4-H Open House is the perfect time for families to check out all that 4-H has to offer youth. 4-H members and leaders from various 4-H clubs in the county will share information about their clubs and offer fun, hands-on children’s activities. Members of the public are invited to explore the wide variety of 4-H clubs available and find out how they can register their children or volunteer their time. Twenty-five local clubs include teen leadership, herpetology, equestrian, fishing, robotics, sewing, culinary arts, archery, livestock and more.
The 4-H Cloverbud Program involves children in grades K-3. Cloverbud explores the many projects, programs and activities that 4-H offers. The 4-H Cloverbud Program is non-competitive and is geared to the specific needs and interests of youth in grades K-3 and focuses on special activities to enhance their personal development.
Now is the perfect time to become involved in 4-H, if you aren’t already. Each fall, 4-H clubs re-organize and enroll new members and leaders. Linda Horner, Cape May County 4-H Program Coordinator is available to answer your questions about becoming a volunteer leader or joining 4-H as a member. Call the 4-H Office at (609) 465-5115, ext. 605 for more information or visit the Cape May County 4-H website at www.cmc4h.com to learn more about 4-H.
“Adult volunteers are the heart and soul of the 4-H program,” said Horner. “Volunteers who work with young people share their talent, energy and time. This dedication and service bring with it personal rewards as they help youth learn,” added Horner.
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13(one year out of high school), on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status and any other category protected by law.