County Celebrates 4-H Week Oct. 7-13; Open House Planned Oct. 13

COURT HOUSE – As 4-H celebrates National 4-H Week, Oct.7 to 13, the Cape May County 4-H Program is looking for young people who like to learn new things, develop new skills, travel to new places and make new friends. Adult volunteers are also needed to help youth enjoy these new experiences.
The county program has many clubs to fit the interests of youth 4th grade through one year out of high school. From teen clubs to fishing, small animals and reptiles, horses, livestock, cooking, sewing and robotics, there is something for every youth.
There are even specialized clubs for the youngest 4-H members, kindergarten through third grade. The Growing Sprouts Club focuses on gardening, nature and crafts, while the Science Rocks Club explores all aspects of science.
All are welcome to learn about the 4-H Youth Development Program at an open house Oct. 13.
The Open House will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 4-H Corn Maze and Hayride at Lehner’s Farm and Nursery, 175 Route 47 South, Court House.
4-H has a reputation of program excellence in the traditional areas of agriculture and life sciences.
Alumni also credit 4-H with public speaking and leadership skills. Today, 4-H is also at the forefront of contemporary issues like workforce preparedness; science, engineering and technology; and environmental stewardship.
By taking part in 4-H, young people gain academic and interpersonal skills that provide a foundation for their future.
4-H is the Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
The 4-H program’s roots are in the girls’ canning clubs and boys’ corn clubs, which were started in the early 1900’s to help increase farm yields and provide safe food for families.
Modern 4-H families live everywhere – in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural areas. With more than 100 projects and activities from which to choose, all youth, regardless of place of residence or family status, can find an interest in 4-H.
The four H’s stand for HEAD, HEART, HANDS and HEALTH. With this focus on the total development of young people, 4-H continues to prepare youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) to be responsible, capable citizens. Having fun while learning is an important part of 4-H, as well as being with friends-whether they are new friends, old friends or friends of another generation.
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth grades K – 13 on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, natural origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.