County Club Members to Celebrate National 4-H Week

COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program announced its new theme for the 2012-13 4-H year, “4-H…Belong, Believe, Achieve.” County 4-H youth and volunteers will be celebrating the new theme and 4-H Week the first week of October with a family picnic, community service and the 4-H National Youth Science Experiment.
Freeholders passed a resolution Sept. 25 proclaiming Sept. 3o to Oct. 6 as National 4-H Week in Cape May County. At the afternoon meeting, Julie Karavan, county 4-H agent, was joined by some club members and adult volunteers.
They told the board about activities 4-H has for county youth. Karavan told the board she hopes to expand the 4-H program onto barrier islands and northward into Upper Township and Ocean City.
The annual 4-H Family Picnic, sponsored by the county 4-H Foundation, Inc., will take place Sept. 30, beginning at 2 p.m. The event, which is open to non 4-H families as well, will take place on the 4-H Fairgrounds at the Lockwood 4-H Youth Center, located at 355 Court House-S. Dennis Road., in Court House.
Members of the 4-H Foundation will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, French fries and drinks. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. 4-H Teen Ambassadors will offer children’s games, and special guest Mark Jacopec will lead a Drum Fun drum circle, ensuring entertainment for all.
On Oct. 2, 4-H youth will take part in a community service project at Crest Haven Nursing Home beginning at 2 p.m. 4-H members will spruce up the nursing home’s flower gardens, which are maintained by the 4-H Youth Development Program and Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners, and plant mums for fall color.
Every October, National 4-H Council unveils a new “National Youth Science Experiment.” On Oct. 3, 4-H staff will take this year’s experiment, “The 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge,” to Glenwood Avenue Elementary School’s fourth grade in Wildwood.
The National Science Experiment explores how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment,
while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math. The experiment will also be offered to local schools and youth groups throughout the county.
The 4-H staff members and volunteers are also visiting local Back to School Nights to spread the word about the possibilities for youth in the 4-H program. The program is currently accepting applications for new 4-H volunteers and club leaders, and Karavan encourages adults to get involved. “Founding a 4-H club was one of the best things I ever did for my son. By stepping up as 4-H volunteers, parents can make a difference in the lives of their own kids and in the lives of children throughout the community.”
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and 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, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. For more information about 4-H activities and other opportunities for youth, call our Cape May County 4-H office at (609) 465-5115, ext. 605.