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4-H is an informal, hands-on educational program for youth. It is the youth development program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the off-campus division of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station of Rutgers University. The 4-H “learn by doing” approach promotes youth development while participants are having fun, making friends, and knowing they belong.
Mission Statement: The 4 H Youth Development program uses a learn-by-doing approach to enable youth to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to become competent, caring, and contributing citizens of the world. The goals of the 4-H Youth Development Program are to:
- Provide informal educational programs to youth in grades K-13 (one-year post high school).
- Strengthen skills for adult volunteers working with youth.
- Collaborate with community organizations and agencies.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Burlington County 4-H offers a variety of club project activities for youth of all ages/grades. Contact the 4-H office for additional information. 609-265-5052
Clubs
4-H Clubs are the foundation of Burlington County 4-H Youth Development. Through regular meetings and activities, clubs offer youth a welcoming environment to learn, grow, and make lifelong friends. Burlington County Clubs are located throughout the county and are led by two adult volunteer leaders who are trained and appointed by Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff.
Some clubs may offer special Cloverbud programs for children in grades K-3. If your child is interested in a certain club or project area, please contact the club leader directly for additional information. To find out how to serve as a volunteer or how to start your own chartered 4-H club, please call the 4-H office 609-265-5052. Below is the list of clubs and the contact information of the club leaders.
Communications & Expressive Arts
| 4-H Burlington County Players Theater project features live performances by participants. Currently on a break. If you would like to be on the waiting list please email. | Westampton | Lesa Thibodeaux: mrsthib@gmail.com 4hplayers@gmail.com |
| Burlington County 4-H Cloggers Dance Project members practice public presentation and perform at various venues in the county. New members may join in September/ October. | Westampton | Loretta Marshall: lorettamarshall1992@gmail.com or 856-985-3478 Reitta Pestritto: pprestojr@verizon.net |
| Crafty Cats 4-H Club | Westampton | Carolyn Shelby: cshelby@icloud.com Nona Chamberlain: nonnanc21@gmail.com |
| Pins & Needles 4-H Club | Westampton | Jill DeGatano: jdegaetano5@gmail.com |
| Grow, Bake, Sew 4-H Club *Currently not accepting new members* | Westampton | Lydia Francis: lydiafrancis21@yahoo.com |
Science, Engineering & Technology
| Sod Squad Agriculture/Science/Garden project activity. | Springfield | Wendy Byar: uubyar@gmail.com |
| Pollinator Protector Save the Monarchs! Save the Bees! Join us as we learn about pollinators and take action to ensure their survival well into the future. | Cinnaminson | Kathleen Colley: kapaleena@gmail.com Michele Horvath: njshell@hotmail.com |
Learning & Leadership
| Active Citizenship Youth members in grades 6th-13th (one year post high school) become competent, caring, and contributing citizens through hands-on leadership and community service opportunities while learning about the rights and duties of citizenship. Members vote on, plan for, and participate in civic and service opportunities throughout the county. | Mt. Holly | Christie Dragan: lexena6@icloud.com Nicole Meyers: woodstreamdream@gmail.com |
| Teen Council Youth in grades 8th-13th (one year post high school) practice leadership skills through participation in local, state, and national teen activities. Members set club goals together and plan their projects. | Westampton | Brianna Boyd burlington4h@njaes.rutgers.edu |
Horse Project
| Flying Changes Youth members are exposed to a diverse variety of equine knowledge. They learn how to apply their learning through hands-on experience including grooming and riding well-mannered horses and ponies. | Southampton | Tracey Rose: tracey.rose2005@gmail.com |
| Young Riders A horse club with a focus on western performance events and dressage, promoting the versatility of horse and rider. Members are encouraged to participate in horse care, equine science projects, drill team, and community service. | Westampton | Stacey Powell: staceyp4h@gmail.com |
Animal Project
| Barnyard Bandits Small Animal Members learn about the care and up keep of their own rabbits, cavies, and other small animals. Youth learn the fine points of showmanship and participate in local 4-H shows and competitions. The club also participates in many 4-H outreach programs and community service projects. No animal required | Pemberton Boro | Nona Chamberlain: nonnanc21@gmail.com |
| Carrot Club Members learn about the care and up keep of their own rabbits, cavies, and other small animals. Youth learn the fine points of showmanship and participate in local 4-H shows and competitions. The club also participates in many 4-H outreach programs and community service projects. Grade 3-13; no animal required | Maple Shade | Sue Kopertowski: twofunlabs67@gmail.com Charles Griffin: (856) 486-0829 |
| Crazy Critters Youth learn all about small animals including rabbits, and cavies. Every year youth participate in the small animal show and the Farm Fair. | Westampton | Cindy Fries: cfries4330@aol.com Kevin Fries: LzrdkngDoors420@aol.com |
| Goat Gang The goat gang and livestock club is dedicated to the education of animal husbandry, especially farm animals. Teamwork, community service, and hands-on learning takes place on the third Saturday of every month. | Chesterfield | Lydia Francis: vicwick13@gmail.com *Currently not accepting new members* |
| Feathers Fur & Four Legged Friends 4-H Club The club will be welcoming any farm animal or farm related project that youth would like to work on. This club will give youth the opportunity to share their knowledge with one another while learning from each other at the same time. The club has lots of fun, and educational experiences. | Southampton | Heather Pearson: hp0211@yahoo.com or 609-724-5743 Karen Hardy: kbshontz@aol.com or 609-707-0363 |
| Hooked on 4-H Fishing Club | Westampton | George Fries: cfries4330@aol.com Nona Chamberlain: nonnanc21@gmail.com |
After School 4-H Club Programs with Other Youth Serving Organizations
| McGuire Blue Falcons Science Aftercare club at the McGuire Youth Center. Must be enrolled in School Age Care or Open Rec. | JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst | Brianna Boyd: brianna.boyd@rutgers.edu |
| Dix Warriors Science Aftercare club at the Dix School Age Care. Must be enrolled in School Age Care or Dix Open Rec. | JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst | Brianna Boyd: brianna.boyd@rutgers.edu |
| Lockheed Martin Moorestown 4-H STEM Science & Engineering Accepts youth in grades 9-12. | Moorestown | Matthew Patane: matthew.t.patane@lmco.com Harry Eaton: Harry.c.eaton@lmco.com |
Contact Information
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County
2 Academy Drive
Westampton, NJ 08060
609-265-5052
For more information, email burlington4h@njaes.rutgers.edu.