1. New 4-H Family Orientation
Morris County 4-H Office
P.O. Box 900, Morristown, NJ 07963
Welcome to Morris County 4-H! We are excited to get your family started in this fantastic program. This brief orientation will help you better understand what 4-H has to offer and what you can expect as a member of this 4-H club.

2. Agenda Introductions Overview of 4-H All about this club
Club activities
Club policies
Opportunities in 4-H
County events
State and national events
Questions

3. Overview of 4-H

4. Overview of 4-H What is 4-H?
Oldest and one of the largest youth development organizations in US
Open to youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school)
Found in every US state, US military base, and over 80 countries around the world
Learn-by-doing approach
Helps youth develop skills to become competent, caring, and contributing citizens of the world
4-H was founded in 1914 as part of the Smith-Lever Act of Congress when the Cooperative Extension System was founded. The development of the Cooperative Extension aimed to bridge the US Department of Ag to the land grant universities of each state. In New Jersey, our land grant university is Rutgers University thus many of the state activities and a majority of our guidelines are reflective of Rutgers as part of the cooperative extension.
Funding for 4-H comes from the federal level from the United States Department of Agriculture. This has allowed 4-H to hold a presence not just in every state, but also on United States Military bases. The Mission of 4-H is to give members opportunities to develop independence, hone a sense of belonging and responsibility, and show generosity. The mission of 4-H has been taken on by other countries who now hold their own 4-H programs.
4-H believes in a learn-by-doing approach allowing youth to take hold of their projects. Due to the fact that 4-H is open to K-13, members have the chance to continue to improve in a single project area while also exploring others that peak their interest.
The opportunities presented through 4-H help youth develop skills to become competent, caring, and contributing citizens of the world

5. Overview of 4-H Benefits of 4-H
Skill building (leadership, communication, organization)
Meaningful connections with others
Opportunities to get involved
Community service projects
County/State events
National trips
There are many benefits to be gained by youth and their families through 4-H involvement.
Every 4-Her’s experience is unique as each project area holds its own obstacles thus allowing the youth to be the driver of their own path to success. This in itself builds leadership qualities. It also builds organizational skills in that project record books are kept to allow 4-Hers to measure their progress and reflect on areas to improve. Through the formatting of clubs, 4-Hers gain communication experience and also are given the opportunities to hold an officer position.
The connections made with 4-Hers are different from other organizations. 4-Hers come from across the county to participate in their clubs allowing them to connect with people whose life style may be different from their own. It provides the chance for youth to see variation that they may not have previously been exposed to. They get to build on relationships with youth older and younger, allowing them to both learn first hand and provide teaching to their peers.
4-H, due to its state and national capacity, holds events and trips connecting 4-Hers well beyond the border of Morris County. 4-Hers actively participate in community service whether it be through their club, the county fair, or other projects supported by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

6. Overview of 4-H “Members in good standing” Attend 70% of club meetings
Deliver a 5-10 minute public presentation at the club, county, or state level
Submit a completed project record book
Participate in 4-H events
Becoming a “member in good standing” gives youth a goal to reach that in turn builds responsibility. These standards expose youth to skills in public speaking and organization which are beneficial to have in many settings.
Attending 70% of club meetings is based on the record of club attendance.
Public presentations are held annually in the spring. Those in the 8-13 grade who receive scores of “excellent” are eligible to present again at the state level. These presentations can be on any topic, not just the youth’s project area.
Record books are due every year on September 30th containing content from the past 4-H year. Record books generally contain a log of finances, experiences and outings, assessments and a story reflecting the youth’s year in that project area.
4-H events are held throughout the year with Morris County’s biggest event being the Fair in July.

7. All About This 4-H Club
Add note here about your 4-H club.

8. All About This 4-H Club Club overview Club history Project area
Current club leaders
Club history:
Don’t know how your club got started? That’s ok! Just share how you got involved. Was it from your own child’s involvement? Did you have a skill/interest you wanted to share? We’re you a 4-Her and always had an interest in starting your own club? Contact the 4-H office if you’d like to know more about your 4-H club’s history.
Project area:
Talk about the expectation or possibilities within your project area. Each project area has its own unique studies and opportunities so let your new parents know some of the possibilities ahead.
Current Club Leaders:
Introduce your club’s leaders. If club officers have been elected, introduce them, too.

9. All About This 4-H Club Expectations Safety is the number 1 priority
Volunteers are needed to make it possible
Support at 4-H Fair by all members/families
Attend meetings
Parents must support members in club work
Open communication with leaders
Adhere to 4-H Code of Conduct
Positive behavior
Safety: Be safe in everything you do. Whether it be baking for a community service project, instruction in a shooting sport club, or interacting with an animal, know what tools you need to safely due the job. Also know where the emergency equipment for your facility is in every situation.
Volunteers: Volunteers are a huge portion of 4-H as they put their talents and skills to work to make clubs, the fair and other outings possible. Volunteers are always appreciated.
The Fair: The Fair is a huge event allowing 4-Hers to showcase their work. Families are asked to complete 2-3 shifts which may include manning the soda booth, answering questions on 4-H, working in the petting barn, or helping in the chicken BBQ booth. In addition, your club may have a booth or activity in which they’ll ask for your support at some point during the Fair.
Parents support: Encourage your kids in their new project areas. Be proactive in supporting your child to allow them to both learn and succeed
Open Communication: Club leaders and the 4-H staff are available to support members and their families. Confused or want to learn more about something? Be sure to ask! We want to make sure everyone has all the information they need to be successful.
4-H code of conduct: This can be found on all permission forms and when registering as a 4-H member. The Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and standards for all 4-H participants including members, families, volunteers, and staff.
Positive behavior: In 4-H, we lead by example. Help youth grow by modeling and encouraging positive behavior at all times.

10. All About This 4-H Club Equipment
Does your club need any special equipment to be a successful member? Are there some pieces of equipment provided by the club? Can a 4-Her own their own personal version of equipment and bring it to club meetings or does it need to be approved?

11. All About This 4-H Club Competitions Open to youth in grades 4-13
Cloverbuds (grades K-3) participate in non-competitive events
Recommend participation by eligible members
Practice before competitions
Cloverbuds are youth in grade K-3 and non-competitive. They are allowed to participate in events such as poultry showing, open division entries, and presentations, but only receive feedback from the judges. This allows them to become comfortable in the processes and environments without the competitive elements.
Grades 4-13 are eligible for competition. It’s always good to practice, so encourage your 4-Her to do so before any competition.

12. All About This 4-H Club Club membership
Online membership registration (4honline.com)
No cost to join 4-H
Attend meetings
Membership registration is now available online. Once your account has been created, you only need to update and verify your information each year you are an active 4-H member.
There is no cost to join 4-H but some clubs may have club dues to support their activities.
Attend meetings to become active and involved in your new project area.

13. All About This 4-H Club Upcoming schedule
Schedule: Any big events coming up? When will your regular meetings be this year?
Check Discoveries (Morris County quarterly newsletter), the Morris County 4-H website, and Facebook page to see when county/state events are coming up.

14. All About This 4-H Club
Club activities
Tell them about your club!

15. All About This 4-H Club Club policies
Meet the requirements of “member in good standing”
Safe and active participation in all club activities
Support club’s fundraising projects
Adhere to the 4-H Code of Conduct
Lead by example
Does your club have any specific policies outside of general 4-H policies?

16. Additional Opportunities
Share some of the events your club members can participate in.

17. Additional Opportunities
County
Holiday Caroling
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Science-sational Day
Public Presentations
4-H Fair
State
Winter Camp
North Jersey Teen Conference
State Competitions
Holiday Caroling: In December, Morris County 4-Hers go holiday caroling at the Morris View Nursing Home (located next door to the 4-H office).
St. Patrick’s Day: In March, 4-H clubs, members, and families march in the Morristown Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Clubs march with their banners, animals, and dress in as much greenery as possible.
Science-sational Day: This popular event is held in late March. Morris County residents in grades K-6 are invited to explore various science topics through hands-on workshops led by volunteers. 4-H clubs can sign up to lead a workshop, assist with running the event, or come as participants.
Public Presentations: This is one of the most important 4-H events held around the country. In May, 4-H members present on a topic of their choice to a small audience of friends, family, and judges. The judges provide constructive feedback and award ribbons. Public speaking is one of the most intimidating skills to master, but 4-H members who participate in this event gain valuable experience and build confidence in their abilities.
The Fair: This is the showcase event of the year where 4-H members demonstrate what they have learned and test their skills. The Morris County 4-H Fair is held in mid-July at Chubb Park in Chester, NJ.
Winter Camp: Held at the L.G. Cook 4-H Camp in Sussex County, this unique event is open to teens in grades H members from several counties spend the weekend sledding, hiking, crafting, cooking, and making new friends. It is a great opportunity to meet 4-H teens from other counties, try something new, and experience camping (in cabins) in the winter.
NJTC: This event is open to teens in grades Held each year in March, the North Jersey Teen Conference brings together 4-H teens from across northern NJ for a weekend of fun and leadership development.
State Competitions: Many project areas have opportunities to compete at the state level. Check with your club leader or the 4-H office to learn more.

18. Additional Opportunities
National
Leadership Washington Focus
Citizenship Washington Focus
National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Congress
LWF: This event is for middle school aged youth and is held in Washington DC at the 4-H Conference Center. Participants develop leadership skills through a variety of activities in and around our nation’s capitol.
CWF: This event is for high school students and is held in Washington DC at the 4-H Conference Center. Participants learn about our nation’s capitol, government, and how they can serve as active citizens in their communities.
Conference: Held in April in Washington DC at the 4-H Conference Center each state brings 2-8 teen representatives to discuss current world issues. Participants are assigned a topic they and their peers develop a presentation to be given to the corresponding federal agency.
Congress: Held in November in Atlanta Georgia each state brings a small number of teen representatives to learn about 4-H around the country, develop leadership skills, and connect with the larger 4-H community. Participants attend workshops and learn from guest speakers, complete large scale community service projects, build connections with peers across the country.

19. Morris County 4-H Office
Questions?
Morris County 4-H Office
P.O. Box 900, Morristown, NJ 07963