Event Reports

Journalism Workshop "News or Nonsense"

Published March 27, 2025

Last night, Morris County 4-H presented the "News or Nonsense" workshop with Dr. Gina Marcello,  Ph.D. Associate Teaching Professor of the Journalism and Media Studies Department, School of Communication and Information of Rutgers University, New Brunswick. 

We are grateful to Dr. Marcello for donating her time to bring us this engaging, informative and very timely workshop. 

Slow your scroll, check your sources, and verify before you share! 

More workshops and events can be found on our Upcoming Events page: https://www.morris4h.org/upcoming-events

4-H Science-sational Day

Published March 26, 2025

100 youth participants and 70 parents attended the 4-H Science-sational Day at the County College of Morris last Saturday, March 22. Thanks to over 50 passionate volunteers who shared their time and talent presenting a total of 12 hands-on workshops plus 3 activity stations and helping in many other ways, this 5-hour event was packed with science fun and excitement. It even included a planetarium show. We hope many attendees who are not yet in 4-H will join us at future events, workshops, and club activities - and maybe even enter their science projects in the 4-H Fair.

St Patrick's Day Parade

Published March 17, 2025

We had a great turnout of 4-H marchers as well as spectators, almost perfect weather (it was not raining hard or below freezing temperatures), and lovely music along the route! Thank you everyone who joined us and shared the 4-H spirit!

Street Photography Workshop

Published March 17, 2025

Our second photography workshop was in two parts: 15 participants enjoyed the presentation by world-renowned and award-winning photographer Parvathi Kumar via zoom on March 13. The hands on part Parvathi offered took place at the St Patrick's Day parade staging area in Morristown on Saturday, March 15. 

Thank you Parvathi for sharing your expertise and time! All enjoyed it very much and we can't wait to see some great Street Photography exhibited at the Fair in July! (Here is Parvathi's post from the event: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DPLGr8HSn/)

4-H Has Heart

Published March 5, 2025

Morris County 4-H participated in "4-H Has Heart" and our 2 local representatives, Lexi M and Mary D dropped off over 80 Valentines to Merry Heart Assisted Living in Roxbury on February 13. 

We thank all the clubs and club leaders who helped make this a success.    

4-H at Celebrate the Children

Published March 5, 2025

Thank you to our 4-H volunteers who brought a bit of 4-H to the Celebrate the Children school on February 4 and 5. It was a great time with the kids and teachers. 

Morris 4-H Enter Top Chef Contest

Published February 28, 2025

Three of our 4-H'ers, Karina, N., Katrina N., and Mehul M., participated in the Top Chef competition hosted by Middlesex 4-H. A total of thirteen youth from multiple counties submitted their videos of how to prepare a recipe of their choice. Our 3 contestant's dishes were: Purple Potatoes Layer Cake, Homemade Gnocchi, and Veggie Nan Pizza. 

Karina N. was one of the 3 winners of the contest. Congratulations!

"Eyes on Photography" Workshop

Published February 19, 2025

We learned what to focus on for better photos and had a lot of fun at the workshop last night. Can't wait to see the pictures from the activities. Thank you Sophia K. for presenting and running the event, and all the helpers for their assistance!

 4-H Winter Camp

Published February 13, 2025

So much fun and a real winter experience at Lindley G. Cook 4-H Camp in Branchville, NJ! Our Morris group joined 4-H teens from Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties from February 7-9 for a weekend getaway.

Thank you 4-H Leaders

Published February 5, 2025

The 4-H Leaders' Social on Saturday, February 1st at the Roxbury library was a fun event to thank our club leaders, assisting volunteers, and board members for the time, talent, and energy they give to our 4-H program to make it as successful as it is!

The activities even included a magic act. See the Morris County 4-H Facebook post for details: https://fb.watch/xzT8fRecs1/

Discoveries is here!

Published January 8, 2025

Hot off the press (or printer). The very first edition of the printed "Discoveries" newsletter made by 4-H'ers for 4-H'ers is here. Contact the office if you would like to pick up some copies for your club.

Thank you newsletter team and especially editor Raima for putting this together!

Any club reporters, photographers, cartoonist, columnists and others wishing to contribute to the next edition, please submit your entries to mc4hnews@gmail.com 

 Decorating the 4-H tree at the "Festival of Trees"

Published December 11, 2024

Don't forget to stop by and see the Morris County 4-H tree. Thanks, Leigh M, for helping decorate! And thank you to all the club members who made ornaments!!

From the arboretum: Tour the Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s Mansion decorated for the holidays in the Festival of Trees. Purchase tickets in advance at www.tinyurl.com/MCPCFestival24. Tickets are $10 per person.

4-H at Home for the Holidays

Published December 11, 2024

Thanks Raima B and Lexi M for helping at Home for the Holidays along with Mittens (the famous promotional Guinea pig) and Cookie and Sally - new to promoting! It was a fun time at the Roxbury library, hanging out with Mrs. Clause and making pretty candy canes.

In Memory of Nancy Doherty 

Published December 4, 2024

We are sad to to let you know that long time 4-H volunteer, Nancy Doherty, passed away over the weekend.  She was an active volunteer in Morris County 4-H and served as a 4-H board member for several years. 

Nancy started as the primary leader of the Buckanears 4-H club where her three children were 4-H members (Heather, Danielle, and David).  Later, she added the role of Small Animal Tent Manager during the 4-H Fair.  Utilizing her experience as a teacher, Nancy created a colorful, fun, and welcoming environment for all the small animal 4-H club members to showcase their animals.

As her kids grew, she started new 4-H clubs including Paws & Claws and the World of Theatre.  She also served as a co-leader for Teen Council.  Nancy had a knack for blending fun into every 4-H activity.  During the pandemic, Nancy hosted virtual games and activities to youth which kept them connected to their 4-H community and provided fun during a stressful time.

Nancy was a beloved volunteer in the Morris County 4-H program who gave encouragement and kindness to everyone.  Please keep the Doherty Family in your thoughts during this sad time.  

Animal Science Event

Published November 27, 2024

The Animal Science event on Friday, November 22 was well attended. Thank you to all presenters - and to the families who came, braving the cold and the snow.

State 4-H Shooting Sports Competitions

Published November 27, 2024
By Mya M.

Shotgun

In September, Morris Marksmen member, Mia O, competed in the 4-H State Shotgun Competition, representing her team with focus and skill. After many challenging rounds, she secured 3rd place, earning a spot at Nationals in the Shotgun District. This achievement reflects her hard work and dedication to the sport.

Air rifle

On September 28th, Morris Marksmen made a return to the senior air rifle competition, competing for the first time in several years. The day presented significant challenges, with poor weather conditions testing the focus of every competitor. Despite these obstacles, the team showed determination and skill. Shannon M delivered an outstanding performance, earning 2nd place, while Mia O secured an impressive 3rd place, and Mya M followed closely with a strong 4th place finish. This day not only highlighted their hard work but also earned all three members the honor of representing New Jersey at the 4-H National Competition in the Air Rifle District. This achievement was a proud moment for the club.

Smallbore .22

In September, Mia O, a Morris Marksmen member, competed in the 4-H State Smallbore Competition. She earned 2nd place, qualifying to compete at the 4-H National Shooting Sports in the District Smallbore.

Archery:

In early October, Morris Marksmen members Brandon K. and Mya M. participated in the 4-H State Archery Competition. Brandon secured second place in the Recurve division with a score of 201 points, while Mya earned fourth place in the Compound division with 267 points. Both enjoyed the experience and had the opportunity to compete alongside more than a dozen other archers and received invitations to shoot at Nationals in the District of Archery

4-H Awards Ceremony

Published November 18, 2024


On Saturday, November 16, we celebrated our 4-H members' and leaders' successes and recognized them for their accomplishments, achievements and hard work during the 2023-2024 year.

Congratulations to all award recipients!

See our 2024 Awards Ceremony page for details.

4-H S.H.A.R.K. Program Workshop

Published November 18, 2024


The S.H.A.R.K event was a hit!  Thank you Shane for this wonderful teach back program.

The Newsletter Committee is Ready

Published October 13, 2024


The 4-H member-led Newsletter Committee had their first meeting and can't wait to receive the stories and photos from all clubs to put together their newsletter.

Please email them your submissions to mc4hnews@gmail.com

Trunk-or-Treat

Published October 28, 2024


We had such a great turnout on Saturday, October 26 - a long line of decorated cars in front of the corn maze and so many visitors. What a fabulous day!

To everyone who donated their time, their creativity, candy, money, and in one case even the use of their property for the afternoon, we thank you so much for making this event a success! 

4-H Window Display Contest

Published October 15, 2024

During National 4-H week and for the rest of the month of October many clubs and families participate in the 4-H Window Display Contest with wonderful displays in libraries and businesses throughout the county.

Winners of the contest will be announced at the Awards Ceremony in November.

4-H Spirit at Tractor Supply

Published in October, 2024

Morris County 4-H clubs, Curious Critters, Feathered friends and Furry Friends raise 4-H awareness at the local Flanders Tractor Supply

To learn more about our clubs check out our website here https://www.morris4h.org/4-h-clubs

4-H Promotion Events

Published in October, 2024

The Morris County 4-H Promotion team was busy at the beginning of the 4-H Year. They attended the Denville Green Fair, Mine Hill Day, The Festival on the Green in Morristown, and more.

Morris County 4-H Fair 2024

Published in August, 2024

Our 2024 Fair at High View Farms in Mt Olive, July 28-30 showcased our members' accomplishments and their work over the last year. We had over 500 entries from 4-H members and volunteers, animals on display, lots of hands-on activities, entertainment, great food, and many helpers to put it all together and ensure everything ran smoothly! 

Thank you to everyone who participated and entered in the Fair! What beautiful shows, exhibits, and presentations! You all did an amazing job! 

Visit our Fair Page where we highlight the Best in Show (BIS), Honorable Mention (HM), Best of Breed, Best Reserve, as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place recipients. Congratulations! 

Eva G. Receives Lubrano Scholarship

Published on August 1, 2024

This year the Lance Corporal Andrew W. Lubrano 4-H Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Eva G., member of Dogs R Us and the Teen Council 4-H clubs.  Eva exemplifies the path of a 4-H'er. As a 4-H member she made sure others felt welcomed in the clubs. She tirelessly worked through the summer heat at The Morris County 4-H Fair in the dog tent and the Country Store year after year. Her self reflection is apparent when in her own own words she learned "when her help was needed and when it was a distraction" once becoming the veteran member of Dogs R Us learning to guide younger members.  Eva will go on to study culinary arts but her success as a giving and kind individual has already been reached. 

We are proud to know this young woman and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.  

Eva was presented her award at her graduation by her Dogs R Us leader, Kathy Murarik. Congratulations!

Citizenship Washington Focus

Published on June 26, 2024

On June 20th, twelve (12) NJ 4-H Delegates are headed to Citizenship Washington Focus for a week of learning, exploring, skill-building, friendship, and laughter. Among them was Mehul M., Teen Council member from Morris County as well as representatives from Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Salem, and Somerset. On Friday the group joined forces with Kansas Delegates to do a planting community service project.

Fishing Day

Published on June 19, 2024

The local Muskies Fishing Club provided an amazing day of fun for 4-H'ers and their families at the State Hatchery in Hackettstown on June 8. It started early in the morning with an informative introduction in a classroom setting, followed by a tour of the hatchery, and two hours of catch-and-release fishing on their private ponds, guided by the many friendly and helpful volunteers. The event ended with a pizza lunch for all and each child took home a tackle box, fishing pole and reel, which were donated by the Muskies club.

Thank you Muskies Fishing Club, State Hatchery, and volunteers!

State 4-H Public Presentations

Published on June 19, 2024

The State 4-H Public Presentations were held on Saturday, June 8th between 10am and 1pm at the Rutgers Academic Building at Rutgers University in New Brunswick (or virtual/video on or by June 7th). Five eligible Morris County 4-H members participated and all did a great job. Congratulations to Benjamin J., Viraj K., Christian K., Katrina N., and Eesha V.!

State 4-H Dog Show

Published on June 12, 2024

On Saturday, June 8th, the State 4-H Dog Show was held at the Somerset 4-H Center. Dogs 'R' Us members Leah with dog Crystal and Corlyn with Marty earned lots of ribbons! More excellent ribbons were won at the K9 art show by Karina, Katrina, Corlyn, and others. Congratulations! 

Roxbury Pride Event

Published on June 12, 2024

Along with The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, North Jersey Homeschool Science Center, and The 4 Footed Leaders club, Morris County 4-H had a wonderful afternoon of kindness and inclusion at The Roxbury Pride event last weekend, on June 9th. 

4-H at Juneteenth Celebration

Published on June 12, 2024

It was a good afternoon with Common Grounds at the Juneteenth Celebration last Saturday in Succasunna. Mittens, the 4-H promotional guinea pig, enjoyed the attention. Other activities offered at the 4-H table were seed bomb making and bee hotel building.

Fair Theme Contest 2024

Published on March 21, 2024

Thank you everyone who participated in the Fair Theme Contest this year! We had sooo many entries! The Fair Committee voted at their last meeting, on May 16, and below is the winning design as well as other excellent submissions.

The winner is:

Samantha O., grade 8, member of the Curious Critters, Feathered Friends, Furry Friends, Just Kid 'n Around, and Teen Council 4-H Clubs, with her design: "Jam Out in 4-H".

Congratulations Sammy!

All clubs are encouraged to incorporate the theme into their club display at the Fair, their club banner for the parade of clubs, T-shirts, Fair activities, and more.

See the 4-H Fair Page: morris4h.org/4-h-fair for Fair details.

Most Artistic:

"Aim For The Sky in 4-H"

By Adam D., grade 6, member of the Plants, Pollinators, and Poultry club

Most Buzzing:

"Bee Inspired by 4-H"

By Madison W., grade 4, member of Busy Bees, Dumbledorks, and Furry Friends

Most Forward Looking:

"Making A Better Future With 4-H"

By Zoli P., grade 5, member of Shutterbugs

Most Adorable:

"Do it all with 4-H"

By Emmett D., Kindergarten, member of the Plants, Pollinators, and Poultry club

Most On-Target Bunny:

"Have Fun with 4-H"

By unknown artist, member of Teen Council

Best Cartoon:

"Unbreakable Bonds"

By Joshua M., grade 9, member of Teen Council

4-H Public Presentations

Published on May 15, 2024

Public presentations are a big part of the 4-H experience. There are opportunities for our members to present in their clubs, at 4-H events, on the county level, and even state level. On Saturday, May 11, twenty Morris County 4-H'ers and their families came to the Public Presentations event at the County College of Morris. The topics ranged from Guinea Pigs to foreign investments, and from Polaroids to Shelties. All presenters did an outstanding job and we are so proud of every single one who courageously got up and participated! We have several members in grades 8-12 who are eligible to enter in the State 4-H Public Presentations in June.

A big thank-you to our judges for taking time out of their Saturday to help our youth achieve their goals. 

4-H at Blossom Festival

Published on May 8, 2024

On Saturday, May 4, the Plants, Pollinators, and Poultry Club was at Riamede Farm's Blossom Festival with a plant sale. The 4-H table had materials for visitors to make seed bombs and pollinator hotels. 

1st place in NJ 4-H Shooting Sports Junior Matches

Published on May 1, 2024

Three Marksmen club members, Shannon, Tanner, and John, represented Morris County in the State 4-H Shooting Sports Junior Matches in archery (April 13) and air rifle (April 20). Shannon got 1st place in air rifle and Tanner got 4th place also in air rifle. Everyone had fun! Congratulations!

Ribbons won at State Foods Day contest

Published on April 24, 2024 (updated on December 3, 2024)

On April 6, Mehul M., Katrina N, and Karina N. represented Morris County at the NJ State 4-H Foods Day, held at the Somerset 4-H center. All 3 won many ribbons. Mehul got 1st place in the cook off with his dish - pictured. The workshops were enjoyed by everyone.

Congratulations Karina, Katrina, and Mehul!

Benjamin's photo wins 1st place

Published on April 24, 2024

Benjamin J., member of the Shutterbugs club, is the winner of the Rutgers Urban Forestry Arbor Day Photo contest in the Elementary category. 

His photo is featured on the Rutgers Forestry social media, website, NJ DEP’s social media, as well as the NJ Shade Tree Federation pages.

Congratulations Ben!

4-H at JOANN Fabric and Craft store

Published on April 24, 2024

During this national spring 4-H clover campaign at JOANN's, a fundraiser benefitting our local 4-H community, the promotion team went to the Succasunna location to show shoppers what 4-H does. Customers and passers-by of all ages where in for a treat, being able to meet 4-H animals such as a guinea pig, dog, rabbit, and even a goat; plus talk to representatives from many clubs, including the Knit Wits leaders. The campaign is going on until May 4th so there is still time to head to your nearest JOANN store and support 4-H (and the store). Thank you JOANN - especially the friendly staff in Succasunna!

4-H Art Workshops

Published on April 17, 2024

Yesterday was the second of the three-part 4-H Art workshop series. A 3D / texture element was added using glue guns. This session also introduced intentional painting. Look for many of these great paintings at the Morris County 4-H Fair.

Thank you Barbi G for another successful workshop!

NJ 4-H Legislative Leadership

Published on April 17, 2024

On Monday, April 15, the participants of the NJ 4-H Legislative Leadership Experience visited Trenton to learn about our state government. Morris County was represented by Mehul M. of the Teen Council 4-H club.

Report by Mehul M., published on April 21, 2024:

My legislative experience was really fun and interesting. We learned the path of legislation and how the legislative branch works. We talked to a person that worked at the farm bureau and she talked about what she does at her work. Then we walked over to the state building and got a tour of the building and we got to watch legislators vote in a full assembly, and participated in a mock committee meeting. We even got a shout out from Assembly speaker Craig Coughlin at the beginning of the voting session. It was an action packed day.

4-H Science-sational Day

Published on April 3, 2024

On Saturday, March 30th we had so many young scientists in grades K-6 attend the 4-H Science-sational Day at the County College of Morris. Participants designed rollercoasters and bridges, learned about bunnies and chicks, tested their rockets modeled after the Rutgers' team's, studied the science of color and the forces at play in a basketball game. They experienced how a search and rescue dog works with scents in different temperatures, dyed eggs with natural colors, met the 4-H NASA Student Launch group, got to interact with The Seeing Eye puppies, and more.

With much thanks to our volunteer presenters and event helpers: North Jersey Homeschool Science Center, High View Farms, SR3NJ, Bill Kerwood magician, Mehul of Teen Council 4-H club, Rutgers Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL) team, the Ingersoll family, Josh of Teen Council 4-H club, ResistoJets Rocketry Club, The Seeing Eye puppy raisers of the 4-Footed Leaders club, the Miractech team, and CCM.

We already look forward to next year! 

Rocket Workshop and Launch

Published on March 26, 2024
By Robert G., member of the ResistoJets 4-H Club

On Saturday, March 16, The 4-H Resistojets Rocketry Club hosted a rocket launch event at High View Farms. This was a follow-up to a build event that took place in February, where each participant built a rocket that was about 20 inches long. Of the 21 participants that showed up to the build day, 18 returned for launch day. All of the rockets flew well!

Graphic Novel Workshop

Published on March 22, 2024
By Avery O., member of the Plants, Pollinators, and Poultry 4-H Club

On March 19th, 2024, the author and illustrator named Rashad Malik Davis came to see the 4-H writing club. He told us about how to make characters out of shapes and how some shapes represent certain feelings or emotions. Like how triangles are evil, circles are usually nice, soft, and calm, and squares are brave and strong. Then he told us to pick a number between 1-15 and a letter between A-O. The number was an emotion and the letter was a character. We had to draw that character, it was super fun. Some kids were really good at drawing, and we all did two or more drawings. Now when I watch tv shows or movies I’m going to see what shapes some characters are made out of. I can’t wait to read some of Rashad Malik Davis’s books!

Ignite by 4-H, Washington D.C.

Published on March 22, 2024
By Sean M., member of the ResistoJets and Morris Marksmen 4-H clubs,
Event dates: March 13-18th, 2024

Last week, I joined 9 other delegates representing New Jersey at Ignite by 4-H, a national conference hosted in the capitol. Ignite brings together three main pillars of 4-H, STEM, Agriscience, and Healthy Living into a 5-day congregation filled with workshops, guest speakers, and special opportunities.

One of my highlights was on the first night when we went out to tour the capitol monuments at night, and with this being my first time visiting, I was sobered by many memorials illustrating the great losses in our time. 

A large part of this event involved states planning and presenting a community service project designed to address a need in their areas. Grants ranging between 2 and 5 thousand dollars are available for states to apply to after the conference, which is the main goal of these projects. We presented a New Jersey program to refurbish reusable bags to donate to food banks, facing struggles in food distribution since the plastic bag ban. 

Overall, Ignite by 4-H offered me a huge range of different experiences and opportunities, all of which I enjoyed thoroughly while contributing to my personal and professional development. I would like to thank our county and state 4-H staff, along with the USDA, for providing this opportunity to me. 

World Food Prize

Published on March 13, 2024

Myra G. and Rohan G. participated in this year's World Food Prize event on March 8 as part of the NJ Youth Institute of the World Food Prize Foundation.

The New Jersey Youth Institute is a life-changing experience at the Rutgers University where high school students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in New Jersey and around the world. The New Jersey Youth Institute is hosted by Rutgers, the State University with the generous support of the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, the New Jersey FFA, New Jersey 4-H, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. You can find out more about the World Food Prize Foundation here: https://www.worldfoodprize.org/

Congratulations Myra and Rohan!

St. Patrick's Day Parade 

Published on March 13, 2024

Thank you to all our members and leaders who showed up to march in the Morristown St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday - despite the the chilly wet weather.  We truly appreciate you!  

And to those who cheered us on, thank you, too!!!

Published on March 6, 2024

Our 4-H members Benjamin J. and Josh G., along with five other 4-H members from the state, participated in a Smithsonian Institution "Museum on Main Street" project for NJ. This is a partnership between the Smithsonian and national 4-H. The topic they chose was Food Insecurity in NJ. They looked closer into the issues the pandemic brought to residents and the impact it had on local food pantries. Please read the full report on the Smithsonian Institution's Museum on Main Street page: https://museumonmainstreet.org/blog-node/new-jersey-4-hers-explore-food-insecurity-their-communities

Ribbons at Woofminster Dog Show

Published on February 28, 2024 (+ results added on 3/1/2024)

Dogs R Us club members Brook, Leah, and Corlyn, along with their leaders Kathy and Beverly, attended the Woofminster Dog Show on Sunday, February 25, 2024, which was hosted by Somerset 4-H. See the photos and details below for the ribbons they received. Congratulations!

Results from the WOOFminster dog show:

 Obedience

Junior Showmanship

Grooming class

Danish Ribbons were awarded and all three members received – Very Good

Congratulations to all!

Clover Dance

Published on February 21, 2024

With thanks to the Sue Dupre band, our Clover Dance last Saturday was a huge success. Everyone was on the dance floor, from toddlers to grandparents, from novise to experienced square dancers. We had so much fun! 

Let us know if you are interested in a 4-H Dance Club.

And visit our Facebook posts for more pictures and videos from the event (https://www.facebook.com/MorrisCounty4H/)

Thank you Chester Township NJ rec department for letting us use the barn, Chester Shop Rite for the donation, everyone who helped set up and run the event, and those who brought food for the Chester Mendham food pantry!

Bunny Hopping

Published on February 21, 2024

On February 3rd some of our 4-H'ers from the Furry Friends and Buckanears clubs enjoyed an afternoon of learning about the sport of Rabbit Hopping. 

It was well attended and we will continue practicing monthly.

4-H Teen Winter Camp

Published on February 14, 2024

Morris County 4-H teens plus chaperones joined Somerset, Sussex, and Warren county 4-H'ers at Winter Camp last weekend for an opportunity to make new friends, hang out, and have fun. Activities included archery, stomp rockets, bread making, and much more.

In Memory of Mary Carberry

Published on February 7, 2024

With sadness, we inform you that long-time 4-H Volunteer, Mary Carberry, passed away on January 31st.  Mary started her volunteer work with Morris County 4-H when her daughter Jen joined Buckanears in the 1980's.  She had wanted Jen to learn about her guinea pig, Cupcake. Very soon after, Mary helped where needed at club meetings and drove Jen around the state to compete in 4-H cavy shows.  Mary branched out to help at the Morris County 4-H Fairs:  She was a chairperson for Fine Art for many years and a key creator in the Literary Works Division, now Creative Writing.  Mary was also the mastermind behind the Children's Country Store at the Fair.  For years, she entered her prized quilts in the Adult area of the Needlework Division.  The best in shows and ribbons she received can still be found attached to the back of her quilt entries.  Mary was so excited to briefly visit last year's 4-H Fair, hosted at High View Farms. 
Mary always tried 'to make the best better'.

In Memory of Jim Newquist

Published on February 7, 2024

James Hans "Jim" Newquist passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023. 

An active volunteer for 4-H, Jim played many roles in the organization, including serving on the Board of Directors as vice president, judging public presentations and projects at the annual 4-H summer fair, and serving as the 4-H coordinator for the spring and call “Clover Campaigns” fundraisers at Tractor Supply. 

His passion for space and astronomy shined through his involvement with the National Association of Rocketry and 4-H Rocketry Club, where he could often be seen wearing his NASA jacket covered in space mission patches. Jim was recognized for his efforts as a teacher and environmentalist many times, including being awarded State Teacher of the Year. He was also honored in Washington, D.C., for Exemplary Leadership in the 4-H Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Program.  

4-H'ers attend Rutgers' Teen Café event

Published on January 29, 2023

Joshua & Evan both enjoyed Teen Café at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine on Saturday, January 27. Evan said it was great meeting new people and discussing the various topics concerning foods that support a healthy digestive system as well as other fun topics and activities like a raffle and a scientist luncheon. Josh enjoyed learning more about food science and the effects food has on our bodies. They got to taste different foods and discover which have important nutrients our bodies need. 

Finding a Place in Space

Published on December 20, 2023

On Saturday, December 16, everyone who came out to CCM for the 4-H Rocket Science Event "Find your Place in Space" had a great time. Participants got to ask astronaut Charlie Walker their questions, hear him describe the wonder of experiencing space and what it feels like to look at our planet from a distance (and wake up with your hands floating in front of your face). Mr. Walker explained to us the various fields that are needed for space exploration and many paths that can lead to being involved. He encouraged everyone to stay curious and follow their interest and passion. 

In the second part of the event, all enjoyed hands-on workshops that were led by 4-H members of the ResistoJets Club. The topics ranged from planes to rockets, from stars to living on the moon, and more. A Rutgers Rocket Propulsion Lab team member also showed their latest projects.
Thanks to everyone who presented and helped in other ways - and a special Thank-you to Mr. Walker!

Thank you, cookie decorators!

Published on December 5, 2023

Thank you 4-H'ers for decorating cookies on Sunday, December 3rd to benefit Nana's Gift NJ!

Clubs represented were: 

Teen Council, Dogs 'R' Us, Mad STEM Scientists, Furry Friends, Buckanears, STEAM Punks, Horsin' around, and Knit Wits

A Thanks also to those who donated cookies and supplies!

Home for the Holidays

Published on December 5, 2023

The promotion committee looks forward to this every year - Roxbury's Home for the Holidays. On Saturday, December 2nd they offered the waiting families a craft of candy cane reindeer.

Thanks to all helpers!

The 4-H tree looks amazing!

Published on December 5, 2023

The Janis familiy organized 4-H's participation at the Festival of Trees for the second year - and collected even more ornaments from our clubs this time. On the morning of December 2nd, their three generations helped fit them all on the tree. The beautiful result represents the colorful variety of our clubs and the many interests and talents of the Morris County 4-H Family. Thank you Becky  and everyone else who contributed! Don't forget to visit the 4-H Tree at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum's "Festival of Trees" this month!

Morris at Cupcake Wars

Published on December 5, 2023

On Saturday, December 2nd, Mary D of Furry Friends and Emma M of Busy Bees attended the annual Cupcake Wars competition at Somerset County 4-H.  

Thank you for representing Morris County 4-H! Those cupcakes look amazing!

A Fun Way With Words

Published on November 29, 2023

4-H writers gathered on Tuesday, November 28 and created beautiful colaborative poems (see one below) and individual work. Everyone was open for some new challenges and let the words flow freely, including made-up ones. Join us on December 18, 2023 for the next round of creative fun with words.

Fire cow and flower

A fire cow eats flowers

The cow ate a firey flower

The firey flowers gripped the land as the cow grazed upon them

The fire cow was jumping off flowers

Clouds colored like cows, in a sky of fire, above a sea of flowers

Flowers covered the plains where a family of fire cows lived

I have a fire cow and he likes flowers

I like watching fires, cows, and flowers

Marching in the Boonton Christmas Parade

Published on November 29, 2023

4-H clubs and families marched in the Boonton Fire Department Christmas Parade. Thank you Becky for organizing and preparing for this.

4-H Awards Ceremony 2023

Published on November 8/2023

Every November our 4-H members' accomplishments and achievements during the previous 4-H year are celebrated at the Awards Ceremony. This year's County Level awards and higher were recognized on Saturday, November 4th at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy.

Congratulations to all award recipients!

See our 2023 Awards Ceremony page for details.

Holiday Card Design Contest

Published November 8, 2023

We had so many entries for our 4-H Holiday Card Design Contest! Thanks everyone for participating. The winning pictures will be on the cards and e-cards sent out to 4-H families, volunteers, sponsors, and other 4-H friends and supporters. They are also featured on our social media.

Contest Winners:

Honorable Mention:

Mackenzie W.

Samantha O.

Rohan G.

Sweet 4-H Trunk-or-Treat

Published November 1, 2023

On October 21, we had our frist 4-H Trunk-or-Treat in the 4-H building parking lot. The weather was perfect, the decorated cars ranged from picture perfect to bone-ratteling scary. Lots of fun activities were offered and the kids enjoyed exploring, making friends, showing off their costumes and running around.

Pokémon Walk a success!

Published October 28, 2023

By Joshua and Evan G.

Joshua: "I am glad we were able to play with a lot of people. We created parties and battled together."

Evan: "We were able to catch Pokémon with a variety of people and joined a gym together."

Creative Writing Workshop

Published October 18, 2023


Thanks to Ellen Williams, 4-H creative arts agent, for kicking off our writing workshop.

More workshops to come.

Workshop haiku colaboration:


breeze quickly blowing

blue water in the night sky

shark jumps out of sea

4-H Window Displays

Published October 18, 2023


Duing National 4-H week and for the rest of the mont of October we had many clubs and families participate this year and put together wonderful displays in libraries and businesses throughout the county.



4-H Clubs at Tractor Supply - Clover Campaign

Published October 18, 2023


Many clubs meet at the Highview Farms location and they came together to celebrate 4-H week and Tractor Supply's clover Campaign on October 3rd in Flanders. This was a big group of kids who kicked off the year.


On October 8th another group supported the Campaign at the Rockaway Tractor Supply store.

Mahi G. - Finalist in the National 4-H Youth in Action Award

Published October 2, 2023

Our Morris County 4-H member Mahi Gupta was just announced Finalist in the National 4-H Youth in Action Award. She is one of twelve 4-H'ers who have made it to the list of this prestigues national award. Her bio, along with the other finalists and winners, can be viewed here: https://4-h.org/programs/4-h-youth-in-action-program/winners-and-finalists/

Congratulations Mahi!

Many Events to Promote 4-H

Published October 1, 2023

Our 4-H Promotion Team has been busy during the last weeks. There was  the Wharton Canal Day, Suckasunny Day, the rescheduled Mine Hill Day, and the Festival on the Green in Morristown. Bottle Hill Day in Madison is coming up this weekend plus others soon. Email the committee at mc4hpromotions@gmail.com to learn more.

How to join 4-H

Visit the 4-H Clubs page to see what is available - then email or call the 4-H office to get connected with the club leaders and get you started. You can try a club meeting to see if it is the right fit for you before you enroll. Email:  morris4h@njaes.rutgers.edu, Phone:  973-285-8301