One group that relies heavily on volunteers is the New Jersey 4-H Youth Development Program. Of the more than 2,000 adult volunteers involved in the New Jersey 4-H Program, over 100 volunteers have served as club leaders, project leaders, resource leaders and judges in the Monmouth County 4-H Program over the past year.

Monmouth County Freeholder Deputy Director Lillian G. Burry said, “The Freeholders commend the selfless volunteers from Monmouth County for their dedication to important organizations such as the 4-H Youth Development Program. We are proud to recognize all of those who give back to the community by volunteering their time and expertise.”

“Volunteers are the backbone of the 4-H program. They provide the guidance and support that helps 4-H boys and girls in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) develop confidence and valuable life skills, says Jeannette Rea Keywood, State 4-H Agent, Department of 4-H Youth Development.

4-H volunteers contribute an estimated 150-200 hours annually to the New Jersey 4-H Youth Development Program. In county 4-H programs volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as assisting with 4-H events; organizing club activities; coordinating special interest programs; serving as camp counselors; conducting workshops and events; helping children with 4-H projects; or leading a community service project.

“4-H creates a sense of community by placing both female and male adolescents of varying ages in an atmosphere where individuality, hard work and creativity foster self-worth and selflessness with a dose of laughter.” What adult wouldn’t want to be a part of this recipe?” says Robin Bruins, leader of the Baird Homestead Historical 4-H Club of Millstone.

4-H volunteers across New Jersey are instrumental in carrying out the mission of the 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The 4-H program offers educational programs to all youth grades K-13 (one year out of high school) on an age appropriate basis without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

“Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the Monmouth County 4-H Program”, says Virginia Krzyzanowski, Monmouth County 4-H Program Associate. “These caring adults are the force that drives our organization. They provide engaging learn-by-doing opportunities for positive youth development”.

The work of 4-H volunteers is continuous. Every day a volunteer is lending a helping hand to provide learning opportunities for the 4-H members involved in Monmouth County. Volunteers are always needed and welcome. If you would like more information on how you can become involved in the Monmouth County 4-H Program, please call the 4-H Office at 732-431-7260 extension 7264.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13(one year out of high school), on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status and any other category protected by law.

For more information about the New Jersey 4-H Program, administered by Rutgers Cooperative Extension visit the website at http://nj4h.rutgers.edu.

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