Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex County 4-H Youth Development Programs

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex County 4-H Youth Development offers the 4-H Youth Development Program for youth in grades K-13, with a learn-by-doing approach. Its clubs include arts and crafts, science, food, and volunteering activities in Clover Club; bird identification and habitats in the Branch Brook Park Birdwatching Club; beekeeping in Hive Explorers: Honeybee Club; dog grooming, genetics, and training in All Paws on Deck Dog Club; coding challenges in the Computer Science Club; and poultry science, anatomy, and care in Chicken Club.

Programs

• 4-H Youth Development Program — youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) · Uses a learn-by-doing approach to develop knowledge, attitudes, and skills to become competent, caring, and contributing citizens of the world.
• Clover Club — Grades K-12th · Meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 4-5PM · Explores arts and crafts, science, food, volunteering activities, and more.
• Branch Brook Park Birdwatching Club — Grades K-12th · Meets on various Saturdays in September to November from 10:30-11:30AM · Teaches youth about local birds, their habitats, bird identification, and more.
• Hive Explorers: Honeybee Club — Ages 10-18 · Meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 4-5PM · Learn about the importance of bees and how to be a beekeeper.
• All Paws on Deck Dog Club — Grades K-12th · Meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday · Teaches dog grooming, genetics, training, and more. Dog ownership not required.
• Youth Urban Farm Club — Ages 12-18 · Club runs June-August · Hands-on experience in a garden while learning about food systems, the local environment, and more.
• Computer Science Club — Grades 4th-8th · Club generally runs February-April; June-August; October-December. Weekly on Thursdays 4:30PM-6PM from Feb 12th-April 23rd. · Hands-on projects, coding challenges, and collaborative learning. Taught by Rutgers University students and 4-H STEM Ambassadors.
• New Jersey Youth Food Council Program — Grades 8th-12th · Club runs monthly, September-May · Youth gain a broad understanding of the NJ food system through sustainability, food waste reduction, community nutrition, agriculture, policy, advocacy, and education.
• Global Food Security Coalition/World Food Prize Club — Grades 9th-12th · Club runs weekly, January-March · Youth members develop individual research projects addressing global food security issues.
• Chicken Club — Grades 1st-12th · Daily chicken chore sign ups, club meetings monthly in the summer · Hands-on experience with chickens and learning about poultry science, anatomy, and care.
• STEM Ambassadors — Entering Grades 9th-10th · Program runs a full year from July-June · Youth gain volunteer service hours and leadership skills while participating in tours, workshops and field trips.
• 4-H LGBTQ+ Club — Grades 7th-13th · Meets once a month · Provides a safe and supportive space for teens to explore concerns within the LGBTQ+ community, connect with peers, and build a sense of community.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Current session: Become a Certified Compost Champion (Nov 14–Nov 14, 2026)

About the provider

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. 4-H clubs are run by community volunteers, and youth participate in county, state, and national 4-H events, including fair showcase, public speaking opportunities, special events, and workshops.

Youth are welcome to participate in county, state, and national 4-H events. Club members are youth who participate in long-term club programs and are considered a member in good standing by participating in county and level events.

Last updated October 20, 2026.