News

Kids & Animals . . .4-H Program Provides A Good Opportunity

The 4-H Youth Development Program offers a special opportunity for kids to connect with the State’s agricultural heritage through the animal science program. Youth can learn about all aspects of raising animals: how to care for, feed, breed and select animals for show, market or pleasure. Through the 4-H animal science program, children have the opportunity to learn about horses, dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and other farm animals to which they otherwise might not have access.

The goal of the animal science program is the same as that for all 4-H programs: to teach children important life skills through hands-on learning. While learning about their animal of choice, children in the animal science clubs gain a sense of responsibility, learn how to keep accurate records, gain self-confidence, discover potential careers, learn to present themselves in public and at the same time have a lot of fun. They may also participate in special county-wide, state and national 4-H programs.

In addition to animal science clubs, events such as the Hippology, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging and even model horse shows allow children who do not own a horse to learn more about them. These 4-H events are becoming more popular as farmland continues to decrease in New Jersey. But, regardless of what kind of 4-H club a child belongs to, the theme is the same: to make learning fun.

If you would like more information on the 4-H animal science program or other 4-H clubs, please contact the Cumberland County 4-H Office at (856) 451-2800 ext #3.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 4-H offers educational programs 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, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills!