Local 4-H Clubs – RCE of Hudson County

If you are interested in joining a 4-H Club, please fill out this form: Join Hudson County 4-H

4‑H clubs are ran by background checked, and trained adult community volunteers, Hudson County 4-H staff, and sometimes in partnership with community organizations. These programs aim to teach youth life skills around an array of project areas. The clubs are offered for Hudson County youth. Once youth are registered 4‑H members they are welcome to participate in county, state, and national 4‑H events.

ZSuite is our new registration system for youth to join all Clubs/Programs.

Please register your youth at https://4h.zsuite.org/ – Instructions for ZSuite

Questions? Email hudson4h@njaes.rutgers.edu

For Youth in Grades 4th-12th:

Sign up for our newsletter to be notified about our clubs/programs!

New Jersey Youth Food Council, Grades 9th-12th – Program runs July-June

NJYFC is a statewide initiative for high school students to engage in food policy, advocacy, and action. If you’re interested in sustainability, food systems, community action, or the environment…this program is for you! Visit the NJYFC Website for more info: https://nj-youth-food-council-nprlo.wstd.io/

Location: Zoom

Applications for this program are open! Due May 2nd. Link: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSKLzc0CyZdBreu

Youth Urban Farm Club, Ages 12-18 – Club runs June-August

This summer program is hosted at community garden and small urban farm sites and led by adult volunteers from the community all around Hudson county. Youth will gain hands-on experience in a garden while also learning about food systems, the local environment, and more! More about the club here

Location: Various garden sites around Hudson County

Applications for this program will open in April!

Sustainability Ambassadors, Grades 9th-12th – Club runs September-May

This program is a continuation for teens who were in Youth Urban Farm club the summer before. They will have an opportunity to explore sustainable development goals, sustainable food systems, consumption and waste, climate action, and more while gaining a deep understanding of the intersections of sustainability in everyday life, local communities, and globally by participating in virtual and in-person learnings, site visits, and field trips. At the end of the program, youth will create a community service project for their community!

Location: Virtual, and Various Locations in/near Hudson County.

This program will only recruit from youth who were in YUFC 2025.

Food & Agriculture Changemakers, Grades 9th-12th – Program runs May-August

Explore the world of food systems, food justice, and urban agriculture while gaining job skills and field experience in this 14-week program!

Location: RCE Learning Garden in West Hudson Park, Kearny

Applications Open Now! Due April 14th. Link: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0j285Xa6dQfVBRA

Teen Council, Grades 9th-12th – Club runs October-June

4-H Teen Council meets on the 2nd Monday of the month in-person to focus on community service projects in many areas! Meetings are focused around youth mindfulness, and service projects/crafts. Opportunities for volunteer hours!

Location: JCFPL Five Corners Branch in Journal Square, Jersey City

Please email: cjl269@njaes.rutgers.edu to join!

STEM Ambassadors, Entering Grades 9th-10th – Program runs a full year from July-June

THIS IS A FULL YEAR PROGRAM! Youth members will gain up tons of volunteer service hours and leadership skills while participating in tours, workshops and field trips! More information about this program can be found here: https://nj4h.rutgers.edu/join-stem-ambassadors/

Location: Various Locations Around NJ

Applications are due April 10th! APPLY HERE

World Food Prize/Global Food Security Coalition Club, Grades 9th-12th – Club runs January-March

Youth members will work with a team to develop individual research projects addressing global food security issues. Participants will meet once a week on Zoom with mentors and peers to prepare their research project. Projects will be presented at the Rutgers University Youth Institute Summit in March

Location: Zoom

This club is closed, and registration will re-open in December 2025.

Dog Club, Grades 4th-8th – Outdoor meetings

This is a new club! Pilot sessions will run bi-weekly from May 3rd to June 28th- Possibly extending through early fall!

Youth will learn dog training and showmanship while promoting responsible pet ownership. Youth members will build skills like responsibility, patience, and public speaking in a supportive environment, ensuring their dogs are happy, well-trained, and cherished. If your youth is in 4th-8th grade and brings their dog, we ask that a parent stays with them during the club meeting. Owning a dog is not required!

Location: Columbus Park, Hoboken

Fill out the Interest Form to get signed up! https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bmu0r99RZ79D8to

Cavy Club (Guinea Pig), Grades 4th-12th – Meets monthly

This is a new club! First meeting on April 17th, 2025

Youth will learn how to care for, handle, and keep your cavies happy and healthy. Whether you have a guinea pig or just want to learn more, everyone is welcome!

Location: JCFPL Priscilla Gardener Main Branch near Grove Street, Jersey City

Fill out the Interest Form to get signed up! https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6XRXl6dfvozxMua

4-H and FBCJC Youth Birding Club, Grades 4th-8th – Club generally runs April-June; October-November

Youth will gain skills to identify birds in their neighborhood and learn about their importance of biodiversity while enjoying the outdoors.

Locations: Green Spaces around Hudson County

Not currently running. Will return Fall 2025!

Computer Science Club, Grades 4th-8th – Club generally runs February-April; October-December

Sessions run for 10 weeks. Students will expose young learners to the wonders of coding, computer science, and more fun! Registration is required, please see Ms. Claire or Ms. Jessica at Five Corners Branch to register. Five Corners Branch Website