Here is where we will keep you as up-to-date as we possible can in regard to COVID-19 and Somerset County 4-H. To view information, resources, and updates from Rutgers NJAES, please view their newly created website at https://njaes.rutgers.edu/covid-19/.

COVID-19 UPDATE (3/25/20)

Please view the latest message from Rachel Lyons, the State 4-H Program Leader and Department Chair:

Dear 4-H Families,

Federal and state social distancing measures are becoming more expansive and prolonged to control the community spread of COVID-19. Rutgers Cooperative Extension is embedded in communities across our state. We must do our part to address the deepening public health crisis we are experiencing.

In line with current university policy, all in-person 4-H events, classes, programs, club meetings, shows, camps, and other group activities organized by or under the auspices of Rutgers Cooperative Extension are suspended through at least May 31, 2020.

We are moving 4-H programs virtually whenever feasible. We will be rescheduling many, but not all, 4-H events. However, there is a great deal of uncertainty as to when social distancing measures will no longer be needed.

We encourage 4-H clubs to utilize the various virtual meeting opportunities (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, etc.) to connect during this challenging time. Resources for utilizing these and other technologies will be shared with volunteers and members. As we all know, belonging (heart), is one of the most important elements of 4-H. Now more than ever, 4-H youth can benefit from connecting with one another and with their 4-H club leaders. Please reach out to your county 4-H staff if you need assistance with connecting your club virtually.

We also encourage you to check out a newly developed resource, 4-H From Home, which provides interactive, educational webinars on topics including healthy living, STEM, civic engagement, and the arts. The site also connects families with a wide variety of educational resources to keep children engaged and entertained. This site will continue to be updated and added to. Please check back often.

During this restrictive time in our country, it is essential to take care of yourselves, as well as each other, as we work through this crisis as a community, state, and country.

Take care,
Rachel Lyons
State 4-H Program Leader and Department Chair
4-H Youth Development
Rutgers Cooperative Extension

COVID-19 UPDATE (3/23/20)

We hope you are well. As you know, all county offices are closed. But staff are still working remotely during this crisis and we will continue to meet the needs of our 4-H Families to the best of our abilities. All staff are available via email. ⁠While all programs and events have been canceled through May 31, we are in the process of offering virtual opportunities. Keep checking your email, the websites, and social media posts for updates. We encourage clubs to meet virtually via Zoom, Google, Skype, or other meeting platforms.⁠

Please note: all applications are still due by the required deadline.⁠
April 1 - all scholarship applications and references⁠⁠
April 1 - National Congress Applications⁠⁠
April 10 - TOPS counselor applications⁠

All applications are to be emailed to Lisa Rothenburger at rothenburger@njaes.rutgers.edu. ⁠Applications, references, and even the leader signature should be emailed to Lisa. ⁠Leader signatures - just send an email to Lisa stating you are approving _______ (name of members) for ________ (name of application/scholarship/etc) and the date.⁠
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Thank you for following us and please stay tuned for any further update we may have in the coming days.

COVID-19 UPDATE (3/18/20)

For the safety of our residents and employees, County offices are closed to the public.  Please visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County website for program information or to email the agents.

 COVID-19 UPDATE (3/16/20)

Hello everyone,

At this time the Somerset County RCE (4-H) office is still open but this could change at any time. Staff are currently reporting to duty. We will continue to serve you as best we can.

The 4-H Center is now closed until April 10, but this could also change at any time.

While clubs cannot meet here at the 4-H center, we encourage club leaders and volunteers to think of creative and innovative ways to engage members. Here are a few free options to consider (please do not let these suggestions serve as endorsements):

We are happy to help in whatever way we can to look for new learning opportunities for our members and volunteers.

All applications and forms due April 1, 2020 are still due on time. The best way to send applications is by email to Carol Ward at ward@njaes.rutgers.edu or Lisa Rothenburger at rothenburger@njaes.rutgers.edu. If the leader and/or parent needs to sign and can’t physically sign, we will take an email endorsement from the leader. References should be emailed to us too.

Thank you,
Lisa Rothenburger & Carol Ward