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Rutgers 4‑H representatives brief Atlantic County commissioners on growth, camps and new ROV project
Summary
Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff and youth ambassadors told the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners that 4‑H membership and volunteer rolls have grown and outlined summer camps, fair activities and a new ROV habitat restoration project that will involve youth in marine monitoring.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff and four youth ambassadors addressed the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners to report recent expansion in 4‑H programming and to request continued support for youth development work across the county.
Dana Ramage, program associate with Atlantic County 4‑H, told the board the extension has run homeschool workshops, after‑school programming and statewide events and provided a handout summarizing activity. "We have grown our member enrollment by over 33% from last year to this year," Ramage said, and she described nearly a 50% increase in volunteer enrollment.
The youth ambassadors — including Phil Shard, Brooklyn, Cheyenne Bilch and Chloe Cantona — described how 4‑H activities shape skills and future plans. Phil Shard recounted hands‑on experiences such as shark tagging and attending national events, saying those opportunities expanded his view of what 4‑H offers. Brooklyn described leadership roles managing poultry and livestock projects and recruiting new members. Cheyenne and Chloe outlined competitive events and a new ROV (remotely operated vehicle) habitat restoration project that youth will run this summer to collect seafloor data and assist scientists.
Kendra, the county 4‑H agent, outlined the summer slate — rocketry, aviation, robotics and STEM camps — and said county programs are intended to reach students "from Atlantic City all the way to Buena" (transcript wording). She noted that returning ambassadors often provide volunteer hours in the community and that the extension works with local colleges to employ student staff.
Why it matters: Commissioners were presented with specific measures of growth (enrollment and volunteer increases), a multiweek summer schedule and a new marine‑science activity that may create ongoing collaborations between youth and regional scientists. Ramage and the ambassadors asked the board to continue supporting county extension outreach and to promote 4‑H programming locally.
The presentation concluded with appreciation for county support and an invitation to commissioners to attend 4‑H events, including the county fair scheduled in August.
The board then proceeded to routine resolutions and contract items on the agenda.
