The 4-H Youth Development Program uses a "learn-by-doing" approach to enable youth, with the help of concerned adult volunteers, to develop the knowledge, positive attitudes, and skills to become skilled, caring, contributing citizens - now and in the future. 4-H is education for LIFE! The young people involved in 4-H become active decision-makers, planners, and "doers" in the projects and issues that concern them.

4-H provides opportunities for young people in grades 1 - 13. Because 4-H offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of Atlantic County's diverse population, there is something for everyone in 4-H. The primary focus of 4-H is positive youth development, which is accomplished through a variety of delivery modes. Projects include: sports, environment, community issues, animals, cultural awareness, food and nutrition, and more than 100 other activities.

4-H is unique in that it is an educational program for youth based on research provided through the land grant university system. Using this grassroots approach, programs are designed based on the needs of local youth using subject matter knowledge gathered globally. 4-H faculty and staff in New Jersey have access to knowledge through research at Rutgers as well as universities throughout the nation, ensuring programs that are contemporary and relevant to today's youth.

One key component of the 4-H program is its volunteer base; adult and teen volunteers are responsible for teaching, mentoring and guiding youth involved in the program. Another key element involves community partnerships, which provide an avenue to collaboratively design and conduct effective local programs with other community organizations and agencies.

When most people think about 4-H, they think of 4-H clubs. Although 4-H clubs are the most commonly known, there are six other ways 4-H reaches youth. Each "delivery mode" serves a different purpose but all are equally important. These delivery modes include organized 4-H club, 4-H special interest/short-term programs, 4-H overnight camping programs, 4-H school enrichment programs, 4-H individual study/family club projects, 4-H school-aged child care education, and 4-H instructional TV. Delivery modes differ in regard to duration and intensity but all involve learning by doing. Although curricula may vary for each delivery mode, educational materials that are suitable for multiple delivery modes are a more efficient use of limited resources.

Activities include 4-H Clubs, Leaders Association, Fair Association, and advisory councils. Outreach programs include community gardening, urban horse projects, character education, workforce preparedness, and training for other youth development professionals and volunteers. Special events involve the 4-H Fair, Favorite Foods Show, Open House, Prep Camp, Open Horse Shows and other animal shows, and seasonal festivals.