Marlboro Boys Participate In NJ 4H Small Animal Symposium

MARLBORO, NJ — Three children from Monmouth County 4-H recently attended the State 4-H Small Animal Educational Symposium held in Clayton, Gloucester County.

The Monmouth County 4H participants were Salvatore and Vincenzo Montecalvo, from Marlboro, and Isabella Schwank, from Spring Lake.

“The State 4-H Small Animal Educational Symposium is an annual event, now in its sixth year, that offers 4-H’ers an opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills in topics related to poultry, reptiles, small animals, cavy and rabbits. In addition, the event provides a venue to meet 4-H members from around the state,” said Jeannette Rea Keywood, liaison to New Jersey 4-H Youth Development Program.

Workshop topics included rabbit management, tattooing, diseases, showmanship, conditioning, breeds and more.

Monmouth County actively supports its 4H program, as the county tries to retain its strong rural and agricultural roots.

“We are excited that 4-H members from Monmouth County had an opportunity to take part in this valuable educational experience and we look forward to them sharing what they learned with 4-H’ers in our County,” said Matthew Newman, Monmouth County 4-H Agent.

The State 4-H Small Animal Educational Symposium, hosted by the Small Animal Project Advisory Council, provided an opportunity for 4-H members, volunteers and parents to participate in a variety of educational and competitive events. Activities and events held at the symposium included: 4-H Rabbit Hopping Exhibition and the 4-H Small Animal Project Art Show.

“On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I would like to commend Salvatore, Vincenzo, Isabella and the rest of the 4-H members throughout New Jersey for dedicating their time to learning new information at the Educational Symposium,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Programs, such as this Educational Symposium, accurately reflect the purpose of the 4-H organization: Engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.”

For more information about the Monmouth County 4-H Program, call the 4-H office at 732-431-7260 or visit the New Jersey 4-H website athttp://nj4h.rutgers.edu