Rutgers Cooperative Extension

What is Cooperative Extension?

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension county offices are your first stop for all kinds of information and assistance regarding 4-H, Agriculture, Family and Community Health Sciences, Marine Science and Natural Resources and the Environment.

Cooperative Extension is a unique collaboration between Rutgers, The State University, the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the United States Department of Agriculture. As the community outreach arm of the University, our goal is to help the diverse population of Camden County adapt to a rapidly changing society and improve lives and communities through educational programs that are science based.  Program thrusts in Camden County include:

4-H Youth Development

What is 4-H? 4-H is the oldest youth development organization in the United States, founded in 1902 and delivered through the Cooperative Extension system – a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation.

Based on a “learning-by-doing” approach, 4-H offers youth in kindergarten through one year out of high school (K-13) the opportunity to join a project-based club where they gain leadership and life skills to master their projects, in such areas as science, engineering and technology, citizenship, and healthy living. With guidance from adult volunteers and county 4-H staff, youth are encouraged to set goals, try new things, and take on proactive leadership roles.

To find out more visit our website at: http://camden.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/

Family and Consumer Sciences

Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) helps people stay healthy, enjoy life, be active, and reduce health care costs. Many of today’s health problems–obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer–can be reduced through good nutrition and a healthy life style. FCHS encourages today’s busy families and individuals to learn more and make personal choices to improve health. Camden County does not currently have a FCHS faculty/staff but the office can refer you to the appropriate person in another county. Call (856) 216-7130 for information

Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

EFNEP helps limited-resource families and youth improve their eating behaviors and contributes to other personal development skills through behaviorally focused nutrition education. Call the Camden office at (856) 225-6169

Natural Resources and the Environment

Helps consumers, agriculture and other businesses develop and implement practices that maintain an efficient balance among the environment, human health, and economic benefits. Contact the office at (856) 216-7130 for additional information.

Commercial Agriculture

Garden State farmers in facing the challenge of operating a business in a heavily regulated environment, while enhancing market potential and using integrated management systems that are profitable, environmentally sound, and socially and politically acceptable. While Camden County does not currently have an Agricultural Agent the office can refer you to the appropriate person in another county. Call (856) 216-7130 for information.

The Greenhouse/Floriculture Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program is an educational delivery program for commercial growers of annual and perennial flowers, herbs and vegetable transplants in New Jersey.  Call (856) 216-7130 for information about this program.

856-216-7130

Have a question for the Master Gardeners? Email questions to njgarden@camdencounty.com or call 856-216-7130. The garden helpline is open from 9am - 12 noon Monday through Friday.

Contacts:  

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Camden County