Arthur ‘Buddy’ Nemetz began his lifelong involvement with the 4-H program as a young child, primarily focused on the 4-H electricity project. Little did he know that his 4-H electricity project would set him on both a career path and a volunteer path for the next forty years. Buddy was an accomplished 4-Her. Even as a child and later as a teen, Buddy was known for his dedication to the success of 4-H events. Friends recall him being at the fair to lend a hand from dawn to dusk. One of his proudest accomplishments as a 4-Her was his success in the electricity 4-H project that earned him the spot on the NJ delegation to the 1982 National 4-H Congress.
As an adult, he served as a leader of the Bergen County 4-H Teen Council. Under his leadership as Bergen County 4-H Fair Chairman for over 15 years, the Bergen County 4-H Fair raised more than $50,000 to support 4-H. He served as the President and Vice President of both the Bergen County 4-H Association and the State 4-H Association for multiple terms.
While Buddy was willing to share his time leading associations, it was his work with 4-H members that he loved the most. Buddy had an innate talent for connecting with youth and was a strong and vocal proponent for youth-adult partnerships. In addition to chaperoning winter camps and regional teen conferences, he served as a chaperone to National 4-H Congress for nearly twenty years.
His love for LG Cook 4-H Camp lasted long beyond his time as a camper and counselor. As an adult, Buddy rarely missed a camp work weekend. He was a major contributor (providing both labor and gifts) to many camp capital improvement projects.
