Growing up in rural New Jersey, 4-H was a driving force in Brevoort Conover’ life. He knew from his 9 years in Hunterdon County 4-H that he wanted to give back as much as he had received from 4-H as a youth. Breve served as a 4-H leader for the Cushatunk and the ABC Tractor 4-H Clubs for 2 years. While attending Rutgers, he was a collegiate member, serving as president in his senior year. He also served one year as vice president of the State 4-H Congress. Breve was 4-H agent in rural Warren County from 1959-1978. He established successful environmental programs and initiated programs to support and encourage youth and volunteer leadership.
In 1978, he became 4-H Department Chair for Rutgers Cooperative Extension. From 1987-1989, he was an Extension Specialist in Volunteer Management. His practical application of experience and vision allowed him to position New Jersey 4-H to work in an increasingly urban environment. He hired the first state Urban Youth Development and Volunteer Management Specialists. Breve was active in the 4-H professional associations. He was the first NAE4-HA Northeast Regional Director in 1970-1971. In 1971-72, he chaired the NAE4-HA Conference. He was NAE4-HA President in 1974. As State Leader, he served on the National 4-H Conference Planning Committee in 1984.
