Home LM McHenry County 4-H

McHenry County 4-H

Head | Heart | Hands | Health 

In 4-H, you can make friends, have fun, give back, and try new things with the help of caring adults. Whatever your interests or goals, there’s a 4-H experience for you. You can attend a workshop to learn something new, join a local 4-H club to find a place you belong, or plan a service project to support your community, you can build leadership skills to help you succeed in life. Sign up for projects to explore your interests. You make 4-H what you want it to be.

In McHenry County, we offer over 35 4-H and Cloverbud Clubs. If you're not ready for a Club we have 8 SPIN (special interest ) Clubs  you can try out. Ready to learn more? Call our office at 815-338-3737.

Livestock and Companion Animal Information

Two Beef cows with ear tags

McHenry County 4-H Livestock Information and Resources

Information and resources for livestock projects in McHenry County

 A brown horse in a pasture

McHenry County 4-H Horse Project

Information and resources for the McHenry County 4-H Horse Project

 Chickens black and white

Poultry testing

From the Illinois Department of Agriculture - "Pullorum testing of birds will be required this year for fairs/exhibitions."
Papers will be collected at the fair! 
Testing is required on a min. of 25% of your flock.  (ex. If you have 10 birds, you should bring 3-4 birds for testing).

Events, Local Programs, SPIN Clubs

Illinois Shooting Sports Learn by Doing

2026 4-H Shooting Sports Registration - Lake/McHenry

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible, productive citizens. The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program stands out as an example.

 A dog in a show stance

4-H Dog Project

The 4-H Dog project helps youth learn to care for their four-legged, furry friend!  Learn to feed, care for, and keep a dog healthy; groom and train your dog; and be a responsible dog owner by participating!  

This SPIN club is open to all Lake and McHenry County 4-H youth.

 Quilting folding material with hands

4-H Sewing & Quilting Clinic

Join our volunteers for a beginner-friendly, hands-on clinic! Youth will create a 9-patch pillow or table runner top while learning basic sewing and quilting skills, including cutting, piecing, and pressing.
Suitable for Sewing 1 and You Can Quilt (Level 1) members. 

Join Today, Social Media and Newsletter Info

 4-H logo with the words Beyond Ready Illinois Extension

Join 4-H and Invite your friends!

4-H empowers and prepares young people for success. The new 4-H year begins October 1. Sign up today!

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Follow us on Social Media!

Follow us on Facebook to get the latest updates on what is going on in McHenry County 4-H! 

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Are you getting the McHenry 4-H Newsletter?

What are you waiting for? Click and subscribe to get the latest county newsletter  and get information on workshops, state and local events, and so much more!

Fairs, Shows, and Judging

McHenry County 4-H Fair Information and Resources:

Illinois State Fair 4-H Information

Daily Schedule at the Orr Building

  • 8:00 – 9:00 AM     Project Drop off at the Orr Building
  • 9:00 – 3:30 PM     Project Judging Interviews until 3:30 PM
  • 3:30 PM                  Final Projects Release (and throughout the day through our app if they are available earlier)
  • 4:30 PM                  All Projects Must Be Picked Up


 For full Show Resource: Show Resources

We encourage our judges and 4-H participants to watch this helpful video about the 4-H judging experience. You can watch some judging examples online to learn more.

4-H Communications- Public Speaking Contest:

International Night Information and Resources:

State and County Awards and Scholarships

State Awards and Scholarships:

  • Illinois 4-H Experience Award for Individuals: The Experience Award offers recognition for members who participate in activities and events. There are always lots of activities you can do as a 4-H member ranging from club to national events.
  • Illinois State 4-H Awards: 4-H Club recognition, Experience Award, Sustaining the Future, Electricity, and more!  2026 Deadline Coming Soon!
  • Illinois State 4-H Scholarships: Apply to receive $1,250 scholarship for your post high-school education. Categories include Animal Science, Civic Engagement, Performing Arts and Communication, Gardening, Leadership, and more! 2026 Deadline Coming Soon!
  • Illinois 4-H Electricity Award: This award recognizes 4-H members who excel in the electricity project.

County Awards and Scholarships: