Find Your Spark!
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What is 4-H?
4-H is a place where you find a place to belong. It's where you decide what matters to you, learn about things that interest you, and where you serve in the community where you live.
- Create and build things. Whether you're inspired by robots and drones or photography and recipe cards, our programs give you the tools and the opportunities to create, imagine, and build.
- Travel and see the world around you. In 4-H, you can travel across the state and around the world if that's what you're in to. Dream big and discover the world through our programs.
- Explore careers that interest you. In 4-H, career exploration is more than just reading about possible jobs, it involves rolling up your sleeves and trying it on for size.
- Make new friends. From clubs to camps to field trips, in 4-H you'll meet new people and experience new social and cultural events. It's pretty easy to form lasting friendships when they're based on shared interests and experiences.
- Teach and inspire kids. 4-H helps prepare youth for roles as leaders in their classrooms, communities, and future careers. We'll help you develop the skills you need to work with youth in your community and help them launch their own 4-H journey.
- Help others. A core aspect of 4-H is learning to serve with and for those around us. 4-H clubs create opportunities for members to find meaningful ways to impact the people and neighborhoods they live in.
Health Rocks!
Health Rocks! focuses on life skills and decision-making development to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and e-cigarette/vaping use. The interactive lessons and the power of youth/adult partnerships help instill in participants the confidence and communication skills necessary to develop internal strength to resist risky behaviors. Additionally, lessons are included to equip youth with healthy ways to manage stress and maintain overall physical and mental health.
4-H Teen Leaders
Leadership programs give youth opportunities to strengthen their confidence, communication, and decision-making skills while learning how to work with and inspire others. Through hands-on experiences, youth practice responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving, preparing them to be effective leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers. Teen Teachers is a leadership development program where high school youth gain experience by teaching younger audiences important life skills. Through hands-on instruction, mentoring, and community outreach, participants strengthen their own communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities while making a positive impact on others. This program empowers teens to grow as leaders and role models in their schools and communities. To learn more about the 4-H Teen Leaders and Teen Teachers programs in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties, please call (618) 745-5200.
Robotics
A vital STEM workforce is needed to drive innovation in today’s global world. Workers lack skills in problem solving, design, programming, scientific inquiry, investigation, independent thinking, and teamwork. 4-H programs help youth use science and technology to solve problems and incorporate what they learn in their everyday life. Youth work cooperatively to innovate, build, solve problems, and imagine new possibilities for the world.
Upcoming Events
Title
What's happening?
4-H Large Animal Exhibition | August 25
Union County Fairgrounds
General Information
AJMPU 4-H 2026 Exhibition Dates
Public Speaking | February 11
Air Rifle and Air Pistol | February 17
Archery | April 7
Shotgun, .22 Pistol, and .22 Rifle | April 25
Welcome to the Real World | March 11-12
School Exhibitions | March -May
Passport to the World Club Exhibition | May 1
General Project Shows | June 4-25
Animal Shows | June 15-August 25
2025-2026 AJMPU 4-H Show Book
View the 2026 AJMPU 4-H Show Book for detailed information about what 4-H is, ethics guidelines, required forms, and more. Use the book, which is specialized for the Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union Counties, for more information on fair exhibits, local clubs, showing livestock, local, statewide, and national activities to get involved in throughout the year! The show book also serves as a reference tool with details and criteria for each project that can be exhibited at general and animal shows.
