4-H Youth Development

Beyond Ready

What is 4-H?

Body

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. 
kids in archery shooting at paper targets

4-H Shooting Sports

Welcome to Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports! Illinois offers shooting disciplines of archery, rifle (air and small-bore), shotgun, pistol, and outdoor hunting skills. Each local program is guided by a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator. The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program is part of the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program which sets the standards and guides the curriculum. 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. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of shooting and much more. The activities of the program and support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth and conservation ethics.

kids looking at a globe

4-H Classroom Clubs

K-12 teachers in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union Counties are invited to bring hands-on activities, creative projects, teamwork, and fun learning experiences into the classroom free of charge with 4-H Classroom Clubs. Do you love science, art, nature, or building things? Do you want to spark curiosity in your students? Are you looking to supplement lesson plans with some interactive activities? A 4-H Classroom Coordinator will visit your class and help plan a year full of engaging, educational fun! Sign up your class for the 2025-2026 year today! Homeschool educators are welcome!

teen standing in front of microphone

Speaking for Illinois 4-H

You love 4-H. We need you to help tell that story to the public. 4-H members received advanced training in public speaking at Speaking for Illinois 4-H trainings held throughout the state. The training prepares you to meet with county and state elected officials, potential donors, civic groups, and new volunteers. You'll also be the state 4-H programs voice at state legislative events, such as 4-H Legislative Connection where 4-H members visit state legislators to tell their 4-H stories and educate the legislators about the benefits of 4-H and University of Illinois Extension.

What's happening?

General Information

AJMPU 4-H State Fair Winners - 2025

General  Project Shows  
Callysta Borders - Champion | Passport to the World: Individual
Heather Aldrich - Champion | Visual Arts: Metal

Trystan Borders - Reserve Champion | Open Source Computer Science
Cerriana Ward - Reserve Champion | Family Heritage
Olivia Quertermous - Reserve Champion | Passport to the World: Individual
Elizabeth Hill - Reserve Champion | Tractor D

Passport to the World: Group - Reserve Champion
Katryna Borders
Sabryna Borders
Trystan Borders
Averie Dickinson
Madison Dickinson
Hannah Nies
Ava Ralls
Landon Ralls
Michael Skelton
JR Wright

2024-2025 AJMPU 4-H Show Book

View the most recent 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. 

Ready to take the next step?

Find a club in your area

Join a club

Z-Suite Enrollment Tutorial

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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