Beyond Ready
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.
4-H Shooting Sports
AJMPU 4-H shooting sports offers shooting disciplines of archery, air rifle shotgun, and air pistol. Youth are guided by a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator while learning about marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of shooting and 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. Archery practices begin February 24, 2026 in Johnson County. Don't delay! Call (618) 745-5200 today to participate for the 2025-2026 4-H year!
4-H Animal Shows
Expand your knowledge of animal science and gain skills in showmanship by participating in 4-H animal shows and competitions. Save the date for the 2026 Illinois State 4-H Meat Judging & Identification Contest on March 6, and the Illinois 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest on April 27! Then, mark your calendar for the 4-H Horse Show on June 15 and the AJMPU 4-H Showdown on July 17 for local opportunities to compete with your fellow 4-H members. Watch for the AJMPU 4-H Show Book to be released soon for complete information about all of the large and small 4-H animal shows in 2026!
General Project Shows
In 4-H, members learn about topics that interest them. These are referred to as members “projects.” That could be anything from learning how to cook, build a robot, or care for the environment. One of the most important aspects of 4-H project work is that the 4-H member decides what they want to learn and do as they explore their project. This allows the project to be self-paced, and gives children important skills in setting and working toward their goals. 4-H makes learning fun! A variety of projects are offered through 4-H so members can pick the ones that most interest them. Or they can find other young people with the same interest and study that topic with the help of a volunteer that shares the same interests.
What's happening?
Welcome to the Real World | March 11-12
Shawnee Community College - Ullin4-H Decoupage Workshop | April 16
Vienna High School Media CenterTeen Leader Campus Trip | April 19-21
U of I Main Campus - ChampaignPassport to the World Club Exhibition | May 1
State 4-H Robotics Competition | May 2
McLean County Fairgrounds - BloomingtonAJMPU 4-H Showdown | July 17
Massac County Youth Fairgrounds
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.
