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4-H Youth Development

4-H Teen Leaders

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. 
girl shooting at archery targets

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 members standing with sheep and award banner

4-H Animal Shows

Expand your knowledge of animal science and gain skills in showmanship by participating in 4-H animal shows and competitions. View the events page for a complete listing of upcoming animal shows. Plan to attend any or all of them! Don't for get about the AJMPU 4-H Showdown July 17! View the AJMPU 4-H Show Book for complete information about all large and small 4-H animal shows in 2026!

4-H Judge and member at General Project Show

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.

Upcoming Events

2 boys fishinTwo boys fishing. .4-H Hooks Us together statewide fishing tournament May 1 - July 31
4-H General Project Show Massac County Extension Office June 25 green and white 4-H clover
baseball in green grass. 4-H Day With the Thrillbillies. Mt. Dew Park June 28
roosters AJMPU 4-H rabbit and poultry show July 11
Massac and Johnson County 4-H Goat Show July 13 white goats behind wood fence
Dog with paw up. AJMPU 4-H Dog Show. July 13
person grooming hog in arena. Massac and Johnson County 4-H Swine and Beef Show. July 15
jersey cow being led by a man. AJMPU 4 H Showdown July 12

What's happening?

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 16
 

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.

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