Oak Tree Planting on April 12 from 9-11 AM at the Behnke Park in Kirkland (Hortense & 6th Street). We are once again planting 25 oak trees as a way to develop more oak tree savannas in Illinois but this year we are at a new location in Kirkland. Hopefully the weather cooperates so we can also do a few fun hands-on activities. All ages are welcome including Cloverbuds. Email Nicole i(groezing@illinois.edu) if you can participate.

Naturefest is April 26 from 10-1PM at Russell Woods in Genoa. This is a free family event with nature themed hands-on activities. Learn about turtles, camouflage, trees, river research and more.

Give DeKalb County is May 1 and it is a day of giving to non-profits in DeKalb County. Please consider giving a donation to the 4-H Foundation as part of this day. One of the great things about Give DeKalb County is that all the donations are proportionally matched with the bonus pool so every donations goes a little further. You can give on the website on May 1 or mail in the form starting April 17. All of the money that the Foundation raises directly supports DeKalb County 4-H.

Retirement Party for Johnna Jennings on May 2 from 2-7 PM at the Farm Bureau building. All are invited to attend and wish her well as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life. Let’s make sure Johnna knows how much she’s appreciated! 

Fishing Clinic & Tournament on Friday, May 16 from 5-8 PM at Rochelle Wildlife Conservation Club in Chana. This is a free clinic sponsored by the IL Department of Natural Resources. They will supply everything you need to go fishing. Hotdogs, chips and s'mores will by provided by the Rochelle Conservation Club. Register by May 1 at go.illinois.edu/BDOFishing

Nibbles Kids Gardening Club on Mondays in June from 5:30-7 PM at the Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore. Ages 5-18 years old as of September 1, 2024. Explore the garden while learning to grow vegetables and flowers, help your community and prepare delicious food from the garden. Call the Extension office at 815/758-8194 or email Nicole at groezing@illinois.edu to sign-up.

DeKalb County 4-H Foundation Golf Outing Fundraiser on June 14. Come out for a fun day of golf and help us support the local 4-H program. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just enjoy being outside, there's something for everyone. Ready to join us on the greens for a good cause? Register by May 30 at go.illinois.edu/4-HGolfOuting

Sewing Camp on June 23-27 from 9-11:30 AM at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. Cost is $10 if you are a 4-H member (ages 8-18 as of Sept. 1, 2024) Must supply your own machine, pattern, fabric and notions. Register by June 2 by emailing Nicole or calling the Extension office. 

Archery Schedule for 2024-205: They meet at the Aurora Sportsman's Club south of Waterman twice a month on Sundays from 1-3 PM if the weather cooperates. All the equipment is provided and the cost is $20/year in addition to the $20 4-H enrollment fee. Please email Nicole at groezing@illinois.edu if you are interested in joining this year.

Air Rifles Schedule for 2024-25: They are having an Open House on September 9 from 6-7:15 at the Sycamore Sportsman's Club for anyone interested in learning more about the air rifle project. The first meeting for air rifles is October 3. They meet at the Sycamore Sportsman's Club on Thursdays. All equipment is provided and the cost is $25 project fee for a 5 week session plus $10 Sportsman's club fee for each 5 week session. More information and registration for Session #1 is on Sign-up Genius.

2024-25 Zsuite Enrollment Directions

Winter 4-H Newsletter:  2025

Livestock Flashes: 2025

Summer 4-H Newsletter: 2024

4-H Club Reports

As a club reporter it is important that you write a brief article about your club meeting and special events. Those reports can be sent to the local newspapers as well as the Extension office. To be included on this page drop off the article to the Extension Office or email it to Nicole at: groezing@illinois.edu. Share what you are doing at your 4-H club meetings with the community and other 4-H’ers!

2022-2023

• Malta Mustangs - May
• Malta Mustangs - April
• Shabbona Pioneer - April
• Shabbona Pioneers - November
• Malta Mustangs - November
• Malta Mustangs - December
• Malta Mustangs - January
• Malta Mustangs - February

County Announcements

• 2024-25 DeKalb County Clubs
• Project Book Request Form

• 2025 Public Speaking Contest on March 27 at 6 PM in the DeKalb County Farm Bureau building - Open to the public
• 2025 DeKalb County Entire Fairbook
  • All 4-H Show Schedule of Events
  • Fair Schedule of Events
  • Showmanship Sweepstakes
  • Project Show & Fair Schedule - Open to the public.
  • General Rules & Regulations
  • Livestock Show Special 4-H Rules
  • Cloverbuds
  • General Projects
  • Beef
  • Dairy
  • Dogs
  • Goats
  • Horse & Pony
    • Horse Agreement - Due May 1
  • Poultry
  • Rabbits
  • Sheep
  • Swine
    • Swine Nomination Form - Due June 3
• FairEntry Enrollment Directions: DeKalb 2025
• Auction Rules & Regulations
• Auction Participation Form - Due June 9
• 2024 4-H Blue Ribbon Auction Buyers & Contributors
• 2024 DeKalb County 4-H Award Sponsors
• General Project Report Form Fill this form out if you are not able to show in-person and include it with your project. Contact Nicole at groezing@illinois.edu if you can't show in-person at least 1 week before the show.

Awards

All of the following award applications are in a fillable PDF format. Before filling out the application, open the document in Adobe Acrobat and save it to your computer. All award applications are due no later than Friday, September 6, 2024.

• Brown Award for Leadership Application  The purpose of this award is to recognize DeKalb County 4-H members who have developed the basic life skills needed to be good citizens and community leaders. The organizational leader of any DeKalb County 4-H Club may nominate one 4-H member from his/her club for this leadership award.  
• I Dare You Award Application This award is for 4-H members, who are 14 – 16 as of September 1, 2023. 4-H members are selected for this award only once. 4-H Leaders can nominate a 4-H’er from their club to receive this award. The I Dare You Leadership Award recognizes those who, with a little encouragement, are ready to see themselves as leaders – young adults who are ready to take the dare. Leaders are encouraged to complete a brief award form addressing the nomination’s personal qualities that would make them an effective leader.
• Alumni Award
• Outstanding 4-H Supporter Application This award offers 4-H clubs the opportunity to recognize individuals, families, businesses, or organizations for their dedication, support and involvement with the DeKalb County 4-H program. 4-H clubs are encouraged to be creative and take this opportunity to recognize individuals that have assisted their 4-H club or the county 4-H program.
• Outstanding 4-H Volunteer Application This award gives 4-H clubs the opportunity to recognize any 4-H volunteer for their dedication and support of their club’s programming efforts, or at the county level. Individuals nominated need not be a 4-H alumni…they only have to have been a volunteer for the 4-H program.

Club Forms & Resources

• Club Fundraising Approval Form
• Club Donation Approval Form

Record Book

Instructions

1. Use the record book for all the things you do in 4-H this year.
2. Write 2-3 “Project Goals” for each project at the beginning of the 4-H year.
3. Record participation in club offices, committees, projects, 4-H events, community service, promotions, leadership, school and community activities & 4-H ribbons/awards.
4. This record book is your personal work. Handwriting or typing should be your own.
5. You may add additional lines and spaces if needed.
6. Your signature and that of your parent/guardian & leader are required. Electronic signatures are acceptable.
7. Download your preferred format and save it to your computer. Then type in the requested information and save.

• Easy Edit Word Format with text boxes
• Easy Edit PDF Format with text boxes
• Word Format with tables
• 2023-2024 Cheat Sheet with county events and programs

Livestock Records

• Fillable PDF: Illinois 4-H Livestock Record

Scholarships

• Illinois 4-H Scholarship: These merit-based scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in each category listed below. Scholarships are $1,000 and can be used to pay for any college-related costs. Scholarships are paid directly to the educational institution of the member’s choice. Members must be 15-19 years old, be currently enrolled in the Illinois 4-H program and must have been a 4-H member for a minimum of 2 years. Online applications must be submitted to the State 4-H Office by November 1. Applicants will also need to request reference forms from two references. Categories include: Animal Science, Civic Engagement/Global Living, Food Systems, Healthy Living/Nutrition, Leadership, Natural Resources & Environmental Science, Personal Growth, and STEM/Robotics
• Foundation Educational Scholarship: Applicants must be current or past DeKalb County 4-H members, who are high school seniors or in an approved post-high school educational program (junior college, 4-year university, trade school, etc.).  Applicants should also be a full time student. Once they receive the scholarship they are ineligible to reapply.  Word Format and PDF Format

New 4-H Family Guide - The purpose of this guide is to help families learn about 4-H and how to have a positive experience in 4-H. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with the 4-H youth development program. As your family goes through the 4-H year, you may find you have questions about specific activities or events or expectations of your family. Never hesitate to talk to your 4-H club leader or call the DeKalb County Extension office at 815/758-8194 if you have any questions.

5 Minute New 4-H Family Flash

Nicole Groezinger, 4-H Program Coordinator, talks to families new to 4-H about:

• Projects
• Record Books
• FairEntry For 2023 you will need to "Create a FairEntry Account." Do NOT sign-in using 4-H Online.