Explore Youth Programs

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In 4-H, you learn by doing, and you usually have a great time while doing it! Want to know more about what your 4-H experience might look like?

  • 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 worldwide if that's what you're into. 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 recent social and cultural events. Forming lasting friendships based on shared interests and experiences is pretty straightforward.
  • Teach and inspire kids. 4-H helps prepare youth for leadership roles in their classrooms, communities, and future careers. We'll help you develop the skills to work with youth in your community and help them launch their 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.
  • Meet fantastic people and earn fabulous prizes. Who wouldn't love to meet and learn from some of their field's best athletes, actors, scientists, and artists? Our network of professional contacts is deep and wide - you never know who might show up at a 4-H event!

4-H is a place where you can find where you belong. It's where you decide what matters to you and learn about things that interest you. And it's where you serve in the community where you live.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Interested in learning more about 4-H but not sure where to start? Complete this interest survey to find the 4-H group right for you. You'll find everything you're looking for in the links below if you're already a member.

County 4-H Programs

 

State Resources for 4-H Members and Clubs

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Join 4-H Today!

In 4-H, you get to be you! We welcome everyone from all backgrounds, with all interests, wherever you live. Join Illinois' largest out-of-school youth organization!
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Enroll in 4-H for 2023-24

Head to our online enrollment system to join or renew.
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4-H Teen Leadership

Planning, presenting, teaching, mentoring, advocating and advising~you'll do it all as a 4-H Teen Leadership member!
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Join the 4-H Alumni Association

If you were a member of the Illinois 4-H program, you are one of 25 million Americans who share a unique bond. Illinois 4-H is seeking to create a lifelong connection to our 4-H alumni through a free membership in the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association.
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Support 4-H | Give Online

Your gift will help Illinois youth achieve their unique potential and gain confidence that will guide them as adults.
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Volunteer with 4-H!

As a 4-H volunteer, you can share your skills and experience to help transform a new generation of confident, young leaders.