Skip to main content

Our Illinois 4-H Story

Latest Posts

Youth having fun.

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois 4-H: What is 4-H?

As we gear up for another exciting year in 4-H, we want to make sure everyone knows what 4-H is all about. Whether you're a curious parent, a young adventurer, or a teen looking for new challenges, Illinois 4-H has something for everyone. So, let's dive into some of the most common questions we get...
Finish this story
Farm road.

Start in Reverse

The Jasper County soil wasn’t the same color soil as I was used to back at our garden in central Illinois, but it was the homeplace of my beautiful mother and I loved it there. Farming was everyday work with no guarantees, but life was pure, simple, and literally rooted.Grandpa Harris wore bib...
Finish this story
A giant blue ribbon.

Here comes the judge, as all is "fair" in love and 4-H

The final school bell rings and sixth grade is over! Colton bolts for the door and into the warm, bright sunshine of summer. He feels a sense of freedom and knows in the very distant future he’s headed to Junior High, but now there are now camps, baseball, a vacation, and a 4-H fair first. His...
Finish this story
Oak seedings in buckets.

A boy named "Oak"

Oak Leaf.   Why would the Leaf parents of such a big, strong baby boy name him Oak? That’s seems like a lot of responsibility for a youngster to handle throughout his long life ahead. But Oak was full of potential. Oak knew the future held many uncertainties and challenges, but he...
Finish this story
a school bus driving away from an apple tree

Make food donations part of your back-to-school routine

As summer turns into fall, it is important to adapt donations to the changing needs of those who will receive them. The return of school lunches and the reduced pressure placed on refrigeration systems to preserve food will be boons for families struggling with food insecurity, but it is important...
Finish this story
youth hold up the signed bill

What Illinois House Bill 3814 means for 4-H youth

Illinois 4-H creates nearly 180,000 experiences for 4-H youth between the ages of 5-18 in all 102 Illinois counties. And 4-H empowers young people and creates a pathway of experiences for youth to explore topics that spark their interest whether that be in agriculture, STEM, community service, or...
Finish this story
Blog Authors
tina veal

Tina Veal

4-H Alumni & Constituent Engagement Manager