Beth Steckel
Jersey County 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator
Keywords
4-H
Youth Development
(618) 498-2913
4-H in Jersey County
What's it like in 4-H?
Body
In 4-H, you get to decide what topics and projects interest you most. You make 4-H what you want it to be. Work on many projects or focus on one or two. Choose what events sound fun to you, and do them. In 4-H, you have an important role in making your community a better place to live, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a club, you’ll figure out what’s needed most in your neighborhood and find ways to help.
In 4-H, you’re part of a family working together. At club meetings, you’ll learn how to get along with others as you build your skills and help your community. In 4-H, you’ll meet adults who care about you and want to help you succeed. 4-H matches you with mentors who will coach you in areas like problem solving, communicating, and teamwork. 4-H introduces you to potential careers and then gives you the training to get the career you want.
Can that Strawberry Jam!
Join Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson for a youth-centered hands-on workshop on how to make strawberry jam using pectin and safely preserving it through water bath canning.
Jersey County History Workshop
This Jersey County History 4-H Workshop introduces youth to the people, places, and events that shaped Jersey County.
Veterinary Workshop
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a local veterinary clinic, see diagnostic tools such as x-ray equipment, and learn how veterinarians care for animals.
4-H Summer Hiking Club
Explore the great outdoors this summer. Join us as we venture out to several hiking trails in our unit. We will have a short presentation at each park, followed by walking the trails.
4-H Science Camp Wild Weather
Youth will investigate the science of extreme weather through interactive demonstrations and hands-on builds. This workshop will explore meteorology, practice scientific thinking, and discover how weather affects our world.
2026 4-H Fair Show Schedule
March 26
Public Speaking at 6 PM at Farm Credit Illinois of Jerseyville
June 6
CJMM Horse Show at Gillespie Lake Horse Arena
Rainout date June 13
June 11
CJMM Pet Shows at Montgomery County Extension Office
Small Pet Show at 3 PM
Cat Show at 3:30 PM
Dog Show at 4:30 PM
July 11
Rabbit Show at 8 AM
Poultry Show at 10 AM
General Projects Show 2 PM
All shows will take place at at Exhibit Building
July 12
Livestock Weigh-In at 1 PM
Master Showmanship at 5 PM
July 13
Swine Show at 8 PM
Sheep Show following Swine
Goat Show following Sheep
Beef Show at 12: 30 PM
4-H Foundation Appreciation Dinner at 6 PM
Livestock Auction at 7 PM
All shows are open to the public. July shows are held at the Jersey County Fairgrounds Show Barn unless otherwise noted (100 W. Fairgrounds, Jerseyville, IL 62052).
Fairs and Shows
Please contact your local Extension office if you need a copy of the 2026 Showbook.
Awards
- Jersey County 4-H Awards Dates & Deadlines
- Jersey County 4-H Award Nomination Form
- Cloverbud Record
- 4-H Activity Record - This document is a good tool to keep track of everything the 4-H member has done throughout the program year. It is not required but is very useful when completing 4-H records at the end of the program year.
- 4-H Experience Award Application
- 4-H Experience Application Tips and Deadlines
- 4-H Activity Report: EXAMPLE
- 4-H Experience Award Application: EXAMPLE
- 4-H Mapped Activity Report & Application: EXAMPLE
Required Trainings to Show Livestock
For More Information
Jessica Jaffry
4-H Youth Development Educator
Keywords
4-H
Environment
Health
Leadership Development
Life Skills
Livestock
Social-Emotional Health
STEM
Workforce Development
Youth Development
(217) 854-9604