
4-H in Macoupin County
What's it like in 4-H?
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.
We host several local workshops and programs throughout the year in Macoupin County. If you don't see one listed below, go to our events tab!

Beginner Crochet Workshop
Join us for a fun and creative hands-on crochet workshop, perfect for beginners! This workshop will guide you through the basics of crochet.

Salsa Canning Workshop
Let's make salsa! Join us for a youth-centered, hands-on workshop on how to make salsa. This class is great for kids new to canning or just looking for a refresher!

4-H Science Camp
Perfect for eager youth scientists to explore and experiment, Ew! It's Science promises a morning filled with discovery and unforgettable experiences. Sign up today and let the science fun begin!
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May 2025
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December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
June/July 2024
Fairs and Shows
2025 Macoupin County 4-H Showbook
2025 Public Presentations Exhibit Requirements
Shooting Sports
2024 Macoupin County 4-H Archery Shoot Results
Awards
- Macoupin County 4-H Program List 2023-2024
- 2024 Macoupin County Achievement
- 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 Activity Report: EXAMPLE
- 4-H Experience Award Application: EXAMPLE
- 4-H Mapped Activity Report & Application: EXAMPLE
Scholarships
Scholarships
- McAllister/Robinson Scholarship Application - The Macoupin County 4-H Foundation awards a scholarship to an outstanding 4-H member who is either a high school senior or freshman in college or trade school. The $500 scholarship is awarded at Achievement Night. Scholarship applications are due by September 15.
Required Trainings to Show Livestock
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Do you know the history of Illinois 4-H?
Illinois 4-H has a strong history dating back to 1899 when William B. Otwell formed the first boy's corn club in Macoupin County, Illinois. Otwell is credited as a pioneer in 4-H. He was elected president of the Macoupin County Farmers Institute, which introduced farm and home topics and comparative classes for rural youth. To create more enthusiasm for the institute, he purchased the best seed corn he could buy, and approximately 500 boys in the county received one-ounce samples to plant in the spring. Otwell wrote to implement companies and breeders of livestock, asking for donations that would be used as premiums. The response was more than he expected. One implement manufacturing company sent cultivators, another sent windmills, an Angus breeder offered a cow, and other farmers donated hogs and sheep. The result was that over 500 boys and their families were at the courthouse on the opening day of the Farmers Institute.
National 4-H History Preservation Program (Earliest National Event)
History of Macoupin County 4-H
In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act was passed in Congress authorizing the Cooperative Extension Service in each state land-grant college of agriculture. Due to Otwell's experience with getting youth involved in their community, Extension found one effective way to reach rural men and women was through working with their children. C. C. Coots from Palmyra organized the Union Pig Club, the first official 4-H club in Illinois. 13 members exhibited their swine projects, kept records, and received recognition certificates. The following year, 6,032 Illinois boys and girls were enrolled in 487 clubs. The club members learned about corn, pigs, calves, canning, sewing, and gardening.
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