4-H in Macoupin County

What's it like in 4-H?

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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!

A person cracking an egg into a frying pan, surrounded by various ingredients to make a sandwich.

4-H Food Challenge

Learn about kitchen and food safety, food preparation, and nutrition with this exciting team competition! Participants will register their team to attend and learn the basics of cooking, discover flavor profiles, and build confidence in the kitchen.

A bowl of salsa of sitting on a placemat with peppers and tomatoes around the bowl.

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!

A marsh watershed.

Career Exploration Trip

Join us for an exciting hands-on Career Exploration Trip as we dive into the world of Animal Science! This immersive experience will take us to two unique locations where animals, science, and nature come together.

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June/July 2024

Fairs and Shows

2025 Macoupin County 4-H Showbook

2025 Macoupin County 4-H Fair Show Schedule

2025 Public Presentations Exhibit Requirements

Awards

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

  • YQCA – Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (required for beef, dairy, goats, sheep, and swine)
  • QAEC – Quality Assurance and Ethics Certification (required for dog, cat, poultry, rabbit, small pet, and horse)
  • Due May 1 in order for you to show livestock at your local county 4-H fair.

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Do you know the history of Illinois 4-H?

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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)

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