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!

Trees with autumn leaves along a walking path.

Tree ID Hike

Join Andrew Holsinger, Extension horticulture educator, for a morning at Beaver Dam State Park. Tour the park and learn about tree identification and native trees of Illinois.

Register

A stack of hands from all different people forming a hand-stack.

4-H Officer Training

We encourage all youth interested in becoming an officer in their 4-H club to attend to learn more about officer positions and leadership roles.

Register

Text reads "Community Service. Youth in need." Image of clothes folded on a table and kids faces gathered together in a circle.

4-H Community Service Project

Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people in our community! We are seeking donations of new clothing for youth aged 5-18.

Register

A child painting a pumpkin.

Pumpkin Painting Contest

Participate in our 4-H Pumpkin Painting Contest! Pumpkins must be painted and decorated by the 4-H member.

More info

A person's hand passing their credit card over to another person's hand. A large money sign in the middle of the graphic.

4-H Money Savvy

Participants will learn money facts, habits, and the differences between needs and wants. Don't miss the opportunity to learn basic money knowledge in a fun way!

Register

Large black cauldron with smoke rising out of it and science beakers filled with blue liquid.

4-H STEAM Night

Join us for 4-H STEAM NIGHT at the Carlinville Public Library! 4-H Federation members will be on hand to engage youth in an evening of hands-on STEAM (Science & Art) activities!

Register

Orange pumpkins stacked on top of each other. White 4-H clover in middle of image.

Pumpkin Pie in a Bag Kit

Learn fun facts about pumpkins and create a pumpkin pie for the holidays! Each kit will include a recipe and non-perishable supplies as well as fun facts about pumpkins.

Register

A young teen plugging cables into a robotic toy car.

4-H Robotics Team

Join volunteer leaders Greg Behme & Aaron Royer for 4-H Robotics fun! Kick-Off Meeting will begin Nov. 17 from 3 to 4 p.m. The first session will be teambuilding and basic robotics knowledge.

Register

Pieces of evergreen with pinecones and a red bow laying on a wooden table.

Holiday Wreath Workshop

Get into the holiday spirit and use nature’s bounty to help you build a beautiful wreath!

Register

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Fairs and Shows

Shooting Sports

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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