4-H in Montgomery 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.

Explore a club near you.

A person is placing folded dollar bills into a clear glass jar. A green 4-H clover in bottom right corner.

Making Your Money Work

Learn how to take control of your financial future! This hands-on session will cover smart saving strategies, the basics of investing, and how to handle real-world money decisions.
Two clear glass jars are being used to plant small terrariums.

4-H Plant Terrarium Workshop

Discover the beauty of plant terrariums in this fun, interactive workshop. Learn the basics and design your own unique terrarium to take home and enjoy.

A smiling girl taking a selfie with a snowman. A green 4-H logo in the lower right corner.

4-H Winter Photo Contest

Capture the magic of winter and take a picture with a winter theme for our Winter Photo Contest!
A herd of cattle in a green pasture. On top of image is the YQCA - Youth for the Quality Care of Animals logo

YQCA Training

4-H members exhibiting a live animal at the 2026 4-H shows in one of the following project areas are required to complete this training every year: Beef, Dairy, Goat, Sheep, Swine
Two young people participate in a livestock skillathon identifying various cuts of meat displayed on tables. A green 4-H clover is in the bottom left corner.

4-H Livestock Skillathon

This contest will give youth the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in various aspects of livestock management.
A person aims a bow at a target at s outdoor archery range. A 4-H logo in the top right corner.

4-H Shooting Sports: Archery

Under the guidance of a certified instructor, youth will learn the safe and responsible handling of archery equipment, and more specifically proper and safe archery shooting techniques.
A microphone with a purple background. A green 4-H clover in the upper left corner.

4-H Public Speaking Contest

4-H excels in preparing youth to speak confidently! Our Public Speaking Contest allows youth to highlight their exceptional presentation abilities in a supportive environment.
A person arranges a scrapbook page surrounded by craft supplies like lace, paper flowers, and ribbons. A green 4-H clover in the upper left corner.

Scrapbooking Workshop

Join us for a fun evening of scrapbooking with friends! Youth will learn basic scrapbooking techniques and use their creativity to design two scrapbook pages to take home.
An open jar of strawberry jam with a spoon inside, surrounded by fresh whole and halved strawberries. A green 4-H logo in the top left corner.

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.

A man in a plaid shirt and cap uses a tablet while standing between large tractors. The image features a yellow leaf icon and white 4-H logo in the corners.

4-H Agriculture Career Exploration Trip

The tours will highlight careers, trends, and technology related to the ag field. Members will learn firsthand from professionals currently working in the agriculture industry.
Newsletters

February 2026
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March 2025

 

Volunteer Newsletter
Febraury 2026
January 2026
December 2025
October 2025
September 2025

Fairs and Shows

2025 Montgomery County 4-H Showbook

Awards

Scholarships

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.

Enrollment

Reenrollment Instructions for ZSuite

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