The live sessions almost completely filled up in less than 24 hours. Please take note that we also have an option to register to receive the materials list and recordings, after each session. Those recordings will NOT be made public. They will only be shared with those who register.
Explore all the amazing things 4-H has to offer at 4-H Spark Camp! Join us for any or all 12 individual and engaging sessions led by 4-H staff & volunteers. These interactive, hands-on sessions will cover a wide array of topics and will help bring young people together (virtually) to learn new skills and discover new passions.
4-H Spark Camp is free and open to all young people, but is most appropriate for elementary and middle school youth. All sessions will be held on Zoom and connection details will be emailed out to those registered. Most sessions also include a supply kit that can be picked up at your local Extension office a few days prior to the session.
The number of participants in each workshop has been limited to help ensure a good experience for all involved. However, you can request to receive the materials list and recording of any workshop that you're not able to attend live. In order to allow the greatest number of participants, and to be respectful of the presenters' time, please consider only registering for the sessions that you are able to attend at the designated time. You can request the recording for those that you are unable to join at the actual time.
Please note: These sessions will be recorded and distributed to registrants and those that were unable to attend live. If you are not comfortable being recorded, please leave your camera off during the session.
If you have any questions please contact your 4-H Program Coordinator, or email Emily at eschoe@illinois.edu.
Session descriptions are below.
Squishy Circuits: Morse Code – Jan 23 at 1pm
Experiment with conductors and insulators in electrical circuits and the beginnings of electrical communications and Morse code using a circuit that contains a contact key, Conductive dough, buzzers and more.
- Registration Deadline: Jan 14
- Kit pick up starting: Jan 20
3D Paper Art – Jan 25 at 6:30pm
In this fun "hands on" 4-H Spark Camp session you will be creating a beautiful 3D paper art piece that can be hung in your bedroom, given as a gift, or exhibited as a visual arts paper project at the county 4-H show.
- Registration Deadline: Jan 14
- Kit pick up starting: Jan 20
Beginning Quilling – Jan 29 at 6:30pm
Have you ever wanted to try quilling, but didn’t know how or have the right tools to start? Learn the basics of quilling in this lesson done by using objects that could be found around the house! Quilling can be a great hobby, gift to give, or a project to exhibit in the Paper category at the 4-H Show!
- Registration Deadline: Jan 14
- Kit pick up starting: Jan 20
Entomology – Jan 31 at 2pm
Learn all about finding insects for your collection, how to preserve them, how to pin them, and more from a 10-year 4-H member who has excelled at this project and plans to follow this study into adulthood.
- Registration Deadline: Jan 28
- No kit needed
Spring Garland – Feb 2 at 6:30pm
Are you ready for spring and need a little room decor' to cheer up your space? Come join the Spring Garland workshop where we will use pre-cut wood shapes and jute cord to create a one of a kind wall decoration for your room. Participants will need a glue gun with glue stick and a hair dryer to complete this project.
- Registration Deadline: Jan 24
- Kit pick up starting: Jan 28
Butter & Ooblek & Slime! Oh My! – Feb 4 at 6:30pm
What is a non-Newtonian fluid? Does it matter? (Pun intended.) Come explore the difference between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids by making butter, ooblek, and slime!
- Registration Deadline: Jan 24
- Kit pick up starting: Jan 28
Ink Making – Feb 8 at 6:30pm
Have you ever heard of a materials scientist? Well, you can become one in this fun, hands-on workshop! Use safe chemicals, items you can find around your house, and your skills as a scientist to make and test your own inks. While we won't be in the same room, we can still work together to find which recipes work best.
- Registration Deadline: Feb 1
- Kit Pick up starting: Feb 3
Oh, So Sweet! Love Bug Cupcakes – Feb 9 at 6:30pm
Just in time for Valentine's Day, you will learn basic cake decorating skills to create super cute (and sweet) love bug cupcakes. Cupcakes not included.
- Registration Deadline: Feb 1
- Kit Pick up starting: Feb 3
Virtual Electric Grid – Feb 15 at 6:30pm
What is the “smart grid?” Why are some wires on huge towers while others are on short poles? What happens at a substation? Learn the answers to all these questions and more as we explore electrical grids! Design and power your own virtual city in this new, online game.
- Registration Deadline: Feb 14
- No kit needed
At Home Chemistry – Feb 18 at 6:30pm - Kit pick up starting on Feb 15
Have fun with chemistry while learning how to test for acids and bases of common cooking ingredients using PH strips. We'll also make shrinky dinks and learn how to turn milk into plastic!
- Registration Deadline: Feb 10
- Kit pick up starting: Feb 15
Pet Care – Feb 20 at 10am
Bring your pet with you to this Zoom workshop about caring for your pets at home. Ask questions of others with pets different than yours. We'll also discuss local animal shelters and how we can help them as 4-H clubs or individuals.
- Registration Deadline: Feb 18
- No kit needed
Up Cycle T-shirts – Feb 23 at 6:30pm
Ever wonder what to do with your old t-shirts that are fun colors or have a cool saying? We'll make a no-sew bag and headband in this session! We'll also show some other up-cylce crafts you can do with items you have at home.
- Registration Deadline: Feb 10
- Kit pick up starting: Feb 15
