4-H Youth Development

Body

Explore more with 4-H!

4-H is a never-ending adventure of new places and new people. Travel. Explore. Discover. Imagine the possibilities. Check out upcoming programs and events near you!

Upcoming Programs & Events

May 7 - Cake It ‘Til You Make It State 4-H Cake Decorating Competition
May 9 - State 4-H Camp Kaleido
May 9 - Global Gourmet - Greece
May 9 - Weather Workshop
May 26 - Kids in the Park
May 28 - Golden Hour Gardening: Pizza in a Pot
June 6 - State 4-H Fashion Revue
June 9 - Golden Hour Gardening: Where Wellness Grows
June 9 - June 12: Franklin County Cooking 101
June 13 - Randolph and Perry County 4-H Small Pet Show
June 13 - Perry and Randolph County 4-H Horse Show
June 15 - Perry and Randolph County 4-H Livestock Show
June 16 - Perry and Randolph County 4-H Tractor Driving Contest
June 16 - Perry and Randolph County 4-H Livestock Auction
June 17 - Perry County 4-H General Project Show
June 18 - Perry and Randolph County 4-H Swine Premier
June 18 - Randolph County 4-H General Show
June 20 - Jackson and Williamson County Small Animal Show
June 20 - Jackson and Williamson County 4-H Livestock Show
June 20 - Jackson and Williamson County 4-H General Project Show
June 23 - Perry County Food Show
July 8 - Franklin County 4-H Archery Show
July 9 - Franklin County 4-H Horse Show
July 10 - Franklin County 4-H Horticulture Show
July 10 - Franklin County 4-H Photography Show
July 10 - Franklin County 4-H Foods Show 
July 10 - Franklin County 4-H Poultry Show
July 10 - Franklin County 4-H Rabbit Show
July 10 - Franklin County 4-H Small Animal Show
July 11 - Franklin County 4-H General Projects and Clothing Show
July 11 - Franklin County 4-H Tractor Driving Contest
July 11 - Franklin County 4-H Crops Show
July 12 - Franklin County 4-H Pistol and Rifle Exhibition
July 12 - Franklin County 4-H Dog and Cat Show
July 12 - Franklin County 4-H Shotgun Exhibition
July 13 - Franklin County 4-H Dairy Show
July 13 - Franklin County 4-H Sheep Show
July 13 - Franklin County 4-H Dairy Goat Show
July 13 - Franklin County 4-H Meat and Pygmy Goat Show
July 13 - Franklin County 4-H Swine Show
July 14 - Franklin County 4-H Beef Show
July 14 - Franklin County 4-H Steer Show
July 15 - Franklin County 4-H Livestock Auction
August 14 - Illinois 4-H General Project Show at the Illinois State Fair
August 22 - 2026 Illinois State 4-H Dog Show

Which 4-H pathway will you take?

Body

 

In 4-H, you learn by doing and you have a great time while you're doing it! Want to know more about what your 4-H experience might look like?

  • Create and build things. Whether you're inspired by robots and drones or photography and recipe cards, our programs give you the tools and the opportunities to create, imagine, and build.
  • Travel and see the world around you. In 4-H, you can travel across the state and around the world if that's what you're in to. Dream big and discover the world through our programs.
  • Explore careers that interest you. In 4-H, career exploration is more than just reading about possible jobs, it involves rolling up your sleeves and trying it on for size.
  • Make new friends. From clubs to camps to field trips, in 4-H you'll meet new people and experience new social and cultural events. It's pretty easy to form lasting friendships when they're based on shared interests and experiences.
  • Teach and inspire kids. 4-H helps prepare youth for roles as leaders in their classrooms, communities, and future careers. We'll help you develop the skills you need to work with youth in your community and help them launch their own 4-H journey.
  • Help others. A core aspect of 4-H is learning to serve with and for those around us. 4-H clubs create opportunities for members to find meaningful ways to impact the people and neighborhoods they live in.
  • Meet cool people and earn cool prizes. Who wouldn't love the chance to meet and learn from some of the best athletes, scientists, and artists in their fields? Our network of professional contacts is deep and wide - you never know who might show up at a 4-H event!

4-H is a place where you can find where you belong. It's where you decide what matters to you and learn about things that interest you. And, it's the place where you serve in the community where you live.

Body

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Interested in learning more about 4-H but not sure where to start? Complete this interest survey to find the 4-H group that's just right for you. If you're already a member, you'll find everything you're looking for in the links below.

County 4-H Programs

Check Out These Events, Workshops, and Deadlines

A collage of graphics including a robotic arm, watering can, apple, heart, and crops.

Be A Part!

In 4-H, you get to be you! We welcome everyone from all backgrounds, with all interests, wherever you live. Join Illinois' largest out-of-school youth organization!
Graphics of hands, animals, and technology.

Explore 4-H's Impact

4-H helps youth find their spark. See how 4-H is making a difference in the lives of today’s youth.

Hands with a heart in the middle.

Make a Difference

As a 4-H volunteer, you can share your skills and experience to help transform a new generation of confident, young leaders.