4-H in McDonough County

What's it like in 4-H?

4-H is a fun adventure every day. Meet new friends, across the street and across the state. Explore careers. Win prizes. Build robots. Innovate. Teach. Create. Bake. Craft. Dream. Grow. Serve. In 4-H, you decide what your club does, with the help of caring adult leaders. The more you do, the greater your chances at earning college scholarships and trips to national conferences. 4-H is the place where you belong and are part of a life-changing group of friends. It's where you decide what matters most to you and learn about things that interest you. And, it's the place where you serve in the community where you live.

Parents, in 4-H, your child will build skills they’ll need to be successful—at home, school, and in their community while they explore amazing careers opportunities. 4-H mentors empower young people to set goals and achieve big dreams. Your child will feel safe and welcomed while they pursue personal interests and build confidence in their skills. 4-H serves all youth from age 5 to 18.

You may think that 4-H is just for kids who live on farms. That’s just not true! Although 4-H started on farms, it's expanded as families have moved to urban areas. Although some 4-H members own livestock animals, lots of members choose other projects such as aerospace, visual arts, gardening, photography, or robotics.

4-H Connections

Find events, photos, announcements and much more!

4-H Project Guide

Project Guides have gone digital this year! Download your copy today.

Snap!

Did you know we are on Snapchat? Add us hkmw-4h

Invite your friends

4-H empowers and prepares young people for success. The new 4-H year begins September 1. Who do you know that could benefit from 4-H?

Newsletters

Fairs and Shows

2024 McDonough County Show Book

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2024 Livestock Ownership Deadlines

State Fair Goat and Sheep Nomination

4-H Project Report

4-H Public Speaking

Resources

Talk in a Bag

Awards - County

Awards - State: Visit the Illinois 4-H website for 4-H member and club awards available at the state level

4-H Club Recognition
Illinois 4-H Experience Award for Individuals
Holstein-Friesian Association Award
Illinois 4-H Electricity Achievement Award
Illinois Sustaining the Future Award

Club Resources - State: Visit the Illinois Extension, Youth Development page, scroll down to the Meetings tab

Checklist for Club Officers
Club Meeting Agenda Template
Club Treasurer Book
Club Secretary Book
Tips for Good Meetings
Club Fundraising Request Form (click on Fiscal tab)
and more

Enrollment Resources - County

McDonough County 4-H Enrollment Packet
4-H Online Enrollment System
4-H Online Enrollment System Instructions for new members or for re-enrolling members.
Illinois 4-H Project Guide

Enrollment Resources - State: Visit the Illinois Extension, Youth Development page, scroll down to Step 4: Enroll Online

Agreement to Assume Risk Form (also in Spanish)
Annual Code of Conduct Form (also in Spanish)
Member Emergency Medical Form (also in Spanish)
Member & Volunteer Photo, Audio, & Video Permission Form (also in Spanish)

Project Resources: Visit the Illinois Extension, Youth Development page, scroll down to the Project Record Sheets

Livestock Records
Crops Records
Activities Planning Record
Project Plans for various age groups
and more

Project Resources: Livestock Projects

Quality Assurance & Ethics training - to be completed, online, one time for 4-H members exhibiting dogs, cats, rabbits, poultry and horse projects
Youth for Quality Care for Animals training - to be completed, online or in-person, annually for 4-H members exhibiting beef, sheep, swine, goats and dairy projects in-person training are available during the late spring and early summer months and include a $3 fee online training is available year-round and includes a $12 fee.

Volunteer Resources

Required and Recommended Volunteer Trainings: Child Protection, Overnight Chaperone, Volunteer Orientation, Parliamentary Procedure, and Club Program Planning.
Volunteer Application
Shooting Sports Volunteer Application