4-H

Events
More Events

Blog Posts
two girls show a sheep and goat
Livestock showmanship clinic offered youth skill development for in the show ring and future careers
Raising and showing livestock may seem like a niche skill set, but in reality it offers a long list of life skills, character development, and...
kids putting puzzle together with lady
4-H Club Spotlight: Tazewell Country 4-H Club offers unique learning experiences
4-H meetings are more than just a regular monthly meeting. Just ask the members of the Tazewell Country 4-H club. Located primarily in Hopedale...
4-H members
Celebrating independence through 4-H youth development
The greatest gifts we can give youth in 4-H go beyond a champion banner, plaque, or even letterman jacket. Confidence in their own abilities is the...
Group holding Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports banner
Big crowds, big skills, and a whole lot of safety
4-H Shooting Sports: Big Crowds, Big Skills, and a Whole Lot of SafetyIf you were anywhere near Grand Island, Nebraska in June 2026, you felt the...
More Blogs

News Releases
group of people standing in front of a 4-H backdrop
4-H volunteers honored for exceptional service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently...
The gates to the Illinois State Fair
Lake and McHenry County 4-H Members Shine at County Fairs
Springfield, IL - The Lake County and McHenry County Fairs represent the culmination of months of learning, preparation, and dedication by local 4-H youth, volunteers, families, and community partners. This year's exhibitors once again demonstrated the incredible...
4-H clover radiating
Local youth win big at Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD, Ill – Last weekend, youth from across Illinois gathered at the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield to showcase their hard work in the General Projects show. Young representatives from Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties showcased their amazing...
Mark Ridlen in a suit in a headshot pose.
Illinois 4-H Foundation welcomes Mark Ridlen to Board of Directors
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Ridlen, an Illinois 4-H alumnus and retired banking and financial regulatory executive, to its Board of Directors.The Illinois 4-H Foundation Board is committed to advancing...
More News

Videos
We are 'Beyond Ready' this 4-H week

4-H members are 'Beyond Ready' for life today

Illinois 4-H empowers youth to be 'Beyond Ready' for life today. Through hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and real-world experiences, 4-H members sit in the driver's seat to find their spark and explore their interests. Whether it...

Winter Ice Safety

How can you know that ice is safe to walk on? Is old ice safer than new ice? Curt Sinclair, 4-H youth development Extension specialist, walks you through how to stay safe on the ice this winter, covering everything you need to know for winter ice safety including how to make homemade ice picks...
More Videos

Staff
More Staff