State 4-H Office

Blog Posts

fawn in a weed patch.
Read article: Tough Love in the Wild: Lessons from the White-Tail Doe
Tough Love in the Wild: Lessons from the White-Tail Doe
Tough love is hard to give and even harder to receive. But for the white-tailed doe that gives birth to twin fawns each May in Illinois, discipline...
A leader plane leading other planes.
Read article: 10 Ways to Empower Teen Leaders in 4-H
10 Ways to Empower Teen Leaders in 4-H
Retaining teens in 4-H isn’t just about keeping them busy, it’s about giving them purpose, agency, and support. When we help young people take...
Read article: Summer of self-expression: Tips for unlocking creativity all summer long
Summer of self-expression: Tips for unlocking creativity all summer long
As the days grow longer, summer offers the perfect canvas for creativity. Whether experimenting with color, dancing barefoot in the grass, or...
Read article: Get Fair Ready! Tips to show your art like a pro
Get Fair Ready! Tips to show your art like a pro
As fair season approaches, showcasing your artwork at a local 4-H fair or show is an excellent opportunity to share your creativity and passion with...

News Releases

Fishing winners pose with winning catches.
Illinois youth reel in early wins in statewide 4-H fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament is off to a strong start and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge that celebrates outdoor...
Sixth grade students get an up close look at Air Evac during the Ride Right Rally.
Ride Right Rally Teaches Life-Saving Safety Skills to Over 340 Local Youth
Mendon, IL — Off-road vehicle accidents send more than 100,000 people to the emergency room each year in the U.S., with an average of 500-700 lives lost annually. Many of these accidents involve youth—and many are preventable. That’s why Illinois Extension and a coalition of local partners...
Vintage picture at camp.
Celebrating 75 years of 4-H camp magic
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello is turning 75 — and Illinois 4-H is inviting past campers, friends, and alumni to celebrate a legacy of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.The celebration takes place July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, located at 499...
Hippology winners pose.
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...

Staff