Youth Development

Events

Blog Posts

Boy shooting a bow & arrow
Read article: 2025 Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports State Competitions - Making the best better
2025 Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports State Competitions - Making the best better
By any measure, the recent series of 4-H Shooting Sports events attended by the best 4-H shooting sports competitors in the State of Illinois brought...
Fence with signs on it that say Don't give up and You Matter.
Read article: This September: Start a conversation. Be the difference.
This September: Start a conversation. Be the difference.
Each September is national Suicide Prevention Month. In 2023, 12.8 people seriously thought about suicide and 1.5 million people attempted it. Over...
colored pencils, crayons and paper clips
Read article: Back to school tips for parents and students
Back to school tips for parents and students
The beginning of school means changes from the “free flowing” days of summer to regular daily routines. Here are some tips from West Virginia...
child flying a kite
Read article: Indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families
Indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families
Summers at home can often feel like a full-time job of having to find constant entertainment for the kiddos. The good news? You don’t need an...

News Releases

Madeline Lettow
Fulton 4-H members awarded scholarships
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Each year, Fulton County 4-H is pleased to offer scholarships to graduating high school 4-H members who have actively participated in 4-H events and exhibited leadership during their 4-H career. Thanks to generous financial donors, Fulton County 4-H was able to present $6,000...
a girl with a horse
Fulton County 4-H announces 2026 4-H Shows
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Ask a 4-H member their favorite part of being in 4-H and more than likely they will tell you something about the “fair.” Their favorite memories may be about working in the food stand, earning a Best of Show or State Fair ribbon, spending time with their 4-H friends while they...
a boy petting a heifer
Farm Safety Day registration is open to all area youth
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Accidents can happen in a split second, that's why it's never too young to start learning how to be situationally aware and safe. For over 30 years, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau have been teaching area youth essential safety skills. This year's Farm...
Group of youth and adults standing with check.
Carmichael directs Polo Lions to Ogle County 4-H Foundation
POLO, Ill.— Each year, the Polo Lions Club partners with the keynote speaker of their annual Farmers’ Night to support youth programming in our area. Daniel Carmichael, an engineer with Blue River Technology and John Deere, was this year’s choice. Carmichael visited the Polo Lions Club and spoke...

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...

School and Community Gardens Learning Module

Bring the garden into the schoolyard with our online School and Community Gardens Self-Paced Learning Modules. A school garden can be many things, from a pollinator garden, to a sensory garden, or a bulb garden. Our online learning modules focus on vegetable gardening while we take you on a...

Staff