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McHenry County 4-H

Head | Heart | Hands | Health 

McHenry County 4-H is a place where young people discover their interests, develop new skills, serve their communities, and make lifelong friends. Through hands-on learning and caring adult mentors, youth ages 5-18 can explore everything from animals, art, cooking, and STEM to leadership, public speaking, community service, and much more. 4-H members learn by doing while building confidence, responsibility, and real-world life skills.

With more than 35 community and Cloverbud clubs throughout the county, there's a place for every young person to belong. Community clubs meet regularly and welcome a variety of interests, while Cloverbud clubs provide age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences for youth ages 5-7. For members who want to dive deeper into a specific topic, SPIN (Special Interest) Clubs offer opportunities in areas such as beekeeping, cooking, dogs, horses, leadership, shooting sports, building bricks, and more.

Beyond club meetings, McHenry County 4-H offers exciting countywide experiences throughout the year. Youth can compete in the Public Speaking Contest, develop leadership and civic engagement skills through the Ambassador Program, participate in International Night by researching and showcasing cultures from around the world, attend YQCA training for livestock projects, and build confidence through dog training classes and shows. Our Shooting Sports program teaches safety, responsibility, and marksmanship through archery, air rifle, and shotgun disciplines.

The year culminates at the McHenry County 4-H Fair, where members proudly exhibit projects ranging from visual arts, foods, floriculture, environmental science, and civic engagement to livestock and animal science. Whether a young person dreams of showing animals, becoming a leader, learning a new skill, or simply finding a place to belong, McHenry County 4-H has an opportunity waiting for them.

Ready to get started? Contact the McHenry County Extension Office at 815-338-3737 to find the club or program that's right for your family.

Join Today, Social Media and Newsletter Info

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Join 4-H and Invite your friends!

4-H empowers and prepares young people for success. The new 4-H year begins October 1. Sign up today!

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State and County Awards and Scholarships

State Awards and Scholarships:

  • Illinois 4-H Experience Award for Individuals: The Experience Award recognizes members who participate in activities and events. There are always lots of activities you can do as a 4-H member, ranging from club to national events.
  • Illinois State 4-H Awards: 4-H Club recognition, Experience Award, Sustaining the Future, Electricity, and more!  
  • Illinois State 4-H Scholarships: Apply to receive a $1,250 scholarship for your post-high-school education. Categories include Animal Science, Civic Engagement, Performing Arts and Communication, Gardening, Leadership, and more! 
  • Illinois 4-H Electricity Award: This award recognizes 4-H members who excel in the electricity project.

County Awards and Scholarships:

  • Henry Marlowe Memorial I Dare You Award: This application has now closed
  • Sally Harrison Memorial Award:  This application has now closed
  • Computer Science Technology Scholarship Award Application
    Sponsored by: The R J Gallagher Family Technology Scholarship Fund. This award is based on: Excellence in computer skills, character, and community service. This application must be submitted or postmarked to the McHenry County Extension office for submission by JUNE 30th. Must be 15-18 years of age by September 1st of the 4-H year.
  • 2025-26 McHenry County 4-H Foundation Scholarship Application
    McHenry County 4-H Youth Foundation is offering Scholarships to current 4-H members who have completed High School or are in their last eligible year of 4-H Membership. (4-H age 17 -18 as of September 1, 2020) These scholarships are made available through a combination of funds, including those raised at the Annual String Tie Affair fundraiser dinner/auction.  Awards are based on involvement, achievement, leadership, and the impact that 4-H has had on your life. Hardcopy scholarship form HERE

Fairs, Shows, and Judging

McHenry County 4-H Fair Information and Resources:

2026 Fair Schedule is Friday, July 24 - 25 | August 3rd is General Project Judging

Illinois State Fair 4-H Information

Daily Schedule at the Orr Building

  • 8:00 – 9:00 AM     Project Drop off at the Orr Building
  • 9:00 – 3:30 PM     Project Judging Interviews until 3:30 PM
  • 3:30 PM                  Final Projects Release (and throughout the day through our app if they are available earlier)
  • 4:30 PM                  All Projects Must Be Picked Up


 For full Show Resource: Show Resources

We encourage our judges and 4-H participants to watch this helpful video about the 4-H judging experience. You can watch some judging examples online to learn more.

4-H Communications- Public Speaking Contest:

International Night Information and Resources:

Events, Local Programs, SPIN Clubs

Illinois Shooting Sports Learn by Doing

2026 4-H Shooting Sports Registration - Lake/McHenry

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible, productive citizens. The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program stands out as an example.

 A dog in a show stance

4-H Dog Project

The 4-H Dog project helps youth learn to care for their four-legged, furry friend!  Learn to feed, care for, and keep a dog healthy; groom and train your dog; and be a responsible dog owner by participating!  

This SPIN club is open to all Lake and McHenry County 4-H youth.

Livestock and Companion Animal Information

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McHenry County 4-H Livestock Information and Resources

Information and resources for livestock projects in McHenry County

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McHenry County 4-H Horse Project

Information and resources for the McHenry County 4-H Horse Project