McHenry County 4-H

Head | Heart | Hands | Health

In 4-H, you can make friends, have fun, give back, and try new things with the help of caring adults. Whatever your interests or goals, there’s a 4-H experience for you. You can attend a workshop to learn something new, join a local 4-H club to find a place you belong, or plan a service project to support your community, you can build leadership skills to help you succeed in life. Sign up for projects to explore your interests. You make 4-H what you want it to be.

In McHenry County, we offer over 35 4-H and Cloverbud Clubs. If you're not ready for a Club we have 8 SPIN (special interest ) Clubs you can try out. Ready to learn more? Call our office at 815-338-3737.

Events, Local Programs, SPIN Clubs

Save the Date for McHenry 4-H International Night

4-H International Night is a cultural event where 4-H clubs research and present countries' geography, food, art, and traditions, allowing the public to explore global cultures through interactive booths, crafts, and snacks, fostering world understanding and global citizenship in a fun, community-based setting

2026 4-H Public Speaking Contest - McHenry

One of the most important skills that 4-H members can learn is to speak in front of a group. In 4-H, members have many opportunities to practice this skill. Besides doing presentations at the club meetings, members have the opportunity to participate in the Public Presentation contest. Register now!

Livestock and Companion Animal Information

McHenry County 4-H Livestock Information and Resources

Information and resources for livestock projects in McHenry County

McHenry County 4-H Horse Project

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

2026 Embryology

What’s more fascinating than watching a baby chick hatch from its egg? In just three weeks, a seemingly lifeless egg transforms into an active, living chick. Through the University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program, your students can experience this incredible process firsthand by hatching chicks right in their classroom or learning environment. Register NOW!

Join Today, Social Media and Newsletter Info

McHenry County 4-H Fair Information and Resources:

2026 Fairbook: COMING SOON!
2026 Fair Schedule: COMING SOON!
2025 McHenry County 4-H Fairbook
2025 Fair Schedule
Show Dates for 2026- COMING SOON

Illinois State Fair 4-H Information

2026 Illinois State Fair 4-H General Project Exhibit Guidelines : Mark your calendars for August 14-16, 2026- McHenry County projects will be judged on August 15, 2026.

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:

2026 Dates and times coming SOON!

International Night Information and Resources:

2026 4-H International Night - Friday, February 27, 2026 at Woodstock North High School, 7 p.m.
Passport to the World Fairbook Pages

State and County Awards and Scholarships

State Awards and Scholarships:

Illinois 4-H Experience Award for Individuals: The Experience Award offers recognition for 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.
Holstein-Friesian Association Award: Members must be enrolled in the Dairy project and exhibit Holstein dairy animals at the county 4-H show.
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
Sally Harrison Memorial Award
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.
2021-22 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 because of a combination of funds to include 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

Michele Aavang

4-H Youth Development Educator

Serving Lake and McHenry Counties

Keywords

4-H

4-H Foundation

Youth Development

4-H Alumni

College Readiness

Communication

Leadership

Leadership Development

Life Skills

Meeting Management

Social-Emotional Health

STEM

Team Building

Teenagers

Volunteers

Workforce Development

Youth and Money

maavang@illinois.edu

815-338-3737

Megan Eppel

4-H Program Coordinator