Home LM Lake County 4-H

Lake County 4-H

What's it like in 4-H? 

We are America’s largest Positive Youth Development organization – empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. and nearly 200,000 across Illinois with the skills to lead for a lifetime. We do this through clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool and special interest programs. 4-H uses research-informed practices that support positive youth development and help all youth thrive.

  1. 4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension – a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. In the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program we have a network of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni and partner organizations who serve youth in all 102 counties across the state. 
  2. 4-H is a community – providing supportive relationships and opportunities for youth to serve and lead. 4-H youth have anchor experiences in their home community while also having opportunities to participate in state, national and international experiences. 4-H has grown globally and is now in over 70 countries around the world.

 

 

Local Events, Workshops, and SPIN Groups

A field of green clovers with 4-H Beyond Ready text

Celebrate Lake County 4-H

Read all about how to celebrate Lake County 4-H at the Lake County Fair!

A child with open hands catching a monarch butterfly

Insects and Invertebrates

Join the University of Illinois Master Naturalists and get ready to explore the tiny but amazing world of insects and other invertebrates! Kids will discover cool characteristics and species through photos, preserved specimens, live critters, and — best of all — by catching their own bugs.

A boy looking through a magnifying glass at a fern

Cranberry Lake Trail Nature Hike

This interactive hike encourages curiosity, exploration, and teamwork. Come ready to observe, investigate, and have fun as we uncover the wild stories of Cranberry Lake! 

 


 

Livestock and Companion Animal Information

a dog in a show stance

4-H Illinois 2026 Dog Project

Information about the Illinois Dog Show, Dog Show Resources, Obedience and Showmanship Resources.

A pair of sheep with ear tags in a pen

Lake County 4-H Livestock Information

Livestock Exhibition Information, YQCA & QEAC Certifications, and Lake County Showbook

A horse in a pasture

2026 4-H Horse Project

Are you interested in horses and learning what the horse project is about?
Would you like to exhibit a horse at the McHenry County Fair?
Whether you are new to horses or an experienced rider/exhibitor, we have a place for you!

Join 4-H and Follow us on Social Media

Beyond Ready 4-H Illinois Extension

Invite your friends to Join 4-H

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

a megaphone with hearts coming out of it

Follow us on Instagram!

Follow us on Instagram to get the latest news about what is going on in Lake County 4-H!

Fairs, Shows and Project Resources

Lake County 4-H Fair Information

Illinois State Fair 4-H Information

  • 2026 Illinois State Fair: Mark your calendars for August 14-16,  2026- Lake County projects will be judged on August 15, 2026. 

Project Resources

  • Learn about all the different projects 4-H has to offer with the Illinois 4-H Project Selection Guide. Projects are organized into eight larger areas: animal sciences, career and leadership development, civic engagement, creative arts, environment, food systems, healthy living, and STEM.
  • If you can’t find the project you’re looking for, use this guide to help you pick your desired project in one of these eight sections.
  • Found a project that sounds interesting,  but don't really know what it is?  Get a better idea of what a project is about and find some quick hands-on activities to do at home using Illinois 4-H Spark Sheets.
  • Project learning is an important part of the 4-H Club experience. The Resource & Curriculum Guide for Illinois 4-H Projects will help you find the resources you need to support you on your journey.
  • Our 450+ Curriculum titles are perfect for 4-H clubs, schools, enrichment, and homeschool settings. From project books to science experiments to skill-building activities, these learning resources are research-based, hands-on, and fun! Select the resource that best fits your individual or group setting and the appropriate level – whether it’s for grades K-12 or beyond.

     

State and County Awards

State Awards and Scholarships:

  • Illinois State 4-H Awards: 4-H Club recognition, Experience Award, Sustaining the Future, Electricity, and more!  2026 Deadline Coming Soon!
  • Illinois State 4-H Scholarships: Apply to receive $1,250 scholarship for your post high-school education. Categories include Animal Science, Civic Engagement, Performing Arts and Communication, Gardening, Leadership, and more! 2026 Deadline Coming Soon! 

County Awards and Scholarships:

  • LCHCE Helen Johnson Volk Scholarship: Applications can be picked up at the Lake County Extension Office. One $500 Scholarship open for any current High School Senior that is a current Lake County 4-H member or has a parent or grandparent that is a current member of LCHCE. Deadline for application is March 15, 2026.