4-H in McLean County

What's it like in 4-H?

In 4-H, you get to decide what topics and projects interest you most. You make 4-H what you want it to be. Work on many projects or focus on one or two. Choose what events sound fun to you, and do them. In 4-H, you have an important role in making your community a better place to live, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a club, you’ll figure out what’s needed most in your neighborhood and find ways to help.

In 4-H, you’re part of a family working together. At club meetings, you’ll learn how to get along with others as you build your skills and help your community. In 4-H, you’ll meet adults who care about you and want to help you succeed. 4-H matches you with mentors who will coach you in areas like problem solving, communicating, and teamwork. 4-H introduces you to potential careers and then gives you the training to get the career you want.

Join McLean County 4-H

Local Events, Workshops, and Deadlines

Weekly STEAM Challenges

Check in each week with STEAM in the Classroom's "STEAM at Home" to participate in hands-on STEAM challenges.

McLean County 4-H Shooting Sports

Click here for more information about McLean 4-H Shooting Sports, including Archery, Shotgun, Air Rifle/Pistol and Outdoor Skills.

Records, Awards, and Scholarships Timeline

Click here to view timelines, application links, and responsibilities for records and award applications!

Current Events

Speaking for Illinois 4-H

When: Monday, April 10, 2023
Where: Virtual

This virtual training, provided by the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team, gives you the chance to explore your own 4-H history and why you are involved, put that story into words, and learn the best ways to approach donors, civic groups, elected officials, and others to talk about 4-H. Learn why 4-H believes in Positive Youth Development and how we emphasize the essential elements of Belonging, Independence, Generosity and Mastery. Once you’re trained, you’ll receive an invitation to be a part of our Legislative Connection events.

We’re looking for 4-H members interested in spreading the great news about 4-H! 4-H members 14 years of age or older can join the Speaking for Illinois 4-H team. There will be a virtual training offered on Monday, April 10. Registration is open NOW at https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/20152.

Registration will close April 7.

Hiring Extra Help, 4-H Summer Assistant - McLean County

Do you have an interest in working with McLean County 4-H? We are currently hiring for a part-time 4-H Summer Assistant! This 28 hour per week summer position will assist the McLean 4-H Educator and Program Coordinators in all aspects of the McLean County 4-H Show and summer programming. To find out more about this position and request a job description, contact the McLean County Office at 309-663-8306.

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Katie Buckley at kbuckley@illinois.edu by April 5, 2023. Check out this position and others at go.illinois.edu/lmwcareers.

Applications close on April 5.

McLean 4-H Resources

Enrollments & Clubs

How Do I enroll in McLean County 4-H?

Enroll in ZSuite, the 4-H online enrollment platform
Visit the ZSuite Enrollment Guide
View the ZSuite Enrollment Instructions Video
Check out some Enrollment FAQ's
Payment of $20 submitted at time of online enrollment or by cash or check sent to the to the McLean Extension Office, 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington IL. A Fee Waiver Form is also available.

New Family Resources:

View the Club Directory
Getting Started Guide
New Family Orientations
- April 3rd at 5:30 pm (Virtual)
- April 20th at 5:30 pm (Virtual)
  - Please reach out to Mackenzie Kraft for more information, or to schedule a new orientation time that works with your schedule.

Forms for Clubs

Access the End of Year Wrap-Up Checklist
View the Club Directory Update Form
View the Annual Financial Statement
View the Indication of Financial Activity Statement
View the Secretary's Book
View the Treasurer's Book
View the Social Media Best Practices Guide

Member and Leader Resources

Additional Member and Leader Resources:

Records & Scholarships

Click here to view timelines, application links, and responsibilities for leaders and youth for records and award applications!

McLean County Project Records: Due to the office after being reviewed from the club leader on September 15.

Need help filling out records? Check out our project guidance info document.

Illinois State 4-H Awards

Want to learn more about Project Records and Illinois State 4-H Awards? Click for records and awards overview.

McLean County Livestock Records

Scholarships

HCE Scholarship: Applications OPEN, deadline to submit is Monday, April 3, 2023
- HCE Scholarship Application
- Consideration Info Sheet
Mosbacher 4-H Educational Scholarship: Applications CLOSED, check back summer 2023
- Mosbacher 4-H Educational Scholarship Application
H.O.R.S.E. Education Committee Scholarship: Applications CLOSED, check back summer 2023
- H.O.R.S.E. Education Committee Scholarship Application
George E. Holder 4-H Scholarship: Applications CLOSED, check back summer 2023
- George E. Holder 4-H Scholarship Application

Leader of the Year Nomination: Applications CLOSED, check back fall 2023

Leader of the Year Nomination Form

Recognition of Excellence

View our annual Recognition of Excellence tabloid, where we get to show appreciation to our members and volunteers for all of their hard work and dedication to McLean 4-H throughout the year!

2021-2022 Recognition of Excellence tabloid

Fairs & Shows

Need Project Books?

Project books can be ordered on the Illinois Virtual Pop Up Shop on shop4-H.org. The Pop Up Shop is linked here!
Want to review the Spark Sheets instead? View them here!

2022 McLean County 4-H Show

View the 2022 McLean County 4-H Show Book
View the 2022 McLean County 4-H Show Schedule

FairEntry

Projects need to be entered in FairEntry by June 30
Families must create a new FairEntry account this year due to the switch to ZSuite. Instructions on how to create a new account can be found in the Family Login for FairEntry Document.
Need Help selecting your projects? Click here!

Sponsoring

If you are interested in sponsoring awards at the McLean County 4-H Show, you can fill out the Sponsorship form here and return it to the McLean County Extension Office at 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, IL 61704.

Interested in volunteering at the McLean County 4-H Show?

Contact Sky Holland

Livestock

Livestock:

Access the virtual YQCA training. This training needs to be completed annually.
Earn your QAEC Certification here. This training is a once in a lifetime training, if you have completed it for all the species that you will show you do not need to take it again. The exhibitor must have written documentation providing ownership or lease of the animal being shown. (This page asks for a token, however, you can simply hit 'next' to continue)
General Livestock Lease Form
McLean County Pride Form
Livestock Ownership Deadlines

Beef