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.
Find the latest 4-H News on our Unit 4-H Page!
Current Events
2023 Learn and Fun Day
When: Monday, February 20th, 2023.
Learning something new is exciting and challenging! Youth can experience workshops like Geology, Cake Decorating, Floriculture and so many more. There is something for everyone! Learn and Fun Day is open to all youth ages 5-18 in Livingston, McLean, and Woodford counties. You don't have to be enrolled in 4-H to participate!
Would you like to lead a workshop? Complete and return the workshop presenter form to the McLean County Office by December 9th, 2022.
Beef Cattle Weigh-in and Tattooing
When: Saturday, January 28th, 2023 after 9 a.m.
All 4-H members wanting to show any steer or market heifer in the county or state MUST have their animals weighed and tattooed by the beef superintendents. A postcard will be mailed to all youth enrolled in Beef.
Please RSVP the number of animals you plan to bring by contacting Sky Holland by phone OR email by January 26!
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
- Reach out to Kenzie Kraft for more information.
Additional Member and Leader Resources:
- Access the photo-use form
- 4-H Family Handbook
- Yearly Calendar
- Club Leader Management Guide
- Secretary and Treasurer Book Tip Sheet
- Fundraising Resources
- Clover Use Tip Sheet
- Community Service Opportunities
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
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
Need Help selecting your projects? Click here!
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
Horse
- Horseshow Pattern books
- Horseshow Checklists
- Horseshow Guidelines
- Horse Ownership Paperwork
Lamb and Goat
- State Fair Lamb and Goat Nomination Form (live show only)
- State Fair Premiere Lamb (carcass) Nomination Form
Swine
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 Katie Buckley
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 here.
- 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 closed, check back spring 2023
- Mosbacher 4-H Educational Scholarship: Applications CLOSED, check back summer 2023
- H.O.R.S.E. Education Committee Scholarship: Applications CLOSED, check back summer 2023
- George E. Holder 4-H Scholarship: Applications CLOSED, check back summer 2023
Leader of the Year Nomination Form: Applications CLOSED, check back fall 2023
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!
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