4-H Youth Development

4-H is a safe place for all youth.

To grow, dream, connect, lead...one of our foundational beliefs that has guided us for more than 100 years is belonging. We believe that all youth deserve a space where they can be surrounded by people who are cheering for their success. At Illinois 4-H we are committed to the mission that all youth feel welcomed and have an equal opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment.

In 4-H, you learn by doing and you usually have a pretty great time while you're doing it! Want to know more about what your 4-H experience might look like?

  • Create and build things. Whether you're inspired by robots and drones or photography and recipe cards, our programs give you the tools and the opportunities to create, imagine, and build. 
  • Travel and see the world around you. In 4-H, you can travel across the state and around the world if that's what you're in to. Dream big and discover the world through our programs. 
  • Explore careers that interest you. In 4-H, career exploration is more than just reading about possible jobs, it involves rolling up your sleeves and trying it on for size. 
  • Make new friends. From clubs to camps to field trips, in 4-H you'll meet new people and experience new social and cultural events. It's pretty easy to form lasting friendships when they're based on shared interests and experiences. 
  • Teach and inspire kids. 4-H helps prepare youth for roles as leaders in their classrooms, communities, and future careers. We'll help you develop the skills you need to work with youth in your community and help them launch their own 4-H journey. 
  • Help others. A core aspect of 4-H is learning to serve with and for those around us. 4-H clubs create opportunities for members to find meaningful ways to impact the people and neighborhoods they live in. 
  • Meet cool people. Who wouldn't love the chance to meet and learn from some of the best athletes, actors, scientists, and artists in their fields? Our network of professional contacts is deep and wide - you never know who might show up at a 4-H event!

4-H is a place where you can find where you belong. It's where you decide what matters to you and learn about things that interest you. And, it's the place where you serve in the community where you live.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Interested in learning more about 4-H but not sure where to start? Complete this interest survey below to find the 4-H group that's just right for you. Ready to enroll? Select the tab for the county you are interested in for their enrollment process. If you're already a member, you'll find everything you're looking for in the links below.
 

Current Events

Public Speaking & Food Demonstration

When: Saturday, March 4th beginning at 9 a.m.
Where: McLean County Extension Office (1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, IL 61704)

Participation in public presentations or food demonstrations in 4-H is a great opportunity to work on communication skills in a supportive and fun atmosphere! You must be enrolled in Creative Arts/Public Speaking on ZSuite to participate.

To register and select a presentation time, visit Event Sign-up.
For class descriptions and rules, refer to the the Class Description Document.

Registration is closed.

Enroll In Your County

Livingston County 4-H

We're waiving the enrollment fees for new and existing members who enroll in 4-H for the 2022-2023 4-H year (September 1st, 2022- August 31st, 2023). Youth are able to join 4-H at any time of the year, but why not now? This is a great time to start your 4-H adventure and take advantage of this special enrollment fee waiver.

  • Enroll through ZSuite.
  • Program fee - Turn in all required forms and be approved in ZSuite system by Oct. 31 to have 2022-2023 fee waived! Mark pay by cash or check at time of enrollment. After Oct. 31, 2022, payment of $20 submitted on ZSuite or by cash or check sent to the Livingston Extension Office 1412 S. Locust St., Pontiac, IL 61764. 
    A Fee Waiver Form is also available.

Questions about enrolling in 4-H, selecting projects, ordering project books, and volunteering? Check out our FAQ sheet or contact the Livingston County Extension Office for assistance at 815-842-1776.
View Livingston County's 4-H page here!

McLean County 4-H

We're waiving the enrollment fees for new and existing members who enroll in 4-H for the 2022-2023 4-H year (September 1st, 2022- August 31st, 2023). Youth are able to join 4-H at any time of the year, but why not now? This is a great time to start your 4-H adventure and take advantage of this special enrollment fee waiver.

Questions about enrolling in 4-H, selecting projects, ordering project books, and volunteering? Contact the McLean County Extension Office for assistance at 309-663-8306. 
View McLean County's 4-H page here!

Woodford County 4-H

We're waiving the enrollment fees for new and existing members who enroll in 4-H for the 2022-2023 4-H year (September 1st, 2022- August 31st, 2023). Youth are able to join 4-H at any time of the year, but why not now? This is a great time to start your 4-H adventure and take advantage of this special enrollment fee waiver.

Questions about enrolling in 4-H, selecting projects, ordering project books, and volunteering? Contact the Woodford County Extension Office for assistance at 309-467-3789. 
View Woodford County's 4-H page here!

Youth Involvement

The Youth Leadership Team, a group made up of 4-H youth throughout Illinois that provides the youth voice for the University of Illinois Extension State 4-H Program, has released their Quarterly Report for January through March 2022. Click here to check it out to see what they have been involved with!

We are here to help.