4-H Youth Development

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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 and earn cool prizes. 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.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

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

County 4-H Programs

Links

Youth Cooking School Forms

Kids Cooking Club Forms

Check Out These Events, Workshops, and Deadlines

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Invite your friends to join 4-H

4-H empowers and prepares young people for success. The new 4-H year begins September 1. Who do you know that could benefit from 4-H?
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Find your form: open 24/7/365

We know you work on 4-H all hours of the day and night, and we’re ready to help. We have all the resources members, leaders, and clubs need.
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New project guide available

Members learn about topics that interest them. That could be anything from learning how to cook, build a robot, or care for the environment. Prepares youth to solve problems and practice the skills needed to be successful leaders.

Opportunities to Get Involved with 4-H

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Explore statewide leadership roles

Planning, presenting, teaching, mentoring, advocating and advising ~ you’ll do it all as 4-H Teen Leadership member!
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Partner with 4-H

Illinois 4-H produces the youth leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, stewards, and builders we need to solve world problems. Many programs can be tailored to meet the needs of youth in school classrooms, after-school programs, partner sites, and more.
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Volunteer

As a 4-H volunteer, you can share your skills and experience to help transform a new generation of confident, young leaders.
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Join or renew

Head to the online enrollment system to join or renew.
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Give online

Your gift will help Illinois youth achieve their unique potential and gain confidence that will guide them as adults.
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Need help

There are many resources to help you bring your club to a new level of excitement, education, and exploration.