BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – 4-H members are our leaders of tomorrow. 4-H strives to change the lives of youth through project exploration, leadership, teamwork to build the confidence needed to write their own futures. For a second year, beginning September 1, youth throughout Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties will be able to participate in 4-H clubs without having to pay an enrollment fee for the 2022-2023 program year.
Katie Buckley, 4-H Youth Development educator in McLean County believes this is an excellent chance for “youth who are unsure about whether or not 4-H is for them to take this opportunity to try it out.”
4-H is truly for everyone and youth can join a club any and all times of the year. The 4-H New Year begins for local clubs on September 1, so this is the chance to offer this exclusive opportunity for the three counties. This includes existing and new 4-H youth ages 8-18 and Cloverbud youth ages 5-7 by September 1, 2022. All members must be enrolled and have all paperwork turned in by October 31 to receive their fee waived. Fee waivers have always been available for families who have a limited income as well as families with more than three youth enrolled.
4-H has been a long-standing youth organization that spans worldwide. Youth can explore a variety of project areas that fit their interests. Project areas range from animal science, career and leadership development, healthy living and nutrition, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts/ag, and math) to name a few.
"4-H has something unique to offer to all youth whether they are into robotics, computer science, cooking, or leadership. This program serves to empower youth and assist them in acquiring skills they will use the rest of their lives,” says Alcha Corban, 4-H Youth Development educator for Livingston, Woodford, and Unity Community Center.
Visit an area 4-H show this summer to see why youth should take the chance and get involved in your local 4-H program where youth you know, can learn how to write their own 4-H story. Visit go.illinois.edu/LMW4H for more information about what 4-H has to offer and how to get started in Livingston, McLean, and Woodford County 4-H. Explore the county pages and if new to the program, please fill out the interest survey there to get started today! For questions, contact local 4-H staff at the Extension office at 309-663-8306.
If you will need an accommodation to participate, please contact the Extension office at the number above. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
WRITER: Alcha Corban, 4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois Extension; Katie Buckley, 4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois Extension
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.