ST. CHARLES, Ill. – Each fall, Illinois 4-H kicks off a new year, and local 4-H programs host open house events to celebrate in DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties.

4-H Youth Development programs focus on building leadership, citizenship, and life skills. In the coming weeks, join our University of Illinois Extension team and 4-H clubs from each community for hands-on activities and the opportunity to meet volunteers and staff.

“In 4-H, youth are brought together in clubs, led by caring adults, who welcome them as a part of the larger 4-H family,” said Andrea Farrier, 4-H Youth Development Educator with University of Illinois Extension. “We welcome interested families to check out what 4-H is all about and meet staff as well as volunteer leaders, who are the backbone of our program.”

4-H youth development programs provide the opportunity for youth to feel a sense of belonging through clubs and activities, develop independence and teamwork, practice generosity through community service, and experience mastery through project work. These programs also open the door for youth to participate in amazing opportunities at the regional, state and national levels.

“4-H is an opportunity for youth to interact and grow with their peers,” said 4-H alum Julian Heidrich of Oswego. “4-H members develop skills to apply to their own lives and to better their communities, countries, and the world."

Learn more at one of the 4-H Kick Off events in the tri-county area this fall:

• Sept. 30, 2 to 5 p.m. at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton
• Oct. 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, 10826 IL Route 71, Yorkville
• Oct. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles

There is no need to register for these open houses. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact 630-584-6166 or uie-dkk@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs. For more information, fill out an interest survey at go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk.

Every county in Illinois has a 4-H program, which is part of University of Illinois Extension. 4-H club membership is open to youth aged 8 to 18, and the Cloverbud program is designed for ages 5 to 7. Through 4-H, youth can explore many areas of study, including animal sciences, creative arts, environmental sciences, health and nutrition, college and career readiness, global awareness, and STEM.

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.