Illinois 4-H is gearing up to welcome new and returning youth members during National 4-H week October 3-9, 2021. University of Illinois Extension serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark counties offers a wide variety of 4-H programs, clubs and learning opportunities for youth and teens ages 8 to 18.
4-H Community Clubs offer monthly meetings, fun activities, special events, community service projects, and leadership opportunities. Awards, scholarships, friendships, and more await! The cost to join 4-H is $20 per year. Find your spark in 4-H doing fun, hands-on activities that teach skills for successful living!
Check out the local 4-H community clubs youth can join in Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark Counties @ https://go.illinois.edu/4-HLearnByDoing You can also contact your county 4-H office: Rock Island County, 321 W 2nd Ave. Milan, IL (309) 756-9978; Mercer County, 910 13th Street, Viola, IL 61486 (309) 513-3100, and Henry and Stark Counties, 358 Front Street, Galva, IL (309) 932-3447.
Here are some upcoming 4-H learning opportunities in our service area (for youth ages 8 to 18 unless otherwise noted):
Rockets Workshop, Oct 13 & 20 via Zoom and in-person launches
4-H invites you to take your knowledge of space to new heights! Explore the forces of flight and build your own rocket to launch! Sign up for a rocket kit to pick up at our 4-H offices in Milan, Galva or Viola, IL. Attend an Intro to Rockets Zoom meeting on Oct 13 at 6:30 pm led by science teacher Kent Buckrop to learn about rockets and engineering. Then, assemble your rocket at home! We'll have a Zoom check in on Oct 20 at 6:30 pm to offer any last-minute advice on your assembly. Participants will be invited to get together in person to test their rocket's power at several different rocket launch events in our service area. Cost: $20 person (includes rocket and engines!) Register by October 11 at go.illinois.edu/Rockets
Canning Jam Workshop Oct 11, 16, or 18
Your own tasty jar of jam awaits in this workshop where you will get hands-on experience using a steam canner for high-acid foods. Illinois nutrition and wellness educator Kristin Bogdonas will teach you how to safely preserve food at home and where to find tested recipes for future canning projects. Class size is limited to ensure everyone gets experience with each step of the process. Cost is $5 (includes jar of jam to take home!) Classes will take place at three locations, choose one that works for you: Mon. Oct 11 from 5-7pm in Milan, IL; Sat. Oct 16 from 1-3 pm in Aledo, IL; and Mon. Oct 18 from 5-7pm in Kewanee, IL. Register @ go.illinois.edu/4HCanningClass
Tree Explorations, Oct 11, Aledo, IL
Trees play an important part in our daily lives - from producing the air we breathe to providing homes for wildlife. We also use parts of trees for food, fuel, and timber. Youth in grades K – 5th are invited to join Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart to explore the secret life of trees. Learn about tree growth through tree cookies which they will also decorate and take home. This free program will take place at the Mercer County YMCA, Aledo, IL Register @ go.illinois.edu/TreeExplorations
4-H Lego Robotics. Oct 28, Moline, IL
Robots are everywhere in everyday life. Learn to design, build, and program robots in this exciting and hands-on club. Also find out important information about the 4-H State Robotics competition. Join us for our kick-off meeting on Thurs. Oct 28 at 6 pm at the Butterworth Education Center, Moline, IL. Cost: Free for 4-H members ($20 yearly 4-H enrollment fee for new members) Register @ go.illinois.edu/4-HLegoRobots
4-H Shotgun Club, Thursdays, Colona, IL
For ages 10 to 18. Boost your shooting skills as you get to practice each week. You'll also learn firearm safety and responsible handling and use. Meets Thursdays at 5 pm at the Bi-State Sportsman Association Inc. Colona, IL. Equipment and ammunition provided. Cost: $50 materials fee for first 6 weeks (reduced fee after) ($20 4-H enrollment fee for new members) Register @ go.illinois.edu/4-HShotgunColona
4-H Archery, Fridays, Moline, IL
For ages 8 to 18. Become a master archer as you get to practice target shooting each week! Learn firearm safety and responsible handling and use. Meets Fridays at 6:30 pm at the YSSA Range & Academy, Moline IL Equipment is provided. Cost: $20 material fee due for each 6-week session. ($20 4-H enrollment fee for new members) Register @ go.illinois.edu/4-HArcheryMoline
I Made That! at Home Cooking & Activity Kit
University of Illinois Extension and 4-H have designed fall-themed cooking education kits to inspire the inner chef. The November kit is all about apples, using holiday spices, spreading kindness, and practicing gratitude. Each kit includes the “I Made That!” booklet, fall-themed recipes, pomander ball supplies, a gratitude journal, and select recipe ingredients to get you started. Order your kit by October 27 and they will be ready to pick up at one of our Extension office in Milan, Viola, or Galva, IL the first week in November. Cost: $5. Register by Oct 27 @ go.illinois.edu/IMadeThatNovember
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact us at uie-hmrs@illinois.edu or call (309) 756-9978. Early requests are strongly encouraged.