More than 60 million have belonged to 4-H during the organization’s 100-year history.  Clubs are accepting new members this month to grow that number even higher.

4-H members in the country will join the 7 million other youth currently in 4-H worldwide to celebrate National 4-H Week October 6-12. 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.  Illinois 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization in Illinois, challenging youth to “learn by doing” with fun, hands-on activities that teach skills for living. 4-H is the place where you belong, you lead, you learn, and you serve in the world where you live. Our programs focus on career and leadership, civic engagement, animal sciences, creative arts, environment, healthy living, and STEM.

Illinois 4-H members range in age from 8 to 18. Youth who are 5 to 7 years of age may join 4-H as a Cloverbud member.

Not everyone finds their way to 4-H through the same door. For some, they start by joining a club. Others are introduced to 4-H through a joint program with another youth-serving organization, while others may start their 4-H journey through an experience at 4-H camp or one of a dozen other conferences. Whoever you are, whatever your interests or talents, 4-H is the place to help you channel your gifts to set and achieve personal goals.

To learn more about 4-H and enroll your child in a local club, please contact the Extension Office at 815-858-2273 or email Angela Miller at amillr11@illinois.edu.