Local youth are joining the more than 6 million 4-H members across the nation in celebration of National 4-H Week Oct. 6-12.

Last year, 653 young people in Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties were involved in 4-H community clubs where, assisted by volunteer adult leaders, they learned about careers, leadership and citizenship. Another 2685 youth were involved in 4-H through school, after school and community-partner organizations.

”4-H’s learn by doing philosophy encourages youth to experiment, innovate, and think independently, said Martha Ebbesmeyer, University of Illinois Extension Youth Educator for Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties. “4-H grows confident kids who tackle issues that matter most in their communities.”

4-H members determine their own path in 4-H. “Youth have a strong voice in 4-H clubs and are actively determining the programs and activities in their clubs,” said Dr. Lisa Diaz, assistant dean and director of the Illinois 4-H program. “4-H gives youth skills to be independent masters of their future by giving them real-life experiences in teaching others, providing youth voice on planning committees, advocating for positive change in their communities and gaining much-needed skills for the workplace.”

Illinois 4-H members prepare for their future by studying careers related to their 4-H project. “They choose from more than 100 projects to study,” said Ebbesmeyer. The topics range from rocketry, computer science, and public speaking to photography, animal science, nutrition, and more.

“The project work builds a youth’s leadership, communication, organization, and decision-making skills,” said Ebbesmeyer.  “4-H also instills a generous spirit in youth,” Diaz said. 4-H members are encouraged to help others in their communities through the hundreds of service projects conducted by Illinois 4-H clubs.  One out of every seven adults in the U.S. is a former 4-H member.

To learn more about 4-H and enroll your child in a local club, one may contact Martha Ebbesmeyer at the University of Illinois Extension office at 815-244-9444 or visit our website at go.illinois.edu/clw