LaSalle County youth are joining the more than 6 million 4-H members across the nation in celebration of National 4-H Week October 3-9. This year’s theme is “Find Your Spark!”

4-H Clubs throughout LaSalle County will be sparking the interest of local youth to experience the many opportunities 4-H provides. The path to finding one’s spark starts with exploration – of projects, relationships, values. One can find their spark by spending time with other youth and adults, by immersing themselves in the community, and exploring a variety of interests.

4-H'ers have an opportunity to explore and find their spark through their club and project work. Through the club, they spend time with others of varying ages in the community. With the many different project areas, 4-H helps youth find their spark in different areas of interest from visual arts, cooking, to STEM and animal sciences. 

”4-H’s learn by doing philosophy encourages youth to experiment, innovate, and think independently, said Toni Pienta, University of Illinois Extension 4-H Program-Youth Development Coordinator for LaSalle County. “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 Toni Pienta. 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 Toni Pienta.

“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 LaSalle County 4-H opportunities call University of Illinois Extension, LaSalle County 815-433-0707 or email Toni Pienta at fusinatt@illinois.edu.