Oglesby, Ill. – 4-H members across Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties learned ways to improve as officers at the 2024 gameshow-themed 4-H Officer Training event held Nov. 9 at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby.
Youth learned about the various roles and responsibilities of being a 4-H officer, with a focus on leadership, learning parliamentary procedure, teamwork, and effective communication. Through hands-on games and activities, members developed skills to help them succeed in their leadership roles beyond 4-H.
“This was a great opportunity for youth to grow as leaders and take the knowledge gained back to their 4-H clubs,” shared Bureau County 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator, Sarah Poignant. Through such experiences, youth can contribute to the growth and success within their community.
To learn more about 4-H, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.
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.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.