WHEATON, Ill. – The DuPage County Fair in July marked the culmination of the 4-H year with exhibits, animal shows, and activities where 4-H members demonstrated knowledge and skills, and of course, had fun.
“4-H conference judging and show experiences provide youth with valuable presentation opportunities and helpful feedback to continue developing project skills for next year and life skills for the future,” said Nancy Reppe, 4-H Youth Development program coordinator. “Through projects and club activities, 4-H members learn to communicate, make decisions and plans, manage time, and work both independently and with a team.”
In addition to developing life skills, 4-H members can explore dozens of projects in seven areas of study – animal science, career and leadership development, creative arts, environmental sciences, global civic engagement, healthy living and nutrition, and STEM. Members also are encouraged to give back to their communities.
Longtime 4-H member Gavin Schnall of Darien Dragons said he found unique interests, cultivated new passions, enhanced his enthusiasm for STEM, and discovered ways to serve the community. “Above all, 4-H taught me to have faith in myself, to genuinely care for others, and to embrace leadership with a blend of confidence and empathy.”
4-H club leaders model these ideals by providing guidance and encouragement all year long. Plus, each summer, dozens of adult community members share their time and expertise to facilitate or judge project shows or by sponsoring awards to recognize the youth achievements.
2025 DuPage 4-H show award sponsors include: Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bennett, Bucaro Funeral Home, Nancy Burke, Milli Cady, Katie Carso-Liss, DuPage County Farm Bureau, DuPage County HCE, E and J Disposal Co., Bobbi Ehlers, Susan Geraci, Pat and Rene Houle, Gene and Patty Johnson, Cathryn Johnston, Denise Kennedy, Mary Lambert, Andrea Leboy, Herbert Lederer DVM, Ken Lemberger- Remax Central, Penny Meyer, Evelyn Olson, Pat Quetsch, Justice S. Louis Rathje, Pamela Re, Julie Roth Judy Valentine, Coleen Walter, Warrenville Unit HCE, Mary Lou Wehrli, Michael and Colleen Wessel, Barbara Wilk, and the Norma Yeates Family.
“We greatly appreciate the support and efforts of the DuPage County Fair Association, and all of our 4-H supporters, superintendents, judges, and other volunteers who give our 4-H youth such an important experience,” said Reppe. “Local 4-H opportunities help youth gain a sense of belonging, develop independence, give back to their communities, and master skills. The annual 4-H show season brings it all together as we celebrate the completion of this 4-H year and look ahead to a new one.”
To learn more or join the interest list, go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk. The 2025-26 DuPage County 4-H Kick-Off will be 3 to 5 p.m. October 12 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. To learn more or join the interest list, go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk.
DuPage County 4-H'ers in action
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.
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.