SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Youth of all ages can explore their interests and learn new skills during the fun and exciting summer activities provided by 4-H in Logan, Menard and Sangamon counties. From gardening and cooking to emergency preparedness and mental health, there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy. All programs are free and are open to all youth, including current 4-H members as well as those who are new to 4-H experiences.

“4-H is about making friends, enjoying new experiences, and allowing kids to explore their interests,” said 4-H Extension Educator Carissa Davis. “Along with learning about a specific topic, kids will also cooperation and teamwork skills during our special summer activities.”

The full list of activities is available below. Registration is required at go.illinois.edu/2024summer4H. These programs are offered at no charge thanks to support from generous local donors. More information about other 4-H activities in Logan, Menard and Sangamon counties can be found at extension.illinois.edu/lms/4-h-youth-development.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities for programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these programs, please contact 217-732-8289. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access need.

Self Care, Self Love
for ages 13-18
Get ready to prioritize your well-being and explore the importance of self-care and self-love. This empowering series aims to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and equip you with coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges. Explore the stigmas surrounding mental health and learn how to combat them, discover effective coping mechanisms to manage stress and prioritize your mental well-being, and gain insights on how to support others who may be struggling with mental health challenges.
June 5, 1-3 PM – Guest House Coffee Shop (Lincoln); June 12, 1-3 PM – Kickapoo Park (Lincoln) & June 26, 1-3 PM – Logan Extension Office (Lincoln)

Green Thumbs Adventure
for ages 8-18
Embark on a voyage of discovery, exploring the mysteries of plant life and the intricate ecosystems that surround us. Through hands-on activities and engaging experiments, uncover the secrets of how seeds sprout, why flowers bloom, and the vital role insects play in pollination. From learning about composting and soil health to identifying different plant species, there's something for every nature enthusiast at Green Thumbs Adventure: 4-H Gardening & Nature Camp.
June 10, 9 AM-3 PM – Logan Extension Office (Lincoln)

Cloverbud Camp
for ages 5-7
Attention all adventurous youth ages 5-7 -- it's time for 4-H Cloverbud Camps! These special camps and funshops are designed just for you, providing hands-on learning experiences in many exciting topics. From art to STEM, nature and animals to kitchen science, sound and music, there's something for every curious mind to enjoy!
June 12, 1-3 PM – Menard Extension Office (Petersburg)
OR
July 2, 9 AM-3 PM – Sangamon Extension Office (Springfield)
OR
July 11, 9 AM-3 PM – Logan Extension Office (Lincoln)

Cloverbud Cooking Adventure
for ages 5-7
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of cooking! We'll learn all about making yummy dishes, trying out easy recipes, and having a blast together!
June 18, 9 AM-3 PM – Logan Extension Office (Lincoln)

Cooking with Chemistry
for ages 8-18
Young culinary enthusiasts can explore the fascinating science behind their favorite foods and embark on a journey of discovery where they'll unlock the secrets of food science through engaging experiments and hands-on activities. Participants will delve into intriguing questions such as why a peach ripens faster in a brown bag, or how rock candy forms in a jar. They'll also investigate the magical properties of baking powder and baking soda and their role in making cupcakes rise to perfection.
June 20, 9 AM-3 PM – Logan Extension Office (Lincoln)
OR
July 9, 9 AM-3 PM – Sangamon Extension Office (Springfield)

Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse
for ages 8-18
Explore essential emergency preparedness techniques and safety rules to stay safe in the event of a zombie apocalypse or natural disaster. We'll cover important topics such as how to survive in the dark without drawing attention from zombies, first aid skills (including treating wounds from infectious zombie bites, scratches, and cuts), and building a 72-hour survival kit with all the necessary supplies for self-sufficiency during emergencies.
July 8, 10 AM-3 PM – Menard Extension Office (Petersburg)

Earth Explorers
for ages 8-18
Delve deep into the wonders of geology through engaging and interactive activities. Highlights include learning about the rock cycle and how different types of rocks are formed, discovering fossil locations and uncovering the secrets of ancient life, exploring the role of archaeologists and practicing archaeological techniques, and getting hands-on experience with mining and excavation.
July 16, 9 AM-3 PM – Williamsville Public Library & Museum (Williamsville)

Cheer Camp
for ages 5-12
Get pumped up for the super fun 4-H Cheer Camp! Participants will immerse themselves in the exciting world of cheerleading, learning new cheers and mastering the basics of cheering. Additionally, they'll have the opportunity to create special items to wear proudly during our thrilling final performance at 4-H Night. It's a chance to showcase your newfound skills and spread the cheer to the entire community!
July 21 & 28, 3-5 PM, & July 31, 6-8 PM – Logan Extension Office (Lincoln)

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.