University of Illinois Extension will host several free events in October for local families to learn about 4-H in DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties.

“4-H Youth Development programs provide ways for youth to belong to a community, give back, learn things they're interested in, and develop independence,” said Amy Henschen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development. “In 4-H, youth can explore scores of projects ranging from art to veterinary science.”

The seven project areas include animal science, career and leadership development, creative arts, environmental sciences, global civic engagement, healthy living and nutrition, and STEM. Every county in Illinois has a 4-H program, which is operated through University of Illinois Extension, and open to youth aged 5 to 18, with Cloverbud programs designed for ages 5 to 7.

Throughout National 4-H Week, Oct. 6-12, and the month of October, stop in to one of the free kick-off open house events to: meet 4-H Club leaders and staff, ask questions, see projects or curriculum, and do fun, hands-on activities.

• DuPage County 4-H Clover Kick Off – October 6 in Wheaton
• Kendall County 4-H Kick Off – October 10 in Yorkville
• Kane County 4-H Fun Night – October 10 in St. Charles
• Robotics Open House with 4-H – October 3 in St. Charles
• Robotics Open House with 4-H – October 7 in Naperville

Find out more about any of these events at https://extension.illinois.edu/dkk/events or find our events on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/extensiondkk/events/ If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.