WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. – Local 4-H club members showcased their knowledge of different countries at the 2025 International Night on Tuesday, April 22, at the Williamsville Village Hall. Teams created educational displays featuring photos, books, traditional clothing and food samples representing counties they wanted to study. Attendees explored each display and had a chance to eat the traditional food samples. Then, each team gave a brief presentation, sharing fascinating facts they learned about their chosen country.
“I love International Night,” said 4-H Program Coordinator Sherri Bishop. “I get to learn about countries that I may never see in person while also learning why our 4-H members were interested in that country specifically, what they learned and what might have surprised them while they did their research.”
International Night takes months of planning by the clubs, as they must spend time researching a specific country. After putting together the displays, the clubs must work together as a team to decide what aspects of the nation they chose to highlight. During the event, attendees shared what they learned about Mali, Germany, North Korea and South Korea.
“It is really amazing to see the progressions of the projects, from seeing the 4-H clubs working on them during club meetings to them presenting their displays,” said 4-H Program Coordinator Maddie Atterberry.
Engaging activities like International Night can spark a curiosity about the world and inspire young people to grow into responsible global citizens. International Night is one of many 4-H programs that are designed to broaden youth’s awareness and understanding of the world. To find out more about local 4-H activities visit extension.illinois.edu/LMS/4-H-youth-development.
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.