Springfield, Ill.—Nearly 90 seventh and eighth grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2026 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) held March 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. This event is planned and hosted by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team.
"JLC is an incredibly impactful experience for the youth,” says Alex Paul of Wayne County who serves as the Youth Leadership Team chair. “Often, it’s their first time away from home and their first interaction with high-level leadership, and the growth that we see from when the 4-Hers arrive to when they leave is exponential. JLC is one of the most impactful youth leadership experiences that we offer."
The conference provides a dual impact: while younger members build confidence and leadership skills, older youth on the Youth Leadership Team gain hands-on experience planning and facilitating a statewide event.
"Planning JLC is one of the most rewarding experiences that I’ve had as a part of Illinois 4-H,” says Paul. “Getting to work with some of the smartest, most hardworking youth in our program to create this experience builds skills, relationships, and truly makes each and every Youth Leadership Team member beyond ready for their future.”
Throughout the weekend, participants engaged in interactive workshops designed to build leadership, resilience, and self-confidence. One day of sessions focused on personal growth and self-awareness, including “Survival Skills: Tackling Failure in Life’s Jungle,” which explored how overcoming challenges builds confidence; “Build Your Brand: Unleash Your Inner Wild,” which encouraged youth to embrace their individuality and develop a personal leadership identity; “Overcoming Peer Pressure,” which provided strategies for making values-based decisions; and “Wild Moves: Dance, Wellness, and Confidence in Motion,” which used movement to promote teamwork, wellness, and self-expression.
The second day of workshops emphasized leadership in action and community impact. In “Community Service,” participants explored how to identify needs and make a difference in their communities through service. “Jungle Escape” challenged youth to work together to overcome obstacles representing common fears, reinforcing teamwork and courage. The “Leadership in Practice” session gave participants the opportunity to guide their peers through challenges, strengthening communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills they can apply in their clubs and communities.
By the end of the conference, youth left with new skills, stronger connections, and the confidence to take on leadership roles within Illinois 4-H and beyond.
This event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Source: Katie Duitsman, Illinois 4-H Specialist, pilcher3@illinois.edu
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu
Photo credit: Emma Steiger, Illinois 4-H Influencer
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.