Galena, ILL [September 28, 2021]—It’s time to show your green clover pride as National 4-H Week is celebrated October 3-9, 2021. This year, University of Illinois Extension – Jo Daviess County 4-H has set some big plans to highlight the program, its youth, and volunteers throughout the week.

“The theme is ‘Find Your Spark,’” explains Jo Daviess County 4-H Program Coordinator Angela Miller, “This year Jo Daviess County 4-H is focused on helping kids discover that special quality they don’t know they have, learn a new skill, or discover a new passion. Sparks are what kids are really passionate about. Sparks motivate and inspire. For most of us, sparks are revealed over time. However, 4-H exposes youth to opportunities to help them find and nurture their sparks early. We want youth to explore projects, spark ideas, and ignite possibilities!”

Illinois 4-H is open to any youth ages 5 to 18 years old. Youth are empowered and prepared for success through the various programming available from monthly club activities. Projects and educational programs are specific to areas of youth interest. Leadership development is also an important factor in 4-H and through the many volunteers, 4-H helps shape youth into productive leaders.  

“During National 4-H Week, we celebrate our members and volunteers and all that they do,” summarizes Jo Daviess County Director Margaret Larson. “As we promote 4-H in our local communities, we want to invite everyone to learn more about their local clubs and consider attending a meeting or event. 4-H is for everyone,” she adds.

To celebrate National 4-H week, families can participate in a multi-county scavenger hunt using the mobile app, ‘GooseChase.’ “We were looking for fun and engaging way to get our families involved,” says Miller. “With this scavenger hunt, families can spend time together by taking photos and/or videos to complete challenges. Each submission will earn its county points. Jo Daviess County will be in competition with Stephenson and Winnebago county—and of course, our county is going to win!” exclaims Miller.

Miller has other activities planned to include daily challenges throughout the week as well as the kickoff for the Scarecrow Building Contest that runs through October and the opening of the T-shirt Design contest hosted by Jo Daviess County 4-H Federation. “We have a lot of fun activities planned for National 4-H Week and some that will even run the entire month of October. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s creations,” says Miller.

You can see updates throughout the week by visiting the Facebook page, University of Illinois Extension- JoDaviess/ Stephenson/ Winnebago 4-H. Participants are recommended to use the hashtag #FindYourSpark, #jsw4H, or #National4HWeek as they share their 4-H activities on social media.

For more information about 4-H in Jo Daviess County or volunteering, contact Angela Miller, Jo Daviess County    4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator, at the University of Illinois Extension office by phone: 815-858-2273, email: amillr11@illinois.edu or by visiting go.illinois.edu/jsw.