YORKVILLE, Ill. – Throughout the year, Kendall County 4-H members learn new things and develop skills in a wide variety of project areas, and they demonstrated that knowledge through 4-H exhibits and animal shows this summer.

“The 4-H animal shows and conference judging process provides youth with valuable experience and feedback to continue growing and discovering into the next year,” said Kim Eisnaugle, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. “In 4-H, youth can explore scores of projects in seven areas of study – animal science, career and leadership development, creative arts, environmental sciences, global civic engagement, healthy living and nutrition, and STEM.”

4-H programs and experiences strive to help youth gain a sense of belonging, develop independence, give back to their communities, and master skills.

2021 Kendall County 4-H Master Showmanship Champion Jaiden Mahler said her 4-H and animal care experiences have given her important life skills, personal connections, and have helped her set and achieve goals.

“I've always wanted to compete in the Master Showmanship Contest at state fair, and I couldn't be more excited to get that opportunity,” said the 16-year-old, who has been showing livestock for eight years in 4-H. “I've also made countless friendships and have received a second family through showing. 4-H and showing have taught me how important time management, responsibility, and patience are. Not only does it help in the barn, but it also helps me in school, on the basketball court, and into the future.” 

Kendall County 4-H Teen Teacher Julian Heidrich of Oswego wrapped up his 11th 4-H show season this year, and said the 4-H project and conference judging experience is important.

“4-H’ers gain knowledge of and develop a passion for their project areas, as well as gain experience in presenting this information to both individuals and the public, which helps to prepare them for the future,” said Heidrich. “I have gained many skills through the 4-H program, most notably, leadership and communication skills.”

Each summer, scores of adult community members give back to 4-H through sharing their time and expertise to judge or facilitate 4-H shows or by sponsoring awards, such a trophies or banners. In 2021, several community members and organizations also sponsored the overall Kendall County 4-H shows to offset additional expenses.

“We want to whole-heartedly thank all the Kendall County 4-H show and award sponsors, superintendents, judges, and other volunteers for giving our youth such an important growth experience, especially after a tough year,” said Eisnaugle. “Thank you also to our 4-H members and families for another special year

The 2021 4-H Show sponsors included: Nannette Armstrong, Anderson Snowplowing/Russ and Christine Anderson, Kendall County Swine Committee, Templeton Property Management/Tim Kellogg, Margaret R. Janick, Carrie Vickery, and the Renegades, Rebels & Rogues 4-H Club.

The 2021 4-H Award Sponsors are (alpha order): Blain’s Farm & Fleet, V. Robert Brummel Memorial, Countryside Veterinary Clinic, Noel Cryder Builders, Jerry Dalton Memorial, Fitzgerald Family, FNIC Trusted Insurance Advisor, Forget-Me-Not Flowers & Gifts, FS Grain LLC, Robert Fruland Memorial, Delbert Gabel Memorial, Grainco FS Inc., Heartland Bank and Trust, Carolyn Herren Memorial, Ron & Patsy Hirsch, Hueber Feed/DeKalb Feed, Katydidit Flowers, Frank & Cheryl Keller, Kellogg Farms, Kendall County Home & Community Education, Kendall County Horse Show Association, Kendall County Pork Producers, Kendall-Grundy Beef Association, Koch Quarter Horses, Colleen Konop, Meadowvale Inc., Minooka Grain, Lumber & Supply, MTH Tool Company, Debbie Murray, The Olah Family, Kim Olson, James Paul Memorial, Mary Ann Petersen, Pete Petersen Memorial, Bev Popp, State Senator Sue Rezin, Robin Richards McCoy, Charles Rutenberg Realty, Sandwich Veterinary Hospital, Gordon & Ruth Schobert Memorial, Robert (Bob) Schwartz Memorial, Shala Farms, Southwest Real Estate, The Subat Family, The Sucich Family, Templeton Property Consultants, Thanepohn Family, Winding Creek Nursery, Wyffels Hybrids, and Yorkville Junior Women’s Club.

View the full story and the 2021 Kendall County 4-H show results by project area.

See Kendall County 4-H photos on Facebook: 7/29/21 | 7/22/21

Find more information on 4-H opportunities in DuPage, Kane, or Kendall counties.