4-H members in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties will join the 6 million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 6-12. 4-H youth development programs provide hands-on learning activities for youth in Illinois and throughout the country. 4-H youth programs focus on leadership, citizenship and life skills.
Every county in Illinois has a 4-H program which is operated through University of Illinois Extension. 4-H club membership is open to youth aged 8 to 18, and youth 5 to 7 years of age may join the 4-H Cloverbud program.
“There are several ways to join 4-H,” said Amy Henschen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties. “Youth may become a part of ongoing 4-H clubs or special interest (SPIN) clubs that focus on a specific project area. Both are coordinated by local screened adult volunteers.”
Each ongoing club decides how often it meets, the location of its meetings and the activities held during the meeting. Members may select from dozens of project areas to study while they build leadership, teamwork, cooperation, decision-making and communication skills. SPIN clubs focus on any one topic, such as robotics, photography, poultry, gardening, visual arts, or nutrition.
“4-H’ers learn how to participate as part of a team, while also learning how to excel as an individual,” said Madeline Cumbey, a Kendall County 4-H member. “There is something for everyone in 4-H, whether it is STEM, art, or agriculture, and anyone can pursue their passion in 4-H.”
Youth may also participate in 4-H through short-term projects held during school or at after school youth organizations. Some of these popular groups teach youth about caring for the environment, preparing for a career, making healthy choices or other priority issues that build a person’s life skills.
“4-H is somewhere outside of school to meet awesome people and learn new skills in a supportive environment,” said DuPage County 4-H’er Yirenny Cordero.
4-H youth development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery, added Henschen.
“The goal is to help youth be ready for adult life, and to grow into adults who are good citizens and leaders.”
A 2018 survey of 4-H members in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties found that as a result of their 4-H experience:
- 94 percent report having a plan for reaching their goals
- 95 percent say they learned things to make a difference in their community
- 96 percent say they can listen well to others
- 97 percent say they are willing to consider ideas of others, even if they are not the same
- 97 percent feel comfortable making their own decisions
- 98 percent feel they have talents to share with others
- 96 percent say they can resolve differences with others in positive ways
- 84 percent have gained leadership responsibilities
- 83 percent say they are confident speaking in front of others
- 95 percent feel connected to a caring adult who is not their parent
To learn more about 4-H and enroll your child in a local club, contact your county Extension office or visit go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk. To see upcoming workshops and events, visit extension.illinois.edu/dkk/events