4-H members in Illinois will join the 6 million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 2-8. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4‑H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4‑H offers young people.

Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth program for the University of Illinois Extension and the largest out-of-school youth organization in Illinois. 4-H youth development programs in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington counties challenge youth to “learn by doing” with fun, hands-on activities.  Kids can learn, practice, and demonstrate new skills while exploring the interests that are important to them. 

In 4-H, youth are brought together in clubs, led by caring adults, who welcome them as a part of the larger 4-H family.

In 4-H, members learn about topics that interest them through projects. That could be anything from learning how to cook, build a robot, or care for the environment.  Members can explore these topics through 4-H experiences such as community clubs, special interest clubs, workshops, and more.

There are several community clubs across the all counties that meet monthly, and a wide range of special interest clubs, or start a new community club or special interest club of your own. You can learn more at upcoming open house events.

• Bond County-October 5 from 5-7 p.m. at Patriot's Park Meeting Room outside Greenville
• Clinton County-October 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the Clinton County Extension Office in Breese
• Jefferson County-October 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon
• Marion County-October 12 from 5-7 p.m. at the Marion County Extension Office in Salem
• Washington County-October 9 from 2-4 p.m. at the Nashville Community Center Cafeteria

Illinois 4-H members range in age from 8 to 18. Youth who are 5 to 7 years of age may join 4-H as a Cloverbud member.  New members can get more information by calling Kara at 618-548-1446 or email uie-bcjmw@illinois.edu.