4-H clubs will be organizing soon for the 2019-2020 4-H year.  Most clubs have their first meeting of the new year in September or October.  4-H is the youth education outreach of University of Illinois Extension.

Kids who like having fun, meeting new people, developing new skills, and getting involved in community projects will want to join 4-H. 4-H welcomes every young person in Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties.  Those who are at least eight years old by September 1, 2019, and not yet 19, can join a 4-H club, get involved in camps, workshops, and special events.

A 4-H club has five or more members and one or more volunteer leaders. Club members elect their own officers, plan club programs, and conduct six or more meetings and other events during the 4-H year.  Each member enrolls in at least one 4-H project. Some clubs also participate in group activities or community service projects.

For those who like traveling, 4-H offers camps, conferences, trips, the Illini 4-H Summer Academies at the U of I, and more.  Countywide and multi-county events such as 4-H workshops, recreational outings, and the many summer county 4-H shows offer plenty of ways for kids to belong to a positive group, develop new skills, become a leader and be around positive mentors and caring adults.

While 4-H is very proud of its agricultural background, it's much more than that now. There are over 100 projects from which to choose, covering virtually every subject imaginable. 

There are 4-H clubs located throughout Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties. Youth are eligible to join whatever club works best for them and their family schedule. There is a $20 4-H program fee, but no one is denied membership because of inability to pay. 

The 4-H program is open to all youth, regardless of place of residence, race, creed, national origin, gender, physical or mental disability, or marital status.

A list of clubs is available on our website, within each county's section. We encourage you to reach out to the club leaders listed or the local 4-H staff to learn more about the clubs. https://extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/4-h-youth-development

Adults who would be interested in becoming a volunteer are also encouraged to call the local Extension office to find out more about applying for a 4-H volunteer role.