PEKIN, Ill. - Trying new things is not always easy, but the benefits often outweigh the initial discomfort. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development team in the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit created a new workshop series to engage youth across county lines and expose them to 4-H project-focused topics and activities. Throughout the winter, 86 youth participated in at least one of eight workshops offered through Clovers Around the Counties.

Clovers Around the Counties focused on providing 4-H members with hands-on workshops throughout Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties to help learn more about the wide array of 4-H projects they may exhibit at the 4-H show. To encourage the youth to participate in workshops outside of their home county, they each received a “passport” booklet to get stamped at each workshop they attended. Youth attending three or more workshops in at least two different counties received a special prize. This challenge was accomplished by 16% of the participating youth.

“We wanted to provide 4-H members with meaningful workshops that allowed them the opportunity to learn more about their current passions, explore new possibilities, and make new 4-H friends from around the counties,” explained Emily Schoenfelder, Extension 4-H youth development educator.

When participants were asked about the most beneficial thing they experienced during Clovers Around the Counties, they shared:

• Knowledgeable presenters.
• Socialization with others already interested in the topic.
• Great to have project-focused activities! 
• Being able to do different projects with friends.
• How welcomed the youth were.

The workshops focused on a variety of current 4-H project areas, such as Foods, Visual Arts, Horticulture, Geology, and Livestock. Presenters included University of Illinois Extension Master Volunteers, Peoria Art Guild volunteers, livestock industry specialists, and 4-H volunteers and staff. Youth also had the opportunity to tour Raber Packing in Peoria, as part of the Livestock Day workshop.

“Being able to provide real-world connections to 4-H members and their project areas was a positive bonus to this workshop series. These workshops may have opened the door to someone’s future passion and career,” Emily stated.

Photo Caption

During the Clovers Around the Counties Kitchen Adventures workshop, Katharine Girone, Tazewell 4-H program coordinator, demonstrated the stages of whipped egg whites. As a part of the new series, these workshops provided 4-H members with hands-on topics, helped them develop new friendships, and exposed them to new places throughout the unit.