A fundamental aspect of 4-H is community service. By allowing youth to meet needs in their community and experience something meaningful, we instill a sense of pride and ownership, build discipline, foster respect for others, and promote civic responsibility.

As restrictions loosened some during the latter part of 2021, more opportunities became available for youth to begin participating in real-world experiences.

Many of the 4-H clubs resumed good works in their neighborhoods, such as clearing debris at cemeteries, collecting food for animal shelters, cleaning out flower beds at local parks, and making decorated lunch sacks to hand out at grain elevators during harvest.

Another central part of 4-H is building life skills through hands-on learning. Fortunately, in 2021, we were able to inspire kids by providing socially-distanced workshops. These activities allow youth to ask adult mentors questions, learn from their mistakes, and share ideas.

4-H’ers learned about making healthy snacks, the importance of being active, learning how to best lead their clubs in their new officer roles, designing, cutting, and affixing custom t-shirt creations, and using an evergreen binding machine to create wreaths from fresh branches.

By providing hands-on activities, we can ensure youth experience the 4-H difference. Because local staff provided safe, socially-distanced activities, Illinois Extension could empower youth to gain skills to lead for a lifetime.