Rockford, ILL [September 29, 2021]—It’s time to show your green clover pride as National 4-H Week is celebrated October 3-9, 2021. This year, University of Illinois Extension – Winnebago County 4-H has set some big plans to highlight the program, it’s youth, and volunteers throughout the week.
“The theme is ‘Find Your Spark,’” explains Winnebago County 4-H Program Coordinator Becky Gocken, “And that’s just what we’re going to do! We’re focusing on sharing the power of 4-H and how that passion ignites within our youth and continues to grow with them.”
Illinois 4-H is open to any and all youth ages 5 to 18 years old. Youth are empowered and prepared for success through the various programming available from monthly club activities. Projects and educational programs are specific to areas of youth interest. Leadership development is also an important factor in 4-H and through the many volunteers, 4-H helps shape youth into productive leaders.
“During National 4-H Week, we celebrate our members and volunteers and all that they do,” summarizes Winnebago County Director Margaret Larson. “As we promote 4-H in our local communities, we want to invite everyone to learn more about their local clubs and consider attending a meeting or event. 4-H is for everyone,” she adds.
To celebrate National 4-H week, families can participate in a multi-county scavenger hunt using the mobile app, ‘GooseChase.’ “It’s really a neat idea,” says Gocken, “families can spend time together searching for various items listed in the scavenger hunt. They take photos and/or videos and submit them for points on the app. Winnebago County will be in competition with Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties—and of course, our county is going to win!” exclaims Gocken.
Gocken has other activities planned to include daily challenges throughout the week as well as the National 4-H Week Window Display Contest and even some volunteering!
“We have a lot of fun activities planned for National 4-H Week. We’re especially looking forward to seeing everyone’s window displays,” says Gocken. Local clubs throughout Winnebago County will create window displays for a contest to win the Robert Lund Memorial Award. Displays for this annual event must be set up on Oct.4.
“To end the week, we will be helping the organization ‘Kids Around the World’ at their local warehouse on Saturday, Oct. 9,” adds Gocken. “Through this volunteer service, youth will be packaging meals to be shipped and served overseas to malnourished children in orphanages, schools, homes, churches and community centers,” she continues.
The Winnebago County 4-H also has digital billboards and yard signs advertising National 4-H week. You can see updates throughout the week by visiting the Facebook page, University of Illinois Extension- JoDaviess/ Stephenson/ Winnebago 4-H. Participants are recommended to use the hashtag #FindYourSpark or #National4HWeek as they share their 4-H activities on social media.