BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – This summer, teens from Kankakee and Will counties converged in Bourbonnais for a two-month intensive training led by University of Illinois Extension 4-H called Teen Teachers. The goal? To educate youth ages 5-8 about making good nutritional choices and how to cook healthy foods.
“Using the elements of positive youth development such as belonging, independence,...
News releases
Fall into 4-H in Will County to bring old fashioned harvest fest fun for the whole family
JOLIET, Ill - Connecting with family and community is vital for thriving youth - but good quality family events that check all the boxes is hard to find. It's either too expensive, not local, or simply not interesting. That's all changing with Joliet's...
Fall Forage Walk 2023
Join Dr. Jason Robinson for a Fall Forage walk! In this FREE event, walk down the trail at Aroma Land and Water Reserve as Dr. Robinson points out edible plants along the trail. Wear walking clothes and shoes.
Details in registration!
Grow your own Garlic
Join University of Illinois Extension for our annual Grow Your Own Garlic workshop! Learn all about growing garlic and go home with two different varieties of garlic to try your skills!
Advanced registration is required along with a $10 registration cost which covers all supplies...
Fall bulbs, lilies, and iris
Join University of Illinois Extension for this highly requested workshop on fall bulbs, lilies, and iris! Learn all about these great fall plantings.
Advanced registration is required along with a $10 registration fee – which includes all supplies and a plant to take home!
Dye fabric with plants
Join University of Illinois Extension as we learn how to use plants as fabric dye! Participate in some hands-on learning and develop skills to be used in your own hobbies.
Advanced registration is required along with a $10 registration fee – includes all supplies.
Native Illinois Bees with Nick Anderson
Join us for Wilderness Wednesdays, evening zoom meetings all about the wilderness! We are partnering with experts from across the state to bring you information about nature. Attend all sessions or just the ones you would like to attend! Register below!
September 6 -...
Reptiles and amphibians of Illinois with Dr. Jim Crawford
Join us for Wilderness Wednesdays, evening zoom meetings all about the wilderness! We are partnering with experts from across the state to bring you information about nature. Attend all sessions or just the ones you would like to attend! Register below!
September 6 -...
Dragonflies with Amy Janick
Join us for Wilderness Wednesdays, evening zoom meetings all about the wilderness! We are partnering with experts from across the state to bring you information about nature. Attend all sessions or just the ones you would like to attend! Register below!
September 6 -...
Building a Habitat for Birds with Dr. Michael Ward
Join us for Wilderness Wednesdays, evening zoom meetings all about the wilderness! We are partnering with experts from across the state to bring you information about nature. Attend all sessions or just the ones you would like to attend! Register below!
September 6 -...
Hike the A.T. Outdoor Skills & Adventures
Love the outdoors, outdoor skills, hiking, and adventures such as glamping (indoor camping)? If so, this program is for you! Participants will learn all about the Appalachian Trail and learn the skills they would need to hike it in the future!
In collaboration with ...
Creating Impactful Images
Do you love taking photos and being in nature? If so, we'll teach you how to "create images" that tell a story in this level 1 photography program. Already know the basics? Join us as a Teen or Volunteer Teacher!!!
In collaboration with ...
Outdoor Skills & Overnight Camping
Love the outdoors, outdoor skills, and cooking? Want to give overnight camping a try? This event is for you!
This summer, youth age 12-18 (or younger with guardian attendance and assistance) can participate in a fun and engaging outdoor skills program and overnight camp at ...
Exploring Environmental Engineering
Do your kids love understanding and creating things, being in nature, and getting involved in hands-on projects? During this interactive, fun, and educational program, youth will be introduced to the basics of environmental engineering in collaboration with and at ...
Homeschool S.T.E.A.M
Are you a homeschooling family who is looking for a local science program with fun, interactive, hands-on learning? If so, this homeschool program may be a great fit for you!
Each month this fall, homeschool youth in grades K-3 will have the opportunity to learn about and create projects in a...
"What's Your Spark" Teen Teacher Training
This fall, teens will have the opportunity to learn not only what their "spark" is (interests), but also learn leadership skills and put their knowledge and skills to the test in optional Teen Teacher hosted workshops to showcase their skills.
All youth age 12-18 from any county and regardless of...
Fall into 4-H
The family event you won't want to miss - local in Joliet, IL
Join Illinois Extension 4-H for a good old-fashioned harvest festival! This free event is perfect for the whole family – join us and spend some quality time with family and friends.
Enjoy over 10+ educational stations including...
Attending an event?
If you are planning to attend an event, simply email the event contact indicated on the listing or email Anthony Warmack, communications coordinator. Volunteer opportunities are also available for many programs!
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