State 4-H Office

Blog Posts

Read article: Immersive Ways to Experience Art this Summer
Immersive Ways to Experience Art this Summer
This summer, don’t just look at art, experience it! Whether it’s walking through bustling art fairs, repurposing summer treasures, of creating art...
fawn in a weed patch.
Read article: Tough love in the wild: Lessons from the white-tail doe
Tough love in the wild: Lessons from the white-tail doe
Tough love is hard to give and even harder to receive. But for the white-tailed doe that gives birth to twin fawns each May in Illinois, discipline...
A leader plane leading other planes.
Read article: 10 Ways to Empower Teen Leaders in 4-H
10 Ways to Empower Teen Leaders in 4-H
Retaining teens in 4-H isn’t just about keeping them busy, it’s about giving them purpose, agency, and support. When we help young people take...
Read article: Summer of self-expression: Tips for unlocking creativity all summer long
Summer of self-expression: Tips for unlocking creativity all summer long
As the days grow longer, summer offers the perfect canvas for creativity. Whether experimenting with color, dancing barefoot in the grass, or...

News Releases

Participants pose with a thank you sponsor sign.
Youth culinary event builds confidence, teamwork
Decatur, Ill. --  The Illinois 4-H Food Challenge hosted its second culminating statewide event on June 14, bringing together talented young chefs from across the state to showcase their culinary skills. This program is designed to help youth develop expertise in...
Fishing winners pose with winning catches.
Illinois youth reel in early wins in statewide 4-H fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament is off to a strong start and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge that celebrates outdoor...
Sixth grade students get an up close look at Air Evac during the Ride Right Rally.
Ride Right Rally Teaches Life-Saving Safety Skills to Over 340 Local Youth
Mendon, IL — Off-road vehicle accidents send more than 100,000 people to the emergency room each year in the U.S., with an average of 500-700 lives lost annually. Many of these accidents involve youth—and many are preventable. That’s why Illinois Extension and a coalition of local partners...

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