Farming is a way of life for many families, and it often involves the active participation of children and teenagers. While the experience of working on a farm can be invaluable for the development of responsibility, work ethic, and a strong connection to the land, it's essential to prioritize farm...
National 4-H Week is a time when 4-H members across the United States come together to showcase their passion for leadership, citizenship, community service, and all things 4-H. This annual event takes place in the first full week of October...
During the 2022 Mason County Fair, there was a health emergency that inspired 4-H members and volunteers into action. Thanks to the efforts led by Mason County Pleasant Workers 4-H Club and Kountry Kritters 4-H Club there are now two automated external defibrillators (AED) and nine new first aid...
Just because youth are growing up in the city doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in learning about or working with livestock. Peoria County 4-H volunteers have created several unique 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) clubs that invite youth out to the farm to experience first hand the challenges and...
Knowing where your food comes from is vital information for anyone who consumes it. A general understanding of food systems gives people the ability to make informed decisions - in the polling booth, at the grocery store, and around the dinner table. However, not everyone, especially those living...
The need for education and support around youth mental health is an unfortunate reality. Statistics show mental health disorders and suicidal behaviors are rising among young people. This topic was a repeated area of concern addressed by both youth and adults during focus group discussions held by...
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...
Staff from University of Illinois Extension and University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) have been collaborating on a multi-year project with community organizations to expand public access to health and wellness resources. The health...
With close to 300 members and 16 clubs in the Fulton 4-H program, it is the largest local 4-H program and continues to grow. To keep up with the demands, University of Illinois Extension has expanded the Fulton 4-H team and hired...