4-H Blogs | Illinois Extension

Jr. Master Naturalist 4-H club offers fun, education, and adventure

October 6, 2023

For the past twelve years, adults in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties have been engaged in local natural resource education and volunteer efforts in the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist (EMN) program. Now youth can have the same...

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Picture of a defibrillator and first aid kit

4-H generosity brings life-saving equipment and first aid to county fairgrounds and 4-H events

October 6, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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4-H youth with her sheep at the livestock show

Livestock focused 4-H clubs offer youth unique learning opportunities

September 15, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Extension Educator with students at a farm with animals

4-H Embryology in the Classroom program helps students learn about food systems and STEM

August 9, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Focus groups help identify and address needs related to health equity

July 11, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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People gathered around a table, having a conversation

Youth Wellness Workshop provides direct education to address growing concern for youth mental health

July 11, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Children watching a cooking demonstration

New Clovers Around the Counties 4-H workshop series opened doors to topics, friendships, and new places

July 11, 2023

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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 engage youth across county...

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Rachel Van Cleve joins growing Fulton 4-H program

June 7, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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 Rachel Van Cleve as an...

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4-H camp helps campers thrive by engaging teens in data-based goal setting

June 7, 2023

Extension Snapshots

Summer camp programs are a long-standing tradition throughout the country. They provide positive youth development through overnight experiences in outdoor settings away from the distractions of everyday life. Summer 4-H camps offer a unique aspect in that they engage older youth as leaders. Teens...

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New webinar series connects stakeholders to educators

June 7, 2023

Extension Snapshots

In the past year, three new educators have joined the University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit team. This new team of six worked together recently to showcase the expanded programs and knowledge base they offer locally to help make people and communities better. The 5-...

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