4-H Blogs | Illinois Extension

4-H Spark Camp provided interactive, skill-building activities virtually

July 8, 2021

Hands-on, experiential learning is at the core of the 4-H program. When programs were transitioned to virtual, local 4-H staff developed an innovative program called 4-H Spark Camp that upheld the 4-H learning style that youth and their families could do together at home. “During the worst of the...

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Lessons learned at Farm Safety Day left a lasting impression

July 8, 2021

Accidents can happen in a split second. It is never too young to start learning how to be situationally aware and safer. For the past 30 years, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau have made it a priority to teach area...

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Picture of a landscape with a lone tree and the title, Joy Project

Mason County 4-H Federation “Joy Project 2021” promotes mental, emotional, and social health

June 9, 2021

After months of being sheltered in place in 2020, Mason 4-H Federation teens were feeling the emotional effects and decided to do something to help others who may be feeling the same. Combining their leadership and program planning skills with their creative skills and empathy, they launched The...

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4-H alumni give back as volunteers

May 6, 2021

Once a 4-Her, always a 4-Her. According to the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association, 25 million Americans share the unique bond of being a 4-H alum, each with a unique story. Whether it's spending time at 4-H camp, conquering public speaking...

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4-H pet care projects teach responsibility to youth

May 6, 2021

Pets bring a lot of joy to the homes where they live. When young family members help take care of pets, they learn valuable responsibility skills. 4-H provides tools and learning opportunities for youth to develop those skills. 4-H pet care projects include Cat, Dog, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, and Small...

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4-H Federation members develop leadership skills by offering encouragement

April 7, 2021

The best leaders are those who also serve others. 4-H offers a wide variety of opportunities for youth to develop those servant leadership skills. The four 4-H Federation groups in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties have worked hard over the past year encouraging others through 12 various...

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New Connection Corner blog provides tools to support youth mental health during stressful times

March 10, 2021

Youth and families are currently impacted by a variety of stressful events outside of their control. Changes in normal routines, limited social interaction with friends and families, and missed significant life events can all increase the stress and anxiety children and families are feeling....

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Tazewell 4-H members experience a unique drive-thru award ceremony

February 15, 2021

The skill mastery exhibited during the 2020 Virtual 4-H Shows seemed extra special this year and deserved an extra special recognition. A drive-thru awards ceremony was held honoring the Tazewell County 4-H Virtual Show exhibitors. “An important part of the 4-H experience is the recognition of...

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Teen working with a project from Storybook Engineering program

Storybook Engineering Kits created to provide lessons and connections for youth at home

December 7, 2020

Combining classic children’s literature with engineering activities resulted in a unique learning combination for a unique situation. 4-H staff with University of Illinois Extension serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties created “Storybook Engineering” kits for youth to use at home...

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Peoria teens help boost virtual 4-H Show involvement

November 5, 2020

Peoria County 4-H members look forward to the day they are old enough to become a Junior Superintendent at the 4-H Show. That volunteer role holds a special place of honor for a small group of teens each year. While their responsibilities looked very different for the 2020 Virtual 4-H Show, the...

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