Each Fall, Illinois 4-H kicks off a new year, and 4-H programs are hosts to open-house events to celebrate in DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Counties.
The 4-H Youth Development programs focus on building leadership, citizenship, and life skills. In the coming weeks, our University of Illinois Extension team and 4-H clubs from each community will have hands-on activities and the opportunity to meet volunteers and staff members.
“In 4-H, youth are brought together in clubs, led by caring adults, who welcome them as a part of the larger 4-H family,” said Leilah Siegel, 4-H Youth Development Educator with University of Illinois Extension. “We welcome interested families to check out what 4-H is all about and meet staff as well as volunteer leaders, who are the backbone of our program.”
Events in the tri-county area will be held at the three fairgrounds:
• DuPage County: Sept. 30, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton.
• Kane County: October 4, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.
• Kendall County: October 7, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 10826 IL Route 71, Yorkville.
There is no need to register for these open houses. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact 630-584-6166 or uie-dkk@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs. For more information, fill out an interest survey at go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk.
4-H programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery. Every county in Illinois has a 4-H program, which is part of University of Illinois Extension. The 4-H club membership is open to youth ages 8 to 18, and the Cloverbud program is designed for ages 5 to 7. Through 4-H, youth can explore many areas of study, including animal sciences, creative arts, environmental sciences, health and nutrition, college and career readiness, global awareness, and STEM.
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. The 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
— University of Illinois Extension