Many Options Available For Local Youth To Take Part In 4-H

One out of every seven adults in the U.S. is a former 4-H member.

Washington County 4-H Clubs are accepting new members this month to grow that number even higher.

4-H youth development programs provide hands-on learning activities for youth in Illinois and throughout the country. 4-H youth programs focus on leadership, citizenship and life skills.

Every county in Illinois has a 4-H program which is operated through University of Illinois Extension.

4-H club membership is open to youth aged 8 to 18.

Youth 5 to 7 years of age may join the 4-H Cloverbud program.

There are several ways to participate in 4-H:

Youth may join 4-H community clubs, coordinated by local certified adult volunteers.

Each club decides how often it meets, the location of its meetings and the activities held during the meeting.

Members may select from many different project areas to study while they build leadership, teamwork, cooperation, decision-making and communication skills.

Youth may also choose to focus on a very specific project area and join a club specifically related to that one project.

Robotics, tractors, gardening, shooting sports, and taxidermy, are just a few of the popular topics for special interest clubs.

Washington County 4-H members exhibited projects in a wide range of areas last summer as part of their 4-H Project Work.

There are more than 200 projects to choose from in 4-H. For information on how to get your child enrolled in 4-H, please call the Washington County Extension Office at 618-327-8881.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the extension office at (618)327-8881.