University of Illinois Extension serving Clay, Effingham, Fayette and Jasper Counties

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Read the Latest News

• 2011-2012 Unit 21 Annual Report Blog
  
• 4-H Story Writer Blog
  Celebrate the successes of 4-H members as they Learn By Doing
• 4-H Newsletter: Clay County
  Monthly Newsletter of the Clay County 4-H Program.
• 4-H Newsletter: Effingham County
  News from the Effingham County 4-H program.
• 4-H Newsletter: Fayette County
  Monthly newsletter of the Fayette County 4-H Program.
• 4-H Newsletter: Jasper County
  Fair Time! Check out the newsletter to make sure you are prepared for the upcoming shows. Lots of information read closely.
• Illinois Leader
  Leader news from the State 4-H Office.
• Illinois Leader
  Leader news from the State 4-H Office.

Photo Galleries

• 2012 Effingham County 4-H Achievement Night
• 2012 4-H North Pole Officer Training and Cookie Workshop
• 2012 Effingham County 4-H Rachel's Challenge Program
• 2012 Jasper County 4-H Achievement Night Program
• 2012 Fayette County 4-H Achievement Night
• Clay County Achievement Night
• 4-H in the Schools in Jasper County

View all galleries >>

Contact Us

Judy Mae Bingman
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Illinois Extension
1209 Wenthe Drive
Effingham, IL 62401
Phone: 217-347-7773
FAX: 217-347-7775
jmbingma@illinois.edu

Connie L. Elliott
Program Coordinator, Ag/Family/Youth
University of Illinois Extension
1401 Clayton
Newton, IL 62448
Phone: 618-783-2521
FAX: 618-783-2232
celliott@illinois.edu

Patti Logan
Program Coordinator, 4-H and Youth Development
University of Illinois Extension
1209 Wenthe Drive
Effingham, IL 62401
Phone: 217-347-7773
FAX: 217-347-7775
logan1@illinois.edu

Rachelle A. Hollinshead
County Extension Director
University of Illinois Extension
1209 Wenthe Drive
Effingham, IL 62401
Phone: 217-347-7773
FAX: 217-347-7775
rhollins@illinois.edu

Interested in becoming part of the largest youth organization in Illinois? We are here to welcome you to 4-H in Clay, Effingham, Fayette and Jasper counties.

What Is 4H?

4-H is a national organization that helps young people develop knowledge and skills become productive citizens. It also helps them be more capable to meet the diversities and challenges of today's society. 4-H allows youth and adults to work together to design programs that will teach skills for living. 4-H upholds the theme of "learning by doing." 4-H reaches people in their own neighborhoods with delivery methods suitable to their needs. 4-H also helps provide a stronger bond between family members.

The University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Program is a voluntary, nonformal, educational program offered to all boys and girls regardless of race, color, national origin, place of residence, or handicap. The Illinois 4-H program is conducted by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. County and regional 4-H programs are directed by professional Extension staff who train and support the volunteers who work with 4-H members.

Young people in 4-H learn about citizenship, leadership, cooking, arts and crafts, mechanics, horticulture, agriculture, and other subjects. To teach young people about these subjects, the 4-H educational program uses the learn-by-doing method of instruction. The 4-H project, that each member selects according to interest and ability, is the program's cornerstone. A 4-H project is a practical, but challenging, planned course of activity centered around a specific subject. Projects involve setting goals and evaluating progress, and the skills and knowledge learned help members become more productive individuals and citizens.

4-H members participate in regular meetings with their local clubs. The individual members of 4-H clubs also complete projects on a variety of topics. Most of the 4-H clubs take part in annual fairs for each year. Because of the educational concepts and methods developed by pioneers, the 4-H program has stood the test of time. 4-H continues to grow in Illinois, expanding into villages, towns, cities, and suburbs. The Illinois 4-H program now reaches over 150,000 boys and girls, with about 30,000 adult volunteers helping over 4,000 clubs and groups.

Local Resources and Information

Please click a category to view the included resources.

• 4-H Award & Scholarships Applications
  Check here for information about scholarships and awards you can receive in 4-H.
• 4-H Camp
  Check here for all the information about 4-H Camping Opportunities.
• 4-H Enrollment Forms
  Check here for all the forms you need to enroll in 4-H! Welcome to the 4-H Family.
• 4-H Foundations and Support Groups
  How can you support 4-H? Check here for the latest information about your local 4-H fundraising efforts for Extension.
• 4-H Livestock Ethics Certification Status
  Check here to see the current list of 4-Hers who have completed their ethics certification since Jan. 1, 2003.
• 4-H Project Records
  Check here for record sheets to help you keep track of your 4-H projects.
• 4-H Project Scoresheets
  Check out what the judge will be looking for when they grade your 4-H exhibit. Most projects are included. Not seeing yours? Send us an email and we'll see if we can help.
• 4-H Show / Fair / Exhibition Information
  Check here for information about your 4-H Show Exhibition.
• 4-H Volunteer Screening Information
  Check here for enrollment and verification forms for new club leaders.
• Club Resources: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  Clubs which have checking accounts are required to follow all state 4-H, IRS, state and federal requirements. Check with your local Extension office for specific requirements. Several forms you need are available for download here.
• Club Resources: SECRETARY & TREASURE Books
  Clubs are required to file their secretary and treasurer books with the Extension office annually. We've made that job easier by providing a downloadable version of both books you can complete on your computer!
• Help for 4-H Club Leaders
  Check here for information to help club leaders
• Help for New 4-H Club Members
  You've joined 4-H ... now what? Check out the publications below to learn more about being a 4-H member.
• Help for Your 4-H Club Meetings
  Check here for agenda templates, officer help sheets, program ideas, games and so much more. Make your meetings MATTER.
• Illinois State Fair
  Check here for information about 4-H at the Illinois State Fair.
• Teen Trainings
  Opportunities for youth to expand their leadership skills

Additional Topics