Register Online

Read the Latest News

Pubs Plus

Contact Us

Diane Baker
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development-Metro & Military
University of Illinois Extension
321 W 2nd Avenue
Milan, IL 61264
Phone: 309-756-9978
FAX: 309-756-9987
bakerd@illinois.edu

Cheryl Geitner
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Illinois Extension
321 W 2nd Avenue
Milan, IL 61264
Phone: 309-756-9978
FAX: 309-756-9987
cgeitner@illinois.edu

Tracy Fowler-Pestle
Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development, Mercer
University of Illinois Extension
2106 SE Third Street
Aledo, IL 61231
Phone: 309-582-5106
FAX: 309-582-7338
fowlerpe@illinois.edu

Rebecca Ebert
Program Coordinator, 4-H and Youth Development - Henry/Stark Counties
University of Illinois Extension
26234 Black Hawk Road
Galva, IL 61434
Phone: 309-853-1533
FAX: 309-853-1634
rebert2@illinois.edu

4-H Youth Development

4-H Youth Development

General information can be learned about 4-H youth development on this page. To learn more about a specific county, please click on their web site!

Our Mission

To help youth learn skills for living.

Our Values

Because we value youth and their families, we believe in:

Life-long learning

  • empowers people to voluntarily help themselves and others.
  • stimulates skill development for life long living.
  • builds leadership skills for betterment of self, family and community.
  • improves the quality of life today and for future generations.
  • focuses on individuals and relationships.

Research-based education

  • responds to youth needs.
  • maximizes community assets.
  • promotes collaborations and builds partnerships.
  • fosters individual and community ownership.
  • mobilizes skills and talents of volunteers.
  • teaches life skills through hands on experience.

Diversity

  • recognizes individual uniqueness.
  • encourages participation regardless of economic, social or familial background, cultural status, religion, age, ability or gender.
  • provides multiple perspectives.
  • identifies the importance of each family regardless of its composition.
  • creates a positive environment for program involvement for all.

What's going on in 4-H?

So many events and activities are happening for youth to participate in!  We have the QC Teen Leadership Academy, 4-H Federation, Leadership Development, Teens as Teachers, Council and Committee representatives, Horse Bowl and Hippology and lots of SPIN Clubs!  Check our web site on a regular basis to keep up with all of the events!

Questions? Contact Cheryl Geitner, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development at cgeitner@illinois.edu

Featured Websites

Illinois 4-H 4-H Leader Orientation Who Wants To Be a Parliamentarian Quality Assurance and Ethics Certification 4-H Program Planning 4-H Volunteer Courses

Additional Websites

  • All About 4-H
    All About 4-H is a terrific resource for 4-H volunteers, parents and youth!
  • 4-H FAQs
    The most commonly asked questions about 4-H.
  • 4-H Ceremonies
    Discover scripts for common 4-H ceremonies.
  • Livestock E-Quiz
    This site provides youth and adults the opportunity to quiz themselves about dairy, beef, horses, sheep and forages.
  • Becoming 4-H Savvy
    Basic information for volunteers about the ins and outs of 4-H.
  • Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports
    Illinois 4-H Shootings sports provides experiences for youth in archery, rilfe and shotgun sports.

Local Resources and Information

Please click a category to view the included resources.

Additional Topics

Horticulture Community and Economic Development Family Life Consumer Economics Commercial Agriculture Environment and Energy Stewardship Leadership and Local Government Local Food Systems and Small Farms Nutrition and Wellness Schools Online