TAKING THE LEAD IN YOUR 4-H CLUB

Support Getting 4-H License Plates on the Road: It's a 4-H Club Challenge

How cool would it be to see 4-H clovers driving down the road! In order to begin production of a 4-H specialty license plate, we must first get $25 from 1,500 Illinois drivers who have a current license plate on file with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Let's have fun with this. The Illinois 4-H Foundation will give prizes to the clubs who get the MOST drivers! The contest runs from April 1 to July 15, 2011!

So what is the 4-H Club Challenge?

Each 4-H club is challenged to find 10 people who will fill out the form and contribute $25 to make 4-H license plates a reality in Illinois. If a club successfully meets this challenge, members will be invited to the Director's Lawn at the 2011 Illinois State Fair to receive a certificate and be recognized for their accomplishment. Included are free gate admittance and free ice cream! Those clubs that go above and beyond the minimum challenge will be eligible for one of three prizes. The clubs are divided in categories based on membership. 4-H members from these clubs will also be invited to be a part of the official 4-H license plate unveiling event!

GIVING A $25 DONATION DOESN'T COMMIT YOU TO BUYING THE PLATE. Your renewal cost will be the same as you normally pay if you decide to get the plate.

Get the forms you need from McLean County Extension OFFICE.

LEARN MORE AT THE ILLINOIS 4-H FOUNDATION WEBSITE @

http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/4-Hclubchallengeresources

Want the 4-H Shooting Sports in McLean County?

Adults helping with 4-H shooting sports clubs must be certified through the University of Illinois' Shooting Sports Training Program. Adults must attend 15-18 hours of training conducted by National 4-H Shooting Sports instructors. The next training will be May 13-15, 2011 at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. CHECK IT OUT by contacting McLean Extension @ 309-663-8306 or email smcghee@illinois.edu

National Volunteer Week: Celebrating People in Action: April 10-16

...it's about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.

...it's about demonstrating to the nation that by
working together,
in unison, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

...it's about taking action, encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change—discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to foster positive transformation.

Volunteers are the way we get things done. 4-H leaders teach young people early by the example they set. Although we appreciate our leaders every day of the year, we really take time during National Volunteer Week to say "Thank You."

IRS information for 4-H Clubs

...will be filed by the county Extension offices by April 15. WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

Legislative visits keep 4-H fresh in folks' minds

We all know how important state funding is to 4-H and the University of Illinois program. The State 4-H office has organized three specific times for 4-H families to share the 4-H story with their legislators. The first week was in March. The next opportunity to share will be April 18-22 when legislators will be in their home offices again. We will be encouraging 4-Hers, 4-H volunteers, 4-H alumni, 4-H clubs to write a postcard or letter. We even have new 4 H marketing postcards or letterhead to help you make a GIGANTIC IMPACT.

The Final Week, May 17-19, will include Speaking For Illinois 4-H members and Youth Leadership Team 4-H members making legislative visits at the capital. In addition, we will be identifying 4-H alumni who work at the capitol and providing them with lapel pins to be worn during the week. Although we won't be having local clubs attend as in past Legislative Connections, you will be represented very well in these trained 4-H members.

Pick up 4-H postcards at the Extension office and plan today when your 4-H Club will write and send postcards to your area representatives.

Let's Move Together

One million Americans are being challenged to complete the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. 4-H is answering this call by setting a goal to have 100,000 4-H members and their families complete their PALA. We want you to log your physical activity for six weeks, five days a week. HOW TO JOIN:

· Go to http://www.presidentschallenge.net/login/register_individual.aspx

· Fill out the registration form.

· When you arrive at your personal dashboard page, click on the groups tab and join the 4-H group.
• Your Group ID Number: 96548
• Your Group Name: National 4-H Program

· As you log activities you'll be able to track your progress toward winning a President's Challenge Award or Medal.

Speaking for Illinois 4-H

Speaking for Illinois 4-H offers older 4-H members an opportunity to give back to the 4-H program by assisting local Extension staff with reporting to elected officials and stakeholders, recruiting volunteers, and identifying and speaking to potential funders. The next SFI4-H training will be May 14 in Sycamore, IL. Registration is available online at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=5376 .

Do you Facebook?

There are several 4-H Facebook groups, including

· http://www.facebook.com/Illinois4H

· http://www.facebook.com/CooperativeExtension

· http://www.facebook.com/pages/Illinois-4-H-Foundation/96722531961

· http://www.facebook.com/4-h

· McLean County 4-H on Facebook

Be sure you have permission from your family to join Facebook!

Can't get enough of the Illinois State Fair?

Then, enter in these NEW Illinois 4-H State Fair Classes.

These classes are open to any 4-H youth who were 10-18 years of age on Sept. 1, 2010. You do not need to be enrolled in Geospatial Technology (Mapmaking) or Filmmaking Video to participate. There is no county selection process, so ANY AND ALL 4-H members may submit their entries online. There is no limit to the number of entries you make. The only requirement is you must be enrolled in a state 4-H project related to what you're uploading. For example, if you are taking a foods project, you may wish to prepare a video of you making cookies; or you may wish to prepare a Google map marking the location of all the food pantries in your town.

My 4-H Project Map

Exhibit a map you created which relates to any state 4-H project in which the member is enrolled. (Project must be listed in the 2010-2011 Illinois 4-H Clover.) (Check the Geospace Project Manual for help on creating a map.)

The map should include at least two layers of data that share information related to the selected 4-H project area (i.e. clothing, theatre arts, etc.). You must register your intent to enter on the "Illinois 4-H State Fair Online" website by August 1. You must upload your map to the same website by Noon on Friday, August 12.

Public display and on-site recognition will be held on Saturday, August 20 at the state fair. The website and procedures for posting entries will be provided to local Extension offices by early summer. Cash awards will be presented to overall winner(s). This class is not eligible for State Fair Premiums.

My 4-H Project Video

Exhibit a video you created which relates to any state 4-H project in which the member is enrolled. (Project must be listed in the 2010-2011 Illinois 4-H Clover.)

The video should be no longer than 5 minutes in length. Videos are to be original and a result of the member's current year's work. Judging will be based on the member's demonstrated knowledge of the 4-H project area, though some demonstrated skill of filmmaking may be considered. It is appropriate for someone else to do the video taking of the member demonstrating their project knowledge. All videos should comply with copyright regulations and display an image that is appropriate for 4-H audiences. No time or date should be imprinted on the video footage. All videos should include an opening title screen, as well as closing credits which include date of production, name of video exhibitor and research sources if appropriate.

You must register your intent to enter on the "Illinois 4-H State Fair Online" website by

August 1. You must upload your video and/or map exhibits to the same website by Noon on Friday, August 12. Exhibits will be judged and feedback posted online by Thursday, August 18.

Public display and on-site recognition will be held on Saturday, August 20 at the state fair.

All members who submit at least one exhibit are eligible to participate in the free awards luncheon in conjunction with this 1^st 4-H Film Festival and Map Gallery event. The website and procedures for posting entries will be provided to local Extension offices by early summer.

iTouch and FLIP camera prizes will be presented to overall winner(s). This class is not eligible for State Fair Premiums.

DATES TO REMEMBER

· Register to participate by AUG. 1 (DETAILS COMING)

· All exhibits must be posted online by noon, AUG. 12

· Judging will be done online AUG. 12-18.

· Winners will be announced AUG. 20

· Categories available for both videos and maps.

Need more information? Call Theresa @ 309-663-8306 or email techamb@illinois.edu

NOTE: McLean County Extension has a limited number of FLIP video cameras available for check out, one week at a time, for a $5 fee. Call to reserve one today, so that you can prepare your video for STATE FAIR ONLINE!

Illini Summer Academies

June 27-29 - University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

This 3-day event provides ANY Illinois teen new opportunities to explore the University of Illinois campus; study potential careers or build their leadership skills; and meet youth from across the state. ISA is open to ALL Illinois high school youth ages 14-18 by Sept. 1, 2011.

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THESE ACADEMIES

· Aerospace Engineering

· Agricultural & Biological Engineering

· Art & Design

· Crop Sciences

· Food Science & Human Nutrition

· Leadership

· Physics

· Veterinary Medicine

Registration Opens March 1; Early Bird Fee Discount good until April 15.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm

Cost ranges from $205—$305 based on which Academy you choose. LIMITED SPACE

Tidbits From here & there around the state of Illinois

SHOW OFF CLUB AT ILLINOIS STATE FAIR

Have fun and earn money for your club by doing an action presentation at the Illinois State Fair. Selective dates from Aug. 12– 20 are available. Contact your local 4-H office or Deb Stocker at the State 4-H Office at: dstocker@illinois.edu. Deadline to enter is April 15. Clubs will be paid a $125 premium.

STATE FAIR SHEEP

If you plan to exhibit sheep at the Illinois State Fair, you must have your wethers weighed and tagged at an official Extension location. Dates range from April 30—May 14. Contact McLean county Extension office to find the site nearest to you.

SOUTHERN REGIONAL DAIRY JUDGING CONTEST

will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Nashville, IL. Call 618-327-8881 by April 15 to pre-register your group or individuals. The contest is for 4-H and FFA members.

4-H MISSIONS IN SPACE

During the 4-H Missions in Space camp, you'll go on a simulated Shuttle Mission, see what life is like on the Space Station and go through some of the work astronauts go through in their training. The camp is open to anyone who will be in the 7th, 8th or 9th grades in the fall 2011. Cost of the trip is $360. Register online at http://extension.illinois.edu/go/space . First payment will be due June 24.

QAEC DEADLINE JUNE 15

Youth exhibiting livestock at the state fair must take the Quality Assurance and Ethics training online at: , http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/ . DEADLINE IS JUNE 15.

Upcoming Events

April 1—July 15

License Plate Challenge

April 1-2, 2011

4-H Great Debate

April 15, 2011

ISA Early Bird Discount

April 16, 2011

Illinois State Robotics Challenge

April 16-17, 2011

Illinois State Hippology, Speech & Horse Bowl Contests

April 18-22, 2011

Visit your legislators!

May 7, 2011

4-H Day with the Cardinals

May 13-15, 2011

Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports Training

May 14, 2011

Speaking For Illinois 4-H

May 17-19, 2011

Visit your legislators!

Ecology Action Center announces the 6th Annual Affordable Fashion Challenge

The Ecology Action Center invites students and community members to participate in the 6th Annual Affordable Fashion Challenge. The event will be held in conjunction with the Illinois Sustainable and Living Wellness Expo on April 9, 2011 at 10 am in the Illinois Wesleyan University Shirk Center.

The purpose of the event is to encourage the reuse of textiles and other materials as a way to reduce waste and preserve natural resources, while saving money and encouraging creativity. Waste effects the environment drastically so by reusing items instead of throwing them out, it can significantly help our environment while being cost efficient at the same time. Participants are invited to submit entries in the apparel, accessories, or interior design category with entries constructed from reused or reclaimed materials while also minimizing materials costs.

The Affordable Fashion Challenge has shown a steady increase in interest and participation since it first began in 2006. The event is open to all, children through adults, with several categories based on age. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category. The registration deadline is March 31, 2011. Please read complete rules and access the entry form at www.ecologyactioncenter.org. For more information, call the Ecology Action Center at (309) 454-3169

State Robotics Challenge

SAVE THE DATE!!! Our 3^rd Annual Illinois State Robotics Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, April 16^th at UIUC. 4-Hers interested in being on a team should sign up online at: http://tiny.cc/4hrobochallenge. The deadline to register is April 1. For more information and details of this year's challenge click this link: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/4hroboticschallenge.cfm

Illinois State Fair - Club/Group Presentations

Applications are due April 15 for clubs to present day-long action demonstrations at the State Fair.

GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY is April 16, 2011

WE NEED YOUR OLD BIKES!: Remember summers spent riding your bike? GYSD can give someone a great and safe summer. OSF is providing bike safety information and giving away 100 new bike helmets. And the WBRP volunteers are fixing up donated bikes to give back to kids in the community. And we need them NOW to prep for GYSD. Please drop them off on Saturday, March 19 from 9-11am at the WBRP Office (Washington @ Allin). Call 829-1200 for more information.

Here are some other things to collect now & drop off on GYSD [Apr 16 from 9-11:30am]: (see attached flyer)

• Bring old eye glasses to Specs Around Town for redistribution to local kids and families through Eye Guys
• Food pantry items can be dropped off at Western Avenue Community Center. If your group collects 100 items you will receive aHunger Hero certificate!
• Books (any and all books!) for the Book Bike can be brought to Mid Central Community Action (at Stillwell & Washington)
• Art supplies can be dropped off at Milestones Early Learning Center (at Stillwell & Market) for distribution to westside youth programs.

Big deadline: March 18 at 5pm: nominations for the 25 under 25 are due AND the Blank Canvas Essay Contest entries. Get it all done on line in no time.

Remember: GYSD is Saturday, April 16. Service projects are 9-11:30am and the Service Celebration is Noon – 1pm at First Christian Church. Find us on Facebook! Visit www.lifeisablankcanvas.org!THANK YOU

2011 Bi-State Horse Workshop, April 2

Workshop presented by experts in Equine subject. Presentation is a combined effort and sponsored by Illinois and Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Services. A total of 12 'breakout session topics' are available, and individual selections of one from each of 4 separate time slots is provided. Workshop runs from 8:00am - 2:15 with lunch provided. Location: Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104 Registration price increases after March 28, so register early to get best price. To view fees, topics, and other detail please click on the link below to open a brochure file. The brochure includes a mail-in registration form, however online registration is encouraged. http://tiny.cc/zq673

4-H Dog Obedience/Dog Agility Classes Set!

When: Monday Evenings April 4-July 11, No class May 30, July 4

• Location: Interstate Center
• Time: Beginner Obedience 6-7:00pm
• Advanced Obedience 7:15-8:15 pm (anyone who has shown in obedience)
• Dog Agility 6-7:00 pm
• Fee: $10 for 12 week class session

Must bring: Copy of current rabies vaccination for 4-H staff to keep.

Instructors: McLean County Fair Dog Superintendents

April 4 - All 4-Hers and dogs should come from 6:00-7:00pm.

Obedience participants - Both the 4-Her and the dog should be present for registration. Your dog's lead and training collar will be checked. If you do not have a lead or training collar, recommendations will be made and some will be available for purchase. Note- Advanced Class -if you attended classes with us last year, AND you don't need to order equipment, you may come the first night of class (April 11) and sign up then.

Agility participants – Dogs and 4-Hers should come for registration and class information.

Please call Kathy at the Extension office 663-8306 with questions.

PQA Training for Swine Exhibitors, April 21, Extension Office, 7 pm

Pork Quality Assurance is to teach all swine exhibitors how to properly take care of their animals. All 4-Hers that plan to show at the Illinois state fair are required to take this class. Woodford will have their PQA training on March 8 at 7 pm.

Tractor Supply Company – Paper Clover Fundraiser, April 15-25

Mark your calendars to shop at TSC April 15-25 to support National 4-H and McLean County 4-H! Mclean County was the top fundraiser in Illinois last year and received a check for over $200! The money was given to the Ardent Tillers 4-H club who worked the booth in the store. They donated it back to Extension asking for the funds to be put towards Fair expenses. Have your club assist with manning the booth. It takes just a few à 1 adult and three-five 4-Hers. The shifts last about two hours and include welcoming guests and sharing with them that they can purchase a clover for a $1. For more information please contact Emily Lilienthal at 309-824-5658 or sign up for a shift at: http://tiny.cc/tsccloverclub

4-H Day with the Cardinals May 7

Missouri and Illinois 4-H members, parents, volunteers, and alumni are gathering at Busch Stadium on Saturday, May 7, 2011 for the 10th annual 4-H Day With the Cardinals event. The Cardinals are playing the Milwaukee Brewers in a 3:10 p.m. game. Tickets for the game are $24.00 each which includes a specially designed t-shirt featuring the 4-H Clover on the back and the Cardinals emblem on the front. 4-H members, leaders, alumni, and their families who purchase 4-H Day With the Cardinals tickets also have the opportunity to participate in a parade around the Busch Stadium outfield. Families can take part in a raffle for great prizes including the chance to throw out the first pitch, autographed baseballs, and tickets to Cardinals baseball games provided by the St. Louis Cardinals Organization. Pre-game ceremonies include a recitation of the 4-H pledge and ceremonial first pitches by an Illinois and Missouri 4-H member. Tickets for the event must be ordered on the 4-H Day With the Cardinals order form. Ticket order forms are available at your local University of Illinois Extension office, or on the web at http://tiny.cc/4hcardinalsgame. This year's postmark deadline is March 28, 2011!

SFI4-H Training, May 14

Speaking for Illinois 4-H offers older 4-H members an opportunity to give back to the 4-H program by assisting local Extension staff with reporting to elected officials and stakeholders, recruiting volunteers, and identifying and speaking to potential funders. To be listed on the state SFI4-H roster, members must attend annual training provided by the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team. A training is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 at the DeKalb County Center for Agriculture in Sycamore, IL Promotional materials and the registration link have been posted on both the 4-H Contacts portal AND on the Illinois 4-H website. The registration link is active and will be open through Wednesday, May 4. http://tiny.cc/sfi4h There is a $10.00 registration fee for the training to help cover costs of materials and lunch.

Quality Assurance & Ethics

Youth must have their certification completed if they wish to exhibit at State Fair in Beef, Goats, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, Poultry and Horses. Certification for the Horse show must be completed by June 9th. The QA&EC website will close down June 15th. Get started here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/

McLean County Week – June 26-30:

A special rate for enrolled 4-H members that register through our office! Cost is $160 for 4-H members enrolled in McLean County. Sibling discounts apply.

(Non 4-H)Friends cost: $175 with a sibling discount of $160.

Registration Form: http://tiny.cc/4hmemcamp

Send registrations to our Extension Office, 402 N Hershey Rd. Bloomington with payment.
Deadline: April 30

Can't attend 4-H camp during McLean County week? No problem. Payment will be $175 per person, and registration forms and payment go directly to 4-H Camp. Sibling discount is $160.

Mini Camp:

A special camp for new or younger kids will be held June 2-4, 2011. Cost of this Mini-Camp Program is $120.

Registration Form: http://tiny.cc/4hminicamp

Send registrations directly to 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Rd. Monticello, IL 61856 with payment.

Deadline: May 30…before camp starts. Call if close to deadline.

4-H Missions in Space (Camp)

Who can go: Youth who will be enrolled in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades in the fall of 2011 (4-H membership is NOT required.) Where to: U. S. Space and Rocket Center Huntsville, Alabama www.spacecamp.com Programs: Astronaut Training Simulated Shuttle Mission Space Station Simulators IMAX® Shuttle Launch; Lodging in Space Habitat; Program tuition: $360; Dates: Oct 6-9, 2011 Registration information here: http://tiny.cc/4hspacecamp

Illinois 4-H State Fair Online, August 12-20

Who: Open to any Illinois 4-H member who meets state fair age requirements (10 or older as of September 1, 2010).What: Share what you have learned about your enrolled 4-H project through a video or map exhibit online. All exhibitors eligible to participate in awards luncheon and "Illinois 4-H Film Festival and Map Gallery" at State Fair, Springfield, IL, August 20th. Industry speakers, club action presentations, and more. Prizes for winning exhibits. When:· Register to participate by August 1^st; - All exhibits must be posted online by noon, August 12^th· Exhibit judging conducted online through interactive website (Aug. 12-18th); · Winners announced Aug. 20th in conjunction with showcase events on state fairgrounds. Eligibility: "My 4-H Project" Video and Map exhibits are open to all 4-Hers – you do not have to be a State Fair "delegate" to participate. Stay tuned for more information from your 4-H leader.

Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team

Do you know an older 4-H member? They may be interested in the IL 4-H Youth Leadership Team. Youth must be 16-19 years of age before September 1, 2011 in order to apply for the 2011-2013 term. Applications will be due mid-June for interviews during ISA or August 1 for interviews during State Fair. Contact Theresa or Sandy if interested.

Rabbits for Sale

I wanted to make you aware that we have mini-rex rabbits and will be having some that we will need to part with. All ages, bucks and does. These bunnies will be fabulous "My Pet Rabbit" candidates as well as Rabbit class projects. They all have pedigrees making them showable. If you know of anyone that is looking to secure something by the May 1st deadline please send them our way. I would like to get a few dollars ($5-$15 a head) out of them to cover feed expenses but am willing to make deals for kids wanting to begin in this project area.
Feel free to pass on my email address or my phone # 309-963-3936 – Andrea (Dawn) Zimmerman

Tractor Supply Store – Clover Card

TSC is offering a special deal to award $500 each month to 5 lucky clubs drawn from transactions using the Clover Card. This is a great opportunity to earn money for the different clubs plus the 4Her gets a discount by using the card. Here is the website to enroll and gives additional information: http://www.tractorsupply.com/content/storeevents/4h

For those enrolled in Robotics:

1. Virtual Robotics: The project information will be on a CD that will include a software install. It will not be hosted on the internet as originally understood. This is good for those with slow internet connections. It will also be available as a download (for a fee) from the national 4-H robotics website.

2. Junkdrawer Robotics: Available in project book form

3. Platform Robotics: Available as a CD.

Oh, the Places You'll Go…in 4-H!, March 28, 6:30-8:30 pm @ HCC

Hear testimonials from real McLean County 4-H members who have soared to new heights! Learn about the process to achieve more in 4-H & leave with the tools necessary to complete 4-H records. Register online here: http://tiny.cc/4hotheplace

AgDiscovery

AgDiscovery is an outreach program to help students learn about careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, agribusiness and plant pathology. This 2-3 week program allows participants ages 12-17 to live on a college campus and learn about Agricultural science from university professors, practicing veterinarians and professionals working for the U.S. Government. Students chosen to participate in AgDiscovery will gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops, field trips and other group and team building activities. The deadline to apply is April 15 http://www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery/

Operation Santa

McLean County's HCE (Home & Community Education) women will be collecting stockings again this year. They are asking 4-Hers and 4-H clubs to collect items needed to fill the stockings along with material for stockings. Remember it does not have to be Christmas materials. We have stocking patterns for those who want them.

Individual drink mixes for bottled water, hot cocoa, bags of beef jerky, instant soups, granola bars, chewing gum, breath mints, hard candy, lip baum, white or black athletic socks (NOT DRESS SOCKS), wipes, pocket pack of tissues, hand sanitizer, tooth brush, travel size toothpaste, dental floss.

(NO SOAP, CHOCOLATE, TEA, GLASS, AEROSOL CANS, OR FULL SIZE TOILETRIES) These supplies may be taken to the Farm Bureau Building at 402 N. Hershey, Bloomington.

Join other McLean County 4-Hers in Monticello, at 4-H Memorial Camp this summer! McLean County's week is June 26-30. Operated by the University of Illinois Extension, summer youth camp is open to all youth ages 8 - 16 years old. Following with the 4-H mission to foster positive youth development through a "learn-by-doing" philosophy, campers experience a five-day, four-night camp full of activities and learning. Swimming, boating, hiking, arts & crafts, fishing, singing, volleyball, softball, the list goes on and on!

Youth campers benefit from a summer camp experience in many ways, but most campers establish a greater sense of independence, responsibility, self-confidence, respect for others, and an increased appreciation for the natural environment. 4-H Memorial Camp is accredited through the strict standard of the American Camping Association and exceeds their requirements for the proper administration, personnel, program, health care, and aquatics of a residential camp.

McLean County Week – June 26-30:

A special rate for enrolled 4-H members that register through our office! Cost is $160 for 4-H members enrolled in McLean County. Sibling discounts apply.

(Non 4-H)Friends cost: $175 with a sibling discount of $160.

Registration Form: http://tiny.cc/4hmemcamp

Send registrations to our Extension Office, 402 N Hershey Rd. Bloomington with payment.
Deadline: April 30

Can't attend 4-H camp during McLean County week? No problem. Payment will be $175 per person, and registration forms and payment go directly to 4-H Camp. Sibling discount is $160.

Mini Camp:

A special camp for new or younger kids will be held June 2-4, 2011. Cost of this Mini-Camp Program is $120.

Registration Form: http://tiny.cc/4hminicamp

Send registrations directly to 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Rd. Monticello, IL 61856 with payment.

Deadline: May 30…before camp starts. Call if close to deadline.

To conserve costs, we've emailed this notification to your family. If you would like a paper copy of the registration form and information, please call our office at 309-663-8306 or stop by and pick up a packet.

MARCH McLean County 4-H Shooting Sports - Air Rifle - First Level

Register now for the March 12 4-H Air Rifle-Level 1, offered by state certified 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle Instructors. The Class will offer three time choices that day: 9-10:30 AM, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM. Participation in each session will be limited to 20 participants per session, on a "first registered - first served" basis. If, after registering, you find that you are unable to attend, please call Sandy at 309-663-8306 (ext. 204), or email to smcghee@illinois.edu In this way, we can insure that all 60 spots will be filled the day of the sessions. For more details and to register CLICK HERE TODAY

Shooting Sports Instructor Training for Adult Volunteers

Join the eight McLean County 4-H Volunteers trained in Shooting Sports. Adults wishing to become certified in the shooting disciplines (archery, rifle and shotgun) must attend a weekend training in which they receive 15-18 hours of instruction, from nationally trained instructors. Two trainings will be held: March 25-27 and May 13-15, 2011. Both trainings will be held at 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello, IL. (While we are aware that the first training, March 25-27, may provide weather uncertainties, this date has been scheduled for the many adults who are in the farming business and previous trainings would not allow them to attend due to planting and harvest.) At present, McLean County 4-H Shooting Sports has five volunteers trained in rifle, two in shotgun, and one in archery. Please call 663-8306 and ask Sandy for more information.