Chambana Sun

4-H members in Illinois are set to join millions of youth nationwide in celebrating National 4-H Week from October 1-7. The event will highlight the achievements of 4-H youth and showcase the experiences offered by the program.

Illinois 4-H, a part of the University of Illinois Extension, is the largest out-of-school youth organization in the state. It provides development programs across all counties, encouraging learning through hands-on activities. "Our goal is that whatever your interests or talents, 4-H is a program where you feel welcome and have a sense of belonging," said Lisa Diaz, assistant dean and 4-H director.

The program offers various projects based on members' interests, including cooking, robotics, and environmental care. "Letting youth guide what they want to explore allows the project to be self-paced and gives youth important skills in setting and working toward their goals," Diaz explained.

Though rooted in agriculture, 4-H has expanded to include new opportunities such as drones, healthy living, leadership, and creative arts. "4-H has always been about innovation," Diaz noted. "At the end of the day, we want every kid in Illinois to feel that they have a home in 4-H."

Illinois 4-H caters to youth aged 8 to 18, with Cloverbud membership available for those aged 5 to 7. Membership costs $20 annually. Interested individuals can contact their local Extension Office or visit the Illinois 4-H website for more information.

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