|
 4-H youth development programs provide hands-on learning
activities for youth in Illinois and are assisted by more than
13,000 volunteer adult leaders. One out of every seven adults in the
U.S. is a former 4-H member. ”4-H’ers learn by doing philosophy
encourages youth to experiment, innovate, and think independently,
said Carissa Akpore, University of Illinois Extension Youth
Development Educator. “4-H grows confident kids who tackle issues
that matter most in their communities.” Illinois 4-H members prepare
for their future by studying careers related to their 4-H project.
“They choose from more than 100 projects to study,” said Akpore. The
topics range from rocketry, GPS, computer game design, and public
speaking to photography, animal science, nutrition, and more.
 Katlyn Helton, a 17 year old 4-H member of the Middletown 4-H’ers
club says “As a 4-H Ambassador, I really learned how our community
has a big need for kids with low self-esteem. I am currently working
on a program to help kids who have trouble at school realize this is
not a healthy path. I will be teaching high school teens to work
with junior high students and hopefully create bonds with troubled
students and bring them into a more positive life style.”
Katie Lynn, a 15 year old 4-H member of the Cloverdale 4-H club and
participant in the 4-H Teen Teacher program for Ag in the Classroom
and IL Junior Chef, states “Participating in the Teen Teacher
program helped me become a better, more confident leader. It showed
me how to set goals and accomplish them.”
[to top of second column] |
Molly Schempp, a 15 year old 4-H member of the Atlanta Ag 4-H club says “My 4-H
public speaking project has taught me how to present a topic I love or have
great knowledge for a group of strangers as well as friends; in a formal
situation or simple conversation. It has helped me in school reports, essays,
and even future job applications.”
4-H club membership is open to youth aged 8 – 18. Youth 5 to 7 years of age may
join the 4-H Cloverbud program. To learn more about Logan County 4-H and enroll
your child in a local club, contact the Logan County 4-H office at 732-8289.
[Patty Huffer
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension]
About 4-H: Illinois 4-H strives
to help youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois
Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois.
Illinois 4-H aims to impact the lives of 200,000 youth each year
through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term
programming.
 |
