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.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Oct/01/images/ads/current/culligan_sda_daily_FESTIVALS_2016.png) 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.”
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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.
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