Curious About 4-H? Learn More About It

Submitted by the University of Illinois Extension

Ever wonder what 4-H is, or what the four Hs stand for? Answer these questions and learn more about this positive youth development program by experiencing the four Hs – head, heart, hands and health – through fun activities and informative stations this October.

Kendall County 4-H will host an open house to kick-off the new 4-H year from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Yorkville. The event provides an opportunity for interested families and community members to learn about 4-H, meet club members and volunteer leaders, check out 4-H curriculum and projects, and take part in hands-on activities.

“This annual 4-H open house welcomes interested families to come check out what Kendall County 4-H is all about,” said Kendall County 4-H Program Coordinator Kim Eisnaugle. “It also signifies the start of a new 4-H year and of National 4-H Week, which is Oct. 4 to 10 this year.”

Every county in Illinois has a 4-H program, which is operated through University of Illinois Extension. 4-H club membership is open to youth aged 8 to 18, and the Cloverbud program is designed for ages 5 to 7.

“4-H Youth Development programs provide hands-on learning, and focus on building leadership, citizenship and life skills,” said Eisnaugle. “We also place an emphasis on community service and healthy lifestyles. Through 4-H, youth can explore many areas of study, including culinary arts, visual arts, horticulture, technology, science and more than 100 others.

According to a 10-year Tufts University research project, 4-H youth are five times more likely to graduate from college than non-4-H peers. 4-H members also are: four times more likely to make contributions to their communities, three times more likely to spend time exercising or being physically active, and twice as likely to be active in school and achieve academically.

The Kendall County 4-H kick-off event will be at the University of Illinois Extension office, 7775B Illinois Route 47 in Yorkville. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any program, please contact the office at 630-553-5823, at least two weeks prior to the event.

For more information on the 4-H program in Kendall County, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/ 4-H is part of University of Illinois Extension. It is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.