4-H Teaches Youth New Skills

Submitted by the University of Illinois Extension

Photo: Waubonsee Community College’s Mark Gloudeman leads a session of the three-part welding workshop in Aurora. The participating youth learned different types of welding techniques and principles.

Dozens of local kids and teens joined Kendall County 4-H in June for a diverse line-up of summer enrichment opportunities through University of Illinois Extension.

Led by local volunteers, June workshops focused on a variety 4-H project areas, including animal care, foods, horticulture, welding and visual arts.

“We appreciate all of our volunteers for sharing their valuable time and expertise through our 4-H summer workshop series,” said Kim Eisnaugle, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator for Kendall County. “Whether the participating youth were 4-H’ers preparing for the fair or community members trying new things and developing new skills, these fantastic volunteers helped make their summer more special.”

Volunteers included: Yorkville School District art teacher Lauren Campbell; Mark Gloudeman, assistant professor of welding at Waubonsee Community College; local artist Jeanne Dennis; Kendall County 4-H Show superintendents Amber DeLancy, rabbits, Lynn Rott, horticulture, Dave Gemmer, poultry and Anne Sears, food & nutrition; swine producer Mike Hufendick; and 4-H members Evie Martin, James Martin, Haley Morris, Sarah Roberts, Ally Rott, and Livia Way.

“There are hundreds of 4-H project areas, ranging from science and robotics to animals and livestock to arts and humanities, to name just a few,” she explained. “While you are at the Kendall County Fair this summer, we welcome you to visit the 4-H project exhibits and animal shows to see more of the wonderful work of our 4-H youth.”

The 2015 Kendall County Fair will be July 30 to August 2. For more information on fair location, tickets and events, visit http://kendallcountyfair.org/

Prior to the annual county fair, 4-H also welcomes spectators for three additional shows: the 4-H Horse Gaming Contest on July 15 beginning at 3 p.m. at Harris Forest Preserve, the annual 4-H Horse Show on July 18, starting at 9 a.m. at HFP, and the 4-H Fashion Revue, a runway-style show of clothing projects, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 at Yorkville Congregational Church. All are free events.

4-H Youth Development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery. For more information on 4-H opportunities in Kendall County, call 630-553-5823 or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.

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.