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Illinois 4-H

@illinois4h

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Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of ACES.

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🎮 Ready to level up? Join us for the 2026 4-H Esports Tournament at LodgeCon! 🎉

Illinois 4-H is bringing the excitement back to LodgeCon with epic one-on-one Super Smash Bros.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, this is your chance to show off your skills, make new friends, and celebrate teamwork and sportsmanship. Not competing? You can still be part of the action—sign up to volunteer and help make this event unforgettable!

🗓️ Dates: Juniors (ages 8-13), Saturday, Nov. 7 | Seniors (ages 14-18), Sunday, Nov. 8
⏰ Check-in: 9 a.m. | Tournament starts: 10 a.m.
📍 Will County Fairgrounds Atrium, 710 S. West St., Peotone

Don’t miss out—register now and get ready to play, cheer, or volunteer: go.illinois.edu/2026-esports by @illinois4h

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Scholarship spotlight!

STEM/Robotics Scholarship recipient Benjamin Wamsley of Christian County shared, "4-H to me is about opportunity. There are very few organizations that allow youth to try and learn new things, some of which could spark future career interests."

Congratulations to Benjamin and all of our award recipients! by @illinois4h

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2 days ago

"It's not just a conference. It's a chance to meet people who share your drive, learn from top leaders in the field, and bring back ideas that can truly make an impact."

That's how past Illinois 4-H Sustaining the Future Award recipient Mason Hilmes describes his Premier 20 Conference experience.

If you're passionate about agriculture, leadership, and serving your community, the Illinois 4-H Sustaining the Future Award could be your next opportunity to grow. Recipients attend Premier 20, connect with fellow young leaders, and gain valuable skills and experiences they can bring back home.

Applications are due November 1st.
Apply today at the link in bio or at bit.ly/4-HAward. by @illinois4h

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Fall is build season: Enter your "fall fun" creation in our free build contest.

Youth ages 8 to 18: 4-H build season has arrived! Compete in our free virtual Building Brick Challenge Series to show off your original plastic building brick builds.

The October contest theme is “Fall Fun”. Create an original build showing off your favorite fall activity and submit it for a chance to win fun buildable prizes! Entry deadline is 11 PM October 31!

View complete contest details at go.illinois.edu/4HBuildSeries. by @illinois4h

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3 days ago

Scholarship spotlight!

STEM/Robotics Scholarship recipient Dhruv Ravinuthala of McLean County shared, "4-H has taught me how to work with others, both as a follower and as a leader."

Congratulations to Dhruv and all of our award recipients! by @illinois4h

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4 days ago

A small donation can make a big difference.

This fall, Casey’s and 4-H are teaming up to help more young people become Beyond
Ready for career, life, and their future. Add a donation to your online or app order through October 31.

Every dollar helps support local 4-H programs that empower youth with leadership,
problem-solving, and workforce-ready skills. by @illinois4h

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We had such a great time at the 2026 Illinois 4-H College and Career Readiness Roadtrip!

Thank you to all who came and participated! by @illinois4h

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Ready to lead, connect, and grow? 🌊

Join us at the 2026 Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference, where future leaders are made! If you’re a 7th or 8th grader in Illinois, don’t miss this action-packed weekend filled with hands-on activities, new friendships, and unforgettable leadership experiences. Build your skills in communication, teamwork, and decision-making, and discover how Illinois 4-H can help you shine as a leader.

Only 100 spots are available, and this event always fills up fast—register early to secure your place!

🗓️ November 14-15
📍 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield
💲 $215 (includes lodging, T-shirt, meals, supplies, and activities)
⏰ Registration deadline: October 19 or until full

Visit the Jr. Leadership Conference website for details and registration: go.illinois.edu/jlc_26 by @illinois4h

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5 days ago

How would you describe 4-H in one word?

We had an amazing 4-H week and hope you did too! by @illinois4h

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7 days ago

Every 4-H journey starts somewhere. As we wrap up National 4-H Week, we’re celebrating youth in agriculture and sharing advice from our YEA committee members for new 4-H’ers.

Thinking back to your own experience, what advice would you offer someone getting started? Tell us in the comments!

#YouthinAg #4H #Ilinois #Youthprograms by @illinois4h

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8 days ago

We are thankful for the many generous supporters of Illinois 4-H! Today, we are highlighting @Compeer Financial, The BRANDT Foundation, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their support of the 4-H Food Advocacy Grants. The grants provide financial support to youth-led projects aimed at increasing food security throughout Illinois, allowing youth to identify a need in their community and create a program or initiative to create change.
Recent projects included:
1. Adams County: Members of the Burton Flyers 4-H club built and stocked mini food pantries around their county.
2. Dewitt County: 4-H’ers packed and distributed holiday food backpacks at a local food pantry.
3. Cook County: 4-H collaborated with Matteson Elementary School to bring garden education to over 110 students.
4. Shelby County: 4-H Federation members packed food for a local food pantry in the Cowden-Harris school district.
5. Piatt County: The 4-H club at Monticello High School helped repair the garden at 4-H Memorial Camp and grew produce for a local food pantry. by @illinois4h

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8 days ago