Overview

The 4-H logo.

4-H is an international organization for youth ages eight through eighteen, whose mission is to educate children on utilizing their skills to become the leaders of tomorrow. Many 4-H clubs participate in local county fairs every year, where 4-Hers exhibit livestock and various projects that reflect what 4-H stands for. There are numerous 4-H related events that take place throughout the year providing unique educational opportunities to members. The 4-H name is representative of the four main areas that the organization is orientated towards: head, heart, hands, and health. The four H's are the constituents of the 4-H pledge, and the 4-H way of life.

The goal of 4-H is to act as a developmental catalyst for youth. The group serves as a foundation of leadership that helps its members to: become better citizens and have a positive impact on society, improve their skills and apply them to their lives, and increase their overall leadership abilities.

4-H is especially prevalent in McLean County, Illinois. The largest 4-H fair in the entire country is located right here in McLean County, and is complemented by a multitude of other 4-H orchestrated groups and events, all of which have had a profound impact on the youth in the community.

History of 4-H

New developments in agricultural weren't usually favored by adults in the farming community at beginning of the twentieth century. Concerned about the positive development of rural youth, college educators started a "hands-on" learning approach as a way to connect school learning to rural life. The educators noticed that youth were in favor of new ideas in agriculture, and willing to make and share discoveries. Thus, youth programs were made as a way to expose adults to new ideas in agricultural technology, while educating and preparing children for the world of tomorrow.

4-H, the early years.While the idea of "4-H" was in existence a few years prior to its founding, 1902 is the year people consider to be the birth date of 4-H in the United states. A.B. Graham is given credit for starting the first organized, business formal 4-H club, conducted by officers using standard parliamentary procedures. Even though it wouldn't be called 4-H until later on, this club served as the foundation for the numerous clubs that would soon be following in its footsteps. Over the next few years, clubs began to spread throughout the entire country ( especially McLean County, Illinois ), growing into what is not just an agricultural education group, but an organization focused on a four-square education: educational development, fellowship development, physical development, and moral development (head, heart, hands, and health). These were the primary elements that composed the group, and led to the creation of the title 4-H.

4-H in McLean County, Illinois

4-H is widely present here in McLean county, with a plethora of different clubs and 4-H related activities to chose from. Robotics groups, 4-H Federation, and much more are located here. Special opportunities come in a wide variety of ways, from serving as an officer for a local club, to being accepted into the prestigious 4-H national congress. If you're looking for anything 4-H, McLean County is the place to be!

County Fair

As a visitor of the McLean County fair, you will be bombarded with not only amusement rides and carnival food, but also with the vast amounts of 4-H culture. Your experience is not limited to just viewing 4-H projects; the fair has a very large amount of 4-H related events that transpire throughout the week. The royalty competition, 4-H film festivals, teenage dances, talent shows, and animal costume shows are just a few of the events that take place over the course of the fair. Make sure to take advantage of every day of the fair, as each has something new to offer. Younger children will be able to participate in scavenger hunts, egg drop showdowns, live entomology exhibits, and much more.

4-H Project Areas

4-H Projects that are to be exhibited during the fair are organized into several categories, each one having its own set of project areas within. The goal of creating a fair project is to apply what you learned throughout the year and share that knowledge with others through what you make.

Personal Development

Personal development is home to a wide variety of project areas to chose from. From public presentations and theater arts to photography and video film making, the bettering of oneself is the primary focus here.

Environment & Natural Resources

The great outdoors! Educational exhibits are found in great numbers here. Renewable energy is a big topic covered here. Forestry, entomology, geology, and a few other topics are available to enter in. Shooting competitions are extremely popular in this category.

Engineering & Technology

Computer programming, aerospace, electricity, robotics, woodworking & welding, you name it! This is an area for the future scientists and engineers of the world.

Home & Family

Focus on the family! That's what the home & family category is all about. The importance of proper child care is greatly emphasized here. Clothing design is immensely popular for female exhibitors; they even get to participate in their own fashion revue! Interior design and home renovation are also favorites.

Food, Nutrition & Health

Primarily consists baking foods, and food preservation. Educational poster displays on nutrition and health are also included in this area.

Animal Science

All livestock shows, from draft horses to small pets and poultry, are included under animal science. This is by far the largest aspect of the 4-H fair (project wise) and continues to implement more special events and projects areas each year. Animal costume contests are very popular special events held for numerous species.

Community Involvement & Global Awareness

Focused on developing citizenship and service learning. Intercultural studies are a popular project area too.

Plants & Soils

This agricultural category is true to its history. Growing crops, horticulture (vegetable gardening), and plant & soil science are all included here.

Fair tours

Maintaining orientation will make your fair experience all the more enjoyable. While on the grounds, you may wish to take part in a tour of the fair conducted by 4-H members themselves. Obtaining a listing of events is also highly recommended. For animal enthusiasts, acquiring a schedule of livestock shows is also very important.

4-H Federation

Federation is a conglomeration of 4-H members from clubs in McLean County, all grouped together into one representative body. The primary focus of Federation is the improvement of the 4-H program here in McLean County. Members contribute by making general recommendations in regards to bettering everyone's 4-H experience. Members are expected to participate in 4-H promoting activities such as: fundraisers, volunteer work, community service, as well as conducting educational workshops and presentations. The group offers unique leadership opportunities not offered at standard 4-H clubs, and is a great way to exemplify your resume. Federation is the place where 4-H members get to take their experience to the next level.

4-H members wishing to join Federation must be in 8th-12th grade, and have been a member of 4-H for a minimum of three years.

How to Become Involved in 4-H

The 4-H motto.Those wishing to join a 4-H club should contact their local extension office to learn more. There are over fifty different clubs to join from McLean County alone; ensuring that time compatibility, as well as a convenient location, can be accommodated. Club meetings usually take place once every month, and revolve around learning new skills, as well as implementing and applying them into our daily lives. Each 4-H club has something unique to offer its members, and may be specifically orientated to people with certain mindsets or abilities.