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Projects

In 4-H, members learn about topics that interest them. These are referred to as members “projects.” That could be anything from learning how to cook, build a robot, or care for the environment. One of the most important aspects of 4-H project work is that the 4-H member decides what they want to learn and do as they explore their project. This allows the project to be self-paced, and gives children important skills in setting and working toward their goals.

4-H makes learning fun! A variety of projects are offered through 4-H so members can pick the ones that most interest them. Or they can find other young people with the same interest and study that topic with the help of a volunteer that shares the same interests. 4-H projects help members to learn by doing. Projects offer hands-on ways to learn about a topic of interest.

Some projects have several levels. As members master the work at a beginning level, they are encouraged to advance to higher levels.

SELECT YOUR PROJECT!

Photo of universe

Aerospace

Build a rocket or a model plane then take off to explore the world.

Young lady showing cattle

Beef

Raise and show beef cattle while you learn about managing your cattle herd.

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Bicycles

Nothing feels better than riding your bicycle with friends.

Photo of Hispanic Teen

Career Readiness

Explore careers, plan your own business, or get ready for college.

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Cats

It's the purrrrfect project to help you learn to care for your cat's daily needs.

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Child Development

Learn about careers in the child development field while you learn best practices for caring and working with children.

Civic Engagement

Be empowered and actively engaged in your community and world around you.

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Clothing and Textiles

Make, buy, or recycle clothes that reflect your personal style and budget.

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Cloverbuds

The 4-H Cloverbud program is for youth ages 5-7 as of the previous Sept. 1.

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Communications

Become an effective public speaker, writer, communicator, or reporter.

Photo of Teen at Computer

Computer Science

Learn programming from scratch using SCRATCH and open-source sources.

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Consumer Education

Wise money choices now could mean cash in the future.

Photo of 4-H member in cornfield

Crops

Get your hands dirty! Learn about soil, bugs, and things which affect our crops.

Photo of Teen with Dairy Cow

Dairy Cattle

Explore the dairy industry, from raising a cow to the science behind milk production.

Dogs

He's your best friend on 4 legs. Learn to be a responsible dog owner.

Morse Code display board picture

Electricity

Electricity powers the world. Learn to be the master of electricity as you make the world shine.

Ready to check the hives

Entomology

Come learn about bees and bugs, creepy crawlers and flying machines.

Two boys in masks raise their hands in front of a computer game

eSports

eSports

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Exploratory

Welcome to 4-H. See what 4-H has to offer you. Try out projects. Learn about activities.

Family Heritage

Discover your family history as you go on a treasure hunt for information. The records you create will last a lifetime.

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Food and Nutrition

Make your favorite foods and learn the art and science of cooking

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Forestry

Identify trees, decode a tree’s rings, and collect leaves.

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Geology

Curious about that rock you found? Learn what it is and how it formed.

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Goats

Learn about health, nutrition, breeding, selection, and marketing of goats.

Health and Fitness

This project is all about first aid, staying healthy and keeping fit

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Horse

Learn how to care for these large, beautiful animals.

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Horticulture

Get your hands dirty while you design, plant, and grow gardens.

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Intercultural

We're part of a great big world. Explore new cultures from anywhere you choose.

Interior Design

Interior Design is a great way to learn about design, color, texture, and space.

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Leadership

Make the best in you even better! Build your team, be a role model, and help others.

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Maker

4-H is taking emerging technologies by storm. We've added new projects which will spark the imagination of builders, makers, and tinkerers of all ages.

photo of fishing pole

Nature: Fishing and Wildlife

Exploring, fishing, wildlife and more! If you like being outdoors, this project area is for you. Do you want to make the earth a better place to live?

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Nature: Natural Resources and Camping

Explore the beautiful world. Hike, camp, and explore the environment

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Photography

Capture all your memories for years to come in great photographs.

Photo of growing plants

Plants & Soils

Soil gives us life and food. Find out about soil, bugs, and water and how they affect plants.

Photo of Chicken

Poultry

The program will help you learn about chickens from the egg to the table.

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Rabbits

The rabbit project teaches you how to care for, raise, breed and market rabbits.

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Robotics

Robots are amazing machines which do surgery, build cars, and assist us with our lives.

Sheep

Sheep is a great project for beginner or advanced livestock project member.

Shooting Sports

This project covers firearm safety and teaches responsible handling and use.

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Small Engines

Take it apart and see how it works as you learn engine parts, tools of the trade, and what makes small engines work.

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Small Pets

Learn about a variety of small pets, such as birds, guinea pigs, iguanas, snakes or frogs.

Swine

It's a stinky job, but you'll have fun caring for pigs and providing a safe source of food for the world.

Technology: Drones

See the world through the eyes of an unmanned aerial vehicles and systems (UAV/ UAS)... or better known as DRONES.

Photo of Ballerina

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts lets you be whomever you want to be ... acting, make-up, sets, puppets.

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Tractor

Tractors help power Illinois agriculture. Learn about safe handling, maintenance, and operation.

Veterinary Science

This could be the start of a career as a vet!

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Video

The video project exposes youth to filmmaking, digital storytelling, and videography through workshop modules that assist youth with making their own films.

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Visual Arts

Do you want to express yourself, be creative, or make an impression? Visual Arts is for you!

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Weather

Weather affects our everyday life, from what to wear to be comfortable that day to providing water for plants and animals.

Photo of Weldling Exhibit

Welding

Welding can be a great career and a good skill to know.

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Woodworking

Start with a piece of wood and end up with a handcrafted piece of art, household item, or item for sale.

Spotlight

Photo of Hall of Fame Lila Jeanne Eichelberger

Eichelberger enters National 4-H Hall of Fame

Latest News

State 4-H staff evaluate summer options

Illinois 4-H staff evaluate options for summer 2021 exhibitions

Mar 01, 2021

2021 Illinois 4-H Food Action Summit is May 15th, 2021

Illinois youth come to the table on food insecurity

Mar 01, 2021

Illini Summer Academies go virtual June 27- July 1 with a March 24 sign up deadline

Summer 4-H conference lets teens virtually explore potential careers

Feb 17, 2021

National Ag Day Student Leadership Representatives

4-H youth put a face on the future of agriculture

Feb 15, 2021

4-H launches diversity, equity and inclusion initiative

Addressing racial injustice and disparities focus of new Illinois 4-H initiative

Feb 15, 2021

Did You Know?

More than 26,650 young people belong to Illinois 4-H clubs, and that number keeps growing, up 11% last year.

Illinois 4-H members range in age from 8 to 18. Youth who are 5 to 7 years of age may join 4-H as a Cloverbud member.

96% of 4-H members in robotics projects say they like science and want to learn more about science