The 4‑H experience taught you responsibility, compassion, respect and the value of hard work. It helped you become a confident kid and adult. Help kids have the same great experience – share your #4HGrown story.
Our Stories
Brenda Close
Hamlet Handy Helpers 4-H Club Leader
Hamlet Handy Helpers 4-H Club did a Fall display along busy, State Route 94 in Mercer County, Illinois in honor of National 4-H Week. We received numerous compliments from our community on the display. It was a good opportunity to spread the word about 4-H since the display was in a high-traffic area.
Carli
Pulaski county 4-H teen teacher
I have been in 4-H for 6 years and 3 years of being a clover bud. From the time I could start showing animals for 4-H at the near by fairs I have been showing animals every year. I started showing small animals and pigs we then got cattle, and sheep, we eventually sold all of our pigs and show cattle. We got very big into showing sheep. We've met many good, helpful people within the extension office, other 4-H groups, and our federation group. Each and every fair I learn new things about new people, animals, and the community. 4-H has been a very good learning experience for me, and helped me grow to be a leader in my our groups and clubs.
Perla Lopez
union county 4-H member
I have just recently joined my school's 4H program. So far the club has done many activities to help out other students. Every Thursday after school, a couple of members, including myself, have participated in activities that involve 3rd and 4th graders. Some of the activities involve communication and motor skills. In the past we have made the kids get into groups and build a tower out of marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. We told the kids to build a tower as high as they could and no other instructions. We left it up to the kids to us their imagination in order to make their tower. Another activity we have done involves 3D printing. We let the kids get online on a website called Tinker CAD. On this website the kids play around with the program in order to a house or a key chain. Once the kids got a hang of the program, we let them see how we made their creations into a reality. At times, just like the kids, us teen teachers are learning as well. It's a win win situation that I hope continues to be a part of my school.
Rosalie (Rose) Tom Albrecht
4-H Alumni
My grandmother taught me to sew at a young age, and as a teen it became my passion! In 1967 I made this ensemble and modeled it at the Illinois State Fair. I also entered it in the local "Make It Yourself with Wool" contest and won a trip to Chicago for further competition. Eventually my passion led me to Illinois where I completed a degree in Home Economics-retailing.
Katelyn Allen
White County 4-H Member, Covid Idea Challenge Finalist
I attended the Junior Leadership Conference this past February. Going into this new adventure was a giant leap of faith for me. I wanted to branch out more as a 4-her, wanted to learn more about leadership, and how it can apply to your own life, county, and club, and wanted to meet more people. When I had taken it over with my parents, and got permission, I had a lot to consider to make it happen. My family didn't have the funds required for the conference, so I had to work weekly babysitting jobs to try to make up the costs. I worked for four months and finally eared the money. I also received a 50 dollar scholarship. I want kids to be encouraged to never give up on your dreams, even when it sees that it is impossible. There was also the issue of transportation. I lived two hours plus away from the event. My generous father agreed to drive the two hours there, and drove me back. When I first got there, I was a little timid, but that went away very quickly. The Youth Leadership team and other leaders made it a priority that everyone was included, which made e feel very special and cared about They did icebreaker games that helped us get to know other 4-H members. After lunch, we split up into groups to learn about different project areas. They were weather, nutrition, virtual 3-D, and 4-H trivia. What I loved about this setup is that I got to express myself in my favorite area nutrition. I loved how it gave me hands on activities, that hen helped me make new friendships. Later that evening, we had a 4-H olympics, with all sort of team building games. One of my favorite things is that we could learn leadership, but still have fun at the same time. My group ended up winning. The next day, we had a bhangra dance class. I love to do Ballet, and loved the different cultural twists that they brought into their activities and events. We then went to bag up bags of food for people across seas. This was very important to me because I also love to help people. This was a great community service activity, and also helped me connect with 4-Hs and the leaders. The Junior Leadership Conference inspired me a lot, and was one of the best things i've done in my lifetime. It helped me make friends that I am still in touch with. It inspired me to try out for the Youth Leadership[ Team when I am old enough, and to encourage and inspire others to try new things, and to learn more about leadership.