Rock Island County 4-H

09/03/2026

4-H Award Spotlight: Volunteer Awards

Rock Island County 4-H would not be possible without the time, energy, encouragement, and care of our incredible volunteers.

From leading clubs and helping at events to supporting members behind the scenes, our volunteers give so much to help make each 4-H year meaningful. We are so grateful for everyone who helped make this year happen.

Our 4-H Volunteer Awards are a chance to recognize those individuals, alumni, friends, businesses, and organizations who have made a positive impact on our 4-H community.

If there is someone you would like to thank and recognize, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

Nominations are due October 1.

Nominate someone here: https://form.jotform.com/212287914213049

08/31/2026

Let’s bring Rock Island County 4-H members together for a fun night of line dancing!

Our Teen Federation is hosting a 4-H Line Dance on October 3 from 7:00–9:00 PM at Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church in Moline. This is a chance for 4-H members to get together, meet members from other clubs, enjoy some food, and have fun outside of regular meetings and project work.

No experience is needed — an instructor will be there to teach everyone the steps!

Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family when registering in advance, or $6 per person at the door.

All 4-H members are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend!

Register here: https://go.illinois.edu/LineDance

08/31/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 Echoes & Embers Art Camp in Ottawa, IL!

Explore this hands‑on arts day where youth explore creativity in nature through new ways to experiment, make, and express themselves. From bold art techniques to quiet moments of noticing the world around you, youth move through four stations, try out new ideas, and discover the sparks of creativity you didn’t even know were there.

This camp is open to youth ages 8–14 and will be held Monday, October 12 at 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Thanks to generous support from our 4-H Foundation, this experience is offered at no cost to participants. Lunch will be provided.

Register before September 25 at: go.illinois.edu/EchoesAndEmbers

07/24/2026

What a great week at the Rock Island County 4-H Fair! 🎉

Thank you to all of our members, volunteers, judges, superintendents, families, and fair board members who helped make this year a success. It was wonderful to see so much creativity, hard work, and learning on display.

Congratulations to everyone who participated, and best of luck to those representing Rock Island County at the Illinois State Fair! Here are just a few moments from the week.

07/13/2026

Reminder: State Fair livestock entries are due via ShoWorks on July 15. All exhibitors must have a current YQCA certification for entries to be approved. If you have not taken YQCA this year, you can do so online at

YQCA is a national quality assurance program for youth ages 8 to 21, with a focus on Food Safety, Animal Well-Being, and Character Development.

06/18/2026

Need help finishing your 4-H project before the General Project Show?

Join the Rock Island County Teen Federation for a fun Project Work Day on Wednesday, June 25, from 10:00 AM–Noon at the Milan Extension Office!

Bring your project and work alongside other 4-H members as you prepare for the General Project Show on July 11. Whether you're just getting started or putting the finishing touches on your exhibit, this is a great opportunity to make progress, ask questions, and gain confidence before judging day.

✨ Teen Federation members will be available to help and encourage younger members.
✨ Basic craft supplies will be provided.
✨ Tri-fold boards and foam boards will be available for purchase for $5.

Please bring any project materials, photos, notes, or supplies you'd like to use.

This event is free and open to all Rock Island County 4-H members ages 5–18.

We hope to see you there! 🍀

Register here:

06/12/2026

Looking for a fun way to kick off the weekend? Check out what is happening at Farm in the Park, today at 3:30- 6:00 PM in Aledo!

Come on out to Central Park in Aledo next Friday from 3:30pm to 6:00pm for Farm in the Park!

06/09/2026

Zuma Zippers 4-H Club is spreading Kindness in our community this summer! Be on the lookout for our hidden rocks and be sure to post what you find on QCRocks and tag us!

06/09/2026

Birdies for Charity Gifts Go to the Rock Island County 4-H Horse Program.
This year, the Rock Island County Extension & 4-H Education Foundation is directing all Birdies for Charity donations to 4-H Horse Program. These funds will help improve the horse barn and arena areas at the fairgrounds — creating a safer, more comfortable space for horses and youth during shows and events throughout the season.

The 4‑H Horse Program has already installed electricity so fans can keep the barns cooler this summer, and more improvements are planned.

If you’d like to chip in for the Horse Program, you can make a Birdies for Charity pledge using our charity number 1479.
Donate here: https://birdiesforcharity.com/donate #/charities

Thank you, and please share! All pledges and forms must be in by July 1st! Here's a pledge form you can download and print if that works better for you:https://birdiesforcharity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/2026-Pledge-Form-2.pdf

05/31/2026

The Fair Entry deadline for the Rock Island County 4-H Fair is tomorrow!

All 4‑H participants must submit their exhibit classes through Fair Entry by June 1 in order to exhibit at the 4-H Fair.

If you run into any problems over the weekend, don’t panic, additional classes can be added after Extension staff approve your submission.

Questions? Email [email protected]