University of Illinois Extension Adams Brown Hancock Pike Schuyler Unit

06/12/2026

Proud to see local 4‑H members in action at the Brown/Schuyler Fair livestock shows today in Rushville. These experiences help young people build confidence, responsibility, and real-world skills through hands-on learning.

It’s a beautiful day for a livestock show in Rushville! ☀️🐖🐑

The Brown/Schuyler 4‑H Fair livestock shows are underway, kicking off with the swine show this morning. We’re proud of the work 4‑H members have put in all year to prepare their animals and step into the show ring.

Good luck to those still competing today!

06/12/2026

💚 Sometimes the biggest impact of 4-H is simply belonging.

For many youth, 4-H is the place where they try something new, find their voice, and realize they are part of something bigger.

It’s where confidence grows, friendships form, and young people begin to see what they’re capable of.

💚 Your support helps create spaces where every young person can belong.

👉 Give now: https://www.wcilgives.org/organization/Board-Of-Trustees-Of-The-University-Of-Illinois

06/11/2026

Students from Quincy Junior High summer programs joined us this morning at Bob Bangert Park to explore Illinois wetlands and learn more about prairies and wildlife. 🌿🦆

Through hands-on activities and conversation, students discovered how these natural spaces support plants, animals, and water systems right here in our community. Programs like this help young people connect science to the world around them and build a deeper appreciation for local ecosystems.

Thank you to our Adams County Ag in the Classroom coordinator and Natural Resource team for helping bring these experiences to life for area students!

06/11/2026

🧸 Learning to care for others builds confidence for life.

Through programs like Babysitting Bootcamp, 4-H youth learn practical skills like first aid, safety, and how to engage young children.

But something bigger happens too—they learn responsibility, decision-making, and how to stay calm in real situations.

These are skills they carry into jobs, families, and their future.

💚 Your support helps prepare youth for real-world responsibility.

👉 Donate during WCIL Gives: https://www.wcilgives.org/organization/Board-Of-Trustees-Of-The-University-Of-Illinois

06/11/2026

⏳ Final day of WCIL Gives!

4-H helps young people turn their interests into real-life skills they carry into the future.

From Cooking 101 to livestock judging, youth are building confidence, independence, and critical thinking skills that go far beyond the program.

Through experiences like Babysitting Bootcamp and Mindful Me programs, youth are also learning how to:
✔️ Make responsible decisions
✔️ Care for others
✔️ Build healthy habits

These skills last a lifetime—but they’re only possible with community support.

💚 Help us finish strong and continue investing in the next generation.

👉 Give before midnight: https://www.wcilgives.org/organization/Board-Of-Trustees-Of-The-University-Of-Illinois

06/11/2026

Day two of Cultivating Knowledge in Agriculture wrapped up today in Carthage! 🌽🍬 Teachers stayed local and explored how small businesses connect to agriculture and our rural communities.

Participants visited Lilly’s Gifts and Sweets and Rural Bliss, learning how local products and entrepreneurship tie back to agriculture. The day concluded with presentations from Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, giving educators even more tools and ideas to bring agriculture into their classrooms.

Experiences like these help teachers make real‑world connections for their students while strengthening ties between schools and local businesses. We’re excited to see these lessons come to life in classrooms across west‑central Illinois!

06/11/2026

🍳 It starts with something simple—like learning to cook.

For many 4-H youth, Cooking 101 is more than just following a recipe. It’s the first time they realize, “I can do this on my own.”

Measuring ingredients, preparing a meal, building independence—these small moments build confidence that carries far beyond the kitchen.

💚 Your support helps create these first steps toward independence for youth across our communities.

👉 Support local 4-H youth: https://www.wcilgives.org/organization/Board-Of-Trustees-Of-The-University-Of-Illinois

06/10/2026

🧠 4-H is growing future leaders.

Through leadership experiences, career exploration, and skill-building programs, youth are developing tools that support success in school, the workplace, and their communities.

In 4-H, young people learn to:
✔️ Communicate with confidence
✔️ Make informed decisions
✔️ Take initiative and lead

These experiences help youth see themselves as capable contributors—ready to make a difference.

💚 Your gift helps create pathways for young people to lead and achieve.

👉 Support local youth today: https://www.wcilgives.org/organization/Board-Of-Trustees-Of-The-University-Of-Illinois

06/10/2026

Cultivating Knowledge in Agriculture!

Today kicked off day one of Hancock County Ag in the Classroom’s Summer Ag Institute! 🍎🌾 Teachers spent the day learning how agriculture connects to classrooms and communities through hands‑on experiences across our region.

Participants toured Electric Fountain Coffee Roasters in Palmyra, Missouri, Kohl Wholesale in Quincy, and the 1930s Ag Museum in Quincy. These stops highlighted how agriculture, food systems, and history all play a role in everyday learning. The photos shared here capture today’s visit to Kohl Wholesale and the behind‑the‑scenes look teachers received.

We’re excited to help educators bring real‑world agriculture back to their students and strengthen connections between local farms, businesses, and schools.

06/09/2026

Registration for WILD CLASSROOMS closes tomorrow (6/10)!
Join us for a couple hours each morning to discover and create resources you can use to teach about insect life cycles, trees and phenology, wildlife spotting, and our own Mississippi River ecology. Participate in one or all our workshops.

-Professional development hours are provided for teachers.
-Held 10a-12p at South Park, Quincy.
-Targeted for K-6 teachers and educators (scout and club leaders, daycare providers, etc).
-Activities provided for accompanying children

Monday (6/15) - Woolly Worms
Tuesday (6/16) - Trees
Wednesday (6/17) - Birds & Wildlife
Thursday (6/18) - Paddle & Learn River Ecology

Register at go.illinois.edu/wildclassrooms