DeKalb County 4-H

11/05/2026

JUNIOR LIVESTOCK CONFERENCE 2027! 🌟

Are you ready for a weekend full of hands-on learning, new friendships, and all things livestock? Join us for the 2027 Illinois 4-H Junior Livestock Conference, February 13–14, in Springfield, Illinois!

Open to youth in grades 7–9, this overnight experience is packed with hands-on livestock activities, leadership development, team-building challenges, and opportunities to connect with 4-H members from across the state!

The best part? You don't have to own livestock to participate! Whether you're new to livestock or have years of experience, there's something for everyone!

📅 February 13–14, 2027
📍 Crowne Plaza Hotel | Springfield, IL
💲 $215 | Includes lodging, meals, a T-shirt, conference supplies, and activities.

Registration is NOW OPEN! Space is limited to the first 100 youth who register, so don't wait to secure your spot!

Registration Deadline: January 11, 2027
🔗 Register Today: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/events/state-events/youth-livestock-conference

We can't wait to see you in Springfield for a weekend of learning, leadership, and livestock!

11/03/2026

There is still room for 4-H STEM Day on Saturday from 9-Noon in the Farm Bureau building. This is the perfect opportunity to explore a new project area! You don't have to be enrolled in 4-H to attend. Sign up ASAP at go.illinois.edu/STEMSATURDAY

4-H STEM Project Day is NEXT Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM to noon at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau building. Youth will have the opportunity to explore a variety of project areas, including Robotics, Scratch Computer Programming, Building Bricks, Food Science (sugar crystallization), and Environmental Sciences/Composting. This is a great opportunity to try something new, explore different interests, and learn more about these exciting 4-H project areas! This program is FREE and for 4-H'ers ages 8-18. Please register by Wednesday, Nov. 4 at: go.illinois.edu/STEMSATURDAY

11/01/2026

November is going to be a busy month for DeKalb County 4-H! Check out our calendar for upcoming meetings, activities, and special events. Be sure to read the 4-H Update email sent last Friday for more details. We look forward to seeing you! 💚

10/30/2026

For 100 years, DeKalb County 4-H has provided young people with opportunities to learn by doing, develop leadership skills, explore new interests, serve their communities, and build lifelong friendships.

Join us as we celebrate this special milestone and recognize the 4-H members and volunteers on Saturday, November 14 at 6 PM in the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Theater

The evening will include our annual 4-H Recognition Program, a look back at 100 years of DeKalb County 4-H, and refreshments following the program.

We will also have historical 4-H memorabilia on display! If you have old 4-H photos, ribbons, pins, project books, or other family keepsakes you'd be willing to share, we'd love to include them. Please contact Nicole at [email protected] by November 9.

Everyone is welcome! Whether you are a current 4-H family, a 4-H alum, a former volunteer, or simply someone who wants to celebrate this important part of DeKalb County's history, we hope you'll join us!

Here's to 100 years of learning, leading, and Making the Best Better! 💚

10/30/2026

4-H STEM Project Day is NEXT Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM to noon at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau building. Youth will have the opportunity to explore a variety of project areas, including Robotics, Scratch Computer Programming, Building Bricks, Food Science (sugar crystallization), and Environmental Sciences/Composting. This is a great opportunity to try something new, explore different interests, and learn more about these exciting 4-H project areas! This program is FREE and for 4-H'ers ages 8-18. Please register by Wednesday, Nov. 4 at: go.illinois.edu/STEMSATURDAY

10/25/2026

⏰ Only ONE week left to apply for the Illinois 4-H Scholarship!

Are you passionate about Animal Sciences, Civic Engagement, Creative & Performing Arts, Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access, Healthy Living, Leadership, Natural Resources, Skilled Trades, STEM/Robotics, or making a difference in your community? This is your moment to shine!

🌟 NEW this year: Scholarships for Skilled Trades & Emerging Achievements! 🌟

Illinois 4-H members ages 15-19 (as of 9/1/2026) who were enrolled in the 2025-2026 year are eligible. Each applicant can win one scholarship per program year and only once in each award area.

Don’t miss your chance to be recognized for your hard work and passion! Apply by November 1: go.illinois.edu/4HAwardsApply

Tag a friend who should apply and let’s celebrate the next generation of leaders! 🍀

10/22/2026

A big thank you to Fiona, Ellen Marie, Adri, and Lydia for joining me at the DeKalb County Board meeting last night to talk about 4-H! You all did an amazing job sharing about 4-H and helping tell the story of our program. I appreciate you taking the time to be there and represent DeKalb County 4-H! 🍀

🍀 Celebrating our young people and our agricultural roots

At its October 21 meeting, the DeKalb County Board recognized National 4-H Week and National Farm to School Month.

Here in DeKalb County, agriculture is part of our everyday lives. It is in the fields we pass, the families we know, and the young people learning to care for animals, grow food, and take on new responsibilities.

These experiences teach patience, hard work, and confidence. They also help young people understand where their food comes from and how much our farmers do for our community.

To our local youth, we are proud of the work you put in and the ways you give back. Thank you to the families, volunteers, educators, University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County 4-H and agricultural partners who show up to support you!

You are helping carry DeKalb County’s agricultural traditions into the next generation. 🌱

10/22/2026

Be sure to check out the Parke Victory Cloverbud club's display at pumpkin fest this weekend! Who else entered pumpkins?

10/21/2026

There is still time to sign-up for the 4-H Halloween Party on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 5-7 PM at the Farm Bureau building. Sign up at: go.illinois.edu/HalloweenParty

10/20/2026

🎉Help Us Celebrate 100 Years of DeKalb County 4-H! 🎉

Do you have 4-H memorabilia tucked away at home? As we celebrate 100 years of DeKalb County 4-H, we would love to display items that highlight our history!

We're looking for old 4-H photos, ribbons, pins, project books, fair memorabilia, club scrapbooks, and other items from years past. Items from your own 4-H experience or your family's history are welcome!

Please contact Nicole at [email protected] by November 9 if you have items you'd be willing to share for our centennial display at the 4-H Recognition Program on November 14.

Let's celebrate the generations of 4-H members, families, and volunteers who have helped make DeKalb County 4-H what it is today!