McHenry County 4-H

10/20/2026

Register Now!

🌟 Level Up Your Leadership! 🌟

Are you ready to make a difference and represent Illinois 4-H? Join us for the Illinois 4-H State Ambassador Info Night and discover how you can take your 4-H journey to new heights!

As a State Ambassador, you’ll:
– Build lifelong leadership skills
– Connect with passionate youth from across Illinois
– Plan and lead statewide 4-H events
– Be the voice of Illinois 4-H

Hear firsthand from current Ambassadors, get all your questions answered, and learn how YOU can become a leader in your community!

🗓 Date: December 7
⏰ Time: 7–8 p.m.
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Ready to step up? Register now: 4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/63944

Applications for the 2027 State Ambassador Team are open! You don’t have to wait for Info Night to apply, and current team members only need to reapply if switching teams. Deadline: December 31, 2026.

Unlock more teen leadership opportunities and start your application today!
🔗 go.illinois.edu/4-HAmbassadorApplication

10/19/2026

Time is running out to register for the 2026 Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference! 🌊

If you’re a 7th or 8th grader in Illinois, don’t miss this action-packed weekend filled with hands-on activities, new friendships, and unforgettable leadership experiences. Build your skills in communication, teamwork, and decision-making, and discover how Illinois 4-H can help you shine as a leader.

Only 100 spots are available, and this event always fills up fast–register early to secure your place!

🗓️ November 14-15
📍 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield
💲 $215 (includes lodging, T-shirt, meals, supplies, and activities)
⏰ Registration deadline: October 19 or until full

Visit the Jr. Leadership Conference website for details and registration: go.illinois.edu/jlc_26

10/15/2026

The Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development, supports the promotion, expansion, and implementation of University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs in the schools and communities.
Application link is in the comments.

10/14/2026

Check out these new scholarships!

Exciting News! 🎉

Illinois 4-H is launching 2 brand new scholarship awards to help you take your skills to the next level!

🔧 Skilled Trades & Technical Skills Scholarship: Are you passionate about hands-on learning, technical projects, or trade-based entrepreneurship? This award celebrates youth who are building real-world skills for the future.

🌱 Emerging Achievement Award: Newer to 4-H? This scholarship recognizes members with five years or less in 4-H who have shown outstanding growth, dedication, and engagement.

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

Don’t miss your chance; apply by November 1! Start your application here: go.illinois.edu/4HAwardsApply

Let’s celebrate your achievements and help you reach your goals!

10/10/2026

Join University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and 4-H volunteer, Jerry Gudauskas, on October 20th, for an informative program exploring the world of edible alliums, including garlic, onions, leeks, and more.
Learn why fall is the perfect time to plant garlic, discover tips for selecting varieties, planting, growing, and harvesting, and gain practical knowledge you can use in your own garden.
The program is presented in partnership with McHenry County 4-H and the McHenry County Farm Bureau.
See your 4-H Friday blast for the registration link.

10/09/2026

Thank you, Woodstock Wannabes and Cloverbuds 4H Club! "Here’s to the hands that serve, the hearts that care, the heads that think, and the health that grows stronger every day."

10/08/2026

Today, we’re celebrating the volunteers, educators, mentors, and leaders who make Illinois 4-H possible. Their time, encouragement, and support create opportunities for young people to try new things, build confidence, develop skills, and become .

10/06/2026

⏰ Only one month 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! 🍀

10/05/2026

Todays the Day!!!!!!

Support McHenry County 4-H by enjoying a meal at a participating Culver's location TODAY- Monday, October 5.

FIVE area Culver's restaurants are partnering with local 4-H clubs, and a percentage of sales will be donated to both the McHenry County 4-H Youth Foundation and the hosting 4-H club.

Be sure to mention the fundraiser flyer when placing your order so your purchase receives credit for the event.

Crystal Lake - 5 to 8 PM
Harvard - 4 to 8 PM
Lake in the Hills - 5 to 8 PM
McHenry - 5 to 8 PM
Woodstock - 4 to 8 PM

Please help us spread the word by sharing the location-specific flyers with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Every meal makes a difference!
https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/26/1430417226.html

10/05/2026

Save the date! 🍀 National 4-H Week is Oct. 4-10, and we’re getting ready to celebrate all things Illinois 4-H!