McHenry County 4-H

06/17/2026

Make sure you complete the training you need to show at fair and if you are planning to show at state fair!

06/16/2026

There is still time to register!

There is still time to register for this event! Learn more about careers in animal science and earn a state-level experience for your 4-H Experience Award Application!

Join the National Association of Extension and 4-H Youth Development Professionals, Animal Science Working Group, to hear from speakers throughout the Animal Science Industry.

Speakers include Dr. Mark Hoge, Associate Professor of Animal Science and Livestock Judging Coach, Western Illinois University, and Mr. Kevin Robinson, Senior Animal Care Specialist, Sea World San Diego.

Date and Time: June 18, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m. CST

Registration: Register by June 17 10:59 p.m. CST at go.illinois.edu/CareerNight

06/15/2026

Congratulations Stefani! We are so proud of you!

Scholarship spotlight!

Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship recipient Stefani Vanderstappen of McHenry County shared, "4-H means being able to explore and become an expert in anything you want. Making memories and experiences you will remember the rest of your life."

Congratulations to Stefani and all of our award recipients!

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Register NOW for Poultry testing!
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-06-27-2026-poultry-testing

06/11/2026

Shooting Sports Class Canceled TONIGHT:
Due to the high likelihood of severe storms beginning this afternoon and continuing into the evening, we will be canceling Air Rifle Class tonight, June 11. Please help us spread the word to other members. Thank you!

06/10/2026

Dog class has been CANCELLED due to the weather.
See you all at the Dog Show on Saturday!

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

Beat the heat with the Illinois 4-H Summer Healthy Living Challenge: Cool Summer Treats!

From smoothie bowls and yogurt parfaits to frozen banana snacks and homemade fruit popsicles, youth and families are invited to create a cool, healthy summer treat that requires little or no baking. Participants can adapt a favorite recipe or invent something completely new.

Competition divisions include:

• Family Division (ages 5 and up)
• Individual Division: ages 8–11
• Individual Division: ages 12–18
Two winners in each division will receive fun summer-themed prizes.

To enter, submit:
• Your recipe name and short description
• Photos of you and your creation

Entries are due by July 15 at https://go.illinois.edu/4HHealthyLivingChallenge.

Rules:
• At least one participant must be a current 4-H member
• One entry per family/youth
• Recipes must require little or no baking
Challenge runs June 15–July 15. Get creative and show us your coolest summer snack creations!

If you need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the State 4-H Office.

06/08/2026

Happy Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month!

4-H offers learning opportunities and resources that help kids make healthy food choices and develop their food purchasing and preparation skills.

Through our foods projects including Food & Nutrition, Food Science, Cooking 101–401, Baking, Food Preservation, and Cake Decorating, members explore how food fuels their bodies while getting creative along the way.

View our full project guide to explore more projects go.illinois.edu/ProjectSelectionGuide