4-H & Youth

The first "Extension" cord provides us with the source of energy and enthusiasm that can empower the leaders of tomorrow with a strong vision for success. For over 100 years, the 4-H Youth Development Program has connected us to A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR TODAY'S YOUTH. The time honored four-leaf clover is a protected symbol that proudly reminds the world of our four-fold emphasis: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Children ages 5 - 18 have learned new life skills in a variety of nurturing environments. In addition to an emphasis on community service projects, most of the programs focus on science, engineering, technology, healthy lifestyles, citizenship, and leadership skills. Adult volunteers have also been energized by developing leadership skills in a variety of roles such a club leader, mentor, project leader, fair superintendent, or as an advisor.

• The Ford-Iroquois Extension Unit has a thriving 4-H Dog program. This program has been offered every year for over 20 years. Last year, over 50 youth participated in the 16 week program. This program's culminating event is during both 4-H County Fairs, where 4-H members and their dogs have the opportunity to showcase all of their hard work.

• School Enrichment kits were in 13 schools and reached over 752 youth. Each of the 12 kits and programs are available for teachers to borrow for use in their classroom and they are matched to Illinois Learning Standards.

• Throughout the year 4-H community club members, their families and volunteers make it a priority to give back to their local area by organizing community service projects. Through their combined efforts, 1,892 hours were spent; $1,450.00 was donated; an additional 600 pounds of food was given to local food pantries; and 34,000 pounds of materials were recycled.

• 225 youth participants and 35 adult volunteers participated in Welcome to the Real World. The program is a hands-on activity and gives high school seniors the opportunity to explore career opportunities and make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those adults face on a daily basis.

• The Character Counts character education program helped 412 youth in grades K-5 focus on making positive character choices at school and beyond.

• 57 Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 8^th graders attended the R.I.S.K. (Real Issues of the Sexual Kind) program. This simulation activity and guided discussion provided teens with a visual understanding of the costs associated with engaging in sexual activity and other risky behavior.

• Approximately 35-40 youth have participated in the "Sew What!" program during its second year. These exciting efforts feature four Home & Community Education (HCE) ladies who have volunteered their time and sewing expertise to develop this mentoring program. Furthermore, volunteers from the community with an interest in youth and sewing have donated time and materials to enhance this program. The Chain Gang program focuses on adult and youth partnerships and has evolved from the Sew What! program. This program in its infancy has reached 15 adults and 4 youth. Furthermore, this program continues to be a great opportunity for intergenerational relations to build and develop.

• Ford-Iroquois 4-H Federation held its annual food drive and collected $910 to purchase over 1,333 non-perishable food items that benefited 7 food pantries in both Ford and Iroquois County. In addition, 4-H Federation members collected over 1,000 new or gently used cookbooks that were sent to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They also wrote 32 letters to our service men and women for the holidays.

• Ten youth have attended workshops focusing on horticulture topics. Six beginning and six advanced workshops have been planned and are currently underway.

• Local Extension staff partnered with the Summer in the Park program and conducted programs on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Wonderwise, science program to over 250 youth ages K-6.

• The Ford-Iroquois Extension Unit has a thriving 4-H Dog program. This program has been offered every year for over 20 years. Last year, over 50 youth participated in the 16 week program. This program's culminating event is during both 4-H County Fairs, where 4-H members and their dogs have the opportunity to showcase all of their hard work.