Fulton County 4-H clubs are organizing now for the 2009-2010 4-H year. Most clubs have their first meeting of the new year in September or October.
Kids who like having fun, meeting new people, developing new skills, and getting involved in community projects will want to join 4-H. 4-H welcomes every young person in Fulton County. Those who are at least eight years old (or in 3rd grade) by September 1, 2009, and not yet 19, can join a 4-H club in their community.
A 4-H club has five or more members and one or more volunteer leaders. Club members elect their own officers, plan club programs, and conduct six or more meetings and other events. Each member enrolls in at least one 4-H project. Some clubs also participate in group activities or community service projects.
4-H offers camping experiences at various Illinois 4-H camps. Teenagers who like to meet people and travel may be interested in the 4-H Program's Space Camp trip, Washington Focus trip, or the Illini 4-H Summer Academies. Countywide events such as the 4-H Super Saturday Workshop, bowling parties, recreational outings, and the many summer 4-H shows offer plenty of ways for kids to keep busy.
While 4-H is very proud of its agricultural background, it's much more than that now. There are dozens of projects from which to choose, covering virtually every subject imaginable.
There are 23 4-H clubs in Fulton County, located in every part of the county. There is a 4-H Program fee, but no one is denied membership because of inability to pay. The Fulton County 4-H program is open to all kids, regardless of place of residence, race, creed, national origin, gender, physical or mental disability, or marital status.
Contact Janis Blout, Community Worker, at 547-3711, in Lewistown. She will put you in contact with a local community club leader in your area. More information on Fulton County 4-H can be found on our website, including our 4-H newsletter and lots more --fulton.extension.uiuc.edu
4-H Achievement Program Set For November 8th
The public is invited to attend the annual 4-H Achievement Program, on Sunday, November 8th, at 2:30 p.m. at the Lewistown Community High School auditorium. Awards will be presented to over 100 Fulton County 4-H members, and a video of the year's 4-H highlights will be shown. If you are a person who needs a reasonable accommodation to attend this event, contact Janis Blout at the University of Illinois Extension Office, 547-3711. Refreshments will be served following the program.
Fulton County 4-H Week - "Celebrate 4-H"
While National 4-H Week is celebrated October 4-10, 2009, Fulton County 4-H chooses to celebrate a little later, the week of October 19-23, 2009. "Celebrate 4-H" shows that 4-H is excited about what it has to offer, and wants to let everyone know! Watch for 4-H clubs doing window displays around the county, and for special newspaper items the week of October 19th.
Ruth Knott In 4-H Hall of Fame
The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame to honor extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Ruth Knott of rural Ellisville has been named a 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee for 2009. She is a leader of the Fairview Huskies 4-H Club, and has been a 4-H leader for 39 years. One person per county may be nominated each year. Each inductee receives a Hall of Fame medallion, and will be added to the virtual 4-H Hall of Fame listing at www.4-Hfoundation.uiuc.edu. Ruth was presented with her medallion at a ceremony at the Illinois State Fair.
