4-H Youth Development

The Mason County 4-H and Youth Development program continues to grow, thanks in part, to increased networking with various groups and organizations. Over 1900 local youth experienced 4-H Youth Development programming as part of a 4-H Community Club, our premiere program, or by participating in special interest groups or school enrichment activities.

... continue to grow and be a viable part of Mason County Extension with ten 4-H clubs, more than 170 youth and 75 volunteers. 4-H members prepared 807 exhibits for the annual county fair to exemplify the knowledge they have gained. Through community service 4-H youth assisted the elderly, disabled and persons less fortunate, as well as helped with a variety of county-wide environmental endeavors, like the Illinois River Sweep and planting trees and/or shrubs for local parks and schools.

Many youth were enriched through 4-H workshops such as the Rags to Rugs and Pottery workshops that were offered this past year as well as Officer and Records training.

The 4-H Community Club program and FNP Program have collaborated to present nutrition information on My Pyramid at Health Fairs as well as exploring conservation issues at Discovery Day.

Current 4-H Community Clubs are:

• Ducklings
• Easton Ramblers
• Friendship 4-H
• Happy Handful
• Kountry Kritters
• Nature Explorers
• Peaceful Valley
• Pleasant Workers
• Super "H"
• Trail Blazers

Current 4-H Cloverbud Clubs are:

• Blazing Buckaroos
• Kountry Kritter Kids

Mason County had four 4-H leaders completetheVALUED VOLUNTEERS pilot program offered in the state this past year. These 4-H leaders volunteered to study, implement and evaluate the VALUED VOLUNTEER program to learn more about theirrole as 4-H leaders. These 4-H leaders also participated in leader trainings, meetings and telenets to develop their skills and knowledge of working with Mason County 4-Hers.

• Farm Safety 4 Just Kids Day Camp
• Discovery Day
• Horse Club
• Cat Club
• 4-H Federation
• National 4-H Week
• Achievement Ceremony