Northern Illinois Leadership Conference

This year's planning committee has collected the information and dug into some of the top 10 greatest 4-H activities. We've researched and found one of the best investigators in the industry and have planned some fun-filled, first class leadership workshops to keep your senses alert. We've got it all planned for you. All you have to do is put on your investigator's thinking cap and join us. This conference is open to Illinois 4-Her's 13-18 years of age by 3/1/09. If you would like to join our agency and investigate the mystery of 4-H, this conference is for you.

This year's conference will be held March 14-15, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Rockford. Cost for the weekend is only $140.00. To download a brochure and for further information, go to http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mchenry/4hyouth and click on any of the Northern Illinois Leadership Conference links. Workshops are on a first-come, first served basis so register today! Registration must be postmarked by January 28^th, 2009.

Jr. High Leadership Conference

The Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team is planning this conference for 7th and 8th grade 4-H members, February 21-22, 2009, at the Lake Williamson Conference and Retreat Center in Carlinville. This conference promises to excite and engage youth in hands-on learning activities. Youth strengthen leadership skills, plan personal goals, increase their project skills, improve their decision making habits and much, much more.

Early Bird Registration is $88 if you register by December 31. From January 1 until the January 16 deadline, the registration cost is $95. That includes a one-night lodge stay (3-4 delegates per room), three meals, insurance, and all programming materials. Delegates must be chaperoned by an adult from their area of the state; all adults must pay the registration fee and be approved by University of Illinois Extension screening procedures.

We can only accept the first 100 junior high 4-H members who register!! To register for the Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference, you must register on-line at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/

default.cfm?RegistrationID=2162. Required forms and payment must be postmarked by January 16th. A limited number of 4-H scholarships are available - the application can be downloaded from the website above and is due (with registration) by January 5, 2009.

State 4-H Youth Leadership Team

The Illinois 4-H program offers older 4-H members and recent 4-H alumni an opportunity to play an active part in Illinois 4-H programming as part of the State 4-H Youth Leadership Team. 4-H members and alumni, ages 16-21, are selected to assist with state 4-H events, offer teen programming suggestions and become involved in their own way on the state level. The YLT objectives include, but are not limited to: Recruitment of delegates to represent Illinois at National 4-H Conference each spring, plan, implement and evaluate the state 4-H junior high conference.

The 4-H Youth Leadership Team is comprised of the 15-20 members who are selected through an application and interview process. Terms are for 2 years and a member may be selected for a second term (four years maximum). Three face-to-face meetings are held each year, along with several teleconferences, to keep members involved and informed. YLT members are required to actively participate in various statewide programs throughout the year.

A minimum of three representatives are selected from each Extension region. Members are selected on a rotational basis. Applications for team membership can be obtained in the Spring from your local Extension office or downloaded from the website.