For more than 80 years, 4-H has been providing "hands-on" learning experiences to youth in McHenry County. The philosophy that learning by doing teaches skills that will be used, transferred and remembered throughout life is still valid today. With today's rapidly changing world, this philosophy is still quite important as youths learn through specific projects skills that can be transferred, such as decision making, communicating with others, understanding why community involvement is important, and an appreciation of diversity.

Local Extension programs provide positive influences to offset factors that put young people at risk. Annually over 4,000 McHenry County young people learn important life skills through participation in 4-H activities and Extension school enrichment programs. Learning by doing helps to develop leadership qualities that promote better citizens.

4-H is not just for rural residents. A large number of McHenry County's members reside in an urban setting. 4-H'ers select at least one project from a choice of over 175. Last year our 4-H'ers enrolled in more than 4,700 projects that were exhibited at the annual county fair.

Leadership skills are developed through 4-H experiences such as serving on planning committees, becoming an officer, attending regional, state and national events.

Adults often express that they can always tell a 4-H member, because they are the youth that are capable of speaking in front of an audience, they have strong organizational skills, their work ethic is positive, and they are open-minded regarding others.

4-H members usually belong to a local club that has a volunteer leader. In McHenry County over 30 clubs and an additional 60 school classrooms are involved in 4-H. To become a member, call our local office at 815-338-3737. Or if you would like to volunteer as a leader, we would be happy to help you establish your own club.