4-H Junior Leadership Conference

7th and 8th Grade 4-H members are invited to the Viva La Leadership Conference to be held February 20-21st at Lake Williamson Camp & Conference Center in Carlinville, IL. Hands-on workshops such as Lights,Camera, Leadership!; 4-H's Got Talent; Viva La Plants; Light Up Your Personality; Take a Chance on 4-H and Score With Safety will enhance your leadership skills. But it isn't all work. Lake Williamson Camp has an indoor pool, gyms, game rooms and more for your added fun.

On-line registration is required and can be found at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=3773 Online registration must be completed by January 25th and required forms and payment must be postmarked by January 26th. The cost of the conference is $98 however if four or more attend from your county there is a discount. 4-H'ers are also encouraged to bring a friend. Register early!

If you are interested in making a holiday swag from greenery plan to attend this workshop at the Montgomery County Extension office on Saturday, December 5th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Greenery, ribbon, wire and pine cones will be provided. If possible bring your own pruners and wire cutters. This event is open to all youth in grades 3 through high school. Register by December 2nd by calling 532-3941. The cost for the workshop is $10.

The former GPS/GIS club is now known as the Digital Media 4-H Club. The club members will be learning about computers, photography, GPS, GIS(mapping), video recording, and YouTube to name a few. If you have an interest in technology/digital media then come join us for the next meeting on Saturday, November 14th from 1-3 p.m. at the Red Rooster Inn in Hillsboro. Mary Galer Herschelman will be teaching the group about photography techniques in taking still photos. Bring your camera!

Consider taking a trip to Washington, D.C. with the Illinois Citizenship Washington Focus delegations (July 10-17, 2010). It is one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips that you'll remember for years to come. CWF is a week long program that will provide you with many insights into the workings of our federal government. CWF for 4-H'ers, ages 14-18, who attend will learn about federal legislation, the political parties, the Bill of Rights, and how to make a positive impact in their community. On-line registration can be completed at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=3650 and is due by December 15th. The first installment of $350 is due at that time. 2nd Installment ($350) due February 1st, 2010 and 3rd Installment ($350) due May 1, 2010.

4-H Achievment was held on Sunday, October 4th. It was a wonderful time to honor our 4-H members for their leadership and success in their project areas and to recognize our 4-H leaders. A special congratulations to the "I Dare You Award" winners; Dustin Kistner, Andrew Schmidt, David Beeler and Sam Weitekamp and to the "Outstanding 4-H Members"; Jeffrey Beeler and Sarah Weitekamp.

Most of the awards and recognition for 4-H members is based upon the completion of the 4-H records. This year we will be updating the 4-H record form. If you are interested in being a part of this process, please contact the Extension office at 532-3941.

On Saturday, September 26th a group of ten youth participated in a Digital Media Workshop. Youth were able to take digital pictures and videos featuring various locations in downtown Hillsboro and then post on Google map. This group plans on meeting monthly -- the 2nd Saturday of the month and enhancing our skills and creating some interactive maps featuring places in Montgomery County. If you are interested in joining our group, contact the Extension office at 217-532-3941.