4-H Activities and Events

• 4-H Federation
  A group important in the role of the Randolph County 4-H Program is the 4-H Federation. This organization bands together all local 4-H Clubs in a central, representative body to improve the county 4-H program and expand opportunities for members.

The Federation meets once amonth. To be a 4-H Federation member, a member must have completed one year of 4-H club work, be in the eighth grade or above, and capable of assisting with plans in carrying out county events.

All Federation members are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities: attend all Federation meetings, participate in discussions and program planning, serve to the best of his/her abilities on committees, report happenings of monthly Federation meetings to his/her local club.

• 4-H Softball – Randolph County
  During the summer, 4-Hers play softball with other local 4-H clubs at the 4-H ball diamond in Schuline. There are two age divisions – junior and senior. All games and players must adhere to the Randolph County Softball Rules as established by the Softball Committee. A copy can be obtained from your coach, leader of the Extension Office.

Contact the office if your club would like to have a ball team or if you would like to play and your club does not have a team.

• 4-H Window Display Contest
  During National 4-H Week in October, each club is encouraged to promote 4-H. One way is to make a window display. A theme is chosen each year for National 4-H Week. The window display should reflect that theme. The display will be judged andthe winner will beannounced at Achievement Night. Award money will be given to all clubs participating. Special recognition will be given to the top club.

• 4-H Handbook Cover Contest
  The 4-H Handbook Cover Contest is open to all 4-Hers. A special gift is awarded to the winner. The contest is sponsored by the Randolph County 4-H Federation.

• State Judging Contests
  The University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana hosts judging contests in livestock, dairy, poultry, and horses as well as skill competitions in forestry, horticulture, and rocket launching. Dairy and livestock quiz bowl competitions are also held. Winners of these events become candidates to compete in Invitational Judging Contests held at the Illinois State Fair in August as well as in national competitions. All 4-H members are eligible to participate in these competitions.

• Illinois State Fair
  One of Illinois' treasured summer events; the State Fair offers a unique combination of activities and affords the Illinois 4-H program a chance to show off. From the Sale of Champions to the Performance Showcase to daily displays of the best of the state's best 4-H projects, the State Fair is worth the trip.

• Discover Chicago Trip
  Discover Chicago is a chance for youth from throughout Southern Illinois to enjoy three jam-packed days of fun and learning in one of our nation's largest cities, Chicago. 4-H membership is not required to attend. Visit the Discover Chicago website for details.

• Southern Illinois Leadership Convention (SILC)
  This one-of-a-kind convention has been planned by teens for teens. The events is set for October 6 - 8, 2007, near Carbondale. The convention is open to all Illinois high school students. 4-H membership is not required.
  Visit the SILC website for details. Register by August 31 for the discount rate!