Legislative Connection

Hundreds of 4-H members and Illinois 4-H Ambassadors meet with legislators at the State Capitol each spring. The 4-H Legislative Connection event is scheduled to give 4-H members the chance to display their projects or activities, meet with their state government representatives and learn about the legislative process. The purpose of the event is to educate the lawmakers about the Illinois 4-H program and to give 4-H members a first-hand look at how laws are made.

This event showcases the relatively new 4-H Legislative Ambassador program in Illinois. Hundreds of 4-H members have volunteered to serve as ambassadors responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating a year-round plan to inform their state legislators about 4-H happenings in their district. The 4-H Legislative Ambassador teams seek to develop stronger relationships with government officials and strengthen communications and leadership skills of the members.

Illini Summer Academies

The Illinois 4-H Leadership Convention has been replaced by the Illini Summer Academies. We have totally redesigned this 3-day event to provide Illinois teens new opportunities to explore the University of Illinois campus; study potential careers or leadership skills; and meet youth from across the state.

In general, Academies are open to ANY Illinois youth who will be an incoming high school freshman to senior this fall and who falls within the 14-18 age range as of September 1, 2008. (In other words, if you are graduating from high school this spring, even though you may fit into the age bracket, you will not be able to attend an academy.) In addition, some of the academies have restricted their attendance to incoming juniors and seniors (current sophomores and juniors) only. Those restrictions are listed below.

All academies will take place from June 26-28 on the University of Illinois campus in Champaign/Urbana. Delegates will live in college dormitories and have opportunities to tour the campus. This is a live-in academy; delegates will not be allowed to commute to the campus for daily activities. Joint activities for all delegates will be scheduled for each evening, as well as an opening and closing session, offering delegates a chance to meet and socialize with teens attending different academies and from across the state. A formal banquet is also scheduled for Friday evening at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel & Conference Center. Bus transportation will be provided for delegates to and from the banquet.

Academy Information

Five different academies are being offered – each providing 15 hours of interactive activities and study in a specific field of interest. Space is limited – each academy has set a maximum number of youth delegates they will accept. Some have also placed a high school level restriction on their academy. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Academies will be held at locations throughout the campus, including classrooms, labs, and the residence halls. Some academies may also provide off-campus visits in their curriculum.

When you register, if the academy you are interested in is full, please e-mail Danielle Rice at djrice@uiuc.edu and ask to be placed on a waiting list for that academy. (She'll need your e-mail address and a phone number to reach you.) Danielle will be monitoring academies to make sure age restrictions are being adhered to; if cancellations occur, she can notify you regarding possible attendance.

2008 Academy Offerings

Aerospace Engineering Academy
How do aircraft fly and spacecraft orbit? That question and others will be addressed in this hands-on Aerospace Engineering session. Delegates will conduct experiments in rocket propulsion, flight mechanics, and fluid dynamics. You'll have the opportunity to design a spacecraft with a mission to Mars, and explore your creativity in our "What Would MacGyver Do?" challenge. 20 delegates maximum.

Applied Health Sciences Academy(Limited to incoming juniors and seniors)
Delegates in this academy will take an in-depth exploration of the opportunities and potential careers obtainable from The College of Applied Health Sciences' four majors: Community Health; Kinesiology; Recreation, Sport and Tourism; and Speech and Hearing Sciences. Explore methods and engage in activities to help others live better, healthier, and more meaningful lives. From audiology to physical therapy; health planning to health education; recreational activities to sports management; athletic training to medicine to speech pathology – delegates in this academy will experience hands-on activities and become familiar with what this Academy and College has to offer. 25 delegates maximum.

Horticulture Academy
Discovery, Wonder, and Fun. Cutting grass, Pulling weeds. If that's your idea of the world of horticulture, then you need to join us as we discover that horticulture is so much more! Experience the many facets of horticulture from the traditional to today's trends; hear from people in the profession, and best of all – experience hands-on activities including plant propagation, flower arranging, and more. Several activities will be outdoors; off-site field trips may be included. Horticulture is contagious. Catch the enthusiasm and become a little 'greener!' 12 delegates maximum.

Leadership Academy
Get Motivated! Reach for your horizon as a leader by joining this ACTIVE academy. Socialize with new friends as you focus on communication skills, team-building, goal-setting and new partnerships. Individual and group challenges will enhance your influences as an effective leader. Immerse yourself in this diverse experience to prepare you for future leadership roles. 100 delegates maximum.

Veterinary Medicine Academy (Limited to incoming juniors and seniors)
Are you interested in animals, medicine, and science? Do you like helping people? Do you like unraveling mysteries? Do you like real challenges? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the wide world of veterinary medicine just may be for you! Veterinarians have a strong interest and ability in science. They enjoy working with people, as well as animals. Take a step into the world of veterinary medicine and see what veterinary school is like, learn about the different aspects of veterinary medicine and more. Delegates in this academy will learn about the science of veterinary medicine; the biology of skin; anatomy; immunology; bacteriology; parasitology; wildlife medicine, large animal medicine, agro-terrorism; and more. Participate in clinical equine rounds, streak and read bacteriology slides; learn how to suture a wound; tag along with University of Illinois staff veterinarians and so much more. 25 delegates maximum.