2023 Chicago - Request a Youth Program

University of Illinois Extension provides presenters that will engage students in hands-on learning experiences. If you would like to request a program for your Cook County Chicago, please complete this form indicating your program preferences and preferred dates. All groups requesting programs should have a minimum audience of 15 people.

***UPDATE: Depending on Covid protocols we may need to switch to Zoom presentations instead of in-person programs or presentations.

*** DUE TO HIGH VOLUME OF REQUESTS FOR OUR YOUTH PROGRAMMING requests should be made at least 10 weeks in advance in order to coordinate our staff and volunteers' schedules. TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE ALL GROUPS, WE MAY LIMIT EACH GROUP TO TWO TALKS PER CALENDAR YEAR. THANK YOU. *** PLEASE NOTE April dates are very popular and book out months in advance. Please consider a non-April date! ***Please note we do not deliver programs at private homes.

For in-person programs, if your organization is able, we request a cost recovery fee of $50 for each program in order to cover educational materials for hands-on activities, handouts and travel expenses. We are willing to work with you based on your available funding. If your organization includes the word "donation" on the memo line of the check, we are able to receive partial matching funds. We greatly appreciate your support and can provide a W-9. Donation checks may be mailed to the attention of Margaret Burns-Westmeyer at U of I Extension, 4747 Lincoln Mall Dr., Suite 601, Matteson, IL. 60443. Thank you.

Currently, University of Illinois Extension is not requiring our volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, nor will we be asking for proof of vaccination in any capacity. Rather, we ask those who volunteer at partner sites to follow the guidelines/mandates set by that partner. Continuing to volunteer with partner sites that are mandating vaccination is determined by the individual volunteer. We are aware of current vaccination mandates designated by some of our partners and those partners will be responsible for ensuring volunteers are compliant with their policies. When we share volunteer opportunities from our partners, we will be sure to share any partner requirements for serving in that role. It is the responsibility of the organization requesting programs and/or assistance to include any protocols/requirements they may have when the program request is submitted, so this information is included in volunteer recruiting efforts.

***Please note that Extension staff and volunteers are not permitted to sign contracts

Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Street Address 2

City

State

ZIP

Daytime Phone

Evening Phone

E-mail Address

I understand that written permission is needed from school principal, library director, etc. to request a program and can produce this written permission.

YES I understand that written permission is needed from school principal, library director, etc. to request a program and can produce this written permission.

Name of Organization

Please rank your program choices. Descriptions of available programs are below.

1. Seed Balls - This program entails a hands-on activity of mixing native pollinator seeds with a soil matrix to form a "seed ball". Individuals will learn about pollinator plants and pollinators animals, and the role they play in our environment. Additionally, individuals can learn about what plants grow at what time of year (annuals or natives depending on the time of year). Seed balls are easy to plant, resistant to disturbances such as wind or birds, and a fun crafting activity.

2. Monarch Butterflies - Learn about this magnificent species of butterfly that migrates from Mexico to Canada. Fun facts about metamorphosis, habitat and the migration process will be discussed. Individuals are invited to make a monarch butterfly caterpillar craft representing the unique color patterns of this interesting larva.

3. Planting Herbs in a Bag - Join us to learn about plant basics: seed germination, soil health, plant structure, plant care and discuss the importance of the four primary plant growth factors. Individuals are invited to make their own mini-greenhouse using a plastic sandwich bag and potting soil to grow chive or basil seed indoors. Herbs can be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Or keep the herbs growing on a sunny windowsill until they are ready to harvest.

4. Planting Lettuce in a Bag - Join us to learn about plant basics: seed germination, soil health, plant structure, plant care and discuss the importance of the four primary plant growth factors. Individuals are invited to make their own mini-greenhouse using a plastic sandwich bag and potting soil to grow lettuce seed indoors. Lettuce can also be transplanted outdoors in the spring or fall. A small lettuce crop can be harvested within about 6 weeks.

5. Worm Composting - Discover the science behind indoor worm composting. Participants will learn about worm biology and observe red wiggler worms in an indoor composting bin. Models and microscopes will be provided so that participants can take a closer look at adult and baby worms and worm cocoons.

Program Date Requested - programs need to be requested at least 10 weeks in advance of requested date; requesting a program does not guarantee your request can be accommodated.

Is this date flexible? If yes, please give alternative dates.

What time will the presentation begin?

How long would you like the program to last?

Location of the presentation, including the address. Please include any special directions such as which door to enter, which side of building, parking, etc.

Estimated attendance:

What are the ages/grades levels of the youth?

Has this group used Master Gardener presenters in the past?

Yes

If yes, when?

Please provide a second contact person and best phone number to reach them in case primary contact cannot be reached, should an unforeseen development occur regarding the presentation.

How did you hear about Cook Chicago Master Gardener Youth Programs?

I understand that all publicity or promotional materials should give credit to University of Illinois Extension.

Yes

Donations defray the cost associated with providing you with the program. We wish to serve all audiences. Make checks payable to University of Illinois Extension. Please add in the notation: Donation.

Questions, comments or other concerns

I understand that Extension staff and volunteers cannot sign any contracts, agreements, or waivers.

Yes I understand Extension staff and volunteers cannot sign contracts, agreements, or waivers.

I understand that: Currently, University of Illinois Extension is not requiring our volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, nor will we be asking for proof of vaccination in any capacity. Rather, we ask those who volunteer at partner sites to follow the guidelines/mandates set by that partner. Continuing to volunteer with partner sites that are mandating vaccination is determined by the individual volunteer. We are aware of current vaccination mandates designated by some of our partners and those partners will be responsible for ensuring volunteers are compliant with their policies. When we share volunteer opportunities from our partners, we will be sure to share any partner requirements for serving in that role.

Yes I understand that: Currently, University of Illinois Extension is not requiring our volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, nor will we be asking for proof of vaccination in any capacity. Rather, we ask those who volunteer at partner sites to follow the guidelines/mandates set by that partner. Continuing to volunteer with partner sites that are mandating vaccination is determined by the individual volunteer. We are aware of current vaccination mandates designated by some of our partners and those partners will be responsible for ensuring volunteers are compliant with their policies. When we share volunteer opportunities from our partners, we will be sure to share any partner requirements for serving in that role.

I understand that in making this program request that if a cancellation is needed by the requestor, requestor will email Nate Sun nssun2@illinois.edu at least 24 hours prior to the activities agreed upon start time.

YES I understand and agree that in making this program request that if a cancellation is needed by the requestor, requestor will emailNate Sun nssun2@illinois.edu at least 24 hours prior to the activities agreed upon start time.

Civil Rights Compliance - Participant Info

As part of our commitment to providing equal opportunities in our programming, University of Illinois Extension is required to collect and report overall statistics about the race, ethnicity, and gender of program participants. Your responses are voluntary and appreciated.

Gender

Ethnicity

Race