4-H Bridge Bust Competition - Team Registration 2025-2026
Registration is now closed. For questions or to see if there is a waitlist, please contact 4-H Program Coordinator Katie McFarland at (630) 553-5823 or ksm@illinois.edu.
Join us for the 12th 4-H BRIDGE BUST
Test Your Engineering & Design Skills
Test Your Engineering & Design Skills
Join us on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, for this year's 4-H Bridge Bust Competition. This hands-on, challenging program tests bridge-building prowess, and encourages math, engineering, design, and teamwork skills.
How to join the fun:
- Put together a team
- Sign up online
- Review our new resource center
- Pick up your kit
- Plan & build a bridge
- Participate on Bust Day
- Win cool stuff
Ways to Participate:
- Youth Competition Teams (all team members must be ages 10 and up)
- Family or 4-H Club Competition Teams (including adults and youth ages 5 and up)
- School Competition teams (5th to 12th grades)
You will register once as a team (not as individuals). Teams must have at least two members. Cost is $40 per team.
In December, following registration and payment, you will receive information for Bridge Bust Contest Packet Pick-Up (for January 2026). Packets include: contest rules, general information about bridge busting and project supplies. On the day of competition, bridges will be judged on their structural efficiency and aesthetics (see packet for details).
The competition will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at Parkview Christian Academy Upper Campus, 202 E Countryside Pkwy, Yorkville IL 60560.
Please Note:
Please Note:
- The length of the event depends on the number of registered teams and the time it takes to break them, so we will provide an estimated schedule closer to the event.
- All program updates and communications will be sent via your registered email address. Please confirm it is correctly typed before submitting this form.
For any questions, contact 4-H Program Coordinator Katie McFarland at (630) 553-5823 or ksm@illinois.edu. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office or program coordinator. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
Payment: Credit card charges will appear as "University of Illinois" on your statement.
Payment: Credit card charges will appear as "University of Illinois" on your statement.