Illinois Extension

4-H Summer Programs - 2024

Register to participate in 4-H summer programs! Please complete a separate form for each attendee. All programs are open to all youth. These programs are offered at no charge thanks to support from generous donors.

Unlock Your Potential: Self-Care, Self-Love Funshops for Teens!
Calling all teens aged 13-18! Get ready to prioritize your well-being and explore the importance of self-care and self-love. This empowering series aims to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and equip you with coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges.
Event Details:
  - June 5, 1-3 PM
  - Guest House Coffee Shop, 113 S Kickapoo St, Lincoln
AND
  - June 12, 1-3 PM
  - Kickapoo Park, 2000 N Jefferson St, Lincoln
AND
  - June 26, 1-3 PM
  - Logan Extension Office, 980 N Postville Dr, Lincoln
What You'll Learn: 
Explore the stigmas surrounding mental health and learn how to combat them, discover effective coping mechanisms to manage stress and prioritize your mental well-being, and gain insights on how to support others who may be struggling with mental health challenges.
Important Information:
  - Participation is free
  - Open to youth ages 13-18
  - Space is limited, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 participants

Green Thumbs Adventure: 4-H Gardening & Nature Camp
This exciting journey for nature enthusiasts and budding gardeners invites youth ages 8-18 to dive into the wonders of the natural world and the joys of gardening.
Event Details:
  - June 10, 9 AM-3 PM
  - Logan Extension Office, 980 N Postville Dr, Lincoln
What You'll Learn:
Embark on a voyage of discovery, exploring the mysteries of plant life and the intricate ecosystems that surround us. Through hands-on activities and engaging experiments, uncover the secrets of how seeds sprout, why flowers bloom, and the vital role insects play in pollination. From learning about composting and soil health to identifying different plant species, there's something for every nature enthusiast at Green Thumbs Adventure: 4-H Gardening & Nature Camp.
Important Information:
  - Participation is free
  - Open to youth ages 8-18
  - Each participant must bring their own sack lunch
  - Wear clothes that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes
  - Space is limited, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 participants

Discover, Learn, and Have Fun at 4-H Cloverbud Camps!
Attention all adventurous youth ages 5-7 -- it's time for 4-H Cloverbud Camps! These special camps and funshops are designed just for you, providing hands-on learning experiences in many exciting topics.
Event Details:
  - June 12, 1-3 PM
  - Menard Extension Office, 420 S 7th St, Petersburg
OR
  - July 2, 9 AM-3 PM
  - Sangamon Extension Office, 700 S Airport Dr, Springfield
OR
  - July 11, 9 AM-3 PM
  - Logan Extension Office, 980 N Postville Dr, Lincoln
What You'll Learn:
You'll have the chance to explore a variety of exciting topics through fun and interactive activities. From art to STEM, nature and animals to kitchen science, sound and music, there's something for every curious mind to enjoy!
Important Information:   
  - Participation is free
  - Open to children ages 5-7
  - Each participant attending on July 2 or July 11 must bring their own sack lunch
  - Space is limited, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 participants

Get Ready for a Tasty Adventure at 4-H Cloverbud Cooking Camp!
Hey there, young chefs ages 5-7 -- get ready to stir up some excitement at 4-H Cloverbud Cooking Camp! It's a day filled with tasty adventures and awesome activities made just by you!
Event Details:
  - June 18, 9 AM-3 PM
  - Logan Extension Office, 980 N Postville Dr, Lincoln
What You'll Learn:
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of cooking! We'll learn all about making yummy dishes, trying out easy recipes, and having a blast together!
Important Information: 
  - It's totally free to join!
  - This camp is just for youth ages 5-7
  - Don't forget to bring your own lunch in a sack!
  - We need at least 5 friends to start the fun, but we can have up to 25 young chefs in our cooking crew

4-H Cooking with Chemistry Camp: A Culinary Adventure for Youth
In this exciting opportunity, young culinary enthusiasts can explore the fascinating science behind their favorite foods and embark on a journey of discovery where they'll unlock the secrets of food science through engaging experiments and hands-on activities.
Event Details:
  - June 20, 9 AM-3 PM
  - Logan Extension Office, 980 N Postville Dr, Lincoln
OR
  - July 9, 9 AM-3 PM
  - Sangamon Extension Office, 700 S Airport Dr, Springfield
What You'll Learn:
Participants will delve into intriguing questions such as why a peach ripens faster in a brown bag, or how rock candy forms in a jar. They'll also investigate the magical properties of baking powder and baking soda and their role in making cupcakes rise to perfection.
Important Information:
  - Participation is free
  - Open to youth ages 8-18
  - Each participant must bring their own sack lunch
  - Space is limited, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 participants

Prepare for the Unexpected: Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse – Emergency Preparedness Camp
Are you ready to learn crucial skills to survive a zombie apocalypse or natural disaster? Join us for an engaging and informative camp on emergency preparedness.
Event Details:
   - July 8, 10 AM-3 PM
   - Menard Extension Office, 420 S 7th St, Petersburg
What You'll Learn:
Explore essential emergency preparedness techniques and safety rules to stay safe in the event of a zombie apocalypse or natural disaster. We'll cover important topics such as how to survive in the dark without drawing attention from zombies, first aid skills (including treating wounds from infectious zombie bites, scratches, and cuts), and building a 72-hour survival kit with all the necessary supplies for self-sufficiency during emergencies.
Important Information:
  - Participation is free
  - Open to youth ages 8-18
  - Each participant must bring their own sack lunch
  - Space is limited, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 participants 

Unearth the Wonders of Geology at 4-H Earth Explorers Day Camp!
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the fascinating world of geology during a day filled with hands-on exploration and discovery.
Event Details:
   - July 16, 9 AM-3 PM
   - Williamsville Public Library & Museum, 217 Elm St, Williamsville
What You'll Learn:
Delve deep into the wonders of geology through engaging and interactive activities. Highlights include learning about the rock cycle and how different types of rocks are formed, discovering fossil locations and uncovering the secrets of ancient life, exploring the role of archaeologists and practicing archaeological techniques, and getting hands-on experience with mining and excavation.
Important Information:
  - Participation is free
  - Open to youth ages 8-18
  - Each participant must bring their own sack lunch
  - Space is limited, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 participants 

Get Ready to Cheer: Join Us for 4-H Cheer Camp!
Hey awesome youth ages 5-12 -- get pumped up for the super fun 4-H Cheer Camp! Get ready to learn cool cheers, ace the ABC's of cheerleading, and make amazing cheerleading gear to show off at our big finale performance!
Event Details:
  - July 21 and 28, 3-5 PM; and July 31, 6-7 PM
  - Final Performance: July 31, 7-8 PM during 4-H Night at the Logan County Fair
  - Logan Extension Office, 980 N Postville Dr, Lincoln
What You'll Learn:
Participants will immerse themselves in the exciting world of cheerleading, learning new cheers and mastering the basics of cheering. Additionally, they'll have the opportunity to create special items to wear proudly during our thrilling final performance at 4-H Night. It's a chance to showcase your newfound skills and spread the cheer to the entire community!
Important Information: 
  - Participation is free
  - Participants must attend 4-H Night at the Logan County Fair on July 31 for the final performance
  - Comfortable clothing suitable for cheering (such as athletic wear) and tennis shoes are required
  - Please ensure hair is pulled back, and bring a water bottle
  - Space is limited, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 participants

4-H Fishing Funshop!
A free fantastic opportunity for youth aged 7-18 to learn and enjoy fishing! Expand your fishing skills and knowledge in a fun and educational environment. Join us for engaging sessions that are sure to reel in the excitement!
Event Details:
   -
June 17, 9 am - 12 pm
   -Menard County Extension Office, 420 S. 7th Street, Petersburg
   -Activities: Classroom portion with hands on activities and games.
AND
   -June 18, 9 am - 12 pm
   -Menard County Fairgrounds Pond, 18450 Fairgrounds Street, Petersburg
   -Activities: Open fishing session with experts from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
What You’ll Learn:
   
-Dive into a wealth of knowledge as we explore topics such as knot tying, fish behavior, and crafting spinner baits, along with much more.
Important Information:
   -
Adult caregivers are welcome to attend both parts of the event with their children. 
   -Youth participants attending both days will receive a complimentary tackle box.
   -Hurry, spots are limited! Don't miss out on this exciting chance to explore the joys of fishing with 4-H!

Contact Information

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.