University of Illinois Extension: St. Clair County 4-H

06/22/2026

Applications are now open for National 4-H Congress!

Join 4-H members from across the country November 27–December 1 in Atlanta, Georgia for an unforgettable experience focused on leadership, service, learning, and connection. From inspiring speakers and hands-on workshops to new friendships and meaningful service opportunities, National 4-H Congress is designed to help young people grow as leaders and make an impact in their communities.

Illinois 4-H teens ages 14–19 as of January 1, 2026, are encouraged to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Apply by July 1 at go.illinois.edu/4HCongress26.

06/20/2026

🌱 Calling all youth ages 5–7! 🌱

Interested in gardening? 🪴 Here is the perfect workshop for you! Come learn about plants, gardening, and have fun getting your hands dirty while creating something to take home.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to grow your gardening skills, make new friends, and explore the world of gardening! 🌼🌻🌿

You do **not** have to be a 4-H member to participate.
Register at https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/50257

06/18/2026

Join Our Team!

University of Illinois Extension is hiring a Visiting Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development in Belleville, IL. Help inspire the next generation by leading 4-H programs, building community partnerships, and creating positive youth development opportunities across Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties.

In this full-time position, you'll:
- Provide leadership for local 4-H clubs, groups, and youth initiatives
- Build partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations
- Develop and deliver research-based educational programs for youth
- Recruit, train, and support volunteers who make a difference in young people's lives

We're looking for someone with a passion for youth development, strong communication skills, and the ability to build meaningful community connections. A master's degree in youth development, education, community/public health, leadership studies, agricultural/environmental sciences, or a related field is required.

Apply by: June 30, 2026
Apply at: go.illinois.edu/VisitingExtensionEducator4-HYouthDevelopment

06/17/2026

Hello 4-H Members,

We are excited to share that the St. Clair County Farm Bureau will be providing free 4-H shirts this year! This is the first year they have offered this opportunity, and we are very grateful for their support of our 4-H program.

All youth enrolled in 4-H are eligible to receive a free shirt. Please note that shirt sizes are limited and will be available while supplies last.

Shirts can be picked up at:
• The 4-H General Project Show
• The 4-H Livestock Shows

When you receive your shirt, please take a moment to thank the St. Clair County Farm Bureau for their generosity and support of St. Clair County 4-H youth.

We hope to see you at the shows!

06/16/2026

We are glad to have Lynn on the 4-H team this summer!

Meet our Summer Staff, Lynn!

We're excited to welcome Lynn to the University of Illinois Extension team serving St. Clair County this summer!

Lynn will be helping with Extension workshops throughout the summer. She is looking forward to the St. Clair County Fair.

Fun Fact: Lynn is playing college softball at Kaskaskia College.

When she's not working Lynn likes to hangout with friends.

Join us in giving Lynn a warm welcome this summer!

06/15/2026

🌱 Calling all youth ages 5–7! 🌱

Interested in gardening? 🪴 Here is the perfect workshop for you! Come learn about plants, gardening, and have fun getting your hands dirty while creating something to take home.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to grow your gardening skills, make new friends, and explore the world of gardening! 🌼🌻🌿

You do **not** have to be a 4-H member to participate.

Register at https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/50257

06/10/2026

Hello 4-H Families and Friends,

The June newsletter is now available! Be sure to check it out at go.illinois.edu/StClairCounty4-HJune2026Newsletter.

Please read through the newsletter carefully, as it includes important information regarding the timeframe of my maternity leave, instructions for signing up for FairEntry, the General Show schedule, upcoming workshops we will be hosting, and much more.

06/10/2026

We are so glad to have Alyssa as part of our 4-H team for the summer!

Meet our Summer Staff, Alyssa!

We're excited to welcome Alyssa to the University of Illinois Extension team serving Madison County!

Alyssa will be helping with a variety of Extension workshops. She is most excited about meeting new people.

Fun Fact: Alyssa had the opportunity to attend National 4-H Congress, Ignite, and National 4-H Conference all in the span of six months!

When she's not working, Alyssa enjoys spending time with family, baking, and finding more ways to stay involved with 4-H.

Join us in giving Alyssa a warm welcome this summer!

06/08/2026

We are so glad to have Kylie as part of our 4-H team for the summer!

Meet Our Summer Intern, Kylie! 🌟

We're excited to welcome Kylie to the University of Illinois Extension team serving Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties this summer!

Kylie will be assisting with a variety of programs throughout the region and helping at county fairs during general project and livestock shows. She is especially looking forward to working with multiple program areas to gain a deeper understanding of the many ways Illinois Extension serves communities.

🐑 Fun fact: Kylie grew up in 4-H and showed sheep!

When she's not working, Kylie enjoys taking walks with her puppy, Chi, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Join us in giving Kylie a warm welcome this summer!💙

05/22/2026

Join us on June 18th for a relaxing and creative 4-H activity as we paint rocks to be placed around St. Clair County!

This is a great opportunity to unwind, get creative, and spread kindness throughout the community. Each rock will carry a smile or positive message for someone special to find. 💛

Bring your creativity and help us make someone’s day a little brighter!

Register at: https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/48882