By Kelly Youngblood
4-H isn’t just for farm kids.
In fact, it offers a wide range of project areas that focus on everything from aerospace and woodworking to bicycles and cats. The possibilities are practically endless.
“If a kid has an interest in it, we’ve got a club for it,” said Champaign County 4-H program coordinator Caitlin Morris.
Morris said less than a quarter of Champaign County members are involved in livestock projects. As youth interests have changed, so have the opportunities in 4-H.
“As youth have evolved, we have evolved our projects,” Morris said.
Kathy Mullins, the 4-H metro program coordinator in Champaign, said 4-H has become more adaptive to reaching new audiences of youth, “addressing the changing needs of youth and incorporating more technology within the program while maintaining the mission of 4-H.”
The recent implementation of the metro program is one way 4-H has adapted to today’s youth. As the name implies, metro clubs are designed for youth who live in urban areas.
Mullins said the purpose of starting the program is to introduce 4-H to urban youth to encourage them to start or join a community club in their area.
4-H is a worldwide youth organization that provides life skills for youth. It focuses on teaching kids the importance of leadership, community service, and citizenship.
Mullins said 4-H helps youth gain confidence and develop life skills that will help them be successful now and into the future.
“4-H learn-by-doing experiences encourage youth to experiment, innovate and think independently. Studies show that youth participating in 4-H do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, and develop lasting friendships,” Mullins said.
Morris, who participated in 4-H when she was younger, credits the organization for giving her leadership and public speaking skills.
While the educational aspects are important, Morris said the clubs are also just a lot of fun.
With projects that include rabbit agility contests, Lego building, mechanics and a food challenge, Morris said there is no shortage of fun for the hundreds of kids Champaign County 4-H reaches each year.
The upcoming 4-H year will begin on Oct. 1. Any child in Champaign County who is 8-18 years of age by Sept. 1 may join. Children who are 5-7 years old by Sept. 1 can join the Cloverbud program, which is geared towards younger children. The cost is $20 to join 4-H.
Champaign County 4-H offers community clubs, SPIN clubs, and metro clubs. Meeting times and places vary by club.
In community clubs, members meet year-round and work on many different types of projects as well as participate in community service opportunities and social outings. Members can also work independently on projects at home.
In a special interest clubs or SPIN clubs, members study one project area at a time such as cooking or animal science. These clubs are short-term and generally meet for a minimum of six weeks.
Metro clubs, which are fairly new, are for youth who live in urban areas. These clubs are often part of after school programs.
If you or your child is interested in joining a 4-H club, contact your local coordinators. They can help determine the clubs that best fit your child’s interests.
Mullins can be reached at 217-300-9391 or by emailing her at mullins@illinois.edu. Morris can be reached at 217-333-7672 or by emailing her at cmallen2@illinois.edu.