4-H Enrollment Now Open in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties

Families in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties are invited to enroll their children in the 2025–26 4-H program year, and for the first time this year, all club enrollment fees have been waived for both new and returning members, thanks to generous support from local foundations and donors. 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development program, offers young people hands-on learning experiences in areas such as agriculture, science, technology, health, community service, and the arts — all while helping them build leadership, responsibility, and confidence. With guidance from adult mentors, 4-H members cultivate life skills including teamwork, effective communication, and accountability, all within a fun and supportive environment.

Within Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties, a wide variety of clubs is available. Cloverbud clubs, tailored for children ages 5 to 7, provide age-appropriate, hands-on activities designed to introduce youth to the 4-H experience in an enjoyable and encouraging setting. Older youth, ages 8 to 18, may join standard 4-H clubs to engage in projects spanning science, agriculture, the arts, health, leadership, and community service — all with opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Enrollment is now open, and families are encouraged to register early to make the most of the 4-H calendar year. Interested participants can explore local club options via the University of Illinois Extension website and complete their 2025–26 enrollment online via the 4-H ZSuite portal. For further information, contact Stacie Skelton at the University of Illinois Extension office serving Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties via email at sskelton@illinois.edu.

Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of the University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. Its hands-on philosophy empowers young people to take the lead in their learning and development. Independent research underscores the impact of 4-H: participants are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, twice as likely to make healthy choices, twice as likely to be civically active, and twice as likely to engage in STEM programs.

The Illinois Extension, in turn, bridges university research with community needs by helping families, businesses, and local leaders access actionable, research-based guidance and solutions.