Illinois Extension, Year In Review 2021

Leadership, service to others, and career exploration are foundational for 4-H

4-H has a lot to offer and is built on the foundation of youth being given the opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore career options, and serve others. A few examples of where our unit shines in these areas include: Leadership: 4-H Federation 4-H members look forward to the day they are old enough to join Federation. Teens from throughout the county come together to plan, promote, teach, mentor, advocate, and advise. The members lead the group, with the support of their county 4-H coordinator. Federation activities range from planning special events to serving in leadership roles for county and unit-wide 4-H events. Career exploration: 4G STEM Camp 4G STEM Camp has been introducing junior high age girls to a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers for eight years. The week-long event introduces participants to STEMrelated careers available in central Illinois, through site visits, hands-on activities, and interactions with local STEM employees. The 2021 STEM Camp was a hybrid delivery model that included one face-to-face outdoor event held at the Peoria Riverfront and four virtual sessions. Career topics included landscape architecture, biology, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, and agricultural research. Girls interacted with local business employees, Bradley and ISU faculty, and members of the arts community. Service to others: 4-H clubs service projects Community service projects happen year-round at the club, county, unit, and state levels. Within the 4-H clubs, members work together to address a local need. Partnerships with local nursing homes and food pantries are common. During the 20-21 4-H year, 4-H Quest Club in Tazewell County blessed Morton Villa Nursing Home with handcrafted Christmas cards for each resident and several fleece blankets. The club also caroled outside residents’ windows. “The residents seemed to enjoy our caroling, smiles, and festive attire,” noted club leader Becky Lawles.

4-H FEDERATION OFFICERS

4-H Federation is a valuable experience for teens in 4-H. Being an officer in Federation is just one of many opportunities to develop leadership skills. The Federation officers elected in fall 2021 in Fulton County were President Mason Tessier, Vice President Weston Tessier, Secretary Victoria Cooper, and Treasurer Maddy Lettow.

4G STEM CAMP

Career exploration in local STEM fields is a priority for 4G STEM Camp. This year’s camp included the downtown Peoria Sculpture Walk, led by Peoria Arts Partners volunteers. Throughout the years, 4G STEM Camp has introduced participants to careers through hands-on lessons and tours at places such as Bradley University, Jump Simulation, Precision Planting, Farnsworth Group, Methodist College of Nursing, Caterpillar, and Advanced Medical Transport, Unity Point, CSE Software, and Therkildsen Field Station.